A Few of My Favourite Artisans.

Hello reader, how have you been? 

Hope you've managed to escape the flu. It's been going around especially at work but here's hoping it's run its course. Me? Oh I had some illness but I'm much better now. Still got stuff to deal with on the health front but nothing too serious. For the past month or so I've been working on my Folksy shop but if you're following my Facebook page you would already know that.  On that note I would like to thank everyone who took part in my first giveaway. The number of people who 'like' my page or follow my blog went up quite dramatically and so I've had a second giveaway just for blog followers and Facebook page 'likers' just to show my appreciation. You didn't have to do anything. I simply put all your names in a list so each of you were assigned a number then used a random number generator to choose the winner. There will be other giveaways in the future so keep liking my page, following me on Twitter and following this blog to keep in touch.

I am currently working on listing items (such as the one pictured above), writing descriptions and so on. Considering SEO and other tips found on Folksy Shop Front it will take a little time to perfect everything.  This is the reason the shop is not officially launched but you are all welcome to visit and check out the work in progress. Remember if you don't see something you like you can always ask for a custom made card. Please don't hesitate to contact me to express any thoughts, questions or comments. Any encouragement is also greatly appreciated.

I am also on another quest to buy more handmade and custom made goods. I've been browsing shops on Folksy and Etsy and looking at artisans in the UK Handmade community. I enjoy reading Folksy Friday treasury posts and even thought of joining the weekly activity and creating my own Folksy Friday post. The only reason why I have not done so yet is because I am not certain I could actually complete this task every Friday. I am very busy both in my day job and in setting up my online store so maybe it would not be wise to start something I am unlikely to be in a position to maintain. However I thought it would be a good idea to share with you, from time to time, some of the artisans and their shops I've found and favourited.

Created and Felted

The first time I saw these bags I loved them. I've seen the coin purse pictured up close and it's even better than it looks in the photo. I bought it for my sister who loved it. Check out Created and Felted store to see what's on offer including some really cool bags.  I definitely intend to buy more as gifts including one for myself. You can also check out Claire's blog. Send her some good wishes as she has been dealing with health issues of late. Get well soon Claire.


Jessica Doyle

I first saw Jessica's work on Google Buzz. I love and admire her art a lot. I didn't discover she had an online store or sold handmade goods until I got to know more about her through Buzz, her blog and then her Facebook page. You can also visit her art shop  Handmade Cloud as well as her Etsy store. I have favourited the calendar as I intend to purchase this myself as soon as possible (if it's not sold out first) but she doesn't just create paper goods. You can also find handpainted boxes and objects as well as original prints.

Paper Daisy Card Design

I love these cards. The technique used to create the beautiful designs is one I've yet to try. Jill Chapman is clearly a master of quilling. I find her work is quite inspiring. Don't know about you but I would love to receive one of these cards. (Hint, hint to any family members reading out there).
Paper Daisy Card Design has been on Folksy for only a few months and could always welcome some visitors. Check it out and browse. There are some beautiful Christmas cards available.

Lots of crafters are already selling Christmas goodies including handmade decorations as well as cards and gift tags. Browse the online stores and buy handmade for Christmas.  Don't look at me! I haven't even started making Christmas cards. There's more than enough high quality handmade Christmas goods available so I'm sure you can find something to make your Christmas really special.

Happy handmade shopping.