Syndicated! A Blogger-Made Gift Guide

When I started this blog, I wanted a place to write.  I was afraid that I was forgetting how.  And I had a lot to work out.

Almost two years later, I've learned a few things.  First, I still have a lot to work out.  But perhaps more importantly, I have been remembering how much I enjoy this kind of work, and I think I've been in denial all these years that I'd really love to be a freelance writer.


SO: I'm thrilled and honored that one of the bloggers I admire most asked me to write a syndicated post for BlogHer on buying blogger-made for the holidays!  It's a post about gift-giving in a more thoughtful way, by getting to know the people who create the stuff you buy, and buying because things have meaning, not because they're on sale at Walmart; it includes links to some bloggers you might want to read and to their stores.  Please go check it out and leave a comment (especially if you can think of other bloggers that we should add to the list) and then go visit these talented folks to do your your holiday shopping!  Thanks to all who helped me in my search for blogger entrepreneurs, and thank you, BlogHer for giving me such a wonderful opportunity!


Because I couldn't include everyone I found, I also wanted to archive a more complete list here (but go read and comment at the post on BlogHer first!):

• Jessica Perkins makes beautiful Montessori-style toys for infants and preschoolers like matching games, story starters, and grabbable gadgets; her blog chronicles her journey as a mother and as a teacher.
• Jennet Jones-Rau (Feathered Nest Studio), an arts educator and fabric designer, sells her original artwork stuffies, playmates and more.   
• Keli Faw (Bread & Salt) blogs about modern quilting has some beautiful baby items (bibs, burpcloths) and tea towels on offer.
  
• Ashley Ray (One in the Hand) makes coffee cozies and headbands from repurposed materials, and donates10% of the profits from each sale is donated to the Emergency Fund, which provides financial assistance to help low income Chicago area individuals and families through a crisis or transition.   
• Karen Mitzel (the June Bride) also donates a percentage of every sale to charity; she blogs about living an imperfect life (sharing recipes and craft tips) and sells adorable cashmere hats and brooches from reclaimed wool.
• Melissa McAllister (Handstamped Originals) is an attorney-turned-SAHM who makes personalized jewelry, some of which mixes handstamped silver with typeface.  
•  Jodi LeBrun (Creative Life By Design) is a creativity-coach-in-training with a blog full of inspiration for your creative mojo, and she also does handstamped work celebrating the creative spirit.  These could be great gifts for the crafters, bakers, artists, or writers on your list.
• Melody Joy, who captures her family and thoughts in instagrams, is a talented knitter, and is offering a sushi scarf (which even my geeky engineer husband thought was cool) or a charcoal grey cowl for the guys.  
• Jodi Burton takes doodling to a whole new level.  How about one of her magnet sets for your favorite science or photography geek? 
• Pam (Baby Wanted: Apply Within), who blogs about her quest for a child, can ship cookies and brownies to your loved ones in and near Canada!  Check out her shop, and get additional information on holiday cookie shipping here.
• Jenna (Sweet Fine Day) and her husband blog about their business and family life, and projects both in and out of the kitchen at and offer up unique droolworthy confections like Massaman Peanut Butter Cookies and Chocolate Gingersnaps.   
• Lucille in the Sky, who does philosophy through mommyhood, sells teas that sound amazing.
• Jess and Pete (a Little Blog about the Big Infertility) have breathtaking photography prints; proceeds go towards their adoption fund.   
• Dawn Marie Black (Much Madness is Divinest Sense) sells art and cards at fineartamerica.   
• Stumbles and Stitches is a blog conversation between two crafty friends and mamas who work with repurposed and upcycled materials.  Jenny Bartoy’s shop right now is filled with bags and wall hangings in burlap and cotton; Angel Funk’s shop has more wool (she loves all things Waldorf).   
• Rachael Gander (Imagine Gnats) sells beautiful fabric bags, scarves, and paper crafts.

Now ... go read some new blogs and meet some really fabulous people!  Happy shopping ... and commenting.