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!”

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