Looking for Unique and "Just So Cool" Christmas Gifts? Try Etsy

We usually don't have trouble with the big gifts..it's all those 'side orders' that we want to still make as delectable as the main course.   

Time has been passing me by.  I begin a little search on Etsy.com and then I am somehow lost in the immeasurable selection of unique and one of a kind gift items.  The good part is, I count the time as highly effective -- as nearly all my Christmas shopping is -- not just done -- but has SO EXCITED me for Christmas now.  Here are a few fun things I have found.

I am so impressed with this toy pop-up tent from Toys Tents and Chairs.  The bottom is a lined piece of thin plywood.  It folds flat for storage and comes with two little matching sleeping bags. It is so well made, and I can't wait for my little boy to see it!  They come in various colors and patterns.

 Since our family is highly allergic to animals, I found him something that looks very close to real. This little, golden hamster toy is so sweet, and also well-made.  It measures around 5" x 2.5"  and was made by:  Furry Thangs.  The price was fantastic and I like it so much more then (ahem) those other ones out on the market at the moment.  (I'm sure the tent will be his new home).

We have an older (gaming ) son...so this Gaming T-Shirt is not only going to get several laughs from all his friends in high school, but the wearer will really appreciate that mom has humor too. Jam Jam Tees has some of the most hilarious T-Shirts I've seen.  (I've put several in my "Favorites" list for upcoming birthdays and such).

Here are a couple other things for that same gaming (and guitar playing) son:

A Chocolate game controller and game?  Yes!  How cool is this mom?  Mandies Candies has so many unique chocolates.  I can't tell you how they taste yet..but they smell lovely.  The personalized guitar pick case (or you decide what you'd like to put in it) is by Tiny Tins.  It arrived here so quickly and will make a fantastic little stocking stuffer.
  

We have princess number 2 here too.  Our sweet sixteen spends 2/3 of her morning hour perfecting her makeup job.  She has also grown up in the Pokemon Era and loves to draw anything anime.  Isn't this just the perfect gift?  Pokemon Make-Up!  Who would have thought?  Shiro Cosmetics (makeup and geekery) makes a variety of sets to choose from.  Her bio says she's kind of a nerd sometimes...Thank You Shiro, I love nerds!

Top it off with this little Pikachu makeup bag from Krafty Minds (Nostalgically Inspired Bags and More) made with Pikachu fabric.  It will store these cosmetics perfectly don't you think?!

Garnishing it with Pokeball Earrings from Ordinary Vanity and a Snorlax 'Cupcake' Necklace from The Bird and the Bee , and we're talking a well deserved Christmas hug for this mummy.  

I'm so excited.  I hope I've excited you too and that you'll take a minute to have a look on etsy.com.  I have found all my purchases to be of great quality and fast shipment.  Most will ship internationally.  Several have put a personal thank you note in the package as well.  It's so nice to buy from (human) crafting artists...love them!

Oh, and I almost forgot.  We got this for my son's girlfriend...that is, if I don't take it first!  I love this Guitar Pick Necklace from Moon Light Adornments with the symbol for love in Chinese.  The chain comes at 22" but the seller will adjust it shorter -- just ask, that's what I did.  Happy Shopping.  To visit Etsy click here.

The Hay Patch - Baby Boutique, Cowboy Chic!

 "Talk low, talk slow, and don't talk too much."   ~ John Wayne

The boys world seems dominated at the moment with pirates and robots (which will always be well loved by our sons) but running into this thriving business of all things cowboy hit a big heart string with me.  The fabrics have a vintage appeal which bring memories of simpler times and back to basics.

The Hay Patch has been creating handmade goods for many, many years now.  Living in Texas and raising registered long horn cattle, (when not sewing) you can't get much more country than this. 

The Hay Patch carries nursery items such as Custom Crib Sets, Diaper Bags, Baby Blankets, Bibs, Burp Cloths, Change Pads, Car Seat Covers, Shopping Cart Covers, Nursing Pillow Covers, and much, much, more!  (I'm looking for a reason to get the red diaper bag, even though my child has long been out of them!)

If you have a fondness for cowboy, then this is a great place to shop.  The Hay Patch loves custom orders, so if there's been something you've been looking for, but can't find, perhaps you can here.  Visit The Hay Patch to see all items available.

See:  My Daddy Wears Cowboy Boots
See:  Samibob Recycled Clothing
See:  Gianna's Handmade Baked Goods Give Away

Bubs Bears Picnic!

If you go out in the woods today
You're sure of a big surprise.
If you go out in the woods today
You'd better go in disguise.

For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic.

Bubs Bears, to be exact.  This enchanting nursery song captures my mind every time I see a teddy bear.  

A "Bubs Bear" Picnic

Several months back I was drawn to a blog titled "Mutterings from the Moor" and found within it a place to live vicariously when missing my favorite place on earth.  Abby is a "mum" of 2 girls and a step-mum to one teenage boy.  She lives in a cozy cottage within the boundaries of Somerset, England.  Abby blogs about her sewing, her ducks and chickens and vegetable patch.  It should come as no surprise that such agreeable little creatures as 'Bubs Bears' are born within this charming setting.

Covered Button from Vintage Fabric

Each hand made, with it's own personality, Bubs Bears holds far more then just filling.  Creating a custom bear from your child's keepsake clothing/blankets or your own special wedding gown, each one can be formed with an admiring measure of sentimental memories. 

Not just for children.  A teddy bear can bring much comfort to all.  On one occasion, Abby received an order from a woman who had recently lost her father.  The customer requested several bears sewn from her father's shirts so that she could share them with her loved ones.  

Abby also makes a 'Tooth Fairy or Prayer Bear', as well as covered buttons made from vintage fabric.

So, do remember, if you go out in the woods today... watch for Bubs Bears.

Tooth Fairy or Prayer Bear

Beneath the trees, where nobody sees
They'll hide and seek as long as they please
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic

Visit Bubs Bears, Misi or Etsy site to place your order.

(Oh, and I'm sorry if I got that song running through your head)

The Latest from Bubs Bears

Bubs Bears 'details'

Sami Bop Quality Vintage and Recycled Fabric Kidswear

Cowboy TeePee Pant by Sami Bop

I have a confession to publicize and get off my chest.  I'm sure there's some type of professional name for it, but for now we'll just say I'm a 'Fabric Hoarder'.  Yes.  For the past several years I have been 'storing' fabric.  I tend to go into fabric shops and become incapable of making a decision.  I get totally overtaken by it and completely and utterly controlled.  I wash it, iron it and fold it nicely in my cupboard -- because one day, (when I have time --hahaha) I'm going to make something from it.  I no longer have room in my cupboards, and so it has been lovingly placed in big storage tubs.  My husband patiently brought a few boxes in for me today, and I finally realized...I think I have a problem....?

Striped Cotton Cowboy Pants

I have recently come across a very talented mom of two who has found an ingenious way of creating beautiful designs, from 'previously used' fabric and clothing.  She is a fabric recycle-er, creating beautiful vintage and recycled fabric kids wear.  Sami Bop has been salvaging fabric since the early 80s, creating some very exciting and unusual wear.

Mock Suede Fringe Jacket

Sami Bop is located in Sydney, Australia (I can't think of Australia without seeing "The Man from Snowy River" in my mind -- you know the scene; riding down the steep mountainside with barefaced confidence) and I thought it curious, as it was Sami Bops' remarkable western wear that I was first attracted to.  I haven't come across a jacket with this kind of fringe in a very long time. 

1950 Cowboy Patch on Red Check

With a knowledge of fabric design and production industry, Sami Bop creates each and every item herself, using selective patterns and style arrangements.  Sami Bop is also a member of  DUST (Down Under Street Team) which is a group of Australian Artists, Craft people and Artisans who support Etsy and wish to promote independent Handcrafted Goods in Australia and worldwide.

Shaggy Chenille Teddy Bear Pants

Not only does Sami Bops' talented philosophy tell me that fabric will always be usable, no matter how old (sitting in containers for years), but the unique and endearing designs have changed my own attitude.  Surely now, I am a fabric collector... or...connoisseur.  And obviously, after looking at what Sami Bop has to offer, fabric only gets better with time.

Visit Sami Bops to see all of her incredible work. 
To see the dustteam and handmade work sweeping Australia, visit http://www.dustteam.com