DIY holiday garland & Shop Local/Support Handmade

It's that time of year ~ time to break out some seasonal decorations! Each year I do enjoy making something new. But to start, I am putting up a faux berry & fruit garland I made. This is a very easy do it yourself project for the beginner! Almost every craft store will start to bring out the holiday decorations and supplies. They might have leaves, fruits, berries, flowers and pine (all faux) in bags or sold as a pack. It's easy enough as picking out what you like and stringing them together. Many are made with foam as the main body, such as the ones in my photo. So it's easy to use a large needle and thread to make the garland. As an added decoration to the garland, I used cut pieces of ribbon tied on every few inches.

faux berry & fruit garland

As winter approaches I will begin to put more up and will share them! Including my new front door decoration this year: a rustic metal star. But now for a bit of 'shop local' this year!

Every year I encourage shoppers to consider buying from small local businesses. This year is no different with small business Saturday coming up. This is held each year to encourage people to go out to their own small shops within their town or city. By shopping small you help support local business & local artisans. You can also do this through websites such as Etsy, Artfire and more. When you buy from an Etsy seller such as myself  help skilled artisans, seamstresses and crafters. I use my skilled trade to create products that are high quality and learnt from three generations of family. You also help by reducing how far a product must travel to reach you PLUS you get sweat-shop free goods!

fair trade small business locally

I went out earlier this week to avoid the chaos of shoppers. I was happily surprised to find a small shop devoted local artists & fair trade goods for sale. They had local artists and crafters goods for sale with the promise of everything being sweat-shop free. You might be surprised to learn how many brands today are made in sweatshops. But don't fret, many high quality brands are made without the use of dangerous sweat shops (and sadly, child labor) such as these brands. Be sure to do some research if you want to try and support well made, ethical brands this holiday shopping season.