Put the kettle on, get cozy, and open a fresh page in your idea journal: It’s time to set some intentions for the new year. As we begin envisioning how we might make purposeful changes in 2020, we find ourselves thinking back to some of the stories from our seller community that struck a chord with us this year. Many of them held memorable pearls of wisdom that apply to all aspects of life—in or outside of the studio or sewing room—from the power of trusting your instincts to the importance of doing your part for the planet. So whether you’re a maker yourself or simply someone who aspires to live creatively, we’ve rounded up eight uplifting messages from our sellers in the hopes that they might serve as inspiration or encouragement for your own New Year’s resolutions. What intentions are you setting for 2020? Tell us in the comments.
Find inspiration in exploration
Whether your goal for the new year is to build your own repertoire of crockpot recipes or write an original song for your wedding day, sometimes waiting for that first good idea to strike is just another form of procrastination. Elena Zaycman’s advice? Dive right in and start experimenting. “In my opinion, inspiration comes when a person begins engaging with a subject,” explains the St. Petersburg-based stained-glass artist, whose elegant free-standing pieces are the result of lots of inquisitive play. “Where I’m from, we have a saying that appetite comes with eating. In the same way, inspiration comes with exploring.” Read more about Elena’s iterative approach to design.
Build beauty into your basics
The objects that surround us have the power to influence how we feel—which is why filling your home with truly meaningful items can be a surprisingly effective act of self-care. For UK-based textile designer Tatiana Nedialkova it’s all about making your living spaces vibrant, exciting, and fun places to gather. “When we’re surrounded by beauty every day, it uplifts us and makes us feel inspired,” says the founder of Softer and Wild. Especially if handmade with a lot of attention and care, a simple staple like a tea towel or oven mitt can take on special significance. “Plus, when you use things loads and loads, you create a connection with them,” Tatiana says. “Then they don’t feel as disposable.” Read more about Tatiana’s Scandinavian-inspired style.
Unplug with a hands-on project
Between our never-ending lists of obligations and the hours clocked staring at our screens, it can be hard to feel caught up—and even harder to log off at the end of the day. But if you can find a few minutes to disconnect your devices and reconnect to your imagination, you may just rediscover the joys (and rewards) of working with your hands. “There’s tons of research showing the positive effects of crafts and creativity on the brain, and on mental health,” explains Cozy Blue owner Liz Stiglets, a North Carolina-based embroidery artist and creator of wildly popular DIY kits. “It’s so important to take time to nurture the creative parts of ourselves, and I do my very best to encourage everyone to slow down, get cozy, and get crafty. ” Get inspired by Liz’s love of embroidery.
Live a more eco-conscious life

When it comes to doing your part to help the planet, even the smallest acts can make a big impact. “What we consume has a chain reaction on the environment,” explains California-based fashion designer Rajni Kavula, whose eco-conscious line of indigo-dyed apparel, Adroit, has roots in her parents’ sustainable philosophy. “Growing up in India, I was raised in a family that believed in simplicity,” says Rajni. “That’s why I limit how much clothing I buy, and make versatile pieces that can be worn in many ways.” Read more about Rajni’s earth-friendly techniques.
Trust your taste

If, like many of us, you’re kicking off the New Year with a decor refresh, there’s one tried-and-true method for choosing wall art that collage artist Mirlande Jean-Gilles stands by: Go with what you like, then reap the mood-lifting benefits. “If it’s something that moves you, every time you see it, it kind of softens you a little bit,” says the Baltimore-based, one-woman-force behind Mirlande. “If it’s something that really inspires you, get it and put it wherever you want. Go with your heart.” Learn more about Mirlande’s journey as an artist.
Embrace imperfection
“My workspace is always full of clutter, and I prefer it that way,” says Bangkok-based craft materials enthusiast and Squish-n-Chips shop owner Orawee Choedamphai, whose approach to creating is happily chaotic. Rather than worry about making a mess or a mistake, Orawee is energized by following an inexact, intuitive process. “When I’m working on a project, it’s important for me to be surrounded by objects of different textures, colors, sizes, and forms,” Orawee explains. “I like to put things together and see how they go, so being able to see and touch different materials is key.” Learn how Orawee sources her assortment of quality paper craft supplies.
Commit to confidence
Even the most accomplished among us can experience moments of doubt. Take, for example, Rhode Island-based watercolorist Shirley Bell: The talented painter has been making art for most of her life, but still gets a nagging feeling of uncertainty at the beginning of each new project. “When I start painting, with a big sheet of white paper in front of me, I think, ‘Yikes! Now what?’” Shirley says. Her solution? Believe in your own ability. “You have to go into it with the courage and confidence that you will, at the end, achieve something to be proud of. That can’t be taught—it comes from within.” Read more about Shirley’s creative process.
1 Featured Comment
Maria Muscarella from NinjaChickens said 1 year ago Featured
Congratulations to all of these inspiring artists! And what fun it is to peek in here and see my friend Liz of Cozy Blue! She's such a talent. My kids and I all love her embroidery kits. Happy Holidays to you all!
52 comments
T r è s S û r Jasmine Kedem from TresSur said 1 year ago
Great post. Very inspiring! Happy new year!
Chris Phahlane from WorldArtAndFabric said 1 year ago
Thank you for your info! Marry Christmas and happy new year!
Padmini Persaud-Obasi from BrooklynLotus said 1 year ago
Congratulations to everyone! Love all of it!
Coloring Romance from ColoringRomance said 1 year ago
"Embrace Imperfection" I'm going to try to embrace that one, but I just have a habit of obsessing over details, trying to make my art perfect. That's going to be a challenge, but I'll probably accomplish more. So I'll go for that one starting on January 1st. Maybe a few of the others too as the year goes along.
Juliya Vasik from FeltyPretty said 1 year ago
Merry Christmas! I wish you a new inspiration in the new year!
Tina Taylor from TineUR said 1 year ago
Thank u for your inf. Try a new hobby. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !
Maria Muscarella from NinjaChickens said 1 year ago Featured
Congratulations to all of these inspiring artists! And what fun it is to peek in here and see my friend Liz of Cozy Blue! She's such a talent. My kids and I all love her embroidery kits. Happy Holidays to you all!
Jennifer Tyson from LadyInPurpleBoutique said 1 year ago
Such a lovely and inspiring post!
Nadin from NadinArtCraft said 1 year ago
Congratulations to everyone! Marry Christmas and happy new year!
Elena Kreativ from AnimalBrooches said 1 year ago
Very nice! Merry Christmas and Happy new year!
Evgeniia from catovasia said 1 year ago
What are the great tips in the headlines! )))
Irina Shapoval from LadyLunarCat said 1 year ago
That's wonderful! Thanks for the inspirational selection! I need these promises! It is inspiring!
Niki from CaramelAppleBooks said 1 year ago
Thanks for sharing :)
Nika from CuteFeltPattern said 1 year ago
Thank you so much. Great info. Happy New Year!!!
Anna from LissiKids said 1 year ago
very inspiring post! Marry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Anna Sypalo from XstitchbyAnna said 1 year ago
Thank you a lot! It's great! Happy New Year!!
Anna from ANNNADesign said 1 year ago
The knitting man is great! Happy New Year, everyone!
Charu from MatsayaCo said 1 year ago
So inspiring ! Trust your taste . That's what I believe in . Great idea and lovely work by everyone. All the Best and a very Happy and prosperous New Year to All .
Maria from CuteNoteShop said 1 year ago
So true, Happy New Year!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 1 year ago
Beautiful and very inspiring! Congrats to all the crafters! Wish all a very happy new year.
Ana Paula from macraMe said 1 year ago
Wonderful!!! Congratulations!!! :-) :-)
Anastasia from YourAdventureInGlass said 1 year ago
So inspiring! That's what I love Etsy for. Thank you and Happy new year!
syrildaf said 1 year ago
LOVE this post. Thank you for sharing! Have a happy New Year!
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 1 year ago
So great ~ A fan of elenazaycman works of glass art. I want one !*! Cheers to the featured and the New Year.
Lydia from clevergirlcraftings said 1 year ago
A great post with inspiring crafts and crafters! Thank you for sharing.
Furry Donuts from furrydonuts said 1 year ago
A very inspiring post! Just getting started with my small pet supplies business here and hope to take it as far as possible in 2020. Happy New Year everyone!
Alina from BabyMobileDecor said 1 year ago
Very interesting! Heppy new year! Merry Christmas!
Giannis Dendrinos from Artyianni said 1 year ago
Happy new year! I loved your article!
Cat Encio Dolls from CatEncioDolls said 1 year ago
Congratulations
branda Moreno from branda said 1 year ago
Happy New Year!! Happy 2020!!!! :-) :-)
Stephanie Lindsay from yoyosbuttonsandbeads said 1 year ago
What great collection of talent! Best wishes to them all for the coming new year. Let us all be inspired:)
Kim Cole from BeachDaisyJewelry said 1 year ago
Happy New Year! Enjoyed reading about the lovely shops featured.
Jennifer Staton from gypsysoulcoms said 1 year ago
Happy New Year! Good inspiration for starting the new year!
Victoria from FolkArtBuffet said 1 year ago
Oh, thanks for the inspiration! Especially about trusting your taste!
Anna from BananiLettering said 1 year ago
Wow, amazing! Very inspiring post! Happy New Year!))
Watts DryGoods from WattsDryGoods said 1 year ago
These are all such good resolutions!
Sunny Naik from NorthernLightStore said 1 year ago
Wow so much creativity. All collections are lovely.
Peach Chanut from BOHOPeach said 1 year ago
Thank you for your inspired :)) and happy new Year 2020
Pepitas House from PepitasStudio said 1 year ago
Great read and just in time for our new decade resolutions. My new year's resolution is to finish what I have started. I have set up boxes of projects that I have labeled per month. When I open a month per box is like receiving a gift and re-discovering this project with new inspiration.
Posh Park from PoshPark said 1 year ago
great post! congratulations on the feature!
Anna from SublimationDesignsAn said 1 year ago
I read the article with interest. Thanks!
Elena Solonnikov from Filzaccessoires said 1 year ago
Amazing! Good start into the new year to all!
Agnieszka from Makramianki said 1 year ago
Lots of inspirations. I can see so many amazing pieces of art made with love. Really inspirational post, thank you. <3
jjakresky17 from JoysCorkyCrafts said 1 year ago
Great post, thanks for sharing!! Happy New Year! Keep inspiring :)
Olga from CraftDecorDecoupage said 1 year ago
I read the article with interest. Thanks! Lots of inspirations. I can see so many amazing pieces of art made with love. Really inspirational post.
Camilla from CraftConnectionsByC said 1 year ago
This info was awesome! Trust in yourself :)
Lina from DreamArtNatural said 1 year ago
Great post, especially for novice sellers. Thanks!
Diana Deluxe from DianaDeluxe said 1 year ago
Such cute post. It is always amazing to hear out what inspired other artists and crafters on Etsy. I personally love texture and can't get out of craft shop without toughing every bit of crystals, beads and findings.
Victoria from ForgetMeNotNature said 1 year ago
Thank you!
Nika from CuteFeltPattern said 1 year ago
So nice
Oxana from HappyColoursLab said 1 year ago
Great artists! Love the colors!
Kimberly Nolen from wingsofhopecrafts said 298 days ago
To embrace imperfection and to be inspired by what makes you happy ring true for me. I can relate to the messages these artist are saying. As a creator, we often have a vision of what we want our creation to turn out like. Some times we need to stand back for a minute and look at the true beauty of what we create and look at the piece in terms of what joy can it bring to the person who receives it and not worry so much about the pure perfection of the masterpiece in our eyes.