Countdown to Christmas 2026: Week 4 Handmade Favorites

Welcome back to another week of handmade discoveries! I always enjoy seeing the creativity that comes together for the Blue Morning Expressions Countdown to Christmas. This week I picked ten treasures that caught my eye, from jewelry and artwork to charming paper goods and thoughtful gifts.

Before we explore my favorites, be sure to visit Countdown to Christmas — Week 4 at Blue Morning Expressions for even more wonderful finds from independent makers.

Handcrafted Resin Rose

AudsCraftedCreations

A forever bloom with glass-like resin petals, made to order in your choice of colors.

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Brown Leather Leaf Clip-On Earrings

Blonde Peach Jewelry

Earthy brown leather leaves and warm gold-tone details make these a beautiful nature-inspired accessory.

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Silver Candy Cane Charm Earrings

Etsy artisan

These silver-tone candy cane earrings bring a little holiday sparkle with iridescent crystal accents.

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Nature Collected — Original Watercolor Art Journal in an Altered Tin

Butterfly In The Attic

From my own shop: a one-of-a-kind nature-inspired art journal tucked into an altered tin, filled with old-fashioned creative charm.

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Dragonflies Change Journal

Blue Morning Expressions

A cheerful 6 × 9 spiral-bound journal with a choice of lined pages or a to-do-list format.

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Vintage Bird Music Favor Tags

Adore By Nat

Beautifully layered vintage bird tags with sheet-music backgrounds—lovely for gifts, favors, and special packages.

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Blue Olive Winter Botanical Table Linens

LinorStore Designs

Soft blue olive branches and winter botanicals bring an elegant touch to a holiday table.

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Black Lava Rock and Red Lampwork Bracelet

Covergirlbeads

Bold red handmade lampwork beads, black lava stone, and sterling silver create a striking artisan bracelet.

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Historic Tampa Theatre Limited Edition Print

watercolorsNmore

A charming watercolor tribute to the historic Tampa Theatre, full of architectural character and nostalgia.

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Raven and Picture Jasper Necklace

Shadow Dog Designs

A detailed wood-burned raven pendant paired with earthy picture jasper and sterling silver.

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Thank you for spending a little time browsing these creative treasures with me. When you shop from artists and independent makers, you help keep wonderful handmade traditions alive. Happy holiday browsing!

With warm wishes,
Butterfly In The Attic 🦋

Countdown to Christmas Week 3 – A Few of My Handmade Favorites

Christmas is getting a little closer, and that means it’s time for Week 3 of the BME Countdown to Christmas!

Each week, Julie at Blue Morning Expressions brings together a wonderful assortment of handmade gifts and creations from independent artists and makers. I always enjoy wandering through the selections and choosing a few favorites of my own to share here.

There is quite a mix this week—whimsical snowmen, beautiful handmade jewelry, artwork, a little Christmas nostalgia, and even something for the cat lovers among us.

But first, be sure to visit Countdown to Christmas Week 3 at Blue Morning Expressions to see all of this week’s participating artists and handmade finds.

A Few of My Week 3 Favorites

⛄ These Little Snowmen Made Me Smile

I couldn't resist these cheerful handmade glass snowman earrings. Between their little hats, scarves, carrot noses, and colorful details, they have so much personality. They would be such a fun way to add a little Christmas whimsy to an outfit.

White Glass Snowman Artist Handmade Lampwork Earrings

🎅 A Little Santa Cheer

These dangling Santa earrings from Blonde Peach Jewelry immediately caught my eye. The rich Christmas red and green combined with those tiny Santas makes them wonderfully festive without losing that handmade charm.

Handcrafted Santa Claus Dangling Clip-On Earrings for Women

❄️ Snowmen & Winter Birds

Apparently snowmen are winning me over this week! I love the sweet artwork on these earrings from Shadow Dog Designs. The little snowmen and birds against the bright red background have such a cheerful winter feeling.

Snowmen & Birds Christmas Earrings from Shadow Dog Designs

🔔 A Little Christmas Bell

These delicate gold filigree bell earrings from The Singing Beader are simple, elegant and wonderfully festive. I especially like that they could easily be worn beyond Christmas, too. The tiny filigree bells hang from delicate chains and make a lovely understated holiday accessory. Etsy

Small Gold Filigree Bell Charm Earrings from The Singing Beader

🎨 A Splash of Color

These Caladium art cards are such a beautiful change of pace among all the traditional Christmas colors. The watercolor reproductions are full of brilliant reds, pinks, greens and blues and would be lovely for anyone who enjoys botanical artwork. Etsy

Caladium Art Cards by watercolorsNmore

🕎🎄 Love Lights the Season

I thought this personalized ornament was especially lovely because it celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas. The colorful lights surrounding the design make it feel cheerful and festive, while the personalization turns it into a keepsake.

Personalized Interfaith Christian & Jewish Ornament on Etsy

📓 For the Cat Lovers

This one just made me laugh: “I Work Hard So My Cats Can Have a Better Life.”

Any cat lover will understand! This 6 × 9 journal from Blue Morning Expressions would make a fun little gift, stocking stuffer, or notebook for that person whose cats clearly run the household. Blue Morning Expressions currently lists it among its trending journals. Writer's Gifts

I Work Hard So My Cat Has a Better Life Journal

❤️ Red, Black & Just a Little Sizzle

I love the striking contrast in this bracelet from Covergirlbeads. Charlotte combined handmade red lampwork beads with black lava rock, sterling silver beads and a sterling toggle clasp. It has a dramatic look that would be beautiful during the holidays but certainly isn't limited to Christmas. Covergirlbeads

Sizzling Black Lava Rock & Red Lampwork Bracelet from Covergirlbeads

🎅 A Bit of Christmas Nostalgia

Of course, I couldn't pass these by. These vintage-inspired Santa gift tags from Adore By Nat look as though they could have been tucked away in an old Christmas box for years. The set includes eight tags featuring that wonderfully nostalgic Santa illustration, already strung with ribbon. Adore By Nat Party Decorations

Vintage “A Happy Christmas to You” Santa Gift Tags from Adore By Nat

🦋 And One From My Attic...

I couldn't finish my favorites without slipping in one from Butterfly in the Attic.

My Christmas Glow Winter Woodland Mini Journal Ephemera Kit brings together soft winter colors, little bits of ribbon and fibers, journaling pieces and a coordinating pen. It's meant for someone who enjoys putting pen to paper and adding their own little creative touches along the way.

Christmas Glow Winter Woodland Mini Journal Ephemera Kit

Christmas Is Getting Closer...

One of my favorite things about the Countdown is seeing how completely different each maker's work can be. Jewelry, artwork, journals, paper treasures and little pieces of Christmas nostalgia all come together in one place.

And when we choose something handmade, we're giving more than the finished piece—we're supporting the artist or maker who dreamed it up and took the time to create it.

I hope you'll take a few minutes to wander through Week 3 of the BME Countdown to Christmas and perhaps discover a new artist or a special gift along the way.

And tell me—which of this week's finds would you put on your Christmas list? 🎄

Christmas Countdown Week 2 – A Few of My Handmade Favorites

Christmas shopping is always more fun when you can slow down and discover something made by an artist, photographer, designer, or independent maker. This week I’m joining the BME Countdown to Christmas again, and I’ve gathered a few of my favorites from Week 2.

There are so many wonderful things in this week’s collection that choosing favorites wasn’t easy! I found beautiful jewelry, original art, a little holiday humor, handmade glass, and gifts for people with all sorts of interests.

Be sure to visit the BME Countdown to Christmas – Week 2 when you’re finished here and explore all of the participating shops and makers.

2027 Orchid Wall Calendar

2027 Orchid Wall Calendar – Blue Morning Expressions

What a lovely way to enjoy flowers throughout the year. This wall calendar features original orchid photography, and I especially love the rich pink blossoms shown for January. A beautiful choice for a flower or garden lover—and a gift that can be enjoyed long after Christmas morning. Blue Morning Expressions currently lists the calendar among its featured products. Blue Morning Expressions

Handmade Red & Silver Lampwork Beads

Handmade Large Hole Red & Silver Lampwork Beads – Covergirlbeads

That deep glossy red immediately caught my eye. These handmade glass lampwork beads have such a dramatic combination of red, silver and sparkle. They would make a wonderful gift for a jewelry maker or bead collector—or perhaps become part of a very special handmade gift of your own.

Sterling Silver Bass Clef Necklace

Sterling Silver Bass Clef Necklace

I couldn't pass this one by. The simple sterling silver bass clef makes this such a distinctive little piece for a musician, music teacher, performer, or anyone whose life has always had a soundtrack. I love gifts that quietly say, I know what you love.

Blue & White Porcelain-Style Enamel Earrings

Blue & White Porcelain-Style Enamel Clip-On Drop Earrings – Blonde Peach Jewelry

These are so pretty! The blue-and-white enamel immediately reminded me of collected porcelain and old china. The cascading flowers make them wonderfully feminine, while the strong blue pattern gives them just enough drama to stand out.

Historic Tampa Theatre Watercolor

Historic Tampa Theatre Limited Edition Watercolor Print

There is something wonderful about artwork that preserves a place and its history. This watercolor of the historic Tampa Theatre caught my attention with its wonderful architecture, old marquee and Florida palms. A particularly thoughtful find for someone who loves historic buildings, theatres, Florida, or art inspired by meaningful places.

Nature Collected – Original Watercolor Art Journal in an Altered Tin

Nature Collected – One-of-a-Kind Original Watercolor Art Journal in an Altered Tin

I had to include one of my own creations among this week's favorites. Nature Collected is a one-of-a-kind little art journal housed inside an altered tin. Its worn, timeworn-looking surface, tiny flowers and old-fashioned label give it the feeling of a small treasure that might have been tucked away in a drawer and rediscovered years later.

This is very much the sort of piece I love creating for Butterfly in the Attic—something meant to feel collected, personal and just a little mysterious.

“Oy to the World” Chanukah Tea Towel

Chanukah Holidays “Oy to the World” Tea Towel

This one simply made me smile. “Oy to the World” paired with those cheerful illustrated characters is such a fun bit of holiday humor. It would make a playful kitchen addition or a lighthearted Chanukah gift. “Oy to the World” holiday kitchen towels are also a recognizable handmade-market theme. Etsy

Dog Paw Prints Heart Earrings

Dog Paw Prints Heart Earrings – Shadow Dog Designs

And how could I resist these? The black faceted beads, warm copper tones and little paw-print heart charms make such a sweet combination for a dog lover.

There is an even more meaningful story behind this particular shop: Shadow Dog Designs says that half the purchase price of pieces in its dog/cat rescue jewelry collection is donated to an animal rescue group. Shadow Dog Designs That makes these an especially lovely gift for someone whose heart belongs to animals.

There’s Much More to Discover

These are only a handful of the wonderful finds shared for Week 2 of the BME Countdown to Christmas. One of my favorite things about these events is discovering items I probably would never find while wandering through the enormous online marketplaces.

Buying from artists, photographers, designers and independent makers also gives us the chance to choose gifts with a story behind them—something created or selected by an actual person rather than simply pulled from a warehouse shelf.

So pour yourself something warm, settle in for a little Christmas browsing, and visit the BME Countdown to Christmas – Week 2 to see what else you can discover.

And if you find a favorite of your own, I’d love to hear what caught your eye.

Happy handmade holiday shopping!