My Favorite Shops

Several weeks ago I wrote a post about buying handmade for the holidays, and started to put all my favorite shops in the post. Then I realized that made for a LONG post, so I decided to put them all in a new one. By suggesting these shops, I have either made a purchase from them, received a gift from them, or really, really WANT something from them. Heh.

First, my Susie Harris sign is one of the first things you see when you walk in my home, and I absolutely adore it. Susie is a friend and a precious lady, and she would be happy to customize a sign just for you. Don't let my sign fool you...she has ALL kinds of signs, from family name signs to sweet nursery signs. Check her out!

Second, if you know me personally, most likely you've seen my Starry Designs robin's nest ring on my right hand. It's my favorite ring at the moment, and I would LOVE a pendant from them, too. So pretty! The ring is made from wire, so when you wear it for any length of time it forms to your finger just right. I love it!

Third, if you know anyone who has a thing for birds like I do (what, you didn't know I have a thing for birds? I guess it is kinda hard to tell. *snort*), you've GOT to check out Got Crow Creations. Sound Man gave me a little Tufted Titmouse for Christmas the same year he gave me my Susie Harris sign. It was a very good year. :)

Is that not the sweetest thing ever? She makes all kinds of birds, and all of them are so sweet, even the vultures. Yes, I said vultures. You've got to see them. She makes every bit of them from felt, aside from the nest, of course. She hand makes most, if not all, of those as well.

Now onto shops that I haven't bought from, but I know their products are worth buying. I met Dee from Red Letter Words at Relevant (now called Allume) in 2010, and I so enjoyed getting to know her and her husband Tim. Red Letter Words is a sponsor of the conference, so the attendees were the lucky recipients of some RLW greeting cards. Of course, none of us wanted to use them as cards...we all planned on framing them and putting them up on the walls at home!

Dee has some of the most beautiful Scriptures and sayings inspired by hymns and the like. If you need a special piece of art for your home, or if you need a unique gift idea, take some time and browse her shop.

Another shop that I'm dying to purchase from (or maybe get a gift from? Hint hint, hubby dear) is Krafty Kash. She sells THE coolest, hand crafted, one of a kind jewelry from vintage dictionaries, maps, Bibles, and sheet music.

I lurve her stuff, and she's always putting new items in the shop.Definitely in my wish list this year. She will even custom make a pendant for you.

One more (for the moment, anyway) shop and I'm done. I love Kijsa Studio's Etsy shop. There's so much to see! My favorites, however, are her burlap pillows. One of these days I'm going to have her do a "Mississippi State of Mind" pillow. Or maybe just ask for one for Christmas (this post is quickly becoming a very public Christmas list, no?). She does custom orders and can put just about anything on a burlap pillow. Browse her shop and you can tell she has a great sense of humor!

I also love her Compassion Crosses. Each one is a wooden cross with a decoupaged map of different areas of the world. One would be perfect for a couple who are adopting from another country (she can also add on the back of the cross, "For this child I prayed..." LOVE that!), or for someone who has served in that part of the world. 

These are just a few of the shops I'd recommend for Christmas shopping (along with my little shop, of course. Heh.). Not only do you get to stay in and not have to face the crowds, but many shops will offer free shipping and other coupons on their Facebook pages and such. Check them out and