Gift Guide Pick #2 - coworkers

If you work in an office, even with all the technology nothing is quicker than jotting a note down on a post it and sticking it somewhere so you or whomever will remember. These Post-It Note Holders are a perfect gift for your office mates.  They come in many different designs and are inexpensive enough to get a few.  Find them at CardsandNotes

Gift Guide pick #1 - For everyone

A card is a gift and a gesture that one's friends and family are in your thoughts. Don't forget that handwritten note via snail mail before email and texting was all the rage. Despite what media tells you there are still millions of people who still prefer holiday greetings than e-cards.  I love hanging cards on the fireplace and appreciate the images the artist makes for us like Little toad Designs' cute characters or the graphics LoveLeighDay constructs with your favorite family photo. Stock up now! Available at  Littletoad.etsy.com & LoveLeighDay.etsy.com

Gift Guide - 30 in 30

I say this every year......where does the time go?  The season of giving is already around the corner and about to run smack into me. I hate malls and busy over priced stores so I will be fulfilling my pledge to buy handmade.
This year I'm sharing yet again some of my favorites from other handmade shops.   Friday I will begin featuring 30 gifts in 30 days.  I will have a suggestion for everyone on your list so check back each day.  Some shops are also offering sales, free shipping or exclusive discounts.  I found so many already I may be posting more than 30!

Moomeez makes me smile

So I got rid of my Barbie collection as soon as puberty hit (then I would just use Ken as a voodoo doll if my crush-of-the-week didn't speak to me in school.

My stuffed animal collection I parted with during early adulthood. I had bought a brand new car on my own working 2 jobs and considered it a badge of an being an adult. Before I could peel the sales sticker off the window I was lining my stuffed animal collection across the back seat window. Do girls still do that? I even think I fastened a couple of bigger stuffed animals in. I bought a stick shift and my animals brought me comfort as I stalled out over 50 times trying to get back home. Looking at them made me smile that there was still a little kid in me.

I no longer have dolls or collect stuffed animals as they were a part of my childhood. As an adult I haven't had a desire to have a doll....until now.

Moomeez pronounced MOO0-MEEZ (the 'moo' part is like a cow's 'moo') makes me smile. Moomeez make me reminisce of childhood and laugh. makes me want to take a break from the rat race and and eat some Starburst. These are fantastic one of a kind (OOAK) yarn doll creations. Tenaya Gremlin is one of my favorites of her collection.  Officially I can have one because they aren't for children (yes I'm justifying and talking myself into getting one). Also, what child could appreciate the skill it takes to crochet all those pieces into an adoring character from the artist "quirky imagination". Mel the owner of Moomeez has been crocheting since she was girl and crafting these dolls for eight years.

We asked what inspires this artist and her work

"A lot of things inspire me. It can be colors, the sky, a person, childhood memories, the texture of a fabric, etc. I can't put my finger on one influence. But the results of my workmanship matter to me. I try to create dolls that have a look of innocence, purity, and genuine goodness. It's really simple...I just hope the dolls make you feel happy and comforted. "

She also customizes dolls from your odd ideas as well. Check out Moomeez Boutique and it's sure to make you smile as well. Zafras.etsy.com