Xiztance

With the the holidays just weeks away, time is running out to find that perfect gift. Lucky for you, I'll help you out and tell you that chainmaille makes a great gift for just about anyone! The multitude of different weaves mean that everyone will find something suited to them. And it's unisex...even better!

Xiztance has some of the most beautiful work I've seen. Just check out her Eye of the Storm sterling silver bracelet.

Organidog

Have you ever read the label on a can of pet food? If so, you're probably aware that pet food often contains so many mysterious animal parts and byproducts that it makes spam look wholesome.

Luckily, there are now more healthy pet foods on the market, such as Organidog's organic, free-of-weirdness pet treats. And if that wasn't enough, she also specializes in custom dog collars and leashes, so you can walk your dog in style!

Zahour

I'm always amazed at the stunning work by all of the jewelry artists out there. Just take a look at Zahour's Collette ring - need I say more?

Stop by her shop, http://zahour.etsy.com/ to view even more fabulous metalwork by this talented artist.

Snug Bug Clothing

Snug Bug Clothing features baby gear in awesome colors and patterns. Just check out this matching set with a bib, changing pad, and burp cloth!

Heart of a Cowgirl

Check out this stunning cuff bracelet made from a recycled leather belt and beautiful turquoise chips!

Stop by the Heart of a Cowgirl shop for more recycled leather bracelets and other handcrafted jewelry featuring sterling silver and quality gemstones.

Besem Natural Scents

The handmade item that I purchase the most of by far is soap. If you haven't tried it, commercial soap doesn't even compare to handmade! Handmade soaps tend to be much more moisturizing and are usually loaded with magnificently scented natural oils.

Besem Natural Scents offers giant bars of handmade cold process soap such as this invigorating Rosemary Mint soap. And if that wasn't enough to reel you in, Besem Natural Scents also offers handmade beeswax/palm pillar candles - an excellent (and more eco-friendly) alternative to petroleum-based candles!

Moodwax

Moodwax specializes in clean-burning, fragrant candles made from her exclusive soy-paraffin wax blend.

Stop by her shop to try out these delicious Lemon Pound Cake votives or any of her other great scents!

My Handbound Books

My Handbound books specializes in beautiful journals, notebooks and sketchbooks like this pink and brown leather leather notebook set.

Stop by their store to check out all of their beautiful handmade books!

Monday Suck-Day Give-Away!

We all know that Mondays suck. Luckily for us, ChristopherandTia host a Monday Suck-Day Give-away on their blog to make it just a little bit better. Stop by their blog for a chance to win this beautiful cranberry soap from SudsNSuch and 6 handmade Christmas cards from Blueleaves.

Avocado Creations

There's definitely no excuse to still be using plastic bags for groceries when you could be using one of these stylish bags from Avocado Creations! Each bag is handsewn of cotton, lined with a coordinating fabric for durability, and feature comfy handles that won't cut off your circulation when you're hauling your groceries in the house.

The bags are roomy, so they will fit all of your purchases and they come in a variety of colors to fit anyone's taste!

Too Aquarius

I've professed my love for handmade supplies many times, and once you take a look at tooaquarius' shop, you'll see why.

Her handmade Dark Pink Roses Beads are just one example of the beautiful polymer clay creations she has available.

The Tiny Fig

The Tiny Fig is the ultimate Queen of Cute! These adorable Blue Bird Studs are designed and hand-created by The Tiny Fig.

Check out her shop for an array of cute polymer clay and shrink plastic hairpins and little studs like these.

The Tiny Fig also offers her own handmade canvas wristlets. Each wristlet is handsewn and screen printed by The Tiny Fig.

Get yours fast because the Leaf Print Wristlet shown on the right is a limited edition!

Tidbits and Bits

TidBits and Bits "Love Sticks" scratch board is one of my new favorite finds! Each scratch board is hand etched by the artist, so no two will ever be exactly the same. The bold lines and contrast with just a hint of color will make any room seem modern and stylish!

Jill Draper Makes Stuff

One of my favorite things about Etsy is that you can get so many fabulous handmade supplies! Just look at this beautiful handspun merino wool yarn by Jill Draper Makes Stuff.

Jill's yarn has such beautiful rich colors that it makes me wish that my knitting skills were worthy! Also stop by Jill's shop for her embroidered boxes and other handmade goodies!

Three of Wands

These little sterling silver "Heart of the Matter" earrings are just a few of the great finds at Three of Wands. Her shop features colorful beaded designs, art, magnets and more.

Also be sure to check out The Abbey for more great jewelry and accessories including her adorable little pocket mirror pouches!

Beads in the Belfry

I have long admired Beads in the Belfry for her creative and stylish wire-wrapped designs. One of my favorites is her line of basket necklaces.


Another favorite of mine is her Copper Kalimba Ring. The lines are absolutely gorgeous and I love the color, although it's also available in sterling silver for all of the silver addicts out there!

The Beginning...

I love to buy handmade products straight from the creator. The uniqueness, superior quality, and human connection reel me in each time I make a handmade purchase. However, I can't count the number of times I have stumbled upon a shop selling the perfect gift for someone... right after I've settled on and bought a less-than-perfect gift. Doh!

With such a vast sea of online merchants, it's no wonder that so many talented artists and spectacular products go unnoticed. Thus, I hope that I can bring attention to a few of the gems I've happened upon in the sea of handmade.