Oh, to go holiday shopping. To brave the crowds and angry masses, searching for that perfect gift. Waiting in line, hoping that you won’t have to run to yet another store to make your purchase. Fighting with little old ladies and catty mothers to get that toy or new gadget that is on everyone’s list, only to find that, once again, no one seems to have it in stock.
Why would you stoop to such madness as this when you can buy handmade?
I know so many folks who are hand crafters, who have their own small businesses. Just look to the right under ‘Buy Handmade‘. You’re find amazing yarn for the knitter in your life, roving for the spinner, and bags for knitters and non-knitters a like. Not to mention the amazing and wonderful world that is Etsy.
You honestly can find someone for everyone on Etsy. Case in point : I have a wonderful friend, who is just like a sister to me. I’ve known Emy since I was eight years old. So, in reality, that is a lot of Christmas gifts over the years, and I’m always striving to find something new and different for her. I usually always turn to Etsy when shopping for her, if I’m not knitting her something. And my mother exclaimed to me the other day how she found the perfect gift for my aunt on Etsy as well.
Here are a few of my favorite Etsy shops (other than those listed over there on my sidebar.) :
Gomegan Designs : Her jewelry is simple and fresh. I own one of her pieces – a simple silver necklace with a sparrow charm.
Poppycock Vintage : Vintage hats and bags! This is a shop that I drool over on a frequent basis. The owner is also super friendly and the customer service is warm and welcome.
The Black Apple : There is something about her art that I really love. It reminds me of fairy tale story books mixed with the old carnival freak shows. It has a mythical yet vintage feel to it, along with a certain degree of innocence.
Zephyr’s Art : A few years ago (it was either my birthday or Christmas,) my husband purchased a set of wine glasses for me that had etched designs of Frida Kahlo ( my favorite artist) on them. Then I, in turn, purchased a set of wine glasses for my MIL from the same shop the following year. This woman is talented; her glass work is lovely and sturdy, and she is very friendly to boot!
Haunted Fox Jewelry : Rachael is a personal friend and I can attest to the love and creativity that she puts into her projects. Not only is she a fantastic person, but she really cares about the crafting that she does.
There are a lot of options; the shops listed on my blog are just the tip of the iceberg. I hope that, when you are searching for the perfect gift this year, that you will consider hand-made and vintage as an alternative to the mall and major retailers. Whether you shop online or locally, there are so many options and great artisans out there, just waiting to be discovered.
