Handmade Christmas in a leisurely way

Handmade items are the best for Christmas! I think we've already agreed on this, right? I gave mostly handmade myself last year and am very proud of that fact. Naturally, we don't all always have time to make things ourselves. Here is how to have a leisurely handmade Christmas. To help you as you go about your merry present-buying way, I have found some great shops and sellers for you to remember even after the Holidays for their quality wares.

First shop is Julia (also known as Jeweleighab.) Her shop is as cute and unique as she is. Interestingly, she is pregnant with her third child-which is a random fact, but who doesn't love those? It should be pretty convenient to take out your nesting on something other than just house cleaning though, right? For a card shop, this one is pretty varied. You will find them for every occasion, she even made a custom karate one for me to give to someone special! Julia is in Canada, so please be aware that if you're in the U.S. it may not show up as quickly.

This second shop is by Niki who lives in the UK. Remember what I said about remembering that if you're in the U.S. especially. Niki's specialty is drawing and painting. I love her work, it's very whimsical and--well just look at it! I'm in love with her Christmas tags, but another idea would be to buy someone an art piece! 

 This third shop is run by Sheila. I love her to death, she creates very vintage-type things for children and I know that right now her fishing game is crazy popular among her shop visitors. I personally would like to vouch for the Lizzi doll myself (which as it turns out is named after me.) What little girl wouldn't love that doll? *snick*

This last shop is run by Sara. I am d-d-dyyyyying to buy from this shop. Her stuff is just so cute and still very much necessary during the winter. I have to wake up early and leave the house for my job, and I think her hand warmers would definitely help out with my cold hands. 



Thank you for checking out these shops...Eventually you may thank me :-) Feel free to check out my shop too. I have added a few things, and will be adding more in the next few days! Elisabeth Arona

But darling, what about the children?

While I've been doing holiday etsy shop features on my blog, I've completely forgotten about the children! Here I'm highlighting shops with adorable kids items that may have just what you're looking for. I love that handmade always means you have something unique. 

1. Felicia is the owner/top boss/ceo of this lovely shop dubbed "eversewsweet". Her items are just adorable...In case you haven't noticed, the Holidays are a lot about food for me--right after family and friends lol. If little miss sous chef is going to make some cookies, she'll need an apron; this is the shop you can find them at! 

2. Shannon is the owner of Baruch's lullaby. She has four kids and is adopting two more from Bulgaria. It's an exciting journey for her and her family, and one that I'm happy to have a part in by participating in fundraisers. When you buy from Shannon, you are also helping raise money for her to bring her children home. BTW, check out those adorable models--all her children :-)

3. Nowcreations. I don't personally know this seller, but I badly want a pull-toy on wheels for my wonderful niece who is a year old; I found this when I was searching around.

4. The Hickory Tree is a shop that I have never been to before either...but I ADORE buttons and wooden toys obviously. This shop is perfect for finding something for a little adventurer, and if you have an outdoorsy boy around you're sure to find something he'll love too-from compasses to whistles (my personal fav.)

Hope you enjoyed this etsy shop highlight for kids!

Until Next Time,

Elisabeth Arona

Cut! Cook! Decorate!

Did I promise you more shop highlights for Christmas? Well here we are; the best of the best. This week we are going to look at some shops with great little things for preparing your holiday meals and decorating your home for the hordes of people that will come traipsing in!

1. Berkshire bowls I was very impressed by this shop. I love wood, and the picture of the bowl with the wood shavings (go look) just drew me in. Also in this shop are some great little puzzles to keep people occupied between eating :-)

2. Show off designs. This shop has beautiful cutting boards as well as lovely shelves. I'm talking about real conversation pieces here...

4. Good Neighbor Candle Co. Admit it, you want your house to smell great just as much as anyone else. You're afraid that people will come in and smell that thing you burnt. I cannot express how amazing this woman's candle skills are. Every scent you have ever imagined! Go ahead, take a peek!


Elisabeth Arona