Shopping at Etsy.com, “Your place to buy and sell all things handmade,” feels very different from moseying over to one of the big-box retailers operating online. As you browse Etsy’s virtual boutiques, each representing the wares, crafts and artwork of an individual or collective, you feel as if the seller is right there with you. “Our mission is to enable people to make a living making things and to reconnect makers with buyers,” explains the site, which was launched in 2005. With more than 100,000 sellers from around the world, Etsy seemed ripe for a visit from Shopperati. Here’s what we found. If you click on “Buy” at Etsy’s home page, a list of search options appears. We avoided “Category” because it’s the traditional way to shop. Instead, we started with “Color,” and a cool page of tiny dots appeared. As we moved our mouse around, the dots got bigger, showing their true colors. We clicked on red and were offered a selection of red items for sale, such as a Scarlet Scottie Dog Poncho ($25) and a (not red) Stainless Steel Washer and Square Wire Bracelet ($19; pictured) displayed on a red background. We searched using the “Treasury” filter and discovered a big list of lists - various people’s favorite items from the site. That’s how we found the Zombie Bunny Jumbo Plushie Magnet ($14) on a list called “Zombies and Monsters Christmas List.” The “Pounce” filter, which finds items from venders who recently made sales, returned a remarkable Sterling Tree Necklace ($65 but currently sold out). The “Gift Guides” filter chose several items when we selected “Grandfather” as the recipient. We were pleased with the Business Card Holder made of hardwood and brass ($16.95). There are several other search filters to explore, but you get the idea. Now get over to Etsy and meet your maker.