From sophisticated to sweet: My Etsy Wish List

While I should have been printing, trimming, packing and cutting this morning in preparation for Renegade in Chicago next week, I got caught up in the spirit of Cyber Monday and spent the whole morning window shopping on Etsy. Here's a peak at what I put on my wish list after browsing through my favorite sellers' shops.

Jean Color Denim Handbag
by Crazy Boy from Thailand

Genteel Leather Wallet
by Urban Heirlooms from New Jersey

Sally coat
by Little Houses from Vancouver

Set of 4 Soft Cotton Bracelets
by Eastern Sky from Shropshire, UK

Printed linen sachets
by Designs Maya Made from upstate New York

Miss Knit brooch
by Crafty Folk from Portland, OR

Veekee Agenda/Midnight Tulip
by Veekee from Edmonton

Business card and address file box organizer
by Freestyle Gifts from San Francisco

Vintage Locker baskets
Old Crow Farm from Iowa

So while I drool some more over these gems, now's the time to take advantage of hot Cyber Monday deals on Etsy. My shop, as well as many others, has free worldwide shopping until midnight tonight. So don't delay! And let me know what favorites you find.

Let the DIY HOLIDAY Season Begin: Especially in Detroit & Chicago!

Cheery new gift tags now available in the shop.

I have never been one to break into the holiday cheer business until well after Thanksgiving — it usually hits me about a week or so before Christmas and then I scurry around like a madwoman. But this year, being so much more involved with the online world of making stuff and with craft shows and all, I have been fully caught up in the business of holiday cheer since the very beginning of November.

This is where the world of online shopping is blessed: no dang Christmas music even if you do start your shopping early — the best! It's easy to get so caught up in it all that you think you are behind. I have to keep reminding myself, that, no, I'm actually ahead of the curve; it really is still a week before Thanksgiving. AND, I am so pleased to admit that I LOVE it. I love the whole kit and kaboodle of dwelling on gingerbread and candy canes, holly and ornaments way too early. So, as I said in the title of this post, "Let the Holiday Season Begin!!" Bring on the snow! And better still, bring on the shopping! I have two holiday oriented shows coming up right around the corner — come on out and be merry!

The first is this Saturday, November 21 in Detroit. It is the utterly fantastic Detroit Urban Craft Fair at the Majestic Theater from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. I was new to the area last year and went as a shopper to this fair and it blew me away. An amazing roster of vendors, delicious food — and beer, what more could a giddy holiday shopper want?!?! So come on down this year and see what it's all about! More details and directions here: www.detroiturbancraftfair.com.

The second show is the Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale in Chicago, December 5 and 6. It's from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse. To me, this is the mother of all craft fairs. Hundreds of tremendously talented vendors from near and far with such a wide variety of handmade items to share. I'll be sharing a table with the lovely, talented Michelle of Elevated Press who makes beautiful letter-pressed stationary.

Hope you are starting to feel the cheer, too!