Whatever Holiday Shopping Guide 2014, Day Three: Arts, Crafts, Music and More

Posted on December 3, 2014    Posted by      110 Comments


The Whatever Holiday Shopping Guide 2014 continues, and today we move away from books and focus on other gifts and crafts — which you can take to mean just about any other sort of thing a creative person might make: Music, art, knitting, jewelry, artisan foodstuffs and so on. These can be great, unique gifts for special folks in your life, and things you can’t just get down at the mall. I hope you see some cool stuff here.

Please note that the comment thread today is only for creators to post about their gifts for sale; please do not leave other comments, as they will be snipped out to keep the thread from getting cluttered. Thanks!

Creators: Here’s how to post in this thread. Please follow these directions!

1. Creators (of things other than books) only. This is an intentionally expansive category, so if you’ve made something and have it available for the public to try or buy, you can probably post about in this thread. The exception to this is books (including comics and graphic novels), which have two previously existing threads, one for traditionally-published works and one for non-traditionally published works (Note: if you are an author and also create other stuff, you may promote that other stuff today). Don’t post if you are not the creator of the thing you want to promote, please.

2. Personally-created and completed works only. This thread is specifically for artists and creators who are making their own unique works. Mass-produceable things like CDs, buttons or T-shirts are acceptable if you’ve personally created what’s on it. But please don’t use this thread for things that were created by others, which you happen to sell. Likewise, do not post about works in progress, even if you’re posting them publicly elsewhere. Remember that this is supposed to be a gift guide, and that these are things meant to be given to other people. Also, don’t just promote yourself unless you have something to sell or provide, that others may give as a gift.

3. One post per creator. In that post, you can list whatever creations of yours you like, but allow me to suggest you focus on your most recent creation. Note also that the majority of Whatever’s readership is in the US/Canada, so I suggest focusing on things available in North America.

4. Keep your description of your work brief (there will be a lot of posts, I’m guessing) and entertaining. Imagine the person is in front of you as you tell them about your work and is interested but easily distracted.

5. You may include a link to a sales site if you like by using standard HTML link scripting. Be warned that if you include too many links (typically three or more) your post may get sent to the moderating queue. If this happens, don’t panic: I’ll be going in through the day to release moderated posts. Note that posts will occasionally go into the moderation queue semi-randomly; Don’t panic about that either.

6. As noted above, comment posts that are not from creators promoting their work as specified above will be deleted, in order to keep the comment thread useful for people looking to find interesting work.

Now: Tell us about your stuff!

Category: Uncategorized    

110 Comments on “Whatever Holiday Shopping Guide 2014, Day Three: Arts, Crafts, Music and More”

  2. Hi, I’ve been drawing fantasy all my life, stringing beads for 30 years and making them nearly 20. I specialize in hollow lampwork (glass) beads, and jewelry incorporating them. See a few things for sale at my etsy shop, https://www.etsy.com/shop/rejiquar?ref=shop_sugg or just browse my website, rejiquar.com for all sorts of bead and textile type goodies. I love doing commissions, but anything complicated may not get done by the holidays, —Thanks, sylvus tarn.

  3. http://www.BagChemistry.com

    COOL MESSENGER BAGS, TOTES, and BACKPACKS for Interesting People*. All eco-friendly, heavy cotton canvas, unstructured and printed with original high quality colorful designs.

    This year, you can build your own bag in the “Bag Lab”. Pick from 100+ designs and 20+ bag styles and colors. See your custom bag immediately. Buy it, and I’ll ship it in 2-3 days.

    *men, women, kids, readers, students, adventurers, superheroes, lovers, fighters, zombies, monsters, aliens, geeks, and nerds of all species.

  5. I’m Elise Matthesen and I make shinies. Specifically, I make one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces with names.

    They’re all at http://elisem.livejournal.com/1869278.html , where you will find an ever-growing pile of new shinies, plus a treasure heap of older shinies on temporary markdown.

    Testimonials available upon request. (Neil Gaiman has said, “Elise Matthesen is my favourite jewellery maker,” which was very sweet of him.)

    Anyhow, if you like quirky handmade shiny things, or if you’d like to get somebody a present of a Beads of the Month package, come check it out, yah? Thanks!

    (Note: Sometimes people get inspired by the shinies to write things. This has resulted in a lot of good stuff to read by various folks like Jo Walton, Elizabeth Bear, Ruthanna Emrys, and other folks, plus a delightfully odd World Fantasy Award nomination for me. If you’d like to see some of what people have written, go to http://elisem.livejournal.com/1858916.html)

    (Why yes, yes I do like parentheses. Also dinosaur bones and druzy and nifty lampwork glass. If I can figure out how to make earrings out of parentheses, I’ll probably do it.)

  7. “September” is the first EP by Flux Forteana, and the first with my imprint as executive producer on the Reviver Records label. Fronted by former Coheed & Cambria bassist Michael Todd (guitar, vocals), Flux Forteana’s songs convey a variety of life vignettes and range from rock/folk to gospel-inspired with upright bass and densely layered vocals. It’s available on iTunes http://bit.ly/1o8EZ4g and amazon.com http://amzn.to/UYnQxk

  8. Looking for the perfect gift for your favorite adventurer, explorer, pirate, sailor, or fantasy fan? I make hand-drawn ink and watercolor fantasy maps, treasure maps, alphabet maps, illustrations of steampunk submarines and sailing ships, and related art and offer both originals and archival prints, from tiny framed art (perfect for stocking stuffers) to larger prints and originals.

    http://www.interimaginational.com

  9. Really unique jewelry that’s surprisingly affordable! Organic hand-forged shapes to elegant and classy pendants. I think many of you will really like these things.
    Plus! a 20% discount to Whatever readers with coupon code “Whatever”

    http://etsy.com/shop/williamaarons

    Thanks to everyone who visits and a big, huge thanks to my favorite Gamma Rabbit. Love you, John!

  10. Hello! I have a variety of prints and original paintings available, as well as several sets of hand-painted nesting dolls. I’ll link two sets that might be of particular interest to Whatever readers, but please do browse the rest of the shop!

    For fans of outer space: Planet Women
    For the Ghlaghghee Fan Club: Cats with Eyewear

    Thanks for looking!

  12. I make art. Specifically paintings and drawings in various media. My artworks can be viewed via this link on http://www.saatchiart.com/account/artworks/47485, complete with prices, sizes, and all that good stuff, I even have one that’s available as prints, the one entitled Aventine Wedding.

    I like looking at people’s stories, and that’s what I do in my art. You might see something in of of the paintings or drawings that relates to you, or not. Or you might just like what you see, and think it would look well in your home. Here’s the thing: I don’t know if I’m an ‘investment’, and quite honestly, I couldn’t give a flying fanny. I like to paint, tell stories, read stories, draw, imagine, speculate, all that good stuff. If you enjoy that kind of thing, and see something that resonates, and you realise you love it, then buy some art. Don’t buy a thing to be an ‘investment’. You have to live with it. Buy a story you can live with.

  13. Fabric home goods handmade by a geek (me) for geeks and geek allies. Some of it mainstream, some based on SF/F, like “social justice [class]” cross stitch wall art or hot pink Tardis-inspired sachets. Lots of bright colors to fight the winter gloom.

    Also supporting my fellow geeky women by donating a portion of the proceeds to organizations working to encourage a more positive attitude towards women.

    See the Playfully Grownup Home website for more info; shop at Etsy.

    Thanks for reading, and thank you, John, for hosting!

  14. My baseball park posters were featured in the recently published book, “America’s Best Infographics of 2014.” It’s a cool book, and you should check it out. BUT! Prints of the posters (which are equal parts nifty abstract art and swell graphic design) can be had here: http://jeremyhuggins.com/parks.htm

    Also, here’s a logo for Christmas FOR FREE because I like you all so, so much. Grab it and use it for whatever you want, but please don’t be a jerk and sell it or put it on something and then sell THAT. Don’t spoil it for everyone. http://jeremyhuggins.com/temp/xmas.png

    Thanks John!

  16. I transform tins from mints and tea and the like from disposable objects to fannish, arty containers: great for dice, jewelry, widgets, fiddly bits. You decide. Besides tins, I make ornaments/magnets and flasks. Themes include superheroes, TFIOS and Paper Towns homages, Cthulhu, Harry Potter, Doctor Who, pirates, steampunk, Star Trek, Star Wars (I’ll stop now)…. My store is petite right now, but growing after a long hiatus. You’re welcome to message me with a request if you don’t see your particular passion represented.
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/CosmosCuriosities?ref=hdr_shop_menu

  18. In addition to writing fiction, I also develop Mac and iOS apps. This year I’ve created three new ones.

    If you collect orchids, or cacti and other succulents, there’s Orchid Album and Cactus Album. Both apps are available for iOS, and both apps allow you to track watering and create log entries, in addition to all the relevant details of the plants themselves.

    For the gamers, there’s the world’s best and only flying jackalope game, Flapalope, available on Mac and iOS. This is my first game, and I think it turned out pretty well.

    I also have apps for artists and art collectors (Artwork Tracker, on Mac and iOS), writers (Story Tracker, on Mac and iOS, and soon on PC), and bonsai enthusiasts (Bonsai Album, also on Mac and iOS, and soon on PC).

    You can find more information and App Store links on my website: http://andrewnicolle.com

    Thanks for the opportunity to plug my work, John!

  20. Consider these two unique CDs as gifts:

    DRAGON’S BLOOD: A RADIO PLAY & MUSICAL — This 2-CD set contains a 2-hour, soft-rock musical in the form of a radio play. There are 24 song tracks alternating with dialog tracks. I wrote and produced this musical, which is about a conflict between a father vampire and son vampire over the affections of a human woman. It contains 7 characters, 4 locations and 8 scenes. To hear samples and/or purchase: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/michaeldyer10

    CHRISTMAS COMES JUST ONCE A YEAR — Are you tired of all those standard, Xmas and New Year songs? If so, then consider this CD. It contains 10 original yuletide songs and 2 New Year songs (in soft-rock style) that I wrote and produced. CD (or download) available at: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/michaeldyer7

    (I would love to see/hear you cover these songs on youtube. If you do so, please let me know so I can enjoy your performance; especially if you have kids, I would love to see/hear your kids covering “Santa, Ya Little Troll”, “Snow Flake Dog”, “Do the Xmas Rip” or other tracks :-)

  21. Have also browsed the links of the people in front of me. Wow. All I do is paint. Some beautiful work there.

  22. Wandering_Mail.storenvy.com

    I make the Chainmail shiny things…not just the bracelets and necklaces, but over 60 Dragons (necklace/sculpture) this year. I make fully functional chainmail dice, D6 and D8, one layer at a time, out of plain aluminum with anodized colored links for the pips, and as far as I know I am the only one doing that. I accept custom orders, but don’t armor people, as it takes too @#$% long ( my t-shirt took 1000 hours, and I am not doing that again! )

    Thanks to John for doing this again! Our culture seems so destructive, but it is great to see the wide variety of creative people creating instead!!!

  23. Murder Ballads, the acoustic duo consisting of Adam Fromm (me) and Catt Kingsgrave (not me) just released our debut album Pretty in Scarlet, a collection of originals, traditional music, and left-field covers ranging from Dave Carter to Sisters of Mercy. The project came together over a year’s worth of recording sessions (bands separated by a three-hour drive: enter with caution), but ye gods, was it worth it. Along the way we enlisted the talents of such amazing folks as Pegasus Award-winners S.J. Tucker, Heather Dale and Ben Deschamps, along with Marnen Laibow-Koser (formerly of Blackmore’s Night), Matt Young (Traveller Song), and our producer Joel Lord.

    The physical CD is currently being pressed, and we’re working on getting pre-orders going on those, but in the meantime you can purchase a digital copy of Pretty in Scarlet at http://murderballads.bandcamp.com (listenin’ don’t cost nuthin’, so feel free to pop on by and give it a spin!), or track our comings and goings at http://murder-ballads.com.

    Thanks for being perpetually wonderful, John, and for bringing back the holiday guides! Hope all’s well with you and yours.

  26. I designed a kids’ game, Munchkin Treasure Hunt, published by Steve Jackson Games. It’s loosely based on the Munchkin card game but doesn’t require any knowledge of that game to play. Run around a dungeon, beating up monsters and taking their treasures. Whoever has the most gold when the treasure runs out is the winner!

    Spoiler alert for parents: This game teaches rudimentary addition and comparison of two numbers. And it includes rules for helping other players, so you can step in when your kids get in over their heads.

    You can buy Munchkin Treasure Hunt at most Toys”R”Us stores or order it online.

  27. Thank you for this chance to promote my work!

    Some of you will have seen me previously at cons around Texas and the Southeast, or at Worldcons — I was at Denvention and Renovation and Lonestarcon 3, and at Detcon1 this year.

    I make beaded jewelry using mostly stone, glass, and organic materials (pearls/shell, bone, amber, jet, etc.) with sterling silver and gold-filled accents. I also have inexpensive sterling silver earrings and pendants targeted to a geeky crowd — fairies, computers, and rockets, oh my! I venture into fiber arts as well, with hand-braided Japanese-style kumihimo cords used in pendants and bracelets.

    See these things and more at my website: Starcat Designs

    My prices range from $15 to $400, but the vast majority of items are in the $20-to-$150 range. Orders of $125 or more get free shipping. Thru December 19, you can also get free shipping via USPS on smaller orders by entering the coupon code WHATEVER14.

    NOTE 1: My website says I ship to the US and Canada only, but that’s because so many international “orders” for jewelry artists are scams. I trust the people here; if you live outside the US, send me a message via the website (mention this post) and we’ll work something out.

    NOTE 2: I had outpatient surgery on Tuesday, so responses may be slow for a few days.

  29. Instant Attitudes makes and sells T-shirts and bumper stickers designed to appeal to a geeky and educated audience. Some of you will have seen us at cons around the US. Examples:
    – Knowledge is Power; Power Corrupts; Study Hard; Be Evil
    – A mind needs books like a knife needs a whetstone, to maintain its edge.
    – Instant Zombie – just add morning!
    – I have NOT lost my mind – it’s backed up on the server! (And the network is down again.)
    – Steampunk means never having to ask, “Is this period?”
    – Alcohol and calculus don’t mix. Never drink and derive.
    – You don’t need to look at my chest. These aren’t the breasts you’re looking for. Move along.
    – Belief is no substitute for knowledge.

    T-shirt price is $19 plus shipping for sizes S-XL; 2X and up slightly more (reflecting the price difference of the blank shirts). Sizes up to 5X are regularly available, and 6X is available by special order.

    Bumper sticker prices start at $2.50, with price breaks at 3, 12, and 20 stickers. We sometimes get orders in which it’s clear that the whole office, or the whole gaming group, has gone in on an order to get the bulk pricing.

    The payment structure is… a little antiquated. There’s no shopping cart, although there are PayPal purchase buttons on the T-shirts. For bumper stickers, we advise sending an e-mail with the list of what you want so that we can check availability; then we’ll send you a total price with shipping and a PayPal link; we also accept checks and money orders by mail. If you live outside the US, please contact us about any order before sending payment — international shipping costs are wildly variable.

  30. I’m a photographer who gets up close and personal with things. My work tends to the abstract with a good dose of botanicals. I have some limited edition prints available, and I would be honored to sell them to you! You can check them out at http://mkt.com/barbara-tozier

    Thanks, John, for the opportunity!

  32. Bookmarks fit for an Empress / Fairy Queen / Mermaid:
    (okay, I know books don’t hold up under water, but look!)

    http://www.dreamspell.net/crafts/
    / /

    These are all hand-sewn and beaded (by me) using ribbons and including fine materials such as f.w. pearls and semi-precious stones. Plus I offer other cool stuff if you check out links on the Home page.

  34. Hello! I’m the co-author of 5150: Star Navy, a miniatures game of spaceship combat. It’s published by Two Hour Wargames and designed for quick play, with a large number of minis on the table. There’s rules for campaigns and it can be used for solo play as well. Great for the tabletop gamer or science fiction fan on your gift list. Purchase Star Navy here.

  36. Greetings geeks!
    Last month I quit my cubicle job and have started making things full time. It’s very scary, but exciting. My Dad has been in screen printing since I was a little kid so I’ve been doing this for over 25 years. About 5 years ago I started making designs that are really ME. I guess you could describe me as a whovian, but I might be more of a wholigan.
    We are all geeks about something. These are the designs that represent things I love. Please use the coupon code BADGANDALF for 20% off your order.

    We are all bigger on the inside.
    Love,
    Geekiana (Leann)

  37. I make teething and nursing necklaces! They make great gifts for new moms and grandmas (really any female baby care giver). They’re a great distraction for baby when nursing or bottle feeding. These necklaces provide soothing teething relief for baby.
    Several patterns available for sale at:
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSimpleStitchAZ

  39. Hand struck copper, brass, and bronze buttons from antique and modern dies. Hand made cloaks, bags, and whatever else trouble I can make instagram.com/makeitbetony

  40. I sell jewelry (earrings, pendants, cuff links) made from found and repurposed objects such as old transit tokens and keys. The style isn’t exactly steampunk, but it would go well with that type of aesthetic.

    My work came out of LARP costuming, and I like to think of it as P-Poc finery.

    https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheFloatingMarket

    I also sell photography, though that Etsy shop is currently empty. (The Etsy marketplace is way, way too flooded with photography to make a regular go of it.) However, if you like my style and would be interested in seeing what I have available you can see it here and contact me via The Floating Market:

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/irvingplace/sets/72157625108049152/

    Thanks for the space, John!

  41. My name is Heather Fay. I’m a musician, a songwriter and a mama. My new album “Cherish The Broken” (available on my website, iTunes & GooglePlay) is an americana/folky/bluegrassy mix of goodness! Take a listen and pick up a copy if you enjoy what you hear! Thank you for supporting indie music! – http://www.heatherfay.com

  45. I am a professional photographer and graphic designer who, earlier this year, released – with the help of some amazing supporters – a custom deck of playing cards featuring my black and white photography on the faces and an award winning design on the back! You can find out more here:

    http://paulmichaelkanephotography.zenfolio.com/blog/2014/10/foto-grafis-now-available-online

    Have a terrific – and safe – holiday season and thank you for your consideration!

    -pmk

  48. Artist+Attitude= ArtitudeTees My name is Sue Seeger and I make metal sculptures, have commandeered 1/2 the garage for a screen printing shop where i make other coolnesses, and my evil plan to monopolize the rest of the house with jewelry making supplies etc is going swimmingly too. Check http://artitudetees.bigcartel.com to see what’s up.

  49. Greetings Whateverers!

    Do you spin, felt, knit or weave? Do you have friends and relatives who do? Or are you just looking to buy a charming, handmade scarf, hat, or shawl for a loved one this holiday?

    Then you’re in luck because my Etsy store Russell Creek Fibers provides 100% natural fleeces, roving, yarn and apparel. Now it’s easy to buy the best quality natural fiber, direct from our animals!

    https://www.etsy.com/shop/RussellCreekFibers

    Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, our farm is 100% organic. One touch and you’ll never use synthetic or store-bought fiber again.

    All of our animals are raised in the natural environment with a lot of love. Right now our farm includes Clun Forest, Corriedale, and Shetland sheep, Angora goats, and Huacaya alpacas.

    I have been spinning fiber and teaching the art and craft of fiber for over 25 years. I am happy to do custom orders, just ask!

    Happy Holidays!
    Janet

    P.S. – I’ll be re-stocking sold out items all week, so check back or let me know if you don’t see what you’re looking for!

  50. Parachute cord crafts, supporting wildlife rehabilitation. Items include dog collars, leashes, duck call lanyards, belts, bracelets, necklaces, and whatever else strikes someone’s fancy. If you don’t see it, drop a line and we’ll see if I can make it.

    This hobby turned into a side business to support my wife’s avocation of rehabbing wild animals. We go through a lot of squirrel food in a year, I tell you what!

    http://etsy.com/KARECrafts

  51. Dear Folks,

    I’m having a special sale, through Boxing Day, on five of my photographic prints, at $125-$175 off their normal prices (that’s 30-50% off). It’s a rare opportunity for buyers; I happen to have extra prints from a sale a few years back. Supplies are limited to stock on hand.

    You can see what I’m offering and get the ordering details here:

    http://ctein.com/Ctein_Xmas_Sale.html

    Click on the thumbnails to see full-screen images of the photographs.**

    US orders placed by December 15 will be delivered before Xmas. (I do ship internationally, just can’t guarantee delivery times– even with Priority Mail it varies unpredictably from 10 days to 2 months.)

    pax / Ctein

    [**Not-so-by-the-way, I don’t watermark or deface my online images– you’re free to download them for your personal enjoyment (e.g., screensavers or desktops) so long as you don’t pass them on to anyone else or republish or distribute them in any form. Enjoy!]

  52. I’m a New York City artist working in the entertainment industry, currently as the Art Director for the documentary feature #TheBoingHeardRoundTheWorld, The Story of UPA. I’m immersed in mid-century, modern art and my artwork reflects these studies. I strive to provide an accurate depiction of the whimsy and striking designs that animation and advertising art employed during the early to mid 1960’s

    G.Allen Black

    While my original canvas paintings are priced out of some people’s reach, I’ve made those paintings available on RedBubble as a way to provide more affordable access to my artwork. I’ve ordered everything on RedBubble myself to insure quality and I can tell you I was not disappointed. Please take a look this holiday season and see if there is anything, or anyone you might want delivered to your door. Happy Holidays!

  53. I own Shire Post Mint, fantasy coins. We make real struck-metal coins for fictional or fantasy places using traditional methods and antique equipment. We license with best-selling authors to make the coins FROM their make-believe worlds. We make the coins from such places as George R.R. Martin’s A GAME OF THRONES, Robert Jordan’s THE WHEEL OF TIME, Robert E. Howard’s CONAN THE BARBARIAN, and Patrick Rothfuss’ THE KINGKILLER CHRONICLE, among others. In addtion to “coins” we also make other metal objects that are created by similar techniques… so clothing buttons for couture or costuming, badges, pins, pendants, escutcheons, knobs, and pulls. The newest product for this Yuletide season is the Chocolate Coin fo the Faceless Man!

    Please stop by and check us out if you get the chance. We even have a special page showing our workshop and how we create custom fantasy coins. http://www.shirepost.com/wp/us/
    Have fun! Tom

  55. Hello, all! Frequent lurker, very occasional commenter Ealasaid Haas here – I’m The Book Roadie.

    Check out my Etsy shop for blank books and journals in two sizes (standard and pocket). I hand-bind these using traditional methods,so they are built to LAST. They’re also bound using archival-quality materials and lovely materials, so they’ll last forever and look great too.

    For more information on my methods, check out my main site: The Book Roadie (where I offer other book-related services, including custom-designed blank books)

  57. My wife makes and sells handmade ceramics. She throws on the wheel (in our kitchen) and then glazes them herself, though I have been known to help. She makes mugs, bowls, yarn bowls, candle holders, teapots, spoon rests, salt and pepper shakers, pet dishes, plates, etc.

    You can check out her shop here https://www.etsy.com/shop/mjrprod

    If you see an item you like, but a color you like more, she is more than happy to do custom orders, and she’s got slots open so you can get them before Christmas. She’s got about fifty new pieces that’ll be going up on the website tonight and tomorrow, and we’d love it if you took a look.

  58. Hi there! I’m an illustrator specializing in unique illustrated playing card decks, coins and even have a book available. The decks and coins make great stocking stuffers! You can check out my products on my website .

  62. Cake decorated pottery! We make pottery that is totally functional and amazingly lovely. We use a fine porcelain and throw the pieces on a potter’s wheel, and then decorate them using cake decorating techniques (imagine an actual pastry bag and all the different metal tips, but instead of buttery frosting we use clay). Each bowl, cup or vase feels great and looks elegant—this is art that you are meant to use and enjoy!
    http://www.etsy.com/shop/jampdx

  63. I make geeky embroidery! From stuff to hang on your wall, to earrings, pins, and bookmarks. I also have cross stitch patterns if you want to make something yourself. I do a lot of Lord of the Rings and Doctor who, but there are a number of other things there as well. I also take commissions, although at this point in the year I might not be able to make a commission in time for Christmas. You can always ask, though!

    http://www.etsy.com/shop/daleksteahouse

  67. I’m a composer of silk cord, gemstones, pearls, crystals, precious metals, glass, and yarn. Handmade lampworked glass beads, silk cord, silver charms, bamboo fiber and baby alpaca yarn are the notes in my music. Colors and textures are the melody and harmony. The music I compose is fine jewelry and crochet accessories created with a sense of joy. My beaded ornaments are popular this time of year and I’m happy to customize colors https://www.etsy.com/listing/200503236/custom-beaded-ornament-you-choose-size

    Thank you for looking and for supporting Artists and Creators and small businesses!
    http://RocksMapsandCrafts.etsy.com

  70. I fiddle and sing in a midwestern US “Celtic roots” band called Nutshell. Possibly the only such band that includes a sitar (hey, it works for us!). We appear regularly at the Water Hill Festival, Hollerfest, and other southeast Michigan indie/folkie venues.

    We haven’t played the release concert yet, but you can get our new album now! “Mixed” includes songs traditional and recent, many with four-part harmony, and high-energy instrumentals, sometimes on the same track. Available as a CD and as downloads. Ordering links are on our website. If you’re in southeast Michigan, you can also ask to get on our email list for notices of upcoming performances.

    Thanks, John, for providing this forum, and all the creators upthread for the gift-giving ideas!

  73. Hello,

    I’m a textile artist who makes wearable art: scarves, hair clips, brooches, and headbands. My work is inspired by nature with a bit of faerie enchantment. I aim to design beautiful and unusual things made out of the best materials and with a high degree of care and skill. Some of my most popular items are my free motion embroidered leaf scarves, and my embroidered moth brooches. Right now you can get free shipping for any item using the coupon HOLIDAYSHIPPING in the checkout.

    https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheFaerieMarket

    Thank you so much, John!

    Betsie

  76. I’m going to take a deep breath and stick my neck out…

    Hello, out there, and happy holidays! I draw ink-and-watercolor fantasy maps. I have a small selection of them available here as high-res art prints. My favorite is Zarmina, a relatively plausible conception of an exoplanet tidally locked to its red dwarf star. My own web site has expanded descriptions about many of the maps.

  84. I make crocheted dragons and griffins and flying pigs and stuff. Don’t like paying $10 for every hour I worked? You can buy the pattern so you can make it yourself! (Or bribe a friend or loved one or even an enemy to make it for you.) Check it out at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HookedOnAnime Like what you see but don’t see exactly what you want? I also take commissions!

    Can’t even afford a pattern? No problem! Check out my fannish crochet site, with ALL FREE patterns of some of your favorite characters, including Charizard, and Jig the Goblin! http://hooked-on-anime.dreamwidth.org/ Donations are appreciated, but not required. It’s also the home of the ORIGINAL My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic crochet pattern: http://hooked-on-anime.dreamwidth.org/6139.html

  86. Hello!
    I make… stuff. Stuff to put on your head, stuff to pin to your jacket, stuff that’s pretty to look at. I specialise in making things out of scraps and leftovers, so each thing is unique. I also do some 2D artwork, primarily in watercolour. My Etsy shop (linked below) will be updated with more stuff within the next couple of weeks, so be sure to check back later!

    https://www.etsy.com/shop/DeliciousVersatility

  87. I make geeky stuffies (currently steampunk-costumed mice and Schrodinger’s-Cat-In-A-Box), handcrafted jewelry, and anime and fantasy art! You can find jewelry, stuffies, art prints and originals on my Etsy Shop:

    http://bewildered.etsy.com

    And more art prints (because I don’t list them all) on my webpage:

    http://www.bewilderedart.com

    (I also have another Etsy shop for pinup art, NSFW art, anime catgirls, furry art, and some manga pages. Don’t want to overload on links though, so just look for wildehome on Etsy if that’s your thing!)

  93. Hello! I’m Sami and I make geeky-themed nail polish! Like X-Files? Firefly? Various Marvel movies? Have a yen for genre-themed nails? Been looking for some sciency-polishes? I’ve got over 200 now! Come see! And there’ll be more before the end of this month!

  97. Good evening!

    My name is Casey Blandford and I frequent this site often, but rarely comment. I appreciate Mr. Scalzi allowing us to advertise on his site during this season.

    I am an artist currently working in the southeast US. My artwork runs the gamut from surreal paintings and steampunk drawings to vector portraiture and comics.

    I have original artwork and prints for sale at my etsy page here:

    https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtOfCaseyBlandford?ref=l2-shopheader-name

    You can also view some of my Adobe Illustrator work at my website:

    http://caseyblandford.com/vector/

    I am available for commission! If you are interested, feel free to e-mail me at caseyj [dot] blandford [at] gmail [dot] com

  100. Creepy cute whimsical original wall art, illustrations and stuffed toys and dolls. Many of them are girls or children in animal/monster suits with hoodies, monsters, stuffed animals and or dolls. I create in a variety of mediums from wall art to stuffed animals. Style is somewhat Kawaii. Acrylic Paintings, mixed media on wooden plaques, watercolor paintings & yarn paintings.

    Visit my Etsy shop http://www.pabkins.etsy.com

    Daily art updates of new upcoming items on http://instagram.com/pabkins

  101. Are you a knitter? Do you like pirates? Then Dread Pirate Roberts’ Favourite Winter hat might be something for you.

    It’s a knitting pattern for a no-swatch hat with Jolly Roger motifs on the brim. Or you can use the motifs for any other thing knit in the round. The pattern is printed in full colour, with picture instructions for the more interesting stitches, and of course I ship internationally.

    You can get the pattern here:
    http://tinyurl.com/pirateroberts

    or check it out on Ravelry:
    http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dread-pirate-roberts-favourite-winter-hat

  102. I’m hawking an “angry boy and guitar” singer-songwriter whose would be here but he’s on his fifth European tour. (He left me a freezer full of spaghetti sauce so I won’t starve; this is me trying to give back.) His latest review featured the comment: “I believe there’s a detached and disgruntled audience just waiting for [Rainstick Cowbell] to arrive.”

    Needless to say, it’s hard to track down those detached folk, so I’m wondering if they might be here. Writers will appreciate the lyrics, I think, and musicians will dig the guitar, so something for everyone? http://rainstickcowbell.com/

    Thanks again, Mr. Scalzi, for giving us a place to share our art.

  103. For the Love of Links

    Chainmail Jewelry for ALL THE PEOPLE!

    Find yourself something worth wearing and send me a message. Commissions are encouraged

  105. It’s a soundtrack album for the _Free Court of Seattle_ fantasy novel series! We’ve been working on it for over a year. The first single is OUT! Samples of the core songs are up on Bandcamp, and the whole thing is preorderable. We’re very excited. \o/ \o/ ^_^

    http://music.crimeandtheforcesofevil.com/album/bone-walker-the-free-court-of-seattle-ost

    We have several guests on this album – particularly fiddlers, it’s heavily Celtic-influenced – including Alexander James Adams, Sarah Kellington, Sunnie Larsen, Ellen Eades, and Leannan Sidhe.

    Listening is free, so give it a shot! :D

  107. A couple of books (well, one book, and a trilogy) written by a friend of mine:

    Qualia is a story about the coming Apocalypse (the biblical one) where things aren’t quite what they seem with the angels getting the troops onside, Hell not being what it once was, and God is currently MIA. It’s also darkly funny (in the English style) and almost certainly considered blasphemous, especially about sheep. For some reason it’s only $0.99 on Kindle, dead tree versions are also available.

    http://amzn.com/1909624748

    Marie also wrote a trilogy about life changes that come along when you’re running a successful small business and the only customer stiffs you out of $80k. So she and her family did the logical thing, which is sell the house and move five people onto a barely floating narrowboat (7 feet wide, 70 feet long, goes on a canal) and proceed to be a hazard to navigation, life, limb and sanity. More funny than the above, and I’m not in it, fortunately.

    Interview with her is here:

    http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Cambridge-author-Marie-Browne-life-aboard-narrowboat/story-22822034-detail/story.html

    And the books are here

    http://amzn.com/B008LKJ0Q6

    It actually is laugh out loud, for once. Again $0.99 on Kindle, her publishers are having a sale for some reason.

  108. Hello and thank you for visiting my shop. Here you’ll find ceramics and fine art photography. My ceramics are all individually crafted in my studio in upstate New York. Each piece is hand built and one of a kind. My photography reflects my love of nature, light, and color.

  110. My name is Zachary Opaskar. I have designed a beautifully illustrated paper toy called Snappets that combines design, physics, engineering and imagination. My first line of Snappets are Dinosaur Snappets.

    You can order them here: Buy Snappets

    You can check out Snappets Fully-funded Kickstarter campaign here: Snappets Kickstarter Page

    Email: snappets@gmail.com

    This is very generous of you John, thank you (I hope I am not too late in posting!).

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John Scalzi, proprietor – JS
Athena Scalzi, editor – AMS
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