So, this is my first time attempting to join a blog carnival of any kind.  I thought I’d join in on Rocks in My Dryer’s “What Works For Me Wednesday” with a holiday theme.

This year, Nik and I are trying to do all of our shopping locally and by buying only handmade items.  We’ve made a list, and buying handmade combined with making some of our own gifts, should complete our gift needs!

Here are a few of my current favorite sites:

1.  The Littlest Bean:  She sells adorable pins, clips, and other jewelry made from felt and other fabric.  And she’s from Baltimore!

2.  JennyJen42: Jen works at Nik’s high school and I’m in love with her felt bird ornaments and bags.

3. Biggs and Featherbelle: They sell all kinds of body products and are from Baltimore too!

4.  Sew, Mama, Sew:  This is an online fabric company.  They sell all kinds of great fabric, not found at JoAnn’s.  I ordered some fabric from them recently and it came quickly and was just what I’d ordered.  Their blog is fabulous.  They’re currently running a great series of blog posts about handmade gifts to make for grandparents, teachers, babies, pet lovers, you name it.

So, we’re supporting local business and finding great presents in the meantime.  Works for me!