1. Circular Needle Holder by Sevenannine
2. Row/Stitch Markers by Scarletfoxfibers
3. Silver Knit Ring by Aimeepawluk
4. Yarn Sewing Needles by Lesliewind
5. Vintage Figurine by Northwestnesters
6. Large Knitting Bag by Simplesmiles
7. Knit Notes by Papersheep
8. Knit Mug by Finnish Design Shop
9. Handspun Yak Yarn by The Rocking Yak
10. Knitting Needles by Joe’s Fiber Tools
11. Knitting Needle Bracelet by Sewnewthings
12. “Because I Love You” Tags by Lonelytreedesign
Today I was inspired by the words of Elizabeth over at The Sitting Tree as she shared with her readers the reasons why she has chosen to live a handmade life. She wrote:
“I know we each have our own individual, deep seeded reasons why we buy handmade gifts each year, but I wanted to share what has inspired us to live a handmade life….
*I live a handmade life, because… I have to create. Like I have to breathe. Or eat. To survive. When you purchase handmade from us or someone else, you’re allowing an artist to carry on. To nourish the soul. To find joy. Achieve dreams.
*I live a handmade life, because… I know exactly where my money is going. No middle men. No giant corporations. Just people trying to make a difference in the world. To real families, like us, who are paying the bills, putting food on the table, and reaching goals.
* I live a handmade life, because… I believe in quality over quantity. Purchasing high quality, well made items, means they will last for years, sometimes even a lifetime. Attention, detail, and a lot of love is infused into each item that passes through our hands.
* I live a handmade life, because… I want art to be unique and original. I love that when I wear one of my husband’s Tree Branch Necklaces, I know I’m never going to see anyone else wearing it.
* I live a handmade life, because… I care about the environmental impact of mass produced goods on our earth. From manufacturing, transporting, and disposal; the destruction is astronomical. All our items are either made of recycled materials or are organic material and can be composted back into the earth.
* I live a handmade life, because… I value connection. Through this blog and our shop we’ve met folks from all over the world. Becoming a part of each other’s lives, in some small, significant way is one of my favorite parts of living handmade. “
My husband & I chose to have handmade holidays when our children were born. We love the traditions that we have made with our kids involving them in making gifts for others. This year will be our first year having an entirely handmade Christmas. I have already enjoyed the challenge of finding gift ideas big & small that I can make to give away. I’ll be sharing some of these ideas over the upcoming weeks.
How have your holidays been handmade?
As a result of the “polar vortex” that has been effecting most of America, my region has had extreme, arctic-like temperatures. It has caused all kinds of inconveniences, shutting down entire cities in a declaration of emergency. However, it has also shared with us a winter-time beauty that we have not experienced before in this part of the world.
What is color scouting?
We received a large amount of snow this week, & yesterday, the schools were closed. The kids & I took advantage of the day to go out & play. The sledding hills were perfect & the weather was great, but there were also hints of spring!
As I looked around, I noticed that our trees are beginning to bud, & the birds have been returning to the area. I can hear their songs throughout the day bringing cheer to these last days of winter.
This weekend the temperature is suppose to be 20 degrees warmer, so I know the snow won’t stay for long. I am ok with that. We got our last romp in the snow, so now Spring may come
artbycarriejoy.com 