No beard? No problem!

Disclaimer: The beard above is copyrighted by the beard's wife, as in this blogger. Would-be beardsters: eat your heart out!

Check this out:

www.imadeyouabeard.etsy.com

Is it the economy? Is this some sort of post-feminist statement? What on earth is going on here?

And why on earth would people pay FORTY DOLLARS A POP for a stitched beard that looks like a dustmop hanging off their face?

No offense to Erin in Portland, beardmaker extraordinaire. She's got it goin' on -- I can only say I wish I'd thought of it -- especially since I live with the ultimate beard! She's had 141 sales of beards and beard-related art since opening her shop on Etsy in October. She's somehow managed to hit a nerve and find just the right product that people want to buy -- and pay good money for, as crazy as it is. So, you go, girl!

What's her rationale for her craft?

" I grew up in Portland, where there are only two types of people: hipsters with beards, and lumberjacks with beards. I was born without the ability to grow a beard, and now I make beards to help people like me blend in with their bearded compatriots."

Maybe I should have Erin make me a beard, so I can blend in with my bearded compatriot -- but that's a heck of a LOT of sewing, and I don't think I could afford that beard!