Shop Small, Shop Local

 

Open Holiday Market Day in Raymond, Nebraska

As the days grow shorter, and the nights grow longer, we slide closer and closer to Winter Solstice and Christmas.  This year more than ever shopping local businesses and small businesses has become critical.

As large corporate giants continue to fill a need, small businesses were already on the decline, now they are endangered. 

I converted this adorable
kerosene heater to a flickering
flame, electric floor lamp.

I've been lucky enough over the past few years to have joined in the Etsy community, where my items are shipped all over.  It's an amazing group of ridiculously talent people that would otherwise not be able to afford to ply their wares.  Etsy has given them a virtual store front and an audience of people who appreciate the hard work, dedication, and originality of craftsmen in a small scale operation.

Many of us are also lucky enough to partner with other small businesses in our own local areas for small shop days.  I partner with Rebecca at West Mill Flowers in Raymond, Nebraska who generously opens her shop to local artisans.  The increase in her shop inventory increases her foot traffic, which increases her own business and word of mouth.  

She makes the most GORGEOUS full wreaths in the floral 'off season'.  INCREDIBLE!

We all help each other.  As the time to actually ship things to family 

and friends becomes more and more difficult, seek out these small 

local treasures (observing local restrictions of course), and go on an adventure

and make your holiday small and personal again.

We all thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

I knit dozens of Norwegian Fjord and Fjell
wool blend cowls for Open Holiday Market.