12.06.2010

a crafty holiday

I'm participating in A Crafty Holiday, a blog hop organized by Angela Flicker of The Artists' House to give passionate bloggers the chance to share why they buy handmade for the holidays. Friday, Nimo  listed all sorts of goodies that would make wonderful gifts and now it’s my turn!

I'm a big fan of handmade. Over the years I have given and made gifts for my parents, grandparents, siblings, co-workers, friends, and so on. Funny thing is, I rarely give handmade gifts to my husband, my kids or myself!  No idea why, since I truly love giving and receiving handmade gifts.  This year I am changing that.  I am buying each of us handmade gifts and I am thrilled about it!

I'm also a big fan of lists, so here is a list of reasons why I value handmade:
  • the care, thought and craftsmanship that goes into each item
  • the quality of a product that can only come from handmade
  • the variety of handcrafted items is amazing and inspiring to explore.
  • to support fellow artisans; their work and their livelihood
  • handmade has heart. plain and simple.
I have a terrible memory but, I could tell you who and for what occasion every handmade item I own came from ... to me that speaks volumes about the value I place on those items.  I love boutiques and crafts shows and encourage you check local events in your area. However, juggling 3 jobs and a family, I find it tough to get out and explore (I'm totally missing out, I know). That is why I am so grateful for Etsy and the many sites like them who give indie artisans an invaluable place to share their goodies with the world online.
    So without further ado, here's a peek at my gift and wish list.

    1. Days Between Batik Tee - Tree Town Batiks
    2. Fragrance Free Goat's Milk Whipped Body Cream - Artisan Soap Spa
    3. Trey Anastasio Spray Painting Print - FrogMeow
    4. Money Clip Wallet - Broundoor
    1. Peridot Flower Gemstone Ring -  Kierra Ferrer Jewelry Design
    2. Crocheted Felted Slippers - A Life Crocheted
    3. Garden Sage Striped Skirt - Rosie's Whimsy
    4. Cream Rosette Headband - Folding Chair Designs
    5. Fragrance Free Vegan Body Lotion - Little Owl Soap Co
    1. Portable Placement, Napkin and Bamboo Utensils - Seedling Designs
    2. Take a Hike Print - The Wheatfeild
    3. Bamboo Cutting Board - Studio 44 Eighty
    4. Cloth Napkins Summer Breeze - Fern Hollow Finds

    Don't forget your holiday cards!  Share how happy your handmade holidays are with a custom photo card by Melanie of Paper Mango. Short on time?  No problem! She'll print the cards for you, with envelopes (even envelope printing if you’re really in a rush!). And if you like to DIY, you'll love that her designs are available as an affordable DIY, printable file. For all the details please see Paper Mango's 2010 Holiday Card Collection.
          Tomorrow, Paige Hill will be sharing their list.  You can see the entire schedule for A Crafty Holiday here. Wishing you a very handmade holiday!

          Much Love,
          Kristen