Since I'm so often a purger rather than a saver, sometimes I talk myself out of things to "have just because they're beautiful."  For Christmas this last year, Jahred indulged me with something to have for just that very reason and it's even more so enjoyable coming from him (a man of few gifts...no insult intended...I really prefer it this way).

After an art show in December, I came home excited about a guitar I saw there.  A real instrument, hand-crafted, but something I would honestly never learn to play well.  Constructed from upcycled cigar boxes and of very simply construction, I was dreaming of such a piece as a photo prop or as home-dec.

Jahred sought out a guitar (from a local Minnesota artist) and chose the one he thought I would love.  Today I created a guitar strap, in a previously undiscovered fabric to photo with my never-before-pictured, new, frivolous guitar.

The guitar artist is Soup Hunter Guitars.  Don't judge an instrument by it's website, but here's how you can get a hold of them.

Because the buzz seems so strong this year for "Black Friday," and the controversy about Target opening at midnight is making headlines, I thought I'd add to the confusion by highlighting a few of my favorite Etsy shops that I hope steal much of the "big box store" business!

Seriously, you should check these Etsy shops out!  Of course you're always welcome in my little corner-store, but you may find just what you need from these fresh, local and edgy designers.

These wrap bracelets are to LIVE for!  Made with both domestic and exotic stones and glass, you will feel like a million bucks in one of these!

Why buy from Enchanted Otter?  Because she's a Midwest artist, because I've met her, and because like me, she lives in a house with all boys!  Click HERE to shop with Enchanted Otter.

Now who wouldn't want a luggage tag like this?  The pics I've posted here are only the tip of the Samsonite as to what you can find in her shop.  Honestly, for the traveler who has everything, these luggage tags are HILARIOUS!  Click HERE to shop labels!

Need I say more?  Oscar, my earnest Beagle is already the proud owner of this ultra-hip feeding vessel.  I have only to find a place for this adorable bed and it will be his.  Click HERE to shop with Mod Pet.

Last night we were the lucky recipients of one very cute "ding-dong-ditch."  We opened the door to find the most adorable pumpkin bucket, inside was a lighted ghost and lots of Halloween treats!  The idea of the bucket is to pass it on!  Who knows where it will head next!!!

This fall I have been many times blessed in creating special projects for friends and family.  Regrettably, I didn't catch a photo of a series of tote-bags created from childhood crib linens, but this week I wasn't about to miss out on featuring another heirloom project.

I received a call just a few weeks ago from a friend of a friend who lost her father this year.  One of his crowning characteristics was his love of picking Pussy willow and Bittersweet.  She had found some fabric and was anxious to have a quilt from it.  Literally a one-of-a-kind piece, I drew this pattern on a piece of freezer paper, ironed it to a stack of fabrics and cut along the lines...the pattern, although a simple geometric will never be repeated in these proportions.

This time of year, with complete "Etsy Flurry", projects like these make it all worth while.  Merry Christmas to all those who have loved, lost, and have "honor gifts" to give this season.

Sometimes you create projects that make you love the craft all over again.  When I got my hands on some lovely canvas fabric, I saw "guitar straps" written all over it!  This year has been quite an Etsy blur and while I prepare for the thousand of Christmas gifts I have mailed, and have yet to mail for all of you, I settle down to begin my own magical planning.  

Just for the books, this years most popular sales are Bracelets and Guitar Straps.  Coincidently they are my two current favorites to make.  One, because I can vicariously place my lack of strumming talent into people who will do something better with it, and the other because Jahred actually makes that product.

There is still time for my US customers to get their gifts before the big day.  Let me know if I (or Jahred) can help you out with a seasonal fav or if you have something else in mind.