The last few weeks, I've been reading through the forums/teams on Etsy and I've noticed several topics about trades.  Well, I trade quite a bit on Etsy and love it! (I would love to always have cold - hard cash, but trading has allowed me to get so many amazing products and meet some truly wonderful people, that I feel I've gain way more trading.)
Now, I don't really want to get into the pros and cons of trading...
Honestly, it works for me, but I know it might not work for another Etsy seller.  I usually only participate in a couple trade events throughout the year, so I don't short myself too much on shipping costs.
What I really wanted to start talking about, are some of the terrific things I've gotten through my trades and the fabulous shops I have found!

One of the very first trades I did, was with the shop Torch and Hammer, which is owned by Amanda...
Now I'll be honest, I LOVE jewelry, especially necklaces! (Unfortunately, I can't wear earrings and I don't like to wear a lot of rings or bracelets, so necklaces are my one piece of statement jewelry that I can wear on a regular basis.)  I had a lot of fun looking through Amanda's shop.
The most difficult part of the trade was narrowing down exactly what I wanted. (There were so many wonderful things I wanted, it was really hard to choose.)  I finally made my decision and chose a lovely copper necklace.  The pendant was hand stamped with a mountain and stars design and it hung from a lovely, 18 inch ball chain. (I actually picked the necklace out as a Christmas gift for my niece, but I just fell in love with it.  Don't worry, I found a different lovely necklace for her.)
Anyway, I've worn the necklace quite a bit and it has held up beautifully!  It goes wonderful with pretty much everything I wear, which is mainly jeans and a sweater or T-Shirt.
A few months later, I traded with Amanda again, this time for my birthday. (My husband actually handled most of the trade.  He even set up an Etsy account, so he could trade for the necklace he found.)  It was really great of Amanda to trade with us again!
Anyway, I got another gorgeous necklace!  In this necklace, the focal piece was made from polymer clay, which was set in copper bezel, then stamped, baked, painted and polished.  The chain is copper - colored and closes with a toggle clasp. (The pendant says HOPE and has a lovely copper - colored flower.)
This necklace is breathtaking!  I was so happy when I received it, I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present!  I wear it a lot and it has held up very well.  Again, it is a piece that goes with pretty much anything I wear. (It looks really nice with casual clothes or dressy clothes.)
Amanda is really great about trading, but honestly, everything in her shop is so beautiful, I would gladly purchase any item!
So, if you haven't checked out her shop, you definitely should: http://www.etsy.com/shop/torchandhammer
You will not be disappointed!