The top 20 Etsy sellers in Toronto by category

Toronto based Etsy sellers have managed to stand out in the crowded craft scene, taking raw materials and spinning them into retail gold through sheer craftsmanship and vision. Considering that the online handmade-goods marketplace has grown into a business juggernaut (just check out the IPO), that's no easy feat. Look for these vendors at shops around Toronto, at craft sales or, heck, just buy their stuff on Etsy.

Here are my picks for the top Etsy sellers in Toronto by category.

HOME GOODS

Smells Like Canada
Scented candles are nothing new, but this Toronto outfit put a regionally-friendly spin on a gifting classic with scents like Hogtown Peameal, Muskoka Campfire and Cabane A Sucre ($28). They also recently moved into body care products (no peameal scents there, though).

Senay Studio
If you can't keep houseplants alive, a pillow or iPhone case from this shop might be the next best thing. Printed with hand-painted watercolours of wildflowers that burst with bright hues, Senay Studio's pieces just about scream spring.

Crass Stitches
On the other end of the Mother's Day gift-appropriateness scale: This collection of framed cross-stitches, which spell out charming phrases like "boot licker", "donkey punch", and a number of other things we can't repeat on this website ($18-$35).

Jaimie Harris
Need a glittery wedding cake topper that spells out "Mr. And Mrs ____" ($14.99)? Perhaps you just want a garland of gold sparkly pineapples ($20.99). Jaimie Harris does customizeable party decorations that will add a bespoke touch to your next big event.

Nicole Tarasick
If you've ever shopped for throw pillows or tote bags in Toronto, you've come across Tarasick's simple, graphic designs. Between Canadian maps, airport codes, and even paper maps screened with quotable quotes from famous Canucks, Can-con has never looked so stylish.

FASHION

Minnow Bathers
Looking to wow 'em on your next beach vacation (or trip to the lake)? Check out the suits from Toronto's own Minnow Bathers, which range from minimal black-and-whites in fashion-forward cuts to prints like pot leaves and magma (about $200).

Made and Found
The colourblocking and geometric shapes in this local brand's half-moon-shaped totes ($159) make them the perfect weekend accessory; they also make drawstring bags and makeup cases, if by chance you're taking yours out of town.

Brooch Boyfriends
Want to wear Kanye West on your sleeve? How about Harry Potter or Conan O'Brien? Hannah Browne makes little felt pins ($20) of notable pop-culture dreamboats - you can even get one custom-made of your own man of choice.

Pomp & Ceremony
Who doesn't love a good Liberty print? If your wardrobe staples are crying out for a dash of fun, Pomp & Ceremony has all the ditsy florals and quirky patterns you could possibly need, rendered in necktie, bowtie or pocket-square form ($30-89).

Opelle
She may have graduated to a real-deal storefront on College, but handbag designer Amy Malcolm and her lineup of stunning leather bags ($220 and up) still maintain a solid presence on Etsy.

Grace Designs
The perfect mix of minimal, vintage-y and bohemian, Grace Designs' pouches and purses ($49-$299) are crafted from saris collected during designer Alison Gledhill's travels.

CAMP Skincare
This skincare line incorporates some mighty delectable-sounding ingredients into their all-natural products - use matcha cream to soothe puffy eyes, moisturize with vanilla-and-almond body oil, or soften your beard with thyme, peppermint and lavender extracts.

JEWELRY

Spark & Thistle
Rough gems and brass continue to trend in the jewelry world, and Spark & Thistle has that aesthetic on lock, mixing chunky quartz stones with gently weathered findings for staement necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

Moonlight For Violet
A little polymer clay and some brass findings can go a long way. Just ask Shannon Kehler, whose Moonlight for Violet line consists of dead-simple earrings in geometric shapes ($20) that work seamlessly with any basic outfit.

Priestess
Are you into black lace and angsty girl movies from the early '90s? If so, you'll want to try one of Priestess' pieces on for size. Chelsea Jamieson's silver jewelry pieces, featuring spooky stones and motifs like eyes, runes, broomsticks and moons, will add a dose of witchiness to any outfit.

Ania Trica
If you've ever wanted to wear a giant pink macaron as a necklace ($68), Ania Trica's whimsical line of statement jewelry will make that a reality. (The macaron is made out of polymer clay, mind.) Other options include beetles, lychees and cacti; Trica also stocks the store with necklaces strung with irregularly-shaped jewels.

ART

Light & Paper
Ali Harrison laser-cuts paper and wood, with gorgeous results; while her intricate (and customizeable) greeting cards are popular, she also makes coasters, paper art of animals or anatomically correct hearts, and even a lasercut map of Toronto ($212).

Minouette
Minouette's prints and cards feature woodcut illustrations of historical figures, zodiac signs, and fluffy animals. Relevant to Torontonian interests: this high-fiving raccoon ($35).

Gotamago
Oh, yeah, about those puns: Lichia Liu has them covered in her handpainted greeting cards, from "a perfect matcha" to "you're the apple of my pie", but her skill with watercolours also gives way to some impressive art prints.

Diamond Donatello
Punny cards and birthdays go hand in hand already, but Diamond Donatello is filling a much-needed void thanks to their assortment of Drake and Kanye-themed greetings ("Running through your birthday with your woes" vs. "We go together like Kanye & Kanye").

Did I miss any? Leave your favourite Toronto-based Etsy seller in the comments.

Photo via Jamie Harris.

by Natalia Manzocco via blogTO