It's crafty newsy time, so sit back and relax with a cup of coffee or chai or vodka or whatever will help you relax on this lovely Friday morning, and catch up on some craft goings-on...
First things first- the fires that have ravaged Southern California are finally starting to be contained, but there's still the work of starting to repair the extraordinary amount of damage that has already occurred. So, how can you help? Apart from donating money directly to charity organizations, you can use your crafty talents to donate an item (or a few!) to Marie's Witch Fire etsy shop! Marie is from San Diego and her hometown is right in the thick of it, so she's organizing a shop in which all proceeds will go to benefit the Wild Animal Park in San Diego and a raffle in which anyone who donates, buys something or shares a story about the fires will be entered. Visit the Witch Fire blog for more info and contact Marie if you have questions or would like to donate an item to raise some money for the animals whose homes burned down!
In brighter and lighter news, Modcloth, a favorite modish sponsor, has a new has a new blog and a giveaway to celebrate! You can win this pile of modcloth goodness worth over $150 simply by leaving a comment on any post on their blog from now thru Halloween! (10/31) Easy peasy!
And, with holiday season approaching that means that craft show season is starting! Mark your calendars for next Saturday, Nov 3rd! That's when the Handmade Market will be happening in downtown Raleigh, NC- check out their site for details, directions and a list of all the vendors you'll find there! And, for those of you a little farther north, the DC Craft Mafia is hosting their UnUsual Suspects Art & Crafts Festival that day as well! Both of these events are awesome opportunities to find handmade gifts for everyone on your list!
Speaking of shopping for handmade gifts this season, I took the Buy Handmade Pledge, promising to buy handmade this holiday season and encouraging others to do the same! Apart from awesome art and craft fairs like those above, you can always turn to modish where ALL the goods that are featured, ALL of them (except for vintage stuff), are handmade! It's easier than ever to avoid the crowded malls, big box stores and monotony of holiday shopping, and buy something special for absolutely everyone that's handmade with love! So, take the pledge! I'll be here to help you with ideas through the coming months and if you're looking for something specific for someone, drop me a line- I may be able to help you find a wonderful handmade alternative! Shop handmade this season, it's just better!
And finally, don't forget to enter the Modish Ghoulish October Giveaway! The last day for entries is tomorrow, 10/27 at 11:59pm PST. Two winners will be chosen and notified on the following Sunday- so enter now, it's easy and fun and you can win over $650 worth of wonderful handmade goods, many of which you may be able to give to friends and loved ones as gifts this season and spread the handmade cheer, huh huh?
Well that's it for the crafty news break- thanks for reading, have a good Friday and stay safe at all those Halloween parties this weekend! :)
