Recently, I've been trying to do all of my gift buying on etsy. It's been a fun challenge and I've found some really great artists/craftspeople/vintage shops. I think (or hope) my friends and family appreciate the gesture behind these thoughtful, unique gifts.

www.sparkershop.etsy.com

I've decided that this year for Christmas, I'm only making gifts. With one exception (I plan to put pink rhinestones on tools for my Mom) but I will be making the tool bag that they go in! Etsy is even a great place to buy supplies for homemade gifts! I'm making the ladies in the family earrings, and Etsy is the only place I've been able to find cabachons, I'm so excited to start my handmade journey!

#1 reason not to buy hand-made: DIY. lolololol

hey - thanks ATSF for the shout out! so so awesome!

This is such a good highlight for Etsy, a company that like AT, is all about innovation and creativity within a community! So fun! Our company implores that same mindset about innovation and creativity in everything we create! It's so refreshing to see that in other companies! Thanks for the inspiration!

And thanks for the ideas for gifts!

Imago Dei | Murals • Finishes • Art
http://www.imagodei.pro

Thank you for the mention in your post today! I'm so delighted. It's so great to highlight all the wonderful handmade goods made by artisans all over the world.
cheers, grace from eikcam.

It's not green to order stuff online; it has to be shipped to you! Support LOCAL artists or make it yourself. The money stays in your community, it can be hand carried home in the car or on your bike. Don't waste paper to wrap it, get creative (a place mat? hand-painted brown paper?)

For handmade ceramics, I like to use hand printed tea towels as gift wrap (in the Japanese style). Better yet, include some home cooked goodies!
P.S. Thanks for including my Take Me Homeware. Hope to see some of you at the American Craft Show in Fort Mason, SF (Aug 14-16, 09)