Handmade Christmas: "Bit of Whimsy"

I knew that I wanted to get a special doll for Brennah's first Christmas... And I knew I wanted to purchase her on Etsy... After searching for quite some time for just the right doll, I came across the shop of a "Bit of Whimsy" and saw "Lizzie" (as seen in the first picture)... She is eagerly awaiting her introduction to Brennah and I can't wait to see Bren hug her with all her might as she does all her special toys!

Handmade Christmas: "Alina Hayes"

My mom is a tricky one to buy for... So I was thrilled when I stumbled upon the shop of "Alina Hayes"... Not only is her pottery stunning, it is also affordable... I'm particularly partial to her poppy designs (as you'll notice from the pictures below!) The first picture shows the lovely "Poppy Treasure Jar" that I purchased for my mom... Don't worry, she's not a blogger or internet person at all, so she'll never see this post! Enjoy and perhaps you'll find something for that hard to buy for person on your list! Happy Holiday shopping!

A Handmade Christmas...

Since joining the Etsy community back in June, I've been in awe of what a welcoming and friendly group of people have gathered there... With Christmas approaching, I began to think of gifts back in October as I often do... And I decided that as much as possible, I would try to buy my gifts on Etsy... So over the next two weeks, I would like to feature some of the shops that I've purchased Christmas gifts from this year... Perhaps you'll be inspired to support handmade this Christmas as well!

And in two weeks, beginning on Monday, November 24th, I will be having another fabulous Canadian giveaway, just in time for the Holidays! I have 10 shops from around Canada that have donated FABULOUS gifts... Stay tuned... You won't be disappointed!

Below are the pictures of the Christmas Ornament I purchased for Brennah... I wanted her to have something special for her first Christmas... And I found it in "Middleburg's" shop!

International Etsy Feature: "Bonzie" {Ireland}

The lovely pieces in "Bonzie's" shop evoke all the romance of Ireland... At least the romance that I envision... The pieces are stunning and elegant with a unique vintage flare... "Bonzie" often upcycles materials and combines them with thrifted finds... You can follow the journey of the work on Bonzie's blog... Enjoy!

International Etsy Feature: "Anneeta's" {New Zealand}

I suppose I've got embroidery on the brain the last few days... Perhaps because I wish so much that I could do it! But for now, I'll stick to what I can do, and share another embroider with you... "Anneeta's" is a shop from New Zealand and she creates beautiful hand embroidered baby shoes! These little lovelies are so pretty you'd want to keep them long after your baby has outgrown them!

International Etsy Feature: "Apple & Eve" {Germany}

I was so excited when logging in to my blog this morning to discover that I have a follower! Yeah! And not only do I have follower, she's a fabulous Estian from Germany... And wasn't I looking for a lovely International shop to share with you today? So... Without further ado, the shop of "Apple & Eve" from Frankfurt, Germany (A city that we walked around in record breaking heat looking for an English playing movie so we could sit in an air conditioned theatre)... The shop is stocked with stunning embroidered cotton animals (from her own patterns) that take my breath away! Lovely! Everything is so lovely in fact, that I had a VERY difficult time deciding what pictures to share! The blog is enthralling as well! Enjoy...

International Etsy Feature: "Mee A Bee" {Japan}

I love the whimsical designs of "Mee A Bee" from Osaka, Japan... 

My Baby Bear... Brennah May...

International Etsy Feature: "Las Lopez Las" {Argentina}

I just adore the stunning wraps and shawls by "Las Lopez Las" from Argentina, a place I've always wanted to visit... The designs and colours are just amazing! "Las Lopez Las" is made up of three sisters who knit, loom, crochet and embroider using ancient techniques passed down from their grandmother! They create their pieces from local wool so when you purchase from their shop, you are truly getting a piece of South American life!

Sweet Little Owls...

I have had so much fun with these adorable handpainted ceramic owls... They've been great sellers so far and I can see why... They're quite hard to resist!

"Goodnight, Sleep Tight" Necklace

"Semi Charmed Kinda Life in Blue" Necklace

"Semi Charmed Kinda Life in Pink" Necklace

International Etsy Feature: "For the Record" {Singapore}

My new favourite shop... "For the Record" from Singapore... I love photos and albums and was thrilled a few months ago when I found this fabulous shop! Jacqueline creates one-of-a-kind albums covers, amongst other things, with colourful appliques and buttons! I can't wait to get the custom album cover that's in the works for Brennah's first birthday! You can see a sneak peek here!