The holiday shopping season is almost here. If you're super-organized in ways I can only dream of, then you're probably making your holiday shopping list right now or even shopping already. Me...I'll be the one running around town in desperate search of the perfect gift two days before Christmas and paying out my nose for overnight shipping. I've tried to change, I really have. But its hopeless. Sigh. But no matter how little time I'm bound to have, one thing I'll be sure to do is to buy handmade American crafts whenever possible. I urge you to do the same. Not only will you be supporting the small, independent craftsperson (like me!), but you'll also be giving gifts that will earn you the title of the most fabulous, kick-ass gift-giver of all time (a title I try to win every year).
Where can you find fine American crafts? First and foremost, support the small, brick-and-mortar business owners in your area. Your local gallery owners depend on your business, and you'll be supporting your local community. Go to a craft fair...its a great day out and the perfect place to buy one-of-a-kind crafts. And, if you're an online shopper, there are plenty of websites selling handmade items--just Google it and you'll see! One of my favorites is Artful Home, and that's not just because my jewelry has been selected to be sold on Artful Home. They offer an amazing selection of top-notch fine art and craft--in fact I want one of just about everything they have!
Of course, I would love it if A Quirk of Art jewelry topped your gift-giving list (or your own wish-list for that matter). My jewelry can be found at the fine galleries listed here. I'm happy to be represented by some new galleries, including Poppy in Columbia, MO, and Uncommon Angles in Fort Worth, TX.
Found Object Bracelet Now Available at Poppy
You can also find my jewelry online at Artful Home and Lux Without Bux. I also have several events coming up that I hope you'll come out for if you're in the area:
Festival of Fine Craft at The Wheaton Arts & Cultural Center
Date: October 3-4, 2009
Time: Sat: 10 am - 5 pm, Sun: 10 am - 5 pm
Location: Wheaton Arts & Cultural Center
1501 Glasstown Road, Millville, NJ 08332
All That Glitters: Gold, Silver, and the Pennsylvania Society of Goldsmiths at Monsoon Gallery
Date: November 6th through December 23rd, 2009
Artist Reception: Friday, November 6th and Friday, December 4th (Times TBD)
Location: Monsoon Gallery
11 East 3rd Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015
A Quirk of Art Trunk Show at Art4 Gallery
Date: Saturday, November 6, 2009
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Art 4 Gallery
309A Allegheny Street
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
Whether you buy from me, or from another craftsperson or artist this holiday season, your support is one the best gifts you can give us small, independent crafters. And you'll be sure to earn some great karma along the way!


