New Science Geek Gifts

Being a science geek myself, I am always on the lookout for ideas or supplies to inspire new goodies for my science geekery section of my EclecticSkeptic Etsy shop. I was excited to receive a new shipment last week that included items I could use to create math, mythology and science themed items for EclecticSkeptic.

The science themed items will thrill dinosaur buffs. I have already added two new listings. The first item I made and listed was a pair of gold plated ceratopsian dinosaur post earrings with a lapis lazuli dangle. I also have silver plated available and lots of different gemstones that I can make dangles with. Contact me if you have a specific gemstone or pearl request.

The second item I listed was a sauropod necklace. I love the colorful dino teardrop pendants. The teardrop bezels are antiqued brass plated and I thought a thin, black satin cord necklace finished off with the same color findings would be a perfect pairing. If you prefer a different length necklace, contact me to create a custom length piece for you.

Stay tuned for T. rex earrings or contact me about them.

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas 2014

While red hearts are a more traditional color for Valentine’s Day, if your sweetheart also has a February birthday (birthstone amethyst) or has a penchant for color trends (2014’s Pantone color of the year is Radiant Orchid.) then you’ll want to check out my purple heart options.

Most of my EDCCollective Etsy shop’s current heart selections are purple. While I don’t have any purple hearts currently among my heart listings at EclecticSkeptic, you can find some in my sold items like the purple heart flying pig earrings seen in this post. I would be very happy to recreate any of my sold listings, that I still have the materials to do so, as a custom listing for you if you give me enough lead time.

Order ready to ship items no later than the end of the first week in February (U.S. addresses) so that your gift should arrive in time for Valentine's Day. If you are interested in a custom order for your Valentine, contact me by the end of January to discuss details so I can complete your request and ship your gift to you in a timely manner.

Fabulous Finds for Last Minute Shoppers

Really unique gifts can often be found by “shopping small”. This concept should not be reserved only for Small Business Saturday. Those of you still looking for that special gift would be wise to check out local mom and pop stores, craft shows and other local shopping opportunities.

Once such place in the DFW Metroplex is the Happy Holidays Gift Store that is part of the Festival of Trees Exhibit at the Arlington Museum of Art. It will be open Saturday, Dec. 21 from 10 am – 5 pm and on Sunday, Dec. 22 from 1 pm – 5 pm for you to search for that special gift and enjoy the festive holiday decorations and Santa art in the rest of the exhibit. Fifteen local artisans have their work on display along with a few vintage finds. You can shop for wall art, jewelry, pottery and much, much more. In addition, on Saturday, Dec. 21, one of the store’s artisans will be demonstrating her work with encaustics.

After Christmas if you are lucky enough to be flush with Christmas cash and are looking for a fabulous find for yourself, come back and browse Thursday – Saturday, Dec. 26 – 28 from 10 am – 5 pm and the final day of the exhibit, Sunday, Dec. 29 from 1 pm – 5 pm.

38th Annual Ladybug’s Christmas Collection

Last year I discovered a great little holiday store tucked into a workshop behind an artist’s home in Arlington, TX. I was really enamored with the whimsical polymer clay creations of one artisan in particular. Some artists/crafters that have their work on display at Ladybugs Christmas Collection have been there all 38 years and some like me, will be debuting their wares this year. Items from over 25 artists are expected this year.

I will be sending an assortment of my zipper pulls, gathering pins, matted photographic art prints, bookmarks, cards, CD clocks and wood items to add to the wonderful handcrafted gifts that will be on display. Exclusively during December, Eclectic Design Choices' zipper pulls, cards and matted prints featuring ladybugs will be found here.

A special opening night reception with light refreshments kicks off this year’s show from 6 – 9 pm, Thursday, December 1, 2011. The remainder of the show runs December 2 – 11 with store hours Monday – Saturday from 10 am – 6 pm and Sunday from 1 pm – 5 pm. Mark your calendars and be sure to make it in before closing on Sunday, December 11 before this holiday pop up shop shutters its doors for another year.