Shopping has begun for the 2011 season, many folks began to shop last Christmas, but some of us are just beginning our Christmas shopping and are opting to shop handmade for all of our gifts.
When you shop handmade for Christmas, you help to support local artists and their families. They may not be local to you, but many of the artists are from small towns and rural areas and by supporting them, you help their smaller communities thrive.
Small artists are a vital part of their community; they attend local arts and crafts fairs, are community involved and often times give to local charities.
When you shop handmade for your holiday gifts, you are dealing directly with the artist, designer and manufacturer. There are no middlemen, there are no overseas factories, there are no jobs that have been outsourced and you will get hands-on customer service. A local artisan will answer any questions you might have and if you need help with your purchase, they are there to help you.
Shopping on the internet isn’t always easy. You have questions and you need to know what materials are used in the product. You may have other questions that are not answered in the item description. You will probably find that your artist is right there to help you with your purchases and to make suggestions with your gift buying.
When you buy from a local artist, you are buying a one of a kind item and you can be assured that the gift recipient will not need to return the item due to duplication. Your artist has put a lot of time and thought into the design of the item and will use the best materials possible.
Here is your 2011 Handmade Christmas Gift List!
* Gifts for Mom or Grandma
From Baskets by Rose – Artfire Shop
Pinecone Basket handwoven and hand painted
Create a Family Tradition with this beautiful pinecone basket.
Mom or Grandma would love this hand woven basket with an adorable hand painted base. Each pine cone and pine branch has been painted by hand, making this definitely a one of a kind basket.
Even though it would make a lovely winter serving basket, it can be used all year round. Fill it full of home baked goodies, like cookies and breads. You can even re-gift it filled with treats for the family.
Make this basket a family tradition where everyone must refill it from the kitchen and give it to another family member.
It is made from natural reed and is 13 1/2" x 11" x 3" tall.
From Candy Apple Crafts – Artfire
Mother Wall Plate with Poem, Flowers, and Cut out Edge, Porcelain
Mother’s are God’s gift to us
Every time mom sees this plate, she will know that you love her enough to have given her this keepsake.
This lovely poem reads:
Mother
God could not be everywhere
With so many things to do
He gave a gift most rare
So loving and so true
A wonderful angel most fair
A mother dear as you
What mother can resist an “awww” when they read this poem and have tissues handy when you give this gift to your mom or grandmother. It is sure to bring a tear to their eyes and be prepared for prolonged hard hugs.
Vintage 1977 Enco and is ready for hanging. A mother has cared for this plate, as it is in excellent condition.
From Shymousee Handmade Clothes – Artfire
Peppermint Scented Round Pillar Candle
Light up the holidays!
Peppermint IS Christmas and this parrafin and soy wax candle will not only bring the scents of the holidays to your nose, everyone loves the gentle glow of a lit candle.
After all the Christmas presents are unwrapped and you are gathering around the table for the Christmas dinner, light this candle and let the scent of the peppermint blend with turkey and ham and all the other scents that say “holidays”.
This candle is a thoughtful gift for mom or grandma and can be used to remember the holidays long after Christmas dinner has been eaten and the dishes are done.
From Boo Beads Jewelry – Artfire
Vintage Style Floral Wallpaper Image Antiqued Brass Bracelet
Give grandmother a piece of nostalgia!
Tucked away somewhere in an attic is a bit of this old wallpaper that used to adorn the walls and halls of Grandma’s house. Reproduced on scrapbook paper, these nostalgic designs come to life when set in antique brass bezels and wrapped around Grandma’s wrist.
Of course, you can give this lovely bracelet to mom too.
This bracelet measures 7 and a half inches and has a lever clasp.
Emerald Green and Yellow Crystal Flower Handmade Earrings on Gold-filled Ear Wire
Green crystal snowflakes for the holidays
You will be tempted to keep these lovely earrings for yourself, but you must give them to mom!
Swarovski crystals dance and twinkle from these magnificent handcrafted earrings. Created from 4mm emerald green bicone crystals, 8mm round emerald green crystals and 6mm light yellow round crystals make these earrings perfect for their glitter. They belong in the holiday lights.
Of course, they can be worn all year round for a lovely accent to any attire, and can be worn casually.
From Appalachian Heritage Soaps – Artfire
Apple Soap Handmade All Natural with Real Apple & Spice Essential Oils
Smell like a holiday every day!
Mom, grandma and apple pie!
With this soap, remind mom and grandma that it is time to make another one of their mouthwatering apple pies. Or, go and buy one from the local market.
Nothing reminds us of home like the smell of home baking escaping from the oven when we come in from a cold winter day. Grandma’s house used to envelope you in scents of fresh breads, cookies or pies.
A little of this long-lasting scented soap will take you back to those days.
This apple soap is made with pureed apples and spicy oils which are accented once they are applied in a hot shower.
This soap is made from natural oils and coco butter.
From Linda Landig Jewelry – Artfire
Christmas Bracelet Handmade Woven Button Clasp Green Red Gold Holiday
You might need to give this gift early
This one of a kind handwoven hand beaded bracelet might need to be an early Christmas present for your mom, grandma or sister. They will want to wear this gorgeous bracelet to all their holiday parties, get-togethers and social events. They will want this to be part of their holiday wardrobe every year from here on out.
Woven from Czech glass beads of red and green, these beads reflect light and make this a glittering and twinkling set of lights for your wrist. This is handwoven and expresses the heart of the artist as she captures the spirit of the season.
Not only will you be celebrating the holidays with this lovely bracelet, you will be wearing a piece of art by a real artist.
Just remember to give it as a gift.
Joy Holly Leaf Quilted Christmas Card
Send grandma a one of a kind Christmas card
Sing “Joy to the World” and give this one of a kind card. Each card is completely handcrafted and while the design may be the same, the cards will vary.
This Christmas card is perfect for the person who does a lot of sewing or quilting, the leaves have been hand sewn to the vintage style paper.
A cute red button sewn with red yard add a great holly accent to the card.
Pink Crystal Awareness Ribbon Earrings, Swarovski, Sterling Hooks
Celebrate life and the defeat of a deadly disease
These awareness earrings are really for anyone in your life who has come face to face with the battle of cancer and triumphed. Remind them that they have won the fight and that each day is precious.
Swarovski crystal bicones and sterling silver earhooks are part of this overall design. Crystals send dancing lights as they sparkle in the sunshine.
The length is 2-inches which include the earhooks.
* Gifts for Dad or Grandpa
From Tomlinson Photography and Design - Artfire
Plymouth Barracuda, Automotive and Classic Car Photography, Lime Green
Relive those muscle car days!
They do not make cars like they used to!
A 1970 Plymouth Barracuda in lime green may not appeal to everyone, but if you have a muscle car maniac for a dad, brother or even grandpa, this is a perfect gift.
This classic car hood photo will deck out a desk, den or garage for the car enthusiast. While not everyone is a Mopar nut, those who are will drool over the reminder of the day when this beast took to the streets as every day rides and were a head turner then.
For some, 1970 is not that far in the past and can still remember how much fun this car was to drive.
From Ginger’s Garden – Artfire
Handmade Artisan Shaving Stick and Travel Shave Soap
Let Dad take home with him while he is on the road
Sweet tobacco scents waft from the ends of lit pipes as men gather around to play checkers over a barrel in the back of a country store.
Maybe a little too much Mr. Drysdale and Green Acres, but certainly the scent of sweet tobacco has a place in the memory of many men, as well as women and it calls us home.
Remind Dad that home is not far away with this sweet tobacco scented shaving stick. It can be used on his wet face straight from the package, or he can swirl a damp shaving brush over the top of the stick to create a great lather.
Either way he uses it, it will remind him that home is close and the people he loves are even closer.
From JMcCoy from Logs to Lumber – Artfire
Mahogany Pen and Pencil set
Dad would love this set on his desk.
The soft feel of smooth wood in your dad’s hand will remind him that you thought enough to give him a gift that he can use everyday. This pen and pencil set is not only a reminder of you, it has such a gorgeous classy look and feel that it adds power to his signature.
This set has been completely handcrafted and then sanded to 12000 grit before several coats of lacquer were applied. It was again wet sanded before being waxed and buffed to bring out the natural lines and swirls of the wood.
It comes with a maple presentation box making it a ready-to -gift for dad or grandpa.
From Norma’s Bath and Body – Artfire
lime after shave gel
Save the man you love from his razor
Keep that man’s face kissable by giving him the gift of after shave gel. He might get more kisses when he smells like a Margarita.
Aloe vera will help him to smooth out that razor burn and to keep his face moisturized and feeling smooth and fresh. Yes, he will smell like a lime and you may be tempted to add Tequila, but more importantly, he will enjoy the way his face feels after he has pampered it.
This 2-ounce jar will give him a lot of shaves and might even get you a lot of kisses.
Perfect for dads, hubbies and brothers.
From Christie Cottage – Artfire
1954 Chevy Car Coaster, Ceramic, Collage
He can put his cup of coffee on a piece of history
The 1954 Chevrolet reached sales of over one million automobiles!
Celebrate the beauty and lines of this classic auto by giving your guy his own set of coasters that sport the clean lines that started a love affair with the Chevy.
For those guys who are too young to remember these on the first go-round, they will enjoy the beautiful Bel-Air which can still be found on the road today. Those guys who head off to rod runs and swap meets will appreciate these great coasters.
Even if your guy isn’t a car guy, he will still enjoy having a place to put his drink that will keep both of you happy. These 4.25x4.25 inch coasters have been created with a cork bottom that will keep your surfaces from being scratched.
Everyone wins with these cool coasters. Christie’s Cottage also has other makes and models.
From Signs of Elegance – Artfire
Football Word Art Typography Wood Sign
You will score a touchdown with this sign!
Be your man’s cheerleader and give him a sign that lets him know that you are a part of the game. This great sign is for anyone in your life who is crazy about football and has an extra space in their office or den that this football sign would fit perfectly.
Dads, grandpas and sons will all appreciate something that reminds them of their favorite game all year round.
Every sign is natural wood and comes with all the grains and knots which become part of the design. This sign comes with a sawtooth hanger, making it easy to hang in any room.
This sign measures approximately 11-1/4" x 24" x 3/4".
* Gifts for Sister or Brother
From Shadow Dog Designs – Artfire
Christmas Candy Peppermint Lampwork Sterling Earrings Handmade Red
Let your ears celebrate the holidays too!
What says Christmas like peppermint candies? Well, nothing – these little candies are well recognized as a Christmas tradition.
The smell of peppermint and cinnamon in the air makes the mouth water and the heart long for Christmas gatherings.
These lovely red and white lampwork beads in the traditional peppermint swirl design are delicately balanced on sterling silver earwires and ready to wear. Each bead is handmade and look good enough to eat!
From Sea Breeze Jewels - Artfire
Coconut lime verba soap spa bar with goats milk, vitamin e and aloe vera
Send your sister to the tropics for the holidays!
Some yummy coconut and lime verba soap will transport your sister, daughter or mother to a tropical spa every time they take long relaxing bath using this bar of goats milk, vitamin E and aloe vera heaven.
The clean scent and smooth skin will add long baths to their to-do lists.
Goats milk soaps are perfect moisturizers and have a long lasting lather giving your skin a smooth and healthy glow. With the winter weather here, your skin dries out easily, making this a timely gift.
This is a 5-ounce bar of soap with a natural base.
You probably should buy more than one bar, once you get this wonderful soap in your hands, you might need to keep it for yourself.
Sterling heart with copper wings and bling pendant necklace oxidized
Give your sister your heart this year!
Metal Artistry in motion has been uniquely captured in this heart pendant. By using sterling silver and copper, the contrast between metals add movement and life to this winged heart.
The forged and texturized metals add dimension and textural interest to this heartfelt necklace.
The heart is in motion and this handcrafted piece of jewelry will tell your sister, mother or grandmother that you love them. A one of a kind piece of jewelry is a personal gift and this necklace will go with jeans for a casual look, or worn over a black sweater for an elegant look. Either way, this piece can go to work or play and will fit in either place.
The heart is 2 inches wide and over 1 inch high on a 16-inch silicon necklace.
Pewter Eagle Pendant Focal 43mm New
For your sibling, the jewelry artist!
Give your sister or brother this beautiful eagle pendant for their own gift giving. If you have a family member who enjoys creating handcrafted jewelry, this pendant would make a lovely addition to a necklace.
The eagle is a majestic bird and won out over the turkey for our national symbol, even though Benjamin Franklin voted enthusiastically for the turkey. This eagle makes for a majestic pendant; you can see how it beat out the turkey.
They may want to keep it for themselves and it would look great on a leather cord. It measures 43mm by 33mm and because it is pewter, it makes a subtle statement.
Hand Stamped Trio Name Charm Necklace with Birthstone Crystals Custom
Order quickly to give your sister a personalized gift
Hurry and order this sister trio necklace set, even if you do not order it for your sister, you can order one for mom with you and your sister’s names on it.
Give mom a gift that she can wear everyday to remind her of you girls. Give it to your sister with your mother’s name on there as a memorial or in her honor. Either way, this gift is one that will not soon be forgotten and because it is unique to you and your sister, it will be kept as an heirloom.
Three sterling silver charms are hand-stamped, one letter at a time, to create these unique charms on this one of a kind necklace. The charms are accented with Swarovski crystal charms of your choice of birthstones.
There is room for 12 letters and the charms are strung from an 18-inch sterling silver chain with a 1-inch extender.
From Kokona Moon Designs – Artfire
Love, Joy and Peace Handmade Christmas Gift Greeting Card
Send your sister or brother a handmade card for the holidays
Holidays are special when you add handmade to them and this holiday card simply sends the holiday message to your sister or brother.
Of course, this card can be sent to anyone you want to send holiday greetings to.
Kokona Moon Designs on Artfire has many different holiday greeting cards to choose from, so if you are more interested in sending a cardinal on a winter branch or frolicking snowmen, she has those too.
Autumn Leaf Granny Square Cap
Keep your sister’s head warm
This handcrafted crocheted cap will keep ears warm and noggins snowless. Your sister will love the idea of not having a cold head and its all because you care enough to give her this cute hat for a Christmas present.
Buy one for yourself and pretend you are twins.
Each cap has been crocheted by hand by a real person in North Carolina and she says if you like, you can have a different color or size. As shown, this is a ladies average.
From The Crafty Turtle – Artfire
Bright Bold Necklace
Sister, mother, aunt or grandma will love this
Big bold bright beads! Say that three times really fast.
This design is for the sister who is sassy and is not afraid to express herself. These bold colors come into the room before she will and they say “look at me”.
This wild necklace goes with EVERYTHING! It does not matter what you are wearing, there is a color in here that will fit with your outfit and it goes with casual or dressy.
It is 20-inches of fun, which makes it a perfect gift for your outgoing, fun loving sister.
From New Hampshire Land Pirate – Etsy
Hee Haw framed (8x10) original Photography
Who are you calling a donkey?
Not saying this is what your brother thinks of his boss, but this photo would be a great addition to his office. It is earthy and animalistic and down to earth, oh wait, it is a donkey!
This photo was taken in Vermont and the photographer has the original on display at the Unknown Arts exhibit in Burlington, Vermont.
This donkey is looking for a good place to call home and even if your brother does not want to have this hanging in his office, in case his boss would be offended, he can hang this in his den.
Of course, this donkey would be just as happy hanging in the dining room over Christmas dinner.
From Ewenique Essentials – Artfire
Brown Stripe Toiletry Bag Quilted Cotton Cosmetic Case Zipper Pouch
Give your sister organization tools
You loved to play dress-up together as kids. Now, you can give her a gift that will hold all the cosmetics and dress-up essentials of today.
This zippered pouch is completely handmade and can be used for jewelry, make-up and anything else that you want to tuck into your purse and take on getaways.
Beautiful earthtones make this quilted bag a go-with no matter what purse you are using.
It is 4-inches by 6-inches and can also be used as a small wallet or change purse.
From Martie Rocco Jewelry – Artfire
Guitar string bangle bracelet copper wound antique copper wire GS11-21
Sing along with your sister
Remember the days of singing into the shampoo bottle? Your little sister and her hairbrush singing? She is all grown up now and singing into sound systems that do not have the echo of the bathroom. She is accomplished on the guitar and you are proud of her.
Give her a gift like no other. This guitar string bracelet handcrafted from singer/songwriter and guitar player, Martie Rocco. She has incorporated her used guitar strings into these fantastic bracelets. Not only are you getting a one of a kind gift for your sister, when Martie becomes famous, you will have a collector’s item.
Copper is wire wound around the strings and adds warmth to this lovely flexible bracelet.
* Gifts for the Kids
From Joyfully Sewn Designs – Artfire
Little Girls Apple Jumper with Red Peasant Blouse Sizes 2 and 4
Apple harvest autumns are great times to play
Red peasant blouses and apples make a great combination for autumn wear. Of course, apples are always in vogue and your little one will look great in apples whether they are on the tree or only blooming white flowers.
This is a heavier set for cooler weather and comes with two matching bows.
From the designer:
- This jumper set is available in two sizes: Size 2 & 4.
- The size 2 jumper measures 23" in length and is 23 1/2" around the chest. The peasant blouse has 3/4 length sleeves.
- The size 4 jumper measures 27 3/4" in length with the chest being 25" around. The peasant blouse has 3/4 length sleeves.
- All seams have been professionally finished with a serger.
From Forget Me Not Soap Shop – Artfire
Yellow Duck Handmade Soap Scented with Banana Fragrance
Make scrubbing fun!
Kids do not always wash behind their ears, in fact, sometimes they just run the water and hope you won’t come in to see that you are reading a comic book on the edge of the tub and not in the water.
Make bathing more fun by stuffing the stocking with a duck that smells like a banana.
How much more kid-like can you get than that??
Buy more than one and stuff a few stockings. You might find that those dirty little kids cannot wait to jump in the tub when they have great smelling soap in such fun shapes.
Give one to your sticky-fingered nephew too.
From Blue Morning Expressions – Artfire
Handcrafted Polymer Clay Faux Pearl Clip On Earrings - White
Dress up your little girl with faux pearls
Polymer clay has been used to create these little white pearl clip on earrings for those who do not have pierced ears.
Give your little girl a bit of dress up, or add these to her holiday outfit. Either way, she will feel like a grown up without the need to have her ears pierced. The clip on’s are 10mm and are easy to put on and take off.
Avoid the pain of piercing by allowing your little girl to wear clipon earrings.
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Happy shopping for the holidays, I hope that you will consider giving handcrafted gifts for 2011 Christmas season. It is not just for the holidays, these make great gifts all year long.
So many fine artists and crafters have thousands of handmade items that can be used as gifts or keep them for yourself.
Support your local handcrafting artists and give back to the communities.