Friday, November 26, 2010

Christmas is Coming BUY HANDMADE

Ok, I can now talk about Christmas. Here I sit at the computer on black friday proud that I have bought nothing today!! Partly because I am almost done with my shopping but mostly because I refuse to become part of modern day ultra-consumer holiday of giving too much. I believe in a simplicity in giving (and receiving) things that are needed or thoughtful and as often as possible HANDMADE. My friend Val actually has a really cool tradition on one side of her family called "Make it or bake it" you can guess, but they all draw a name from the hat and have to give something yummy from the oven or something made by their own hands. Now I know that not everyone is a craft addict like myself and there are definitely lots of people who don't either have time to make things or don't really care to. I am sure my husband wishes I was one of these most days when he patiently maneuvers around my projects and piles and longingly imagines a home pristine and free of clutter. Anyhow, this inability to go through a day without creating is where people like me and the amazing handmade community that is Etsy come in.
I can't offer huge sales due to the nature of what I make and the time it takes to create my items, but I am pleased to offer a free ring sized bowl for every $50 spent in my store! Besides me, lots of sellers this year are having fabulous sales and giving great deals. Don't get me wrong, these are not Wal-Mart prices, but you know you will be supporting some fabulous entrepreneur who made that wonderful thing with their crafty hands.

I now am descending from my soapbox and do thank you for your time. I would like to give away a felted coffee cuff or a $12 credit toward something from Gretchen's Creations to a lucky reader who has made it through this e-mail. All you have to do is visit my store on Etsy and leave a comment here on something you liked there. If you want a bonus entry, search around a bit and tell me about another Etsy store or item you found that you love that I should know about. I will take entries through Friday December 3rd at 5pm. To do this giveaway I need at least 10 entires, so tell your friends!


Cheers and here is to a happy season of giving!

13 comments:

Unknown said...

I love that I have the ability to make most of my Christmas gifts. I know not everyone feels that they can be crafty so I hope that others enjoy what I make for them. I love your needle felting skills, but I have to say that your Klean Kanteen Cozies are pretty awesome! I have a thing for water bottles.

Heather.Campbell said...

Hey Gretchen,

I've been trying to talk my family into the "make it or bake" it Christmas idea for a year now. They all just keep rolling their eyes at me. :o)

As far as what I love on your store ... goodness ... you know I love your stuff! I think the new crocheted stuff is adorable, and I LOVE the upcycled scarf!

Heather.Campbell said...

As far as etsy shops that I love, I've been looking at MadewithlovebyHannah for ages now. I LOVE her skirts. Very cute!

http://tinyurl.com/29unjww

Colorado Knitter said...

Oh Heather! That store is adorable! I really like this skirt: http://www.etsy.com/listing/62750943/fairytale-forest-skirt-red-riding-hood

Jess Chandler said...

I'm also loving the water bottle cozies, but your bowls are cute and so neatly detailed.
I love the hand-dyed yarn sites on Etsy - like Funkyarns and WollesYarnsCreations

Maryley said...

Grey felt cuff with the purple flower is my favorite thing in your store, so cute. Second fave is the kanteen cozy, very fun.

Keep up the good work.

Maryley said...

Once upon a time i had my hair tips dyed blue, green, and yellow like a peacock, so I love that the la plume ethere store on etsy sells peacock inspired hair accessories. Check them out. http://www.etsy.com/shop/LaPlumeEthere?ref=seller_info

Cyndi said...

I LOVE the oak leave on oatmeal bowl. I can think of a couple great places to put that in my new house! :)

Cyndi said...

As for another great etsy site -- AprilHilerDesigns has some incredible Christmas ornaments - all nature inspired. Gorgeous stuff!

Marie Green said...

Via @greenstyle mom...

And OMG! I love all of the stuff in your shop! The poppies on celery! The acorn bowl! The one with the white heart. Swooooooon.

Awesome giveaway too, thanks for that.

Split Rock Ranch said...

Its hard to choose a favorite in your Etsy store but I'd say the Poppies on Celery tray is my favorite.

I love the idea of a make it or bake it Christmas! Last year I went crazy and broke the bank; this year I'm paring things down and doing more handmade gifts. I just want to enjoy the day with my family - gifts are incidental to that!

Happy Holidays!

Split Rock Ranch said...

Bonus Entry:

Check out Deb Babcock's handmade pottery on Etsy - she's in Steamboat Springs, so its Colorado made! I LOVE these little salt and pepper shakers:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/50849967/blue-christmas-stopperless-salt-and

Colorado Knitter said...

Oh I love here stuff! Here is her main shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/dbabcock?ref=seller_info

Split Rock Ranch also has a great Etsy store full of delicious fiber check it out:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SplitRockRanch