Ask Dr. Ding

[Leaning forward interestedly] Hello, group. I’d like to share something with you. [Puts down clipboard]. I know that as your group leader I don’t normally disclose much about myself, but today is a special day. I’d like you to meet someone. Actually, a few someones.

There’s a place where Dr. Ding likes to hang out when she’s feeling uninspired, a safe, cozy place where people can come and meet, share ideas and dreams, appreciate handcrafted merchandise, and enjoy lots of independent spirit. No, it’s not my closet. It’s Etsy.com.

Check out this sacred heart and glitter wings necklace Dr. Ding purchased from ArtAllNight:

Pretty bitchin’, n’est-ce pas? How about this sweet lil number from Gearbunny?

Or this flat out kick-ass ceramic heart from Surly Ramics?

Dr. Ding feels very fortunate to have caught on to the best of the DIY scene at Etsy. The handmade, “wearable art” movement is gaining momentum and increasingly supplanting the artificial and mass-producted aesthetic chokehold Big Corporate has on the collective American economic palate. Seriously. Mr. Dalgliesh, you look as if you had a comment. No? Alright, let’s continue.

I’d like to ask the group to consider this: why would you want to purchase a bland navy-blue v-neck sweater from The Gap/Abercrombie/Banana Republic worn by everyone else you know, when you could feast your torso on this festive ensemble from Louise Black?

Ah [leans back in chair, checks watch discreetly], now isn’t that better? I think this has been a very productive group today. Mrs. Pargeter, next week it’s your turn to share. And Ms Blandings, I believe you’re signed up to bring a snack to celebrate Mr. Harleyquin’s 3-year gambling sobriety birthday, is that right?

Ok, then, looks like our time is up for today. Thanks for coming.