Buy Local for the Holidays

'Tis the season of craft fairs and holiday sales. Now that holiday shopping is upon us in full swing, I thought I'd point out some of the places I'm shopping which will support local people and keep the money in our own communities!

Hot Shops Art Center Holiday Open House in Omaha's Old Market Neighborhood
Saturday, December 5th from noon - 8pm
Sunday, December 6th from noon - 5pm

"Our biggest event of the year, the Hot Shops Open House features informative art demonstrations and live music, plus, most of the Hot Shops artists have their studio doors open to the public! Live music, informative demos, cool art, dense location -- a genuine good time."

Artitudes Holiday Art Show and Sale - Fundraiser to benefit The FoodBank of Lincoln Backpack Program

8th and Q Streets
Friday, December 4, 4pm-?
Saturday, December 5, 10am-5pm
Sunday, December 6, 11am-4pm
For photos from previous Artitudes events, visit their blog.

There's also the option of armchair surfing and buying local, through Etsy.com! On Etsy's homepage, there are several links down the left hand column. If you scroll down to the "Explore" box, you will find a link that says "Shop Local," which gives you the option of choosing the location you would like to search.
Look at all these great local Nebraska finds:

Shopping with a Gift Guide...

from the Creative Glass Guild of Etsy!

Check out some of the great things I found!!!

From jsglassart,

Fall Daisy Fused Glass Magnets ($14)

So playful, and I love the bright colors, of course! Sure to brighten up any kitchen for the winter.

From nivenglassoriginals,

Blue Jay Ornament ($14)

And then, there's this cute little Blue Jay just waiting to perch on your tree...he could even dress up the windows after the tree comes down. Or, maybe nest in your house plants!

From livingglassart,

Golden Amber Starburst Stained Glass Mandala Suncatcher ($60)

If you haven't noticed, I tend towards the oranges and yellows :)

Another bright cheery flower to perk up the winter months.

(BTW, I've recently moved back to Nebraska from Napa, California, so I'll be surrounding myself with all the bright cheery things I can get my hands on to help me through this winter!)

From etherealgirls,

Blue Frida Strength Amulet Necklace ($21)

For the art lover, or more specifically, the Frida Kahlo lover...what a great little pendant and I love the oxidation on the chain that gives it a very vintage feel!

From Glassprimitif,

A l l s o r t s Cufflinks ($15)

Not sure what to get for him? I love these whimsical and playful cufflinks! Perfect for a little stocking stuffer!


There are so many great gift ideas here, you won't go wrong! Promise!

My Elegant Troll...

I started it more than four years ago, but I've finally finished putting her together! Before my evening soiree with the Lincoln Doll Club, I had but bits of troll in a bag. May I informally introduce.... Ms. TrollUp! You may not have noticed, but she's rather well-endowed. She also doesn't care much for shaving; and I totally understand that!
Like teacher, Ute Vasina, I had to be different! My "Fritz" troll is a lady troll, but as of yet, she's still a naked lady!


I fashioned my troll from the kit for "Fritz" (above) by Ute Vasina. I don't yet know her story...but I think she'll be wearing a lovely green evening gown and showing off her sexy legs!

Action, action, action!!!

Yes! Since I've got my photo area all set up, it's been no problem shooting some photos of everything I've been meaning to list but just never got around to. It's so handy having a spot all set up that I don't have to take down!
I even got this plate listed in the shop today! This is one of my favorites for entertaining because it's got three different spots for munchies!