I'm Taking the Pledge!

I groan and die a little inside every time I hear the first Christmas carols playing over the PA at my local pharmacy the day after Halloween.  Yep.  They don't even wait until after Thanksgiving anymore.  I can rant for pages about how I hate what the holidays have become, but instead I will sum it up in that the over-consumerism, over-commercialized bullsh!t really makes me strongly dislike the holiday season. I begrudgingly buy into it because I'm told I have to buy buy buy, otherwise I'm a bad person.  So this year, I'm going to keep my money out of the pockets of the big corporations that are spending millions to try to get me to buy their latest POS.  

I've threatened to do this in the past, or tried halfheartedly before and failed, but this year I'M GOING TO DO IT!  I have decided that I do not want to buy impersonal mass-produced presents for my loved ones this holiday season.  I am going to attempt to make presents for everyone this year.  If I need to buy something (materials for instance), it has to be used.  The benefits are twofold: not only am I going to be giving a unique gift, I am also reducing my carbon footprint, something that I always try to be conscious of.

Classic Cloche by Behida Dolic

Though still challenging, I admit this won't be extremely hard in regards to my female gift recipients.  But I do have a very special male giftee and I would have to make something for him, too.  That is going to be tough.  (So if anyone has any suggestions, they are much appreciated!)  

                                 

Nesting Scallop Bowls by Element Clay Studio

Overall, I've always had a tough time finding or coming up with great presents for people.  Even with my life-long crafty skills I've been a buy-you-a-gift-card or just-tell-me-what-you-want-and-I'll-buy-it-for-you gal.  But I'm going to change!

  

A Very Young Calf 
by everyeskimo

So who's going to join me?  If you think you can't make something yourself, you have two options: 

1. Learn how to make something simple via great DIY online tutorials. 

Try design*sponge, Craftynest, Craftster, Crafting A Green World, just to name a few. 

OR...

2. Support an artist/craftperson by buying something handmade and unique.  Etsy has an incredible selection.  I've included some great gift ideas from Etsy sellers in this post.  

  

Little Faceted Silver Studs
by miki and nora

Go one step further and get something local.  Chicago has a great holiday market every year, the Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale.  In New York, Artists and Fleas hosts the Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar.

Personal Flight Bag 00
by Matt Shallenberger

So check out what your city has to offer.  I guarantee it will be a lot more interesting and fun than going to your local mall.  And you won't have to listen to the cheesy muzak renditions of christmas carols [shudder].

I know it's a bit early to be thinking about this already, but if I have to make all my presents, then I better get crackin'.  

Pygmy Marmoset Print by
 Berkeley Illustration

Take the handmade pledge!  Give the people you in your life something unique that says "I put a lot of effort into making/selecting this gift for you".  ♥