There are millions of products available on Etsy, and the primary method for finding what you are looking for is by typing descriptive terms into the search bar. This naturally gives preference to items that are easy to describe and categorize. But what about the flights of fancy that are dreamed up by creative artisans whose work defies categorization?
Attempting to unlock some of these treasures, I searched using some less-specific search terms, such as the names of common shapes.
Searching under “squiggle,” I found some creative modern vases:
Short Squiggle Vase by SpecklGoods
These fun vases are made from pastel-colored concrete terrazzo by SpecklGoods of Grand Rapids, MI. This company also makes candleholders, flowerpots and other decor items. I especially love their catch-all trays in pastel colors! They remind me of the Sweetarts candies I used to eat as a kid:
Further down in the “squiggle” search results, a 3D-printed Squiggle Lamp stood out. I have been planning to feature some of the fabulous 3D-printed home decor products available on Etsy, and this lamp is a great example:
MILA Table Lamp by Honey & Ivy
3D printing has really come a long way. This MILA table lamp was designed and 3D-printed by Honey & Ivy in Portland, OR. In the product description, I was glad to read that this company uses non-toxic, bio based thermoplastic that is 100% bio-degradable.
Because a friend of mine likes spiral-shaped decorations, I typed the word “spiral” into the search bar. The results included lots of spiral-shaped pendants and earrings, spiral-ring notebooks, etc., but also this very unusual artwork:
Spiral Soundwave Art Print
There really is no way I would have known to search directly for this product. I didn’t even know that soundwave art existed!
Rindle Waves of Houston, TX can take any song or voice recording and render the sound waves into visible form. They create custom works of art from the sound waves, making a delightful custom gift for music lovers!
A portion of every Rindle Waves purchase is donated to help with autism education and assistance through Ausome & Able.
Get Etsy to fill in the blank
Searching for some unusual products related to the desert Southwest, I typed in the phrase “cactus shaped“, hoping Etsy would fill in the blank as to the type of item and reveal some fabulous finds.
Of course, the search results included a lot of cactus-shaped planters, candles, and necklaces, but I feel like I hit pay dirt with this lantern:
Cactus Shaped Mason Jar Light
Who even knew that cactus-shaped Mason jars exist? This Cactus Jar Lantern is sold by a shop in Las Vegas called Tipsy Umbrella.
Other fun search term options:
You could even play a word-association game and try inputting random words to see what products pop up. I hope this post has inspired you to get creative with your search terms on Etsy!
-Louise Hunter Burton
Design Hunter's Journal 
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