Etsy has been dominating the handmade market for years, but anyone who’s tried scrolling through 3,000 pages for just the right scarf knows it isn’t always the best fit for some shoppers (or makers). These three alternative markets offer a more curated selection for those with an eye for occult and witchy items, farm-fresh foods, or beautiful handmade products inspired by Africa.
Witchsy (witchsy.com) doesn’t have any rules of conduct for makers, which means they’re free to sell whatever creative creation they want—and it shows. Alongside the site’s typical categories (like “art” and “living”) lies “??????,” which is full of amazing wild-card items like troll dolls with quartz crystal hair (as seen in BUST’s recent holiday gift guide, $20 to $165; photo above), a small vial of artist and site co-creator Penelope Gazin’s nail clippings (ew?, $169), and a custom handwritten death threat (not to be taken literally, $5). Elsewhere on the site are enamel pins, nail decals, patches, and tons of other items that may be just a little too edgy for the general Etsy crowd.
Foodies and locavores will want to bookmark Local Harvest, which sells the literal fruits of farmers’ labors, as well as items ranging from seeds, meats, and cheeses, to herbs, baked goods, and seasonal produce. Some of the items—Texas pecan pies (from $21.95), Washington wildflower honey (from $.50)—can be shipped anywhere, but the “local food near you” link connects you to farms nearby where you can pick up anything from CSA subscriptions to eggs to preserves.
Featuring only goods inspired by Africa, Afrikrea will have you flipping over the gorgeous patterns, intricate beadwork, statement jewelry, and finely tailored clothing. Pick up a printed headwrap by Ankara Streets (€41.60), a chunky wooden cuff by Ebene and Chic (€75), or Moroccan leather slippers by Biyadina (€28).
By Callie Watts
This article originally appeared in BUST’s April/May 2017 print issue.
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