What Inspires You Wednesday: Handmade

Small Equals Big Gift Guide Vol. 3

This week, there is no denying it. If you haven't started your Christmas shopping, you better get to it. It's coming and time waits for no one.   It's also time to think about what the holidays really mean to you. Do they mean fighting crowds in big box stores to find gifts that will be given over and over and over again. Or is it a time to find something more personal?

I'm inspired today by things that have been handmade with love so they can be in turn, given in love with an extra dose of thoughtfulness. There are so many artisans handcrafting beautiful things that anyone would be proud to give and happy to receive, and that to me is inspiring, especially at this time of year.

Here are a  few of my picks.

sources:

vase via nelle design

natural soap via kalamazoo soap co.

fingerless gloves via aurelia felt studio

pillow case via casa & co

white stoneware dishes via christiane sutherland

owl print via stone and violet

pendant light via lightfixture tamar

heart neclace via mimok

table runner via north country comforts

custom monogram spoon via sycamore hill



So, while you're wondering how you're going to find the perfect gifts to finish your list, consider handmade. 


Happy Birthday Garman


It's Garrett's birthday today and I, for one, am so glad he was born. I'm also glad that he ventured to America and landed in the Bronx, otherwise.....what are the chances we would have met?


He's the yin to my yang, the peanut butter to my jelly, he's Lindt chocolate truffle in my Christmas stocking (anyone from the Seacoast of NH will understand that last one, and if you've never had a Lindt truffle, it's far time you did....but I digress). The weird to my weird.


Here's to you babe. You 'da man'.

(note: we do NOT have that much snow at the moment, but we did a couple of years ago).

Happy Birthday Babe! Love ya.


Hope you all have a great day.

Ciao for now,

Shop Small/Give Big Gift Guide: Volume 2

Have You Started Your Shopping?

 As promised, here is the second installation of the Shop Small,Give Big Gift Guide. It features all independent business people who, I know, would sincerely appreciate your business.

So while you're considering what to get people this year, here are some suggestions for the ladies in your life.

Shop for these items here:

hat via sock club

shirt via doro theos

shoulder shrug via socks and mittens

boots via abramey

cardigan jacket via marsilia21

skirt via found it great

scarf via blue fennel

plaid shirt via storytellers vintage

ear warmers  via garden and sea

tshirt via acerriteno





Here's the bonus: all of these items are from etsy shops and are either handmade (so much more personal) or vintage (easy on the environment).



I love that kind of shopping!


Make it a great day and I'll do the same, in spite of the very gray and sort-of-wet weather we're having today. Though the temps aren't too cold it is damp and a little raw, so I have the woodstove on and my pal Lucan and I are happy about that. Something I love about my little home office/studio.


See you tomorrow.


Ciao for now,