One for grandma...two for me... Gift ideas for the friends and family...and for yourself!

Look at the treats I discovered while perusing the collections of our talented NC members! From grandma, to the kiddos, to the mother...and yes, even a treat (or two or three) for myself.... What amazing finds for the upcoming holiday handmade season!

I love this stunning decoupage book box for my poet grandmother by Old Broom Street. It has such an air of mystery and beauty, and I know my grandmother would gently tuck her poetic musings into the velvet lined box: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34286835

And doesn't everyone love a happy blood drop? My director at the blood bank would adore this lovely wallet by hippofabulous: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10787331

And of course for the boys in my life, a racing heirloom quality quilt by Carolina Patchworks: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10433854

And be still my heart! The colors are so happy and bright! My lovely flamed-haired niece would look amazing in this outfit by The Laughing Giraffe! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10433854

And this one is for me! It honors strong women, and I know my mom would adore it... but hopefully my husband will read this blog and take the hint! :) Cowgirl Up Collage by LuLuSandbar http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14355721


This is a perfect hostess gift, and I love the idea of using them as placecards too. Way back in the day (pre 6-and 3-year old boy days ..) my husband and I actually hosted parties that didn't revolve around Spiderman! Owl Mini Notecards/Placecards by Whimsypics: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34261732

And for the sister that is finally going green, but will only carry her groceries in style, is this adorable market tote from PurpleDaisies: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19206952

And for the hubby..the man who swore he was fine with Zest soap. However, the funny thing is that my handmade soaps keep disappearing quickly. I have a thief in my shower, so it's time we added to his own collection! Also, I adore this scent so I'll be able to borrow it! The Nag Champa soap by Karenssoaps: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31822844

Have fun browsing our fantastic collection of artists! Happy Holidays!

Triangle Holiday Arts & Crafts Calendar (Week 1)

Buying local & handmade this holiday season is easy & fun! Here are just a few of the great opportunities around the Triangle this weekend:

Friday, November 13

Temple Beth Or Pre-school Holiday Fair
Where: 5315 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh (directions)
When: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Sellers to look for: Linda Searcy Jewelry Designs, and Shore Debris

Saturday, November 14

Highlands Holiday Bazaar
Where: Highland United Methodist Church, 1901 Ridge Road, Raleigh
When: 9:00 am - 3:oo pm
Sellers to look for: Old Broom Street

Raleigh Jewelry Art Show
Where: 6911 Capital Boulevard, Raleigh
When: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sellers to look for: Linda Searcy Jewelry Designs, Shore Debris, Liv'nGood Jewelry, and New Byzantium Designs

Womenade Holiday Craft Fair
Where: Interact, 1012 Oberlin Road, Raleigh
When: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sellers to look for: Purple Daisies

Sunday, November 15

Christmas Craft Show
Where: Our Lady of Lourdes (Fallon Hall), 2718 Overbrook Drive, Raleigh
When: 10:00 am - 11:00 am; 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Sellers to look for: Old Broom Street


We hope you'll visit the tables of our NC Triangle Etsy Team members and say hello!

(Members, if you have an event coming up next weekend, send it to Orange Cat Art by Wednesday night to get onto next Friday's calendar!)

Local Featured Seller: PurpleDaisies

Who are you ?

My name is Lindsey Hignite and I run Purple Daisies.

Where are you located?

I live in Raleigh, but I'm from the mountains of NC and am often homesick for those beautiful blue mountains.

What do you create?

Fabric is my medium of choice. I create bags, aprons, baby items, and housewares. For myself I like to quilt and make clothing, as well.

What is your favorite place to visit in the "triangle"?

It's hard to pick out my favorite place to visit in the Triangle. I'd say Goodberry's, but that's probably not what you have in mind! :) My family does enjoy visiting the museums downtown. My children really love the history museum.

When did you start creating?
I've always had a penchant for creating. I remember the first time I learned to sew though, was at babysitters house. She taught me how to hand sew a pillow. It was made out of bright yellow, furry fabric. It wasn't until my mother in law gave me a sewing machine 5 years ago, that I started to sew in earnest. I love it!

Where do you create?
I am fortunate enough to have a whole room dedicated to crafting. (I think my husband is jealous because he doesn't have a space to call his own!) I share the space with my children's craft area, but I wouldn't change that at all. I love having them draw and create while I'm busy sewing away.

What is the most time consuming part of your craft?
I think the most time consuming part is simple the "planning" process. I have so many ideas floating around in my head, it's hard to pin point just one to begin working on. I wish I could simply organize my thoughts better and I believe I would get a lot more accomplished!

What is your next project going to be?
For my business, I think I might focus more on housewares for awhile. I really enjoy creating beautiful things for my home. I might back off creating the handbags; I often feel the need to change things up a bit. In my personal life, I would love to learn to knit. I see these beautiful hand-dyed yarns on Etsy, and I begin to salivate. But I can't obviously justify buying them, until I, at least, have some idea how to knit!

What do you do when you are not creating?
When I'm not busy crafting, my main activity is taking care of my three children. I am stay at home mom, so they are main focus. But, I've discovered so much of raising children involves being creative! I'm sure most moms would say the same thing!

--Don't miss out on her blog--there's crafting and some great tips on being a 'mama' too!

Green! Green! Green!

AlloverArt was quick to learn the tricks of creating a treasury after joining our team, and she created this beauty on her first try!

Team Treasury: Washed up in North Carolina!

StartToFinish was certainly thinking about a trip to the beach when she created this treasury. Thanks for supporting the NCTriangle team!

Team Treasury

KarensSoaps created this yummy chocolate treasury for the team...

Put your hand in my pocket...

LynnsCrafts created this team treasury...

a little dirt never hurt anyone!

DinnerTimeChimes created this lovely treasury featuring several brown items from team shops...

Team Treasury

KarensSoaps created the lovely team treasury...

Team Treasury: 12 ways to seduce Kermit

RiskyBeads created this exciting green themed treasury for the team...

Team Treasury: step into the spotlight

DinnerTimeChimes created a treasury this afternoon and filled them with goodies from the team, in hopes that they would get some sales!

Where We Create: Behind the Scenes of NC Triangle Etsiers

Behind the scenes of Etsy Shop: Purple Daisies



Describe the space in which you create. What is your favorite thing about your space? First, you must know it's a work in progress! So it's not completely decorated!, please don't judge it yet! :) It was just recently painted and I haven't had time to hang a lot of pictures yet. My sewing room is my living room so it's important that the space stays somewhat presentable since it's the first room guests see when they come in my home. Because I'm a mom with young children, it's also important that it's a place that my children can hang out in. So I've added a chalkboard table I painted in which they can color or use play dough on. That has been a lifesaver!

What is your favorite thing about your space? I love the color on the wall! Isn't it gorgeous! The windows in my room are floor to ceiling which are great. Like today, I'm able to open the windows and feel a nice breeze and hear the birds singing and it's so peaceful (in between the hammering of my sewing machine!).

How do you keep your space organized? That's a challenge when you have a 3 yr old who likes to pretend the spools of thread and bobbins are little mommies and babies! What a tangled mess!

First, all or most of my fabric is stored in the black cabinet which keeps it tucked away. I keep a basket on my table that holds all my works in progress and I have pretty glass jars to hold buttons and scraps of ribbon

Do you have inspiration pieces in your space? If so, what are they? I try to include only things I love in the room to draw inspiration from, so it's a real hodge podge. For example, I have old picnic baskets I inherited from both grandmothers stacked up, as well as a Roman-like bust of a woman I picked up at Marshall's. I'm planning on adding a lot of old pictures of ancestors soon. I like the independent spirit they evoke when I look at them.

Is there something else you'd like to share about your space? Notice the placement of the ironing board. I read a tip once about positioning the board at table height right next to your chair so you can just press the seam and then sew it without having to get up! Such a time saver! Love that!

Check out Lindsey's Shop on Etsy, Purple Daisies.