Giving is a joyful experience, or it should be. Supporting a local or independently owned business is a wonderful way to magnify that joy. Corporations are made up of people, so I'm not saying to avoid them completely; however, instead of buying all your gifts from huge corporate retailers, it would give such a boost to mom-and-pop stores if we each purchased at least one item locally this Christmas. With that in mind, even our blogging neighbors can be considered local, offering unique, well-made crafts, one of which I will showcase in this post.
Maureen at Cottage960 caught my attention with these beautifully crafted camera charm necklaces. I think these would also be fun to hang on the rear view mirror in your car. On one side is a vintage photo of a woman holding a camera and the other side has a saying or quote of your choice. I love these pieces and a very special someone will be a recipient this Christmas.
Aren't these delightful? Maureen did not ask me to promote her business, nor was I compensated in any way. I thought to do this post only after I received the order. As part of my Geaux Local mantra, I am happy to share her talent—it's as simple as that. Check out Maureen's Etsy shop here. I will be sharing similar posts like this one from time to time. YOU could be next! :)
1 John 3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
What a sweet voice for Maureen's business! I identify with "And then she snapped," literally and figuretively!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post and such a creative artist ~ (A Creative Harbor) ^_^
ReplyDeleteThose are nice! She's very talented as are you with a camera.
ReplyDeleteOh Gail, you are so sweet. I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate your kind words for my work, and sharing with all your readers. I am so humbled by your kindness. Thank you. xo
ReplyDeleteMaureen
I love Maureen's pendants and love the fact that you ordered some!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful display for Maureen's items!! Gail - you are so talented. Have you thought of making money with your talent? You could go into an antique mall with a tablet to show your talent and help vendors/"little businesses" out by taking photos of their things in their spaces. Or even post on ITSY how you can advertise for them. Maybe even do some bartering for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, Maureen is talented too!
really sweet of you. those are cool. :)
ReplyDeleteOh Maureen is truly a creative talented woman. I love these. I also love your photos.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe it is almost Christmas. B
What great finds, and excellent pictures!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great thing you did here! I'm going to give this some serious thought!
ReplyDelete"Keep calm and snap on" - I think that should be my mantra this week. Very creative photos again Gail.
ReplyDeleteHow special of you to share this with all of your readers. Maureen is truly talented, I have been a fan of hers for quite some time. And your talent of sharing & caring shines through with this post.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great gift idea for all the photography nuts on your shopping list. I love how you've displayed and photographed them for this post. If Maureen ever does a brochure, she may want to used some of these.
ReplyDeleteThese are adorable and I love the way you've displayed them! It was very thoughtful of you to do this =D
ReplyDeleteWe've made the choice to purchase at least half of our Christmas gifts locally this year; then again, we limit ourselves to four gifts each.
=)
These are fabulous, Gail - so glad you found them and shared them! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
ReplyDeleteHow cute! I love the little camera.
ReplyDeleteThese are really cute!
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder to shop locally. Even a local shop voucher would be appreciated by many too.
ReplyDeleteThere are people who are creative around us.
ReplyDeleteAnd there are sweet people like you as well.
how wonderful that you highlighted her shop
ReplyDeleteI will favorite it
I do a lot of shopping on etsy
and in small stores
You are right Gail they are delightful. :)
ReplyDeleteI love these! And I love that you are promoting buying local and American! I will do that too!
ReplyDeletecharlotte
These are terrific!! I am getting to where I would much rather shop at a small store than the box stores these days...I just get so overwhelmed...plus I love the uniqueness that our small business owners bring to their shops. I need to get on etsy more often.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I try to support small business owners as much as possible. Thank you for sharing! I am definitely going to order one of these lovely necklaces!
ReplyDeleteThose are just adorable! We weren't able to go shopping today, but I do like to patronize local shops whenever possible. And you're right, Etsy definitely showcases great small businesses.
ReplyDeleteOh yes -these are just adorable! I'd definitely like one of those. Unfortunately, the postage prices are just crazy and far more than the necklace itself.
ReplyDeleteI love what you did with the necklaces and the angel, and theXmas tree. I'm going to visit the shop thanks to you sweetie ;) haooy Sunday.. xxo
ReplyDelete*happy
ReplyDeleteI've kuki sleeping in one arm and i'm writing with one finger ;) lol
I was loving the first little charm (keep calm and snap on) but I about died when I saw "Then she snapped!!" OMG!! LOVE IT!! Not sure if I'll get the charm or use it as inspiration, either way, it's good!!
ReplyDeleteThose are so cute. I am going to have a look at her shop. I love buy hand made items from etsy. Your photos look so pretty. I do hope all is well with you my friend.
ReplyDeleteHugs~
Love these!
ReplyDeleteGail, these are lovely but I really like the verse you chose. God is speaking to me today and using your blog.
ReplyDeleteLord, I hear, now let me respond with actions and in truth.
Amen.
I missed too many of your posts while I was sick last week & the beginning of this week... I'm enjoying catching up, tho.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the 'and then she snapped' & the lady holding the camera charms & I esp like that she included a camera w/ each one. I'm off, now, to buy one of each! Thanks for posting about this, Gail... too cool! =)
I just put my order in... i'm getting the one w/ the definition of a photog! heheheee =) love em all, tho =)
ReplyDelete