Etsy Winter Gift Guide

I haven't put together a gift guide in some time and thought you could use one! Here are some of my recent finds on etsy. Use the provided links to check out the rest of their items! Oh, and did I mention that it's all on SALE?!

Sterling Silver Earrings by Made by Sam



Lotus Sundae Cups by Tracy McEvilly Ceramics



Messenger Bag in Leaves and Grey by Bayan Hippo Handmade



Fill-In Invitations (5 x 7) by Shalom's Cottage Home Greetings

Back to School Gift Guide - etsy.com

It's time for more of my etsy favorites. I've been seeing tons of stuff on etsy lately that I've wanted to share. I decided that a "Back to School" gift guide is in order. My nephew just returned to school today (third grade!) and my sister returned to her college studies yesterday. I've attempted to include a wide range of styles and gifts for various ages. If you have further suggestions, please feel free to put some links in the "comments."

fernfiddlehead
MacBook Envelope - 13 inch

I just had to include this for my husband's sake. What's better than a handmade envelope for your MacBook. Hmmm...maybe I need one. This is made specifically for MacBooks and MacBook Pros from speckled brown denim cotton and lined with brown and white striped cotton.




my duck duck goose
Turtle Time Personalized Metal Lunch Box

Start out the new school year in an eco-friendly fashion. Give up those paper lunch bags and try out one of these lead-free, food-safe, personalizable lunch boxes. Just think, your child can be socially responsible and stylish all at once.




1 crown 3 tiaras
Eden Ruffle Blouse

I love this beautiful, bright blouse for fall! These colors would flatter any little girl and make quite an impression at school.




an artful agenda
Artful Lesson Planner with Hand-Drawn Art

Any teacher would surely love a handmade planner to start the school year. It's always a good idea to start out on the right foot with your child's teacher, isn't it?




StoriesDivinations
One of a Kind Handcrafted Magnets

These magnets are made with original vintage schoolbook illustrations, super-strong magnets and multiple layers of varnish for long use. I think these would make a great gift for a teacher, useful for hanging your child's artwork on the fridge or super-cute in a child's room.




RW2 Gallery
Speak No Evil, Hear No Evil, See No Evil Pencil Case

I can imagine that some teenage boys would be thrilled to use these pencil cases at school. In fact, it may be the only reason they would ever even consider carrying a pencil case! I'm sure there are some girls that would like them as well, and they would surely be popular with the college set.



Sinem Inugar
Thundercloud Everyday Bag

I think I need this bag for back to school! It would work well as a purse, book bag, diaper bag or shopping bag and would appeal to a broad age range. It measues 13.7" x 13.7" x 18.8."




Britgal Designs
Insulated Lunch Bag

What a stylish and eco-friendly way for you or your child to carry lunch to work or school. The bag is made with 100% cotton Alexander Henry Hollywood fabric and measures 10" x 10" x 4.5."




little fish in a big pond
You Make It Dress Kit

This adorable dress kit comes in sizes 3T to 7Y. It can be worn as a dress and then, as the child grows, a blouse.

Etsy Greetings Showcase

I haven't posted in a few days because I have been busy hanging out with my niece, Mea, and sister-in-law, Paige. Of course we had an amazing time with them. LB and Mea were so cute running around screaming and laughing. Their energy is definitely infectious. And then there's Paige. She is the most adorable pregnant woman around in her short shorts, tank tops and bikinis. She looks just like Paige with a ball on the front. This is probably due in large part to the fact that she is still Zumba-ing at eight months! She's apparently a legend at the local YMCA. Anyway, we were all having so much fun that I neglected the blog and my shop. Tomorrow I hope to blog more about the visit and post some cute pics of the girls. But, for now, on to the showcase.

Etsy Greetings Street Team Showcase

I created this showcase using the search term "etsygreetings." These are a few of my favorites, but there are many, many more out there worth viewing. If you search using either "etsygreetings" or "etsygreetingsteam," you will have hundreds, if not thousands, of choices.

Tweet - Tweet Little Felt Bird (Any Occasion Card)



I love all of the layers and textures in this card by Adore by Nat. And who could resist this lovely little bird?

Herb Notecards - Set of 4



These cards from winemakerssister have me drooling for the first harvest of herbs from my garden. What better way is there to send a greeting during these gorgeous summer months?

Vintage Humpty Dumpty Clown (Note Card)



This card from Kelly Bee's Place looks like a vintage upcycled piece, but is completely new and designed to appear vintage. I love this about it!

Goldfish Bubbles Blank Folded Note Card



Fubabee's goldfish card evokes a peaceful Japanese garden, while also giving one a sense of movement. This is a modern interpretation of a classic theme.

Little b Bunny Selected for Gift Guide

I was just selected for my first gift guide on etsy! I'm sooo excited! It's a Father's Day Weekend Deals theme. How cool is that? Here's the link: Gift Guide on Etsy.

And here is a screen shot of the page:

Etsy "Yart Sale" Gift Guide

The annual "Yart* Sale" on etsy began yesterday and goes through the 14th. For specifics on the sales, you can visit the Etsy Supplies Street Team's blog. It's basically a big yard sale for the art on etsy. Fun, huh? I think this would be a good time for a gift guide, don't you? This time I'm taking a different approach to the creation of the guide. Instead of doing all of the searching myself, I'm letting the sellers come to me. I put a post in the forums letting everyone know that I am looking for Yart items to feature. I'm going to let it go for a while and then I will choose those I want to include in the gift guide.

Oceanic Flower Necklace Crocheted in Cotton



All "Yart Sale" items in Fuzzy Lumpkin's Crochet Shop are already discounted 10% and include free shipping.

Gulf Breeze Vegan Soap



All of the soaps in the Solstice Scents Soap Shop are discounted through the end of the "Yart Sale."

Blank Hand-Stamped Red and White Flower Journal



All items purchased from Green Ribbon Gifts during the sale are shipped for free.

Stained Glass--Sunburst



All of Radiance Art's stained glass items are 20% during the sale.

Keep on Growing



Moon Through Fog has a section for the "Yart Sale" in her shop with marked down work. Items not on sale are eligible for free shipping and gift of an original drawing.


*Yard+Art=Yart

And a few of my own "Yart Sale" items:

Blooming Blue



Botanics Art Card Set



my DAD

Mother's Day Gift Guide-Part Four (Finale)

Well, this is it. This is the final installment of my mother's day gift guide. I learned a lot about how I use etsy from this experience. I realized that I typically browse the front page and treasuries, but don't just do a lot of random searching. For the guide I wanted to be sure to have a wide variety of sellers, not just those that have been featured. I spent a lot of time using Time Machine and doing a lot of keyword searches. I've seen a ton of great handmade stuff that I wouldn't see otherwise. Now I'm even more impressed with the quality and variety on etsy. Wow!

I've gotten a lot of positive feedback as a result of the gift guide, so I'm going to be sure to feature others in the future. If you have any suggestions for themes or handmade sellers, please let me know! If you're just joining us now, please check out the three previous installments of the gift guide.

Mother's Day Gift Guide-Part Four



The perfect gift for the mom who loves vintage AND books! This bookmark from Gemma Beads is created from antique typewriter keys set in lace edged settings. Tuck this into a classic novel and you'll be giving a gift I would love to get!



I love vintage inspired aprons. This one from Bambino Amore has the charm of June Cleaver with the edginess of the modern mother. This apron is 100% handmade (she didn't even use a pattern). There are other patterns available in this shop, as well as some super-cute half aprons.



This necklace is a bit pricier than the other items I've selected for the guide. However, it is so beautiful that I felt it worth it for a special treat for mom. It is handcrafted by Natasha Grasso from fine silver rather than sterling. It doesn't tarnish as sterling does and is much brighter.



I have a thing for felt...and for gray...and for notebooks or journals, so of course I would love this handmade notepad from concepcioun. It measures 3.5"x5" and is fade and wear resistant.



How cool is this? This wall pocket from Manta Wave is on sale! The pocket is waterproof, making it a perfect vase for all of the fresh flowers you're going to give your mother for her special day.

Mother's Day Gift Guide-Part Three (We're almost there.)

We're over the halfway mark now. One more installment to go and this Mother's Day Gift Guide will be finished. Check out these sellers if you are looking for some great gift ideas. Handmade is the way to go! Also, make sure you check out the shameless self-promotion I indulged in at the bottom of the post!

Mother's Day Gift Guide-Part Three



I know, I know. I'm evil. You're all drooling, I'm sure. This "Triple Chocolate Heaven" cupcake is VEGAN. That's right! VEGAN. And it and many other vegan delights are available at the cupcake mint. I have a feeling that they might remove any skepticism you might have about veganism.



There is tons of fun stuff in the Sweet Rice vintage shop, but this "Orange Ceramic Planter" really pops! It's clearly from the 1970s (you can help mom take a walk down memory lane) and has a cool splatter glaze. Just think, you can support etsy and recycle!



Mmmm...This guide is beginning to make me hungry. Clearly this can't be eaten, but it reminds me of fresh blueberries on top of a delicious pancake with maple syrup.... Anyway, this is actually a body scrub, but the folks (yes, I said "folks") over at Madeline Bea Soap Co. say it smells just like fresh blueberries and provides many of the same benefits. Besides that, the labels look all country store and vintagey, which is always fun.



My sister-in-law Michelle has a thing for large bags. I think it's one part aesthetics and another part necessity. I mean the girl carries apples around with her. Anyway, if she were a mother (and she will be someday soon), this would be the perfect Mother's Day gift for her. This XL Hobo Bag from retrofied is made from a neato Amy Butler pattern and is lined with corduroy. Now that I think about it, perhaps Ben should buy this for Michelle in anticipation of her becoming a mother some day!



Here we go with the trees again. I can't help myself. I'm a tree person. This is an original pen and ink drawing, but is an affordable gift because it is an ACEO (Art Cards, Editions and Originals) and is about the size of a trading card. I think this is an awesome way to collect a variety of limited edition or original artwork without breaking the bank. Besides, you get to support the art community, in this case tamara garvey illustration.

Shameless Self-Promotion:

Don't say I didn't warn you. Here are some recently listed items in the shop, one of which has already sold. Yay!

Mother's Day Gift Guide-Part Two (I'm baaack.)

Alrighty-O. Yes, I really said that. You aren't imagining it. I'm in a goofy mood. I'm back and I've got more suggestions for Mother's Day gifts. I've decided to do four installments of five items. This is in part because, as I discovered yesterday, these are difficult decisions and it takes time. I was also thinking that large gift guides can be overwhelming. This way you can slowly absorb the ideas and perhaps one will stand out to you. Before I get started with the guide, I have to slip in a "Brennan of the Day." Yesterday she was playing with the grass from her Easter basket. She grabbed a handful of it, held it up to me and said, "This is God's hair." I have no idea where that came from.

Mother's Day Gift Guide-Part Two



"Green Teapot II" is from a new etsy seller (joined this month) who also happens to be from my old stomping ground of Pensacola, FL. Back to Earth is full of absolutely beautiful work. And wouldn't it just thrill you to be his first buyer?

Don't you just love, love, love this clutch from Fiaz Co? It looks almost like it has been hand painted. The inside is lined in a robin's egg blue silk. Handmade. Need I say more?

For the mother who sews..."Alexander Henry Camden Fair Red, Yard Set." Fabric Worm is full of gorgeous, colorful and sometimes quirky fabrics that I would love to get my grimey little hands on. If you aren't crazy about this set, there are tons and tons to choose from.

This is quickly becoming a gift guide for me. I can't help it. A girl loves what she loves, and I totally love this needlefelt art. Deebs Fiber Art shop offers the "No.379 Lone Tree Too" both with and without a mat. Add a frame and you've got a truly unique gift.

The "Twisted and Textured Silver Dangle Earrings" are handmade from 99.9% pure silver by Beadz N 'Thingz. I think they look light and springy, but would work just as well with a sweater this fall. And just think, you can impress your mother with your knowledge of handcrafted fine silver.

Be sure to check out the comments for yesterday's post. "Meltem" is offering a freebie with a $50.00 purchase in her shop this weekend.

Mother's Day Gift Guide-Part One

I know that I haven't posted in a little while and I need to play catch up. I have some Easter pics to share, a recipe and some potty training success stories. However, today I foud myself in the mood to browse around etsy. Since I couldn't justify just doing it for the fun of it, I decided to make an etsy gift guide for Mother's Day. It's just around the corner and, if you plan to order from etsy, you'll need to factor in time for shipping (international orders may take up to two weeks to arrive). While I will be posting some Mother's Day cards, as well as blank ones that would be appropriate, I'm not going to be lame and include my own stuff in the gift guide. I think I will leave the shameless self-promotion off of the blog today. I guess I'm just feeling generous...or am such a good person...or just think that if I am promoting etsy I am promoting myself anyway.

Mother's Day Gift Guide

This "Geranium Sage Vegan Cold Process Soap" looks good enough to eat. It comes from Long Winter Farm's etsy shop, which also features soaps with awesome names like "Bloody Lumberjack" and "Hippie Stink." I started to feature one of these, but could just see the look on the face of some mother when gifted with something called "Hippie Stink" on Mother's Day. I haven't smelled or used these soaps, but they look delicious. They're also cruelty-free, and you can't beat that with a stick.


The "Become Rose Garden Shawl Brooch" is from the etsy shop Melt'm Design Studio and is handcrafted from sterling silver. It's a beautiful piece and this seller is offering free shipping worldwide through the end of April.


I'd love to have the "Bee Bee Beautiful Bee Brilliant Green Trinket Dish" for my very own (you know how I love those little Bs). They come from My Mother's Garden, which features many treats for gifting. A percentage of the sales in the shop will be donated to kiva.org.


Stick this ACEO from Snap Dragon Studios in a nice frame and you've got a lovely gift for one of the mothers in your life. I admit to having a tree obsession, but who wouldn't love this? Your mother gets a piece of original art and you get to visit it every now and then.


This "butter cream birdhouse" from greenware design is actually a hanging planter for an air plant. It comes with the plant and some moss (mmm...did somebody say moss?). This reminds me of trips to Florida as a kid. My brothers brought some air plants home. We couldn't believe they didn't need the dirt!

Okay, I just renamed this post "Mother's Day Gift Guide-Part One." This is taking waaay longer than I anticipated. There's just so much to choose from on etsy. So, I guess I'll complete the guide in installments. This is part one with more to follow.

etsy.com

Okay, I may as well admit it up front. I LOVE etsy. I am absolutely and completely addicted. I love selling, buying, reading the blogs and posting on the community pages. I can't help myself. I think it may be spreading too. My mother-in-law has been spending a fair amount of time browsing various shops! It's a good thing though. More and more I find myself drawn to handmade goods. If I can't make it myself (or don't have the time), I am no longer easily lured into the mall shops to buy something. I would much prefer purchasing an item someone else has taken the time to craft. Street fair season is coming up, so this is a good time to start thinking about gifts you might need throughout the year. However, etsy is always there! So, if you have a chance, take the time to check out etsy.com. In the future, I hope to be featuring some of my favorite shops. Feel free to share yours in the "comments" section. In the meantime, here are some of the items that have sold recently in my shop.

All Buttoned Up Card




Baby Girrrl Album



Tangled Up in Blues (Set of Six Small Notecards)