handmade & local

'Tis the season . . . . for shopping- that is if you believe what the television ads, magazines and reality shows tell us Christmas is about. Don't get me wrong, I love giving gifts and receiving gifts, but there's so much pressure to buy, buy, buy and most of it's stuff that we don't really need anyway. All I know is that I don't want to hustle and bustle through crowded stores and stand in long lines with grumpy people who are maxing out their credit cards and fighting over the last "it" toy of the season that their child has to have. That all takes the joy out of what Christmas is supposed to be about. So a few years ago Ebert and I decided not to "buy" in to the commercialism of the holidays and convinced most of our family members to do the same- so there's no presents, it's just all about the food and the people and the creating of holiday memories. We'd much rather spend our holiday season decking the halls, roasting chestnuts on an open fire, rocking around the Christmas tree, or simply dreaming of a white Christmas.

But, if I were to present shop, which I do love to do, I would buy handmade & local. And since there are so many great gift giving guides from fellow bloggers, especially from myprettymommy who agrees that "we just don't need anymore STUFF", I couldn't help but share some awesome gift ideas from local Chicago artisans.

Silver Window Ring inspired by the rose windows of Chicago churches.

Vintage Heart Brooch.

Tiny Leaf Necklace.

Framed "Midwest is Best" Postcard.

Knitting Case.

Garden Blooms Upcycled Felted Wool Mittens.

LOVE Letterpress Print.

Choose To Be Happy Wall Decal.

Nature Print of an Autumn day in Chicago.

Wooden Alphabet Block Set.

Lemon clock.

Waiting For Spring drawing in eco-friendly frame.

I'm loving pretty much everything from mojospastyle especially this tweed handbag, brown velvet purse, purple flower hat, infinity scarf, neckwarmer/cowl, and rosette turban hairpiece. Yes, just about everything from this shop is lovely!

A Chicago favorites gift basket from Southport Grocery.

1154 Lill Studio custom made handbags.

And don't forget to check out the Renegade Handmade Store in Wicker Park- it's the perfect shopping destination for handmade gifts!