Christmas Shopping, for Family and Myself.

I have been doing a lot of shopping on Etsy lately.  I have a small extended family, so there aren’t many to shop for.  My brother has no children and I will probably make a necklace for his girlfriend.  My husband is an only child, my Mom doesn’t wear jewelry, so I have no opportunity to make anything for her, but I have found some really fantastic gifts for everyone on Etsy.  I haven’t bought anything for my two boys on Etsy, because a 2 and 4 year old just won’t appreciate “hand crafted.”  They want Fisher Price crafted.

My husband asked me what I wanted for Christmas, and I told him nothing but some more memory for my computer.  I have done quite a bit of shopping on Etsy for myself as is!

For my Mom and my Mohter-in-Law, I bought some ornaments from Thinkoutsidethebox.  They are adorable and so well crafted.  Ornaments for the tree are such a timeless gift, and they serve as a reminder of the memories of Christmas with family, year after year.

I also bought the cardinals in her shop for the respective mothers and just recently ordered a pair for my own tree.

My parents love to feed the deer who come around their house, and my Mom is an animal lover, especially of vulnerable baby animals, so I purchased this adorable print from SharonMontrose. The picture is so interesting because it almost looks like a water color.  James, my husband, is going to frame it for me.

I am growing out my bangs so I have been shopping for hair clips and there are so many cute ones to choose from on Etsy.  I found some hair poppies from inafrenzy and I love them.  I ordered a couple of pairs and I am including a couple of them in a gift box for a friend.

I also bought some cute Wee Bobbies from Accessoire.  They are such a beautiful deep red color and so well made.  She has some in white right now that I am trying my hardest not to snatch up.

I also loved these beaded vintage earrings turned hair bobbies from youaremysunshine.  They sparkle a little more than the photo captures.  The bobby pins are sturdy as well.  Okay yes, I obviously have a hair accessory problem, okay?

I haven’t taken this gorgeous necklace from organikx off since it arrived in the mail.  It is a perfect every day wear necklace and I just am in love with it.  The oxidization on the silver contrasting with the pearl is just stunning.

I was pouncing around Etsy and I saw jNicDesigns was having a 3 day sale and these pearl and oxidized  sterling silver earrings were a perfect accompaniment to the necklace!  It was fate that brought us together.  Fate and Pounce.  I also buy from jNicLoft for gemstone supplies, always such a stunning collection.

Handmade soap is always a wonderful and affordable option to treat yourself and others.  I bought a few soaps for others and myself.  Including some Peaches and Cream soap from dennisanderson

Now, again, we move on to jewelry.  I love jewelry, love making it and love wearing it especially when it is different from what I make and made by other skilled Etsians.

I ordered a “build your own” Pod Necklace from moxiedesigns.  I selected the dark teal yarn.  I love this necklace, it is so well made and so different from every other necklace out there.  My two boys love it as well, I think it is something about the texture.

I had my eye on these for a while in brookmarton ’s shop.  They are just a great winter earring, so pure and sparkly looking.  Finally, I caved and ordered them just a day ago, I can’t wait to receive them!

So obviously I have done a lot of shopping.  More for myself on Etsy, at least.    I will have to buy a few more things for friends and family to balance it out.

Favorite Supplier: CharmedbyHelena

Tourmalinated Quartz

Look at these gorgeous gems!  My favorite gem at the moment is Troumalinated Quartz.  These briolettes are stunning!  I love these gems because each one is different and they have so much depth.  The black marks darting through the clear quartz is almost dynamic, as if you are looking at atomic particles leaving a trail through mist.  These gems were worth a little bit higher expense, and the shipping was fast and they look just as beautiful in person.  She sells gemstones and stunning jewelry.  www.charmbedbyhelena.etsy.com.

Tourmalinated Quartz Dangles

I made these earrings out of two of them for a friend of mine for a formal event.  I am so inspired by them I want to make a few more designs with them for my shop and perhaps a couple things for myself.

Favorite Sellers: prettyoriginals

I ordered some marble magnets from www.prettyoriginals.etsy.com. I plan to make these one day for fun, but in the meantime I wanted to see some well-made marble magnets up close, and also to have them to adorn my fridge and all the various preschool calendars, kid pictures and other things a fridge collects. These little magnets are so cute and the magnets sticks well and holds even the thickest paper to the fridge. I know some people are minimalist and prefer not to have a fridge covered in papers and clutter, but we are not that house. And these magnets are perfect. Fast shipping as well, almost immediate gratification. She also makes jewelry, gift tins and other assorted fun little beauties.