Mid-October Goings-on

I have been busy busy busy with music events, family visits, a craft show, and other projects, and I have been ready for a little down-time.  So today I decided to relax by spending some time on the computer, catching up on things, looking at some shops I haven't seen in a while, window-shopping so to speak, and gathering ideas for holiday gifts. I also decided to respond positively to an invitation to join the Etsy Treasury Team and I made my first ETTeam treasury...  YooHoo... Christmas is Coming!

In light of my window-shopping, today I want to share some wonderful, affordable gift ideas by Etsians whose work I have purchased and can personally vouch for.

For the dog-lover on your list, these wonderful little treat bags by thedoghouse make great gifts.  I use mine on a regular basis because my pups expect treats at various locations on our walks around the mountain. Those are two of our dogs in the second photo here.

For the bird-lover or chef on your list, here is a fabulous idea: handmade potholders by PineNeedleDesigns.  I have a set of these in my kitchen, and I truly love using them.  They have wonderful designs and are well-made.

For the seamstress or crafter on the list, DorothyDomingo makes gorgeous clay buttons as well as other lovely ceramic pieces.  I purchased some bird buttons for one of my favorite wool sweater-coats, as seen in the second photo, and I've received lots of compliments.

For teachers, co-workers, favorite cashiers or bank tellers, here is a simple little gift that is unique and useful: fabric and leather key fobs by GimCarry.  Everyone who received one of these from me last year truly loved it.  And it won't empty your wallet either!

For the bicyclist on your list, or for anyone who enjoys a good t-shirt design, darkcycleclothing creates some great stuff!  I bought one for my son, and he loves it.

For the eco-minded grocery shopper on your list, ohlittlerabbit creates some lovely produce bags. I bought these for two of my grown children last year.  There are many design choices and they're made so well.

If you have a writer or journalist on your list, phofun sells lovely handmade journals, photo albums, and more. I purchased two of these, one for my daughter and one for myself, for my songwriting.

Gadget pouches by KaraMiaSofia are perfect stocking stuffers or gifts for anyone with cell phones, cameras, or ipods.  I have one myself and it's beautifully made with lovely fabric that's bright and easy to spot when your counter or desktop is cluttered.

And finally, vegan laundry soap by showertreatsoap is perfect for anyone on your list... and it's so much better for your clothes and for you.  It's all I'll use, and I highly recommend it.



I hope you've found something here that might be perfect for someone on your list. If not, feel free to look in my Etsy shop or any of the many, many shops on Etsy.  Just remember to buy handmade and support artists!

Look What Came in the Mail!!

My husband had some chores to do this morning, one of which was a trip to the post office, and when he returned home, he came in bearing a much-awaited package, dressed in a very pretty aqua blue! I couldn't wait to get it opened.  It was even better than I imagined, and I can't express how glad I am that I made this purchase.  I love shopping on Etsy, but I am also selective with what I buy, especially now when my sales have been slow.  But when I saw this lovely screen-printed tee in a treasury, I knew I had to have it.It came from the shop of angeldamico on Etsy, and it is so, so soft and lightweight.  The color is a rich teal green, and the V-neck style and longish, hip length is often what I look for.  But the original design with birds in flight...well, what more can I say? 

But wait... look closely....

 Not only are there birds in flight, but there are constellations, and they are named!  This shirt's design is called Night Birds, so of course... the night sky and birds.  A combination that speaks to me since out here in the rural woods, I see millions and zillions of stars on a clear night and so many different kinds of birds throughout the day.

I like how angeldamico's shop is set up as well.  It is sectioned with sizes, so you can go immediately to the size you would wear and view the various designs and styles.  She's got great selections.  I love the Evergreen Trees and the Deer and Trees designs.

I'll be wearing this shirt next time I leave the house.  Those who know me know that I am rather a hermit who stays busy at my home in the woods with songwriting, music, painting, gardening, chickens, dogs, and such, but I'll make a point to get out in my new shirt soon!