sharing some favorites

I am in awe of all the talented artists who sell their creations on Etsy. There are so many amazing and beautiful things. I thought I'd share some of MY favorites with you.

I love, love, love this necklace....maybe because I love, love, love the beach! Someday I will live near the ocean but until then...

The shop is Cinnamon Sticks. Many of their items can be personalized...names, initials, etc. All items are unique and beautifully crafted.

I WISH I could paint. I love lots of different styles.

This bloom is from the Etsy shop, Suze. Check out her shop and you will find a huge variety of artwork. Great stuff. Fun stuff. The poli sci part of me LOVES the Nixon sketch! Go take a peek! :)

More jewelry. I can't help it...I love jewelry that is NOT cookie-cutter, mass-produced stuff.

I'm sure you've heard of fused dichroic glass. I have no idea how it's made, but the colors are SO vibrant. While the photography in this shop, CCValenzo, is wonderful, I have NEVER seen a photograph that can truly capture the amazing colors of this type of jewelry.

Last, but definitely not least, of my list today is the artwork from LucySweetLucy.

I can't really even find the words to express how much I LOVE this. The style, the colors, the whimsical element. Just love it all! :) It reminds me of the movie, The Break Up. Remember when Jennifer Aniston's character was showing pieces of art to the really cute guy (sorry, don't remember his name). He didn't know much about art and wasn't sure what to buy. She told him that you shouldn't buy a piece of art unless you HAVE to HAVE it (or something like that....I'm bad at quoting movies!). Anyway, that's how I feel about this piece. It just draws me in.

Christmas is coming up and I have a challenge for you. Before you head to the "big box" stores with your shopping list...please consider buying your gifts this year from independent artists and crafters. There are lots of options for buying handcrafted items. Etsy is a great online source but you can also find some amazing things at local craft shows and consignment shops.

The best things about buying handmade? Unique and personalized gifts...not to mention you're supporting independent business owners....not the corporate giants!