| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| GaiasRose |
Posted - Nov 02 2007 : 1:30:27 PM
http://www.buyhandmade.org/
I did!!
I started a flickr group for this as well, if you go speck my flickr page and my groups, you'll see it listed there somewhere...love to have you join if you are on flickr!!
http://flickr.com/photos/gaiasrose/
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://womonandsprout.wordpress.com
http://youtube.com/profile?user=GaiasRose
Homepage:
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| CabinCreek-Kentucky |
Posted - Dec 06 2007 : 6:16:30 PM
BOOKS .. are not 'hand-did' .. but make great gifts for some people .. especially (1) IF they like to read (or look at great photos) .. and (2) if the subject is of interest to them. i always start shopping in JANUARY for the year (be it valentine's day .. birthdays .. anniversaries or Christmas) .. AND i actually get a thrill out of the 'maddening crowd' .. i've been so lucky cuz' whether i've shopped in ohio or kentucky ... people have been in a fun and festive mood. i am VERY understanding of clerks who must be harried and tired at times .. i find that a smile and few friendly words seems to cheer them up and give them energy.
(i also support our small town and buy from the couple shoppes that we have .. especially our very own antiques mall .. be it a pretty frame for a picture of someone the receiver loves .. or a pretty linen or lace (that i've turned into little 'bags' (or pockets as i call them .. this is sooooooo easy) home-baked goods are another fun 'made' by the giver .. almost everyone loves 'sumpthin from the kitchen' .. especially if you wrap it cleverly in something that is useful (a nice salad dressing in an olde (or new) colandar .. cookies on a pretty holiday plate .. or an antique one! tea with a beautiful tea-cup, fresh flowers in a lovelyl vase ... many of these things can be purchased for a lot less than even some of today's 'hand-dids' if you are on a budget.
sew up little bags and fill them with 'summer's seeds' .. or a nice home-made pot pourii.
gosh .. i guess i just don't see anything wrong with buying gifts that my friends and family will like and smile when they open it. if someone really loves pretty perfumes or snuggly bed-room slippers (like my grand-daughter, jennifer). Our son-in-love LOVES to cook .. and their 'spice cabinet' is pretty pitiful .. i went to Bed, Bath and Beyond and bought him a wonderful 'state of the art' knife block and knives, spice rack, pepper mill, stainless steel bowls, cookbooks and other kitchen things ... i couldn't make these ..and don't know anyone who does. he loves the 'stainless steel' look. i am happy to make him happy.
i don't see this as commercialism .. but as consumerism. and i am helping to support lots of people with these purchases. and i have never, ever had a family gathering for dinner and gift opening that wasn't joyous. (IT ALLS BEGINS, I BELIEVE, WITHIN OUR OWN HEARTS).
I trooooooooooooly believe that if 'hand-made' and 'hand-did' is our personal choice .. that is wonderful .. but not the only choice that is happy and fulfilling. Most important of all to me is to BE happy and to give a gift that will make the heart of the receiver smile. xoxo, frannie
True Friends * Frannie
HEAR MY STORIES
come, visit my:
"GATHERING ROOM" ..
http://freedomvalleyfarm.blogspot.com
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
AFRICA .. through my eyes and heart
http://africathroughmyeyesandheart.blogspot.com
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| GaiasRose |
Posted - Dec 06 2007 : 08:31:37 AM
I did all of my shopping the other day on Etsy and now I am after my crafting. We are done with the shopping, and truth be told, I only shop for my kids and Rob and he does the same thing, so everyone else gets handmade by us. I have gnomes to make and topsy turvy dolls to sew and clothes to make and then I'm done!
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://womonandsprout.wordpress.com
http://youtube.com/profile?user=GaiasRose
Homepage:
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
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| KYgurlsrbest |
Posted - Dec 06 2007 : 08:05:57 AM
How is everyone doing at this? I've done pretty well, except for the box of stuff I sent to a solider in Iraq. I did make him some cookies, but I can knit 12 pair of white cotton socks (well, given a few years, maybe  ) but most everything else WAS handmade by small business in the area (jams and mustards by Sunflower Sundries, candy from the Sweet Tooth, here in Newport--think "Mayberry"), and a few other niceties. I am still knitting up a storm, and have purchased a couple of hand made dolls for my mother and niece, and I'm giving farmgirl made soaps as gifts to co-workers and my spice rubs for cooking. Poop on em if they don't like it, but I bet you they will!!!
The only one I really worry about is my mil's and fil's...they seem to like store bought items, and I guess we'll simply get gift cards to restaurants or something like that.
"She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
| primjillie |
Posted - Dec 06 2007 : 07:55:44 AM
What a neat idea! Maybe next year, so I can start earlier making things. I do put together baskets for certain people that I don't know what to buy. I would love to make quilts for everyone, but that won't happen until I retire. :-) I do practice simplicity at Christmas. Just a few presents for the grandkids and my own kids. I never wanted them to think Christmas was nothing but mounds of presents. I also try to buy quality over quantity. We treasure just being together at the holidays and having a good meal and lots of time to talk and laugh. Presents come second in our home. I would be thrillled to get handmade gifts for Christmas, but I seem to be the only craft-minded person in my family. |
| sunshine78 |
Posted - Dec 05 2007 : 2:56:17 PM
I have taken the pledge too. If fact I took it one step further and have some handmade items for sale on my blog. They would make great gifts and most are one of a kind, so the recipient won't already have it.
Cynthia
www.vintageprairie.blogspot.com |
| bohemiangel |
Posted - Dec 05 2007 : 12:26:01 PM
I know I get that guilt that it's not "store bought" which is silly I need to have Gaias Rose's attitude screw em :-P I have almost everything bought now
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true." |
| babysmama |
Posted - Dec 05 2007 : 08:37:03 AM
I, too, get discouraged because most members in my family think that handmade gifts are yucky. I wish I could have a simple Christmas and just make or buy handmade items but they would laugh. So I decided that next year I will probably not be giving out gifts to most family members, since it is a "Get what I request or I don't want it" kind of thing.
-Elizabeth |
| Farmtopia |
Posted - Dec 04 2007 : 2:33:35 PM
Hmm, this is an interesting thread. I love the idea of handmade, and can totally get behind it's concept, but I have to say...it's HARD to do that, in this country, anyway. I guess what I am saying is that I'm not particularly fond of the blatant commercialism, especially during the holidays. Maybe it's just me, but the more time goes on, the more I feel December has been one bit SHOPATHON, and not really about family, togetherness, good will or any of the good stuff that this holiday is about.
It's really maddening to see tons of people rushing around, stressed out and even downright nasty  --even a city girl like me get tired of that scene(and I've been a city girl for a LONG TIME).
I like doing handmade because it makes me feel good, and I think people receiving it know that it's extra special, usually one of a kind, and from the heart. However, an 8 year old that's been watching TV and all the toy commercials may not be so keen on that sort of thing.....hmmm..
~*~Dream all you dreamers~*~
www.bigtownfarmer.com
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| CabinCreek-Kentucky |
Posted - Dec 04 2007 : 12:30:53 PM
toooooooo late! i didn't even read it .. cuz' santa has lots of fun toys for sofia and lucas already packed in his sleigh .. i've done lots of 'hand-dids' over the years .. but .. i also love the big smiles that santa's workshop toys bring. got 'bitty baby and all her stuff from american girls for sofia .. and more fun pottery barn things for sofia's kitchen. lucas LOVES electronics .. and i got games for his Wii and X-Box .. and lots of 'snow' toys (sled/snow-board/snow boogie-board/snowsuit, boots, snow goggles, snow mask,VERY cooool snow helmet that he will LOVE!!! ... wonderful snow hat. got him an awesome 'talking globe' with tons of information (somewhat computer like) .. BOOKS .. i got him more in the series of the "Magic Treehouse" .. i go through them (chapter books) and change JACK and ANNIE (the heros of the book) to LUC and SOFI .. i love how he will CATCH if i miss one of the names! i also got him books on DINOSAURS! ... oh .. and i got a great CHAIR for lucas for sofia's room .. they both run for HERS all the time! and i jus' couldn't MAKE these.
soooo .. no 'hand-did' "ONLY" pledges for me this year. xo
i always get lucas art supplies and cooking kits so we can create together! i pull together cool 'boxes' to keep them in .. this year .. i added a 'magician's kit' too!
i remember wonderful gifts under the tree that, as children, we loved .. and it is a tradition that i continued with my children and grandchildren.
i think if 'hand-did' makes the giver and the receiver happy .. that is wonderful .. i have made TONS of hand-dids over the years .. but when it comes to my children and grandchildren .. SANTA RULES!
p.s. i love making everyone happy .. and i buy/make accordingly. FOR ME ..the 'spirit' of giving .. is to give something the receiver will love (ha! just as i like to 'like' what i am given. (i LOVE hand-made for me!)
True Friends * Frannie
HEAR MY STORIES
come, visit my:
"GATHERING ROOM" ..
http://freedomvalleyfarm.blogspot.com
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
AFRICA .. through my eyes and heart
http://africathroughmyeyesandheart.blogspot.com
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| Hideaway Farmgirl |
Posted - Dec 04 2007 : 11:37:38 AM
Sorry to hear about your experience, Susan...$70 is an awful LOT of money to lose, especially to a trusted fellow farmgirl. MJF Moderators, what's the protocal here? I can appreciate Susan's reluctance to name names, but is there a way to warn others about those who don't follow through on their commitments, or at least return the money they received for the items they did not deliver? Oh, a sticky wicket indeed.
I sure hope the farmgirl in question makes good on the agreement and while there could be a true misunderstanding that just needs to be corrected, it does indeed tarnish the belief we have in each other to make good on our promises. eBay and such have feedback ratings, but here, we are supposed to be friends and looking out for each other.
Seven months is a very long time to overlook a transaction, especially if that farmgirl is still attempting new transactions with other trusting farmgirls here.
I remember reading one post here where someone apologized for not following through, and we encouraged her that better late than never, would be the best way to go. Another post referred to a specific farmgirl who had let someone down...so I guess it does happen.
Anyway, I hope things will work out for you Susan, and I do wonder if the MJF moderators have any solutions. I'd hate to see the Farmgirl Barter section or Marketplace section be shut down for all of us just because some of us can't or don't honor our commitments.
'nuff said. This just really bugs me, I've been totally pleased with all my MJF transactions and it's hard to hear about the unhappy ones.
Jo
"Wish I had time to work with herbs all day!" |
| mommom |
Posted - Dec 04 2007 : 09:35:05 AM
In May of this year I ordered $70 worth of products off of a certain well loved farmgirl and have yet to receive my products or have my money returned. Now, I love homemade things, but this has really gotten my dander up. What should I do, ladies? I think seven months of waiting for a package is long enough. My patience has worn completely thin. This farmgirl also asked me via e-mail if I had gotten my package and "forgotten" I received it? The check was cashed because I have it online on my bank statement. What is my next move? What good is ordering "homemade" from businesses if you're never going to get the product? Susan |
| nitere |
Posted - Dec 04 2007 : 06:46:16 AM
how did i miss this thread? i took the pledge a while back. for my first three gifts i spent less than $10 on supplies! it is a lot of work to make all the gifts, but i am really enjoying it! the first three gifts i made are on my blog.
http://www.buraellen.blogspot.com |
| emma.birdwhistle |
Posted - Nov 07 2007 : 1:45:08 PM
I took the pledge yesterday (hurray for handmade!), and wanted to add the little "I TOOK THE HANDMADE PLEDGE" icon to my signature, but so far all that's coming up is the long string of code that I copied and pasted from the site...no image. Any advice?
Oops...got to go. My sister just pointed out that it's snowing. First snow of the year! 
- Elizabeth Ann
We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry.
E. B. White
http://resolutelyoutmoded.etsy.com
http://myspace.com/elizabethannbarlow |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Nov 06 2007 : 4:52:42 PM
I took the pledge yesterday. All my Christmas shopping will be from the Farmgirls here and on Etsy, plus the stuff I make myself. My in-laws are the type to turn their noses up at handmade things. I'd rather have something handmade any day than store bought.
Visit my Etsy Shop! http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com |
| katmom |
Posted - Nov 06 2007 : 11:19:22 AM
Hey Julia (Med.Lake)
I to am making my Christmas gifts, & am struggling w/one of my sewing projects, I may have to tap into your sewing expertise....I'll call you first before dropping by if I can't master this project.
I love crafting and am always beyound extatic when I am the receipiant of a handmade/homemade gift.
I recentlty received some scented goatsmilk soap from a MJF sister, & I love it!
The clthespins I recently received are adorable and I so appreciate all the work put into them by the MJF sisters. I love showing off all my handcrafted swap goodies from the sisters here @ MJF.
I too would much rather receive a gift from the hand & heart then a store purchased, mass produced gift.
Julie (LA) I wish I was your neighbor,,,,how lucky to be receiving a hand woven basket & towels...
Tasha, thanx for the reminder, we can not please everyone & I am at the point of "to heck w/them" if all they want from me is an expensive store bought rather than something made from my hands & heart, then they are not worthy to receive a gift, not even money. The exception being children, I like to do a mix of handmade/store bought or in the case of my teen age neice, I created a gift "purse" that I made & it contained a little creditcard type pouch which I also made & in the pouch were a bunch of $5 gift cards to fast food establishment & a $10 card for gas. She was delighted to receive them & put them to good use.
oops, here I go again, rambling, sorry....
tata-4-now & farmgirl hugz.
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom.
Sisters on the Fly#472
www.katmom4.blogspot.com |
| julia hayes |
Posted - Nov 06 2007 : 10:07:24 AM
Julie, your gifts sound absolutely AMAZING!! I can't imagine anyone receiving a handmade basket with handwoven towel and other goodies that has taken months and months of labor and thought and say something like, "Oh, this is handmade?!..thanks but no thanks!" It is my firm belief that we must re-program people, our loved ones and friends, to understand and embrace the idea of gifts from the heart again...People are so mind-numbingly convinced that something mass produced by exploited individuals in impoverished countries for the benefit and profit of American coorporate executives purchased in some nondescript mall is somehow more meaningful than something made in the hearts and minds of people we know and care about. Furthermore, people have been brainwashed to believe that money equals love and thought...the more money spent, the more love and thought put out there. It is so beyond my comprehension!
I have decided to include with my handmade gifts little notes that describe the process of how it was made...why I made it for that particular person and some of the thoughts I had about them while making it. It is my belief that people are genuinely in need of connection and re-connection to the simple things that seem to matter most!
Best of luck to you on finishing your beautiful gifts.
warmly, Julia Hayes
being simple to simply be |
| paradiseplantation |
Posted - Nov 06 2007 : 07:23:30 AM
I took the pledge! I'm making baskets for all my gift giving this year. They'll have a handwoven dishtowel, homemade soap, candles & canned goods. Even the baskets will be handwoven! I just hope I finish by Christmas -- I've been working on them since June!
from the hearts of paradise... |
| KYgurlsrbest |
Posted - Nov 05 2007 : 11:27:16 AM
After the weekend we had,doing a two day benefit for a friend just diagnosed with cancer, my priorities are reinvigorated, and restablished. Family, love, community. These are things you CANNOT buy. Gifts are an extension of our love--tangible offerings, and should be given from the heart. I think this: If I give a gift to a loved one, and that person knows me--I mean, truly loves and knows me, then they know what that what I give is chosen with great care, and not taken lightly, whether made by me or someone else. Unfortunately, I do have some of the OTHER types in my family as well. Last year, we simply didn't bother, because we knew that it would either be exchanged, or never used, so we gave a small amount of cash. This year, it would be an even SMALLER amount of cash, so I think that's nixed too!
If only there were more folks like the gals on this foum, we'd be set.
"She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
| GaiasRose |
Posted - Nov 05 2007 : 10:14:55 AM
Jonni, I think you are so right. We did this same thing last Yule, and there are people in our family who are snobs...wear Prada flip flops in the Summertime and refuse to buy anything on sale-as if sale were a bad word...
I just say screw them and if they cannot accept a gift in the spirit in which it was given, then that is their problem, not mine.
The season is not about how much money one can spend but how much love one can dole out.
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://womonandsprout.wordpress.com
http://youtube.com/profile?user=GaiasRose
Homepage:
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
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| julia hayes |
Posted - Nov 05 2007 : 09:35:38 AM
I took the pledge! thank you Tasha for this link. I LOVE all your photos..You are inspiring me to learn how to do this as well.. I'm not at all computer savvy and would just love to spend a day with you learning all you know!
Many warm regards,
Julia Hayes
being simple to simply be |
| KYgurlsrbest |
Posted - Nov 05 2007 : 07:45:29 AM
I took the pledge, Tasha. Very excited to, actually.
Last year, I did most of my purchasing from handmade folks, too. Some people appreciate it, some don't. I think that you just have to give with your heart, and if it isn't loved or cherished, that's the receiver's problem.
I will be making a lot of my own "handmade" this year, as it's going to be pretty bleak, moneywise. One of my scarves sold at an silent auction this weekend for $45.00, so bah! I can do just as well as Macy's!!!!!
"She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian. |
| amyartgirl |
Posted - Nov 04 2007 : 6:04:18 PM
I LOVE this idea :)
I took the pledge too.
http://artfulheart.blogspot.com
http://farmgirltales.blogspot.com |
| Woodswoman |
Posted - Nov 03 2007 : 5:13:17 PM
Thanks for posting this-what a great idea!
I just went to the site and took the pledge!
Jennifer |
| lavender gal |
Posted - Nov 03 2007 : 12:37:45 PM
AWESOME!
I took the pledge!
[purple][i]Herbs are my Heartsease [i][purple]
Etsy Shophttp://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=98790
Bloghttp://vintagelaceandlavender.blogspot.com/2007/10/selling-my-artwork.html |
| CorgiPants |
Posted - Nov 02 2007 : 3:05:44 PM
I only WISH everyone on my list would be happy with handmade items. There are just some people (I'm not naming names) that look down their noses at any handmade item, whether I made it or bought it from a craftsperson. They think of them as "kiddy" gifts. Even though there is miles of difference between a macaroni necklace and a hand crafted sterling silver pendant necklace, they see them as in the same boat. Gah! But I admire everyone who is taking this pledge this year.
Get the latest information about swaps at: Swapdex.blogspot.com
And visit me and my family (including a corgi) at: corgipants.blogspot.com |
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