Top 10: Etsy Arts and Crafts for Under $15

This is a guest post by Betty T.

As this year creeps to an end and the new year peeks around the corner at us, I am thinking about things that I would love to do more of in 2010.  One thing that stands out among others is taking more time to make and create things.  I love to find cheap old things and re-imagine or “upcycle” them into something new and beautiful to me.

As I walked through the virtual aisles of Etsy, I come across inspiration after inspiration.  Here are some that I want to share…all are vintage and all for under $15.

Above is Licence Plate Tags from pinksupply – $9.  I love the big numbers against such vibrant colors.

Wood and rubber stamps from timepassages – $3.  I love “Brownie” and “chicken”, for some reason.  Imagine all the cards, invites and maybe even fabric you customize!  Speaking of which…

Hawaiian Barkcloth from tessimal – $14.50.  This piece measures 18″ by 35″.  If you have a neutral sofa or chair like me, then it’s probably screaming for a 16″ pillow covered in this fabric.

Rustic Black Metal Letters from twoangelsinparis – $5.75.  A group of these would make a wonderful piece on the wall.  I love them as they are, but they can always be sprayed painted to suit.

Vintage Spice Tins from TrunkTreasures – $9.  So many possibilities – desk accessories, little herb planters in the kitchen, pin cushion on top while storing bobbins and other sewing supplies inside…

100 Mother of Pearl Sequins from grlyhead – $9.  If I had seen this a few weeks ago, they would already be strung out on my Christmas tree now.  Darn it!

Tiny Letterpress from twoangelsinparis – $9.50.  All 26 letters included!

Vintage Board Game Ephemera from FreestyleGifts – $4.75.  Awesome for the scrapbooker!

Oversized Vintage Sheet Music from PastTensePhotos – $3.  When I saw these, I immediately wished I had a fun little bookcase or two so I could glue these music sheets onto the backs.

Skeleton Keys from ImagineArt7 – $12.  I want a bunch of these to hang grouped together from the ceiling in various heights.  If you like windchimes, these would make a unique one, for sure.

Betty hails from NYC.  She grew up in Brooklyn, moved to Manhattan after college and stayed for 8+ years before moving on to a less manic and more spacious Queens and loving it.  She dreams of opening a bookstore/library/cafe/vintage furniture palace/animal rescue in Santorini one day.  Read her blog at Donkeehouse.com.