Handmade for the Holiday: Lacey Bowl

Do you have a newlywed in your life? She'll be sure to love this simple lace ceramic bowl to keep her new rings in :)


Chocolate lace mini dish - $22

Handmade for the Holiday: Nudes

You can't get much more 'handmade' than original artwork. One of my favorite artists is Gretchen Kelly, and I was very delighted to see she opened an Etsy shop.

Her landscapes are to die for, but I personally think she's best at nudes. She sketches with such fluidity and really captures women in their natural state.

Word of caution: not many people are brave enough to hang nudes in their home, so be careful when giving today's holiday gift suggestion! But I promise you, any art collector who adores classical nudes will be sure to fall hard for Gretchen's pieces:


XXXV.1 by Gretchen Kelly - $25


XLVI.2 by Gretchen Kelly - $40


XXXIV.2 by Gretchen Kelly - $35

Here is a picture of a beautiful nude in a beautiful black room (I'm really on a roll with the black rooms this week, aren't I??)

Handmade for the Holiday: Business Card Holders

I love the fact that in the last 5-10 years, women and men like myself have been able to pursue their career dreams by reaching thousands of people through their blogs. I remember in college I had to make the decision between an Advertising or an Interior Design major. I chose Advertising because the thought of getting myself out there in the Interior Design world was just too daunting. Little did I know! (No regrets though).

I digress... the reason I brought this up is because I know lots of people who read my blog either have their own little business or knows someone who does, so today's handmade pick is business card holders!

My first pick is this gorgeous natural-looking suede case. This one is going on my Christmas list, how perfect would it be with my green burlap image?

Pocket wallet Jasmine white - $16

I love this sexy card holder, it's perfect for an event planner!

Patent Leather Business Card Case - $16

Love the dual sides on this one...
Front side:


Back side:

Black, white & red, $8.99

Zebra Print - $8.00

Moss Coriander Snap Card Case - $10

Time to get to networking!

Handmade for the Holiday: Feminine Appliques

Today's Handmade holiday gift pick is something that you can make! Remember when J.Crew came out with their beautiful applique t-shirts? Unfortunately this is the only picture I can find from that collection:



If you have a sister, mom, friend, daughter who loved this look then you can get crafty and create it yourself this holiday season!

MJTrim.com has a beautiful collection of applique trim, found here.

I pieced together some of the appliques with simple, classic shirts from Forever 21, and here is the result:

F21 Turtleneck $15.80 + Triangle Applique $11.98

F21 Topstitch Seam Top $8.90 + Beaded Cameo Applique $11.98

F21 Fab V-Neck $5.50 + Turquoise Beaded Applique $14.98

F21 Cutoff Trim Pullover $7.00 + Large Beaded Bow $14.98

Basic Cap Sleeve $4.80 + (2) Layered Zipper Rosettes $15.96

Simply piece the tees and appliques together with fabric or applique glue which can be purchased at your local craft store.

Crafting not your thing? You can buy homemade applique necklaces that create a very similar affect. I love these pieces by Etsy seller Bejewelled Bespoke:

A Tiny Bit of Sparkle - $25

Chiffon, Tulle & Cotton - $59

A Ribbon Affair - $21

Handmade for the Holiday: Little Black Dress Soap

Today's handmade for the holiday item is savor's Little Black Dress Olive Oil Soap.



Savor did the unthinkable, they made soap sexy. I mean just look at this stuff.



This gift would be perfect for a hostess gift, and at just $5.25 it's perfect for your wallet, too. Also, the price point gives you some wiggle room to find a great vintage soap dish, like this one, also from Etsy: