Mercredi: The Art of Giving

By this junction in the Holiday Season, most of us are pretty much saturated as far as available time.  Gifts, particularly last minute gifts, just aren’t going to be handmade niceties that we’ve loving crafted in our “spare time”.  That often means picking something random that doesn’t have that little extra that we’re longing for.  Sometimes, though, we can find just the right thing and, if it has any value at all, the Internet is certainly valuable in that regard.

Today, in the spirit of encouraging handmade rather than mass produced, I’d like to introduce you to two of my very favorite purveyors of the interesting and the esoteric.  All things that I’m fairly certain anyone who reads HQ occasionally has an interest in.

First up, the delightful offerings over at Pixie Hill.  Run by the dear Knickertwist (whose blog I highly recommend), the Hill offers a number of fanciful, beautiful and just plain endearing items that only the most heartless of Scrooges could resist.  You can find many of the offerings at Pixie Hill online here.  Pop over and check out her designs at your leisure; I’m certain you won’t be disappointed.

In the mood for something a little Voudon meets Pyrate meets “hey, those are kinda cute”?  Then you must peruse Missus Mooney’s Penny Dreadful Poppets.  Mrs. Mooney’s offerings include poppets, spirit dolls (in the tradition of what many people know as “voodoo dolls”) and the seriously cute Pocket Mojo Babies.  These all have a ton of potential, from being christened for serious spiritual use to sure-to-be-a-conversation-starter art piece.  I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that the Missus is the better half to my particular friend and fellow corsair, Captain Swallow.

I’m no expert, but I know what I like, and both of these ladies are making quality items with heart.  Whether as gifts or as a little something for yourself, I think you’ll like what they’re dreaming up, too.

Header:  One of Pixie Hill's incredible "tiny houses" via Knickertwist's