1.  Carousel Letters $217 from The Paris Market  |  2.  Brass himmeli mobile $67 created by AMradio  |  3.  Mint Green Blooming Blossom Pillow $16 by Joom  |  4. Vintage Industrial Wall Mount Light $83 by damien weaver  |  5. The Weston Resin Dear Head $169 by WhiteFauxTaxidermy  |  6. Lines and Arrows Linen Chenille Cushion Cover $55 by Sarah Robinson  |  7.  Pinecones Black and White Photograph by Lisa Russo $25 |  8. Mojave Coasters $20 created by Treasa  |  9. Yellow Roses No. II Original Oil Painting $75 Emily Jeffords |  10. Moth origami lampshade $95 Studio Snowpuppe  |  11. Mirror Bunting $78 from Dennis Smith  |  12. Nesting stoneware bowls $48 by Manos|  13. Lotus Garden Assemblage Artwork $70 by Emily Jeffords  |  14. Birdcage tea towel $12 from branchhandmade  $12

 

Christmas is coming, and I have to admit, I’m getting excited a little earlier than normal this year!  Have you begun Christmas shopping yet?  I absolutely love the quality and creativity of handmade, independently designed products that are available.  People really are so creative!

Have you noticed the “handmade movement” in your area?  It may be easier to go to a big-box store to buy gifts, but buying from an independent, creative, passionate maker is FAR more enjoyable and better for everyone!  …plus, massive stores don’t send you pretty packages in the mail all wrapped up in string and little thank you notes as is common in the handmade community!

Tips for buying handmade:

Check out the links above! Shop on market places (like Etsy and Big Cartel), check out your local arts and craft events, talk to creative people! If you have an idea, they can probably make it happen.  Makers are pretty creative that way.

Image thank to Cory Godbey and the Indie Craft Parade