Happy Christmas!

Um, how is it already December 11? Am I in a time warp? I feel like November didn't exist. Only half of October existed. Maybe only one day of October, because I do remember dressing up as a witch that one day. Unless I was just having a bad day, I think that day was Halloween. For real though, Christmas is in 2 weeks. And then it will be 2014 and then I will be 50 years old. I think I'm exaggerating just a little bit, but I definitely feel like I can't keep up. Those of you with kids, I'm sure you are reading this thinking, "Just wait til you have kids." Ugh! How do you do it?

Anyway, since it's Christmastime, I wanted to share these vintage-style ornaments I've been making and selling on my Etsy shop. They are made on hand-stained wood, and they hang on a really pretty silver chain. I decided to try a chain instead of a ribbon, and I'm happy I did! It brings an elegance to the ornament, and gives it a unique feel. I love trying new projects and I'm excited about these ornaments! Happy Christmas, Hermione!

Support Handmade: My Favorite Etsy Shops

As a shop owner on Etsy, I've come to really appreciate the world of handmade items. It's pretty incredible what people can do; I am in awe of so many of the shops on Etsy. I read the Etsy blog for inspiration, ideas, and business strategies, and I discover new shops all the time. In the spirit of supporting small businesses and creative hard-working independent artisans, I wanted to share a few of my most recent favorites.

Julie Ann Art

https://www.etsy.com/shop/julieannart

I found this shop on one of Etsy's "Quit Your Day Job" editions. Each week or so, Etsy highlights a shop owner that has (in case you couldn't guess) quit their day job and moved into full time selling. It's pretty inspiring. I really like Julie's sense of humor, and I can definitely get behind the quirkiness of her cards. They're really simple, inexpensive, and super creative cards for every occasion. Her blog is fun too, and she always has cool giveaways going on. 

Jayma Malme (What's in a Frame)

https://www.etsy.com/shop/JaymaMalme

Jayma is actually a friend of mine from college. We both majored in Literature and Writing at Cal State San Marcos, and we found that we had a common interest in crafty things. In addition to being a great writer (check out her blog), she's also very artistically talented. She makes custom framed pieces for birthdays, nurseries, anniversaries, weddings, etc. If you're looking for a unique gift, visit her Etsy shop and discover what she can make for you.

Periwinkle Nuthatch

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PeriwinkleNuthatch

These illustrated pieces are awesome. Emily, the shop owner makes necklaces, pin cushions, and cute little clay figurines. I love finding shops that really show someone's personality in their work. The woodland creatures that she draws have the cutest faces and so much character.

I also just discovered that she has another shop for small pet beds and pet accessories. Her own guinea pigs are in each photo, and they are freaking adorable.

Woodink

https://www.etsy.com/shop/woodink

A husband and wife team, Ryan and Ashleigh run this shop, and I'm obsessed with it. Their custom engraved cutting boards make unique, awesome gifts for a wedding, anniversary, or that hard-to-buy-for person you know that loves to cook. 

Have fun checking out these shops, and I hope you find something unique for yourself or someone special. Support handmade!