OK, so I’m assuming that at this point, you’ve finished with your holiday shopping. If however, you’re anything like me, you are waiting until the last minute to wrap everything. Take note: wrapping gifts provides the perfect occasion for using all of those leftover pieces of paper, ribbon, yarn and various doodads that have been floating around your craft space for some time:

I love the idea of using old catalogues - even old Polaroids - as gift tags. All you need are scissors or a tag punch and some pretty ribbon or cotton string. See the original tutorial here, courtesy of Peapods.

There are so many ways to spice up even the simplest brown wrapping paper. How about huge pom-poms, made from leftover yarn and a piece of cardboard? See how to make one here, courtesy of Bugs and Fishes.

Does your craft stash ever include what's in your pantry? Using cereal boxes to wrap your gifts is eco-friendly and it adds a touch of humor to the holiday. See the original tutorial here, courtesy of Curbly.

Another great idea from Bugs and Fishes by Lupin. These gifts are meant to stand out, with letters cut from beautiful decorative papers. See the tutorial here.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 6:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

Items at doubledutch Boutique in Hampden. Image courtesy of doubtledutch.

If you didn’t make it to the last craft show of 2008 but you still have your heart set on buying handmade, don’t dismay! There are plenty of wonderful shops in Baltimore that sell handmade items from some of your favorite local crafters. Here's a modest selection, and since it’s likely I’ve left out a few, feel free to suggest your own (just leave a comment below).

Earth Alley offers an eclectic selection of enviornmentally-conscious and fair trade gifts.
Lilac Bijoux has a lovely selection of fashion forward accessories, handbags and locally made jewelry.
Trixie's Palace is totally funky and I love everything there. Just go!
BMA Shop carries a wide array of one-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories by local artists and it's just a beautiful place to be.
Red Tree carries an incredible selection of locally made goods and it's so much fun to get lost while shopping there.
Red Canoe Bookstore Cafe is a place where you can grab a cup of coffee and browse for handmade jewelry and fiber arts.
doubledutch Boutique is where you will find the largest selection of independently designed apparel, accessories and other goodies.
Baltimore Clayworks sells incredible clay art, including lovingly made mugs, plates, bowls and ornaments.
Shine Collective has a little bit of everything and it's all really hip.
Squidfire offers unique screen printed shirts, bags, kids' wear and other goods.
American Visionary Art Museum Sideshow has a kooky selection of great gifts including jewelry, accessories and paintings - all from local artists and crafters.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 8:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
                    

While reviewing and editing my holiday shopping list last night, I realized that I'd left out two of the most important critters in my life: my cats! Seriously, how could I be such a jerk? OK, maybe I'm being a little too hard on myself, especially considering that cats and dogs don't really care about the holidays. If I forget to buy my cats a gift, they won't love me any less. Well then, isn't that exactly why they deserve something special?

Custom Tutu for Dog or Cat by Jiniaj, Cat Collars by The Modern Pet, Needle Felted Likeness of Your Cat by Amelia Makes Art.

Bunny Food Dish by Save a Bunny, Hand Knit Wooly Mice by Cattitude Creations, Custom Needle Felted Likeness of Your Dog by Amelia Makes Art.

American Pit Bull Terrier Print by John W. Golden, Migraine Bird Toy by Zeeks Beak, Critter Pouch by Critter Cargo.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 4:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
                    

Head over to School 33 Art Center on Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Last Minute Maul. More than 20 local artists and crafters will be there, plus food and live music. The event includes works by Sweet Pepita, Biggs and Featherbelle, Sugar Paperie, Shiny Happy Things, Jaime Zollars, Pink Kiss Pottery and many more. Visit the School 33 Web site for a vendor list and more details.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

Lipstick and Malice Book 1 by Artemna, Botella Vase by Space Moderne, Tea Tree Vanilla Soap by Worn Dress

Yarnz Unicorn Scarf from Shine Collective, Coat of Arms Necklace by Lizzy Lu, White Birdcage Veil by Smitten XOXO

Starburst Ring by GTackett, Chirping Bird Magnets from Kir De Vries, French Lessons Earrings by imogeneANDannie

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 12:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

If you have not yet found a special holiday gift for the man in your life, why not consider buying him something handmade? Here are a couple of cool doodads and wearables from area artists and crafters - all of whom will either be at Squidfire's Winter Art Mart or Merry Mart this weekend. You're going to both shows, right? Of course you are!

Yeti Tee for Men by Lemon Cadet, Dave Chappelle Decoupage Box by Box Boy Demented Decoupage, Monster Hoodie by SquidFire.

Lacrosse Man Wire Sculpture by Devin Mack, Underpants Belt Buckle by Jon Wye, Cycling Cap by Built in Pittsburgh.

Recycled Leather Wristcuff by Fisticuffs Leather, Handmade Pies by Dangerously Delicious Pies, Downey Ocean Bar Soap by Charm City Soaps.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 8:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

One Christmas, when I was around 7 years old, I made myself a stocking out of felt and hung it outside on the porch. I was actually being sneaky because I already had a beautiful, personalized needlepoint stocking made by my great grandmother (my felt one paled in comparison). I made the second hoping that Santa would fill two instead of one. He didn’t.

Below are some beautifully handcrafted items that are positively perfect for stuffing stockings this holiday season. So Santa, if you happen to be reading Baltimore by Hand, can you do me a favor and be sure not to overlook any stockings this year -- no matter how poorly constructed they might be?

Sketch Book by Of Machines, Ipod Case by Space Moderne, Ice Cream Sandwich Bath Cookies by Anita Crafty Creations.

Magic Lantern Suncatcher by Vintage Aimee, Pet Zombie in a Box by Little Atoms, Custom Coasters by Green Room.

Magnet Set by Block Party Press, Custom Initial Felt Brooches by Jen Menkhaus, Enamel Rings by Dandelion Blu.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

Below is an eclectic selection of lovely handcrafted baby gifts. Perfect for this holiday season.

Pixie Hat, $14 (left), Bird Parade Mobile, $72 (center), Mouse Slippers, $15 (right).

Camo Dad Sling, $55 (left), Paris Tutu, $24.99 (center), Embroidered Stroller Cover, $25 (right).

Maternity Shirt, $32 (left), High Top Booties, $9 (center), Maple Rattle, $29 (right).

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 8:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

Well, it’s that time of the year. Funny how it feels like summer was just yesterday and now we are all gearing up for the impending holidays, which will be here before we know it. Over the next few weeks, Baltimore by Hand will feature a gift guide of sorts that showcases an eclectic selection of handmade wonders from crafters in Baltimore and beyond.

This week’s focus is on cards and gift tags, because who wants to buy a pack of generic looking holiday paper goods from Target or WalMart? The following items are unique, handcrafted and one of a kind. And they’re only a few clicks away from accompanying your festively wrapped gifts.

Cards and tags by Maclancy, Studio Flower Power and Miscelena.

Cards and tags from Gallagher4205, Joanna Goldman and Align With Design.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

For those of you who are last minute holiday shoppers (I know I am), mark your calendars now for the MICA Art Market, Dec. 10-13, 10 a.m.-6pm in the Leidy Atrium and Falvey Hall Lobby in the Brown Center.

This festive art sale features prints, posters, sculptures, mosaics, stationery, T-shirts, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, book arts, toys, wrapping paper, and more designed and created by MICA students, faculty, and staff. The Market fosters student professional development, peer to peer networking, and provides funding for need-based student scholarships.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 7:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)