Etsy Treasures: Young Artists

As Etsy is quickly becoming known as the online marketplace for original art and handmade crafts, its community continues to grow by leaps and bounds. I've been thrilled to see some of my local friends join the ranks of indie entrepreneurs and open their own shops.

Even more exciting, I think, is the number of young people joining the Etsy community and selling their art or craft online. And by young, I mean young... you can find work by first-graders on Etsy, often in special sections of their parents shops.

Of course, Etsy has rules, guidelines and suggestions to protect both children and buyers. Shops listing the work of persons under the age of 18 are to be run or overseen by an adult, who agrees to Etsy's Terms of Service. Still, kids are creating their own artwork, writing their own listings, and selling online. It takes the idea of the lemonade stand to a whole new level. As an educator, it's heartening to see parents and youngsters embracing art together, and to see kids getting positive attention for their efforts and some sort of real-life "work" experience, as varied as that may be. As one parent puts it, these young artists are "learning the valuable lesson that Legos don't grow on trees".

That said, check out the work by these talented young people and be sure to visit their shops!


Audrey just turned 16 today-- Happy Birthday! Her shop is full of hand-drawn ACEOs and bookmarks with quirky characters like this one.

Wide Eyed Bride ACEO by Audrey of auddities.etsy.com

Avo, age 8, is one of my favorite young artists on Etsy. I've enjoyed chatting with him about materials and ideas for his fantasy-inspired sculptures. As the name suggests, DragonFairies.etsy.com is home to many strange and mythical creatures. Ar is clearly a family activity; Avo's shop includes work by his 5 year old brother, and both his parents has their own Etsy shops.

The Dragon and The Brave Night by Avo of DragonFairies.etsy.com

I happen to love robots... and pirates and ninjas. Luckily, so does Connor of roboboy.etsy.com. He just turned 7, and with the help of his mom (pacokeco.etsy.com), Connor is putting his original art on greeting cards, gift tags, and even handmade rubber stamps.

Mr. Crunch Robot/ Do a Little Dance Gift Tags

by Connor of roboboy.etsy.com

Joshua is another young artist following in the steps of an entrepreneurial parent. His mom's shop, terbearco.etsy.com, is known for wonderful handmade stamps, and now Joshua, a fifth-grader, is making his own featuring his original art. This one is great for Etsians, but both Joshua and his mom will create custom stamps for you.

Etsy Rocket Ship Mounted Rubber Stamp
by Joshua of notjustartsandcrafts.etsy.com

TresLocas.etsy.com is a shop for two amazingly talented artists, Onyx (age 9) and Néa (age 6), and their mom. Most of the art is their shop are original paintings and mixed media work, rather than prints. There is so much to see at this shop. I'm showing you my personal favorite, but check out all of their work.

Frida is Not Well by Onyx of TresLocas.etsy.com

Flower Girl by Nea of TresLocas.etsy.com

You can sometimes find handmade dolls by Hannah, in a section in her mother's shop at penpusher.etsy.com. Hannah is ten, and has been crafting for several years already.

Shy Nadine: Handmade Fairy Doll
by Hannah at penpusher.etsy.com

Madelaine started selling her photography and digital art on Etsy when she was only 16. People are often surprised to discover her age (now 17), when they encounter her hauntingly beautiful work and pure professionalism. Madelaine is a great example of what can happen when you allow young artists the opportunity to practice their craft, explore their artistic interests, and even start their own businesses.

The Offering by Madelaine of madelaine.etsy.com

Ad Madelaine returns to college full-time this fall, I can only imagine she'll be swamped with her course load but learning much from school and life to enrich her art. Luckily, she's already passing the torch to her younger brother, Silas. Only 7 years old, Silas has opened shop at gummytoes.etsy.com with the help of Madelaine and their mother. I'm looking forward to seeing more by Silas and other young artists!

Friendship Forever Card (Blank Inside) by Silas of gummytoes.etsy.com