Shop small and get your orders in early

With the popularity of handmade items and a noticeable slow down in the speed of USPS deliveries, a lot of my fellow online arts and crafts vendors are setting an early cut-off date for holiday orders. Scroll down for a peek at some of my all time favorite on-line vendors--many of whom have sales running through today only.

Yesterday's orders ready for today's mail pick-up

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

NEW items!

6 pastel butterflies $4.75

6 black butterflies $4.75

When I'm not making jewelry, I enjoy tatting by hand. I'm adding a few tatted items in my shops. These butterflies are perfect for spring and can be used for card crafting, scrapbooking, decorating clothing and for party supplies and hair clips. I'll also be adding some tatted jewelry so check back soon!

This year for Christmas

candy cane and copper ornament $4.75

TODAY'S SPECIAL

SPIRAL post gemstone earrings regularly $10-14 each.  NOW $4 off of two pairs ($2 each pair). Refund given on your Paypal after purchase.

moss agate

amazonite

black onyx

new jade

tigereye

turquoise

blue howlite

Find these on My Website or in my Etsy Shop.

NEW item

This crazy horse stone focal bead has a tracery of black that looks like trees in a landscape. It's all natural in the stone and the pattern goes all the way through to the other side. Definitely a one of a kind piece in a nice 18 inch length.

Crazy horse pendant with faceted jasper beads and copper accents

$34.00

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:

Facebook

Winkelf

Karen's blog

Twitter

Featured Artist: Julie of Julieandco

carousel ribbons

I discovered the traditional Japanese art of temari several years ago and have always wanted to try it, but never found the time. It is an art with a rich history and great decorative appeal. Julie, a team mate of mine from the Christian Artist Street Team (CAST) on Etsy, makes and sells temari in her shop. I encourage you to visit julieandco on Etsy to see more.

Julie

I purchased a temari from Julie and I just want to show you how well it looks in my home on the fireplace mantel.

Julie has these in many different colors and patterns and even makes Christmas ornaments (I have one Julie made that was given to me as a gift). She does custom work as well.

cocoa and sage duet

petals

If you would like to learn more about Julie and the art of temari read this on-line article in which Julie was recently featured.

HAITI Earthquake Relief Earrings

My heart goes out to all those suffering in Haiti right now. I've designed these earrings as a new twist on one of my best selling designs. $10 from the sale of each pair from now until February 14, 2010, will go directly to:

Christianville: "Helping to feed, clothe, educate and provide medical care to impoverished Haitian children and adults since 1978."

To read more about the tragedy the Christianville mission is experiencing right now and to get first hand updates: Christianville Facebook

These elegant, hand-crafted copper teardrop hoop earrings embellished with bright sterling silver beads can be found on my website Sue Runyon Designs or in my Etsy store.


Earrings are only $12 each pair. $2 will go toward paying Etsy and Paypal fees as well as packaging and materials costs. $10 will go directly to Christianville.

" They have scattered abroad their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; . . . "
Psalm 112:9

Continue to pray for those in need.

Sue

"Awash" Treasury

I made this treasury on Etsy.com and it's about to expire, but I wanted to preserve it here. I don't curate treasuries very often, but I do enjoy showcasing some of the wonderful artwork found on Etsy. Notice the colorful Tutti Fruitti crochet bowl? That is by Beth from TheYarnChick who is on my Homefront Team on Etsy. And that sparkling mosaic cross is by Cherry of cherryscreations from my Christian Artists Street Team.