Folksy
With its ecommerce functionality, Folksy is similar to the highly popular website Etsy, but with one noteworthy difference – it provides free how-to instructions for creating your very own craft items. Whether it is fabric flowers, jewelry items, felt brooches, gift boxes, leather satchels, crochet bags or organic soaps, the artisan community at Folksy has joined forces to provide image-lead guides on DIYs.
Established in 2008, Folksy deals with contemporary British craft goodies, and even introduces designers, hobbyists, and professionals to the general public, where they can showcase their works of art and allow their business to grow. Folksy claims to be a far superior host than expensive boutique stores and galleries and promotes handmade merchandise and small-scale production.
Apart from featuring categories for men, women, children, weddings, and others, the website has a special section as well – “Gifts under £25”, which is an excellent place to check out, particularly if you only have a limited budget, but still want to get something unique. If you are the type of person who likes to “buy” rather than “make”, then you can look around by category, by practices, like drawing embroidery, ceramics, etc., or by materials used.
The selling aspect is limited to the United Kingdom only, so it is excellent website for Anglophiles, though buyers from the U.S. may need to get in touch with sellers for shipping costs, since most item listings only specify UK postage costs. As for listings, each cost £0.20, and for each sale, there is a 5 percent commission.
The various items available include clothing and accessories, such as handbags, satchels, blouses, dresses, jackets, cardigans, shirts, shoes, hats, lingerie, items for babies and children, hair accessories, and many more; jewelry; homeware; art, such as drawing and illustration, paintings, sculptures and ceramics, etc.; cards and stationery; and a whole lot more.
Here are some photos of goodies offered by Folksy:
