Whatever Holiday Gift Guide 2017, Day Three: Arts, Crafts, Music and More

The Whatever Holiday Gift Guide 2017 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-producible 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!

75 Comments on “Whatever Holiday Gift Guide 2017, Day Three: Arts, Crafts, Music and More”

  1. Hey all you fellow Scalzians. (Scallionz?) Mostly, I make jewelry, but with the *ahem* weight of the last year, I’ve focused on political designs. I think that many of you may appreciate them. I have jewelry, really nice lapel pins, stickers and buttons all based around the Falsum: ⊥. (a/k/a the Uptack, an upside-down T) It’s an old symbol that means “contradiction,” “false,” and “deception.” It’s also a not-so-subtle F.U. to a certain commander-in-chief. These are great for that left-leaning pal you need to get a little something for and I’m sure they’d be great stocking stuffers.

    Just for Whatever-ers, get free shipping over $15 with code WHATEVER17 good till Christmas, plus I’ll throw in some free, exclusive stickers with every order.

    Stay strong, and happy holidays!

    My favorite, a dime-sized premium lapel pin. (Cufflinks too!)
    A central ⊥ encircled with the text “Liberty and Justice for All”
    https://www.etsy.com/listing/518895409/anti-trump-lapel-pin-tie-tack-union-made

    My most popular item, the “RESIS⊥” bumper sticker. 5 for $5, shipped free! Also available as a magnet.
    https://www.etsy.com/listing/488504896/resist-anti-trump-sticker-free-ship-5

    Lots of other sticker designs and many handmade political jewelry items at my main shop page.
    https://williamaarons.etsy.com

    Thanks Mr. Scalzi!

    (I keep the prices on all non-jewelry items as low as I can to make them accessible to as many as possible. The designs are also available under a CC0 license. I’m not trying to unduely profit from this tragedy!) (I hope this isn’t double-posted, I think my first attempt went away…)

  2. I’m Elise Matthesen; you can also call me Lioness. I make jewelry and sculpture, usually with sterling silver wire and beads of all materials. Lampwork glass. Old Mardi Gras beads. Dinosaur bone. Tektites and meteorite fragments. And so on.

    Lois McMaster Bujold had me make a necklace to hold all her award pins. (Speaking of Lois and her wonderful Vorkosigan saga, there are tiny planet pendants approved by her in my Etsy shop. Say “Happy Winterfair!” in the note with your purchase, and I’ll send you a trio of them for free.)

    References are available from Amal El-Mohtar, Catherynne Valente, Lynne Thomas, Elizabeth Bear, Sarah Monette, and many others.

    The shinies can be found at:

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

  3. Thanks for doing this again this year! We make handmade wood items and decorate them with Lichtenberg Figures. The Figures resemble the fractal nature of lightning and are made by passing a high electrical current (up to 12,000 volts) through and electrolyte that has been applied to the wooden item. They are one-of-a-kind-in that no two patterns are the same. They make great unique gifts.

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

    Thanks for giving us a look.

  4. Stuff! I make stuff. Well, my husband does. Are you into handmade wooden things? Is someone on your gift list? Then please visit Laughing Coyote Woodworks’ shops: our Etsy shop or our main website. FIreplace bellows is our big seller this time of year, but we make all kinds of things, and love custom orders. If it’s made of wood, we can make it. Note, though: if you want a custom something for the upcoming holidays, get in touch soon! Time is flying!

    Thanks for checking us out.

  5. I make custom dice bags and other tabletop gaming accessories.

    My company is RedKingCo. I currently sell on Etsy here:
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/redkingco
    and here:
    https://www.redkingco.com

    We have many great embroidered dice bags to choose from. You can choose to buy any of our bags as they are or you can customize fabric colors and get names/initials/sayings embroidered on the bag.

    I also make and sell chainmail dice bags, rpg book tote bags, dice trays, card holders, and for the holiday season – stockings (my favorite is the “Sock of Holding”)

    If you know a tabletop gamer that needs a gift this year please check out my shop!

  6. Aside from being an author, I also make visual and functional art. In my Etsy shop you will find poetry art cards, which are greeting cards which are blank on the inside but have 3D collage and fragments of my original poetry on the front. Each card comes with an envelope, can be mailed, and is suitable for framing. There are over a dozen different designs.

    I also have small blank journals with similar cover art available, and unique jewelry made using sterling silver, pearls, and semi-precious stones. Photos of the journals and jewelry are in process this week and will be posted very soon (likely by the weekend), but the poetry art cards are all up.

    Here’s the link to my Etsy shop:

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

    Thank you for the chance to mention this here, John, and thank you to everyone who checks out my work! :)

  7. Hi! I’m Brandy Jefferys & I’m an artist based out of Huntington, WV. I paint landscapes, cityscapes & still lifes, particularly of biscuit sandwiches at the moment. I also draw things and people. If you know someone from WV you need to buy a gift for, they’ll love my biscuit prints. Trust me. IG & Twitter: @BrandyJefferys My store is at my website: http://www.brandyjefferys.com

  8. This is a kind offer, thank you John. I’m Doug Shaw, and I run a free art project in my neighbourhood, where I hide original artworks for people to find. I also have a shop on Etsy where I sell a few cards, one or two prints, and some original pieces. My subjects are varied, some abstract, some representational. Here’s a link to my shop:

    https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/DougShawArt

    And here is a link to the story about my free art project, in case that’s of interest to you.

    https://artsensorium.com/we-are-all-artists-a-free-art-project/

    Thanks again.

  9. I specialize in fine-gauge hand-knit sweaters. I have several baby sweaters ready to ship listed on my Etsy site, which would make excellent presents for any babies in your life. My real passion, though, is making custom sweaters for adults to the person’s measurements so they’ll fit better and look nicer than anything from the store. To make sure they have something to open, I can put together a very nice gift packet with a gift certificate, pictures of options, etc.; just contact me or place an order to get that going. Also, please note that almost everything in my shop is 25% off right now in honor of the holidays, including the custom sweaters, and the gift packet service is available for free.

  10. I create hand-painted space-themed jewelry, and occasionally do some other crafts as well. Check out my shop, Stellar Drift for unique necklaces and earrings, and at least one pocket watch. I work with many themes including, astronomy and Norse mythology, to create beautiful, evocative pieces.

  11. Hey all you fellow Scalzians. (Scallionz?) Mostly, I make jewelry, but with the *ahem* weight of the last year, I’ve focused on political designs. I think that many of you may appreciate them. I have jewelry, really nice lapel pins, stickers and buttons all based around the Falsum: ⊥. (a/k/a the Uptack, an upside-down T) It’s an old symbol that means “contradiction,” “false,” and “deception.” It’s also a not-so-subtle F.U. to a certain commander-in-chief. These are great for that left-leaning pal you need to get a little something for and I’m sure they’d be great stocking stuffers.

    Just for Whatever-ers, get free shipping over $15 with code WHATEVER17 good till Christmas, plus I’ll throw in some free, exclusive stickers with every order.

    Stay strong, and happy holidays!

    My favorite: a dime-sized premium lapel pin. (Cufflinks too!) A central ⊥ encircled with the text “Liberty and Justice for All”
    My most popular item, the “RESIS⊥” bumper sticker. 5 for $5, shipped free! Also available as a magnet.
    Lots of other sticker designs and many handmade political jewelry items at my main shop page.

    https://williamaarons.etsy.com

    Thanks Mr. Scalzi!

    (I keep the prices on all non-jewelry items as low as I can to make them accessible to as many as possible. The designs are also available under a CC0 license. I’m not trying to unduely profit from this tragedy!)
    (I hope this is not a repost but it appears my previous attempts dissapeared due to some weirdness logging in with wordpress.com… and maybe too many links?)

  12. I make high quality, unique dice bags and other gaming or nerdy accessories out of leather. My name is Kell, and I’m the artist behind Level 8 Craftling’s nerdy leather goods.

    http://www.etsy.com/shop/Level8craftling

    Now through December 15th: 20% off everything, including new custom orders!

    Some of the items I have ready made to sell:

    – Dice bags of many colors and sizes
    – Patchwork leather bottle holders, for carrying your modern water bottle or wine bottle around conventions, festivals, or everyday life in style
    – Beautiful, warm, cozy leather hooded capelets (I wear mine all winter and it’s gorgeous and sooooo warm)

    I also love making custom leatherwork! Examples:

    – A custom-designed leather Dominion carrying case – the best Dominion (or other card game, like Magic the Gathering) case I’ve ever seen. I use mine all the time!
    – For other examples of the many custom pieces I’ve created, check out http://www.level8craftling.com

    All items are handmade and handstitched by me in Michigan! Thank you, John, for this opportunity to share.

  13. My name is Sarah and my company is labyrinthine designs. I make handpainted wood signs and burlap bags for home decor and gifts. I am a company of one and I create and paint everything myself.

    My signs are mostly funny/silly sayings, though I’ve done a few religious ones by request (and I take custom orders). My burlap bags are a fun, creative, and reusable alternative to traditional wrapping paper.They’re great for gift wrapping, holiday parties, white elephant exchanges, or holiday decor.

    Please check out my store! http://www.labyrinthinedesigns.com/

    Thanks and have a wonderful day!

  14. Calling all knitters!
    There is still time to knit something for a person you love. :)
    I write knitting patterns, and many quick projects are still well within reach if you’d like to make something this December. Please check out my designs on Ravelry or on Loveknitting.com:
    https://www.ravelry.com/designers/joanne-seiff
    https://www.loveknitting.com/us/user/Joanne-Seiff/8ba7c837-4393-4690-82fb-12e268998147

    Knit on, friends!
    PS: Thanks so much for this opportunity to post.

  15. I design all kinds of t-shirts, but of greatest relevance here is likely the “Washington Redshirts”. There are two different versions of the logo, available on men’s and women’s tees and v-necks, plus hoodies, knit caps and baseball caps.
    http://deadbatdesigns.bigcartel.com/product/washington-redshirts-retro-look-men-s-and-ladies-t-shirt

    https://images.bigcartel.com/product_images/189202814/RedshirtsLadiesBig.jpg
    https://images.bigcartel.com/product_images/189208406/RedshirtsMensV.jpg

    I also created this *rump hat parody that says “Resign Motherfucker”
    http://deadbatdesigns.bigcartel.com/product/resign-motherfucker-5-panel-embroidere-cap

    All of this (and much more) is printed/embroidered in my shop in VA.

  16. I make lots of art, but most people like my pottery. I sell at conventions in the Northeast, online, and out of my studio at Western Avenue Studios in Lowell, MA. My prices are reasonable and I don’t charge extra for custom work! Need a mug, bowl, yarn bowl, or spongeholder? Visit me online at https://www.cogitation.org or just search for The Cogitation Zone.

    You have got to see my kitty yarn bowls!

    I also do watercolors, alcohol inks and encaustics.

  17. I design t-shirts. It started because I wanted t-shirts with designs, but also with v-necks. I sell my designs on Etsy, in children’s and adult’s sizes, both fitted and loose. You can also get me to put any design on a tote bag.

    Since this is a Christmas-themed thread, I’ll share the Christmas T-rex I made for my younger daughter, who loves dinosaurs and wanted a Christmas shirt:
    https://www.etsy.com/listing/492400101/childs-christmas-t-rex-shirt?ref=shop_home_active_6
    (It is in adult sizes, too!)

    I also have a party robot (another daughter request), starfish, flowers… and my most popular design has dragonflies:
    https://www.etsy.com/listing/217640447/womens-dragonflies-v-neck-t-shirt?ref=shop_home_active_15

    There’s still time to order for Christmas!

  18. Heya folks!

    I do high end quality LEGO photography, and I sell them in various interesting ways. I try to integrate the LEGO into the world to make compelling works of art. I sell prints, greeting cards, stickers etc. in my online store, which is here:
    https://www.redbubble.com/people/debaere/shop?asc=u

    Note: the Candy Cane Forest greeting card is a popular item if you need a place to start:
    https://www.redbubble.com/people/debaere/works/17808577-candy-cane-forest?asc=u&card_size=4×6&grid_pos=1&p=greeting-card&rbs=474b928b-dc80-4f59-8c7b-739f2c4cb4a0&ref=artist_shop_grid

  19. Thanks John! Hi everyone, I’m Chris Kluwe (you may have seen me chastising Mr. Scalzi’s “burrito” monstrosities on the twitters), and I (along with my brother and a couple friends) made a card game called Twilight of the Gods.

    https://www.victorypointgames.com/twilight-of-the-gods.html

    The game is about gods battling against each other, making devious trades with each other, and above all – fun. You’ll never feel like you got stuck watching someone do an infinite combo or unstoppable one turn kill. You also know exactly what cards you’re getting in the box, so no spending $1k every three months to try and stay current.

    If you like games like Magic: the Gathering and Netrunner, give us a shot!

  20. Hi all, I’m Ariela Housman and I am a calligrapher who makes geek-themed art prints, greeting cards, and other fun things. All available at http://geekcalligraphy.com

    There is a $_WinterHoliday card, for those of you looking for something to accompany your gifts:

    Some of other popular items are:

    Coder’s Oath
    Fiber Artist’s Oath
    Cordthulhu Art Print
    Take Care of Yourself Greeting Card (featuring Spoon Dragon)
    F*** You, Pay Me Art Print (ever popular with freelancers)

    Apropos of the political climate, these art prints:
    Take Care Of Yourself ($5 from each sale goes to the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society)
    This Should Not Be Normal and It Is Not Okay ($5 form each sale goes to EMILY’s List)
    Social Justice Warrior’s Oath (also available for Bard, Cleric, Mage, Paladin, Ranger, and Rogue; custom classes available on request)

    Thanks for the promo opportunity, John!

  21. Hi All!
    I make yarn using all domestic wool, alpaca, angora, cashmere & mohair, spun here in the US & hand dyed by me in Upstate NY. You can find it all at http://www.jilldraper.com, if you love a knitter or crocheter but don’t know how much or what to get them I’m happy to help out w suggestions if you message me.

    *I can’t really think of something funny so insert your own sheep joke here*

  22. I make folded book art. I take books and fold the pages into designs. I can do custom work, including names, special dates like weddings or anniversaries, college graduations etc. Many examples are on the website.
    http://goo.gl/yLVuXS

  23. I have been doing woodturning for about a decade now, and have curated an oft-neglected Etsy shop for the past three years. Now, though, grad school is over and I have a wider range of items available:

    https://aturnofbeauty.etsy.com

    Expect pens, mechanical pencils, letter openers, bottle openers, bowls, and nativity sets. Everything was turned on my lathe by me.

    Of special interest to Scalzi’s readers would be the dragon-detailed pens:

    https://www.etsy.com/listing/573199939/walnut-maple-and-cherry-dragon-themed?ref=shop_home_active_26

    Use the code WHATEVER17 at checkout for 10% off from today through next Wednesday.

    Enjoy!

  24. I’m a science professor and I made a game called “Science Professor” for my nine year old daughter, who really enjoys it. I’ve also played it with physics graduate students who enjoy it as well. Each player has students who take data and publish papers, with game mechanics suitable for all ages. Will your hard-working student be fueled to success with coffee, or delayed by too many bathroom breaks? You can purchase the game here.

  25. In addition to being a fantasy novelist, I am also a photographer! I have a number of photos here on my website — and if you’ve checked those out before, there are three new galleries from my trip to Okinawa this year, for Shikina-en, Gyokusendo Cave, and the trip as a whole.

    I can order photo prints on a wide variety of materials: paper, acrylic, glass, wood, canvas, aluminum, and more, in just about any size you like. If you are interested, contact me and we’ll discuss specifics!

  26. Hello, and thanks for doing this again this year! My name is William Hughes, and I’m a conservation photographer based in Colorado. I offer archival fine art prints for sale. Some of my images are limited edition which are printed on Hahnemühle Bamboo fine art paper, and others are open edition which have a variety of print options available.

    The ethics of my photography is very important to me. Unless specifically noted, all wildlife is free and non-captive. While I do some basic post production, images are never manipulated beyond adjusting contrast, dodging and burning, etc. The goal is to reproduce the scene as it existed in nature. I will never add or remove elements for a more dramatic effect.

    Thank you for taking the time to look at my work, and please let me know if you have any questions. My work can be found here: http://www.whughesstudio.com/

    Happy Holidays

    Bill

  27. Thank you, John!
    A bat in a bellhop uniform, keys dangling from his lapel as he hangs upside down.
    A pony with an ice cream cone on her forehead, pretending to be a unicorn.
    A garden of succulents forming resilient shapes and words.
    I’m a sculptor, and these are some of the things I’ve created so far. I make wearable art, wall art, journal covers, miniature figures, art dolls, and more.

    https://www.facebook.com/divinecheshire/

    http://www.divinecheshire.com

    Free shipping if you let me know you found me here!

  28. Hi! I’m Elizabeth and I make jewelry and illustrations from metal and vitreous enamel. My most popular item is my hand-forged hair pins (available in bronze or sterling silver). If you have enough hair to put up in a bun or a twist, these pins WILL hold it. I’ve sold hundreds of these pins over the years both online and at conventions and I’ve only encountered 4 people whose hair they didn’t work with (hair that is both very fine AND thin can be difficult).
    The hairpins can be found at my Etsy shop along with glass enamel jewelry that’s often on the theme of planets & science (well, scientific hazards).
    My enamel illustrations and watercolor/ink doodles can be found as buttons/magnets/small prints in the Etsy shop or on t-shirts/bags/other merch on my Society6 shop.

    Thank you!

  29. Hi, my name is Mandy aka Dragon. I sew, knit, and crochet. I started Top Drawer Crafts where I make bags, coin purses, quilts, hats, scarves, beer mitt koozies, costumes, and other things. I currently do a lot by custom order with no inventory. To see stuff I’ve made, please check out Facebook.com/topdrawercrafts. If you see something you like, please contact me via email at topdrawercrafts@gmail.com. so i can make it custom for you! Reference dragon17 for a 17% discount. Be sure to check my page for updates in the new year!

  30. Repost because I screwed up the links:

    Hi! I’m Elizabeth and I make jewelry and illustrations from metal and vitreous enamel. My most popular item is my hand-forged hair pins (available in bronze or sterling silver). If you have enough hair to put up in a bun or a twist, these pins WILL hold it. I’ve sold hundreds of these pins over the years both online and at conventions and I’ve only encountered 4 people whose hair they didn’t work with (hair that is both very fine AND thin can be difficult).
    The hairpins can be found at my Etsy shop (https://www.etsy.com/shop/NightshadeRoseStudio) along with glass enamel jewelry that’s often on the theme of planets & science (well, scientific hazards).
    My enamel illustrations and watercolor/ink doodles can be found as buttons/magnets/small prints in the Etsy shop or on t-shirts/bags/other merch on my Society6 shop (https://society6.com/nightshaderosestudio).

    Thank you!

  31. Hello friends! I’m Cal and I make nerdy organic bath and beauty products inspired by my favorite fictional people at http://dragonsworn.etsy.com, because life’s too short to live without the glory of glittery, sparkly goodness.

    My nailpolishes are all 10-free, which means they’re safe for older kids — my most popular color is Dungeon Master, inspired by Matt Mercer on Critical Role, and my latest colors are all inspired by American Gods on STARZ. I also have a limited edition color running through December, inspired by Will Stanton of the Dark Is Rising, my childhood favorite, and I do custom colors based on whatever you’d like, too!

    I also have an extremely fun line of scented skincare products inspired by the romances of Bioware videogames, because design briefs including “oak, basil, sage, AND BETRAYAL” and “Old Spice AND LIAR” absolutely crack me up every time.

  32. I may be able to lay claim to the “hottest” post. My work is hand-blown glass, in the traditional Italian style. All my work starts with molten glass coming out of the furnace at 2050F.

    Please have a look at some of the finished pieces at https://www.guyhollington.com/. There is a section of the site devoted to tools and techniques for those interested. All work is made in Vancouver, Canada. Thanks John!

  33. John, thanks for doing this!

    I’m Crickett. I have an Etsy shop for cross stitch patterns, along with a couple of kits (with more on the way). I keep my pattern prices low so that they are accessible to more people, and I’m having a sale right now! You get 10% off orders over $5.

    My most popular pattern/kit is Barren Field of Fucks: https://www.etsy.com/listing/196761134/barren-field-of-fks-with-people-cross?ref=shop_home_active_3

    As a Browncoat myself, I provide several patterns of quotes from Firefly: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CrickettsHouse?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&section_id=15730276

    Damn! Reminds me that I have to get a Redshirt reference available soon! :-)

    Crickett

  34. Thank you for the opportunity! I am plugging my husband’s comedy record label Stand Up! Records.It has lots and lots and lots of funny people like Patton Oswalt, Hannibal Buress and many more; lots of cool colored vinyl too.

  35. Buy yourself or your loved one a tarot reading! They’re fun! They’re informative! They can be pretty funny, too!

    (I assume if this sort of thing doesn’t fit into Mr. Scalzi’s rubric he’ll just delete it. I submit myself to the mercy of the court.)

    If you lived where I live, you could get a reading in person. But you probably don’t, so we can do it over email instead. Tarot is not: A) about ghosts B) predicting the future or C) consorting with demons. Basically, you think of something, deal yourself (or others) some cards, and your brain spills out on the table. It’s all about telling a story with a set of randomly determined symbols. You’ll bend the narrative to make it about what you’re thinking of. It’s just the way your brain works.

    We can do all the stuff you could imagine. I regularly do readings for tv shows and musical albums. If you’re working on a creative project that you’re stuck on, or just want to hash out, a reading could be a great way to do that. I have terminal degrees in writing and in literature, so I can talk about symbolism all day long, if you want to do that.

    Rates vary, obviously, given the level of detail you ask for. I can say I’m quite a bit cheaper than a lot of other readers, since I have no overhead to speak of. And I give discounts if you can get me a picture of a student ID or something. I’m a teacher, I have to help out students whenever I can.

    Here’s a page where you can read a bit more, and see how to contact me:

  36. Aloha! I’m April, printmaker by day and paper crane folding ninja by night, based out of Hawaii.

    Please check out my HAND SILK SCREEN PRINTED TEA TOWELS, COASTERS, CARDS, AND CALENDARS available on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AShamStudio?ref=search_shop_redirect

    These are perfect gifts for the holidays, or could be a great housewarming, or birthday gift. Offering FREE SHIPPING!

    Feel free to follow me on Instagram as well: @ashamprints
    Free free to contact me to share creativity.

  37. Hi! If you or your gift-recipient enjoy cooperative board games, and have played enough modern games that a heavy/thinky title sounds appealing, take a look at Spirit Island! You cooperate as spirits of the land who are fighting off europeans attempting to colonize your island, wielding elemental powers to turn nature itself against them. Play is simultaneous, so there’s very little downtime, and it offers a great arc, as you grow (and change) in power.

    I spent a number of years designing & developing Spirit Island. It hit stores this summer, and is already heading towards its 3rd printing – I couldn’t be happier! Amazon and GameSurplus both have it in stock right now, and it’s on the last leg of the distribution chain to many other board game retailers.

    If you want to learn more, several of the Amazon reviews do a great job of discussing who is/isn’t apt to enjoy the game, or you can check out its BGG entry for reviews and videos.

  38. I just wanted to say how much I love this thread every year. Introduces me to all sorts of new places to throw money.

  39. Hey everyone out there in the Scalziverse! Take a minute to check out the greeting cards my wife and I make! They are all hand-rolled strips of paper, a process called Quilling. We will still be able to ship in time for the holidays, despite taking a little break soon from the MN chill. They make a great gift by themselves if you write in them and buy a nice frame or as an actual card (if you can still imagine such a thing!) Thanks to John for promoting us, and I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!

    http://www.iconicquilling.com/

  40. Hooray for small businesses!
    As a small yarn business owner, I definitely support this idea.
    Me, and a couple of my cohorts are owners of Washtenaw Wool Company. We specialize in hand-dyed yarns (particularly speckles, gradients and colorbursts)! We are offering 15% off any order, large or small, on our etsy shop ( http://etsy.com/shop/WashtenawWoolCo ) this month until the 25th with the code BEHAPPY

  41. Hi everyone! My name is Mai. I’m an artist and I have a variety of space and dinosaur art prints to offer for your Christmas shopping. Because who doesn’t love space and dinosaurs?? =) If you have someone like that on your list, check out my shop here:

    http://www.artofmaivan.com/store/

    All of my prints are on 100% cotton rag, fine art paper, and they’ll all come signed by me! I can also personalize them if you’d like (just leave me a note in the comments section when you make your purchase).

    Oh and hey, I’m doing a 15% off deal right now, so it’s a perfect time to buy =) Just enter the code 15IN17 at checkout.

    If you’re looking for something truly unique, I’m also opening a limited number of commission slots for the first time ever. I haven’t even posted about it on any of my social media or website yet, so you guys are hearing about it first =) Just send me a note on the “Contact” page of my website if you’re interested.

    Happy shopping everyone! And thanks for creating this opportunity for all of us John!

  42. My daughter makes individualized scents and candles. Check out her really imaginative website at http://www.eldenfragrances.com... (and obviously, she’s the salesperson. I’m the “here it is go look at it if you feel like it” type, and she’s the “I can’t believe you’ll pass this up, it’s so YOU” type–and she’s usually right.)

  43. Hi! I’m Kendra, and I make ‘faux enamel’ by hand-coloring pieces of brass with drops of ink and layering repeated coats of gloss varnish on them. Then I wrap them with swoops and spirals of wire and often with antique keys. I make pendants, earrings, hair pins that work equally well as scarf or shawl pins, plus some hair combs and bracelets.

    I’m experimenting with new designs, so I will soon have lariat-style necklaces, wire spiral filigree, and more woven wire pieces available.

    My online shop is:
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/silverowlcreations

    And my Facebook page, where I often post photos of items newly added to the shop, is:
    https://www.facebook.com/SilverOwlCreations

  44. Hi :)

    I sell fridge magnets, buttons, postcards and other goodies mainly featuring cats, birds and elephants (with the occasional robot thrown in). They make great gifts and stocking stuffers!
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/lenapillu

    If you are in the NOVA/DC area you can also check out my art at Book Bank second hand book store at 1510 King Street, Alexandria. There’s a greater variety of things to choose from, including some framed miniatures featuring books and cats.
    https://bookbank1.wordpress.com

  45. Hopefully, John will allow this post through, since it’s not about me, but my wife.

    She creates jewelry, and she usually has a number of items on her Etsy shop. She’s going to be branching out into Victorian Science Fiction styles in the near future, and people who have purchased her work generally seem to be pleased.

    Her Etsy shop is:
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/PoodlebuttBeads?ref=shop_sugg

    Thanks for reading this – she’s my best friend and I hope that I can help her in some small way.

  46. If you’re cute & spooky, if you’re a dark forest faerie, if you’re broke (like me!) you might like my store:
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/earthcharms
    There’s herbal tea! There’s earrings! There’s necklaces! There’s flower crowns! And your money helps support a disabled person who has been turned down for disability benefits for three years and counting. Happy holidays!

  47. 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 Renovation, Lonestarcon 3, Sasquan, and MidAmericon 2.

    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, where I’m having a holiday sale.

    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.

    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: Special offer for the community: use coupon code WHATEVER17 at checkout for free shipping on any order. Sorry, this applies to US/Canada orders only because otherwise we’ll usually eat more on the shipping than the order costs. And see Note 1 above.

  48. Instant Attitudes sells T-shirts 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!
    – They got the library at Alexandria – THEY’RE NOT GETTING MINE!
    – 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.
    – I don’t want to adult today. I don’t even want to human. Today, I want to cat. (with artwork of sleeping kitty)

    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.

    The payment structure is… a little antiquated. There’s no shopping cart, although there are PayPal purchase buttons on the T-shirts. If you live outside the US, please contact us about any order before sending payment — international shipping costs are wildly variable and generally outrageous.

  49. Hello, I’m Jailyn and I sell original photographic art prints and wall art. I’ve always dreamed of traveling to faraway places. My dreams eventually led me to places I never imagined I’d see. I’m so excited to share a little piece of my journey with you.

    5% of the purchase price of all orders will be donated to the Food Empowerment Project (http://www.foodispower.org/) who seeks to create a more just and sustainable world by recognizing the power of one’s food choices.

    My shop is located on Etsy at the link below:

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

  50. What a cool opportunity, thank you! I’m on the internet as Lily Rowan (gold star to folks who get the reference), and make (among other things) hand-stamped jewelry.

    My Etsy shop is at A Star Danced. Cuff-style bracelets, and pendants, primarily. I work in silver-tone metals including aluminum and Argentium sterling silver. (They took sterling, added SCIENCE, and made it BETTER!)

    I believe in paying it forward: almost every item sale includes a donation to a topically-relevant charity. There’s left-leaning politically-themed goods like “Nasty Woman” and “Smash the Patriarchy” and “Resist” and “Nevertheless She Persisted,” things with strong statements like “F*ck Cancer” (both censored and non-!), items supporting mental health and honoring health challenges and more.

    I’m happy to take custom requests for your favorite word or phrase, names, dates, and/or motto!

    There’s a current coupon code: SHOPSMALL2017 for 15% off your order! (or use coupon code WHATEVER for 10% off year-round!)

  51. Thanks for the opportunity to plug! I play piano and write songs in Washington, DC, and recorded a fun holiday album with Aaron Myers, a fine jazz vocalist. “Snowing In Vegas” includes 5 original holiday and seasonal* songs (3 by me) plus creative arrangements of some Xmas classics. More info on how to purchase and listen at http://www.snowinginvegas.com/
    * Christmas, Hanukkah, and winter

  52. My name’s Abbey – you might know me as kuwdora the vidder in some fandom circles. I do abstract acrylic paintings and my work is small and affordable. You should check them out! I’ll be adding more inventory this weekend when I can take better photos of my current pieces. http://www.snowpinecone.com/

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