The 2026 Etsy Design Awards Unveil the New-Gen of Makers Redefining Craft
Featuring emerging designers, new award categories and an exciting guest judge.
In an era of mass production and algorithm-approved aesthetics, a new wave of independent makers is doing things differently. From handmade accessories to whimsical homeware, these creatives are challenging what craft can look like, and Etsy is giving them a bigger platform to be seen. Now in its eighth year, the Etsy Design Awards has evolved, trading traditional design disciplines for a fresh set of personality-led award categories that celebrate originality, creative expression and the stories behind the things we buy.
This year’s awards introduce 13 distinctive titles alongside the flagship “Grand Prize” and “People’s Pick,” including “The Ugly Cry,” “Touch Grass,” “Future Heirloom” and “Internet Famous.” These new categories recognize the emotion and unique touches that make a piece stand out. And with a stronger focus on emerging sellers, this year’s awards spotlight a new creative class at the forefront of the craft revival. The winners’ original designs provide buyers a selection of unexpected finds for their growing appetite for objects that feel personal rather than mass-produced.
Taking home the “Grand Prize” is Atelier Vinda, the Texas-based ceramic studio of Jacqueline Sanchez, whose seriously impressive hand-built vase is covered in more than 1,500 individually glazed stoneware scales. Months in the making, the statement piece is a reminder that good things take time. A few of our other standouts amongst the 15 winners include Kate Chlipalska’s vintagepourquoipas, which takes vintage French jewelry into unexpected territory with its antique photo-holder brooches and miniature eye paintings, earning the “Wearable Masterpiece” award. Crochet is also getting a fresh spin courtesy of Cait Mellor’s bycaitcrochet, whose handmade tapestries give the traditional craft a playful edge. From heirloom-worthy objects to pieces that deserve a spot in your next outfit rotation, these makers prove that handmade is anything but predictable.
Marking another first for the program, Etsy partnered with Lisa Bühler, founder of cult fashion label Lisa Says Gah, as its inaugural brand partner. Alongside Etsy trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson, Bühler brought her distinctive perspective on emerging design, independent brands and creative expression to the judging process. The partnership also extends beyond the awards, with Lisa Says Gah co-designing an exclusive homeware collection with three of this year’s winners, taking their creativity from the Etsy marketplace to a wider fashion and lifestyle audience.
Beyond celebrating the finalists and winners, the 2026 Etsy Design Awards offer an exciting glimpse into the future of craft. Join us on Hypebae’s socials this week and next as we delve deeper into some of these incredible sellers and their stories, helping you find your next one-of-a-kind piece on Etsy.
