new stuff!

Yes, friends, we still exist, thought our lack of blog updates might suggest otherwise! Many HandmadeVA crafters (myself included) have been busy lately with craft shows, art projects, and other adventures, but we've managed to find the time to hunt down some great new artists for the space. Check out what's going on with the shop...

I meet a fantastic artist out of Arlington, VA at a craft show this weekend and am so excited to have her jewelry in the shop. She uses junk mail envelopes to make the sweetest necklaces, earrings, and more. Some of the most creative stuff I've seen in quite a while! (Check out her website for more info...and fantastic pics of her "ugly kitty"! http://www.myuglykitty.com/)

More from Ugly Kitty Redeux...

I also found these great primitive dolls from Bittersweet Folk Art (seen here with a VA pillow from Dreamfly and bird pillows from Sophie's Lament). They're made with antique materials and are incredible works of art.

We'll be adding new pieces for spring over the next couple weeks and many of us are looking forward to some outdoor shows soon (and hoping for good weather!). I'll keep you updated on where you can find us.

Rogue Elephant coffee is now on sale for only $9/bag, and soy candles are still 30% off!

Rogue Elephant Coffee is back!

Finally got some delicious Rogue Elephant coffee back in stock after it sold out during the holidays! We're currently carrying their Guatemala, Sumatra (my favorite) and Mocha Java beans. Try it today! (If you're looking to sample it first, grab a cup while you're at the Boot...now serving Rogue Elephant coffee!)

Yay Michelle!

Hooray for our very own Michelle Odom, who is currently Hardcore Norfolk's featured artist! Check out the video by clicking the title above.

Michelle is one of the founding members of HandmadeVA, and probably our biggest cheerleader, as well! Check out her awesome jewelry and soy candles (under the name Gymbohannah) at the shop. You can taste some of her delicious and beautifully decorated cupcakes at Carolina Cupcakery, too! (Colley & 21st in Ghent...right down the street from the Mystic Mermaid)

Don't forget to swing by HandmadeVA for some last minute gifts and stocking stuffers!

This is what we are about.

I was so excited to finally see this piece from Nightline featuring Etsy! (Click the post title to link to the video...) I absolutely wanted to share it with all our HandmadeVA fans because we share many of the same values as Etsy...basically, we want to be a local, brick-and-mortar version of Etsy in our community.

I hope that if you have purchased anything at HandmadeVA, you feel that sense of "story" that goes into every handmade item.

Please feel free to leave your comments below with your story of heartfelt, handmade gifts! What's the best one you've ever made and given? The best one you've ever received?

And...we are stocking up the shop this week with more great gifts for Christmas!

Holiday Open House!

Yay, it's Open House time again! We're having our Holiday Open House this Sunday, from 12-5pm at the shop. Come shop for some great handmade gifts! We'll be having ornament-making, gift wrapping (for donations to benefit Habitat for Humanity), and of course, cookies!

Tell your friends!!!

Skip the mall madness this year, and shop handmade for the holidays!

happy small business saturday!

apparently today is the first "Small Business Saturday," a day to support your local shops and restaurants. we've got two great ideas for you! first, hit the Virginia Beach Christmas Craft Market at the convention center between 10 and 6 (it's also open sunday, 10-5), and support the lovely ladies of 7 cities crafters! (it's pretty much the sweetest booth in the whole show...)

then, head straight down 264 to ghent and visit handmadeVA (inside the Mystic Mermaid) for some more awesome handmade gifts! many ghent businesses are hosting open houses this weekend, so check out some of the other great shops down 21st and colley while you're at it.

holiday shopping, done! and your local artisans and small businesses thank you. :)

www.smallbusinesssaturday.com

happy thanksgiving! (and preparations for the big show...)

hope you all are having a splendid thanksgiving! i've been doing a bunch a last minute crafting to get ready for Virginia Beach Christmas Market this weekend at the convention center...i'm super excited about the VA pillows i've been wanting to make forever!



i'm thinking about offering custom states to order, as well!

meanwhile, my family is cooking up a storm in the kitchen, as we'll be heading to grandma's soon for dinner with 16 people! my sisters are pretty crafty in the kitchen. this is the made-from-scratch apple pie my twin sister kim made (i helped with the decorations :)...

and the gorgeous pumpkin center pieces she made as well...

i hope you all have a lovely thanksgiving with friends and family! don't forget to check out the craft market this weekend (friday through sunday) and stop by the 7 cities crafters' booth to see some handmadeVA artists! (it's better than black friday shopping...buy handmade for the holidays!)