Christmas Gifts with a Conscience

This year when you are searching for gifts why not consider some of the following pickings? If you consider the gift of self sufficiency worthwhile (and who wouldn't!) how about taking a look in our Sallygardens bookshop where I've stocked the shelves with all our favourite titles. These are books that we have on our own book shelf, and get thumbed through on a daily basis. Theres so much to choose from ... the original bible of self sufficiency by John Seymour 'The Complete Guide to Self Sufficiency', or a fantastic cookery book like Madhur Jaffrey's 'World  Vegetarian Cookbook', what about something a bit risque and ground breaking 'The Humanure Handbook' or 'Liquid Gold- the lore & logic of using urine to grow plants'!

There are so many people out there handcrafting in their own homes, and the internet allows us to buy direct from them. Many offer eco or organic options. Some of my favourites are toy makers that include the delectable Julie at Little Cotton Rabbits in the UK (we have two of her creations), the infamous Hop Skip Jump toymaker in Australia,  Anke at  the Irish Bear company  only half an hours drive from our home, or my own husband Dan and his Hobby Horse Toys.  For beautiful creations from cushions to hangers visit  lovely Nonnie. You may well find that many of these people are so popular and their work in such high demand that their order books are already full for Christmas. Its still worth window shopping though, and keeping them in mind for birthdays or next Christmas. There are also a couple of sites that stock work from a collection of crafters ... visit the wonderful world of Cherry Menlove down at the magical Tales from Pixie Wood. Alternatively call over to the ebay of the craft world ... Etsy where your head will spin with all the choice on offer.

Photo from Little Cotton Rabbits

Why go for mainstream soap and beauty products like the average punter, find something very special in all senses of the word at Marie Chantal, a regular contributor to comments on this blog. Her blog has a wonderful giveaway at the moment too. Or discover how to make your own soap at the ever generous queen of soap making at Gracefruit ... don't leave without visiting her blog, and her website stocks everything you need to make your own.

Merry shopping!

Comments

[Rebecca (living sustainably and felting in rural Ireland)]

Hi everyone, EF thanks for a giggle with reference to your humanure ventures!!! I dread to think! Maybe santa will bring you the book!

Dotty, great to hear from you. I'm moving the activities of www.irishcraftworker.typepad.com and merging craft into this blog. Theres not much time for it really, but I will be doing some during the winter.

Happy Shopping

[Wild Rose]

Hi Rebecca,

Thank you so much for recommending my products ~ I am honoured. I am a little behind in reading your blog, as it is such a busy time, but I hope to catch up.

Marie x

[dottyspots]

Sally - when are you coming back on An Irish Craftworkers Good Life? I love this blog too, but it'd be great to see if you've had time to do any crafting?

Oh and I can't seem to leave my blog addy. For some bizarre reason typepad is refusing to recognise it *sigh*.

[carolyn]

Great Christmas gift selection you have here, many I know of course but I'll be popping by a few who are new to me.

[debra]

Thank you for reminding people to consider buying hand crafted items for the holidays. When you buy art, you support an artist and the artist's local economy; you expand your own horizons by having the opportunity to see the world the eyes of the artist. You can hold something that was made from the heart through the hands. Something that will last and can be shared. BUY ART!

['EF' x]

I have to thank you for introducing me to John Seymour! His 'Complete Guide to Self Sufficiency' is a classic on our bookshelf now, and our children can be found regularly poring through it too!

Am chuckling a bit about the liquid gold references and remembering the times I embarked unsuccessfully on humanure projects, armed only with a few ideas about what could work and with no book to refer to. Put it this way, I could write a book about how not to do it ;) It makes perfect sense though, but one does need to follow the advice given and not improvise, as I did. (Don't ask).

['EF' x]

I have to thank you for introducing me to John Seymour! His 'Complete Guide to Self Sufficiency' is a classic on our bookshelf now, and our children can be found regularly poring through it too!

Am chuckling a bit about the liquid gold references and remembering the times I embarked unsuccessfully on humanure projects, armed only with a few ideas about what could work and with no book to refer to. Put it this way, I could write a book about how not to do it ;) It makes perfect sense though, but one does need to follow the advice given and not improvise, as I did. (Don't ask).