The Etsy Design Awards Are Back With a Spotlight on Next-Gen Makers

Explore the winners, new award categories, and how the platform is giving creatives a new way to be discovered.

After championing creativity for the last seven years, the Etsy Design Awards are back for 2026, bringing a fresh focus on emerging creators and cutting-edge artistic makers across its seller community.

With a new generation of buyers seeking unique, one-of-a-kind pieces for their homes and wardrobes, this year’s awards celebrate the rising popularity of handicraft trends, giving shoppers a front-row look into what true handmade craftsmanship looks like today.

Alongside the flagship “Grand Prize” and “People’s Pick” categories, there are 13 new awards designed around the playful flair of the creators. From “Future Heirloom” and “Worth Every Stitch” to more abstract themes such as “Touch Grass” and “Conversation Starter,” the new additions aim to break the mold of conventional competition structures with a personalized touch.

Thousands of entries were whittled down to 150 finalists and 15 winners, judged by a panel including Etsy’s Trend Expert Dayna Isom Johnson and founder of fashion and lifestyle label Lisa Says Gah, Lisa Bühler. The label serves as the inaugural brand partner of the Etsy Design Awards, with Bühler applying her expertise in identifying new style trends to the submissions to explore how they’re creating cultural buzz beyond the awards.

Having now announced the winners, it’s clear there’s a new creative class coming to the forefront, who create a world of items that embrace individuality and artistic expression. Some of our favourite winners are “Rising Star” Sitoë Thiam, who creates vibrant knotted macramé that doubles up as bag chains, and Cait Mellor’s delicate crochet, which won the “Touch Grass” award. And not forgetting the Grand Prize Winner, Texan ceramicist Jacqueline Sanchez, who took the crown with her scaled vase.

While only one winner has been chosen for each category, the Etsy Design Awards aim to recognize those challenging traditional art forms and help the next generation of talented makers get discovered.

Head to Hypebeast’s Instagram channels this week as we delve deeper into some of the Etsy seller stories or visit Etsy’s dedicated webpage for more information.