handmade holidays - tree trimming

My first post for this year in Handmade Holidays! I may have started my holiday gift-making a little late, but it's not over yet! I want to show you guys all of the crafty, christmas-y things that I'm able to come with. I'll be expanding my inventory with 'ready to ship' items for quick, holiday delivery and I'll also be sharing the gifts that I put together for my loved ones.

I'm not cheap and I love to spend my money on stuff for my friends and family but this year I'm trying to put a little more meaning behind my gifts while supporting small businesses and the art of crafts. Sorry Wal-Mart, but mom doesn't need a cheap pair of pj's this year. And I'm not saying that store bought gifts mean nothing, it's all about finding that special something for those special someones whether it's cheap, expensive, handmade or edible.

I simply intend to spark some creativity and spread some holiday cheer. Handmade Holidays is for those of you who love to craft and may be in need of some last minute gift ideas, and for those of you who are supporting us independent artisans this season by buying handmade gifts. So, for starters, I have some brand new Christmas tree ornaments up on Etsy:

Set of Five Bow Ornaments

Made with a wool / mohair blend

Pre-made and Ready to Ship!

simple additions

For as long as I've known how to crochet cute little bows, I never bothered to put any in my shop. But finally, I perfected the design, securing the bow and making sure that it fits snugly. I love making these so I hope to sell lots of them this winter. I also put a couple other things in my shop including a unisex infinity scarf and a pair of lovely moon earrings. 

Big Bow

Infinity Scarf

Moon Earrings

now that the rain has dried

Diaries of an amateur shop owner.. All I seem to know how to make now is scarves. Not to say that that's a bad thing necessarily, at least I'll have a good variety. However, I feel like making the same thing over and over is limiting my creativity though each one is made differently. After I make it through this holiday season I'll be able to come back next year with some new, creative holiday and winter ideas for my shop. As for this season, I feel like I started my preparations a little late to successfully promote myself as a "one stop holiday shop." Christmas is right around the corner and I still have so many presents to make on top of coming up with new winter listings, but I'm more excited than worried.

I think today I'll paint for a while. Get my hands dirty and test out my abilities.

scarf lovin

Put up some new items in my shop, mostly scarves. I can't stop making cowls and infinity scarves so hopefully others love them as much as I do. I plan to make autumn and winter cozy and warm with soft wools and comfy hats. In the next few weeks I will be expanding my inventory, bettering my shipping methods and seeking good, quality materials. I have some yarns on my list to buy but I always have trouble finding trustworthy suppliers with good prices and good yarn so if any of you crafters have some suggestions please let me know. :) I'd be happy to share my knowledge of yarns, shipping supplies and Etsy shops with you too, my mailbox is always open. neenanoelart@gmail.com