This week featuring:

Ana Paula Waaijenberg, a textile artist who lives in Voorhoult, The Netherlands. She is artisan & artist behind these colorful Rag Dolls & Softies – I couldn’t resist.

Ana, what was the very first thing you ever made using fabrics?
- I remember some pre-print tapestry sets when I was very young. I was also into crocheting from a young age, mostly because my mom and my grandma did a lot of it. I’ve learned cross-stitching when I was about 16. I’ve tried knitting, but with less success (tip: never start with a father’s day sweater project). But creating dolls using sewing techniques is something I’ve developed in the last 5 years or so.

How was it for you, growing up?

- Home was the safest place to be. I could play outside for hours with my brothers and my friends. I loved school, especially math!

Did you always stay away from big cities?

- Funny, but every time a Dutch person hears I’ve moved from The Hague to this little village, they ask me if it was difficult to adapt.

But The Hague is but a very small (400.000 inhabitants) city when comparing it to the 8 million, in metropolitan Rio de Janeiro, where I grew up, or to Paris, where I’ve lived for almost 4 years. Anyway, Voorhout may be small, but so is The Netherlands: we are 5 minutes by train from Leiden, and 25km from The Hague.

Your life is full of wonderful experiences: Brazil, France, Holland… sounds like a dream to me. Please give us an idea as to how these three cultures shaped your art? 

- As a girl, I was never into playing with dolls. I’d rather be outside, biking, or playing with a ball or a kite.

The only doll I loved was Emilia, a ragdoll based on a children’s book from Monteiro Lobato. Even though we had a TV show based on this author at the time, my mom always read his stories to us at bedtime. Emilia came from a very fantastic world where two cousins spend summer with their grandma’s at The Yellow Woodpecker Farm. The girl had a rag doll that gained speech by some kind of magic.

She talked a lot, and her eyes were made of thread spools! They could travel in time, visit the kingdom of fishes in the ocean, help princes and fight monsters. For me, that is the nicest type of doll, the kind that goes on adventures with you.

Ana, this is such a cool insight! I can see the Dutch hairdos, and the French outfits. I love how you make the faces on your felt dolls. They have a nice expression, a questioning look, even if they only have eyes. It is a talent, you know? What makes yours so unique? Do you make your own patterns?

- Some patterns are mine, like the angels, the farm animals and the Xmas set. Others I’ve bought online or I got them from books like the Dolls and Daydreams big dolls, or Tilda‘s teddy bears.

Still, even when my creations are based on a pattern, I make every toy and doll uniquely different when I add the hand embroidery work.

In the beginning, I was fighting it, re-measuring and remaking the facial features. But I’ve learned to let it go and get inspired by this evolution: you will see that my monsters all have different expressions. I still don’t understand how the little dots of the felt toys can be so eloquent, but they are, aren’t they?

Please tell us more about your future plans, and if you have other avenues of sales: website, local store, local craft fair?

- Next Sunday, September 1st, I will be at the local craft fair Original Market, in Leiden, The Netherlands.

Hope you can make it!

Otherwise, please visit me at my website at www.euquefiz.nl.

It is easy to follow me:
Facebook:  facebook.com/euquefiz

Twitter:  twitter.com/euquefiz_etsy

where I constantly post pictures of my projects, even the ones I don’t intend to sell.

I also have a virtual shop on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/pt/shop/euquefiz and I use a few Dutch online marketplaces.

I am trying the new EzeBee ezebee.com/euquefiz. Hopefully, I will be back into other editions of the Zelfgemaakte Markt, in Utrecht.

Thank you so much, Ana Paula. You are very talented, and I wish you great success in your creative endeavors.

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Written by Silvia Borges – a textile artist living in Tampa, FL – USA. 

Currently, she crafts handbags (including Baby Bags), textile wall art, and table decor.

Check out her store here: www.etsy.com/shop/VicVonPip

A stitch in time saves nine. What does that really mean? Do the fix now and save time later. Is that all it means? To me, it seems, the phrase is about passing on traditions from one generation to the next. Stitching love into a quilt or shirt, curtain or vest, the hands bind in pieces of the past.

I spoke to someone about traditions and one that she has carried down from her mom. My mother, Kay, has been sewing since she was 5.  She learned from her mom, my grandmother.

Sewing seems to be a lost art form. Growing up my mom made clothes for my sister and me. Every stitch was made with care and love. I don’t see many people with home made clothes anymore. Perhaps, I am not looking as closely or maybe the quality of clothing made by hand has gotten better. Or maybe what I remember of handmade clothes are the items I made for myself. As you can imagine, the clothing made by a 10 year old is not the stuff of high fashion.

My mom, however, has made clothing fit for a fashion runway. From Easter dresses and skirts to prom and wedding dresses, my mother has made just about everything. The best thing about having a seamstress is having something fitted to exactly your measurements. It is not very often that you can buy something in the store that fits exactly right. If it does, you can bet it is pretty expensive.

So many things are mass produced overseas; that the quality of clothing has diminished and the low cost has undermined the idea of making a handmade item. The materials for making items by hand seem cost prohibitive. Handcrafted things are made with thought and care. That makes each item unique. You won’t find that in the items made overseas.

There is so much more to making something handmade than making clothes. My mom makes a variety of handmade things. She makes quilts, aprons, bears, wall hangings, hooded towels, doll clothes, pot holders and so much more. The quilt featured above is called a “Trip Around the World” pattern. My mom named it a “Trip Around the Crib” since is a baby quilt.

Quilting is one of those things that are definitely losing its identity. Hand quilting, that is, is becoming a lost art. Many quilt tops are machine sewn and then machine assembled. That is not how it was in my house growing up. I remember quilt blocks spread out over the floor, sometimes for days, as my mom arranged and rearranged how she wanted the quilt to look. She did use a machine to sew the blocks together but the rest of it was sewn by hand. These are the quilts I still have today. Yet, the store bought quilt I received as a wedding gift 8 years ago has already come apart in many places. Hand quilting truly is the stitch in time. The gifts of these hand crafted quilts are ones that I treasure and can hand down to my children. You don’t find that often anymore.

Handmade Christmas Bear

A little bit about the author:

My name is Anne and I am the mother of two very active girls. I love the idea of classic looking headbands with sparkles and feathers. Think Prince William and Kate. I think her hair accessories are classy and elegant. My pieces are following that idea. From kids to casual to fancy, you can find something for every taste here.

Come by my shop at www.hairflair11.etsy.com

Inspiration is akin to motivation in life: it energizes our dreams and passions.  Given the pace of our modern work lives, it is especially good to be reminded daily of what really matters.

Cross My Heart Handbags and More, a shop from Plano, Texas, features shoulder bags that highlight words of wisdom from great thinkers and scripture.  Pat Jones, the shop’s owner, specializes in one- of- a- kind, inspirational totes.  Pat is the designer of these collage-like bags combining home décor fabrics, denim, lace, appliques, ribbon, and encouraging printed messages.

For instance, durability and good looks unite in a Denim Shoulder Sling made from re-purposed rose-print denim, embroidered ribbon, and fringed peacock lace.   The front of this Inspirational Tote bag has a patch covered with an appliqued cross, floral embellishment, and the word “love.”

The bag is lined with blue and brown paisley cotton. It has a large creamy button and sturdy denim strap. It also has an interior jean pocket.

Another example, this time for someone with a love for music, again shows a complex layering of materials with a close attention to detail.   One of a series of bags designed in the charming Victorian cottage style, this bag features cut-work applique, lace, bead work, and an Irish cross charm.

The details on this one of a kind tote would make it ideal for a musician.

The relationship of songs of praise to overcoming suffering is the main message of this art bag.  At the  center of this shabby chic purse is an appliqued scripture of Psalm 59:16 “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” A verse that can be especially meaningful and helpful to someone facing an illness, this passage is flanked by an image of a woman, the word “Hope,” and the crucifix charm.

Pat comments: “I have a passion for Christ and feel motivated to help people become closer to Jesus. I hope my handbags will express this passion and help people discover or have a closer relationship with Him.” Music can have a healing effect as it focuses attention away from the immediate ache and toward a relationship with our maker.

Not all the Cross My Heart bags quote scripture, yet there is meaning in each one. Pat Jones notes that no matter what type of bag she is constructing, “My favorite part of making this bag is spreading the word of God. Hopefully someone will glance at this bag and think of Jesus if just for a moment.”

Each bag carries a significance and being inspired by them on a daily basis is part of their charm.

Click here to visit her shop

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CrossMyHeartBags

Written by Faith Kuzma – a textile artist living in Granger, In – USA.

Currently, she crafts special occasion scarves (including sheer scarves and felt flower brooches).    Check out her store here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Scarflovely?ref=si_shop

At her Scarf FX shop you’ll find headbands, chevron, and infinity scarves:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ScarfFX?ref=shop_name_search_sugg

Adorable, easy, handmade gift!

Long before I purchased an embroidery machine, I made these hanging towels for co-workers, neighbors,  friends, and family for the holidays.   I bought cute holiday towels, or towels that coordinated with their kitchens, and matching potholders (on sale whenever possible).  Being on a teacher’s budget leaves one searching for thoughtful gifts without spending a small fortune at the holidays.  Everyone that has received one of my towels over the years just loves them.  So, I thought I’d share the “recipe” with you so that you don’t need to rely on trial and error like I did!

What You’ll Need

• Kitchen towel of your choice
• Potholder of your choice
• Medium-large button
• Scissors
• Disappearing fabric pen or chalk, if desired
• Thread (high quality, cotton thread)
• Sewing machine (use a thicker needle for heavy fabrics like denim) or hand-sew, if desired.

1) Lay out your supplies.  Double check to make SURE the button fits through the loop on the potholder.  Be sure to remove the tag from the potholder before beginning this project.

Supplies you’ll need!

2) Fold the towel lengthwise to the same width as the potholder.  Place the potholder on the towel (right sides together) so that the loop will be to the back of the towel.  Also, offset the potholder so the front of the towel hangs down one inch below the back of the towel.   Be sure to pin the potholder and BOTH layers of the towel.

Make sure edges line up!

3) If you are making a matching set, make sure the potholders and towels are lined up the same.

4) Sew a straight stitch through the center of the potholder, being careful to reinforce the stitches at either end (I reverse my machine for a few stitches on either end).  You can mark the center with quilters chalk or disappearing fabric pen, if desired.  Be sure to remove pins as you sew to prevent a broken needle (trust me on this).

5) Sew on the button by hand so that the loop of the potholder acts like a button-hole.  Be sure the button is centered at the top of the potholder.

6) You are done!!!!

A couple of words of wisdom, so-to-speak.  Make sure you use a heavy needle and follow the guidelines on your machine.  You will sew through the potholder and two layers of cotton towel, so it may be difficult to get your machine started.  Once you figure out the right needle to use, it is pretty easy.   Also, be sure to use a coordinating thread color so the stitches won’t show.  I recommend cold water wash and hang or tumble dry low to prevent any shrinkage and fading, particularly when using 100% cotton!

These really do make economical, useful gifts for someone special.  You can hang them on the refrigerator, oven, or cabinet pulls.  They keep a towel and a potholder handy when you need one!  I hope you give this a try-it is “sew” easy!

________________________________

Amy Spock is a full time teacher, part time crafter, and outdoor enthusiast!  You can visit her and her shop at: http://beadsandthreadsbyamy.weebly.com

I am the type of person that is capable of giving gifts that have a truly deep meaning to the person receiving them. I am often asked, how did you possibly know? Today, I am going to share my knowledge with you. I know that everyone struggles with buying the perfect gift for their mate or their in-laws. I am here to help.

Calla Lily Necklace with Initial by ElliesButton.etsy.com

First and foremost, you have to do your research. Men specifically, your job is so easy. I know that you “think” your wife is hard to shop for. You are so wrong. Women generally start getting the oohs and aahs about two months before a holiday or occasion, all you have to do is listen for them. Start paying attention when she nonchalantly shows you an add in Sunday mornings paper for a gorgeous necklace or ring she saw. The further away from the date, the better. She will be sure you have forgotten.

Bike Key Rack by Knob Creek Metal Art

Secondly, personalize. What is it that your mate really likes. What types of things really bring a smile to their face? What smells? What flowers? These are things that you always want to incorporate into a gift if possible. If the gift is for someone more masculine, it is the same idea, just with more masculine items. What brings a smile to his face. What item can you put in front of him that gives him the grin that he had the first time he received a bicycle? You want to recreate that joy. Figure out a way to incorporate something into your gift that will bring back a memory or a feeling that is “that good”. The truth is, every single person on the planet has things that are important to them, hobbies, obsessions, whatever we call them. We may not understand them, but they are unique to that person. Show them that you care enough about them to pay attention to what it is they like.

Backyard design by Architecture Art Designs

Thirdly, don’t buy things that anyone else can buy, even if it means making something yourself. While Etsy is an amazing resource for handmade items. Pinterest is a phenomenal place to find DIY items and crafts. There is almost NOTHING you cannot figure out how to make via Pinterest. All you have to do is go on and search. You will find thousands of ideas, from small projects that take a few minutes to projects that will redecorate your entire back yard. Just so you know, that would be an AWESOME gift. People truly appreciate gifts that you have taken the time to create yourself and put work and thought into.

Designed by Paperwild

Lastly, know that learning to buy good gifts takes time. You have to get to know your subjects intimately and that will take a while. But, once you do it will become much easier. Hopefully, you plan on keeping your mate and your family around for a while, so you won’t have to learn about new people that often. You will start to notice when they receive gifts from you and from other people how they react to them. If they are truly liking what they get, or if it is that fake, oh yeahhhh, blank stare thank you. Make sure that all of your packages are wrapped with care and precisely. This shows that you made that extra effort. A beautiful package makes all the difference when receiving a gift, especially when dealing with the in-laws. With a little work and patience, you will be giving the best gifts ever.

HAPPY GIFT GIVING…

Tammie Rampley is the Owner and Designer at Tramp Lee Designs. She enjoys Passionately Creating and Living in the Now.You can see her incredible Handbag Designs at  Trampleedesigns.etsy.com.

CustomMade.com is a website that allows “buyers” to search for and/or post items that they need or want custom made. As a buyer, you can upload a description of what you are looking for with photos and specifications or you can search for an item/maker by key words. If you find a maker who has something similar to what you are looking for, or who has, in your estimation, the potential to create your item, you can create an “expression of interest” in order to let the buyer know that you are interested in conversing with them about a project.

CustomMade vets each maker and item. Items are not listed in the maker’s profile until they have been approved. This ensures that items meet a certain level of quality…a good thing for makers and buyers. The maker’s profile will tell you much of what you need to know in order to decide if you want to reach out to them. The profile contains photos, price ranges, geographic location and a description of the maker and their “story”. When I searched for a blue topaz necklace I found the profile of Michael Devlin.

The buyer states, “It was a pleasure to work on this project with Michael. I designed a pendant and after being disappointed by another maker, I was so glad to have found Michael who was able (even with a short time frame) to finalize the project perfectly. Before every step he made sure I understood and agreed with the process before realizing it within the project. I was very happy with the final product and so is my friend who got it as a birthday present.”

CustomMade believes a growing number of people would switch to custom made if it was easy enough to coordinate with the seller and make the transaction. According to Forbes Magazine, CustomMade customers … “have a deep relationship with what they bought because they feel like they had a hand in building it.”

The maker can potentially find your project by searching the “job board”. They can contact you and express interest in creating your custom made item and follow up with a proposal which you can accept or reject. The proposal gives you all of the information you will need to make a decision about this maker. And if you have any questions, the maker is right there to answer them.

The site is very user friendly. It is laid out by category, or you can use key words to search for makers or items. There are currently more than 12,000 Makers on the site and growing! The FAQ section is excellent and real time support is available. CustomMade is also working on additional enhancements to the mobile site!

The following are a few articles I found about CustomMade.com which show its influence on the custom made movement.

CNN article: http://money.cnn.com/2012/04/04/technology/custommade/index.htm

Forbes article: http://www.forbes.com/sites/tomiogeron/2013/02/25/custommade-brings-artisan-customized-products-to-mass-market/

Candice Howard is the owner of Silk Florals by Candice. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and teenaged daughter.

Silk Florals by Candice creates custom handcrafted silk floral arrangements and wreaths for weddings, bridal showers and other special events, home décor, special occasion gifts and corporate office space.

You can find the Silk Florals by Candice CustomMade portfolio here: http://www.custommade.com/by/silkfloralsbycandice/

“Earth Laughs in Flowers” – Henry David Thoreau

This week featuring:

Allison Dey Malacaria, a textile craft artist who lives in Sydney, AU. She is the designer of these colorful knit dolls. So unique, I fell in love with them! 

Allison, what was the very first thing you ever made using fabrics?

- It all started with a pre-printed potholder my grandmother gave me to cross-stitch. I had made a patchwork quilt top by the time I was 17.

My best friend and I begged for old clothes from the neighbors, to get enough fabric for our quilts.

How was it for you, growing up?

- I see my life as a wonderful, personal adventure. I grew up in the heart of America, playing outside from morning until night, often barefoot; picking cotton at a family friend’s farm in North Carolina was great, but nothing was better than eating green apples in an orchard in the Berkshire’s…

Did you always stay away from big cities?

- No, I did a lot of traveling, exploring the extremes, but always looking for harmony. For instance, I joined the punk scene in Greenwich Village (NYC) in the 1980s, but I raised my children in a cabin in Alaska; I also lived in Arizona for many years. Now I live, craft, and love my husband… in Australia! My adventure continues…

Let’s go back to your crafts. You are remarkable with textiles! I discovered your Sweater Doll store – at Etsy – where you sell these adorable, should I call them dolls, or plush animals?

Anyway, how did you get into them?

- A Japanese parenting educator created the pattern about 30 years ago, for her son. I saw the photos on her blog by chance, about 10 years ago, and I emailed her asking if I could make them to give and sell. She was delighted an American mom wanted to make them! I altered the pattern some and ended up giving away most of them, often to women’s shelters, but when I decided to start a handmade business last year, the dolls just rose up and begged to be made.

They are… hum, there are so many craft keywords in them: softie, plush, doll, stuffed animal. I don’t know what to call them. Even though it’s one basic pattern, I play with all kinds of styles. I am currently working on fairytale characters and circus themes, now that the basic doll has sort of hit its stride.

Allison, this is really a cool direction. I can’t wait to see the Circus!

Now I see how your art dolls express the “artist behind the creation” because they are the critters from your childhood: rabbits, dogs, owls, flies, squirrels, ants…

I am curious – where do you get your materials for these dolls?

- The materials are the hardest part, because I use found materials – mostly wool sweaters – I am limited to what can be found at thrift stores. In the US, I used to find awesome donated wool sweaters (with very few holes in them) in all kinds of patterns. However, in Australia people don’t get rid of their wool.

So I have to really listen to the material I find to tease out a creation. They have to inform me of the craft, not the other way around, no matter how many fun ideas I may have. Also, I absolutely refuse to stuff my dolls with anything but locally sourced wool fleece. Polyester fiberfill is a petrochemical plastic that has a huge carbon footprint and is very toxic to manufacture. I would never use it.

Conscientious up-cycling is one of the best ways we artists can show love and respect for our Earth. I love how you make their faces… Your dolls have a strong expression, a questioning look, even if they only have eyes.  It is a talent, you know? Every face I ever tried to make ended up looking like “something dead” – lol – anyway, what makes yours so unique? Do you change your own pattern?

- Each one starts the same way but flourishes differently, each receiving my attention. Like our children, it takes time and concentration to know what personality traits they want to express. When making one-of-a- kind (OOAK) items, even using the same basic pattern over and over, the creative process is entirely different from mass producing objects: you can see it in the craft.

In fact, that is the difference: the craftsmanship! You can actually see the work, the time, the musings over color, pattern, texture, the delight in knowing someone perfect will want it, hold it, and call it their own. There is quite a bit of time in the hand stitching and hand assembly that goes into the dolls, too.

What a clever observation! When I looked at your work, I was thinking “why did she pick that orange sweater . . . the ears are just a suggestion, much like my flowers & leaves . . . Oh, look! One button was stitched in “x” but the other is in “t”! 

- And you, Silvia, you’re no stranger to that kind of craftsmanship. Your handbags are  works of art, instead of just functional bags.

I tend to not think of myself as an artisan because I make a ‘toy’, but just because it’s a joy to do doesn’t mean it isn’t work, real work. More and more people are looking for quality work as they become disillusioned with the politics, worker health issues, and environmental impact of corporate mass production.

Hey, Allison… I know you are growing in other directions, too!  What is Rabbit Horns about?

- Rabbithorns is my freaky alter ego! It is where you will find the fringe, the outrageous, the Steampunk Fly, The Siamese Grandmas… https://www.etsy.com/shop/rabbithorns – all up-cycled, re-purposed materials, of course.

These dolls are what I call “art you can play with”. They border on being “art dolls” but at heart, they are still SweaterDolls. But while they are still stuffed with wool, they welcome all types of re-purposed materials, including stretch velvets and bits of fishnet stockings.

I gather you wouldn’t be upset if someone bought your dolls to be played with by a kid, instead of keeping them caged in display boxes?

- Heavens, no! They are supposed to be played with! SweaterDolls swing from chandeliers at parties and build sand castles at the beach. The wool physically warms up when placed next to the body so they are very comforting to small children. SweaterDolls want nothing more than to be loved and played with and they happen to be amazing at keeping secrets and climbing trees.

I also make custom dolls and most are ordered as gifts for children. They might be look-alike, or characters, or animals. But they are intended to be toys not display items, so they are durably made.

How do your children feel about your work?

- When kids see them, they grab them on and don’t let go. They just have that ‘Christopher Robin dragging Winnie-the-Pooh by the leg’ quality about them. And that’s what I wanted: a comfy rag doll feel, with a classic look, in a quality package. Something playful, ethical, and made by hand and heart.

I have to agree with Allison:

• A toy isn’t a distraction for a child.
• A toy is a partner in crime!
• Children thrive with fewer entertainments and more relationships.
• Dolls provide those relationships as the child works out the bridge between her anything-is-possible dreams and the complex world where she must make her dreams come true.
• If we don’t dream, we don’t play; if we don’t play, we don’t really live.

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What a remarkable person Allison Dey Malacaria really is. Her soft stuffed animals and dolls truly are an organic approach to selecting new toys for our children. Now that we’ve shared her treasured toys with you, don’t miss your chance of cuddling & being cuddle by them!

Click here to visit her shop www.etsy.com/shop/SweaterDoll

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Written by Silvia Borges – a textile artist living in Tampa, FL – USA. 

Currently, she crafts handbags (including Baby Bags), textile wall art, and table decor. Check out her store here: www.etsy.com/shop/VicVonPip

White Barn Wood BEACH sign by Second Nature Woodwork

We are in the heat of summer and hopefully you have beach vacation plans! Are you headed to that special childhood vacation spot or somewhere new?  A far away island or your own personal beach house??

Beach Sign Sandy Toes Salty Kisses by just beachy shop

One essential beach item is the perfect tote.  A stylish place to store your sunglasses, keys, and of course fun magazine and book!  A second tote for yummy snacks and soft fluffy towels to dry off with.

Woven Tote Bag by Independent Reign

Eco Upcycled Tshirt Pleated Bag by barefootSurfboutique

Even if you are not headed to a sandy location, you can still dress the part with lovely sea inspired jewelry.

Beadwoven starfish earrings by Cookson Strike

Tell us where you are headed for your summer beach vacation and if you will see some of these funny feathered friends this month.

Stay safe and have fun!

Julie Ter Borg is an full time scientist and mom, part time artist.  Her focus is on clean and elegant styles using gemstone and leather. Visit her at: www.julieellyndesigns.etsy.com.

From July 11-21, Etsy shoppers will find great bargains during the annual retail event Christmas in July (CIJ). Christmas in July is the same concept as Black Friday in November. Etsy shop owners usually have some great promotions from clearing out their summer inventory to discounting items for the fall and the holidays.

Now is a great time to get some of your holiday shopping done!  This is especially true with handcrafted items. We all know that a quality handcrafted item takes time to make. Ordering that gorgeous hand-knit sweater or custom made jewelry item now will not only save you money, but you will also have peace of mind knowing that you will have that beautiful handcrafted gift in plenty of time.

Christmas gifts are not the only items to look for during Christmas in July. Stock up on birthday cards and gifts, beauty and bath products, cell phone covers and more! Planning a wedding? When I used key words CIJ wedding, my search came up with 7,000 wedding items that are currently on sale! From wedding décor and gifts to save-the-date cards and favors, you can find great buys if you make purchases during the Christmas in July promotion!

So, you’re ready to shop for bargains but you are not quite sure how to find the CIJ sales. The best way to find bargains on the items you are looking for is to search using key words. For instance, if I am looking for a Pandora- style bracelet that is discounted as part of a CIJ promotion, I would search using the words “CIJ Pandora bracelet” or “Christmas in July Pandora bracelet”. Or maybe you are looking for a pink wool scarf for your sister. I used the search words “CIJ pink wool scarf” and came up with several great options! Etsy on Sale is also a great website for finding bargains. This is a site that lists hundreds of items that are on sale in Etsy shops. Enter the same search words and see what you find!

Etsy is a fantastic marketplace for beautiful handcrafted items. Although I am an Etsy seller, I am also a frequent buyer. I have never needed something in the way of gifts, clothing, jewelry, party décor, wedding items, baked goods, chocolates, etc. that I could not find on Etsy. For my daughter’s sweet sixteen, we used a Tiffany theme and bought of most of the décor and favor items on Etsy! The possibilities are endless! These are not items that you find in your everyday retail store and they are certainly not items that you are likely see someone else using or wearing. Handcrafted items tend to be one-of-a-kind and/or original designs because they are made by hand, not mass-produced by a machine.

So make up your shopping list now and treat your family and friends to beautiful handcrafted gifts this holiday season. They will think you spent a fortune but you’ll know that you got a great deal in July!!

Candice Howard is the owner of Silk Florals by Candice. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and teenaged daughter.

Silk Florals by Candice creates custom handcrafted silk floral arrangements and wreaths for weddings, bridal showers and other special events, home décor, special occasion gifts and corporate office space.

“Earth Laughs in Flowers” – Henry David Thoreau