support handmade for the holidays 1950s christmas tree card

I was flipping through one of my favorite books,  Vintage Notions by Amy Barickman the other day. In the December section, she mentions small handmade gifts for Christmas in the 1920s. A dresser scarf, a strap to carry books. All practical with handmade details that make it special.

I love the idea of giving a personal, useful, handmade gift. Not piles and piles of stuff bought at a big box store. Just one beautiful present, wrapped in the funny papers or in a simple square of fabric tied with yarn.

 This year, we're giving our kids a lot of handmade gifts to be packed in recycled boxes and great thrift finds that we've picked up throughout the year. I have always wanted to do a handmade christmas, whether made by myself or bought from another crafter. I'm making a fabric hopscotch mat with appliqued numbers, a beautiful fabric doll with a few sets of clothes, a puppet stage and sets of finger puppets for different plays and Pj is whipping up some awesome wooden scooters for the little ones. It's been tricky finding a time when I can work on their gifts while they aren't around but so far, they're turning out great! I can't wait to share them here.

While Christmas shopping this year, I hope that we all look to places like etsy and Instagram for unique handmade gifts from small business owners and artisans. Here is my list of beautiful things that I would love to find under the tree this year....



Sky Blue sparkle vinyl wristlet with white starbursts from Retro Redone
 ---handmade in Orlando, Florida---

Sky Blue sparkle vinyl wristlet with white starbursts from Retro Redone

---handmade in the USA----


Findings from the beach resin bangle from Modern Flower Child



Claire Beauchamp Outlander style hand knitted capelet from JubileeRd
--- handmade in Australia---
Claire Beauchamp Outlander style hand knitted capelet from JubileeRd


2015 Monthly Planner from ShePlans
---handmade in Roanoke, Virginia---

2015 Monthly Planner from ShePlans

colorblock and woodgrain phone cade from Casesbycsera
---designed and made from eco friendly materials in Turkey---

colorblock and woodgrain phone cade from Casesbycsera