Special Thanks...

to aspasia for including my painting "blue maze" in her treasury! If you don't know what a treasury at Etsy is, it is a selection of themed products, picked by fellow etsians! It's a great way to look at all of the amazing handmade work from fabulous artisans...thanks again aspasia!!!

Etsy Gift Giving Guides...Travel Picks...

These are the last of my pics for the holiday season...just remember, these are all handmade, so if you see any that are a must have for you gift list, act quick! It's only weeks away!

Etsy has curated a great guide with the travel section! Here are my faves...

Babbittdesigns offer these beautiful votive candle holders adorned with paper and handstamped...take them with you to have your favorite scent in your hotel room!

Looking for a cool checkbook cover? Take a look at this design from tinymeat - the orange blaze against the blue background is awesome...

Moop is the best bag maker on Etsy...check out The Porter bag in provincial blue corded canvas is durable and fashionable! There are other fantastic selections available as well...

The emotional 5x7 print from couragemylove entitled "baby i'm home" would make a wonderful gift for that recipient on your list who loves photography and travel...

For that long haul in the car, molebabybuttons has a unique tic tac toe travel game that would be perfect to kill some time and have some fun!

Do you have a guy on your list and don't have a clue what to get? Visit shopredleaf's store and pick up a shampoo bar and tin set...great for throwing in a bag and taking off...

I love New York, so of course the 10x10 NY print from the "on the globe" series from buckscountyframes had to be on my list!

And last, but certainly not least, rosiegoa's travel bag in a pink stripe is a great carry on size and the perfect gift for the traveler on your list...

While you are looking, pop in my Etsy shop and let me know what you think!

Shop Handmade...Shop Etsy Today!

Etsy Gift Giving Guides...From $20-$50!

Here are just a few beautifully created items available on Etsy right now, perfect for gift giving! Be sure to check out the other products from these wonderful sellers - you will love what you see!

Ameliamae has such creative work - I love this print entitled "forever" - of course as a lot of you know, orange is my color - well - next to red anyway!

Quietdoing offers fabulous checkbook holders like this one shown and other accessories - perfect for gift giving.

Going to a party and need a hostess gift or have someone that loves to entertain? Avrilloreti has these simply modern cocktail napkins featuring designer chairs that are just too cool!

Thelittlestitch is also one of my favorites...I adore her felted pillows - great gifts for someone who loves home accessories and want a punch of color and something beautifully handmade...

One of the shops that caught my eye and I fell in love with is bottlebottoms...we should all recycle more - I need to make that a new year's resolution! She makes great glassware out of wine bottles...such a unique idea and one that appeals to those trying to live green!

Shaggybaggy makes tote bags out of recycled burlap coffee sacks! Another cool gift from upcycling old items and making them new...

Last but certainly not least, RobertSocha, one of my fave Etsy photographers offers beautiful prints like the one depicted here entitled "icy kiss" which has apparently sold already! Check him out...his work is wonderful.

Good luck with your shopping and if you are looking for something in particular and can't find it - let me know - Etsy offers just about anything you can think of! More guides coming...

Etsy Gift Giving Guides...Under $20!

Here are some more of my favorites and these are a bargain! Give a beautifully handmade item from Etsy instead of going to big box stores, all from the comfort of your home! For those who love nature and modern design, check out soule's wood grain plates. They are gorgeous!

Sunlitletterpress offers great coasters like these shown in an organic style with robin's egg blue coloring - a hot color right now!

For those hard to buy for or your not sure what to get recipients, grab a fun tote from thecraftpantry - many designs to choose from for just $15!

If you are giving the gift of wine, why buy a paper bag from the store when you can give it style with the hip wine pocket from spacemoderne?!

Ashleyg is an Etsy favorite - she is a fantastic illustrator and I love this print entitled "finding the perfect one" depicting Christmas trees...

For those who love jewelry, muyinmolly has great freshwater pearl rings wrapped in sterling silver at a great price!

And finally, annaspots are absolutely adorable, affordable and will look good with any decor...stay tuned for other guides to come...

Etsy Gift Giving Guides...Stocking Stuffers!

Here are a few of my favorites... gemmafactrix is a beautiful artisan, creating jewelry that everyone would love including this set of 5 hammered coal rings...

One of my favorite etsy artists is raedunn...she makes the most simple, modern ceramic housewares and has a wonderful variety. The napkin rings shown here can be customized for gifts and you can get really creative with ideas...act fast though if you want them in time for Christmas!

Jenniferaboston offers great mini note cards including fun holiday themed ones, great for dressing up your presents!

Nickileigh has some scrumptious lip balm that anyone would love and is a bargain at 3 for $8.50!

and there is olive - a modern, organic designer with pillows and other handmade items for the home...the votive shown has already sold, but there are other products available, so check her out...there are thousands of other great gift ideas so try handmade today if you haven't already...

Etsy Gift Giving Guides...My Holiday Picks...

Etsy curated the gift guides themselves and I chose my favorites from the list to share with you! Don't forget to look through all of the items as each seller has a wide variety of beautifully made products, or do a search on your own from the category list!

This section features a holiday theme. Ashleybug has beautiful felted holiday cards, as does moderncard. These beautiful cards are also suitable for framing and future holiday decor!

Adorn your presents with some fabulous gift tags from littlebitfunky, add the knowledge paper tree from haru to brighten your wall, rikrak's fun stockings for stuffing and bondie23266's cookie cutter coasters for the coffee table! Don't forget lusitania's colorful felt bowl either!

For a night on the town, check out the gorgeous black silk swing dress from classictailors and beautiful photo pendant from theintuitivegarden...there are so many choices...so little time when you think about it - some items need to be ordered quickly in order to arrive before Christmas so be sure and check shipping dates!

I have included item descriptions in the photos - for more information and to see other offerings, please click on the sellers names or product links. Also remember, all items are exclusive to each seller and to follow all copyright laws...I appreciate having them as a part of the Etsy family with me and sharing their craft, as well as the Etsy founder Rob Kalin, the great techies, customer service reps and everyone else who makes it such a fantastic thing to be a part of! Shopping on Etsy is just a good idea...

Etsy Gift Giving Guides...

the perfect place to find a gift for anyone! The categories are diverse and you can also connect to other sections very easily, all in one place. Selections include guides for seasonal fashion, holiday parties and decorating, cards, ribbon and wrapping, stocking stuffers and gifts by price range! You can also search specific types of recipients or occasion and the Etsy Hot List! Check them out often over the next few weeks or browse through all of Etsy for that perfect handmade gift. In my next post, I will be highlighting some of my favorites featured in the gift guides...one great tip - you can save your favorites too when you get your own username and send the list out to family and friends as your wish list! You might as well get something you really want and save them from racking their brains out trying to figure out what to get you!!! Happy Shopping!

Handmade Cards...

While I was in Florida with my girlfriends on our trip, I was walking along the beach one morning by myself. I was appreciating the fact they invited me to join them and had an idea. I would write their names in the sand and do something with the photos when I got home. I ended up making them "personalized" thank you cards, writing a nice note inside and including several group photos for each of them. A much better and more thoughtful choice than using storebought cards. We sure need to challenge ourselves to send more handwritten cards...some things are just to good for texting and email.....