As stated many times, supporting handmade is so important in the creative industry. The gifts are usually always more appreciated.  I know I love handmade gift.

 More ideas for a “handmade holiday” from our Market Place vendor list.  This list is full of handmade goodness.  Original ideas and gifts. 

Do you make your gifts?  Do you buy handmade? It’s always fun to learn what others make or do.  Please share. 

Written by Kim Demmon ~ Today’s Creative Blog, Featuring a new creative blog almost daily.

Amy has been involved with TCC both years.  She is the owner and inspiration behind The Vintage Workshop and Indygo Junction.  We thought we’d share one of Amy’s latest posts about The Handmade Experience.  I think she sums it up nicely.

These were words spoken in a panel discussion at the Creative Connection Event this past September, and attests to the fact that more and more people are understanding the great value of handcrafted goods and personal connections to our work. This sentiment is — I believe — at the heart of the DIY “Revolution”. In the handmade market, the buyer and the seller often experience a connection over the purchased item. The buyer knows the seller created his or her work because of an authentic interest, which also adds to the experience. With the trendiness of upcycling and refashioning, the materials themselves might even have a back story all their own — adding to an even deeper experience.

 You can learn more about Amy on her blog or websites.

While at the handmade market, I bought this pillow from one of our vendors, Celina Mancurti.  I fell in love with her screen prints. I had intended on giving this pillow away as a gift……but had decided to keep it by the time I got it back to my hotel room.  I love it!  Can you blame me?  Just look at it!  It’s perfect for my chair. I also love that buying it directly from the artist, knowing she made it, designed it and probably loved it as much as I did. 

Celina and her husband are an adorable couple from Argentina who have built a their business with beautiful linen items.  I wanted one of everything.  I am happy to know they have an etsy shop!  Her style is clean, simple and perfect!  Her style makes me happy!

“Celina Mancurti is an Argentinean textile designer living in the U.S.A. After having worked in the textile and fashion industry for more than 10 years she left the industry world to follow her passion for textiles and to work on her own home collection that reflects her lifestyle. Her story is told with her beloved screen printing, the unique designs and eco-friendly fabrics and notions she uses”

Written by Kim Demmon- Today’s Creative Blog, a Craft, DIY, Home decor blog.

While working at the conference, we had the help of many volunteers.  We couldn’t have pulled off such a fabulous event without them.  It’s always fun to get to know them and what creative talents they have.  I met Sue while working the Registration desk.  We were so busy, I didn’t get a chance to ask her what she liked to create. 

Once home, she contacted me about the Creative Holiday Gift Guide I offer on Today’s Creative Blog.  I about fell over when I saw her table runners.  I quickly ordered 2.  I LOVE them, and I have them both on my Thanksgiving table as I type.  I am in love with her whimsical sketched stitching.  When I received her package, she also added one of her canvas ribbons for gift wrapping.  What a great idea!  I may wrap my own gift with this so I can keep it.   If you’d like to see more of her talents, you can visit her Etsy shop, Raccoon Studios.

These kinds of gifts are always so much more exciting than something bought at a big box department store.

So, do you make holiday gifts?  If so, what?  We’d love to hear.

Written by Kim Demmon, Today’s Creative Blog

Cindy (skip to my lou) and I were waiting for our shuttle to the airport on that early Sunday morning.  The conference was over and I was exhausted, I should have known my departure would be just as exciting as the rest of the conference.  While waiting, we struck up a conversation with another fellow conference attendee.  I thought she looked familiar and I was right when she told us her name.  Cindy was very excited to meet her and quickly told her how much she LOVED her handmade toys and that she and her sons have made many in years past.  So even though our meeting was brief, it was so nice to get to know the artist behind The Toymaker. 

She has a couple of new books out.  These may be perfect holiday gifts or perhaps something to pick up to keep the kiddo’s busy. 

She also has a blog and a website.  The website has a HUGE listing of all the different toys you can download and print off. 

I was looking at the Seasonal listings and found some pretty cute Thanksgiving patterns.  I may be stuck on her site for days!

Written by Kim- Today’s Creative Blog