Just a few – very affordable/Canadian hand-made – things I found on Etsy – pre-Valentine’s Day spirit…

Click on photo to go to each person’s Etsy Store:

Shopgirls.ca | 1342 Queen Street West | Local goods

Magic Pony |694 Queen Street West | Contemporary Artshop & Gallery

15% off Magic Pony Online:
To receive 15% off your next order enter “ILOVEMAGIC” in the Coupon Code area when you go to Checkout. It’s good for eveything in the web store – even Prints & Original Artwork!

Usually I start/finish my holiday gift shopping three days before Christmas – however, I always try to remember that the best gifts are to be acquired way before (better selection) and online shopping can be very rewarding – again, to be organized earlier!

There’s still time to do online holiday shopping – electronics, books and video games are so easy to buy online with free shipping from places like Future Shop and Amazon. But for more personalized, one-of-a-kind items I turn to Etsy.com: a massive marketplace of handmade, handpicked and affordable items >>

Canadian Crafters:

Steampunk Inspired Jewellery
A Second Time, Calgary, Alberta
asecondtime.etsy.com

Double-sided Hand-painted Pillows
Priscilla Mae, Niagara-On-The-Lake
priscillamae.etsy.com

Wall Art and Decals
beepart, London ON
beepart.etsy.com

Every year as Christmas comes around, I ambitiously make a list of all the things I can/want/might make for people to give as gifts. And honestly, it rarely happens – However, after seeing some great street fashion photos from other blogs, maybe, just maybe I’ll be inspired to get a little crafty.

There are a zillion ideas for easy homemade gifts like bath bombs, earring holder frames, collage art,  fridge magnets…

But instead I thought it’d be much more fun to compile a DIY Fashionista Gift List – but beware, if you attempt any of these projects, you may end up keeping the ‘gift’ for yourself.

1. Shredded Shirts (photo from yvanrodic.blogspot.com)

How hard can this be? I figure you can take any shirt, new or used, and slice it up with a blade or exacto knife. I haven’t tried it, but judging from the outcome, looks like there is no right or wrong.

2. Safety Pin Shoulders, Bow Ties, T-Shirts…The possibilities are endless (ideas and photos at El Bosquejo )

Now this is a too cool gift and I’m not sure I know many people who could appreciate this kind of fashionable art. That aside, think of all the possibilities…

3. Miu Miu Thigh Highs – courtesy of Nylon Magazine

Requires some stockings, a bunch of dollar store craft supplies and some thread and needle knowledge. Maybe sit down in front of the tube and get to work – consider it the new knitting…

Karl Lagermouse

And if DIY gifting isn’t your thing, check out Alison Lawler-Dean’s beautiful blog Gifted with it’s pages of amazing, unique gift ideas you can buy (there’s even a DIY section for innovative giving)!

Holiday Pop-Up Boutique @ The Loft
Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Loft: 52 St. Lawrence Street, Unit #324, Toronto, ON
(Street parking available, accessible by streetcar Queen St. E/River St)

Shop dresses, bags, jewelry, make-up, cupcakes and wine from four Canadian designer lines: Psalms 91:1 Accessories, Brazen Hussy dresses, 442 McAdam handbags, and Aime by Monica Mei.

10% of profits go to Dr. Roz’s healing place, a local women’s shelter. http://drrozshealingplace.com/

Burroughes Holiday Pop-Up Shop
Thursday, December 3, 4 pm to 9 pm
Friday, December 4, 11 am to 9 pm
Saturday, December 5, 11 am to 9 pm
Sunday, December 6, 11 am to 6 pm

Burroughes Building: 639 Queen Street West at Bathurst, Toronto

The Burroughes Designer Department Store Holiday Pop-Up Shop, a four day showcase of great Toronto labels selling quality fashion, design, home and beauty buys including Phil Sparks, Carrie Hayes, Dalish Cosmetics, Petals, Soos Jewelry and Susana Erazo.

The One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale
Thursday, November 22 – Sunday, December 6, 2007
Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place $10-$12

Prickly Pear | Philo-soapy | Adhesif Clothing Co. | Wendy Ryan Folk Art | Moonrox | Tsunami Glassworks

Some of our past coverage of artists at the One of a Kind Show:
Christmas 2006 artists including Lampwork Glass, Greenbaum Clothing and Spun >>
Lunacy Glass >>
Judy Black >>
Eco-Friendly Artists >>

Gifts for gals on the go – especially the ones who already have everything!

My Tagalongs are travel/purse accessories, packaged into pretty little organized kits. The Purse Hooker (have you seen these in restaurants?) is a collapsible hook that can sit on table to help keep your bags off your chair and off the floor. And it works! ($15)

There’s the Emergency Valet which has a tampon tube, eco-tote, sticky notes, a sewing kit and a little floss. ($30) I’m thinking the teens will be all over this.

My fav though is the Jet Sets – perfect for flying. It’s two empty/refillable airless pump jars that are airport friendly ($18).

My Tagalongs are available in the handbag section of The Bay stores across Canada.