[kalendae]

unfortunately being able to live on making crafts in the US is not at all due to 'hard work', that is simply a red herring in terms of difficult things facing these producers. Instead, it is likely due to obscurity or the novelty of that market. Someone in the story is already hiring employees to do the work, it is only a matter of time when those employees, and then even the entrepreneur will be outsourced outside the country.

[inglorian]

I don't know that they'll be outsourced. For those who buy crafts from Etsy, the whole point is that you have direct contact with the seller and you're getting a handmade, one of a kind item. I know several individuals who buy things from Etsy, and being able to get a cheaper version made in China doesn't deter them. I tend to lump the growth of Etsy in with the increase in people buying local, organic food and fair trade products -- the buyer consciously avoids supporting that kind of outsourcing.