HOLIDAY GUIDE 2007

We know. Your bff is a sweetheart, but she can be a little, um... picky. But don't worry. We know she'll just love this stylish courier bag from Sweetgum Handbags. Made of faux suede and repurposed vinyl, this roomy bag also has tons of pockets so she can keep all that stuff she carries around neat and organized. (Organic Squares Courier Bag, $45.00)

Featured Seller: Madelaine

Madelaine is a brilliant, sixteen-year-old photographer. We interviewed her recently about her life, her work, and lots of other good stuff:

Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Madelaine. I'm a sixteen-year-old photographer and digital artist living in Thomas, West Virginia. I collect matchbooks and matchboxes. And I occasionally wear fake mustaches.

Your photography is so beautiful. How did you get interested in photography?
Thank you. I remember showing an interest in photography in 2004, that Christmas, my step-dad bought me a little point-and-shoot to use. I joined deviantART and started uploading there. My photography, through many comments and feedback, evolved from bad snapshots to real art, with one camera upgrade in between (Canon 350d).

My brother is a web designer which led to interest in and access to photoshop. That started the chain reaction the led to my digital art.

What's a typical day like for you?
Waking up around 11, checking etsy, addressing envelopes, writing thank-you notes and packing prints. Just about everyday I visit the post office to check my mail or send out some prints, or both. After the post office, I usually stop in for tea at a local café. I have school on Tuesdays and Thurdays, so those days are usually spent taking notes.

What's your workspace like?
Well, when it comes to the subjects and location of my photography, almost all of it is within walking distance of my house. For editing and digital art, I have my computer on a very crowded desk. It's crowded because I write things a lot on scraps of paper, and it just adds up. Plus, I'm lucky enough to own a 12x18" Wacom Intous tablet, but it takes up a lot of space.

What did you have for breakfast?
Nothing. I have very strange eating habits, which means I eat when I'm hungry and don't when I'm not. It works for me, I guess.

What music are you listening to right now?
Raphaël by Carla Bruni. She has a stunning voice. I love her music.

Best advice you ever got?
Never ever give up.

HOLIDAY GUIDE 2007

Got a gearhead in your life that you love to death but hate to shop for? Don't worry. We're sure he'll find Snowcone Collective's Analog vs. Digital tee quite enjoyable. This limited edition graphic tee is available in S, M, L, and XL, so you can be sure it'll be a perfect fit in more ways than one.

See? Problem solved. (Analog vs. Digital Graphic Tee, $18.00)

HOLIDAY GUIDE 2007

Need a ton of gifts for all those friendly faces in your life? You know: the school crossing guard who has a cheery "Good Morning!" for you, even when it's six below outside? Or the cashier at the grocery store who doesn't make a face when you try to sneak eleven items onto the Ten-Items-Or-Less aisle? And what about that nice neighbor who doesn't pitch a fit every time your kids' soccer ball ends up in her yard?

Well, we think Purusha's sandalwood soap would be a perfect gift for any or all of these lovelies. It's handmade with lots of good stuff like avocado and olive oils, and scented with sandalwood, clary sage, sweet orange, jasmine, and vetiver essential oils. But we especially love that its beautiful, minimalist look lets you make a fuss without being too fussy. (Sandalwood Soap, $5.50)

HOLIDAY GUIDE 2007

Holidays getting you down? Don't know what to get that couple who has everything? How about some awesome art to brighten their day? "Circular Reasoning", by Amy Giacomelli just might make you the hit of the season. It's done in professional grade acrylics on three gallery-wrapped 100% cotton canvases. Or, you can keep it for yourself and invite everyone over to your place. That's okay, too. (Circular Reasoning, $220.00)

Take-Out Time

We love lorenabarrezueta's cheeky new Gourmet Collection. Created to look like disposable take-out tins, these fine porcelain dishes are a step above. They are oven and dishwasher safe, and come in a boatload of bright colors. (Square Meal Dish, $55.00)

Give A Hoot

Skullknockers are: skeptical two limbed creatures that inhabit small corners of living space across the northeast; prone to hugs and murderous looks.

Skullknockers is: a really cute shop where you can find lots of awesome critters like this one-of-a-kind guy who's made from new and used materials, hand-stitched, stuffed with t-shirt scraps, and completely huggable. (Pumpkin-head owl, $77.00)

Just Dreamy

No, they don't really smell like dragon's blood (or maybe they do; how would we know?) Anyway, these incense sticks from Dreamland Incense are warm and exotic, with notes of amber, vanilla, sandalwood, and other good stuff. (Dragon's Blood Incense Sticks, $2.50 for 15)

Easy Chair

We really like the clean lines of Lunar Lounge Design's modern/retro furniture, including this beautiful slipper style chair. It's built on a hand-crafted wood frame, and upholstered in a vintage burnt orange twill fabric. (Slipper Style Chair Bokz Lounge, $269.99)

Oh, The Cuteness!

We just can't get enough tinymeat (heh, heh), and this cute little iPod case is why. It features Lil Matilda (by Florida artist Helena Garcia) and fits all 5G video iPods. (Lil Matilda 5G iPod Case, $12.00)

Eye In The Sky

Working with nothing but paper, cardboard, and a surgical scalpel, artist Nicholas Manion of nickolya creates intricate works of art he terms "2D/3D sculpture". This one features the London Eye, painstakingly sliced from thick white cardstock; but don't miss the items he's crafted from international currency as well. (Large Art Card- London Eye, $30.00)

Snug As A Bug

Fall is finally here, and that means chillier nights and cozier bedding. So snuggle up the kiddies in Doodlebug Finery's Flower Explosion blanket. It measures a generous 24" x 36" and features a cheery floral print on one side and fuzzy plush chenille on the other. In between is a layer of premium cotton batting. Yum. (Flower Explosion Blanket, $43.00)

Mister Roboto

We loved these tags even before we read Robo Boy's shop announcement: "...my name is Connor and I am seven years old. I like robots and Lego. My mommy won't let me have a lemonade stand everyday (she says people won't get out of their cars when it's snowing and stuff.) I want to buy more Lego so I opened this shop..."

Okay? Now go get some of these neat little tags so the kid can buy some new Legos. Sheesh. (The Original Robot Giant Circle Gift Tags - Domo Arigato, $1.50 for four)

Here, Kitty Kitty!

This porcelain bowl from Circa Ceramics features stripes of chartreuse and avocado, plus the cutest kitties. It measures approximately 8" wide by 2" high, and it's food, dishwasher, and microwave safe. What more could you want? (Fortune Kitty Lo Bowl, $45.00)

Don't Skirt The Issue

The birds on this cute skirt from Basho Apparel are printed on green cotton fleece in yellow ink. It's available in small, medium, large, and extra large. And it's yummy. (Release From Four Skirt, $30.00)

Just Peachy!

We love these dainty earrings from BrightonMoon. Freshwater pearls and lotus flowers carved into peach averturine swing from hammered hoops. (White Lotus Earrings, $22.00)

Room With a View

Why hasn't anyone thought of this before? Vladmasters are handmade viewmaster disks. Our favorite is the Fear & Trembling set (dinner parties can be perilous!) featuring four disks, storage box, and a mini-CD soundtrack. (Fear and Trembling Vladmaster Set, $20.00)

Off The Cuff

The wood used in Garnish Home's cuff bracelet is actually American Black Walnut recycled from the furniture industry. It measures 1 1/4" wide by 1/8" thick , and comes packaged in a jewelry box with an artist bio. (Walnut Bracelet, $51.00)

Swing Set

Sometimes we love what you say as much as what you make. This great little tee from the medium control is described as "inspired by the endless childhood hours flying on the tire swing, leaning back so far you think your head is going to catch ground." Wheeee! (Swinger T-shirt. $20.00)

Book 'Em

We love this great little journal from Huey. It's got lightly lined pages and a sweet beaded bookmark, so you can write or draw to your heart's content. (Hardcover Beaded Journal, $15.00)