Countdown to Christmas Week 8 – Handmade Holiday Favorites 2026

Countdown to Christmas — Week 8 Favorites 🎄

Happy Monday, everyone! 🎄🦦 It's time for another round of #BMECountdown favorites! Now that the art show is behind me, I'm ready for some cozy Christmas cheer. This week's picks include artisan jewelry, fun holiday earrings, charming stationery, festive décor, and a special find for Hanukkah. I'm especially excited to share these talented makers and small shops. Be sure to visit their listings, show them some love, and perhaps find a gift or two for someone special!

Before we get started, take a peek at last week’s Countdown to Christmas — Week 7 for even more handmade gift inspiration!

Cherries Jubilee Lampwork Pendant Necklace

A colorful handmade lampwork glass globe pendant with playful swirls—a lovely gift for anyone who enjoys one-of-a-kind artisan jewelry.

🎁 See this favorite at Covergirl Beads

Glass Candy Cane Dangle Earrings

A cheerful pair of red-and-green glass candy cane earrings, perfect for adding a little Christmas fun to holiday outfits.

🎁 See this favorite at Handmade4u1

Funny Dancing Senior Couple Notepad Set of 2

A lighthearted handmade stationery set featuring a dancing senior couple—something sweet and amusing for the list makers in your life.

🎁 See this favorite at Blue Morning Expressions

Geometric Cage Dangle Earrings

Delicate geometric cage earrings with golden accents and a graceful dangling silhouette—an elegant little surprise for a jewelry lover.

🎁 See this favorite at Etsy

Dainty Gold Cross Moonstone Necklace

A graceful cross necklace with soft, luminous stones and warm gold tones—a thoughtful gift with timeless appeal.

🎁 See this favorite at Blonde Peach Jewelry

Santa Earrings with Swarovski Crystals

These sparkling red and clear Swarovski crystal Santa earrings bring a festive twinkle to Christmas celebrations.

🎁 See this favorite at Shadow Dog Designs

Hanukkah Menorah and Dreidel Table Accent

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a beautiful blue-and-olive menorah and dreidel design, a lovely accent for a festive table.

🎁 See this favorite at Etsy

Natural White Freshwater Pearl Necklace

Soft white freshwater pearls create an elegant, classic look—a beautiful choice for holiday dressing or meaningful gifting.

🎁 See this favorite at Etsy

Bold Egyptian Infinity Bracelet

A striking wirework bracelet with an infinity-inspired centerpiece and warm metallic tones—ideal for someone who loves distinctive accessories.

🎁 See this favorite at Etsy

Large Silver Filigree Cross Pendant

An ornate silver-tone filigree cross pendant with vintage character, lovely for someone drawn to meaningful statement jewelry.

🎁 See this favorite at Etsy

Clear Resin Snowflake Ornament with Gold Mica

A handmade clear resin snowflake touched with shimmering gold mica—an elegant little bit of winter sparkle for the Christmas tree.

🎁 See this favorite at Butterfly in the Attic

Thank you for shopping small and celebrating the creativity of independent makers! ❤️

🎄 Visit Week 8’s favorites | #BMECountdown

You're the Star Blog Hop – November 2026 Creative Features

 Happy Monday, everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Things have certainly been busy around here. Between my day job and getting ready for this past weekend's art show, I feel like I've been going nonstop!

Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to post last week. There just weren't enough hours in the day to get everything done! Now that the show is behind me, I'm hoping to get back into my regular blogging routine.

But enough about my hectic schedule! It's time for another wonderful week of You're the Star Blog Hop, and this week we're celebrating CREATIVE Features!

We have some wonderful inspiration to share, including handmade projects, creative ideas, and seasonal favorites. Whether you enjoy crafting, decorating, or simply discovering something new, there's always something fun to explore.

Thank you for joining us, and a special thank-you to everyone who continues to share their wonderful posts each week.

Now, let's see what everyone has been creating! 💕

WELCOME to the second week of the November 2026 "You're the Star" Blog Hop!

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WELCOME to CREATIVE feature week of the November 2026 "You're the STAR" blog hop!
Meet your CREATIVE week Hosts 

This week is CREATIVE feature week

Swing by the hosts' blogs:

Colleen @ Butterfly in the Attic

Michelle @ Moms Are Frugal

Lisa @ At Home With Lisa

Kris @ Kris and Larry . com

Angie @ God's Growing Garden

This is a month long Linky party featuring YOU!

There will be 4 different features each week and 4 different feature categories.  Just to be clear - this is NOT a themed party - you may link up ANY family-friendly blog posts any day of each month. 
The "theme" occurs in our weekly features:
WEEK#2 CREATIVE - arts & crafts, music, writing &/or dramatic arts (this can include sewing, yarn work, dance, art history, handmade jewelry, painting, computer art, fashion etc - anything creative while remaining family friendly)

 (These features were chosen from the October 2026 "You're the Star" blog hop)

Free Thanksgiving Place Card Printables by Carol on the Lake

Set Sail for Adventure with a Handmade Nautical Card by Amy's Creative Pursuits

MOD Headphones Crochet Sunflower by Road Gypsies

 Halloween Faves We Love by Our Grand Lives

If you've been featured then please grab a STAR button below:

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All Hosts/CoHosts will post this blog hop on every Monday of each week.
Please link up your family friendly blog posts below!
It wouldn't be a linky party with YOU!
(IMPORTANT NOTE: by linking up you understand that you might be featured next month and if so, we will use some of your photos from your post - rest assured - we will always link back to your lovely blog.  We might also share your fantastic posts on social media.  Also, you may link up as many family-friendly posts as you like & YES - other blog hops &/or giveaways are welcome {giveaways and blog hops will NOT be featured though}  Thank You & ENJOY! )

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You're the Star Blog Hop – November 2026 Garden Features

 Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Well, I'm running a little behind this week! This post was supposed to go up on Monday, but between my day job and getting everything ready for an art show this weekend, the days have just flown by. My apologies for being so late!

I've been busy preparing my handmade creations, organizing everything for the show, and trying to make sure I haven't forgotten anything. It's exciting, but there never seem to be enough hours in the day!

Before we get started with this week's You're the Star Blog Hop, I also want to invite you to stop by my Countdown to Christmas post from Sunday! We're celebrating the holiday season with wonderful handmade gifts, unique finds, and lots of inspiration from talented artists and small businesses. It's a great opportunity to discover something special while supporting independent creators.

Now, let's get back to our regularly scheduled fun!

Welcome to the first week of November's You're the Star Blog Hop! This week we're celebrating our GARDEN features, with wonderful ideas and inspiration shared by our blogging friends.

Thank you all for your patience and for joining us, even if I'm a couple of days late. I always enjoy seeing what everyone shares, and I can't wait to visit your posts!

Let's get this party started! 💕

WELCOME to the first week of the November 2026 "You're the Star" Blog Hop!

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WELCOME to GARDEN feature week of the November 2026 "You're the STAR" blog hop!

Meet all of your Hosts

This week is GARDEN feature week

Swing by the Hosts blogs:

Angie @ God's Growing Garden
Colleen @ Butterfly in the Attic

Michelle @ Moms Are Frugal

Lisa @ At Home With Lisa

Kris @ Kris and Larry . com

This is a month long Linky party featuring YOU!

There will be 4 different features each week and 4 different feature categories.  Just to be clear - this is NOT a themed party - you may link up ANY family-friendly blog posts any day of each month. 
The "theme" occurs in our weekly features:
WEEK#1 GARDEN - gardening, homesteading, recycling, outdoor activities &/or preserving (this can include any type of green living, repurposed ideas, outdoor concerns, posts relating to farm animals etc all while remaining family friendly)

(These features were chosen from the October 2026 "You're the Star" blog hop)

Ethel M Chocolates Botanical Cactus Garden by Blue Collar Travel Adventures

Caramel Apple Freezer Marmalade by Cindy's On-Line Recipe Box

Autumn Shows Us How Beautiful it is To Let Things Go by Amy's Creative Pursuits

Quick Pickled Beets & Eggs by Scratch Made Food

If you've been featured then please grab a STAR button below:

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All Hosts/CoHosts will post this blog hop on every Monday of each week.
Please link up your family friendly blog posts below!
It wouldn't be a linky party with YOU!
(IMPORTANT NOTE: by linking up you understand that you might be featured next month and if so, we will use some of your photos from your post - rest assured - we will always link back to your lovely blog.  We might also share your fantastic posts on social media.  Also, you may link up as many family-friendly posts as you like & YES - other blog hops &/or giveaways are welcome {giveaways and blog hops will NOT be featured though}  Thank You & ENJOY! )

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Countdown to Christmas 2026 – Week 7 Handmade Gifts & Creative Treasures | #BMECountdown

Happy November, and welcome to another week of our Countdown to Christmas celebration! 🎄

The holidays are getting closer, and I’m excited to share more wonderful finds from talented artists, makers, and small businesses. This week’s favorites include jewelry, handmade paper, festive accessories, creative gifts, and a little something for puzzle and crochet lovers, too!

Grab a cup of something cozy and enjoy this week’s favorites! Click any product title or the photo link to visit the maker’s listing.

1. Hanukkah Menorah Napkins

From Etsy

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with lovely menorah-themed napkins. A thoughtful choice for a festive Hanukkah table.

  Visit this favorite

2. Tropical Paradise Word Search Booklet

From Blue Morning Expressions

Take a little tropical escape with this handmade activity booklet featuring 25 word-search puzzles. A fun stocking stuffer for puzzle lovers.

Visit this favorite in the shop →

3. Handcrafted Red Agate Necklace with Copper Cross

From Blonde Peach Jewelry

Rich red agate and a copper cross come together in a distinctive handcrafted necklace.

Visit this favorite in the shop →

4. Watercolor Floral Vinyl Sticker Set

From Adore by Nat

A beautiful set of five watercolor-inspired floral vinyl stickers, perfect for journals, planners, and other creative projects.

Visit this favorite in the shop →

5. Natural Freshwater Pearl Jewelry

From Etsy

Classic freshwater pearls bring timeless charm to this jewelry find.

Visit this favorite in the shop →

6. Treble Clef Charm Bracelet

From Etsy

A musical little treasure! This treble clef charm bracelet is a sweet gift idea for music lovers.

Visit this favorite in the shop →

7. Naturally Coffee-Dyed Paper – 10 Sheets

From Butterfly in the Attic

Bring old-fashioned charm to your paper crafts with ten sheets of naturally coffee-dyed paper, ideal for junk journals and collage.

Visit this favorite in the shop →

8. University of South Florida Artwork

From Etsy

Celebrate the University of South Florida with a thoughtful art gift for alumni, students, or fans.

Visit this favorite in the shop →

9. Black and Fine Silver Handmade Lampwork Beads

From Covergirlbeads

Handmade black lampwork glass beads wrapped in fine silver with a beautiful glossy finish. A lovely find for jewelry makers.

Visit this favorite in the shop →

10. Crystal Beaded Dangle Keychain

From Etsy

A sparkling little accessory that adds personality to keys, bags, and holiday stockings.

Visit this favorite in the shop →

11. Penguin Christmas Earrings

From Shadow Dog Designs

These whimsical artisan earrings feature penguins wearing reindeer antlers, paired with red recycled-glass beads and Swarovski crystals.

Visit this favorite in the shop →

12. Animal Washcloth and Bath Mitt Crochet Patterns

From Christie Cottage

For the makers on your list: a downloadable PDF collection of eight animal-themed washcloth and bath mitt crochet patterns.

Visit this favorite in the shop →

What a wonderful collection of creative treasures! I hope you discovered a gift idea or a new favorite shop. Remember, every visit, kind comment, and share helps our small-business friends.

Join the #BMECountdown blog hop! Visit the other participating blogs for even more handmade Christmas inspiration, and be sure to share your own favorites along the way.

https://www.bluemorningexpressions.com/blogs/buy-handmade-from-makers/countdown-to-christmas-week-7-2026

Thank you for supporting handmade, and happy holiday shopping! 🎄🎁💕

You're the Star Blog Hop – October 2026 Week 4 | HOME Features

Happy Tuesday (sorry I am a bit late), and welcome to another wonderful week of the You're the Star Blog Hop!

Can you believe we're already wrapping up October? The month has flown by, and I hope you've been enjoying all the beautiful autumn colors, cozy decorating ideas, and seasonal inspiration.

This week is our HOME feature week, and we have some lovely posts to share! From delicious fall recipes to beautiful home decorating ideas, there's plenty of inspiration to explore.

But first, I'd love to share a little something from my blog before we get to this week's features.

A Wonderful Weekend at the Craft Show! 🍂🦋

Then be sure to scroll down, visit our featured bloggers, and add your own family-friendly posts to the linky party. We always enjoy seeing what everyone has been creating and sharing!

Wishing you a wonderful week filled with creativity and inspiration!

 

WELCOME to Week#4 of the October 2026 "You're the Star" Blog Hop!

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WELCOME to HOME feature week of the October 2026 "You're the STAR" blog hop!

Meet your hosts

This week is HOME feature week
Swing by the hosts' Blogs:

Lisa @ At Home With Lisa

Kris @ Kris and Larry . com

Angie @ God's Growing Garden

Colleen @ Butterfly in the Attic

Michelle @ Moms Are Frugal

This is a month long Linky party featuring YOU!

There will be 4 different features each week and 4 different feature categories.  Just to be clear - this is NOT a themed party - you may link up ANY family-friendly blog posts any day of each month. 
The "theme" occurs in our weekly features:
WEEK#4 HOME - recipes, home décor, antique/DIY &/or travel (this can include anything about your home - even history posts - all while remaining family friendly)

(All features were chosen from the September 2026 "You're the Star" blog hop)

Simply Grand Recipes - Apples, Apples, Apples! by Our Grand Lives

Autumn Elegance Living Room Hutch by Debbie-Dabble Blog

Saffron Seafood Paella with Chorizo by Esme Salon

Honey Apple Roasted Mini Pumpkins by Cindy's On-Line Recipe Box

If you've been featured then please grab a STAR button below:

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*********************

All Hosts/CoHosts will post this blog hop on every Monday of each week.

Please link up your family friendly blog posts below!

It wouldn't be a linky party with YOU!

(IMPORTANT NOTE: by linking up you understand that you might be featured next month and if so, we will use some of your photos from your post - rest assured - we will always link back to your lovely blog.  We might also share your fantastic posts on social media.  Also, you may link up as many family-friendly posts as you like & YES - other blog hops &/or giveaways are welcome {giveaways and blog hops will NOT be featured though}  Thank You & ENJOY! )

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