Handmade Inspiration

About Us

About IndieSpottingIndieSpotting is brought to you by the staff at MyShoppingConnection.com and Zest for Life Media, a portfolio of online lifestyle publications geared toward readers who appreciate the finer things in life.

For the past year, IndieSpotting has been a photo gallery showcasing fantastic indie and handmade goods available for sale online. It’s been a place to be inspired and “window shop” for unique, one-of-a-kind and cool products.

We recognize the passion behind the handmade movement – from the people who make a living from the goods they sell, to the consumer who appreciates the value and quality of an item made with skill and care, to the crafty person who simply enjoys the feelings of satisfaction that come from making something with his or her own two hands.

That’s why we’ve reinvented IndieSpotting, to become a community that appreciates handmade and to foster communication, inspiration and relationships based on this shared passion.

For an overview of what we’re all about, continue reading below.


Best of on IndieSpotting

Our Best of section features our favorite handmade goods from artisans on Etsy, Artfire, 1000 Markets and other marketplaces. Each thematic post is inspired by whatever takes our fancy – a color palette, song lyrics, the seasons, etc.

Best of on IndieSpotting

In our DIY Projects section, you’ll find creative inspiration from the talented people who share their tutorials and crafty how-tos on their own blogs. We’ll post links to the projects that make you think, “Hey, I should try that!”

Best of on IndieSpotting

Who doesn’t love a good freebie? We’ll host occasional giveaways and freebies in our Giveaways and Sales section, as well as post links to other handmade giveaways and deals.

Best of on IndieSpotting

Our Shop Showcase section will give you a brief glimpse “behind the curtain” of handmade shops. You can browse some of our favorite items for sale by an artisan and learn more about the work that goes into creating them.

Guests Posts on IndieSpotting

We’re not the only ones who love handmade, and our Why Handmade section features guest blog posts and articles by members of the handmade community. You can find inspiration, learn something new and appreciate the joys of handmade here.

Gift Guides on IndieSpotting

When you need the perfect gift for a special occasion or holiday, visit our handmade Gift Guides for ideas and great deals.

Indie Music and Indie Books on IndieSpotting

Kick back, relax and unwind with our favorite music and books in our Indie Music & Reads section. You’ll discover independent artists, unique books and more!

Want to be featured? Click here for details »


About Erika, the Girl Behind the Curtain (aka Editor-in-Chief)

About Erika
I’m a 24-year-old foodie who was lucky enough to marry my college sweetheart in a small, private ceremony at our home in December 2006.

Two mini doxies and two cats call me Mom, and the AP Stylebook on my desk is a not-so-dusty relic of my journalism degree from the sunny University of Central Florida.

The treble clef tattoo on my ankle is an homage to my life of music – I’m an unabashed choir geek, violinist and pianist with a penchant for show tunes. I hate corporate greed and love handmade.

I’m nerdy. I’m quirky. I believe cupcakes should be a major food group (oh, and cheese too!) and I’m addicted to all things by Joss Whedon. I love vampire lore, but I promise I don’t bite… I might just be one-of-a-kind, but that’s the way I like it.