Put your orders in early

My orders from today

This year there is a lot of emphasis on buying items made in your own country, buying local and buying handmade. All of these things support your economy better than buying mass produced items from other countries.

Remember, however, to buy early. The guy at the farmers market with the local honey will probably sell out early. Your local bookstore may not have time to re-order an out of stock book if you wait too long. And artisans from all over the country are more than happy to make custom items for you, but most cannot do it at the last moment. Quality handmade items take time.

I am blessed to be able to have on-line storefronts on my own website, on Etsy.com and on Artfire.com.  I know from experience over the last few years that me and my fellow artisans with on-line shops get a spate of last minute requests that we have to turn down. If you place your custom requests now you still have time for most of them to make some very special items for you.  If you wait another week or two you may miss out on some fabulous gifts.

And if you are unsure where to start finding incredible handmade items on-line, I know dozens of wonderful artisans I can direct you to.  Just ask!

Buy Handmade in the USA

I'm a part of this great group of artists and craftswomen called the Military Circle of Friends. I met them all through Etsy.com and have come to know them pretty well over the past two or three years. They are all military spouses or are retired from active duty. They all make the most amazing handmade items.  This is a talented bunch of ladies!

You can "like" the group on Facebook with the link above to get a full list of on-line shop links and occasional updates on sales, items, auctions, give-a-ways and more.

Here are just a handful of the shops:

If you know any military spouses you know how hard it is for them to build a career as they follow their active duty military spouse from station to station. Home businesses help spouses with career continuity and support the US economy. Keep these shops in mind for your fall and holiday purchases and go browse the other shops in the Military Circle of Friends by clicking the links in the left side column on the Facebook page.

Sue

Featured Artist: Karen of Chocolate Dog Studio

Since I started my shop on Etsy, I've met a lot of wonderful artists from participating in the artists communities there. Karen is a fellow member of the Christian Artists Street Team (CAST) on Etsy. Her shop is called Chocolate Dog Studio.

Karen makes all sorts of items many of which are made from upcycled materials. In her shop you will find beautifully crocheted scarves and shawls, cup cozies, hats and pincushions, but my favorite items she makes are definitely the one of a kind purses!

Envelope clutch, black and white squares

Purse, jean, quilted cotton

Linen embroidered purse

Wine, Cranberry, twirly, curl scarf

Brown twill tote

You know you want one of those purses for summer ☺

You can also find Karen here:

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Winkelf

Karen's blog

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