Happy 2010!

Happy Holidays

Love & Luck Greetings

Alana and Javier Marmanillo are the brilliant husband & wife team behind the wonderful stationery company Love & Luck Greetings. The duo recently launched their first e-commerce site featuring their hand-drawn designs on greeting cards, matchboxes and soaps. What separates these greeting cards from other stationery lines are the original illustrations. The cards are hand-drawn by Javier and feature color & typography by Alana. Also unique to Love & Luck is the fact that all of their greeting cards, invitations, and products are available in Spanish. The products are adorned with genuine Swarovski crystals and are all made in the USA.

*GIVEAWAY - Closed: Love & Luck Greetings is giving away 10 cards and one organic soap. To enter, simply visit their website & leave a comment on this post noting one of your favorite products. Giveaway ends at Midnight EST, Tuesday, December 29.

Funky Five: Holiday Jewelry

1. Ice skating ring by The Tiny Tiara

2. Holiday pendants by MDStudio

3. Frosty the Snowman Earrings by Oh By Jingo

4. Hand-Beaded Santa Necklace by Treasure Beads

5. Rudolph the Reindeer Clippies by Ms. J Creations

KM Studio

KM Studio features the work of Pennsylvania-based recycle artist Kristen McKain. She creates unique accessories, such as magnets and brooches, from soda cans. Her product line also includes hair clips and bookmarks, as well as clocks made using old records. I love the Soda Can Santa ornament and the Red Bull Cat is adorable. My friend Tamara is a Hello Kitty fanatic and will flip for the recycled can HK ornament. And I especially love the beautiful Thank You card embellished with a soda can Butterfly magnet. Kristen is currently hosting a giveaway on her blog in which you have the chance to win a magnet/brooch. Giveaway ends January 1, 2010.

Bandito Design Co.

Bandito Design Co. is having a half off sale through Friday, December 18. Deck your walls with cool images such as rollin' v2 and productivity.

Fresh Snapped Photos

Fresh Snapped Photos is Chris Dunbar's new Etsy shop featuring one thing, and one thing only...amazing, high-quality prints of gorgeous photography. Chris has a knack for taking a photograph of seemingly everyday objects and making them look extraordinary. Case in point is Burgundy Beauty, a lovely up-close photograph of a blooming flower. The Crabby Apple is an interesting image which makes me think of cool Autumn days. And I love the bright, vibrant Lemon Petals.

*GIVEAWAY - Closed: Enter to win an 8x10 print of your choice. Simply leave a comment on this post noting your favorite photograph from Fresh Snapped Photos. Giveaway ends at Midnight EST, Monday, December 21.

Market Mom Holiday Gift Guide

In an effort to help promote mom owned businesses and their products, MarketMommy.com has launched a Holiday Gift Guide for 2009. The guide contains holiday gift ideas sold exclusively by mom entrepreneurs making it easy for you to support small businesses this holiday season. Not only are the products and companies listed exciting and high-quality, they are also sold by mom owned businesses, which traditionally excel in customer service. Categories in the guide include: stocking stuffers, gifts for Her, gifts for Him, Baby/Toddler, Kids, Holiday cards and Home. Sponsors for the Holiday Gift Guide include Announcements Galore, Children's Directory, CWAHM.com, Dove Chocolate Discoveries, Momszone, and the Now What Baby blog. Market Mommy and Market Mommy:: The Blog are online marketing resources for mom business owners. The sites offer helpful information about how and where to market a mom-owned business, a free marketing e-newsletter, low cost marketing services and much more. For more information, visit MarketMommy.com or contact founder Dawn Berryman at info@marketmommy.com.

Upcoming Events

WHAT: Downtown Holiday Market
WHEN: Through Sunday, December 20; Noon-8pm Daily
WHERE: Downtown Washington, DC

WHAT: Last Stop Shop with the New Orleans Craft Mafia
WHEN: Thursday, December 17, 6-10pm
WHERE: The Big Top Gallery, 1638 Clio St., New Orleans, LA

WHAT: The Degenerate Craft Fair
WHEN: Friday, December 18, Noon-9pm & Saturday, December 19, Noon-6pm
WHERE: BravinLee, 526 W 26th St., New York, NY

WHAT: SCRAP's Eighth Annual Holiday Bazaar
WHEN: Saturday, December 19, 11am-5pm
WHERE: 2915 NE MLK Jr. Blvd., Portland, OR

WHAT: Rock & Shop Market
WHEN: Saturday, December 19, 1-5pm
WHERE: All Saints Chapel, 110 S. East St., Raleigh, NC

WHAT: Holiday Booty Market
WHEN: Saturday, December 19, 10am-5pm
WHERE: Design Within Reach - Adams Morgan, 1838 Columbia Rd. NW, Washington DC

WHAT: The Last Minute Market & Open Studio
WHEN: Saturday, December 19, 10am-6pm
WHERE: The Lake Erie Building at Templar Industrial Park, 13000 Athens, Lakewood, OH

WHAT: Running With Glitter
WHEN: Saturday, December 19, Noon-5pm
WHERE: Petaluma Veterans Hall, Petaluma, CA

WHAT: Bang! Craft Festival
WHEN: Saturday, December 19, 11am-6pm
WHERE: 1011 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA

WHAT: London Designer Makers Christmas Sale
WHEN: Saturday, December 19, Noon-6pm
WHERE: St. Aloysius Social Club, 21 Phoenix Rd., London N1 1TA

WHAT: Brooklyn Lyceum Holiday Craft Market
WHEN: Saturday, December 19 & Sunday, December 20; 11am-7pm
WHERE: 227 4th Ave., Brooklyn, NY

WHAT: Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale
WHEN: Saturday, December 19 & Sunday, December 20; 11am-7pm
WHERE: Fort Mason Center, Herbst Pavilion, San Francisco, CA

WHAT: I Heart Rummage
WHEN: Sunday, December 20
WHERE: Chop Suey, 1325 E. Madison, Seattle, WA

WHAT: Grandma Party Bazaar
WHEN: Sunday, December 20; 10am-7pm
WHERE: Stardust Video & Coffee, 1842 E. Winter Park Rd., Orlando, FL

WHAT: Procrastinator's Holiday Bazaar 3
WHEN: Sunday, December 20, Noon-4pm
WHERE: Johnny Brenda's, 1201 Frankford Ave., Philadephia, PA 19125

WHAT: Patchwork Crafts & Designs Holiday Bazaar
WHEN: Sunday, December 20, 10am-6pm
WHERE: Knitting Factory Brooklyn, 361 Metropolitan Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11222

Funky Five: Holiday Fun!!!

1. I Heart Gingerbread Men Garland by BeeLoveLee

2. Cardboard Snowflake Tree by Cardboard Safari

3. Crocheted Snowball with Santa Hat by West Coast Juju

4. Knee Hugger Pixie Elf Christmas Art Doll by SpiritMama

5. Joyeux Noel Oblong Pillow by Tippy's Textiles n' Stuff

Le'Saric

Recently I had the pleasure of sampling some gourmet caramels from Le'Saric. I can highly recommend the Butter Pecan and Old Fashion flavors. The Cranberry Mac Nut caramels layered with cranberries, delicious Hawaiian macadamia nuts and laced with smooth, velvety white chocolate are irresistible. And the Sicilian Salted are a fantastic blend of salty and sweet which I love. The best part about these caramels are the fact that you get the great caramel flavor without it sticking to and ripping out your teeth as so many store-bought caramels do. Le'Saric's gourmet caramels are buttery soft, slow simmered and hand-crafted in small batches ensuring that you receive a delightful treat perfect for the holidays, as well as year-round. Don't miss Bodie's Caramel benefiting a fund for Bodie Jon Antony Slaybaugh who was born with complications in 2008.

Artist Krishala Burchill

Krishala Burchill is a London-born artist currently living in Switzerland. Both of her Etsy shops, Acacia's Gallery and sw19, feature Krishala's original artwork in various forms. You will find unique pendants, such as Serenity, that showcase prints of original works of art. Foggy day in Santiago is a beautiful and interesting art necklace, as well. Autumn Leaves, a colorful oil painting, was inspired by a park in the city of Geneva, Switzerland. My favorite piece, titled Vancouver, depicts a snowy cityscape much like what we're experiencing this time of year.

*GIVEAWAY - Closed: Krishala is giving away a print of any piece seen in her shops. To enter, simply visit Acacia's Gallery and/or sw19 and leave a comment on this post noting your favorite piece. Giveaway ends at Midnight EST, Tuesday, December 15.

Atomic Holiday Bazaar - December 12 & 13

Atomic Holiday Bazaar, Sarasota, Florida’s first and only indie craft show, is slated for two shows featuring DIY craft. In it's fourth year, the Atomic Holiday Bazaar continues to be held at the downtown Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. This year the event introduces a Saturday Night Show on December 12, from 5-11:30 p.m., 18 and over with a $7 admission. The Saturday evening craft show will present 40 crafters who infuse their dark-hearted creations with splashes of punk, dabs of rock and jabs of general tuffness. The evening’s entertainment includes burlesque performances by Moxie Le Femme and live music raining down upon the crowd like a foamy PBR with rockabilly-punk rock by The Redliners, The Dead Popes and Viva Le Vox. Two fashion shows produced by Doll Face, Inc., will showcase vintage clothing from Silly Rabbit Vintage and Vintage Stew in addition to a second fashion show featuring rocka-billy-licious clothing designed by Joanna Coblentz of Doll Face, Inc., and Adrien Lucas of Tuff Betty Bags.

Atomic Holiday Bazaar celebrates its fourth Sunday show on December 13, from Noon - 6 p.m. The event is an all ages show with a $5 admission. Children 12 and under will be admitted free of charge. The Sunday craft show will feature over 80 crafters that create amusing handmade DIY crafts. Holiday shopping offerings include handbags, t-shirts, jewelry, body products, home décor, baby items, plushies, a smidge of art and even canned goods. This is not your granny’s craft show! Free cotton totes will be handed out by the Bradentucky Bomber roller derby team to the first 100 adults through the door. Atomic totes are a local collectible and have been screen printed by locals Clothesline & filled with swag & special offers from participating vendors. Funky Finds is a proud sponsor of this event!

Holiday Greetings

1. Holiday Postcards by Rifle Paper Co.

2. Menorah Happy Hanukkah Cards by Letterpress Light

3. Happy Holidays Gocco Bike Card by Two Guitars

4. Merry Tree Card Ornament by Caroline Creates

5. The Chanukah and Christmas Cod by Cape Card

6. Penguin Christmas Linocut Greetings by Pup & Pony Press

7. Needle Craft Holiday Card by Chee Chee Mamook Farm Craft Shop

8. Hanukkah Cards by Roosevelvet

9. Holiday Squirrel Cards by Nice Designs

10. Seasons Greetings with Snowflakes by note•ify

Upcoming Events

WHAT: OHSU Heart Research Holiday Bazaar
WHEN: Tuesday, December 8 through Thursday, December 10
WHERE: Oregon Health & Science University BICC Gallery, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR

WHAT: Shop, Sip & Share
WHEN: Thursday, December 10; 6-10pm
WHERE: Mama Fu's Triangle, 4615 N Lamar Blvd., Ste. 307, Austin, TX
ETC: Admission is $12.00, includes dinner, a non-alcoholic beverage & a raffle ticket. Cash bar.

WHAT: Happy Hours Holiday Beauty & Designs Showcase
WHEN: Thursday, December 10; 6-10pm
WHERE: The G Lounge, 111 South 17th St., Philadelphia, PA
ETC: Free appetizers for the first hour • 21+ • No Cover

WHAT: Design Nearby
WHEN: Friday, December 11; 6-11pm
WHERE: Pinkcomma Gallery, 81B Wareham St., Boston, MA

WHAT: Handmade Holiday
WHEN: Friday, December 11 & Saturday, December 12
WHERE: The Visual Arts Center of Richmond, 1812 Main St., Richmond, VA

WHAT: Deluxe
WHEN: Saturday, December 12; 11am-5pm
WHERE: State Fairgrounds, Modern Living Bldg., Oklahoma City, OK

WHAT: BUST Holiday Craftacular - LA
WHEN: Saturday, December 12; 10am-6pm
WHERE: The Echo & The Echoplex, 1822 W Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA

WHAT: BUST Holiday Craftacular - London
WHEN: Saturday, December 12; Noon-7pm
WHERE: York Hall, 5-15 Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PJ

WHAT: Handmade Holiday Craft Fair
WHEN: Saturday, December 12; Noon-6pm
WHERE: 3rd Ward, 195 Morgan Ave., Brooklyn, NY

WHAT: Indie Garage Sale
WHEN: Saturday, December 12; 10am-8pm
WHERE: RCIL's Smith Center for Advocacy, 1607 Genesee St., Utica, NY

WHAT: Long Beach Craft Mafia Trunk Show
WHEN: Saturday, December 12; 10:30am-7pm
WHERE: Songbird, 2240 E 4th St., Long Beach, CA
ETC: Free craft workshops from noon to 4pm.

WHAT: Manchaster Craft Mafia Christmas Market
WHEN: Saturday, December 12; 10am-5pm
WHERE: Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester, UK

WHAT: Sustainable Fairfax and FOCAS Holiday Craft Fair
WHEN: Saturday, December 12; 11am-3pm
WHERE: Woman's Center, 46 Park Rd., Fairfax, CA

WHAT: Squidfire's Biggest & Best Holiday Art Mart
WHEN: Saturday, December 12; 11am-6pm
WHERE: 1301 S. Ellwood Ave., Baltimore, MD

WHAT: Bazaar Bizarre Cleveland
WHEN: Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13
WHERE: 78th Street Studios, 1300 W. 78th St. to 1305 W. 80th St., Cleveland, OH

WHAT: 6th Annual Sowa Holiday Market
WHEN: Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13
WHERE: Cathedral HS Gymnasium, 74 Union Park St., Boston, MA

WHAT: Atomic Holiday Bazaar
WHEN: Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13
WHERE: Sarasota, FL
ETC: Funky Finds is a proud sponsor!

WHAT: Bazaar Bizarre San Francisco
WHEN: Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13
WHERE: San Francisco County Fair Bldg. Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
ETC: $2 Adult Admission. 12 & Under Free. 50% of admission fees donated to charity.

WHAT: City of Craft
WHEN: Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13
WHERE: The Theatre Centre, 1087 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON

WHAT: Hello Zen Holiday Market
WHEN: Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13; 11am-7pm
WHERE: The Village Zendo, 588 Broadway, Ste. 1108, New York, NY

WHAT: A Very Kinsington Christmas
WHEN: Saturday, December 12 & Sunday, December 13; Saturday, December 19 & Sunday, December 20
WHERE: Greensgrow Farms, 2501 E. Cumberland St., Philadelphia, PA
ETC: Santa will be there Saturdays from 1-5pm. Free eggnog and hot chocolate for all.

WHAT: Buffalo Indie Market
WHEN: Sunday, December 13; 6-10pm
WHERE: Pearl Street Grill & Brewery, Buffalo, NY

WHAT: Meet Your Maker
WHEN: Sunday, December 13; 11-5pm
WHERE: Fenario Gallery, Eugene, OR

WHAT: Red Rabbit Arts & Crafts Holiday Market
WHEN: Sunday, December 13; 9:30am-3:30pm
WHERE: Concordia University - Gym Breezeway, 1530 Concordia West, Irvine, CA

WHAT: Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Holiday Sale
WHEN: Sunday, December 13; 11am-7pm
WHERE: Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE MLK Jr. Blvd, Exhibit Hall D, Portland, OR

Locketship

They say everything old is new again, especially in fashion. Jewelry label Locketship aims to bridge the old and new with its debut line of open-faced lockets, rings, bracelets, and earrings. The label has transformed the locket, a personal fashion staple since the Victorian era, into an open-faced pendant that displays an eclectic range of subjects. Spiritual icons, such as the Virgin Mary, as well as environmentally-conscious symbols, like peace signs, are featured. Detailed beading, dried flowers, and hand-painted rocks are found on pieces throughout the line. Each Locketship piece is meticulously hand-crafted and filled with resin, producing a glass-like, protective surface. I have the Hummingbird Tattoo Necklace and receive endless compliments every time I wear it. Custom jewelry is another area where Locketship innovates. This unique feature allows customers to submit pictures of their own to be crafted into any style piece they choose. The photos are then melded into a Locketship design, and a personal memento is created. Locketship hopes to fill a void in jewelry where men are often overlooked. Men can create custom pieces or choose from the men's line featuring the Mod Squad and Safety Pin Line Up necklaces. Shipping within the domestic United States is complimentary.

*GIVEAWAY - Closed: Locketship is giving away a Seahorse Aquarium Necklace. To enter, visit the Locketship website & leave a comment on this post noting your favorite design. Giveaway ends at Midnight EST, Wednesday, December 9.

Funky Five: Holiday Gift Ideas

(1) What: Twilight Girl Bottle Cap Necklace
For: For the Twilight-obsessed fan
Where to buy: Whirly Squirrel

(2) What: Ceramic Notepad
For: The obsessive compulsive list maker
Where to buy: Mocha

(3) What: Handmade Nation DVD
For: Cool crafter
Where to buy: Buy Olympia

(4) What: Doodle Bread
For: Foodie and Cook
Where to buy: Doodle Bread website

(5) What: Handmade Bow Tie
For: Debonair Man
Where to buy: xo elle

Holiday Gift Guides

Finding the perfect gift for friends & loved ones can be pretty tough at times. Check out these helpful holiday gift guides for unique ideas.

The Daily Green's 100+ Green Gift Ideas

Tip Junkie’s Mom-Preneur Gift Guide

Elsie Flannigan’s Holiday Shopping Guide

Cool Mom Picks' 2009 Holiday Gift Guide

Purple Pink and Orange's Holiday Gift Guide

What Designer’s Independent Design Guide

Downloadable Handmade Gift Guide

CRAFT Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Gifts Under $20

Paper Mango's Sustainability::Under $50 Gift Guide

The Long Thread's Holiday Gift Guide

Craftster's Happy Handmade Holidays: Gifts for the Men in Your Life

Funky Five: Holiday Stockings

1. Hot Pink Ladies Boot Stocking by Fresh Potatoes

2. Pinup Stockings by Deluxe Junque

3. Shabby Chic Stocking by Firefly Hill Designs

4. Delightful Swinging Monkeys by Sneaky Moose

5. Upcycled Wool Felt Christmas Stocking by Sassafras Studio

Holiday Accents

PrintArtKids is offering a free sheet of return address labels with every order. These are great for use with custom holiday cards. Enter to win a $25 gift certificate from PrintArtKids (ends Thursday, December 3 at Midnight EST).

Karate Kat Graphics offers adorable "Handmade For You" gift labels & postage stamps - the perfect accent for handmade holiday gifts! These are available in many different postal rates, from 28 cents (postcard) up to priority mail package (4.95). As always, half the proceeds go to Save the Children.

Fish Lips Paper Designs has added three fantastic holiday gift wrap designs to help make your holidays more festive and hip! Seaside Holiday, Hang Time & Winter Wonderland are designed, printed and packaged in the USA on 100% de-inked recycled paper using non-toxic soy and veggie based inks, as are all Fish Lips products. Check out their TOP 10 LIST for great ways to re-use eco-friendly gift wraps after the holidays are over.

Funky Five: Holiday Ornaments

1. Circuit Board Ornaments by Motherboard Gifts & More

2. Keep Calm & Carry On ornament by Decorative Things

3. Hand-painted Love Whales Ornament by Samantha Jorn // Studio

4. Wooden Ornaments by Wooden Wonders 4 U

5. Pewter Ornament by beehive kitchenware co.

Holiday Handmade Cavalcade

Mark your calendars: The Holiday Handmade Cavalcade is back this Saturday, December 5! Over 50 Metro New York artists, designers and crafters come together for this one-day, handmade shopping event. This year's event will be held at the Openhouse Gallery, a gorgeous, handicap accessible space in NoLita. Holiday shopping hours have been extended this year. The market will be open 11am - 8pm, giving you the opportunity to shop at your convenience during the busy holiday season. But, you'll want to come early if you've RSVP'd for a free goody bag because those puppies got snatched up within the first 24 hours of online registration! The limited-edition silk-screened totes, filled with fun stuff, will be on hold for confirmed registrants until 2pm. After that they will be released for sale to the public. Preview participating vendors here.

Upcoming Events

WHAT: Feria Urbana
WHEN: Thursday, December 3; 6-10pm
WHERE: The New Parish, 579 18th St., Oakland, CA

WHAT: Surface Holiday Sale
WHEN: Thursday, December 3; 10am-8pm
WHERE: Surface Artist Cooperative, 201 Elmwood St., State College, PA

WHAT: Handmade Days - DIY Night
WHEN: Thursday, December 3; 7:30-10pm
WHERE: Faire Gallery Cafe, 1351 E. Olive Way, Seattle, WA

WHAT: Holiday Fair Greenville
WHEN: Thursday, December 3 through Saturday, December 5
WHERE: Carolina First Center, One Exposition Dr., Greenville, SC

WHAT: One of a Kind Show Chicago
WHEN: Thursday, December 3 through Sunday, December 6
WHERE: The Merchandise Mart, 8th Floor, Chicago, IL

WHAT: Blue Genie Art Bazaar
WHEN: Thursday, December 3 through Thursday, December 24
WHERE: Monarch Events Center, 6406 North IH-35, Ste. 3100, Austin, TX

WHAT: Lov-able & Hug-able Plush Show
WHEN: Thursday, December 3 through Saturday, January 9, 2010
WHERE: Gallery Hanahou, 611 Broadway, Ste. 730, NYC

WHAT: Sewing Circle:Modern Expressions of Needle & Thread
WHEN: Thursday, December 3 through Sunday, January 31, 2010
WHERE: Hello Bluebird, 609 Penn Ave., West Reading, PA
ETC: Opening reception Thursday, December 3, 5-8pm featuring light refreshments, holiday shopping, and a jewelry trunk show.

WHAT: THE DiXie ChiCKeN-JuNK GypSY HoNkyToNk HoLidAYS RoAdSHOW
WHEN: Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5
WHERE: Coyote Parking Lot behind Daisy Dukes, 202 Church St., College Station, TX

WHAT: No Coast Craft-O-Rama
WHEN: Friday, December 4; 3-8pm and Saturday, December 5, 9am-5pm
WHERE: Midtown Global Market, 920 Lake St. E, Minneapolis, MN

WHAT: Holiday Crafts at Morristown
WHEN: Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 6
WHERE: Morristown Armory, 430 Western Avenue, Morris County, NJ
ETC: Admission is $7 (cash only); Children's admission & parking are free.

WHAT: Christmas in the Country
WHEN: Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 6
WHERE: Cedar Creek Winery, N70 W6340 Bridge Rd., Cedarburg, Wisconsin

WHAT: Big Ass Indie Art & Craft Show
WHEN: Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 6
WHERE: Mad Art Gallery, 2727 S. 12th St., St. Louis, MO

WHAT: Craftland
WHEN: Friday, December 4 through Thursday, December 31
WHERE: 235 Westminster St., Providence, RI

WHAT: Charm City Craft Mafia Holiday Heap
WHEN: Saturday, December 5; 10am-5pm
WHERE: Saint John’s Church, 2640 St. Paul St., Baltimore, MD

WHAT: First Annual North Portland Holiday Festival
WHEN: Saturday, December 5; 12-8pm
WHERE: Icon Tattoo, 813 N. Russell St., Portland, OR
ETC: p:ear is hosting a series of fundraising events Wednesday, December 2 through Sunday, December 13.

WHAT: I Made It! for the Holidays
WHEN: Saturday, December 5; 12-5pm
WHERE: Union Project, 801 North Negley Ave., Pittsburgh, PA

WHAT: Gifts and Garters
WHEN: Saturday, December 5; 6pm-Midnight
WHERE: Excuses Cafe, 3025 Main, Dallas, TX

WHAT: Indie Chic @ 10th Street
WHEN: Saturday, December 5; 10am-5pm
WHERE: ASU Art Museum, Phoenix, AZ

WHAT: Holiday Handmade Cavalcade
WHEN: Saturday, December 5; 11am-8pm
WHERE: Openhouse Gallery, 201 Mulberry St., New York, NY

WHAT: The Philadelphia Independent Craft Market
WHEN: Saturday, December 5; 12-7pm
WHERE: 2424 Studios, 2424 East York St., Philadelphia, PA

WHAT: indiemade craft market
WHEN: Saturday, December 5; 10am-5pm
WHERE: Starlite Ballroom, 1221 S. Front St., Allentown, PA
ETC: Admission $3. Children 12 & under free.

WHAT: the dallas flea
WHEN: Saturday, December 5; 9am-4pm
WHERE: South Side on Lamar, Dallas, TX
ETC: Admission $5

WHAT: Green Saturday
WHEN: Saturday, December 5; 12-10pm
WHERE: Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE 6th St., Ft. Lauderdale, FL

WHAT: H@ndmade Cambridge
WHEN: Saturday, December 5; 11am-5pm
WHERE: The Cambridge Guildhall, Market Square, Cambridge CB2 3QJ

WHAT: Flint Handmade Holiday Craft Crawl
WHEN: Saturday, December 5; 10am-4pm
WHERE: 444 S. Saginaw St., Flint, MI
ETC: $1 Admission.

WHAT: Holiday Shop 'n Stroll
WHEN: Saturday, December 5; 10am-3pm
WHERE: Downtown Silver Spring, MD

WHAT: Renegade Holiday Fair Chicago
WHEN: Saturday, December 5 & Sunday, December 6; 11am-7pm
WHERE: Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, 1419 W. Blackhawk St., Chicago, IL

WHAT: Art Market
WHEN: Saturday, December 5 & Sunday, December 6; 11am-5pm
WHERE: 918 Bathurst, 918 Bathurst St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada

WHAT: Craft Riot!
WHEN: Saturday, December 5 & Sunday, December 6
WHERE: Wines.com Headquarters, 5005 Commercial Park Dr., Ste. 103, Austin, TX
ETC: $3 admission, drink included. Kids 12 & under free.

WHAT: Critter Sale
WHEN: Saturday, December 5 & Sunday, December 6; 9:30am-4:30pm
WHERE: Brandywine River Museum, U.S. Route 1, Chadds Ford, PA

WHAT: Athens Indie Craftstravaganzaa Holiday Market
WHEN: Saturday, December 5 & Sunday, December 6
WHERE: Parking lot on the corner of Clayton and Pulaski Streets, next door to Agora, downtown Athens, GA

WHAT: Shiwasu Handmade Show & Sale
WHEN: Saturday, December 5 through Saturday, December 19
WHERE: Japanese Canadian National Museum Gallery, Burnaby, BC

WHAT: Got Craft?
WHEN: Sunday, December 6; 11am-5pm
WHERE: Royal Canadian Legion, 2205 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
ETC: Admission is $2. Kids under 10 are free.

WHAT: Bazaar Bizarre Boston
WHEN: Sunday, December 6; 12-7pm
WHERE: BCA Cyclorama, 539 Tremont St., Boston, MA
ETC: Admission $1

WHAT: Formal Holiday Artisans Fair
WHEN: Sunday, December 6; 11am-6pm
WHERE: The Chelsea Ballroom, 1510 SE 9th, Portland, OR

WHAT: BUST Holiday Craftacular
WHEN: Sunday, December 6; 10am-7:30pm
WHERE: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, NYC

WHAT: Holiday Hit List
WHEN: Sunday, December 6; Noon-6pm
WHERE: NTC Promenade in Liberty Station, San Diego, CA

WHAT: Red Rabbit Arts & Crafts Holiday Market
WHEN: Sunday, December 6; 9:30am-3:30pm
WHERE: Descanso Gardens, Van Kamp Hall, 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge, CA

WHAT: Craftmas Bizarre
WHEN: Sunday, December 6; 12-5pm
WHERE: The Fake Gallery, 4319 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA
ETC: $2 admission. Free with flyer. Free wassail & waffle bar!

WHAT: The Big Crafty
WHEN: Sunday, December 6; 12-6pm
WHERE: Pack Place, 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville, NC

PrintArtKids

PrintArtKids enables you to share and preserve your children's artwork by utilizing them in printing functional products. Your kid's holiday drawings are ideal for creating unique holiday cards and matching return address labels that are sure to delight recipients. Family and friends deserve special presents and the custom notebooks fit the bill. The photo note cards and notepads are also an ideal way to share family and school photos.

*GIVEAWAY - Closed: PrintArtKids is giving away a $25 gift certificate. To enter the contest, simply visit PrintArtKids and leave a comment on this post noting your favorite product(s). Giveaway ends at Midnight EST, Thursday, December 3.

Holiday Shopping & Black Friday Deals

Megan Leone Designs - Every item 25% off Thanksgiving Day, November 26 through Tuesday, December 1.

Fierce Hugs - 35% off with the code BLACK35 Friday, November 27 through Monday, November 30.

Lion Brand Yarn - Free shipping on orders over $40, from now until December 31, in the U.S. & Canada. Just enter the code freeship at check-out.

shades of violet - 20% off your entire order on Black Friday, November 27 through Sunday, November 29. Enter code blackfriday to receive the discount.

fin+roe - 20% off your entire order on Black Friday, November 27 through Sunday, November 29. Enter code blackfriday to receive the discount.

Paper Cloud - All products 20% off through Tuesday, December 15.

BEST - From December 1st through December 14th, several BEST members will be donating money from the sale of the their handmade items to the Maryland Food Bank.

Totally Rad - This Friday, from midnight to midnight Pacific Standard Time, all three of Totally Rad's products will be on sale, at once-per-year prices. It's a 24-hour window of opportunity to scoop up some of the best Photoshop tools available for enhancing your images and making your life easier.

Photojojo – Free shipping on orders over $50 until Monday, November 30.

Chronicle Books - Get 35% off all books with free shipping to boot! Use the promo code FRIENDS at checkout from now until Friday, December 4.

The Junk Gypsy Company – Receive a free tote and flat rate $3 shipping all week (ground US orders only). Ends December 1 at midnight. Enter promo code TURKEY for free tote on all orders over $50 while supplies last. If they run out of totes, you will receive a free mug.

Booby Trap - 50% off all items and free shipping with coupon code negro09 through Sunday, November 29.

High Altitude Weavers - Free shipping within the United States through December 31.

Sublime Stitching - $1 Shipping Sale (US orders only) through Monday, November 30.

warpeDesign - All products 10% off Friday, November 27, through Monday, November 30.

Caroline Creates - Free shipping Friday, November 27, through Monday, November 30.

Tiny Bazaar - 30% off everything Friday, November 27, through Monday, November 30.

Kitschy Digitals {Goods} - 30% off everything Friday, November 27, through Monday, November 30.

Hambly Studios - 30% off and free shipping on US orders (not valid on calendars) Friday, November 27, with code BLACKFRIDAY.

Sacred Charms - 40% off entire stock through Sunday, November 29.

Georgie Designs - Free shipping on all orders with coupon code BLACKFRIDAYFREE. In addition, buy 3 items and get 1 FREE (of equal or lesser value). Specify what free item you would like in the "Special Requests" section at checkout. (Make sure it is of equal or lesser value than your lowest priced item!) Free gift wrapping available, too.

Lolafalk - 15% off all bags Friday, November 27, through Monday, November 30. Markdowns have already been taken.

Pink Chalk Fabrics - 20% off patterns. All Moda Fabrics $5.99 a yard. All Christmas fabrics $6.99 a yard. Free US shipping on orders over $50. Free Holy Snowballs Quilt Pattern with every order! Shop on Friday, November 27, and receive a coupon for 20% off a future order. Sale ends at Midnight, Monday, November 30.

Dee-Zigns Jewelry & Accessories - 33% off everything with coupon code black33 through Monday, November 30. Free shipping and free gift wrapping.

Spotted Dog Jewelry Designs - 20% off with coupon code GUNMETALFRIDAY Friday, November 27, through Monday, November 30.

Heidi's Handmades - 20% off all items (discount will be refunded via PayPal. Offer good Friday, November 27.

Fresh Snapped Photos - From Friday, November 27th to Monday, November 30th, anyone that orders a fine-art print from Fresh Snapped Photos will get a 2nd print of equal or lesser value absolutely FREE!

Etsy Dallas members have posted deals on their blog.

Clutter City Market Christmas Spectacular

WHAT: Clutter City Market Christmas Spectacular
WHEN: Saturday, November 28; 10am-4pm
WHERE: Norwich Arts Centre, St. Benedicts Street, Norwich NR2 4PG
ETC: Free Admission

It’s nearly Christmastime and Santa's Elves have gotten crafty! Come down for a twinkly, festive market with stalls, live music, warm, spicy cider and take-out food. A unique Christmas shopping experience with over 30 stall holders, live music, festive visuals, face painting and hula hooping all under one roof! The market will feature unique items including clothes, jewelery, badges, sewn items, paper goods, prints, paintings, comics, vintage accessories and more. Don't miss the charity Christmas Lucky Dip at the entrance and live music from Follow Your Heart + The Middle Ones and Sam James Hill with DJs (wiQwar). Check out the Clutter City website for more info on vendors, music and future events.

Mahar Drygoods Holiday Gift Guide

To aide you in your holiday shopping, Mahar Drygoods has compiled a holiday gift guide. You will find Festive Decor, Personalized Gifts, and DIY kits and patterns. Also helpful are the four sections with gifts sorted according to price, making it easier to shop within your budget. The majority of the handmade items fall into the reasonable $20-$49 price range. Also, if you are in the Los Angeles area don't miss Mahar Drygoods' ornament workshop on Friday evening, December 4th from 7 to 10 p.m. at Home Ec in the Silverlake neighborhood. Attendees are in for some crafty fun creating not just Sugarplum Fairies, but yetis and reindeer and elves and polar bears - your choices are as big as your imagination! They'll look great on your holiday tree or make thoughtful keepsake gifts. To learn more and to register (adults only please), please visit HomeEcShop.com.

Funky Five: Thanksgiving

1. Thanksgiving Bracket Card by Caroline Creates

2. Autumn Crochet Pattern Set by Amy Gaines

3. Turkey Fused Glass Pendant by Art From The Heart

4. Ribbon Turkey Clippie by Pretty Pretty Bows

5. Paper Mache Thanksgiving Box by Nila Poff Custom Crafts

Upcoming Events

WHAT: Christmas at the Mill
WHEN: Thursday, November 26; 5-9pm
WHERE: Islington Mill Studios, James Street, Salford, Lancashire UK

WHAT: One of a Kind Show Christmas Show and Sale
WHEN: Thursday, November 26 through Sunday, December 6
WHERE: Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes' Blvd., Toronto ON M6K 3C3 Canada

WHAT: Market Day
WHEN: Friday, November 27; 8am-6pm
WHERE: Market Building, 118 SE 4th St., Des Moines, IA

WHAT: Larchmere Holiday Stroll & Bazaar Bizarre East
WHEN: Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28; 10am-8pm
WHERE: Larchmere Boulevard, Cleveland, OH

WHAT: Second Storie Indie Market
WHEN: Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28
WHERE: The Visual Studies Workshop Auditorium, 31 Prince Street, Rochester, NY 14607
ETC: Watch Handmade Nation Friday, November 27. Panel discussion begins at 7pm and the movie will begin at 8pm, with a short intermission for snacks just prior to the show time. A second screening will be held December 4th at 8pm - no discussion prior to movie.

WHAT: Indie Banditas Bazaar
WHEN: Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28
WHERE: Woodward Middle School, 9125 Sportsman Club Rd NE, Bainbridge Isle, WA

WHAT: Rock N Roll Craft Show 6
WHEN: Friday, November 27 through Sunday, November 29
WHERE: Third Degree Glass Factory, 5200 Delmar, St. Louis, MO

WHAT: The Foundrie
WHEN: Friday, November 27 through Thursday, December 31
WHERE: Chesterfield Mall, St. Louis, MO

WHAT: Handm@de Oxford
WHEN: Sunday, November 29; 11am-5pm
WHERE: Oxford Town Hall, Oxford, Cambridge UK

WHAT: Portland Arts Bazaar
WHEN: Sunday, November 29; 11am-6pm
WHERE: Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th Ave., Portland, OR

WHAT: I Heart Indie Holidays
WHEN: Sunday, November 29; 11am-6pm
WHERE: Lake Street Bar & Nightclub, 15 Lake St., Kirkland, WA

WHAT: Secret Society Holiday Sale
WHEN: Sunday, November 29; 11am-5pm
WHERE: Secret Society Ballroom, 116 NE Russell St., Portland, OR

Excellent Creations

Megan Nichols of Excellent Creations decided to use her craftiness for a good cause after her son was born with a heart defect that required open heart surgery when he was just 3 days old. She now donates 10% of the proceeds from all sales to The Children's Heart Foundation for the research of congenital heart defects. Megan's designs range from sweet and demure to funky and wild. I love the fun 80s-inspired polymer bead and tulle necklace, as well as the red irridescent necklace featuring a leopard print pendant. Do some charitable shopping & pick out something nice for yourself or a loved one today!

*GIVEAWAY - Closed: Megan is giving away a black & orange beaded chunky funky beaded necklace. To enter, visit Excellent Creations and leave a comment on this post noting your favorite design. Giveaway ends Friday, November 27.

Objet de Carte

Robert Brownstein is the creator of a very fresh, fun, and colorful line of greeting cards and artwork. Objet de Carte showcases Robert's unique designs appropriate for a variety of occasions, including the holiday season. These contemporary styles are unique and memorable, ensuring your greetings will not get lost in the shuffle. In addition to the holiday Sudoku designs, there is an entire Sudoku-style collection. I have girlfriends that will without a doubt love the shoe and handbag Sudoku cards. There is also a great selection of mini gift cards that can be used for any occasion. Of course, Robert is also available to create custom designs, monograms, or logos to help commemorate your special event.

Lady Grace

Lady Grace is a Texas-based shop featuring way cool funky fan pulls. These decorative pieces will instantly add some interest and flair to your space. Glass Beauty is a beautiful fan pull made using a gorgeous lamp work lavender and blue piece. If you're looking to add a bit of good luck to your space, take notice of the Brass Turtle pull. And, for those in need of some peace, especially this time of year, check out the Peace fan pull that features a vintage brass peace sign accented by various beads.

Lorena Barrezueta

Lorena Barrezueta is a talented artist that designs unmatched jewelry and dishware. Her gourmet collection reintroduces disposable tin foil containers as high-end, porcelain pieces. The pieces within the Classic line are white and hand-gilded around the rims with 22k gold. I love the Fresh line featuring brightly colored pieces. The Lush line showcases pieces that are beautifully colored and are also available with the gilded rim. In addition to the unique dishware designs, Lorena also creates manual communication pendants available in white and black porcelain. Also available are fun, graphic bangles.

Funky Five: Twilight

In honor of this week's release of The Twilight Saga: New Moon, here are a few vampire and werewolf-inspired designs that are sure to delight all you Twilighters!

1. Twilight Girl Bottle Cap Necklace by Whirly Squirrel

2. Twilight Book Bag Dangle by Sassy to Classy

3. Decorative box of Twilight gift cards by Twilight Temptations

4. Twilight on Pink Converse by Art According 2 Nanette

5. Unisex Eco-heather Pop Culture Icons Tee by Coup

Jewelry by NaLa

NaLa features a variety of beautiful jewelry designs. I love the sparkling pear-shaped olivine Swarovski crystal briolettes that are hand-wrapped in luminous sterling silver wire. One really unique design is the Victorian Gothic Part II piece, a striking & mysterious necklace. The Autumn Leaves earrings are the perfect accessories for the fall season. And I'm always looking for unusual pieces to spice up my wardrobe and the Bronze Beauty Necklace definitely fits the bill. Links of various shapes and sizes combine to make this unique antique bronze chain that showcases a beautiful antique bronze pendant with a peridot-colored butterfly on flowers dotted with multicolored stones. A cluster of amber and cream freshwater pearls, ivory pearls and antique bronze glass heart are the finishing touch to this fanciful design.