The Handicrafter

This is the first of my picks for your 2009 Gotta Have-it Book List. It is called Fairy Crafts. There are sections containing detailed instructions for making toys, costumes, gifts and even one about preparing a fairy party. Each section is annotated with a short introduction. The author is Heidi Boyd. The book is published by F & W Pubns Inc on 2003/09/01 You’ll get 95 pages of fairy fun in this beautifully illustrated paperback.

It seems fairies are hotter than ever and we just can’t get enough of them. I have a collection of fairy craft books on my own shelf. Even if I do not get around to making any of the items I enjoy taking the books out from time to time and dreaming about all the wonderful things I would make had I unlimited amounts of materials and time!

Here are this week’s top ten picks for buying handmade. I love to browse the internet, especially Etsy.com and Artfire.com hunting for the unique, the special, or the beautiful hand crafted piece of art or design.  I look the kind of item I might be if I had that certain someone on my list.  Remember, a lot of time, effort and love go into each handmade product. Please make the pledge to buy handmade today and bring home a truly special purchase.  This week’s picks are from independent shops as well as shops on Etsy.com.

 1.      Apple of Daddies Eye - The Children’s Jewellery Company  

2.     Etsy :: MountainsideCrochet :: Sandy, the Snow Bunny 3.     Etsy :: AliBaliJewellery :: Silver Flower Love Heart Necklace 

4.     Etsy :: DimpleBijou :: Crystal Heart for Your Valentine 

5.     Etsy :: Alterity :: Ebony Elegance Vintage Black Glass Button Lace Choker  

6.     Etsy :: TheHouseOfMouse :: NEW - Hamiko the Geisha Mouse

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7.     Etsy :: FromJapanWithLove :: Japanese Rubber Stamp Set-Fruit Cake Stamp

8.      Etsy :: buckster :: CUSTOM ORDERS ONLY - Red Crochet Vest 

9.     Etsy :: DebiBirkinDesigns :: Sleepy Baby Bunting Bunny Rabbit Pattern

10.  Etsy :: DebiBirkinDesigns :: Tabith in Cats Pyjamas Pattern  If you would like your shop to be considered for a future week’s top ten simply leave a comment on this post telling me which of this week’s top ten is your favourite. Keep on crafting and have a great week!

Here The Magickal Ewe’s top ten handcrafted items picked for February 6, 2009.  This week’s picks are chosen from shops on Etsy.com,  Artfire.com, and ShopHandmade.com. Please help support these wonderful handicrafters.

Scrumpdillyiscious!

Etsy :: gunsnmedals2147 :: Cupcake Natural Soaps

The eyes caught me.

Huggable Double Fun Doll - Pixie the Princess-TWO SIDED, with dress and attached embelishments - - Art Fire Buy Handmade Sell Handmade Your Handmade Interactive Artisan Marketplace

I love these.

Etsy :: CapeCodConsignments :: Adorable Child’s Bunny Hat Newborn size Hat ONLY

This is so beautiful!

Etsy :: razzamataz :: 6 Piece Blue Varigated Baby Set - 0 to 3 months

Off into the wild blue yonder!

Etsy :: OffTheHookHats :: 6-12 months Sweet Baby Aviator Hat - Royal Blue

Lovely

Etsy :: NorthAutumnCrafts :: Lilac Floral Crocheted Necklace and Earring Set

Think of spring - delightfully valentine’s.

Etsy :: cobblerscabin :: American Girl Sweater Dress Set

I know 3 little puppies that could use one of these …

Etsy :: codyscreations :: The Doggy Bag Kit - Personalized

These are too, too adorable!

Etsy :: SouZouCreations :: Kawaii Cute Japanese Ring-Toothbrushes And A Cup

Etsy :: ToothFairyMiniature :: Dollhouse Miniature Fresh Baked Pot-Bread

Remember, if you would like your shop to be considered for a future week’s top ten draw simply leave a comment on this post about any one of this week’s top ten.  Do I look at all your shops? You bet I do! I love browsing through handcrafters’ shops so not only do I look at your shop once, I go back and back and back yet again.

Keep on crafting and have a great week! And don’t forget - BUY HANDMADE!!!

Kimberly Ferrugia, owner of Beautiful Bridget, has a delightful shop bursting with handmade crochet scarves, cowls, scarflettes, hats, accessories and more. Kimberly pours lots of love and attention to detail into each product. If the completed item doesn’t come up to the standards of what she considers perfect then she won’t sell it - it’s that simple!

Her items have a fun and funky flair to them. Her color choices are divine! Kimberly adds unusual details to her items so they are each truly one-of-a-kind!

Beautiful Bridget opened on Etsy in May 2008. All of the items available in her store are handmade by her and can be made in various colors. If you see something you like but want it in a different color just let her know! She welcomes custom orders.

Shipping is completely free to the US and Canada! Beautiful Bridget ships internationally as well. She also offers gift certificates in her shop in case you would rather let your loved one pick their own gift or you just cannot decide because her creations are all so wonderful.

Today.com is moving all blogs to the new theme. Many of you may be wondering why I switched. Well, I like the old theme best too but the company apparently wants a more uniform look to its blogs, so what’s a gal to do.

So, appologies to those of you who like the old theme best. I hope you can get used to the new one. I’ll be customizing it as we go along, maybe putting up a new banner, etc. We’ll see how it goes. Suggestions welcome.