{ the jaunty magpie }

Thanksgiving not only means a time for food and friends, it also holds the tradition of being the wave of a checkered flag for the holiday shopping season to begin -- not that it's stopping any retailers from starting early. This Bird caught sight of Santa at the malls already!

The holiday gift-giving fever hasn't put me in a mallrat panic quite yet, but I have been perusing the virtual shopping mall of Etsy recently. I discovered new amazing artists, as well as a return visit to some favorites that I've purchased items from in the past. While I've been known to do a crafty thing now and then, it's been fun to explore the wide selection of artistic visions, which brought on a lovely Mood of fanciful birds, both art and artists, whose creativity truly takes flight in these distinctive pieces: {1} Centerville, original map painting by Rachel Austin (a Pacific NW local artist!) {2} Pendant with vintage print of partridge on one side and pressed flowers on other, by Enchanted Glass (another Pacific NW artist!) {3} Limited Edition 2010 calendar with original artwork by Creative Thursday {4} Garden Gate locket by M Stevenson Designs {5} Chicken and Rooster trio glass magnets by CrowBiz {6} Sybil, square print by Janet Hill Studio {7} REPOSE nesting dolls by Belleslettres

Consider the gift of a unique, handcrafted creation versus something from a factory for this holiday season -- the recipient will treasure it that much more, knowing you took the time to find something truly one-of-a-kind. If you live in or around the Seattle area, I Heart Indie Holidays, a craft show featuring dozens of local artists, will be taking place on Sunday November 29, in Kirkland, at the Lake Street Bar from 11am to 6pm. This sounds like a pretty fantastic opportunity to get some holiday shopping done!