Silver Plate Plant Markers -- with 20% off coupon code!

It's been far too long since I posted about any of the lovely handmade items available on Etsy, but now I can remedy that situation. Heidi of the CambriRae etsy shop has generally offered my blog readers a 20% off coupon (code "20off") which can be used on her lovely silver plate plant markers, Christmas ornaments, and page clips.

Although you should look through all of her beautiful offerings, I personally love the plant markers the best; each is made from vintage silver-plate forks and spoons with letters permanently engraved into the metal. Each marker is $5.00, or only $4.00 with the coupon code. They're perfect for outdoor or windowsill gardens, and as the product description states, they "make a wonderful gift for anyone who loves gardening, is an antique fanatic, enjoys a shabby chic décor, or simply likes to receive unique gifts."

And there's still time to get these for Christmas, at least within the United States. As long as you choose priority mail shipping and order by Sunday night (Dec. 19), you should have these by Thursday (Dec. 23).

And if you've already done your Christmas shopping, keep these in mind for Springtime birthdays and especially Mother's Day!

What: Silver Plate Plant Markers -- with 20% off coupon code!
Where: CambriRae (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): $5.00 apiece -- $4.00 with coupon code!

Alice in Wonderland Themed Stocking

I haven't seen the new Tim Burton/Johnny Depp version, but I am kind of enchanted with the renewed interest in Alice in Wonderland -- the other day I was in Barnes and Noble and they had a huge display of all sorts of different illustrated versions of this perennial classic. So for today, I present several items around which you could build an Alice-in-Wonderland themed stocking or gift basket:

• Alice's Enchantmints from Shakespeare's Den. This 0.4 oz tin of mints features a classic Alice illustration and some mints that you can at least pretend will make you grow or shrink!
  
  
• A lovely set of four rubber ink stamps from Etsy seller NikoArt. I featured a giveaway from this seller some time ago, and I just love the simple, clean lines of her artwork. Isn't the White Rabbit especially adorable? Check out her other stamps too!
  
  
• A "Six Impossible Things" magnet from fridgedoor.com, featuring the classic Carroll quote about believing six impossible things before breakfast.
  
  
• A lovely Alice-themed charm bracelet from Etsy seller Spacepearls; it's a silver beaded bracelet with a silver mushroom charm and tiny dangling red beads. She also has some lovely Alice-appropriate clock, teapot, and teacup necklaces, so be sure to browse through her shop! (That's the thing I love about Etsy shops -- you find the most amazing things! She has a wonderful group of Harry Potter "potions" in little vials too!)

And of course, you can always find a zillion little tidbits from the current Burton/Depp version in stores like Hot Topic and Target. Believe me, there's no shortage of Alice out there these days!

Teeny Tiny Knitted Socks from Buffalo Girls

Please excuse my unintended hiatus for the last three days -- I have AT&T U-verse, and unfortunately my phone, internet, and television have completely gone out four times in the last week and a half. They're trying to fix the problem, but....

It's also been far too long since I featured an Etsy stocking stuffer on this blog. So here are some adorable hand-knitted socks from Etsy seller Buffalo Girls! The socks measure about three inches, are hand-knitted with wool, and they're each adorned with a tiny heart. You can use them to hide a small surprise or gift, or turn them into a brooch. Each sock is one-of-a-kind. I love the idea of a stocking stuffer inside one of these socks inside a stocking! There's a lovely selection of color combinations to choose from.

And you should also check out the rest of the shop for a nice selection of note cards. Have a great Monday, everyone!

What: Teeny Tiny Knitted Socks from Buffalo Girls
Where: Buffalo Girls (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): $11.25 (plus shipping)

Do It Yourself Stocking Stuffers, Part the Third

Here's another round-up of do-it-yourself stocking stuffers:

• Chocolate-dipped spoon coffee stirrers. I can't remember exactly when/where I first saw this idea (I've seen it more than once), but the Healthy Lifestyle Blog on the Daily Spark website has directions here. You can pick up spoons at the dollar store or at a thrift shop for a very inexpensive DIY stocking stuffer. You can gussie them up by sprinkling the chocolate-dipped spoons with crushed peppermint candy, sprinkles, or other sugary goodness before wrapping them in cellophane and tying them with a festive bow.
  
  
• Hand-stamped tea light candles, as shown on the Primitive Paper blog. These are very pretty and elegant.
  
  
• The Matsutake blog has a step-by-step tutorial for making a cute fruitcake pendant using an empty tea light shell, polymer clay, and some little jeweled beads.
  
  
• The Zakka Life blog has an adorable snow baby ornament made out of little yarn pom poms and a bit of felt. It is too precious for words!
  
  
• Tipnut.com has directions for making five different homemade bath salts and soaks. I save jars all the time, so I have plenty of small, pretty containers that would work for these.

And now it's off to buy some scotch tape for Christmas wrapping! I'm sure I have little tape dispensers hiding everywhere, but I can never find them when it's time to wrap presents. One of my New Year's resolutions will definitely be becoming more organized!

Illustrated Necklaces from Boygirlparty

I don't wear a lot of jewelry, but this is exactly the kind I like: unique and unusual with a sense of humor. These illustrated necklaces from Susie Ghahremani of Etsy shop Boygirlparty are original drawings by Susie embossed in cast metal. More specifically, they're brushed antique silvertone (a nickel alloy).

Susie doesn't limit herself to necklaces; her drawings also adorn clothing, note pads, book labels, to do lists, recipe cards, pocket mirrors, signed prints, and more. Many of these items feature the same delightful creatures, giving the opportunity for a themed batch of gifts, several of which are the perfect size for stocking stuffers. If you like the kitty, for instance, you can search on "kitty" in her shop and see all the kitty creations at once. There are lots of owls and other birds, and of course the octopi. I want just about everything I see in her shop!

What: Illustrated Necklaces
Where: Boygirlparty (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): $22 and up (plus shipping)

Handmade Amigurumi / Teddy Bears by Knitting Dreams

Teddy bears, named after President Theodore Roosevelt, have been around in the U.S. and elsewhere for a long time. I still have my favorite panda bear from my childhood, and even had him refurbished a few years ago along with my Drowsy and Raggedy Ann dolls at a wonderful doll's hospital here in Houston.

And here, from Etsy seller Knitting Dreams, is a wonderful selection of handmade amigurumi and miniature teddy bears that are just right for Christmas stockings! Have you ever seen anything sweeter than the little panda shown above? This little guy is about 3.5 inches tall and 2 inches wide, and is one of the many custom designs that Knitting Dreams makes to order. The sizes vary slightly (some are close to 4 inches high), but all are well within the perfect size range for stocking stuffers. Take a look at the entire selection, and remember that if you don't see exactly what you're looking for, you should just ask! There are sweet enough for children, yet special enough for adults. Nobody is too old for a teddy bear!

What: Handmade Amigurumi Bears by Knitting Dreams
Where: Knitting Dreams (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): varies (plus shipping)

Custom Stockings Handmade by Aimee

More than a year posting about different stocking stuffers every day, so how is it I have not yet posted about Christmas stockings themselves? Well, I now have the perfect excuse to remedy that omission by letting you know about custom stockings handmade by Aimee, who makes:

• 19-inch custom stockings that reflect the stocking owner's occupation, hobbies, and/or interests (up to 2-3 images incorporated into the design), or a Christmas theme if you prefer;
  
  
• 19-inch custom pet portrait stockings based on your photo; and
  
  
• 28-inch jumbo stockings incorporating 4-5 images.

You choose the size and color (red, burgundy, green, or navy with either a white or cream cuff), hand-cut felt letters or cursive hand-embroidery for the name on the cuff, and your list of what you want incorporated into the design. Aimee then sends a proposed description, you hammer out the details, and viola! You have a beautifully personalized stocking on the way!

Because I only just discovered these stockings, and Aimee does have a waiting list at the moment, I won't be ordering for my husband and myself for this Christmas. This works out just as well, because I've already established my budget for this year, plus I want a little time to think over exactly what to get. Right now, my husband and I are using two store-bought stockings that are certainly pretty enough, but my husband doesn't think they're "us". I also still have my childhood stocking, which my mom decorated with felt cookie cutter shapes, a few jingle bells, and some sequins, but I'd kind of like for my husband and I to have matching stockings.

So sometime early next year, I plan to order stockings that are very us -- something that combines space, science fiction, books, and cats. I'll probably go for the 28-inch stockings so we can have more images, and because I happened to be married to one of those rare husbands who is a very talented and dedicated stocking stuffer. I might as well make sure I have a large stocking for him to fill, don't you think? Really, I'm only trying to be considerate of him! ;-) I will be sure to do a follow-up post to show you the results!

Take a look at the gallery on Aimee's site for some terrific examples of stockings. I have to say, I think the pricing is very reasonable for a beautifully handcrafted stocking that will bring pleasure year after year. The 19-inch stockings are $32 and the 28-inch jumbo stockings are $52. I think they're terrific!

NOTE: I first came across Aimee's stockings on the Everything Up Close blog by Ilissa. She currently has a giveaway, running until November 20, for a make-your-own-stocking kit from Aimee.

Twilight Inspired Cartoon Zipper Pouch

It's November 1st! It's the Day of the Dead. It's the beginning of the winter holiday season (to me, anyway -- I suppose we all have our own ideas on that!). For many, it's the start of the serious countdown to New Moon, the second Twilight movie.

And it's my one-year blogaversary on Amy's Stocking Stuffers! Check back on Tuesday for the first on my weekly blogaversary giveaways that will be going on for all of November.

But in the meantime, it's Etsy Sunday, and today's Etsy stocking stuffer is one that teen and 'tween girls will go crazy for: a Twilight-inspired cartoon zipper pouch. Etsy seller Kukubee creates fabrics out of their own original designs, which have that anime look to them, and this Twilight pouch is spot on, don't you think? The brooding Edward with his wavy hair and his apple, the big-eyed Bella....

If Twilight isn't your thing, there are plenty of other fun designs, including a geisha panda, a killer panda, a Grim Reaper bunny, a sweet little book lover... and getting back to Twilight, there's a cute lion and lamb design. Be sure and check them all out!

What: Twilight Inspired Cartoon Zipper Pouch
Where: Kukubee(an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): $12.00 (plus shipping)

Hardwood Peg Ink Stamps from Etsy Seller Norajane

Here's a type of ink stamp I've never come across before: tiny images mounted on hardwood pegs that are 3 1/2 inches long. Not only are these images from Etsy seller Norajane adorable and perfect for creating borders and patterns, they're easy to use and are therefore suitable for beginners, including children, as well as experienced stampers. The prices are also terrific: as low as $2.00 for some stamps, and only $6.00 for some of the sets, such as the package with a bow you see above.

As often happens when I post about Etsy sellers, the hardest part is choosing which images to show! Pictured above are holly leaves, the box and bow set, and the pumpkin, all lovely seasonal choices. To the right are the tree frog, pine cone, owl, and ladybug. What I haven't pictured are the candy cane, poinsettia, apple (great for making teacher appreciation cards or gifts), starfish, cat, button, pocket watch, rabbit (suitable for Easter), antique phone, and a large selection of birds, flowers, branches and vines, and leaves. It's difficult to choose, but with such low prices you can get several without breaking the bank.

And of course they're the perfect size for stocking stuffers!

What: Hardwood Peg Ink Stamps
Where: Norajane (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): $2-$6 (plus shipping)

Handsoaps from Etsy Seller Foliage

Take a look at the photo above -- gives new meaning to the term "handsoap", wouldn't you say?! These little soaps (see picture below for scale) are perfect for the Halloween season, either in the bathroom or as a little Halloween display in your home that you can put to good use later. I think kids would get a big kick out of them!

Esty seller Foliage states that each set will come with at least 10 soaps, totaling about 100 grams of soap. The soap is natural vegetable glycerin with a light scent, and come in a variety of shapes and skin tones packaged in a little bag.

While you're at it, check Foliage's Etsy shop for something called "wrist zips" -- another wonderful stocking stuffer, especially for those of you in cooler climates.

What: Handsoap Set
Where: Foliage (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): $18/set of 10 soaps (plus shipping)

Whimsical Cats from Susan Faye

Here's a wonderful Etsy stocking stuffer: whimsical cat treasure tins/tea light holders and magnet sets from artist Susan Faye. You may have come across Susan before on her 365 Cat Ladies blog, where she posts a cat lady portrait each day. (I'm proud to say that Susan has done a portrait of my cat family here -- I gave the original watercolor to my husband for our anniversary, and several members of my family will be receiving magnet versions as stocking stuffers this year!)

Even if you don't do a portrait, Susan has plenty of goodies that will serve as stocking stuffers for the cat lover in your life. She's turned her whimsical cat paintings into lovely little treasure tins that can also double as tea light holders. She also has lovely magnet sets, and all sorts of other goodies in her shop. (There are even plenty of Halloween portraits!)

What: Whimsical Cats from Susan Faye
Where: Susan Faye (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): $7.50-12.50 (plus shipping)

Pup Cups from Esty Seller "The Lab"

Several of my acquaintances have adopted dogs or puppies recently. With our veritable herd of cats, dogs are currently out of the question for us, but at least I'm able to get my dog fix now and again by visiting friends. Today's Etsy stocking stuffer, perfect for dog lovers, comes from Annie of The Lab shop. These pup cup "sleeves" fit around standard size (15-16 oz.) tin cans, making an eco-friendly holder for pencils, paint brushes, make-up brushes, candy, you name it! Or you can put the sleeve around a glass of the appropriate size and use it for a vase! The result is a holder or vase that looks like it came from an expensive gift shop but that actually costs less than $10.

Each pup cup has a description indicating the type of fabric it's made from. The labs are appliqués that have been cut out by hand and machine-stitched onto the fabric. According to Annie, the edges are "either double folded or have French seams for clean, fray-free edges." I think they're just lovely! And since most dog-related appliqués seem to be of Scotty terriers, it's refreshing to see these labs, which are one of my favorite dog breeds.

Be sure to look through the entire shop, because there's a wide selection of black, yellow, and chocolate labs to choose from. Some are holding flowers in their mouths, others have collars, others are carrying a leash, indicating "please walk me!" There's a wide variety of colors and patterns available, and the shop also has other lab-related merchandise.

What: Pup Cups from Esty Seller "The Lab"
Where: The Lab (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): $7.00-$9.00 (plus shipping)

Lauren Alexander Stickers

Because most items on Etsy are handmade (although they also sell vintage items and crafting supplies), some people tend to assume that everything on there is very expensive. Not so! There are lots of bargains to be found on Etsy, and the gift recipient will also see that you didn't run out to the drugstore at the last minute to stuff the Christmas stockings!

Today's Etsy stocking stuffer is this set of lovely stickers from seller Lauren Alexander. As you can see from her selection of art prints, note cards, and pendants, Lauren's style is sweet, colorful, and luminous. Both her art pendants and her set of 15 stickers would make perfect stocking stuffers. I especially love the stickers because I remember that when I was a kid I adored stickers. As an adult, I still use them to adorn the envelopes when I send the occasional note card (something we need to do more often, I think -- e-cards just aren't the same!). There are several sets of stickers to choose from, and I would be hard-pressed to choose -- just look at those sweet faces! Don't forget to look at the pendants and note cards in particular, which along with the stickers would make up a lovely gift set. (In fact, Lauren does have a gift set made up of different items!)

What: Lauren Alexander Stickers
Where: Lauren Alexander (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): $8.00 (plus shipping)

Floppy Bookies from Etsy Seller Contexto

I love gifts and products that take something destined for the landfill and turn it into something with new life. If you're eco-minded as well, here is a perfect stocking stuffer for just about anyone -- but especially for anyone computer-oriented! Ana from the Contexto Etsy shop has taken computer floppy disks and turned them into cute, useful little notebooks, each with 70 pages and seamless metal rings to bind them. The rings allow the pages to be flipped completely around for convenience, and you can even buy refills so the floppy booky can be used for a long time to come!

These little notebooks would also be great for teens, who will probably be astounded that we used to save our computer files on these things.... you know, back when we had to walk to school in the snow, uphill both ways!

What: Floppy Bookies
Where: Contexto (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): $5.00 (plus shipping)

Hand-Knit Hand Puppets

Here's a luxury stocking stuffer you can feel good about giving: a hand-knit, eco-friendly hand puppet made by a collective of knitters in rural Kenya. The collective is associated with the East Africa Hub, a "non-profit organization comprised of socially responsible businesses that provide a link between artisans and the marketplace." The puppets are made of natural wool yarn treated with natural vegetable-based dyes. My favorite is the zebra -- or wait, maybe the elephant! -- but you can also find a dog, a lion, a leopard, and monkey.

I love the natural look of these puppets, and just think how cute they would look peeking out of the top of a Christmas stocking! And don't forget the best thing of all: puppets are something that encourage interactive, imaginative play.

What: Hand-Knit Zebra Hand Puppet
Where: Branch website
How much (as of today's post): $22.00 (plus shipping)

Tiny Sweets Ponytail Holders

Even though I was an uber-tomboy growing up, I still liked pretty barrettes and ponytail holders, and I would have loved these fabric-covered ponytail holders from Etsy seller Tiny Sweets! Pictured above are a pair of cheeky orange squirrels, and some curious and lively blue mice. I love the nubby texture of the fabric, and the animals are just too cute for words. There are also little goldfish, bears, birds, deer, and the adorable hedgehogs you see below.

In addition to ponytail holders, the Tiny Sweets shop also has fabric button and wool hair clips available, featuring the same kinds of sweet creatures, plus some fruit and flower varieties. A pair of ponytail holders is only $3.75, and in fact the highest priced item in the shop as of today is an adorable set of two panda ponytail holders and a panda hair clip for only $8.50. Talk about affordable stocking stuffers for your little sweetheart!

What: Tiny Sweets Ponytail Holders
Where: Tiny Sweets (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): $3.75

Original Bronze Doorbells from Modelmaker2

Here is a stocking stuffer that is sure to be unique: an original bronze doorbell from Etsy seller Modelmaker2. We have geckos and/or anoles here in Houston (I always get them mixed up), and I love to watch them, so this little fellow caught my eye right away. The artist, Mike, models the doorbells and then has them cast in bronze; he then hand lacquers them to protect them from the elements. The doorbells, which are meant for wired doorbell systems, come with mounting screws and the illuminated button. The lizard is 4 1/2 inches long.

Mike's other designs include an anchor, a Kokopelli (shown left), a musical G-Clef, an oak leaf and acorn combination, an artist palette and an Irish Claddagh. My first choice would be the lizard, but the Kokopelli is a very close second. Any of these will give the entrance to your home that little something extra, and because of their size, these bronze doorbells would make terrific out-of-the ordinary stocking stuffers.

What: Original Bronze Doorbells
Where: Modelmaker2 (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): $25-45

Polymer Magnets and Sculptures from joojoo

Etsy seller joojoo is another of those artists whose displays of artwork are as beautiful as the creations themselves. I was first struck by these snail magnets, because their lines are so simple and clean. The fact that they incorporate real shells makes them twice as wonderful. The batch shown above comes in a set of four in a gift box for $28. The rare earth magnets are embedded into the bottom of the polymer clay, which is nice because it means the bottom of the snails lie flat against the metallic surface instead of sticking out an extra half inch.

Exploring joojoo's shop is a treat in itself. The snails are shown in various poses, and there are several other adorable magnet sets: a bird, a koala bear, acorns (including some in "love" colors), and even a tattooed snail, because snails like to express their individuality too! There is also a section in the shop for jewelry, including a lucky gold kitty pendant, and a section of art prints, many of which feature two dimensional versions of the same critters you see elsewhere in the shop.

Along with the magnets, my favorite sections of the shop are the "mini sculpture" and "terrarium darlings" sections. The terrarium darlings are little polymer trees, grass, mushrooms, and other plants you can place in a terrarium to add a spot of color and whimsy. The mini sculptures are beautiful little figures including tropical bunnies, a pink whale, a shy chicken, and more. Many of the figures were photographed in front of appropriate backgrounds, which makes them all the more fun to look at.

What: Polymer Magnets and Sculptures from joojoo
Where: joojoo (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): price varies

Silver Origami Jewelry

I've always considered origami to be a delicate, fascinating art form (one that is generally far beyond my capabilities!). Here, Etsy artist Gary from Allegro Arts goes one step further by turning origami into lovely silver jewelry -- and jewelry, as you know, is perfect for extra special stocking stuffers!

Naturally, I was first drawn to the pair of kitty earrings shown above. But I also love the seahorses! These and several of the other designs (goldfish, butterflies, angels, puppies) are available as earrings or pendants. I was also particularly taken with the elephant (shown at left). I'm amazed that such a simply shaped piece so clearly and unmistakeably evokes "elephant", but there it is. For each piece, Gary lists the size so you know exactly what to expect.

Don't forget to take a look at the rest of his wares, some of which incorporate beads and crystals. You'll especially want to see the gorgeous "Tres Mariposas" (three butterflies) bracelet, which combines handmade glass beads and sterling silver butterflies.

What: Silver Origami Jewelry
Where: Allegro Arts (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): $20-$60 (plus shipping)

Wooly Baby Upcycled Slippers/Booties

The tagline for the Wooly Baby Etsy shop is "giving new life to old sweaters." Artist/owner Josie recycles (or upcycles!) used wool sweaters by taking the wool and refelting it into sturdy warm slippers for your little ones. She also uses reycled leather jackets for the soles, giving new life to yet another commodity that might otherwise end up in the landfill.

That's impressive enough as it is, but just look at the beautiful slippers/booties that the Wooly Baby shop has to offer! There are hi-top and low-top slippers, plus "Billy Goat slippers" designed for all-day wear with additional leather reinforcements at the heel and toe, and "Bear Slippers" that are extra thick and warm for those cold climates.

Not sure about wool slippers for your baby or toddler? Wooly Baby also has a website separate from the Etsy store with more information. The product description page notes that each pair of slippers has felted wool inner and outer surfaces, plus non-skid soles made of flexible leather. The high-topped slippers have an inner elastic band to keep the slippers from slipping off (no pun intended). The FAQ page notes that some types of wool are itchier than others, and if your child is sensitive, you should stick to lambswool, merino, cashmere, or angora, which are the softest and most comfortable against bare skin. Slippers made of wool or shetland wool would likely be more comfortable with socks. Each pair of slippers in the Etsy shop has the exact description of the type of wool they're made from, so you can make an informed decision.

In addition to making a lovely and generous stocking stuff for children or grandchildren, these slippers would be great in a baby shower gift basket. And not only would you be giving a generous and lovely handmade gift, you would be helping the environment by choosing a gift made from recycled materials.

What: Wooly Baby Upcycled Slippers/Booties
Where: Wooly Baby (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): $28-44 (plus shipping)