Happy New Year

A Very Happy New Year
to you and yours,
Amy and Erin,
the UnStrungSisters

One Day - Yipee!

On the day before Christmas we wish you Peace On Earth. This festive banner can be found at Bekah Jennings - this truly unique shop creates banners that celebrate the joy and beauty of life. We hope you have had fun on this countdown journey with us - we did and hopefully will find a few of these items on the 25th. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas - Amy & Erin, the UnStrungSisters.

Two Days ...

This lovely clutch would look great under either of our trees. This Scots Pine Clutch is offered by Red Ruby Rose, if you need a little wow to carry in the crook of your arm you have found your shop.

An Atomic Star

Three days to go - are you ready? Erin here - for one of our last countdown items I would love this Vintage Atomic Rhinestone Star Burst Brooch from CatseyeVintage. I have a similar pin from that belonged to my Grandmother - I would love a second Brooch to wear on a hat or to leave on a coat. Catseye Vintage has lots of great items so be sure to take a few minutes and browse.

Brrrrr- Keep warm!

It's chilly here on the east coast! We are continuing our holiday countdown and today's selection is perfect for a steaming cup of coffee, hot cocoa or tea. These hand built mugs are available in beautiful colors and are inscribed with endearing words.


They are made by a cooperative pottery group at JustPotters. They are one of the innovative social enterprises of JustWork Economic Initiative employing individuals with barriers to traditional employment. They assist those facing physical disabilities, mental illness, homelessness and addictions; and also work with refugee claimants and low-income single parents.

What a wonderful enterprise to support and in the process you will have wonderful gifts for just about anyone on your list!

5 Days ....

Today's pick is for our friends on the East Coast - after a day of shoveling they will need one of these relaxing Therapy Neck and Eye Wraps from Feel Good Essentials. There are lots of choices in this fun shop and you pick your own herbs - so you get just what you want. Picture yourself - you have all your holiday prep done,feet up, with one of these warm wraps around your neck and over your eyes - ah relaxing. We can dream!

6 Days- Keep Track of Your Money!

Just 6 days to go and here's another great gift idea. RN & TN Studio has bright and funky leather accessories perfect for almost anyone on your list. This wallet -Ferris Wheel- would make the perfect cheery gift. Make sure to check out their shop for lots of other great gifts!

ONE WEEK ....

Good Morning - Erin, here - Today is the last day of school so the fun will begin about 3:30 this afternoon. It is also time to make a mess in the kitchen - we have Santa cookies to make, pretzels to cover in chocolate, a gingerbread house to construct ... so of course I need an apron. This Coffee Clutch Retro Style Apron is from Cozzy Cottage. I love the festive colors in this apron and I can wear it year-round.

8 days and it's getting a bit chilly!

Amy here in chilly Virginia. Today we are featuring this lovely Scoodie (Hooded Scarf) by Parvana. The pattern, style and selection of colors are just fabulous! Check out the great designs in Nicole's shop. You are sure to find a great gift for yourself or someone.

Buy Your Wife a Bracelet Day

Erin today - The Ninth day before Christmas is traditionally "Buy Your Wife a Bracelet Day" - okay, not really, but I could probably convince my husband - okay, not really, but it would be one of those great conversations where he keeps looking at me like I'm completely nuts. This one-of-a-kind bracelet is made by Cosmo's Moon and is titled Concentric squares. The shop title is Earthy, Edgy, Extraordinary Metalsmithing and Jewelry - a perfect description of this fabulous shop. Purchase any item from this shop through the 24th of December and 10% of ALL Cosmo's Moon sales will be donated to the Tucson Community Food Bank.

10 Days- How about art?

Ten shopping days, I repeat, ten shopping days! No need to panic and buy the first pair of slippers you can find. Just check out our daily shopping suggestions and you will find wonderful handmade gifts for the people on your list.


Today is no exception- we are featuring this art print Twilight: Tree of Life Series #5 by Blenda Studio. The colors are gorgeous and I know I would love to find it under my tree. You will find many incredible items in Blenda's shop - so don't delay! Blenda is shipping everyday through Deceember 23rd so there are no excuses for giving slippers!

11 Days ...

Hi, Erin here - for today I wish for this fun Car Mobile - on my last visit to Amy she had one in her car and I just loved it. The creator of this unique piece of art is LeahPellegrini. Be sure to check out this colorful shop - Leah had mobiles in every shape and size - I'm sure you can find something you need.

Oh no! Twelve days!

Amy here to remind you that there are twelve days left to find that perfect handmade gift for someone special in your life! Today's suggestion is a beauty. This Waves of Green Quilted Wall Hanging by Kim's Craft Apple is just stunning. Having quilted for several years I think I am qualified to say that the quilting and stitching embellishment are fabulous! Take a look around Kim's shop for more handmade goodies!

Lucky 13?

Thirteen days left - will they be lucky? For several retailers it will since I (Erin) need to get shopping! This colorful table runner will really step-up my kitchen table and it will go with everything. Entitled So Many Dots this perfectly fun piece of Art is found at kthrum. This Etsy shop is stunning - be sure to switch gallery mode to truly appreciate the beauty of the felted work.

Two weeks!

Amy here with another great gift selection to help you with your holiday shopping. Today's idea is great for that special person who loves to cook. (And, if you are lucky, they will invite you over to share the results.)

Urban Cheese Craft sells DIY Cheese Kits for that allow you to make your own fresh cheese! You can do it with their kits that include everything you need but the milk. Make mozzarella, ricotta, goat cheese/chevre, paneer, queso blanco... oh the possibilities!

"Cheese, Gromit, Cheese!" Ooops- did I say that out loud?

Time to Get Serious

Yikes 10 shipping days before the big day! For today we are featuring this lovely set of Fused Glass Stars by d'Pholk Designs. This lovely studio features not only these stars but also flattened bottles, holiday ornaments , free form bowls and many other beautiful items. Become a FaceBook fan of d'Pholk Designs and you are entered in a monthly glass give-away! A quick click is all it takes.

16 Days - Where Did the Time Go?

Good morning - today I (Erin) found this perfectly beautiful Stone Canyon Jasper Ring made by Sandi of Sassy Glass Jewelry. I have purchased several sets of lampwork beads from its sister shop (we love sisters of any kind) Sassy Glass Designs.
The lampwork beads I have purchased from Sandi are of the highest work-womanship. I have kept most of Sandi's beads for myself or I used them to make special pieces for my friends. I do have one set of her beads for sale at UnStrungSisters - this lovely Black Lilac Necklace and Earring Set . From my experience Sandi's work is top shelf - take a few moments and browse both of her shops. P.S. Thanks Sandi - I "borrowed" the Christmas Countdown idea from your blog.

17 Days .... Oh, dear

Don't fret! Amy is here with another great holiday gift selection suggestion!

Today's pick is by Love Art Works and is this fabulous HOUSE OF HOPE - Simple Soul Stamped Tile Wall Hanging. As you can see, I'm continuing to lust after pottery pieces!

There are so many reasons to purchase this piece- let me help you catalog them all:
1. Not all pottery pieces have to be functional- add a few pieces to your wall!
2. This piece is exceptionally cool, has great colors and texture and is handmade.
3. The message of "Hope" is an inspiring one and what better way to remember it each day than this beautiful piece.
4. By purchasing this piece not only are you supporting another great handmade seller but also charity. Kristin of Love Art Works is donating all profits from the sale of this plaque to the American Cancer Society (ACS) for 'etsyprojectembrace'.
5. Kritin tells us "My kiln is run by "Green Wind Power" ♥(yay!)♥! So my pieces are basically re-cycled earth using sustainable/renewable energy to fire them with in order to ensure the maximum longevity of the pottery and the painted design."

So many reasons to buy great handmade gifts. A donation to charity and green wind power too?!- Icing with sprinkles on the cake!

Tea, oh Calming Tea ...

Well I (Erin) made it through my first cookie exchange (Amy is a veteran host). It was a tremendous amount of work but after seeing the first tray of assorted cookies it was well worth it. The only downside is all the left over cookies I now have - but I am looking forward to a nice cup of tea to accompany the delicious little treats. As luck would have it, I came across this beautiful teapot. Not only a teapot but a fabulous work of art - entitled Shiny Black Donut Teapot is the creation of Pats Pottery . Now until Christmas PatsPottery will upgrade shipping on all USA domestic purchases to Priority Mail for Free!

19 Days!

Amy here with today's handmade gift suggestion. With only 19 days left to shop it's time to pull out all of the stops! Both Erin and I have funky taste in art and today's choice would fit into either of our homes very well. I have been wanting for a robot from Reclaim2Fame for sometime. BEGGAR - A Remarkably Persuasive Robot Puppy - is one cool piece of assemblage art! Take a look around Will's shop. You will find lots of unique treasures and, maybe, knock a few gifts off your list!

Peace Starts With Me ...

Good Morning - Erin here - I found this fun Batik Peace Flag by PaulaRice. It is available in several colors, as a sit at my workroom desk I'm thinking this would look great along the top of the wall I stare at when I'm not sure what to type (for this blog, Etsy Listings, e-mail responses, etc). I will have to use this message as my mantra today - I'm hosting a cookie exchange tomorrow and have to finish decorating, figure out my menu, make lots and lots of cookies, and of course clean. Hope your weekend is great.

21 Days - That's Just THREE Weeks!

Amy here- Breathe deeply! To help ease that feeling of holiday panic we are here to offer another daily gift suggestion.

Anyone who has been in my house knows I have a huge collection of functional pottery. Here's a photo of my china cabinet as proof. What you do not see is that the bottom is crammed full of other pieces as are a few kitchen cabinets! My husband, Logan, accuses me of never having met a hand thrown coffee cup I didn't like (and need to have).


So it should be no surprise that today's selection is a great piece of pottery! Woodland soapdish, by kylieparry is a gorgeous piece. As Kylie says - Pair this little beauty with a bar of handmade soap and you have the perfect gift for just about anyone! I know I'd love to find it under my tree (Logan?- HINT HINT). Make sure to check out her shop for many cute ornaments and other pieces. Kylie is currently offering free shipping- could your holiday shopping get any easier!


If you check out UnStrungSisters you will find this new pair of earrings, Mixed Metal Star Earrings. Twinkle, twinkle little star....

22 Days - It's Getting Salty

Hi - Erin here - today we explore Etsy Vintage - Every Christmas I have a rather elaborate centerpiece for my dining room table - it features my collection of Christams Salt and Pepper Shakers - I have old and new but love the old. After seeing the centerpiece and watching me move it for a family dinner my father-in-law made a beautiful raised tray for me to easily be able to move my creation without dismantling. When searching for new shakers for my collection I love the mismatched pairs - they go together but are not the same. So, of course, I love this pair of 1950's Santa Salt and Pepper Shakers from Carmen and Ginger. They have so many fun vintage Christmas items - take a walk down memory lane.

23 Shopping Days Left- Don't Panic!

Amy here with another great gift idea. This Apothecary Jar Moss Terrarium is so cool. You will find this terrarium and many others made by Amy of Greenbriar. (Despite the same first name we are not related;)).


From the description- "Moss grows on the forest floor attached to rocks and bark under trees in nature. This terrarium mimics this environment and is wonderful to study and observe. Give it as a gift and let the fresh green moss brighten any gloomy room or office."

Amy is also offering this special *With every purchase receive a Free Greenbriar Mini Terrarium perfect to give as a stocking stuffer.*

Don't panic- just start shopping! (And, buy handmade if you can!)

Time to Start Getting Serious

Hello - Erin here - for today's wish list item I went back in time - a trip to the last (first?)pages of our favorite sellers and I re-found SplatGirl. I love this perfectly functional and funky Sling Backpack. I have purchased from splat girl in the past and her work-womanship is excellent. I have put my Clip-on Moo Pocket through the works and it still looks great.