Happy Holidays Gift Store

The Happy Holidays Gift Store is filled with local artisans' handmade creations and vintage collectors' finds. Don't fight the crowds on Black Friday, get a jump on shopping small and supporting artists from the metroplex in this pop-up holiday shop. You will be waited on by some of the artisans whose goods are for sale so you can ask questions and get in depth information about your purchases. This shopping experience should be much more enjoyable and personally tailored to your needs than the hustle and bustle found in the big box stores.

You will find my photographic art and jewelry along with ceramics, mardi gras masks, fused glass, mixed media art, holiday decor and much more. The photos in this post (click to enlarge) are from this year's store so you can get a glimpse of some of the things that you will find. (It's been open since Nov. 8 and it will be at the Arlington Museum of Art through Dec. 28.) Whether it be for someone on your gift list or your own personal wish list, unique finds await.

Happy Holidays Gift Market 2012

I will be at Happy Holidays Gift Market with over 50 artists, crafters and collectors presenting their creations and collections for your shopping pleasure. The range of fabulous finds is tremendous, from "rocking horse" dinosaurs to original artwork to jewelry and much, much more. You will find links to some of the artisans on the event page to be able to get an idea of the range of products that will be there.

You are sure to find unique gifts to satisfy even the most difficult person to shop for on your list. Unlike much of what you find in department stores, many of these items will be one or few of a kind, so don't delay. Come early to grab your gorgeous goodies before someone else does. Some of the vendors may even be able to create a custom piece for you, just ask. I'll be in booth 51, stop by and say hi while you are there.

Happy Holidays Gift Market - Friday (noon - 7 pm) & Saturday (10 am - 4 pm), Dec. 7-8, 2012
500 W. Nedderman Dr., Arlington, TX 76013

A Different Shopping Experience

So you’ve had a great visit with family and friends and hopefully you will survive the rush of Black Friday without tangling with someone over the last door buster item in store. However, if you yearn for a different type of shopping experience and especially if you want to find something truly unique for someone on your list or a special something for yourself, come out and meet me in person, along with lots of other artists and crafters from whom you can buy directly. I will be at two local Arlington craft shows on two different upcoming weekends.

First, you will find me at Olde Town Christmas at the Dottie Lynn Recreation Center on Friday, Nov. 30 – Saturday, Dec. 1. (Click on the image to enlarge it.)

The following weekend, I will be with over 50 artists, crafters and collectors and their wares at Happy Holidays Gift Market at the UTA Maverick Activities Center. There will also be live and recorded music and DIY crafts. In addition to providing a DIY craft, the Greater Arlington Lions Club will have a drop off box for you to donate your old, out of date prescription glasses. They will use them to provide free eye glasses to those in need.

Each of these shows provides you with a more personal shopping experience. Get to know the maker of the items that you purchase when you buy directly from the artist. Who knows, there might be an interesting story of the inspiration for that special creation that you find. These things make the finding more fun.