Holiday Handmade Gifts Under Twenty Dollars

This time of year with the high cost of heating your home it is especially nice to be able to shop for gifts that don’t break the bank but are still a pleasure to give. Handmade gifts, even if the gift giver does not make them with their own hand are also more pleasing to receive than something bought in a big-box store. It is comparable to shopping at a hometown boutique as opposed to fighting the crowds at Wal-Mart. As an added bonus you can feel good knowing that you are supporting an independent artisan.

Another advantage to buying directly from the artisan is that the quality is usually much better. We care what our customers think and we want them to come back to us again and again. If something does happen you have someplace (besides China) to go to get your situation resolved.
Think outside the box this year! If you can’t think of a "thing", how about offering your services to that single parent friend of yours for a few hours of babysitting or for the elderly woman next door a few hours of lawn care, snow removal, or cleaning? If you can’t do those things yourself, find a teenager in the neighborhood and pay them to do it! You can make up gift certificates on your home computer. While a lot of people think these things are trivial they mean so much to those who receive them, much more so than that box of chocolates.
That brings me to another idea of gift giving that has seemed to die out. Bake some cookies, make fudge! One of the most cherished memories I have is one year when all my kids were actually able to be together for the Holidays and we baked cookies, biscotti, made fudge. We had a great time with lots of laughs and made a huge mess that we were happy to clean up. This year those same kids are spread out through all corners of the earth, literally.
Kids can get in on this too. They are fabulous at coming up with amazingly appropriate gifts that they have made themselves out of very little.
There are many of us in the designer and crafting world that sell our wares as a hobby, but most of us are trying to support themselves and their families by marketing their goods and/or services. This year why not make a pledge with your family and friends to have a handmade Holiday gift-giving season? If you can’t make it yourself, buy handmade!
There is an idea many people have that buying handmade has to be expensive and that is simply not true. Look at my shop. There are many items that you can give your friend, sister, mother, daughter, aunt, etc…that will cost you under $20.00. Of course if you want to spend more, feel free! Really though, all kidding aside if you look around you will find fabulous gifts appropriate for every member of your family that had the caring, loving touch of an artisan that won’t wreck your holiday budget. It can even be a family outing. Go to your local craft fairs this year. It’s not just a bake sale and granny square afghan kind of affair anymore (although I do love those!). You’ll be amazed at how much talent lives in your area and you’ll probable see someone you know that does beautiful work you have never seen.
In closing, whether you pick out an "Oh I love it, love it love it" gift from Divella Delights or another artisan or crafter, try to buy handmade this year and support a starving artist!
Have a great Holiday!

Call to Artists

Because I love to buy handmade regardless of what I am buying I have decided to have some fun and feature a different handcrafted item and the artisan who created it 3 times week. You will find all sorts of things here, fine arts, fiber arts, artisan created jewelry, pottery, clothing and the list goes on.

My goal is too help other designers and artists promote their work. Let's make the handcrafted market explode together by supporting those who through their creative vision bring beauty into our world.
The artisan will be submitting photos, description of the piece, price, a short Bio and a link to where you can find them on the Internet!
Check back next week for the first one…who will it be?
Are you interested in being featured? Send the above info to info@divelladelights.com






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Felted Oven Mitts

Although one normally thinks of wool as being used in winter designs such as hats, scarves and mittens this wonderful fiber has summertime uses as well. Because wool is naturally heat resistant, it knits up into a great hot mitt for taking things out of the oven or holding onto a hat pan.


For this one I used Lamb’s Pride Bulky yarn. I love the way Lamb’s Pride felts up, perfect for this project!

Chemo Caps

I had a wonderful compliment from my sister about my hats; especially the Summer Flapper Hats. "Because they are made of soft cotton they make great Chemo Caps and are much more stylish than many others you see around."
I will be donating some to the local cancer ward here when I return from vacation. I had never thought of that I am sorry to say. I donate to children’s homes and such in the winter months but never thought of the need for something pretty and feminine during the summer months.
If you know of a cancer center that could use some, please let me know. I would be happy to donate a few. I can make children’s sizes as well.

The Vase Continues

Not much progress has been made for the last couple of days due to my back and hip being out of whack. That will surely change now that my husband bought me a wonderful new drafting chair to work on. When I sat on it I wanted to roll it home! We re- organized my studio so the computer is on a table the same height as my work table so I can get rid of that old metal folding chair and use this new one at the computer as well.
The vase is certainly a challenge for me but lots of fun at the same time. I have learned a lot doing this one and there is a part of me that wants to take it all apart and start over. The fact that I have found these vases fairly cheap may prevent that but the part of me that is OCD says otherwise. I find myself looking around at other items I can bead over so I certain this is an addiction. Think there is a 12 step program for beaders? I may need it soon.
I had someone ask why I did not bead the top, here is why: the vase begins at the smallest part and when I am finished beading down and get the bottom finished I will then go back to the top and finish it up over the lip.
Well, I am going to roll on over to my work table and get to it...more tomorrow!

Peyote Stitch Beaded Vase Trials

My daughter asked me for one of my free form peyote stitch bracelets in green for her birthday. I wanted to learn how to do leaves anyway so it was a great project. I bought Peyote stitch Beading Projects by Bead and Button to learn the leaves. This was a very good book with detailed instructions that are very, very good. Anyway, it also had a beaded vase project in it also done in free form peyote stitch. the one in the book is stunning done in earthy colors which I love. I do not have a surplus of those colors but long ago I bought a couple of kilos of beads when I was shopping with Fire Mountain for my beads. I have since switched to a local supplier for several reasons. Back to the vase. I had this old glass vase and a bunch of beads that I did not want to use for jewelry as I prefer uniform size which these are not. It would be easier I think to do it in my new beads but I don't buy those by the kilo yet so I don't have enough on hand for the entire project.
The same daughter mentioned above has been after me to do beaded flowers. Perhaps if this turns out well I will try my hand at those next.
Funny how things progress and attitudes change. I swore when I began making jewelry that I would never do the stitch work or work on a loom...now I am thinking about the loom and have definitely found a love for the stitch work although it does take a lot of time!
Wish me luck!! Anyone with any tips...tip away!

Morea about Merchants

I have a very small business I run out of my home, which finds me knitting, crocheting and making jewelry into the wee hours. I sell my jewelry to the local jewelry store that also imports all the gold, silver, diamonds you see in ever jewelry store in the country. For over 3 months the only jewelry sold was that which was handcrafted locally. It turns out to be a win-win for everyone involved. So why is it that all those folks, on say for instance Newbury Street in Boston does not buy handmade?
I recently went down there on the suggestion of many friends and the folks who own the jewelry store I spoke of earlier. Everyone seemed to think my goods fit in very nicely down there. What I heard from shop owners stunned me. I will give them one thing in Boston, they are quite honest! They told me and I quote…" We know the quality is not as good but it is cheaper and that is the bottom line" from one shop owner. " Wow, your merchandise is beautifully made but we can get it so much cheaper from China and because it does not last as long they keep spending their money here..." From another What amazes me is that people don’t even expect things to last very long and they would rather have something cheap and buy it 5 times. How did we become such a throw away society?! AND THAT IS OK?! Well folks, I can’t go along with that. I am convinced I will find my niche. I will not lower my standards, it has become my mantra! It would be so easy to pitch it all in, buy cheap materials, not care about the workmanship so I can sell cheap. I say easy but not really so. I want to feel good about what I am doing, the service I am providing. When someone makes a purchase from me I want him or her to be thrilled, not just happy. Furthermore, I want them to pass their treasures down to the next generation. So I keep plodding along with true hope in my heart. Speaking of hope, I know that word lately is like the word ‘love’ over used and abused. But that is another story…

The NEW Easter Bonnet

Easter Hats
A new design in Easter Bonnet, which is very similar to the cloche, derived from the 1920’s era Flappers. I also have some beanies, caps and bucket hats. I have a few for children and would be happy to make those on special order.
I have designed several different styles for Spring and Summer in 100% Cotton and Cotton blends. Some have mohair or wool embellishments but I have tried to keep them all cotton. Like my winter Flapper Hats, these still need to be hand washed to avoid shrinkage. I like to stuff mine with plastic shopping bags to dry as I can shape them while drying.
You can see them at www.divelladelights.com

Huge Gemstone Sale

I am offering 20% on my gemstone necklaces and gemstone necklace sets until midnight February 13th for Valentine's Day. I will be shipping twice daily. Above are a couple of samples of the different styles I have. All my jewelry is handmade by me and are made with genuine gemstones, pearls, sterling and golf filled wire. You will find no plated materials unless specifically noted in the item description.

Starbucks and Local Art

I was in my local Starbucks store today and saw some beautiful handmade pottery for Portugal. While this is very nice, it occurred to me that we should be selling our local artisans if not instead of, at least in addition to art from other countries. In a time when everyone is so concerned about our country’s economy why are we not putting food on the table of those who live down the street but instead supporting those who live thousands of miles away? I am all in favor of supporting our global neighbors but what about the potter who lives next door? Should we not help those closest to us first?
It is not that I have no heart for those suffering many miles from me, it is that I DO have a heart for my suffering neighbors.
Let’s not forget that the USA is the most generous country in the world. Still, we have some of the worst slums and poorest people just blocks from our own White House. Why is that?
The mugs seen above were made by Twisted River Clayworks in Connecticut. They create pottery that is unique and eclectic. They use a potter's wheel, slabs of clay and other creative additions. All of their work is functional and made of stoneware. The glazes are certified food safe and contain no lead. Pots can be used in the microwave, dishwasher, and oven with care. They recommend heating the pot with the oven. Their work can be seen at http://www.twistedriverclay.etsy.com/
Twisted River has taken no part in this article and the ideas are my own and not a reflection of Ron or Char.
To be continued...

Handmade Hardwood Clocks

Divella Delights is proud to announce the addition of handmade hardwood clocks and Commemorative Plaques by David Jacques.
David takes great care in the workmanship of his clocks and Commemorative plaques. He has been hard at work for the past 2 years perfecting his scroll saw art and finding his niche. Many hours are spent in his home shop in Waterville, Maine cutting, sanding, buffing, and sanding some more.
David was in the US Air Force for 10 years and has worked at the VA in Maine for almost that long. After raising his 2 children literally on his own since they were 2 and 4,David has allowed himself the luxury of a hobby that has developed into quite an art.
The commemorative plaques are done by special order as they are personalized and they too can be made into clocks. He has done several commissioned pieces for some of his fellow Veterans that honor their time in service. He has also done some plaques for anniversaries and graduations or you can have your favorite sports team. These are really a special gift, especially for someone who has everything.
David has developed a passion for miniature clocks and I just love them. They are just perfect for your desk, shelf, dresser or bookcase and make a lovely gift for your favorite teacher, boss, admin or college student. Most of them measure around 6 inches high and 3.5 to about 6 inches wide.
He uses only fine hardwoods (unless requested) and pays close attention to every detail.
His work can be seen, ordered and/or purchased at www.divelladelights.com

Handmade Dog Collars

These dog collars are really something! Handmade in Lawrenceville, Georgia USA by The Mod Dog, these would be a great gift for your favorite canine companion or for someone who adores their dog or puppy.

The Mod Dog specializes in custom designed accessories for your pet. They allow you to pick and choose all aspects of the design for the dog (or cat) collar/leash, so that it is completely customized to your liking. That means you can choose the style of the collar, the pattern, the main collar material, and hardware. The Mod Dog is happy to take special orders and customize a collar just for you and your four legged friend.

The Mod Dog began because the Kyra loved buying unique dog collars and was a little disappointed at the selection and quality available. She has made all collars fully adjustable and triple stitched at stress points to prevent breaking and prolong durability.

They are very reasonable priced at $10 to $19 and there are so many patterns available you are sure to find just the collar to suit your dog or puppy's personality. They also have cat collars for those who prefer feline companionship.

She is currently asking for a 7-10 day production window so get on over to http://www.themoddog.etsy.com/ and place your order now and give your faithful friend a fashionable new dog collar.

When you have finished shopping for your pet, stop by www.divelladelights.com and pick up a little bling or something to keep you warm on those long walks for yourself!

Who buys Handmade goods?

We have great products we make by hand in our small studios, mostly located in our own homes. We keep expenses down, our quality high. Most of us do not want to be famous or discovered, we just want to put food on the table and oil in the tank and buy more materials. We are not only willing but we insist on our customer knowing who we are and we stand by our products. We who design and produce our products here in the USA care if our customers come back! It is one of the most essential concerns we have!
I have a wholesale account here in Maine at a "fine" jewelry store. You know the kind...they sell diamond engagement rings, rubies and on down the list. The gal that works there is in charge of buying the handmade merchandise. So they have all that stuff made elsewhere and do you know that for a solid month over the summer the ONLY stuff that sold was handmade in New England? In fact, made right down the street. You would like to have that shorter? No problem and you want more bling on the earrings, happy to do it. Or perhaps you want something in those stones but less dramatic, more dramatic...glad to oblige!
So why is it so hard to get our stuff out there? Why is it that although everyone complains about our economic situation, people rush out in masses to big box stores and support the overseas economy rather than bolster the economy in their own neighborhood?

PERFECT HOSTESS GIFTS

With the Holidays and Thanksgiving just around the corner I have been looking for suitable hostess gifts for all those parties and dinners coming up. This shop has the perfect answer. Made from a variety of luscious locally harvested hardwoods these utensils are gorgeous, practical, artistic, and handmade in coastal Maine, USA using. This is a hostess gift to be treasured and what a wonderful way to express your appreciation. Heron Cove Wood Carvings has been been a woodworker for over 35 years--a boat builder, carpenter, cabinetmaker, and woodcarver. Stop by his shop at http://heroncovewoodcarving.etsy.com get your shopping done early!