Wall decals are one of my favourite things to look at on etsy.com

To me they look like an easy, inexpensive and unique way to dress up a room and make a bold statement.  I don’t think EBN and I will be in our place for much longer but when we move to our next home will definitely consider using a few wall decals for art.  I have picked some of my favourites to share.  You will notice that there is something for everyone! There are designs suited to the tastes of boys, girls, teens and gown-ups.

Has anyone out there put up a wall decal in their house?  Was it easy to put up and take down?

Winter Trees by PopWall

What a sleek, elegant and inexpensive way to jazz up your home!  I love the simple silhouette of the trees.

Circle Polka Dots by decalfarm

These polka dots make a great alternative to wallpaper.  They are just as stylish but with less commitment.  Notice all the great colours!

Forest Critters by love mae’s store

These woodland creatures are perfect for a little girl’s bedroom!

Space Walk Vinyl Wall Art Decal by graphicspaces

These would be perfect for a little guy

Picture and Photo Frame Layout by SimpleShapes

To my mom’s disappointment, when I was a teen I used to tape and tack photos of my friends to the walls of my bedroom.  I would bet that teens still do this and that it continues to annoys their parents.  Why not put up these wall decals that are easy to remove?  Teens can tape their photos to the wall decals and avoid damaging the paint.

Blooming Flowers by PopWall

This triptych would look awesome in my living room!

I must apologize for the long hiatus.  I had to buckle down and finish graduate school.  The good news is I am officially finished!  I must say I am excited by the prospect of a full-time permanent job and a paycheque!

People often ask me why I decided to become a librarian.  I started library school because I like doing research and digging for information.  After two years of library school, I still like digging and doing research but my motivation has shifted slightly.  The thing I love most about my job is going to work and making a difference in people’s lives.  I helped this woman fix up her resume last week and she came in yesterday morning to tell me that after two long months of searching she finally got a couple of interviews!  She was so happy that she was nearly in tears.  It is nice to go home after work and feel good about what you do!  In honour of my transition from student to professional librarian here are handmade goods inspired by librarians!

Bernice by yoborobo

Hey Bernice you can be a librarian and a roller derby queen.  I have heard of at least two roller derby librarians!  Check out a real roller derby librarian:  http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/08/31/roller.derby.librarian/index.html

The Librarian by twenteventeen

Even my husband who is not a librarian likes this one!  I think anyone would look cool is this borrowing slip t-shirt.

lusty librarian earings by rhymeswithmagic

I have to support my own kind and I know this seller must be a librarian.  Like me they are excited by “Books! Literacy! Reading! Education! Intellectual Freedom!”

Last night I had my siblings and in-laws over for dinner and to decorate our tree.  One person was missing, my mom.  I wished she could have been part of our little party but she was stuck at home in the C-Spot.  Although my mom was not there, the evening went off without a hitch and I am looking forward to Christmas. 

A bit of an aside but this year EBN’s family and my family are combining for one big Christmas.  We are calling it “Christmas 2009: Worlds Colliding”.

Want to share the love with a special mom in your family?  Check out these family necklaces from etsy.  These necklaces would make a unique and sentimental one-of-a-kind handmade gift for any mom! 

Name Tag Necklace by elenagrace

Name Tag Necklace by elenagrace

Triple Nested Disc Necklace by Expressitjewelry

Triple Nested Disc Necklace by Expressitjewelry

Custom Hand Stamped Sterling Silver Personalized Keepsake Pendant Bar Necklace by MetalPressions

Custom Hand Stamped Sterling Silver Personalized Keepsake Pendant Bar Necklace by MetalPressions

Family Tree Necklace by KathrynRiechert

Family Tree Necklace by KathrynRiechert

Flower Power Hottie by lalaloop
Warm up fast by taking this cozy hot water bottle and crawling under the covers.  I used to bring a hot water bottle to bed with me in the winter when I was kid.  How lovely to have such a beautiful cover.  I used to wrap mine in an old towel. 

Flower Power Hottie by lalaloop

Long Fleece Pant (organic hemp/cotton fleece) by gaiaconceptions
Look stylish, feel comfortable and stay warm with these fleece pants.  In addition to being super comfy, they come in a variety of colours.

Long Fleece Pant by gaiaconceptions

Golden Sunshine – a rag quilt by rhodasragbags
It may be dark and cold outside so you might as well keep warm with this bright and cheerful three layered quilt. 

Golden Sunshine - a rag quilt by rhodasragbags

Mink Fleece Socks by bewakeful
EBN has ice cube feet.  He likes to crawl into bed and stick them all over me.  I think I would be much happier if he invested in stocks like these!

Mink Fleece Socks by bewakeful

Ultra-Chunky BUTTON COWL by LuluandLoie
If you must go outside in the cold you might as well do it in style.  Great for indoors and out this massive scarf will keep you warm while making a bold fashion statement. 

Ultra-Chunky BUTTON COWL by LuluandLoie

The Fleece Mini Dress/Tunic (organic hemp/cotton fleece blend) by gaiaconceptions
Wear this out layered with other articles of clothing or inside as a cuddly PJs!  I think this would look very cute paired with the cosy mink fleece socks.  This tunic is perfect for a date with your couch and someone special. 

The Fleece Mini Dress/Tunic by gaiaconceptions

Do you remember being a kid and having a favourite stuffed animal? Mine was named Berry and he was a white polar bear. I slept with Berry until I was 18 years old. Although he now sits up on the top shelf of my bedroom closet, I have not forgotten him. Here are a few of my favourite stuffed toys featured on etsy. All the items featured on this page are looking for good homes and I think they would make excellent friends. Remember that furry friends made with accessories such as buttons are not meant for little-wee-ones who might chew or swallow these small pieces.

Earl Gray: The Smug Little Bear by sleepyking
Earl Gray is a smug little bear with a quirky and whimsical personality.  Who can resist that little smile? If you don’t snap him up, I might have to and I don’t even have any kids.

Earl Gray: The Smug Little Bear by sleepyking

Humboldt the Plush Doll with Secret Pocket by buttercupbloom
Humbolt is a little owl with a BIG heart.  On Humboldt’s back, you will find a secret pocket just large enough to hold little secrets, tooth fairy coins or a lucky penny.  Humbolt is ready for a good snuggle!

Humboldt the Plush Doll with Secret Pocket by buttercupbloom

Sock Monkey Robot Plush Toy 10th in a Series by blackbirdfashion
A twist on the traditional sock monkey, this little guy is a quirky monkey-robot.  Soft cuddly and looking for a good home, this robot sock monkey will make a great best buddy!

Sock Monkey Robot Plush Toy 10th in a Series by blackbirdfashion

Minky Blanket and Matching Plushie Kitty by amyjoshandmade
A good little friend for your wee-ones, the Minky is a blanket and little buddy all-in-one.  Without any add on pieces the Minky Blanket is great for little babies and toddlers who are always putting things in their mouths.

Minky Blanket and Matching Plushie Kitty by amyjoshandmade

Stuffed Troglodyte doll by jillpenney
A troglodyte, pronounced trog-luh-dahyt, is a prehistoric cave dweller or some other type of secluded and peculiar creature. If you get to know one you’ll find they are actually quite endearing. This one is named Skunk and she sleeps in a candy dish and eats knitted leg warmers.

Stuffed Troglodyte doll by jillpenney

Grocery Market Felt Food Set by bugbitesplayfood
Looking for food to feed your new furry friends?  Check out this canvas bag full of stuffed groceries.  The bag includes milk, eggs, cheese, tomato, grapes and bread.  A unique handmade toy that your wee-ones will love!

Grocery Market Felt Food Set by bugbitesplayfood

I have been spending more time on twitter trying to find new artists and unique handmade products to feature on my blog.  Today I came across several awesome giveaways that some of you may be interested in checking out.  I had no idea there was so many great giveaways within the online handmade community.    Who knows, if you enter you may get lucky and win some great loot!

Smile and Wave’s handmade giveaway
To win this beautiful pink Christmas ornament you have to leave a comment sharing a favourite holiday memory from your childhood.  A winner will be drawn December 2, 2009 so you better get cracking! 

Smile and Wave’s handmade giveaway

The rickrak studio’s *let’s celebrate* mega handmade giveaway!
This is a huge prize pack valued at over $450!!  It is a real treat and contains items from a variety of artists.  There are several ways that you can enter.  Click the link for more details.  If you are interested, you should get on this one soon—the deadline is December 3^rd, 2009.

The rickrak studio’s *let’s celebrate* mega handmade giveaway!

Sew I do’s Happy Birthday to me and a Giveaway
The winner gets a package of vibrant coloured dolls, a pencil case, a wallet and stickers.  There are a few things you can do to win including:  blogging about this contest, following the artist on twitter, or become a fan on facebook.  This contest closes on December 6^th, 2009. 

Sew I do’s Happy Birthday to me and a Giveaway

Shop Dahling’s Dahling December Giveaway
The winner gets the choice of one of three handbags.  If I won, I’d pick Cassie Wrist bag.  To enter you have to be willing to join the artist’s mailing list.  The draw will be made on December 31, 2009 so you still have lots of time to enter.

Shop Dahling’s Dahling December Giveaway

Today is World AIDS Day.  This is a day about remembering and commemorating those who have lost their battle with AIDS as well as those who continue to live with HIV and AIDS.  It is also about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting stereotypes, misconceptions and prejudice associated with this disease.  My post today highlights artists, artisans and crafters who have created works of art in the spirit of World AIDS Day and are donating all or a significant portion of their revenues to AIDS related charities.

Babies raising awareness Onesie by CandyStickLane
The artist’s listing reads “Babies raising awareness. Let your little one sport this unique onesie loud and proud! $5 from the sale of each of these onesies will be donated to Elton John’s Aids Foundation; which helps people living with HIV/AIDS.”

Babies raising awareness Onesie by CandyStickLane

Red Ribbons and Swedish Hearts by TanteLeah
It takes many hours of work and a lot of dedication to hand make a quilt.  The amount of work put into this quilt shows the dedication of the artist to the cause.  According to the artist’s sale page, “This is my Red Ribbon Quilt, and half of its sale price will be donated in your name to Care Resource, an AIDS service and research organization serving thousands of people in South Florida. You will receive documentation for the tax deduction. I will ship this for free.”

Red Ribbons and Swedish Hearts by TanteLeah

Pearls for Girls by mufi
All proceeds for this beautiful bracelet go to charity.  The artist’s web post notes “Through Pearls for Girls, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this bracelet will be donated to Help Lesotho, to educate teen girls orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho, Africa.”

Pearls for Girls by mufi

Lady in Red Ring by JoBead
All proceeds go to Wellspring International.  Within the listing the artist notes, “With this purchase you could help provide foster care for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Cape Town, South Africa.”

Lady in Red Ring by JoBead

Although I have entered my late 20s Santa continues to bring me a stocking full of treats every year and I continue to rely on my stocking for staples like new gym socks and underwear. While the stocking mostly helps replenish the staples mentioned above, it is always great to get a few little things that you genuinely love! Hey Santa, are you looking for handmade inexpensive and unique stocking stuffers? Here are a few etsy finds you may want to keep in mind…

Mittens by dadaya
I must admit these are on the pricey side for a stocking stuffer but I could not resist! They are so adorable!  I love the embroidery details and the little bit of lace around the cuff.  They really are something unique and original.  Maybe a bit of a splurge for a stocking but still amazing!

Mittens by dadya

DRINK wine charms by basilthecat
I think these are a great idea for any adult wine lovers who are still lucky enough to get stockings.  In addition to being an excellent stocking stuffer, these would be a great treat for a Christmas or New Year’s Eve party host. 

DRINK charms by basilthecat

 Cranberry Fig Whipped Sugar Scrub by freshandclean
Made in Toronto, Canada, the cranberry and fig scent is perfect for the holiday season.  They also have other great scents like cinnamon buns and a bubble gum lip balm that would fit perfectly into a stocking. 

Cranberry & Fig Whipped Foaming Sugar Scrub by Fresh & Clean

 Lotus Panties by OnTheInside
I’m not sure if anyone else feels this way but I count on getting basics like undies and stocks at this time of year.  EBN thinks this family tradition is a little strange and I don’t think he likes getting underwear from his mother-in-law.  OnTheInside has a great selection of patterns and styles for bottoms and several matching cute and comfy bras.

Lotus Panties by OnTheInside

Swimming Lime Green Studs by RadicalGlass
These little earnings are made of glass and are a brilliant green colour.  Perfect for girls of all ages! I could see my grandma and my 12 year old cousin both wearing these delightful earrings.

Swimming Lime Green Studs by RadicalGlass

Some of the people I love most are environmentally and socially conscious vegans.  Every time my grandma has them over for dinner I get a phone call asking what they can and cannot eat.  This post is dedicated to my vegans and to my grandma who is always looking for ideas to show “the vegans” how much she loves them.  Buying handmade is a great way to find gifts that will impress the environmentally and socially conscious vegans in your life.

Large Vegan Weekender by PansyMaiden
According to the artist’s website this large stylish handbag is 100% vegan, natural and sustainable.  I should mention that it is also incredibly stylish and practical.  This bag is a great alternative to the beautiful Matt & Nat bags which have become rather expensive.  Do you agree that this bag would be loved by vegans and omnivores alike? 

Large Vegan Weekender by PansyMaiden

 Vegan Three Piece Suit by MacheteNSons
This three piece suit and tie are vegan friendly and although they are a bit of a splurge, this gift would make the vegan men in my life very happy.  Once you send in your measurements the tailor will send you a rough draft of the jacket and suit pants in your size made out of cotton muslin.  After this, the tailor asks you to send them pictures of the man in question wearing the test suit.  From here, they modify it accordingly.  For more details, check out their etsy page.

Vegan Three Piece Suit by MacheteNSons

Betsy Soft Pink Mineral Love Bush by minerallove
Mineral love sells a variety awesome vegan friendly make-up.  According to their store, all ingredients found within their products are vegan certified and from cruelty-free companies.  Minerallove is also selling an eye shadow variety pack which would make an excellent gift.

Betsy Soft Pink Mineral Love Blush by minerallove

 Vegan Dishes by Vegandish
Let your vegan friends show their pride with these super cute vegan dishes.  Available in plates, bowls, mugs and serving dishes these make a really unique gift.  These dishes are handmade, come in many colours and are food and dishwasher safe.

Vegan Dishes by Vegandish

Aromatherapy Detox Gift Set by SpaGoddess
Pamper your vegan friends with this gorgeous box of vegan friendly bath products.  The recycled gift box contains Rock Star Detox Super Detoxifying Bath Salts, Organic Lavender Hand & Body Lotion and Organic Soap with Juniper Berries.

Betsy Soft Pink Mineral Love Blush by minerallove

Vegan Cookie and Chocolate Gift Basket by SweetVConfections
My favourite vegan friends love finding delicious baked goods that they can devour.  EBN and I made a chocolate peanut-butter vegan cake for his sister’s birthday and she was absolutely thrilled!  Why not get a gift basket filled with vegan chocolates and cookies?  Cookie choices for this basket include: chocolate chip, butterscotch chocolate chip, peanut butter, snickerdoodle, lemon poppy seed, sugar, gingerbread, fudge filled sandwich and oatmeal cream pie.  Nothing says I love you like baking!

Vegan Cookie and Chocolate Gift Basket by SweetVConfections

 

Snooping around the internet I discovered that Oprah has no plans to run her very popular “favourite things” episode this holiday season.  It is the only episode of her show that I ever watch and I was disappointed to hear it.  As most of you probably know it turns featured products into golden must haves.  While I have none of the clout of media mogul Oprah Winfrey I have just as many favourite things.  Here is list of my must haves dear reader (yes EBN I am looking at you) so take note…

French Holiday Charm Bracelet by wickedpen
I was going to buy this as a birthday gift for my sister last year but changed my mind because I wanted it for myself.  As I mentioned in a previous post the job market is tight for librarians so I have not gotten around to buying it.  I continue to think about it a year later and it remains my Christmas list.

French Holiday Charm Bracelet by wickedpen

Women’s felted slippers by FrenchPressKnits
I came across these delightful slippers while working on the “Great Gifts Under $25” post.  In addition to being uber-stylish the non-skid bottoms also make them very practical.  They look so good you almost want to wear them out of the house!

Women’s Felted Slippers by FrenchPressKnits

Art by TinHouse Designs
Last Christmas I bought a few pieces from this artist at a local craft fair in Edmonton, AB, Canada.  I bought two as gifts but they never left my home.  The artist is from Canada and he refurbishes and frames old tin roof tiles.  I love these tiles because they have a cool modern look while maintaining their traditional vibes.  The artist researches the history of the building the tiles were located in and offers context to his art and insight into nineteenth-century western Canadian History.  Check out his website for pricing and more information.

Art by TinHouse Designs

City Shawl by Olie 
Based in Vancouver, BC, Canada Olie make some of the most beautiful scarves and shawls.  I first came across this shawl at a wedding where a girl was wearing it over a strapless dress.  The city shawl completed the outfit and she looked amazing.  The other great thing about it is that you can use the shawl as a scarf in the cold winter months.  Also baby Alpaca yarn is so soft!  Check out their website for more details.

City Shawl by Olie

Harris Tweed Wayfarer Purse by peskycatdesigns
I stumbled across this handbag this morning.  I keep coming back to it and have added to my list of favourites.  I love the colours and appliqué design and the size.  What impresses me the most is how well made it looks.  I think it looks like one of the most sturdy and well designed handmade purses I have seen.

Harris Tweed Wayfarer Purse by peskycatdesigns