STUFF

Well, I'm getting ready to fly out to NYC tonight and I've decided to bring all my Chanukah gifts with me and save a bit of postage. I'm happy to report that all gifts (except 2 books) are handmade by me, and others, and I didn't have to enter a mall once! I've had a great time going to crafts fairs and shopping on Etsy and I really like the gifts I'm giving this year. My husband and I have decided to try to have a "not made in China holiday season" this year and it's really hard! Especially shopping for kids who really want to fit into mainstream culture right now. Many are just not interested in being original, what they want most is to fit in. That's been a hard one to grapple with as a parent of a teenager. All we can do is set an example and hope....This is why I can't wait to see how they turn out.

Tried to follow my son's advice

I was really debating about holiday merchandise. In general, my stuff is not cute. Beading Halloween jewelry didn't seem to be my thing. But, my son REALLY wanted me to try to make an orange wire pumpkin. I tried and, I must say, it looked kind of crappy. Then he suggested I add the jack-o-lantern face. I didn't even bother to take a picture! So, I stepped back and thought about how I could do themed stuff in my own style. I came up with this necklace and these earrings. Understated and unusual. Not a pumpkin in sight.

My next challenge will be "holiday" time. Didn't grow up with Christmas and I can't see myself going that route. Maybe the Solstice......