Getting ready for Christmas

It seems so early to be getting my shops ready for the winter holidays. Although I am not an early shopper, I know there are those out there that have all their holiday shopping done and stashed away sometime in July. Well, maybe someday I will join that club! Meanwhile, I am slowly stocking my shops for those early shoppers.

And while everything in my shop makes fabulous unique gifts, here are some of the items that have holiday themes. Look for more during the coming weeks as well!

Christmas Candy Dish ~ Felted Wool Green, Red and White:


Snowman Wool Nesting Bowls - He's a stacker!



Christmas Fun - Felted Wool Bowl - Green, Red and Oatmeal



Come on in and browse my shops and enjoy the fun of on-line shopping!
Valerie's Gallery on etsy and Valerie's Gallery on Artfire

Getting Ready for a Holiday Craft Fair

I have purchased a spot in Saturday's Holiday Craft Bazaar at our local Methodist Church and am a bit anxious.

This one is a bit different from the others that I have been a vendor. Well, not that I have that much experience as I was only present in two this summer, so I am by no means an expert. But this one will be a table inside the church (thank goodness as we have had snow already!) rather than a booth outside.

As I said, my experience has been limited to summer fairs that have a festival theme behind them. They have been a wide mix of people, coming from all over the country for a different reason. The festival attendees just stumble upon crafters booths. Additionally, both have been in the heat of the summer and I might add that wool items are really not a popular item when one is already sweating!

Saturday's event is simply a holiday craft fair and the weather is much cooler. So I am hopeful that although there may not be as many people wandering through, the folks that do come are simply in the market to purchase crafts and wool may not turn them off as much as in the summer.


I learn something new each time I am in at a fair and I am sure that Saturday's event will also teach me something. Whether it be how to set up the table or help me in face to face marketing skills, I am sure that Saturday will prove to be a learning experience.

With the holidays just around the corner, I plan to set up the table half Thanksgiving theme and half Christmas theme. I will sneak a few of the day to day items in there too... such as baby booties and hair ponies as they make great gifts. And the rest will be left to chance.



My goal ~~ Market to the locals, sell enough to make the whopping $20 fee back and have some fun. I am confident I will be able to achieve all three. Wish me luck!

Felted Bowl ~ Holiday Berries

I can't believe that it is November already. Where did they year go? They just seem to fly by lately!

I just added a new holiday bowl to my shop. The base is worked in double layers for that extra thickness. I found that when I needlefelt designs, that double thick works best as the colors will run through to the other side when using single thickness, so double it is!

This would make a wonderful hostess gift, filled with your special cookies, candies or just about anything small.

Oh - and don't forget to set your clocks back to daylight savings time this morning!

New Winter Holiday Scarves

I just can't seem to put the knitting needles down lately. I came across some fabulous yarns recently and I am knitting them up into lovely scarves.

The last two are great for the holidays, either as a gift to your friends and family, or for you to wear to your holiday parties.

This red one has a bit of sparkle as there is a gold thread intertwined with the wool/acrylic/nylon blend. It is knit in a classic lace pattern that also gives it a bit of bling for parties, but is classic enough to wear everyday.



This shades of grey neckwarmer/shoulder wrap is made with a lucious mohair/wool/acrylic blend that is warmer than warm and softer than soft! Short enough to wear under your coat and classy enough to wear on the outside.


Both these scarves are available for purchase in my etsy shop. Order now for the upcoming holidays.

Wish List Continued

I love pottery.

Shape, Color, Texture and Function.... just about every aspect of pottery is very appealing to me. Unfortunately, I don't know anything about making it. Hopefully, my felted pieces come close, but there is nothing like the real thing.

Here are a few pieces that I would LOVE to own and cherish!

This beautiful blue bowl from JDWolfePottery is absolutely gorgeous. The color and shape are perfect! I image this bowl on my kitchen counter filled with ripe red apples.

Here is another one from JDWolfePottery that I am just in love with:



Another favorite is this lovely vibrant red vase from popartpots.



Here is an amazing find - Made with horsehair - What a striking effect! And this is just one of many in this amazing shop: robdrexel

Wish List Continued

Dear Daughters,

You know that sometimes your father can get in a rut when buying gifts. You see the expected peach bubble bath set that ends up under the tree EVERY year. Really, girls.. talk to Daddy... show him these gorgeous items on my wish list.

Like this beautiful Whirlpool Resin Pendant from skinnerstudio. It reminds me of the blue pottery that I love so much and won't my co-workers swoon when they see it?!?


Girls, your mission, should you choose to accept it is to get Daddy to buy this necklace and leave the peach bubble bath at the store.

Wish List Continued

There is just something special about vintage and antique items that appeal to me. While we are in the midst of renovating our old farm house I am always on the lookout for items to help give this home character.

Combine that with love of children's books, especially the illustrations found within them. This Dick and Jane book brings back memories of elementary school for me and would look great on the shelves in my office and can be found in calloohcallay's etsy shop.

Another one on my list, dear family!

The Holidays Will Be Here Soon

Soon the snow will be falling, decorations will be up and the shoppers will be out and about.

This year, what better way to do your shopping than from the comfort of you own home? Etsy provides a great way to get wonderful handmade or vintage items delivered right to your door.

Since my family will occasionally come into my blog I have decided that I am going to show a few of my favorite items that I would just LOVE to get as a gift this holiday season. Each week from now till Christmas I will show two or three items that just suit me perfectly.

So all my beloved family members... if you are reading this, take note ♥

I love this bracelet from littlbugjewelry. You know I love this soft green and I am definately short of bracelets...


And this beautiful original from emcisaac. Wouldn't that look great coming down the new stairway your father just built? You know it would!