Handmade Black Friday Sales

Happy Thanksgiving!

Think about buying handmade this holiday season! I'm making an effort to buy handmade this year and have found tons of Black Friday deals that are too good not to blog about. Designs by Vanessa is even getting in on the action and offering a 10% discount storewide. Use the coupon code "Black Friday" in note to seller and a discount will be refunded through PayPal. Happy Shopping!!

Search the Black Friday Directory at Indie Smiles.

Search sales at the Handmade Black Friday Facebook Page.

Lauren Alexander (Original Paintings & Prints)
Thanksgiving Overstuffed Sale: Buy anything and get a free 3.5"x5" print of your choice!



Craftweasel (Ornaments, Gifts & Decor)
11/27: Free Shipping!

Green Designs by Lisa (Recycled Coffee Bag Purses & More)
11/27-11/30: Buy 1 Get 1 Free

Tiombe Swakdesigns (Handmade Couture Accessories)
11/27-11/30: 15% off entire order for U.S. and Canada!


Zaftig Delights (Plus Size Clothing & Jewelry)
11/27: Free shipping on jewelry and 10% off all clothing!

Knitzy Blonde (Handmade Knitwear & Handbags)
11/27: 10% off everything!

DECA Candle & Bath (Handmade Candles, Soap, Bath & Body)
11/27-11/30: Marked down soaps and melts in Featured Items. Discounted shipping through November. A special Cyber Monday Sale will be announced on their Facebook Fan Page.


Starbaby Gems (Handmade Jewelry)
11/27-11/30: $5.00 off any handmade piece or $3.00 off sterling chains which are already on sale! Code to use: ET-BFCM-5/3

Oh Baby Boutique (Handmade Baby Designs)
11/27-11/30: Buy 1 Get 1 Free!

Hot Pink Chick (Unique Handmade Jewelry)
11/27-11/30: 10% off 1 item, 15% off 2 items, 20% off 3 or more items!


Doohickies & Such (Jewelry, Buttons, Scrapbooking)
11/25-11/30: 20% off everything!

Payley (Custom Crochet)
11/27-11/30: Buy 1 Get 1 Free!

Thankful

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving - full of family, friends and food! I have a lot to be thankful for this year...

a husband who is "my home"
incredibly supportive parents
furbabies that always put me in a good mood
the best extended family
new friends
old friends
my blog - an outlet for my creativity
our home
the food we eat
my clothing
all of my blogging friends

What are you thankful for this year?

(Me & Mr. Designs by Vanessa)

How To: Fabric Leaf Place Cards

This mini tutorial is my poor attempt at an apology to Thanksgiving for snubbing it and going into full Christmas mode without showing the turkey the proper respect it deserves . I blame the 24/7 Christmas music on the radio and the shiny new Christmas craft supplies they put out before Halloween is even over. I'll try to hold off listening to any more Christmas songs until November 27th (today doesn't count)...

Materials

Cardstock
Fabric Leaves
Buttons
Hemp String or Yarn/Ribbon
Paper Cutter
Hole Puncher

Directions

Step 1: Determine how large you want your card tent and use your paper cutter (or scissors) to cut your card stock down to size. Fold your cardstock in half to make a card tent. If you don't feel like cutting or folding, you can always buy ready made tent cards at your local craft store.


Step 2: Punch a hole through your card tent and fabric flowers (these can be found ready made at a craft store or make your own using a leaf cookie cutter as your stencil). I have a nifty hole puncher that punches 2 long skinny squarish holes but if you don't have this type of puncher, no worries, you can punch 2 side by side holes or hand-cut 2 slits.


Step 3: Place hemp string through your holes, connecting your leaves to your card tent, and finish off with an up-cycled button.


Step 4: Enjoy your festive place card! Instead of names, I will be writing meaningful quotes on these cards and setting them around the table.


Add your Fabric Leaf Place Card photos to the Designs by Vanessa Tutorial Flickr Group.