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!
