Great idea

Fabulously great idea of the day

You've got to read the comments on that one, too- lots of laughs!

Handmade Gifting

I am doing my best to avoid the plastic-y, mass made junk this Christmas. Here's why:

-my kids have enough plastic, and if melted down and rolled thin, it could probably Saran Wrap the Earth a gazillion times.

-its all made in China, and China hasn't been producing the healthiest products lately

-I like supporting the independent artist/crafter/business person

-doesn't everyone like a gift that is one-of-a kind or a limited edition

-personality and character

- Etsy makes is really easy, and so does PayPal

-and have you noticed that Etsy makes handmade much less expensive than your local boutique?

-trading at Mamamade was a good kick start at seeking out handmade, and I feel like I can't stop now

-today's handmade is usually tomorrows heirloom, or the much loved toy. Rarely is a handmade item the thing that hits the landfill first

So, tonight, I have my eye on some gifties for Lael. Her birthday is coming up, and so is Christmas. I really have my eye on one of these dolls from BabyBearShop (a Mamamade business). I found the supplier on Etsy (that's where the "soft friends" image came from).

I showed Lael the picture on the BabyBearShop website and she said, "I want one and two and all of dem" [holding out fingers to show just how many]. So, I'm sure she'll love it (yes, sadly, just one... although I agree with her- they are all worthy of loving and owning!) And, with a gorgeous doll, I began thinking that its about time my daughter had a cradle. Back to Etsy and I found these *wood* handcrafted beauties:

I'm waiting to hear back from the seller (from Carlsbad- my old neck of the woods!) so that I can find out if the pink dot one is still in stock. If not, should I go with yellow, or peach, or green? It must be one with dots. I love the dots!

UPDATED: I bought the yellow one. Erika, you shoved me over the edge (should have known you'd pick yellow :-) !)

I'm afraid some of my other handmade purchases will have to go un-blogged in case the surprise is blown. But, I may post other neat handmade items I come across... we could all use some inspiration to buy handcrafted, local, well constructed items that are easier on the planet than the gobs of cheaply made plastic *stuff*.