Buy Handmade for the Holidays

In a time when people are feeling the pinch from the economy, it's important to remember the things for which we are thankful. Family, friends, furbabies; these are the things that make our lives rich.

Yet, it's also at this time of year that we want to show our appreciation to those loved ones. Sure, we could camp out in line for the all early bird deals at the big box stores, or spend hard earned cash on the latest video game or "Tickle Me Elmo". But do those things really mean something? Will that gift that they begged for be sitting in a closet somewhere in a month, a week, by the end of the day?

"I like the idea of the handmade Christmas...shopping not just to consume, but to get gifts that are more unique and special because they're handmade. Supporting individuals rather than large companies feels much more meaningful in this economy, when everyone is having a hard time financially."~ Julia from Juliaa

ITS aMAZEing Topaz Teardrop Garnet and Tanzanite Pendant

by JewelrybySolange

Let me suggest getting them something that will be treasured long after the holidays are over.

When you invest in a gift that is carefully and skillfully handcrafted by an artisan, you are investing in something that may become a treasured heirloom. Artists take great pride in the work they create. Ask any artisan, no matter what their genre, and they will tell you that it is the love of their art, their heart and soul that is within every piece they create.

Bali Style Lampwork and Sterling Silver Bracelet

by stoutdg2

"I love the look and feel of homemade products. They just feel like more love and care has been put into them for the most part. There are so many unique things that people make. I love unique, colorful and different things."~ Judy from jemsbyjbandcompany

"Hands down, the handcrafted items are superior in construction, design, and spirit. And I speak about ALL types of items from paper goods to scarves, clothing, bird houses, etc., not just jewelry. The inherent care and pride cannot be purchased over the counter – unless, of course, it’s handmade!"~ Pam from cooljewelrydesign

Many artisans will even create custom works just for you. These are truly unique, one of a kind pieces that will hold a special place in the heart of its recipient.

Three Tags Custom Name or Number Nephrite Jade Silver Necklace

by ovgilliesdesigns

"I like to support small businesses by buying something personally handmade directly from the artist. Cut out the big box stores and get something special, direct from the artist's hands to you."~ Mary from LittleBrownBird

The holidays are upon us and I haven't even begun thinking about what gifts I might be giving the loved ones in my life. Whatever those gifts will be I know three things: that they will be special, they will be made with love, and they will be handmade.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

***********************************************************************

All of the pieces shown above and many others from the Jewelry on Etsy Team can be found by searching JETTEAM in the search box on Etsy's home page.

Jewelry on Etsy Team Trunk Show

The Jewelry on Etsy Team will be having a team-wide on line Trunk Show on Sunday, November 21, 2010.

Come meet this wonderful team of talented jewelry artisans, share some laughs, and view the collections. It's a fantastic way to interact with the artists while checking off items for that ever growing holiday gift list. The show will be at 8pm EST in the Virtual Labs on Etsy. Team members will be featuring some of their favorite works, tell us how they were made, and ready to answer any questions LIVE!

This show was a huge hit last year so come early and grab a seat in the virtual lab. You don't want to miss a thing! You must be a registered Etsy user to participate. It only takes a minute to register, but then you can come join the fun, mark your favorites, and purchase on the spot during the show!

And, as always, you can view beautiful handmade jewelry from the entire Jewelry on Etsy Team by searching JETTEAM in the search box on Etsy's home page.

Spotlight On: JemsByJBandCompany

Judy and Bill of Jems by JB and Company have a fine eye for detail. I love the mix of gemstones and silver in their wonderful bracelets, necklaces and earrings.

The use of color in this Etsy shop is so refreshing! Isn't this bracelet just yummy for summer?

Looking through JemsbyJBandCompany is like walking through a candy shop and you just can't help but want to sample everything!

I encourage you to check out this shop full of wonders.

***********************************************************************************

Jemsbyjbandcompany is a fellow member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET). You can find more items from talented JET members by searching JETTEAM in the search box at the top of Etsy's home page.

Fair Diddley 2010: Part 2

Fair Diddley 2010 was a success! The rain held off for the whole day and the weather turned out to be beautiful. There was another great crowd. My tent had a steady flow of traffic for most of the day. I got to meet one of my JET team members from Etsy, Tammy of ArtMadeByTammy. I even had people stop by that remembered LittleBrownBird from last year. Not a bad turn out at all. Here are a few pictures from the day.

The crowd at Fair Diddley 2010

The weather was sunny and hot, just a bit windy at times.

My booth and "Headless Jane"

Thanks to all that came out to support me! I hope you all love your new jewelry and hair accessories! If you missed the fair, you can always stop by my shop, LittleBrownBird on Etsy and purchase from there.

Fair Diddley 2010

It's that time of year again, Fair Diddley is here! Located on the Square in Woodstock, IL , this is the 42nd year for this annual event. The fair will take place on Sunday, May 16, 2010 from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Little Brown Bird will be participating again this year. I will be located just off the square on Main Street. I'd love if you would stop by! I have lots of new items in addition to those seen in my Esty shop.

It's always a great crowd with hundreds of crafters selling thousands of handmade items. Hope to see you there!

Spotlight On: Designs by Victoria

Steampunk is alive and well at DbVictoria, a wonderfully creative shop on Etsy.

Steampunk Garnet and Gears Brass Earrings

Full of fantasy and frills, Victoria creates whole worlds of wonder with her jewlery collections. She features not only Steampunk, but Neo-Victorian, hats, purses,and costume items.

Watch Spring OOAK Brass Steampunk Earrings

Black Steampunk Gothic Lolita Parasol

My favorite pieces from DbVictoria are the gorgeous parasols embellished with lace and hand-beading. They are a stunning step back in time.

Black and Gold Parasol

**********************************************************************

DbVictoria is a fellow member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET), a collective of top-quality jewelry designers on Etsy. Other items from JET members can be found by using the search term JETTEAM at the top of Etsy's home page.

Spotlight On: SendingLoveGallery

If you need to send something very special, SendingLoveGallery has it. Upon stepping into this shop on Etsy, I was captivated by all the gemstones. And, of course, I'm a sucker for glass beads. These Coral Peach Vintage Glass earrings and matching necklace would fit perfect into my personal collection.

There is a stunning variety of color and yummy gemstones to choose from. I love, love, LOVE SendingLoveGallery!

******************************************************************

SendingLoveGallery is a fellow member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET) , a collective of top-quality jewelry designers on Etsy. Other items from JET members can be found by using the search term JETTEAM at the top of Etsy's home page.

Spotlight On: AdroitJewelers

Beauty and brains. That's what I think of when I visit AdroitJewelers on Etsy. This shop is full of stunning silver and glass beaded jewelry. The wire-wrapped pieces in sterling silver with seaglass are fantastic! But the brains behind this beauty's shop are these non-pierced earrings!

What a fabulous idea for those who don't have pierced ears! They fit right over the curve of your ear and hang just like a sexy pair of hoops. Now that's thinking outside the box!

And these swirly dangles of silver goodness named the Black Dot earrings are my favs! I actually own a pair of these that I received in a lucky jewelry swap and I wear them all the time. They go with absolutely everything.

Please visit AdroitJewelers and find your favorites!

***********************************************************

AdroitJewelers is a fellow member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET), a collective of top-quality jewelry designers on Etsy. Other items from JET members can be found by using the search term JETTEAM at the top of Etsy's home page.

Spotlight On: Capital City Crafts

Barbara Moore is the creative soul behind the wonderful Etsy shop, CapitalCityCrafts. I have been a fan of CCC for a long time. I have always loved Barbara's rings. They are each rustic, edgy, and beautiful. Would you expect anything less from an experienced metal smith?

Zigzag Sterling Ring

Barbara's style is diverse, having something in her shop for women of many styles. Elegant pearls, sterling silver, gem stones...all stunning.

Royal Purple Pearl Earrings

CapitalCityCrafts happily accepts orders for wholesale, as well as bridal orders, and will ship worldwide.

Kyanite & Bronze Pearl Bracelet

Blue Sky Earrings

You can find more of Barbara's wonderful creations at her shop, CapitalCityCrafts, which is updated with new styles regularly. You can subscribe to her shop feed to keep updated on her newest additions by clicking the RSS button in her shop. I can't wait to see what she'll come up with next!

****************************************************************************

Capital City Crafts is a fellow member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET), a collective of top-quality jewelry designers on Etsy. Other items from JET members can be found by using the search term JETTEAM at the top of Etsy's homepage.

Spotlight On: Designs by Cher

If you're looking for something fresh and unique, stop by Designs by Cher on Etsy.

Cher offers a wide range of jewelry featuring sterling silver, semi-precious stones, and copper.

Framed in Floral Travertine Stone Necklace

Which camp are you in, Camp Jacob, or Camp Edward? These bracelets, based on the Movie New Moon from the Twilight series are more than charming!

Camp Edward, Bella's Charm Bracelet

Camp Jacob, Bella's Charm Bracelet


Cher has more than just finished jewelry pieces in her shop. Jewelry designers can also find handmade findings, clasps, and connectors with a bit of a twist (or swirl).

Hand Forged Antique Copper Large 'S' Clasp

What will you find when you visit Designs by Cher? I bet it will be something special!

********************************************************************************
Designs by Cher is a fellow member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET)- a collective of top quality jewelry designers on Etsy. Other items from JET members can be found on Etsy by using the search term JETTEAM at the top of Etsy's home page.

Spotlight On: Brooke Scarborough Jewelry Designs

Get ready for a treat. Brooke Scarborough of Brooke Scarborough Jewelry Designs is one very talented jewelry designer.

I love Brooke's keen sense of style and composition in her work. A kindred spirit, Brooke has a background in interior design. Her balance of color and geometry are certainly to be desired in her Lemon Quartz Bubble Earrings.

This heart pendant is made of fine silver and hangs from a hand-forged chain with hand forged S-clasp. Stunning!

But THIS is so yummy! Her Lemon Meringue Pie necklace is dessert for the eyes.

All of Brooke's jewelry can be seen at her shop on Etsy, BrookeJewery and in local San Diego shops. Treat yourself to these delicious baubles!

*********************************************************************************

BrookeJewelry is a fellow member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET) - a collective of devoted top-quality jewelry designers on Etsy. Other items from JET members can be found on Etsy by using the search term JETTEAM at the top of Etsy's home page.

Spotlight: Vandiva Fashion Jewelry

If your feeling a bit low after the long winter, here's a little something to cheer you up. Vandiva is a wonderful jewelry shop on Etsy run by a mother, Angelika, and her daughter, Vanessa.

At first look, I was amazed by all the yummy gemstones. They look good enough to eat, especially this Easter Gemstone Necklace that reminds me of jelly beans! Perfect with Easter just around the corner.

Vandiva has a variety of styles for all tastes. One of my absolute favorites is this one.

A prehistoric fossil that looks oh, so modern. A natural moment in time, preserved for an eternity.

Vandiva also has a whimsical side. This mink fur ring comes in both pink and black and is so much fun!

Angelika, a professional language translator by day, is a woman of many talents. Aside from the gorgeous jewelry at Vandiva, Angelika also has another shop devoted to handbags and clutches. Ma Belle Cherie offers beautiful clutches in contemporary patterns, as well as some in leather, or covered in tiny handmade fabric flowers. They are a stunning addition to an everyday outfit or even a wedding or bridesmaid gown.

I hope you stop by Vandiva and Ma Belle Cherie and pick up something beautiful for yourself or a friend.

**Vandiva and Ma Bell Cherie are fellow members of the Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET)- a collective of devoted top-quality jewelry designers on Etsy. Other items from JET members can be found on Etsy by using the search term JETTEAM at the top of Etsy's home page.

Things I Love: Gold Jewelry

We are nearing spring time and, for the new season, I have been adding something very different to my jewelry collection. Gold.


Now, I'm typically one of those people that swear they like nothing but silver jewelry. I can't explain my addiction to gold jewelry lately, except maybe that the winter has been long and I'm yearning for warmth and sunshine.

Gold Paisley Pendant Necklace with Pearl Accent

Many of my new pieces are done with gold filled and gold plated elements, mixed with pearls, glass, or other metals.

Gold Leaf Earrings

A common accent color among these pieces is a soft spa blue. I love the look and adding a bit of something blue gives it a fresh, light aspect. I think many of these pieces would look great on a bride or her bridesmaids for an elegant contemporary wedding.

Gold Leaf Pendant Necklace




Butterfly Verde Filigree and Gold Double Necklace layered with

Vintage Inspired Gold Filigree Bluebird Necklace

Filigree is also another latest obsession of mine. In some pieces, I've combined gold filigree and antique brass to which I've given a verdigris patina.

Gold and Verde Filigree Necklace with Crystal Tear Drop

The color combination is to-die-for! Look how the verdigris patina jumps off the gold chain. Am I the only one drooling right now?

Butterfly Verde Filigree and Gold Double Necklace

Matte Gold Leaf and Green Quartz Nugget Necklace

I've also combined gold with some semiprecious stones. I love the juxtaposition of gold, with it's elegant allure, against the natural semiprecious stone.

Amazonite and Gold Bauble Necklace

All of the gold jewelry you see here is presently available in my shop, LittleBrownBird on Etsy.