Tuesday, October 21, 2008

A Homemade Holiday





As long as I can remember, I've loved buying from smaller businesses. My mom was a saint at this. I hardly remember going to big department stores or places like Wal-Mart. She actually NEVER went to Wal-Mart, unless forced. She was dedicated to shopping from local stores and getting to know the people she shopped from. Like farmers at the local farmers market. Or the girls at her favorite clothes boutique. And this wasn't just when she lived in big cities and had lots of options, this was even when she lived in Eastern North Carolina. Sometimes it cost a little more (ok, sometimes it cost a lot more - she could go a bit overboard) but to her, it was always worth it.

Now, I'm not gonna sit here and tell you, that you can't go to Target for your stocking stuffers, because let's face it, I can't commit to that. But it has made me sad to see the decline in buying from people, to buying more from huge stores that mass produce. So I do want to try to have more of a Homemade Holiday. I've been wanting to commit to support people who create, and not machines, and the Nester just happened to be in the same mindset this year. So, when I heard about her Homemade Holiday party, I knew that I would have to participate. In the hopes that I would sell some of my homemade wares this holiday, but also, just to encourage those of you who read this blog to shop more homemade and/or locally this year. Etsy is a fabulous place to shop online for handmade goods, and has so many things to choose from. Or your local gift shops, that are more family run. Or farmers markets. Or craft shows. But also, check out all the talented and creative gurus over at the Nester's party. It's amazing to see what people do!

To celebrate the beginning of the gift-giving season, I'm going to be giving away either a potpourarrie...




(of your choice) to one of you.

So stop by the our website or my etsy shop, and see if there's anything I can help you with for the holidays. And just comment here to enter, and then check back to see if you're the lucky one on Saturday!

Usually at Christmas time, I try to see how much I can get for the least amount of money. I think this year, I'm going to try to see how much I can bless people with one of a kind items that come from other people wanting to let creative juices flow out of them into the world around them. Talk about a gift to our economy - supporting each other...that in itself is a gift!

26 comments:

jeanne @ Inspiring Ideas said...

I love home-made, too! The personal touch is priceless!

Linda said...

I'm making it my goal this year to buy all of my girlfriends gifts from Etsy...there is so much talent out there it's just hard to choose!

My good friend will be a grandmother soon (even though she's only in her early 40's). I'd love to win a stroller blanket to give to her. If I'm not lucky enough to win one...I just may have to buy her one!

Thank you for the great giveaway!

The Nester said...

dying here to see a photo!
Hope you are doing well! I get compliements on my bracelet all the time!

Sarah said...

What beautiful things! Your ballerina tutus are so sweet I felt tears well up in my eyes :)

Anonymous said...

I'm still in love with the tutus. I'm suggesting my friend buy her niece one who is in dance. She'd love it! Take care and good luck as always with your biz!
Heather Adams

Anonymous said...

Those poutparrarie balls are beautiful! I don't have a baby, or any friends who are expecting, so I don't think I need one of those. :)

And I absolutely LOVE those tutus! My daughter would flip if she saw those!

queenbee said...

Love the tutus,they are precious. I would love to win either of the items you are giving away. If I don't win I think I will get a few of the poutparrarie balls for teacher gifts. Do they come in any type of box or packaging?

Melissa said...

thanks so much for all the sweet words. i'm glad you all like the giveaway!

the potpourarries come wrapped up in cellophane with a ribbon tied around the top, very boutique-ish. i love them and think they're a great little fancy gift. they can also come as set of 3 on a pretty brown plate for $15.

Melissa said...

and there ya go, nester - fully loaded with pics. ;)

Beth Roberts said...

I'd love to win a stroller blanket for my little one!!! I love the coloring apron on your Etsy site, too!! Fun idea!

tbmroberts at gmail dot com

Bonnie said...

I love the potpourri - what an awesome idea!!!!! My only problem this year is my list isn't long enough for all of this awesome stuff (our family has been scaling down for years)! It's really tough - ask my husband. He believes I could single-handidly save the economy is left to my own online shopping devices. :) Back to "window shop" to figure out what I want to buy. Blessings!

Karen P said...

Hi - you know I'm in! Thanks!

emily freeman said...

I'm so glad you are doing this! I was getting ready to call you to be sure you linked up!

Glitter & Bliss said...

Thanks so much for leaving a comment at my giveaway...now I get to enter yours. Yea!!! I love your blog!!

Shannon said...

hey! i second your emotion on buying homemade. and... of course i am always in for a free giveaway! love you sister.

Meghan said...

Those potpouries are too cha cha for words.

Tales of a Peanut said...

I'd love one of your cute stroller blankets! I'm pregnant with my first baby and I think I'm going to send my mom over here for Christmas gifts!

Rosalynn said...

Such cute stuff, home-made is totally the way to go!

And come visit my for a giveaway this week too.

Kim said...

I really could use that stroller blanket!!! Thanks for inviting me over!!

Re said...

i'd love to win either. I like the thoughts behind the handmade/homemade pieces. With everything going on in the world these days its good to slow down and enjoy the simpler things in life.

Great giveaway :)

Sarah said...

I'm expecting a new little bundle in February, so a stroller blanket would be great!! :)

Sarah B.

Nichole said...

I love the potpurri balls, they are so clever. Did you get a chance to order the necklace? Nichole P.

Melissa said...

hey sweet nicole- i've got your beautiful necklace for you! i'll bring it tonight!

Heather said...

The potpourarries would be great for my son's preschool teachers, although the son I'm expecting any day would appreciate the stroller blanket.

maggie said...

I so love to buy locally and handmade and try to do so as much as I can. Though now that I'm on my own I find I can't always afford to do that much as I'd love to.

Your potpourarries are lovely and I'd love a chance to win.

bethany said...

I love the pinky dinky stroller blanket-so cute!! Great Etsy shop!