hotSACKS

It seems now more than ever people are conscious about replacing plastic bags with reusable bags. Of course, you don't necessarily have to sacrifice style to be eco-friendly. hotSACKS, a company conceived by photographer Diana Nethercott, features a line of affordable, re-usable bags that incorporate cutting edge fashion while respecting the environment. The bags are available in a variety of shapes and styles ensuring that shoppers are sure to find one that fits their needs. The best buys are the ultimate sets that include five bags. This is great for those who need more than one bag when shopping or the sets can be split up & shared with others. You will also find Meshy hotSACKS, strong reusable produce bags. hotSACKS are a great eco-conscious gift you can be proud to share with loved ones this holiday season.

Trim the Tree

1. Michael McDowell of Mudpuppy sculpts a variety of beautiful pieces, including these adorable owl ornaments. I also love the little red top mushrooms & autumn pears.

2. Alicia Paulson has a fabulous felt ornament kit available with supplies to create your own Ice Skate, Hot Cocoa Cup, and Gingerbread Girl.

3. Add good fortune to your tree this year with One Plaid Aunt's set of three fortune cookie ornaments.

4. Knit your own adorable sweater ornaments with this free pattern from Berroco.

5. Thrifty Goodness has several lovely vintage ornaments, including Santa, available.

6. Ribbons Galore has some great holiday dècor & gift ideas, including clear baubles filled with colorful ribbon.

7. I love F is for Frank's variety of pewter ornaments. The owl on a branch and the elephant are a couple of my favorites.

8. Ladies & Gentlemen Vintage Shop creates fun vintage wallpaper ornaments. The forest animals are fantastic!

9. Tabitha Emma is a great shop full of lovely items, including bird cage ornaments. And don't miss the pre-Christmas sale that is currently going on.

10. Gala Glass has a beautiful selection of glass ornaments. The hanging angels are gorgeous!

11. Shoshona Snow Ceramics has a beautiful collection of porcelain snowflake ornaments. In honor of Shoshona's 1,000th sale and the official beginning of the holiday shopping season, a free gift with be included with every order until she reaches 1,000.

12. Susart creates ornaments that are made of layered, stitched fabric and paper available in a variety of designs.

*Be sure to enter the Carmen Bee giveaway for your chance to win a gorgeous necklace!

Carmen Bee

Carmen Bee features beautiful jewelry created by Nicole Beohmerle who specializes in crocheted necklaces and other accessories. I am in awe of the way she can transform crocheted wire and beads into unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. Take inspiration from Nicole's necklaces and put in a request for a custom-designed piece with your own color pattern and style. Carmen Bee also features crocheted yarn pieces, including scarves and adorable berets.

*GIVEAWAY - CLOSED: Enter for your chance to win a crocheted necklace (pictured here) from Carmen Bee. Visit the Carmen Bee shop and leave a comment on this post stating which item is your favorite. Contest ends at Midnight CST, Monday, December 1. Congratulations to our winner Savvy Housewife!

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Steals & Deals

Black Friday (November 28) and Cyber Monday (December 1) are two days during the holiday season known for good deals and sales! See below for many discounts and offers. Happy shopping!

A Punkin Card Company is ready for the holidays! Pre-order your holiday cards and save 20% off your total order. Use promo code “Funky20” in the message to seller & receive a refund. It’s that easy!

Sweet Mady's Paper will be having a sale with items marked down by 30% Nov. 27-Dec. 1st.

I Heart Bowheads is having a Buy One, Get One Free sale on all products!

Every order placed with Blue Valentine Press on Black Friday and/or Cyber Monday ships with a free surprise gift. Why not get a little something for yourself while you shop for others?

Although Thanksgiving is not celebrated in Finland, InkaFinland is having a sale to celebrate this American holiday!

Chicago-based artist Dolan Geiman is currently holding a Holiday Sale, featuring 125 marked down items, running til December 20. Items will be marked down an additional 10% from November 28 thru December 1. In addition, you will also receive Free US Shipping and a free gift with all orders over $100.

Blend Creations is having a 24-hour Black Friday sale with almost all products marked 30% off. And to sweeten the pot, Funky Finds readers will receive an extra $20 off orders of $100 or more with discount code funky20. Code expires at the end of the year. Sign up for the Blend Creations newsletter for even more deals.

Georgie Designs has moved a large selection of rings to Etsy at over 50% off their retail prices! New rings will continually be added to the "ring boutique" at low prices. Also, Buy Two items and Get One Free for a limited time.

Modish Marketplace is a coupon site with listings of deals and discounts offered by many amazing handmade, vintage and indie shops (over 90 participating this month). The deals range from 10-20% off to free shipping to free gifts included with orders. This is a great resource for shoppers to find exclusive deals on unique gifts for the holidays and save some money this season! There’s also a convenient index listing all the discounts.

Model Citizen Clothing is holding a 24-hour sale this Friday. Receive Free Shipping in the U.S. on everything in the shop.

Threadless.com is having their annual holiday sale featuring tees as low as $5! I have ordered many limited run tees from this shop & am always pleased with the quality.

Make a purchase from Care to Bead between November 28 and December 1 and your name will be added to a drawing for a $100.00 gift certificate. The more you buy, the more entries you receive. A winner will be chosen on December 2. Also, receive free shipping with delivery confirmation during this time.

Paper Menagerie has all products from the Note Set section of the shop on sale. Through December 1, all note sets are buy one, get one free! Just enter "NOTE" in the "Notes to Seller" upon checkout and you will receive a revised invoice. Higher price prevails and shipping still applies. Note: This offer does not apply to holiday cards.

The celebrate Mollie of Wild Olive's 29th Birthday, save 29% when you purchase $10 or more til Midnight (CST) Saturday, November 29. Any purchase of $10 or more (not including shipping), paid with PayPal, will automatically receive a 29% refund via PayPal.

Monkey Beanz is offering 10% off on all orders up to $50 and 20% of all orders over $50. Orders over $50 will be shipped free free of charge through December 1st.

Fin + Roe is having a sale from Friday the 28th through Sunday the 30th. Use code blackfriday to receive 20% off your entire custom order. This includes all custom holiday cards, address labels, note cards, etc. If you don't have your photos ready for your custom cards, you can place your order with the discount and Fin + Roe will wait to process your order until your photos are received.

Shades of Violet is also offering 20% off your entire order with code blackfriday between the 28th-30th.

Delight.com is offering shoppers 10% off with Free ground shipping in the Continental US. Use code ThankfulDelight November 26 thru December 1 to receive the discount.

And, if you live in the Dallas area, you do not want to miss all the good deals at Make Shop & Studio. All Moda Fabrics are on sale for $4.50 Yard, while all other fabrics are 20% off already discounted prices. When you purchase a class gift certificate for $50 or more, $10 will be added! And, for each class you register for on Black Friday, you will receive a 10% discount (in store only). There's more deals, as well as complimentary Black Friday cocktails from 4pm to 8pm.

The Freebie Blogger has a list of Black Friday freebies.

Smitten Invitations

Smitten Invitations is committed to helping engaged couples celebrate their special day with fine wedding stationery, stress-free shopping and attentive customer service. With a unique blend of elegance and a flair for fun, Smitten Invitations incorporates contemporary designs, exciting colors, fine papers and unexpected twists on tradition. Their extensive selection of letterpressed and thermography invitations includes many beautiful designs. I especially like the Manhattan invitations featuring modern red magnolia blossoms. Of course, this wonderful company also designs coordinating RSVP cards, note cards, program kits, and much more. The coasters that can double as place cards, allowing you to write or stamp each guests’ table number on the coaster, are also terrific. Enter the November giveaway by Midnight CST for your chance to win ten cards or a boxed set of cards from Smitten Invitations.

Sign Me Up Signs

If you are looking for unique gifts this holiday season, check out Sign Me Up Signs. All of the hand-crafted items can be customized to your liking. Their product line includes custom Name Signs and Temple Signs that make great wedding, shower, Mother's Day, or bridal gifts. I also love the metal sign plaques that are customized to feature words you choose on a wooden backing. Hurry! Enter the November giveaway for your chance to win a 5x12 Give Thanks Sign from Sign Me Up Signs.

1760 Sunday House

Anna Rosete, the talented artist behind 1760 Sunday House, creates unique artwork, pillows and more. The lovely hand-painted pillows are made using muslin with a decorative fabric backing. I love Anna's artwork that features young women, such as My Red Balloon. You can also find her illustrations in unique places like on pin cushions. Also noteworthy is the fact that each month a portion of profits from all sales will be donated to a worthy cause, such as Dare to Dream Fund. The monthly giveaway ends at Midnight CST tonight. Enter for your chance to win three One-of-a-kind ornaments from Anna Rosete.

Say it with Letters

Say it with Letters offers custom cut wood letters and shapes available in hundreds of lettering styles and several adorable designs. For those who love to embellish their own holiday decorations, there's the unfinished bauble ornament collection and 12 inch wreath. Say it with Letters also carries select ribbons, kits, embellishments and other fun goodies perfect for your crafting projects. The letter kits that include craft supplies are the perfect solution for the busy crafter. Enter the November giveaway for your chance to win a 'JOY' letter set & an Ornament Shape.

Oopsie Dazie

Oopsie Dazie is an adorable shop featuring accessories that any little girly girl is sure to love. They specialize in unique and creative combinations of ribbons with perfectly matched toppers and accessories. When ordering your selected product, you are able to choose from a variety of patterned & colorful ribbons. There are many options that are perfect for the holidays, such as Christmas Plaid and Holly (red). I also love the bows that display a rhinestone monogram adding a special touch. Oopsie Dazie also offers handy Clip Caddies that are perfect for packing up and transporting small accessories. Don't forget to enter the November Holiday Goods giveaway for your chance to win a Clip Caddie Gift Set from this fantastic shop!

Eco-Kids

Eco-Kids creates products that keep kids safe from artificial dyes, metals and chemicals. The all-natural art supplies are made from plant, fruit and veggie extracts so parents never have to worry if it happens to go in little ones' mouths. The eco-dough is non-toxic, gluten, soy and dairy free. They also do not dry out like common dough does. The eco-dough goody bags include five colors of eco-dough and a bamboo rolling pin packaged in a recycled paper bag. Kids will love getting messy with the eco-fingerpaint come in powder form so that you can mix them to your desired consistency. One tube yields about 30 ounces of paint. Enter the November giveaway for your chance to win a tube of Natural Finger Paints & an Eco-kids Goody Bag!

Warm Biscuit Bedding Company

Warm Biscuit Bedding Company has a wonderful selection of dècor, clothing, and more for children. I love the shabby chic baby furniture that can be customized to coordinate with your nursery dècor and decorating theme. There's lots of great choices for girls bedding, such as the paper dolls set. A friend of mine's daughter loves horses & she would go nuts over the unique pony bedding set. Warm Biscuit'sgift shop has sections based on age groups, making it a bit easier to do your shopping. I love the arts & crafts section that includes sewing and art kits. Don't miss the Christmas section for lots of great finds, too. Enter the November giveaway & you may win a $50 Gift Certificate from Warm Biscuit!

Inkspot Workshop

Inkspot Workshop is a small home-based workshop located in Atlanta, Georgia, that produces terrific high-quality products. Their 2009 Calendar, featuring bright whimsical images, is the perfect holiday gift. I love that their holiday cards have a fun modern feel to them as seen in the mini mod ornament cards. The pinwheel snowman cards are another great example of this. And, I don't know about you, but I wholeheartedly agree with the Life is Good card! Inkspot Workshop also offers custom invitations, cards and address labels. Receive a 15% discount by mentioning "Funky Finds" in the notes to seller section during the checkout process & you will be issued a refund. Enter the November Holiday Goods Giveaway for your chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate from this terrific shop.

Announcements Galore

Announcements Galore offers a variety of photo announcements for just about every occasion. Using your personal photos and information, a graphic designer turns them into high quality announcements and keepsakes. For those who are recently engaged & want to send out Save the Date cards, Announcements Galore has many designs to choose from. They also produce wedding & birth announcements. Of course, with the holidays right around the corner, you can purchase customized cards to send your loved ones. And all of the products offered by this company can be produced with magnetic backing. This is a great idea that will ensure your announcement or invitation will not be tossed out mistakenly with the mail! Enter the November Holiday Goods Giveaway for your chance to win 25 Custom Photo Holiday Cards from Announcements Galore.

Huddy Buddy

Huddy Buddy is the place to find hip threads for your little one. Their limited-edition holiday designs are adorable...and on sale! You will find many unique pieces for girls and boys alike. I love the baby onesies declaring "New" for those newborns we all know & love. Huddy Buddy also has humorous designs for twins and siblings. Check out all the wonderful pieces this company has to offer. And be sure to enter the November giveaway for your chance to win a $75 gift certificate from Huddy Buddy!

Maptote

Rachel Rheingold and Michael Berick are the collaborative team behind Maptote, cotton tote bags that feature fun maps of various cities around the world. Visitors and locals alike enjoy these unique designs. Their product line includes a variety of styles, including natural grocery totes and black cotton totes. The two types are also available in a hobo style making it easier to carry around lots of goodies. While I love all the designs Maptote offers, I am waiting for the day they release a Texas map! Enter the November giveaway for your chance to win a Maptote of your own.

November Holiday Goods giveaway

Today kicks off the November Holiday Goods giveaway! This month we have lots of fantastic prizes to giveaway that will make terrific presents for those you love…or for yourself!

Giveaway Guidelines:

Visit any of the businesses listed on the November giveaway page.

To enter, leave a comment ON THIS POST including a link to one of your favorite items from each shop (one link per comment, please). You may enter multiple times by linking to a product by a different artisan in each comment.

Extra Entry: Post about this giveaway on your blog, then leave a comment with the link to your post.

Be sure to leave your name AND email address or website link so I can contact the winners. If you are chosen as a winner & there’s no way to contact you, a new winner will be chosen.

Winners will be chosen on November 28 using a random number generator & will then be notified by email & announced on Funky Finds.

The November Holiday Goods giveaway begins today, November 22, and ends at midnight CST Wednesday, November 26.

House of Adeline

House of Adeline features a collection of hand-made laptop sleeves for small notebook computers. All of the sleeves and created using 100% linen combined with quilted cotton padding and beautiful wooden buttons for closure. These unique products are a great alternative for those looking for sophisticated yet simple designs that are functional. You are able to choose from several various trims that coordinate with the linen material. Check the list of small notebook models for a sleeve that will perfectly fit your computer.

Mani Designs

Mani Designs features Amber Mahler's handcrafted work that ranges from Botanical-themed silver jewelry to 18K gold lost wax cast jewelry. The variety of botanical designs include very unique pieces, such as the Field Flower Hoops that are to be worn through the back of the ear. The Branches drop earrings are another pair that are beautiful. Amber also works with enamel and vintage tin when creating jewelry that includes necklaces, as well as earrings. I love the asymmetrical circles and 3 circles center necklaces. Have a look at all the distinctive and sophisticated pieces Mani Designs has to offer.

Shabby Vintage Mom

Shabby Vintage Mom is a terrific shop filled with lots of lovely items. I want all of the modern shabby chic inspiration boards, such as the medium-sized pink, black & white board pictured here. Also available are stylish magnetic wall plaques that could easily be mistaken for artwork when decorated. I also love the mini magnetic frames that are lined with super cute Japanese fabric. Shabby Vintage Mom also has fun items like the vintage metal pewter tin that is full of little odds & ends. Learn more about Shabby Vintage Mom on the SVM blog.

Thanksgiving Finds

Americans will be celebrating Thanksgiving in one week. I always enjoy featuring Thanksgiving items as I love Autumn dècor...and pumpkin pie!

Three Moon Babies has a fun selection of polymer clay embellishments. The whole pumpkin pie magnet is adorable. You'll also find several Christmas-themed designs, including the Santa Claus clay charm.

Love pumpkin pie, but not the calories that come with eating a slab of it? Becky M has created a fun felt alternative.

Paired Hearts has several fun holiday cards to choose from. The disguised turkey is a hoot!

BHG.com, the interactive companion to Better Homes and Gardens magazine, has lots of great Thanksgiving ideas. Spruce up your holiday with recipes, crafts, and turkey roasting tips.

There's an entire blog dedicated to Thanksgiving tidbits, too!

KaBoogie Shoes

KaBoogie Shoes are funky, earthy accessories perfect for your wee one. Audrey is a stay-at-home mom who uses re-purposed suede, leather, wool and other fabrics to create fantastic products. I love the apple tree boogie baby shoes that are adorable. The distressed leather baby shoes are another exquisite design featuring a reverse rawhide leaf applique. And any little girl would look adorable in the raspberry boogie mocs! This shop also features leather wristlets and fleece diaper covers moms are sure to appreciate.

House of Six Cats

House of Six Cats features a variety of Fine Art Photography offered in various forms. The acid old tyme Rose is a beautiful image that is available in print form, as well as a brooch. Talk about a unique accessory! The artist also offers his work in the illuminated form of night-lights. I'm sure there are several people on your holiday shopping list that always enjoy receiving a new calendar. House of Six Cats offers a 2009 calendar featuring twelve different images. Receive a 10% discount, as well as free shipping, when you mention Funky Finds in the message to seller. You will then be sent a revised PayPal invoice from the artist.

Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash - Swag Giveaway

Etsy Dallas is a cooperative craft collective of artisans and artists living and working in Dallas who sell their wares on Etsy.com. The group is made up of over 100 members working in a range of mediums. They have put on several successful shows, including the Etsy Dallas Beer-B-Q that was held in May. This Saturday, November 22, the group will be hosting their 1st Annual Jingle Bash at the Sons of Herman Hall in Dallas. The event will showcase over 40 local handmade vendors, great food, live music, karaoke, make 'n takes, and much, much more!

*GIVEAWAY - CLOSED: To celebrate this exciting event, the Etsy Dallas group is sponsoring a Swag giveaway. You have the chance to win some awesome swag with a retail value of $270 pictured above! The Swag includes the following items donated by Etsy Dallas members. Congrats to our winner Becki!

To enter, visit the Jingle Bash Vendor shops listed on their blog and choose something you think would be a great gift for someone on your holiday shopping list. Leave a comment ON THIS POST noting the item you have chosen. A winner will be randomly selected & announced on Saturday, November 22. The winner must live in the continental U.S. and must provide a mailing address upon winning.

Items included in the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash Swag Bag:

• Dowdy Studio: Original Owl silk screened tee (retail value, $25)
• Pamela Michelle: Art print (retail value, $35)
• Tefi Designs: Juicy Fruit Necklace (retail value, $32)
• Patti Haskins: Stuffed Drawing-Flying Dog (retail value, $20)
• Bijoujuju: ‘Treelightful’ polymer pendant (retail value, $11)
• Karma Crochet: Wool Headband in Red shades (retail value, $20)
• LolaFalk: The Lola Mini-Zip Pouch (retail value, $22.00)
• MiaMaria Designs: “Calavera” craft apron (retail value, $24)
• Michele Cook Designs: Copper & Blue bead earrings (retail value, $15)
• Cut Out & Collect: Japanese Linen Scooter Pouch (retail value, $15)
• Freeforged Jewelry: Ionic-Sterling silver molecule post earrings (retail value, $16)
• Starrydance: Lucky Cat necklace (retail value, $12.00)
• Designing-Diva: Pink Fused Glass Guitar Pendant (retail value, $25.00)

Fin and Roe

Fin and Roe offers high-quality photo cards perfect for all occasions. They offer a wide range of designs to choose from that can be customized with any text you’d like. With thousands of color & pattern combinations, the chances of someone else having the same product as you is very unlikely. The holiday section is full of hip, modern designs that can be printed in any color or pattern you choose. We all know that new parents have little to no free time, yet they want to send out correspondence announcing the birth or adoption of their child. Fin and Roe offers many designs for such an occasion. This great company also offers notecards and address labels so you can purchase coordinating supplies all at once. Receive 15% off your entire order with code FUNKYFINDS.

Queen Bee Designs

Amanda is the talented former teacher & mother who creates beautiful hand-stamped personalized jewelry. Queen Bee Designs is a wonderful source for custom sterling silver pendants, charms and key chains. Each post on her blog showcases beautiful pieces she has created for clients. The Flowers for the Princess necklace is perfect for any special girl in your life. Three's a Charm is the perfect gift for mothers, and grandmothers alike, who has several children. Amanda also offers pieces that incorporate crystals to add a bit of color. This artist welcomes design suggestions from clients. As she says, the sky (and your imagination) is the limit.

Talullah Tu

Talullah Tu offers unique women's accessories & gifts. Their website has a great gifts section that includes stocking stuffer ideas & and affordable suggestions. I love the funky zebra lips frill coin purse, as well as the cutie face coin purse. The suede & leather red bow button clutch by Dazed Dorothy is beautiful. Talulah Tu also offers adorable fruity headbands available in various colors. The London-based company offers affordable world-wide shipping.

The Shandle

The Shandle is a handle that easily attaches to the seat of your toilet. It is an innovative bathroom accessory with built-in antimicrobial protection that makes lifting the toilet seat easier and cleaner than ever. What makes this products so hilarious & funky is that it's available in over 60 styles ensuring that there is a Shandle for everyone. Designs range from grungy bathroom jokes to funny political humor. The bold statements are a humorous way to remind those who use your potty to put the seat down. And for those who are not looking to “Pimp” their toilet, there's even a Natural version.

The Beautiful Garden Boutique

The Beautiful Garden Boutique currently has a big sale going on. They have recently marked down their handmade, one-of-a-kind, & limited edition fashion & bridal jewelry collections! To make room for their 2009 collection, items are marked down throughout their website as well as their Etsy shop. There are many elegant pieces that are priced too low to believe, such as the My Garden earrings. And I love the Snow Crystals bridal necklace. The Beautiful Garden Boutique is also offering a free gift with every order over $50.00 & each item will arrive gift wrapped at no extra charge. This is a great opportunity to stock up on gifts without breaking the bank!

Punky Bunny Designs

Punky Bunny Designs features unique handmade jewelry created by Emily Brewster who is based in Israel. The Hoot charm necklace is a fun piece, as is the Little Bird charm necklace. Emily also creates woven wire bracelets that are great pieces, as well. Her second shop showcases hand-cut glass pendants & fun magnets. Many of the pendants are created using beautiful chiyogami paper, as well as Emily's own designs. Receive 15% off your order when mentioning Funky Finds in the message to seller. Orders combined from both shops are also welcome.

*GIVEAWAY - Closed: Emily has generously donated TWO items for this giveaway. Visit either one of her shops & leave a comment on this post noting which item you like best. Enter for your chance to win a Create Your Own Charm Necklace and a set of Four Seasons Magnets. Giveaway ends at Midnight CST, Monday, November 17. Congratulations to the winner Princess210!

Avie Designs

Avie Designs features beautiful stationery designs created by Avis, the founder & designer behind this company. Each piece features fun, modern designs printed on the finest paper. I love that the holiday cards do not feature traditional colors & designs. These hip, customizable cards are sure to be a hit this holiday season. Not all of the designs are specifically designed for holiday use. The purse stationery is an adorable design that is perfect for any girly girl. Avis has also designed a lovely 2009 calendar featuring twelve of her unique designs. This is the perfect way to brighten up a dreary desk after the holidays.

Janna Conner Designs

I was very impressed recently when I opened a package from Janna Conner Designs. I always love when designers pay special attention to small details such as packaging. Small details like that can have a big impact in my opinion. Janna's jewelry designs are simple yet very elegant. Each piece is hand-crafted in her Los Angeles design studio using high-quality materials. I was so happy to receive an oval charm necklace embellished with my initial. The resin-based enamel charm is beautiful, as is the gold ball chain. Janna offers a wide variety of necklace styles that are all gorgeous. Her collection also includes stylish earrings, bracelets, rings & bridal jewelry. And don't miss the sale section on her website for many more terrific pieces.

Ashley Akers Jewelry

Ashley Akers is a talented local jewelry designer who creates beautiful metal accessories. I love the bubble pendant made up of three sterling silver saucers soldered together. The Confetti necklace is a colorful piece that screams "Buy Me!" And aren't the silver petal studs so unique? Ashley is currently having a giveaway on her blog giving you two chances to win.

I Heart Bowheads

Holly of I Heart Bowheads creates cute, handmade quality hair accessories that are custom made using ribbons that have been hand cut and either seared or treated so that there is no fraying. She creates a variety of styles, including embellished ponytail holders & bows with alligator clips. Whether your child plays soccer or basketball, you will find the perfect accessory here! Of course, the girly girl in me is drawn to the sassy black & pink animal print bow. These are the perfect affordable gift for many girls this holiday season.

Sweet & Sour Goodies

Sweet & Sour Goodies is a funky shop featuring quirky, humorous handmade items. Everyone that visits this Shop is sure to find the plush characters to be entertaining. The sour-faced Ninja cracks me up, as does the Sumo Wrestler. Of course, I would love to have a cute & cuddly Nerd of my own, too. These witty plushies will make a fun stocking stuffer this year! Visit the Sweet & Sour Goodies blog for a behind-the-scenes look.

Bella BLVD

Stephanie Hunt recently started her own scrapbooking company called Bella BLVD. As the sole designer Stephanie says she is "loving the opportunities and artistic freedom." Her current collections, Family Tree and Pack Your Bags, are full of wonderful color schemes & patterns. Pack Your Bags has lots of terrific designs perfect for documenting a variety of travels. And Family Tree is perfect for any heritage pages you might have in mind. The Bella BLVD gallery showcases these products in action. And, if you're looking for even more inspiration, visit the Bella BLVD blog.

Jenny's Gifts & Fine Art

Jenny's Gifts & Fine Art features a wide variety of unique gift ideas & more. Perhaps the most distinctive items are the hairbrushes featuring artist Malenda Trick's imagery in a dimensional form. This shop also offers Malenda's fine art, including the beautiful piece titled Chillin'. If you're looking for gifts that will suit those who have just about everything, check out the gift baskets that come in a variety of themes.

Karate Kat Graphics

Karate Kat Graphics is a terrific venture that Mary Gover & her three children collaborate on. Their polished but playful designs are built around their original artwork and half of every dollar they earn is donated to various children's charities, such as Save the Children. Their product line ranges from personalized birth announcement magnets to unique customizable Keds shoes. Karate Kat also has postage designs for all occasions. Browse the gallery and save $2 per sheet on two or more sheets of stamps (no promo code needed). Free shipping on any stamp order with code STMPHOLIDAYS (good thru 12/31/08), in addition to the $2 per sheet discount! You can even mix and match designs if you like. Now THAT is a great deal.

*GIVEAWAY- CLOSED: Win a set of personalized postage stamps - winner's choice of Peace & Love, Holiday Love, or Ladybug Love stamps. Simply visit Karate Kat Graphics' site & leave a comment on this post noting your favorite design offered. Giveaway ends at Midnight CST Thursday, November 13.

Sock Grams

I love to wear funky socks! Perhaps that is why I love the idea behind Sock Grams so much. The process is simple - choose the socks you want to send, choose a greeting, add your personal message, & your Sock Gram will be on its way. The ballet slipper socks are perfect for women who miss their days in dance class. There's also great designs available for cat lovers, as well as dog lovers. Other favorites of mine include the black monkey socks and the hilarious goldfish! And the hightop sneakers are perhaps my absolute favorite design! Of course, all the fun isn't just for women. There's lots of great pairs for men, as well as children & babies.

Designs by C.D. Childs

C.D. Childs creates a variety of unique items. A stained glass artist by trade, C.D. works with fused glass, mixed media and gemstones to create fashion jewelry. The accessories that combine vintage locker tags with various beads are divine. I also love the nature-inspired stained glass pendants. If you're looking for unique hostess gifts or holiday gifts, the wine bottle cheese board that comes with a spreader is a great option. You'll also find pieces that utilize recycled vintage watch parts. C.D. is now taking orders for customized coasters and initial pendants. But place your orders soon so they will be delivered before the holidays!

Emma Gordon London

Emma Gordon London showcases beautiful handbags that are handmade by Emma Gordon. Her new Autumn/Winter collection has a wide variety of unique styles, such as wristlets made of jersey material & other elements. The satin wristlets that are covered in bourbon cord lace are sassy & suitable for any special occasion. The collection also includes larger bags that are perfect for everyday use. Emma's combination of pretty fabrics & contrasting trims & embellishments achieves an unmatched feminine style. Have a look at all her collections for more fabulous accessories. Funky Finds readers will receive 25% off with coupon code funkyfinds25. And Emma Gordon London offers FREE worldwide shipping, as well!

Art School Dropout

Jessee Maloney's funky shop, Art School Dropout, features fun accessories & home goods. Her newest line of embroidered vinyl ornaments are perfect for those who love unique dècor. I am a fan of cute hair pins & Jessee has a great selection. I love the acorns & colorful cameras. The zipper pouches featuring original designs that are machine embroidered are also on my 'want' list. Receive 15% off your order with coupon code funky_finds_nov2008. Offer ends November 31.

Every Little Counts - SALE

Snag some affordable tees from

Every Little Counts!

Bohtieque Design

Bohtieque Design specializes in custom address labels & promo stickers. There's a variety of styles available, such as Holiday Snowflakes, to choose from. The Flora Scribbles set includes address labels, shop stickers & tags featuring lovely hand-drawn artwork. The stylish Crowning Glory labels would make a great gift for any funky chick. Of course, I would have to go with the Silly Monkey design that is fabulous! Custom design work is also available upon request.

*GIVEAWAY - CLOSED: You could win three sheets of Holiday Labels from Bohtieque Design! Visit the Bohtieque Design shop, then leave a comment on this post letting us know which design you like best. Giveaway ends at Midnight CST, Sunday, November 9.

Andrea Heimer

Andrea Heimer is a talented artist with a new series of paintings titled PULP. The series consists of dramatic acrylic works featuring red-lipped pulp style women who looked to have just leapt off the pages of a comic book. Works from PULP will make their debut at a solo show this month at Fort Gallery in Oakland, California. But don't fret. Many of the pieces are available for purchase now on Andrea's website. Have a look at her blog for more images & information.

HomeStudio Pendants

HomeStudio Pendants is a great place to find inexpensive yet funky gifts this holiday season. I couldn't resist the pendant asking "Do I have to do everything around here" for my Mom! (I hope she isn't reading this entry!) There's so many great pendants to choose from making me thankful that there's the gift set that allows you to choose four pendants with chains for a very affordable price. My four pack would consist of the Twilight pendant, the adorable Gnome, the Dandelion trio and, of course, the Chihuahua! Check out all the fabulous designs HomeStudio Pendants has to offer.

Yumstie Tree

Yumstie Tree is a delightful shop full of cards & accessories created by Jacqui Hanson. I love the humorous card designs like Party Pants that are made using felt embellishments. The hand-stitched Congratulations card is adorable, as well. The felt & button brooch is a fun & whimsical way to dress up a plain top or jacket. And who wouldn't like a felt heart keyring? You even get to choose which pattern and color you would like. See Jacqui's Flickr account for more images of her work.

Sweet Mady's Paper

Michelle, the owner and designer behind Sweet Mady's Paper, creates decorative lunch boxes that can be personalized to suit anyone's taste. These boxes are great for storing toys, crafts, snacks and much more. You can choose from a variety of styles perfect for little girls, including ballerinas & butterflies. But these decorative boxes aren't just for girls. There are plenty of great designs perfect for boys, as well as adults. These stylish lunchboxes are the perfect gift for any occassion. Don't miss Michelle's blog where she is currently having seven weeks of huge surprises!