A Crafty Soiree #62

Halloween is over and I'm still feeling energetic from the sugar rush.  I'm thinking about Christmas already and found three projects among our links from last week that would make great gifts and all easy enough for all levels of DIYers.  Are you planning on making some of your own gifts?  Let me know what you're making in a comment, I'm always up for new ideas!

As much as I love making some of the gifts we give at Christmas time, I think I will be short on time this year with a new baby.  If you're like me, without extra hours in the day, but still want to give something made from the heart, might I suggest supporting handmade?  Please check out one of the creative talents I've got featured in my sidebar.  These shop owners each offer something unique and beautifully crafted that would make a lovely gift this season and any time throughout the year. 

I personally love to support small businesses, and in particular handmade, because I like knowing my money is going to support an individual talent.  Each of the ladies, who's ad button is on my sidebar this month, is taking advantage of my Support Handmade promotion and receiving a month of free advertising.  It's my way of trying to do my part to get the word out about a movement I am passionate about.

If you are a small business owner and would like to be featured on my sidebar, there is still time.  I am accepting requests up until tomorrow.  Just click over to the blog if you're viewing this in a reader or in email, to find out more about the details, found at the top of my posting column.

Now onto this week's features!  Funkymom Cards is lucky enough to be part of a crafting group, one of my dreams...I've just gotta round up enough local crafters!  Her group made magnetic boards and hers is so cute, love the Christmas colors and I think these would make great gifts.  I know I could use one!

Every December I list this as something I'm going to make to give, possibly because it's something I desperately need myself come January.  I haven't gotten around to it yet, but Erika at Bliss Images and Beyond turned out so cute I think it might actually happen this year!  Don't you just love the twine?

Pendants are one thing I have actually made, usually with pictures and with glass pieces.  However, after seeing how fabulous the ones by One Artsy Mama's look with in the beveled pendant and with extra dangles, it's time to revisit this project!  I've already been looking for the pendant blanks online and love the idea to frame a word.  Great way to personalize for each recipient!

By the way, Amy just so happens to be one of the featured business owners on my sidebar, visit her store One Artsy Mama and see more of her jewelry.


<a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/" target="_blank"><img width="150" border="0" alt="A Crafty Soiree" src="http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv157/KTnestingspot/Blog%20Buttons/FeaturedOnBlueButtoncopy.jpg" /></a>
Party Guidelines

1.  Link up to four of your creative projects (No Etsy stores or other linky parties pretty please).  

2.  Add your link to the specific posts not the main URL.

3.  Add a "Crafty Soiree" button to your blog or posts.

4.  Please comment on the post linked up in front of you.  All partygoers love meeting new friends... don't just stop there...if you see something that catches your fancy-- stop by and say hi!

5.  Your hostesses would love it if you'd follow us. You can find Malia here.

<a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img width="150" border="0" alt="Katie's Nesting Spot" src="http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv157/KTnestingspot/Blog%20Buttons/KatiesNestingSpotButtoncopy.jpg" /></a>Let's Party!

One more thing before you go. My friend Maryanne's Online Crop will be starting today and going on through the weekend. There are fun challenges and prizes! In fact, I'm offering one this month, this fabulous set of dinner party clear stamps from Martha Stewart Crafts.  Click on the photo to the right for a better view of the set.  It's perfect for paper crafters who also like to entertain.  I hope you'll join us!