Remember the "buy local" Christmas thread?

[StarRidgeAcres]

I'll start.

I got some handmade soaps, various types, from a girl I went to high school with. They are hefty ones, about 5-6oz and very functional. Not all were foo-foo smelly, but earthy ones that really scrub!

And she also makes some natural scrubbing "cubes" that I got for myself that are awesome! And I bought some of those miniature rope halter ornaments from the girls on here and they were adorable! Everybody loved them. And then I commissioned Marty to do a personalized Christmas card from the dogs to Robert ("Daddy, we're sorry we always poop on the rug in your office.") It was SO dang cute! And he loved it!

I also bought some handmade jewelry on etsy and a couple of the pieces were made by an LB member.

And there is a store here in town that sells only local handmade things and I got some felted teddy bears and some decorative items. All in all, I'd say I was pretty successful with my mission. Next year I'm going to try to find even more local and/or handmade things.

So, what did you guys find?

 

[Lizzie]

I made a form of Branston's Pickle for gifts. It is actually more a chutney. For those of you who know what this is, you also know that it is incredibly expensive to purchase, in the UK and moreso, in the US. It is basiclly a condiment. It is not what most think of, as a 'pickle' product. It is used often, with a spoonful on the side, with cold meats or corned beef etc. I have a fab recipe for it and will gladly give it here if anyone would like to try it. Apart from tasting quite wonderful and cheap to make, it makes your house smell delicious, while cooking.

Lizzie

 

[REO]

I found everything right here at my own desk.

I did a counted cross stitch for Mary Lou, as her secret santa.

I also did a counted cross stitch for my mom.

I made a magnet and a box for Holly as her secret Santa.

I was commissioned to make 4 boxes for Lori's grandkids.

I made this for her grandson. I made by hand all the things on it and handcarved the name letters.

 

[REO]

I made 3 of these, one for each of Lori's granddaughters!

Right now I'm working on a horse pin and matching earrings for a client.

And making another (bigger) Steelers box for Lori to give to her hubby for his birthday.

Been keeping me quite busy!

 

[Sonya]

like the Steeler Box Reo!

GO STEELERS

 

[REO]

Thanks! I liked my design and I thought I did a good job making and hand drawing/painting the logo and the footballs. I'm making one twice as big now!

 

[Marsha Cassada]

I made a special effort to send my secret santa things made in America, including handmade items. Didn't make sense to send something made in China from America to the Netherlands

I also made my granddaughter 2 dresses for her American Girl doll, one from a vintage pillowcase, instead of buying Chinese ones.

And I crocheted a doll for another granddaughter. She sleeps with it.

Not a HUGE contribution but I tried.

 

[chandab]

I made a special effort to send my secret santa things made in America, including handmade items. Didn't make sense to send something made in China from America to the Netherlands

I also made my granddaughter 2 dresses for her American Girl doll, one from a vintage pillowcase, instead of buying Chinese ones.

And I crocheted a doll for another granddaughter. She sleeps with it.

Not a HUGE contribution but I tried.

A bit off topic, but... Several years ago, my in-laws hosted an exchange student from Taiwan, they've kept in touch, so when the girl had a baby, my MIL bought and sent a baby gift; the outfit was made in Taiwan.

 

[minisch]

I bought locally handmade candles, candy, maple syrup, goats milk soaps, hand knit scarfs. Glad I did it and will do it again !

 

[chandab]

I was able to shop locally for some of my gifts, but they weren't all made-in-America. I did gift a quilt to one of my secret santas; the other got some fabric, as she's a quilter.

I'll be making some doll quilts for my niece for her birthday, and my nephew will get some new pillowcases. My mom is getting a quilt for her birthday; I had the idea several years ago, bought the focus fabric and I'll finally be making the quilt this year for her.

 

[Shari]

Wow, those are really good REO. I used to do counted cross stitch. VBG

I found everything right here at my own desk.

I did a counted cross stitch for Mary Lou, as her secret santa.

I also did a counted cross stitch for my mom.

 

[Riverrose28]

SHHHH! don't tell him I told, but my hubby does counted cross stitch, and we have alot of pictures made by him. I crochet blankets for family and also give face cream made by an African American Lady that makes them by hand out of bees wax and herbs, they are great for us farm people.