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FeedDec 15, 2011 12:00 PM WV Living in Style
Find your West Virginia style
Local Holiday Gift Guide: West Virginia on Etsy
If you have ever visited Etsy, the online handmade marketplace, and if you are like me, you have probably spent a lengthy amount of time wandering in circles from handcrafted goods to scrumptious crafting supplies to vintage treasures and back again. Etsy is so packed with talented crafters that it is incredibly easy to just hop aimlessly from shop to shop, taking it all in with the click of a mouse.
If you're feeling in need of a little more “browsing direction," however, the main page offers a few different ways to shop. One of these is a local search by country, zip code, or anything in between. The first time I searched “West Virginia” to browse the talent coming out of my beloved home state, I was completely overwhelmed by the spectrum of talent. Every corner of our state, it seems, has someone churning out all manner of beautiful, comfy, practical, sustainable, classy, cuddly, and fun products. Below is a small sample of some gems I found, all just in time for some last-minute gift buying.
West Virginia Love Necklace
Nitelily Glamour, out of Huntington, blends vintage and modern aesthetics to create an eclectic collection of jewelry and accessories. This shop includes a great mix of statement pieces, as well as a healthy dose of more subtle jewelry. These West Virginia necklaces (pictured above) suit any allegiance and style. Visit Meghan's shop for more sparkle and shine, bold steampunk gems, classic vintage pieces, and links to her sewing and supply shops.
Osage Orange Hand Turned Wood Bowl
Jerry is the creative mind behind J & L Woodturning, out of Elkview. His shop is stocked with beautiful, meticulously crafted wooden goblets and bowls, both functional and decorative. It is hard to pick a favorite, but I am in love with the natural coloring of this small Osage bowl, and can picture it filled to the brim with little Christmas treats. Visit his shop to view his collection and to read about his technique and trade.
Upcycled Cashmere Petal Pillow
I am uplifted by the notion of recycling old things into new treasures, so the work of Sara Finley, out of Inwood, immediately grabbed my attention. Among the handmade goodies in her shop are these wonderful, flowery looking wool pillows created from reclaimed sweaters. I don't think I could stop with just one, and this is the perfect time of year to pile on the cozy!
Flattened Wine Bottle Serving Tray
While on the repurposing path, have a look at the amazing glass creations by Denise of d'Pholk Designs, out of Hedgesville. Although her shop is full of fused glass wonders and beautiful star ornaments, I am most taken with her recycled wine bottle cheese boards. She packages them with a bit of an embellishment and a wine cork cheese spreader, making them the perfect gift for a hostess friend or for adding a little fancy to your own holiday table. Visit her shop to browse and read about her craft (and her music!).
Modern Tree of Life Pendant
Also on the natural end of the spectrum are these wonderful, earthy necklaces created by the talented Kristian of Creative Art and Soul, out of Shepherdstown. I immediately gravitated towards this modern tree of life pendant, and then happily sifted through every single stone and design that she has to offer. Visit her shop to find the one that suits you or a friend, to read about her technique, and to check out her local craft show appearances if you are in the Shepherdstown area.
Not So Bad After All Print
Saving the best gift recipients for last, Emily of Juxtaposed Design, out of Martinsburg, heads up a couple of items for the littles in your life. I say “littles," but if I were to purchase this print it would probably go in my living room, not my daughter's room. It is so sweet, positive, and as cute as can be. Check out her shop for more wonderful prints.
Pink Polka Dot Owl
Maggie of Perfectly Flawed, out of Morgantown, makes these adorable, handsewn little owls from socks and bits of felt. Little hands are unable to resist these cute, wide-eyed guys. Check out her shop for more bird friends, paper goods, and clothing.
I hope you'll find something you like among the talent that West Virginia has to offer in the Etsy world. Search this way often, as sellers on Etsy are always updating their shops with fresh new handmade products, supplies, and vintage finds.
This post courtesy of Emily Iafrate of Tea & Laundry.
