If You Really Loved Me . . .

. . . You'd buy me something from this list. (Hint ~ my birthday is this week) Just sayin' . . .

From l-r:

Wise Up Ring, from Vernon Bea

Cast Iron Fleur de Lis wall hook, from MonkeyandSquirrel

Tea Buddy, from mePottery

Snowdrift Necklace, from SilverSparrow Designs

Black Mohair Warm Shawl with Fringe, by TrendyKnitting

Milk Glass Hobnail Vase, from jwhite2

Have a Heart

Valentine's Day is one of my most favorite holidays! I've always loved and looked forward to it, but that's probably the hopeless romantic in me speaking. My husband, on the other hand, feels differently. He gets a little bah-humbug'ish this time of year ~ his reasoning is that he feels forced into buying things by pushy retailers. He'd rather do something special his way, and not when the calendar date tells him to. I can't complain ~ he does nice things for me on a regular basis. The best things come when you least expect them, right?! I guess I see his point, but I can't resist the pull of Cupid. So, I thought I'd help him out by dropping some hints ~ hopefully he's reading. I would love any of these items from Etsy.

From Left to Right, here is where you can find all of the above:

Scroll Heart Earrings - Silver Pewter Hearts, Red Swarovski Crystals, Sterling Silver ~ from Alison Kelly Designs

FORGET LOVE - I'D RATHER FALL IN CHOCOLATE pendant ALTERED ART soldered charm necklace ~ from Tickle Me Pink Boutique

Valentine's Day Cookie Gift Box ~ from Sarah Bisher

Hearts squared, pair of handmade beads ~ from Floridity

A Different Kind of Love Bracelet , Faceted Smoky Quartz and White Biwa Stick Pearl Bracelet with Silver Heart Clasp ~ from jaC jewelry

Frilly top pink cotton panties with red hearts ~ from Knickerrocker

Vampire’s Kiss Body Cream ~ from The Bubbling Cauldron

Sassy Valentine card ~ from Earmark

Handmade for the Holidays

When it comes to the holidays, my family is the type who has their gifts bought and wrapped before most people (me included) have even given it a second thought. So, it caused a bit of anxiety when my parents asked me for my Christmas list this past week. Yes, we still do those in my crazy family. You wouldn’t think that having to come up with a wish list would be that big of a deal, but for me it is really turning out to be. Honestly, there isn’t that much that I want, yet alone need. I just went through my house for the second or third time this year and purged a bunch of unwanted stuff and donated it to charity. Time, people, and experiences mean much more to me than any trinket. Yeah, I know I’m getting sappy, but try explaining non-consumerism to my family ~ they don’t really get it. So, if I’m forced to provide them with a list of things to buy me, I’d rather they buy from the indie artists on Etsy instead of some big box retailer. I went through my favorites list, and here is what I came up with. Do you think I can turn mi familia into Etsy shoppers?

I eat pepper on everything and would love a handcrafted pepper mill, like the one pictured. There is nothing like freshly ground pepper. I would get a lot of use out of this gorgeous pepper mill, and it would look fabulous sitting out on the countertop. It would last forever, too. Pepper Mill 460 by Richlynne, $109.95.

You can’t go wrong with yummy treats, and these marshmallows sound irresistible to me! Organic Cinnamon Sugar Marshmallows, $9 from haveitconfections.

I could always ask for something on the pricey side, which would cut their shopping trips very short ~ hee hee. I’d get a lot of use out of this chic black bag! Baby Ruche Bag in Black, $168, jennyndesign.

Of course, beads are always welcome under my tree. I am loving this lampwork artist, and would cherish anything from her shop, including these Black and White Raku nuggets, which are priced at $16 for a set of 8, from Blue Seraphim.

A local artist, melissahappystuff makes some very unique knitted items, such as this darling neckwarmer. Knit Organic Cotton Scarf Neckwarmer Blue, $30.

A few weeks ago, while at a craft show, I fell in love with a pair of hand felted mittens like these. They are made from upcycled sweaters and then felted by hand~ so soft and warm! I wouldn’t mind these wool knit socks, either. Both hail from Etsian Shady Side Farm.

The Best Kind of Gift

A few weeks ago I met my friend Kay for dinner to celebrate my birthday. Among the many wonderful gifts she brought me that day were the scrumptious homemade chocolate chip cookies you see pictured above. I think they are quite possibly the best chocolate chip cookies I have ever tasted. Even the hubby couldn’t keep his hands off them, which is saying a lot considering that he’s not one to favor sweets.

Many of us cringe at holiday time or any gift giving occasion, especially right now when we are trying to save what pennies we do have. Somewhere along the line, someone got the idea that buying gifts meant you needed to be extravagant and go out of your way to impress the recipient. I’m here to tell you that that’s not really so.

Those of us who are crafty have bestowed many a handmade gift on our friends and families. Sometimes it is to their delight and others . . . not so much. There are those who appreciate the time and effort that goes into a handmade gift. I consider myself one of those people. Personally, I am much more touched at the thought that was put into something vs. the price tag.

If you don’t consider yourself the crafty type, never fear. If you find that you are short on cash, you might be surprised at the number of creative things you can come up with to do for someone. Got a green thumb? Offer to plant a garden in a friend’s yard. If you can cook or bake well, then make them their favorite meal. Perhaps you have a friend who is stressed out and short on time ~ offer to help with cleaning or child care. In these times when most of us are super busy, the gift of one’s time is surely as priceless as the gift of friendship itself.

Gift Ideas Under $20

I'm so excited!! Thanks to the wonderful Janna of jaC Jewelry, my "Solitary Confinement" earrings are featured in a gift guide on GilBea's Fashion and Handmade Blog.

Be sure to check out this Gift Guide, which features excellent handmade items that are under $20!! These are some really great suggestions for those of us who are on a tight budget this holiday season.

Happy shopping!