BESTeam Quartet

I've NEVER gone shopping on Black Friday and I LOVE to shop. However, I do not love crowds of people. I'll admit it, I have about zero patience for crowds of people. There is practically nothing appealing sounding to me about being bumped into and then forced to stand in slow moving lines to save money. I promise I'm not a Scrooge and I honestly do have a lot of respect for anyone that can do this. But on that note, with the ever evolving world at our fingertips known as the internet, why not stay in the comforts of your own home this year and support hard-working artisans and crafters?

Whether it be as a hobby, a means of extra income or the sole source of income for their families, there are so many options for a unique shopping experience for gifts that you will be sure to not need a gift receipt for. Here are some great shops to get your Black Friday shopping started from the comforts of your own couch!

Decorative Wooden Calendar - green, bright pink, orange

Two sisters, Sandy and Sue, of Illinois share the passion for crafting that started as making gifts for family and friends and has since evolved into a business venture, Creativity Bugs. Here you will find paper a variety of gift items including paper crafts, handmade cards, holiday gifts and more.

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Mauve Handmade Crochet Clothespin Angel Ornament with Stand

Sticking with her crafting standby, Ellen from Washington finds crochet to be where she findsmost inspiration in part because of her roots. Her fondest memories involve watching both grandmothers creating beautiful things which the talent was obviously passed down to Ellen. Her shop, GMaEllenCrochetGifts, grows every day so stop back often.

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Garden Fairy Pink Lemonade Sun Catcher

Looking for a bit of whimsy? Poison Garden is the place for you! Suzette, Crystal, and Melissa bring their imaginations together to create whimsical and eccentric pieces of jewelry, accessories, decor and artwork. Best of all...they are offering 30% off Black Friday-Cyber Monday by using a coupon code found on their shop!

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Leather Journal, Embossed Turquoise, Hand-Bound 4.5x6 Journal

Absolutely beautiful leather journals are the creation of Shirley of Ontario, Canada. The Orange Windmill is a throwback to her Dutch roots and favorite color, orange. The process of making these journals a therapeutic, from scratch process allowing this busy mother an escape to silence. You too can escape by filling the pages of your new journal.

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Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving! Please consider shopping handmade this holiday season.

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As a member of BESTeam (Boosting Etsy Shops Team) myself, along with the members of this team promote each other by blogging, Twitter, Facebook, in treasuries, etc. For more information please visit: Boosting Etsy Shops Team or the Etsy team page.

BESTeam Quartet

"Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves." ~Eric Sevareid

I've always loved everything about Christmas, but it has been somewhat puzzling to me as to why today I have such a strong urge to want to attend Christmas Eve church this year. Christmas Eve service has always been my favorite from the time I was a small child performing as an angel in the play. There's something magical about the stained glass windows being illuminated by candlelight while flurries of snow dance through the sky. Unfortunately, it has been years since my family has made it to a Christmas Eve service as shameful as that may be given the fact that is what Christmas is all about.

I'm also not one that likes to skip over Thanksgiving and start decorating early. I understand that a lot of people do start putting up decorations prior to Thanksgiving, my Mother included, so they are able to enjoy the beauty as soon as that last bit of pumpkin pie is consumed.

I'm breaking with my normal sentiment of not skipping over Thanksgiving and presenting some wonderful BESTeam items that reflect the holiday season.

Holiday Wreath, Front Door, Christmas, Gold, Holiday decorating

Judy of Boston is the lady behind Angels n Everlastings. She previously operated a dried flower business from home, but took time away to raise a family. Now that her children have grown she is back to business with gorgeous pieces such as this beautiful wreath!

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Vintage Japanese Christmas Candy Dish

A return trip to Connie's shop, Redemption Art, brings a vintage piece that seems very childlike and playful. I can just imagine filling this candy dish with some peppermints to have at the ready for a warm cup of hot chocolate.

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Christmas Greeting Card, Pine Tree, Red Ornament, Blank Card, Holidays, Christmas Tree One

Another return visit brings me back to the shop of Annie known as Empty on the Inside. Don't let the name fool you, this shop has a great message to go along with this great card! If you are anything like me, you love getting mail (the non-bill variety, of course). What better form of mail than of the handmade variety?

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Open ring sterling silver with a faceted Ruby Zircon

A new face to the BESTeam family, Riorita brings beautiful handmade jewelry from Tel Aviv, Israel! This Ruby Zircon instantly caught my eye reminding me of the beautiful poinsettias of the season. Be sure to check out her shop and give her a welcome to the BESTeam

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As a member of BESTeam (Boosting Etsy Shops Team) myself, along with the members of this team promote each other by blogging, Twitter, Facebook, in treasuries, etc. For more information please visit: Boosting Etsy Shops Team or the Etsy team page.