Let the shopping begin! At least if you are like me you haven't started any of your holiday shopping and just beginning to think about who has been naughty or nice. So, I wanted to offer up some of my favorite web stores and sites for good bargains on handcrafted goods.



http://manamoon-studios.blogspot.com/ - Sharon is amazing and her store is on my list for holiday giving.

Liz @ Wickedly Chic is one of the hardest working supporters of indie/hanbcrafted businesses I've ever met. Check out the wonderful businesses in her Holiday Gift Guide.

Deryn Mentock of Something Sublime - I have been a blog stalker of her work for a couple of months and find her work very inspiring. Art and jewelry are both lovely and I encourage visiting her at her blog and then checking out her shop.

If you are in the area of Bethlehem, PA I highly recommend checking out one of the most wonderful galleries, Monsoon. Rori Franges is the gallery manager and the gallery is beautiful, contemporary and has a nice range of art. Even if you aren't in or near Bethlehem the website is worth checking out and they have lots of lovely gifts online.

And a new favorite to share with you --- Kreativlink. Look at these lovely leather journals? mmmmmmm! Love 'em!

While trying to steal (yes I said steal) keywords (www.keywordspy.com) from other similar jewelry sites I was cruising Alexa and somehow found this artist, Karen Hatzigeorgiou. I'm smitten.

First you have to check out her altered book, http://karenswhimsy.com/altered-books/happiness/.

I got on her blog and found this post about the Olema Cemetery. I live near this cemetery. Not like it is next door or anything but a hop skip and a jump is all it would take. I'm there. Sculpey in hand to make castings. Check out Karen's finds here.... http://artful-journey.com/ scroll down...you'll find it. I promise it is worth it.

Charming Sam will be at Thread in San Francisco this Sunday, November 16th from noon to 5:00pm.

The Galleria, 101 Henry Adams Street, San Francisco Design Center, San Francisco, CA, 94103 DIRECTIONS

See all the deets at the Thread site.

One of my favorite websites is artfulhome.com. They have wonderful artisan jewelry, art, glass, etc., etc. Today I got the following email from them.

Enter the Ornament-a-Day Giveaway from Artful Home

Brighten your holidays with a miniature masterpiece from North America's finest artists. From November 7 to December 2, 2008, we're giving away a different artist-made ornament every day. No purchase necessary to win.

A grand prize winner will be selected at the end of the event to win a 3-Ornament Display by Julie and Ken Girardini. Every day you enter to win an ornament is an extra chance to win the grand prize! Enter now for your chance to win today's ornament, then come back tomorrow to vie for our next ornament of the day. (One entry per day per person with valid email address, please.)

Or shop our Ornament Boutique to bring your favorite miniature works of art home today. Expertly crafted one at a time, they also make great gifts for anyone on your list. Read the Official Rules.

The honest truth is that I have so many favorite Etsy artists I could never just pick a couple. But here are some that have caught my eye recently.





Original Artwork & Prints by Kellie Schneider

Jessie Lawson

Did you vote? Congratulations! As a special gift to our friends we are offering 50% off everything in our store!

Be quick though, the sale only lasts thru midnight, November 4, 2008. You have less than 30 hours to take advantage of this great sale on all Charming Sam necklaces, earrings, original art and collage sheets. A great time to treat yourself or do some early holiday shopping.

Take advantage of 50% off storewide for the next 30 hours.

Use promotion/coupon code IVOTED during checkout to redeem 50% off EVERYTHING in your shopping cart.

Expires at 11:59pm, PST - November 4, 2008

*This offer subject to change without notice*
Charming Sam Studios - www.charmingsam.com - 408.540.9943 - www.charmingsam.blogspot.com

A new ACEO framed in a pretty shadow box. The image really doesn't do it justice but if you are interested in more of my original works please visit http://www.charmingsam.com/aceo.html

Happy Voting!