If you love unique jewelry, homemade art, or letterpress notecards printed by hand, chances are good you’re already an Etsy.com devotee. (If not, it’s never too late to start!) But even seasoned handmade shoppers may find the selection overwhelming or difficult to navigate. This guide will help you figure out the best ways to whittle down your search results to find just the thing you’re looking for.

Many casual Etsy users complain that the site too big and cumbersome. To begin with, searching too broadly will likely leave you frustrated and spoiled by choice. Instead of entering “necklace” into the search field, try being more specific about what you want: “silver clover necklace” or “black pearl drop necklace” or “name charm necklace.” There are so many items for sale, you will likely find something tagged as what you want. If you know you want to spend under a certain amount, you can narrow your search results by price by clicking the Sort By drop-down menu and selected “Price: Low to High.”

Floral headband made with silk ranunculus flowers and Swarovski crystals, $30 from Etsy.com seller HollywoodAndVine. (Courtesy of Etsy.com)

The thrill of the hunt is one of the most enjoyable parts of shopping, and finding something truly one-of-a-kind can give almost a feeling of accomplishment. If you’re the type who always wants to be the first kid on the block with the newest fashion, check out Etsy’s Pounce service — a finder for shops that have yet to make a sale.

In many cases, you’ll be giving a shop its start. Using Pounce, we located these yummy-looking vanilla soaps by seller Echinacea and this silk ranunculus headband from HollywoodAndVine.

As you navigate the site, you may find the perfect stationary or stackable hammered rings — only you’re not in the market for such items at the moment. By setting up an account, you can save your favorites by clicking the heart icon in the right column of the item listing. You can favorite sellers or specific items, whichever you think will make it easier to find what you’re looking for down the road. Also, if you’re interested in who else finds an item appealing, you can view other users that have selected the product or the seller as a favorite.

The Treasury page is an index of shopping lists curated by dedicated Etsy members. For example, one list titled “As Time Goes By … 1940′s” is a collection of items from Etsy that are either vintage or inspired by that decade. It’s here you can find user Beadsire’s picks for a genuine fur collar, a black satin frame bag, a serious-looking bra that dates to 1945, and elegant pearl jewelry. Other users may comment on the selections in the gallery and everything is currently up for sale.

Can’t find precisely what you want? Etsy’s Alchemy service — also known as Custom — allows users to place requests for any custom-made item and the price you’re willing to pay. Sellers bid on the opportunity to make whatever it is you need to your exact specifications. The website advises that the purpose of Alchemy is to request custom handmade items only, so it won’t work if you’re looking for vintage, charitable donations, supplies, or services. 

If you try to support local art, Etsy also has a Shop Local page that allows you to enter your city to generate sellers who live in your immediate area. As a shopper, you might find a new favorite boutique right in your neighborhood and support small business directly. And the service is also useful if you’re interested in crafts or wish to organize get-togethers for like-minded artists in your area.