Top 10 Reasons To Shop Local And Shop Handmade

A Monthly Review

There are so many types of items you can find hand-made right in your own state – there is no reason to shop anywhere else! Why give your hard earned money to the big box and chain stores when you can support a local crafter, artisan or designer for items from the practical to the just plain adorable?!

Here’s a list of my top 10 reasons to shop local & shop handmade.

1. Skin Pampering Products

You Go Girl Soaps – Specializing in hand-made glycerin soaps and FUN bath products.
Barefoot Bath and Body – From cold processed soaps to solid perfumes to lip balm – to die for!

2. Home Decor

Rhinestone Bits Mosaic Art – Beautiful home pieces hand made with mosaic tiles.
Milton and Margies - Hand-poured, soy wax candles made in unique, reused/recycled jars.
Sarah Thole – Custom portraits and landscapes – beautiful art for your walls!

3. Stationary and Paper Products

Captured Time - Beautiful hand-made stationary, notebooks, cards and so much more!
Just Another Day Designs - Great hand-made stationary, note cards and invitations.

4. Textiles

Fennel Studio – Bracelets, bags, neck warmers – not your typical crochet...
Knits by Jess - Great hand knit socks, leg warmers, baby sweaters – you name it!
Popsie Daisy - Creating quality quirk for the young at heart

5. Jewelry

This list could simply go on forever. Some of the current beauties…

NikkyLee Designs – Shameless plug for my jewelry. :)
MNC Moon – Simply lovely hand stamped bits of goodness!
Grin Design – Vintage Vignettes

6. Accessories

Ceyenne Peppy - Hot...spicy...handcrafted handbags and accessories
Wynzia - Whimsical, handcrafted necessories

7. Clothing

BettyScagnetti - One of a Kind Clothing and Accessories
SkyMonkey Tie-Dies – Fun Tie Die shop!

8. GLASS

Drew Jaeger – Gorgeous glass platters, plates and other lovely things!
Western Art Glass - Mobiles & Sun Catchers in Stained Glass

9. Dishware and Ceramics

Meaghan Elizabeth Pottery – Simple, Functional and Stunning pottery!
Sue Pariseau Pottery – Functional stoneware.

10. Toys and Fiber Art

Penguin and Fish – Quirky Plush
Fuz Frenzy - amigurumi & fiber arts galore
Fantastic Toys – Handmade soft toys

For all things crafty, hand-made and Minnesota – check out the HandMade MN directory at HandMade MN!

*Special thanks to Handmade in PA blog for the idea!

Okay, so I am officially the worst blogger ever...well, maybe not the worst, but pretty close. I was just typing away a blog post (basically saying the same thing as above) and hit a button on accident - poof! - it was gone...*sigh*

I'll keep making posts here and there, but dear friends, I'm not sure I'll ever be the awesome blogger most of you are.

I sit here at my work desk on a beautiful Monday afternoon dreaming of sunshine, jewelry, gardening and photography. Seems life would be that much better if they were my only responsibilities - alas, it is not likely so anytime soon. Thank goodness I have a day job with great people or I'd be miserable. :)

So, here's to another blog post in the coming weeks, maybe something with actually interesting content. Keeps your fingers crossed (or not)!

Please keep checking in to my Etsy Team websites because there are LOTS of great artists and information on them everyday.

http://etsymn.blogspot.com/
http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/