Tick Tock! Crimson Clock from 1byliz

The last minute flurry of holiday activity is upon us. Don’t panic. Yes, time is short, but don’t get desperate and shower your loved ones with useless plastic and mass-produced junk. Take a deep breath and keep reading for last minute gift ideas you can still buy or even make, including a quick and easy zipper pouch project with video instruction from my favorite lady in the whole world (thanks Mom!).

You Can Still Buy Handmade

It’s true! You can buy handmade even this late in the game. Here are some suggestions:
Check your local handmade retail shops, including any holiday pop-up shops (like these in Portland, Atlanta and Providence). After a quick whip around the web along with some phone calls, here’s a list of shops that will be open either late tonight or during the day tomorrow (check their sites or call for exact hours).

Magpie in Somerville, MA
Art Star in Philadelphia, PA
Double Dutch Boutique and Red Tree and in Baltimore, MD
Young Blood Gallery in Atlanta, GA
Renegade Handmade in Chicago, IL
Fancy Tiger in Denver, CO
Schmancy in Seattle, WA
Land Gallery, Frock Boutique and Collage in Portland, OR
Rare Device in San Francisco, CA
Reform School in Los Angeles, CA

You can also try places like Whole Foods, which tend to carry lines from different crafty businesses like bodycare products from Biggs & Featherbelle or jewelry from Figs & Ginger. Check the sites of your favorite artists for a listing of retails shops that carry their products. You may be surprised and delighted by the increasing accessibility of handmade items.

Give Your Crafty Friends Patterns

I know lots of crafty people that are always looking for a new pattern to try. Patterns from .pdf downloads are a great way to handle last minute giving for this group of folks.

Crochet Handwarmer Pattern from adventuresofjr.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves Cross-stitch Pattern from My Paper Crane.

Sublime Stitching has various PDF patterns available, including this one featuring designs by Carson Ellis.

Lots to choose from on Magpie Patterns, including knitting, sewing, crochet & embroidery.

You Can Still Make Stuff

These knit envelopes look like a great project for a plane or car ride. Magpie Patterns has a bunch of patterns you could purchase as a gift or make yourself. I particularly like the Breckenridge Cowl from French Press Knits and think the “instant gratification” nature of the project sounds promising for last minute making. Lots of kids at your holiday gatherings? Marimekko has a fun star wand project that looks easy and would make cute gift toppers or festive place cards for your holiday table.

Zipper Pouch Tutorial

If you have basic sewing skills, some fabric & access to a sewing machine, here’s a quick & easy zipper pouch you can whip up in 30 minutes.

Hello Craft Presents Crafting with Mom: Quick & Easy Zipper Pouch Project.

Basic step-by-step instructions included after the jump.

Quick and Easy Zipper Pouch
Supplies used:
-fabric (we used one pattern for the inside & another for the outside)
-zipper
-fuseable fleece (optional)
-Seam-to-Seam (optional- you can use pins instead)
-scissors
-sewing machine (or needle & thread)
-iron

Instructions
Step 1: Cut fabric & fuseable fleece to desired size.
Step 2: Iron out any wrinkles.
Step 3: Adhere fuseable fleece to back of the 2 pieces of outside fabric.
Step 4: Apply Seam-to-Seam to top edge of print side on one piece of outside fabric.
Step 5: Adhere fabric to one side of zipper. If it doesn’t stick, adhere with iron. Do not iron the fuseable fleece side (it will melt).
Step 6: Apply Seam-to-Seam to top edge on print side of lining fabric.
Step 7: Adhere lining fabric to zipper on same side of the zipper teeth as the outside fabric, but to the back side of the zipper. The fuseable fleece side will be facing the wrong side of the lining.
Step 8: Draw sewing line if desired. Sew both pieces of fabric to the zipper. You’ll need to reposition the zipper pull to complete the seam. See video for specifics.
Step 9: Repeat steps 4-8, applying the 2nd piece of outside fabric & lining on other side of the zipper teeth.
Step 10: Position so outside fabric & lining pieces are matched up & facing each other. Trim excess zipper & pin if desired.
Step 11: Sew seam down one side. Sew seam down 2nd side.
Step 12: Sew bottom seam on outside fabric/fleece side.
Step 13: Sew bottom seam on lining side, leaving a gap in the middle to turn the fabric right-side-out.
Step 14: Turn fabric right side out.
Step 15: Poke out the edges with a pointed utensil (my Mom uses a hemostat or bone folder)
Step 16: Sew seam at bottom of the lining on the right side of the fabric.
Step 17: Tuck lining into bag and admire you’re awesome work.

Now, off to finish my list. Happy last minute making & shopping!

If you’re one of these holiday loathing types, you’ve probably chosen to completely ignore your gift giving obligations, hoping they’ll magically cure themselves like a case of Meningitis or Avian Bird Flu. Or maybe you’re burdened with the difficult task of shopping for these debbie downers, which you’ve pushed to the end of your holiday to-do list until now. Either way, here’s a last-minute gift guide that you’ve probably yet to see during this time of cheer and glee — one that embraces the sarcastic, disillusioned sorts that manage to ground the holiday euphoria with their dry and self-deprecating “charm”. Happy Holidays! Now where’s my Xanax bowl?

‘The Curmudgeon’s Guide to Holiday Shopping’ by claritam

Xanax drug bowl in blac… lltownleyceram… $20.00	Exploding Gift – Blank … sechetesdents $2.00	meh necklace lindsaylou27 $25.00
Bittersweets Angry Ging… Bittersweeets $34.00	Bitter Chocolate, Orang… sweettreatsbak… $5.25	Snowbound KurtCo $
Santas Little Helper Fl… moxieandoliver $55.00	Lump of Coal Soap KBShimmer $6.00	Skull Ornament – Say Ch… pumpkinlady $4.97
PRINT – Get off my lawn… thebigharumph $20.00	OVERSIZE COCOON COAT (F… CubistLiteratu… $500.00	so tired. joettamaue $135.00
A horrible pencil set goldenstiletto $3.00	Rudolph Stands Alone loloINK $45.00	Eco Friendly Canvas Tot… WhoDoesntWantT… $8.00

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Time is running out, but it’s not too late to buy handmade gifts this year.  In this post I cover three holiday pop-ups shops where you can find a large selection of handmade goods from super talented artists.

Crafty Wonderland Holiday Pop-Up Shop
Portland, Oregon
Runs through December 30th

Craftland Holiday Show
Providence, Rhode Island
Runs until December 31st

Indie Craft Experience Pop-Up Shop
Atlanta, Georgia
Runs until December 30th

Craftland Holiday Show

Over the last nine years, the Craftland gang  (Margaret, Art, Devienna, Jen, Deb, Kristin C, & Kristin A) has expanded their month-long holiday show in Providence, Rhode Island into a full-blown year-round shop that carries handmade goods and offers crafty workshops.

They continue their holiday tradition every November when the shop transforms into the magical Craftland Show with a wide range of handmade treasures from nearly 200 artists.  The vendor list is a who’s who of indie craft and includes endless gift possibilities.

Below is a collection of  great gift ideas for guys the Craftland gang shared with their email subscribers.  They’ve got another collection of items for everyone on your list here.

Attention Last-Minute Shoppers: Craftland will be open until MIDNIGHT this Thursday!

Crafty Wonderland Holiday Pop-up Shop

Many of you already know Portland is a super crafty town bursting with amazing talent.  Can you believe it keeps getting better?  In addition to lots of independent shops & galleries that carry handmade goods like Frock and Land, Portland now boasts a holiday pop-up shop with one of the best cash-wraps I’ve ever seen.

Cathy Pitters & Torie Nguyen, the awesome duo behind Portland’s Crafty Wonderland show, worked with the city of Portland this year to open a temporary holiday shop that features handmade goods from local artists.  In addition to prints by Berkley Illustration & Jill Bliss, you’ll also find household items from Appetite Designs, jackets from Bella Sisters, cardigans and skirts from Bossa Nova Baby (that’s Cathy’s line), hats from Knot Ugly, jewelry from Betsy & Iya and soooo much more.

You can see photos of the shop on Facebook (including the image of Mayor Sam Adams proudly displaying his locally made Portland pennant).

Crafty Wonderland is open until 7pm nightly and will host a Crafty Holiday Happy Hour this Thursday from 5pm-7pm.  The shop winds down with a closing party next Thursday, December 30th.

ICE Pop-up Shop in Atlanta

Christy Petterson & Shannon Mulkey, the masterminds the produce Atlanta’s super popular Indie Craft Experience (ICE), have curated a wonderful mix of handmade goods from some of the best makers throughout the country to feature in their temporary Atlanta shop.

The primary goal of ICE is to encourage everyone to buy handmade during the holiday season.  Christy says, “through our annual holiday shopping spectacular and the pop-up shop we tried to make [handmade gift shopping] as easy and fun as possible for everyone.”  Looking at their vendor list it looks like they are doing just that.  Stop by the shop and see for yourself.

The shop runs until December 3oth and is located at the Woodruff Arts Center in midtown Atlanta.  Hours of operation this week are 7pm today, 5pm Monday-Wednesday, 9pm Thursday and 6pm on Friday.

Here’s a small sample of items you’ll find at the ICE Pop-up Shop:

Are there retail shops that carry handmade goods where you live?  Do you make stuff that people can find in different shops throughout the country?  Drop me a line and tell me about it or share with everyone in the comments below.

Happy shopping!

In case you didn’t already know, it’s down-right hostile out there in the world of holiday shopping. Just this afternoon, for instance, I was elbowed in the back so hard by an angry shopper that I probably could have brought battery/assault charges against her. So, how does one try and minimize exposure to the passive aggression and spazzing that goes hand in hand with shopping this time of year? Why not make one of the many December holiday craft shows your one-stop shop for your entire gift list. You’ll meet amazingly talented people and get some one of a kind presents in the process. Below is a gift guide featuring some of the beautifully made and unique wares I perused at Second Storie — an annual holiday craft fair in upstate New York that I wrote about here — to give you a peek at the types of goodies that could be awaiting your purchase at your local craft market.

For Your Lady Friends:

From top left, left to right: Handwoven Loop Scarf by Secret Pocket. These scarves are very, very soft and sumptuous in person — I would like to commission some sort of full body suit made of them.  Feather Cardigan in Grey by RedPrairiePress. Simple, flattering, and comfortable. Check, check, and check. Classic Sedum Rosette Posts by Mani Designs. With it’s rustic yet polished look, this nature-inspired jewelry literally looks as if it’s glowing. 1920s Vintage Reproduction Garter Set by Previously. These cheeky and girly garters are constructed with the same techniques used for garters in the 1920s. Light on Water Necklace by Foundling. Much of the jewelry by Foundling cleverly features recycled bits of paper or fabric. I bought a ring for a best friend that showcases words cut from an old book.

For the Kiddos:

From top left, left to right: Classic Night-Owl Night Light by Happy Owl Glassworks. I showed this owl night light to my thirty year old friend and she said she wanted one for herself. I think that says it all. Imaginary Monsters Comics, volume 1 by Imaginary Monsters. The plot summary of this comic book reads like every Sci-Fi obsessed kid’s dream: lizard wizards, necromancers (?), and a skull who lives in a dungeon. Birdie Onesie by Peekaboo Collective. This screen printed onesie is cute, but it’s the look on this child’s face that sells it for me. Animal Softies by Bookhou. Check this shop out —  there are awesome tea towels, cute baby bibs, and amazingly crafted chairs in store. These colorful animal dolls look like they could be both a wee one’s best friend and their pillow.

Deck the House:

Cake Plate and Cake Flags by Herriot Grace. I immediately need to own everything in this shop. These very beautiful hand carved wooden kitchen items will make anything you cook look 10 times more delicious and impressive. Dotted Garland by Shanna Murray. What a clever girl, this Shanna Murray. A wall decal that serves as a picture frame of sorts?! Yes (to cake) by The Maple Ridge. I think we can all agree on this one.  M is for Magazine. In Black. by Paper Doll Wood Shop. If you’re like me, this is not only a well-designed magazine holder, it’s a direly needed organizational and de-cluttering item.

Happy Holiday Shopping!!!

Have you unearthed any rare treasures at holiday craft fairs? Do you choose to shop at them instead of at other venues? Please write to us below!

Through the entry way of a Harry Potter-esque stone mansion you’ll find Second Storie, a boutique craft fair held annually the weekend after Thanksgiving in Rochester, New York. Forty crafters from the Northeast and beyond gather for two days under a canopy of bunting to celebrate the city’s creative community, and to hawk some killer handmade holiday wares. I was lucky enough to wrangle Rachael Hetzel, one of Second Storie’s five organizers, away from her booth (where she sells awesome prints!)  to chat about organizing a holiday craft fair, the power of online communities, and the post-Thanksgiving shopping rush.

Second Storie is an impressive five years old. It began when Rachael and her fellow organizers, who are all sellers themselves, noticed the growing popularity of Etsy.com and the movement towards buying handmade. They saw a potential market in their home city of Rochester, pounced on an enlightened idea, and Second Storie was born. Five years in, despite the economy, Second Storie is thriving and buyers are shelling out the bucks for handmade as much as ever. Rachael said, “What we’ve found is that people are still interested in shopping, they just buy smaller or less expensive items.” Buyers have tight purse strings right now, which means they’re extra picky about what they spend their money on. As such, they’re searching for special, one-of-a kind products, that will give them more bang for their buck. Second Storie and other craft fairs, with their trend conscious and unique items, are a perfect answer to this demand.

It is definitely the time for Holiday craft events (the online buzz is almost dizzying) but I was curious as to why the Second Storie organizers chose the weekend after Thanksgiving to throw one. Wouldn’t they be in steep competition with all the Black Friday, big-box holiday sales? Rachael assured me that this was not the case. Second Storie happens once a year, and she explained that this weekend always draws in the largest amount of shoppers, and therefore, the most sales. They’ve experimented with other dates, but turn out for those events never compared to the post-Thanksgiving weekend. People are in town to visit family, she speculated, and everyone’s in a celebratory mood, trypto-phaned out and anxious to knock off their holiday gift lists.

Second Storie may cater specifically to the holiday shopping rush, but preparations begin way back in the warmer months. Applications are received, and come fall the vendor list is whittled down to 40. This process is always really difficult for Rachael. She said that 70% of the sellers are returning vendors, and that they’ve all become very friendly over the years. It’s hard to tell anyone, let alone someone you know well, that they won’t be included in the lineup with everyone else. But Second Storie has very specific ideas about the products they showcase, and are dedicated to their vision of a carefully curated and well rounded vendor list. Their ideal vendor must share a similar, cohesive aesthetic with the other sellers, while offering different and fresh takes on varied products. In terms of the big picture, they’re looking for a selection of sellers that run the gamut — from jewelry to housewares to clothing —  so there’s something eye-catching for every potential buyer. So how to get on “the list” or keep from getting the boot?  Rachael tells me that selling a unique, unusual sort of item, or regularly switching up your product line, always helps a vendor stand out or keep their place in the lineup.

Rachael’s face lit up when I asked her about the online world, and the role it’s played in promoting and building a community around Second Storie. “The internet has helped us connect to potential vendors, meet new people…it’s just done so much,” she explains. She says most people hear about Second Storie via the web, and that it’s also played an important role in promoting her personal print shop, which she runs with her husband. “A website or online shop that includes pictures of your items does a lot when it comes to marketing or selling. With the web, your personal information and details about your products are in one easy place for buyers to see.”

Second Storie launches a full-on new media assault throughout the year. They have a website and a blog that is frequently updated with the organizer’s favorite items, and features profiles of Second Storie vendors leading up to the fair. There’s also a Twitter account, Facebook page, Myspace page, Flickr stream, and an Etsy store. Phew! In terms of old-fashioned PR, Rachael said they write press releases and post flyers around Rochester. This fully rounds out their promotional efforts, reaching a wider audience and drawing in those less tapped into the DIY web-osphere.

I really enjoyed chatting with Second Storie’s sellers — meeting people in person and partaking in their enthusiasm for their products reminds me why I love to write about/for them, and adds an entirely new facet to buying and selling. I think that really speaks to the unique necessity of craft fairs. While the online community is extremely important in terms of  networking, marketing, and selling, there’s nothing like a good, old-fashioned handshake and face-to-face conversation. In some ways, I think it’s one of the best promos your wares can have.

Please stay tuned for a Hello Craft holiday gift guide, featuring some Second Storie superstars!

I wanted to offer some concrete examples of what I was talking about. Here are some creations already applying the 2011 “high designer” trends in various down-to-earth ways. Note the 70s looks, geometric patterns, fall colors recycled for spring, and eclectic pattern mixing — all in handmade action!

Rosette Tan Plaid Shoe … Brydferth $30.00	Lulu Dress miablaz $73.00	Gray Wristlet Upcycled … groundsel $50.00
Fall Bonita Bottoms BrunoPolo $30.00	magic number spinthread $65.00	Florence Broadhurst Pri… AlfalfaBunch $14.00
Zackengebuesch // Spiky… karamelo $9.00	Pink Fire Hoodie / by R… replicca $75.00	Small neon orange trian… essimar $14.00
doily coasters uncommon $	Beaded woven barrette u… ThunderBoltBea… $55.00	Romantic Wrap Top With … Lirola $75.00
Chocolate Stripes with … FA2u $32.90	NEW The Love Fox limite… inaluxe $33.00	Eclectic rustic gold fi… tinahdee $

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Geometric Stocking by Etsy seller rikrak

Everyone already seems a tizzy about the upcoming holiday season, and perhaps rightfully so. Inventory doesn’t just magically generate itself, you know. So with world-wide fashion weeks finally over, I thought that now might be a good time to sit back with a cup of tea, take a breath of that fall air, and assess the current “trend” situation before the full-on holiday feeding frenzy ensues.

“Trends” are sometimes thought of as vague, fickle, and fleeting, but it’s possible that incorporating them into your wares, or at least educating yourself as to your products place amongst them, could poise you ahead of the game and grant you a competitive edge when selling this holiday season.

For example, the Geometric Stocking by Etsy seller rikrak, featured to the right, manages to combine holiday cheer with the very popular geometric and color blocking look. So unique! So now!

Here are three trends that I believe bridge the “so hot right now” with the “up and coming” spring trend cycle.

Trend numero 1: The 70s are back

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 collection was full-on 70s. photos: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com via Style.com

Ever since the show Mad Men has reached near-cult-like status, the 50s look has been all the rage. (On a side, did anyone watch the season finale last Sunday?!) This retro trend continues this spring, progressively, with a focus on 70s fashion.

Yes, Saturday Night Fever inspired white suits are back, and I don’t know how I’m feeling about that. And no amount of convincing from Anna Wintour is going to grow me the confidence to rock a silk jumpsuit in public.

But there are some more toned down and wearable looks featured this season, such as: halters, wide trousers, full skirts with belt cinched waists, and dainty lady-like accessories. Basically, put flowers or bows on anything and you’re down to channel a young and stylish version of your grandma (or mom) via 2011. Prepare to watch Jodi Foster circa Taxi Driver share a sartorial handshake with Sally Draper or a Hitchcock heroine.

Trend 2: Geometry 101

Prabal Gurung Spring 2011; 3.1 Philip Lim Spring 2011. Both photos: imaxtree.com via elle.com

Bent, carved, sculptural, the square root of Pi. Math is all around us, my calculus teacher used to tell me. Geometric patterns and shapes are everywhere you look right now (hello, bunting trend!) and will continue to be during warmer times.

Bold, minimalist designs pack a lot of punch, affording dramatic blocks of color or sculptural forms without any bells and whistles. Reflecting our trying economic times, designs need to go farther with less, and geometry definitely takes us there.

But reasonings aside, the great thing about this look is that it’s easily transferable to a slew of designs and products. Whether it be  jewelry, home wares, fine art, or textiles, right and obtuse angels can and probably will be everywhere, even in the most subtle of ways. Take note.

Trend Trois: Fall colors recycled

Spring 2011 runway looks from 3.1 Phillip Lim, Richard Chai Love, Yigal Azrouël, Rag & Bone. Photos courtesy of the designers. Image via refinery29.com

While spring 2011 collections definitely celebrate blinding pops of color (please refer to the geometric trend discussed above!) warm and neutral fall tones will be reincarnated fresh for springtime. Fashion is actually learning to recycle! White and taupe are “so major” during the 2011 spring season, as well as: greys, browns, beige, mint, and muted pinks and blues.

Dress by Proenza Schouler. Photo: Imaxtree via Elle.come

But if this color palette is your aesthetic equivalent of reading War and Peace, you’ll be happy to know that the color of the year is a kinetic orange, so intense it causes Adderall cravings. Please observe the decidedly Halloween Proenza Schouler dress to your right. And to think, this dress is for spring, not fall!

Final fourth trend: Pattern Insanity

Miu Miu Spring 2011. Photo by Imaxtree.com via Elle.com

Rodarte 2011 Spring collection, photo credit: Dan & Corrina Lecca via harpersbazaar.com

Coming out of left field, schizophrenic looking pattern mixing is also on the map in 2011. These looks combine crazy, colorful prints and textures to put some jazzy unpredictability back into fashion.

With this trend, there’s a delicate balance between looking “fun” and like you dressed yourself while drunk, but when it works it works. It’ll be interesting to see the handmakers’ take on this risky but outside-the-box style. I salute anyone who boldly dons this look (or those silk jumpsuits.)

There are many more spring 2011 fads to study and ponder — lace, denim, animal prints, and stripes, oh my! — but I’ll save them all for a later post. Halloween may be near, but I don’t want to cause any Zombie-like head explosions from fashion information overload. I do hope, however, that these three trends get the creative juices flowing for relevant and modern looks that add extra panache for your holiday sales.

If you’ve eyed any trends that I’ve missed, or if you’d like to comment on how trends affect business, please write to us below. And remember: always be true to your own tastes, though it never hurts to keep your eyes peeled for what’s next!

Hello Craft is excited to be partnering with the One of a Kind Show & Sale and will have a booth at OOAK’s holiday show at Pier 94 in New York from December 11th-13th.  We’ll host a Make Something Awesome area with hands on craft projects and conduct shopper interviews along with a workshop or two.  More details will be announced in the coming months.

If you are interested in exhibiting, space is still available,  but hurry!  Artist criteria and application info is available here.  Contact Libby Hanna at 312.527.7757 or lhanna@mmart.com, or Courtney Walsh at 646.778.3236 or cwalsh@mmart.com to find out what is needed to qualify for the show.

Here’s some more info about the OOAK NYC show from their site:

Launching December 11-13, 2009 at Pier 94, the One of a Kind Show and Sale NYC will be an extraordinary holiday shopping show featuring the best in fine art and fine craft from hundreds of unique artists, artisans and designers from across North America.  Each item for sale at the show will be made by hand, one piece at a time, and every artist represented will be in attendance—offering shoppers the wonderful opportunity to buy pieces directly from the artist who created it and support the independent artist community.

Skipping Lilies Jewelry

Lillie & Cohoe Hat

Weener Ware

And, if you haven’t had a chance to listen to the latest episode of the Hello Craft podcast, check it out.  This special episode is sponsored by our friends at One of a Kind Show and features an awesome story about how Tina Seamonster learns to embroider and relax.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the day:

Purchase: Plush from Plants & Animals

Reason: Fuzzy

Purchase: Cards (1 Gocco printed, 1 screen printed) by Levi

Reason: Awesomeness!

Purchase: Bag by Maluhia Designs

Reason: It’s really cute.

Purchase: Body care from MeMe Cosmetics. Already owned the hat from Knot Ugly.

Purchase: Clock made with bike parts from 1.by.liz

Why: Gift

Purchase: Necklace and earrings

Reason: 22nd wedding anniversary gift

More photos after the jump.

Purchases: Calendars and stationery from Cecily Ink

Reason: Teach design and have used her work as examples in class. Love her stuff.

Purchases: Bird Light switch plate from Bishop Lennon & buttons. Ornament made in DIY area at Crafty Wonderland

Purchase: Card from Suga Press

Reason: Unique, local and very beautiful

Purchase: Owl from Plants & Animals

Purchase: Poppy scarf from from Bella Sisters.

Reason: Favorite colors and matches 90% of my wardrobe.

Purchases: Octopus shirt from Flapper Girl and Herbivore shirt from Salmon Street Studios

Reason: Gifts for daughters. One is a marine biologist and one is a vegetarian.

Amazing jackets from Bella Sisters.

The day was rather overwhelming with the abundance of eye-catching, hand-crafted goodness, no doubt we missed something utterly amazing. Tell us about your Crafty Wonderland finds in the comments. You can check out the entire vendor list at CraftyWonderland.com. If you are in the Portland area, a smaller, more intimate Crafty Wonderland is takes place every month. Visit their site for details.

We often feature the work of crafters we meet at shows like Crafty Wonderland in our Etsy favorites. Click the SHOP tab at the top of this page to see what’s got our eye at the moment.

Purchase: Blood Pillow by Kelly Rand
Why: Couldn’t resist!

Scarves, hats and yarn were popular items:

De*Nada Designs had comfy warm scarves and mittens.

Purchase: Seafoam handspun yarn from Folktale Fibers
Why: It’s beautiful!

Purchase: Scarf from Kitten Rockswell

Why: Amazing!

Purchase: Hat from Pile of Craft (that’s my company).

Why: I like the yellow

Purchase: Pile of Craft scarf made with soft yarn from Woolarina Handspun

Why: I wanted it!!

Purchase: Scarf from Kitten Rockswell

Why: A gift for a friend. Cool colors.

Purchased: More Cowbell! baby outfit from 60 Bugs
Why: My friend had a second baby so I had to get her the latest craze!

Purchase: Melvins Poster from El Jefe Designs
Why: I really like his Black Cat Posters. I like his jams!

El Jefe talks to Booty Market shoppers

Purchase: Egg necklace from Kristina Bilonick
Why: I wanted it for a long time. Egg admirer.

Purchase (that’s me): Stag thermal from Kristina Bilonick
Why: Love it! Perfect for the season.

Looking for more gift ideas?  There were handsewn beer koozies, zombie and gnome ornaments, and even maybe some gocco printed fabric envelopes (which you can find this Saturday at the Mutiny’s Trunk Show).

Have you purchased handmade goods the world should know about?  Tell us about them in the comments.  Don’t forget to include links to your favorite items or shops.