I’m baaack!
School’s back in session…that means Fall is around the corner. I know you don’t want to hear this, but the holidays are looming and it’s not too early to start thinking about Christmas shopping. This year I’m trying to stay as local as possible and help keep our community shops in business. Last year Mount Dora provided inspiration for many gifts. This year I’m looking at local artists selling their goods on Etsy.
Treated myself to this!
A friend suggested Saadia Degia’s Sleeping Calico site and I so loved her jewelry creations that I treated myself to a bracelet. The reds just popped and the detail called out…Buy me, buy me! Saadia’s site is named after her lazy kitty, doing what he does best.
The lovely Saadia
Back in Orlando, after a 4-year stint in New York City, Saadia says, “No matter where I am, I have to make jewelry with my hands. I can’t stop. I see a piece I could wear in everything, from buildings in the city, to natural formations from walks in the park. My head is in constant jewelry mode.”
Love the vintage
What I like best about Saadia’s creations is her eclectic style. You will find everything from elegant, chandelier-style earrings, to a vintage brass key at the end of a chain with a delicate dragonfly at the clasp.
Threaders!
Also, I must really be behind the times in terms of jewelry style. I’ve never run across “threaders” as earrings. Saadia’s delicate blue topaz threaders might just be on my Christmas list. Oops, forgot I’m supposed to be shopping for others!
Just gorgeous!
Whether visiting local shops around Orlando, or those within a short drive, please give these deserving crafters your business. It always feels good knowing our shopping dollars go directly to the artisans who work diligently at their craft. There is an anonymous meme floating around the webs which spells it out better than I can…“Why Shop Local? When you buy from a small local business you are not paying for a third vacation home for some CEO. You are paying for dance lessons. You are buying a little-league uniform. You are putting food on a family’s table and sending a student to college. You are making the American Dream come true for somebody in your community. Somebody you probably know. Shop Local!”
What are some of your favorite local Etsy shops?
Photo courtesy of Orlando Sentinel
Jewelry photos courtesy of Sleeping Calico