Inspired: Design.........My Kind of Gift Giving

via alicespocket

Inspired: Design........Gift Giving Etsy Style

It's no secret. I love etsy (so much so we've got a shop on etsy) because I am a creative (always have something up my sleeve) and I have a fondness for all things vintage (always up for a trip to the flea market or antique store).  So, I think the idea of bringing together artists, crafters, and vintage purveyors all in one marketplace is pretty great.

This Christmas I am focusing my gift giving on handmade and vintage, which makes etsy the perfect place to shop.  If I'm not making it myself, it's likely I'll be finishing my shopping on etsy.

Here's some picks that make me smile, and sure would make someone else smile if they find it under the tree.

1. handpainted tea towel via StrandRedesign

2. flower cloche/hat via Knit2getherInLove

3. coasters via art is everything

4. envelope clutch via bythebookpaper

5. sister necklace via BackBayPottery

6. poncho via branda

7. cuff bracelet via alices pocket

8. striped t-shirt via indivisual

9. happy shoes via ivorybird

Keep in mind, these shop owners have a lot more stuff in store. Check them out and go handmade and vintage this holiday season.

Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It 

Did you miss it yesterday? Are you shop owner? Are you a blogger? Are you a shopper?

Then check this link up party out pronto!

Shop owners and bloggers, link up. Take a look around and check out fellow participants.  And remember, if you link up, you might be one of my featured picks tomorrow on the Muse.

Shoppers, check out who's linked up at the party this time. You might find some things that are just right for the people on your list or find a blog you like reading.

What have you got to lose?

Have an absolutely brilliant day. The sun is shining here, but man-oh-man is the wind whipping. Guess I better have a good hearty dinner ready for G tonight.

October. It's a wrap.

Already Into November

October seems to have gone by in a blur. In the blink of an eye. Quick as a bunny. No denying it, November is here.

Before I move on to the usual November celebrations (tomorrow is my birthday and my sister's is in two weeks, and then of course, Thanksgiving), I thought I'd pull some of my favorites from October.

A big thanks to Be Our Guest posters- Kristen from By The Book Paper, Daena from Bad Rabbit Vintage, and Stacey from A Sort of Fairytale.  I appreciate the time they took to put great tutorials together.

Other October mentionables include: great vintage finds, a cozy dog, campfires out back, some newly discovered local cheese, printable organization, jewelry making, great field walks with the hound, and one crazy Halloween snowstorm.

Thanks for sharing the beginning of Fall here at the Muse. Hope you'll stick around for more.

How Are You Going to Give?

Every year, I include something handmade in my gift-giving. 

It might be stationery that I've designed, holiday felt wall hangings that I made, memory boxes, or baked goods.  The list goes on.  Any shopping that I do for the holidays is done, for the most part, in local shops. I will continue to give in this way and expand it to include some wonderful things that I've found in fellow esty shops.  There's so many possibilities it will be hard to narrow the list down.  It's about more than just supporting fellow shop owners, it's changing the way in which we give. About getting back to the simple things that mean so much. It's about what has real value, as determined by each of us.  I think things that are lovingly designed and handmade in the small studios and workshops across the world, have more value than the common mass produced things most of us can easily access.  I believe something has more value, and often has a higher price (that I'm willing to pay), because more has gone into making it. The thought and care with which something is made, is an important part of the sentiment of giving that I am trying to share with those I love. 

What will your giving be focused on this year?

Sunset Meadows

It's been awhile, with all the rain and snow we've had of late.  However, last night Mom/Marge called to say I better get the camera out. I was still at my desk. Good thing she called or I may have missed it. 

It was quite lovely.

Very wispy and feathery.

I hope your Thursday is going wonderfully. Mine is going fine and dandy. Well, sort of. You know that new printer I got? Well it arrived and it's HUGE.Which means I can't set it up yet. Gar will be busy this weekend building me a new desk configuration to house the behemoth. Isn't he lucky?  Good thing is, if I need an extra coffee table when I have company, my new printer can do double duty.

See you on the flip side.