Handmade from the heart

This year I am in love with handmade gifts. Unfortunately, unless my friends and family want to listen to me talk I don't really have a whole lot to offer. I'm not what you might call "talented" -- at all. It's embarassing really. To make up for my shortcomings I spend hours browsing etsy Every now and then I find weird things -- like the fake, gold-plated dog poo in the shape of a heart (no, no, not kidding -- I really did find this). But sometimes I find some super cute things that I can't wait to snatch up and give as gifts. Even better, I can search for local artisans and support people in my own community. By shopping for these custom, one-of-a-kind pieces I can ensure a level of quality that is often missing in the mass produced items; I can support the "little guy" and I am able to wrap up a gift that really is for the recipient -- these gifts aren't just a good fit, they are perfect-made-to-order-awesome wrapped in a box!!

One shop I really want to brag on is Misty's Blessings. In addition to being my best friend (0ften a full time job in itself!), Misty creates wonderful handmade items for babies, moms and young kiddos. I really wish I had a little girl to buy for this Christmas -- Misty's aprons are too cute! Complete with places for crayons, these reversals gems are precious.

Grace has a pair of adorable baby shoes from Misty's shop (and I can't wait to buy her more!) and a doll quilt embroidered with her name. Since Grace is closer to actually being a doll than playing with a doll we use the quilt as a car seat blanket for now.

I know what you're thinking -- She's my friend so of course I think her stuff is great and I'm just doing a plug because she asked me to. Not true. Misty didn't ask me to write anything and I'm not the only one who thinks her stuff is great -- items are flying off her virtual etsy shelves!!

Go check out her shop on etsy here and see what she has to offer. Consider handmade and heartfelt this Christmas season.