A Cutter Above the Rest

Day 42.
A Cutter Above the Rest

Let me tell you a little about my new cookie cutters. I know of a local store that has a wall of cookie cutters that I check out every time I visit. I decided to buy some new cookie cutters for this year's Christmas cookies and told the owner that I wanted a cookie cutter made in the USA. She told me all the cookie cutters were because she carries the Foose line. What's this about? She told me all about the H.O. Foose Tinsmithing Company out of Pennsylvania. They specialize in tin cookie cutters and have over 700 different designs. This sounded perfect! So I picked out a few (including some patriotic ones shaped like the United States and the Statue of Liberty) so I'd be ready to start the month of December making some delicious cookies.

If you're looking for some cool cookie cutters I highly recommend checking out their selection at www.foosecookiecutters.com. These are great for making a gift of cookies that are personalized for the recipient or you could tie a few together with a pretty ribbon and they'd be a great gift for the baker in your life.

A Gift Worth Sharing

Day 41.
A Gift Worth Sharing

Yesterday my father forwarded an e-mail to me that had been sent to him after no doubt circulating the internet many times over. This one was different from the typical jokes and funny messages he usually sends and it really struck a chord with me. It was all about ideas for thoughtful gifts of services that can help strengthen America by directly supporting our neighbors and local businesses...perfect for this blog, right? I immediately wanted to share it with you, but I first wanted to find out who initially authored the message and from where did it originate. I did some searching and found that this passage has been passed along and posted many, many times, however I believe that it started with the post I have linked below. I always want to give credit where it is due, so I will refer you to read this post in the author's original words. However, I am appreciative that the idea was passed along to me because I think that the message itself is definitely a gift worth sharing. Please read this...

http://likethedew.com/2011/11/06/christmas-2011-birth-of-a-new-tradition/

This is an important idea that highlights how we can easily make a difference in this country through awareness and support for our local businesses and people. I hope you take the time to read it and that the message continues to reach others and make an impact. We all have the power to affect change in both large and small ways and with enough small changes like this I believe we can see a big difference. 

Natural Soaps and Gifts

Day 40.

Natural Soaps and Gifts

Whenever you can find a gift made with natural ingredients I think you can feel especially good about giving the item because of the added level of wholesomeness. That's how I felt when I chatted with Geri Dunne, owner of www.sharonspringsnaturalsoap.com, who offers a wide variety of soaps and products made with natural ingredients.

The reason Geri and I began chatting in the first place was because I noticed the sign at her booth encouraging people to buy products made in the USA. Kudos to her for helping to promote support for American business.

A Sweet Escape

Day 39.

A Sweet Escape

Chocolate lovers, this one's for you! One of my favorite gifts in almost any form is chocolate. Over the years my family has often exchanged chocolate gifts at gatherings during the holidays. My aunt goes to a local candy shop where she frequently finds uniquely molded chocolate items to fit each individual's personality (one year she gave me a milk chocolate computer complete with chocolate monitor and keyboard...so cute I barely wanted to eat it...but I did) and a locally made favorite from my hometown are the famous chocolate turkey joints.

So of course I wanted to share some wonderful chocolate gift ideas and that led me to putting together a collection of chocolate treats for this sweet escape...

Chocolate can be an excellent gift for almost anyone on your list. Enjoy giving this sweet treat...one size fits all!

Cyber Monday

Day 38.
Cyber Monday

The online answer to Black Friday is Cyber Monday. Today will likely be a very busy day for online retailers and I'd like to take this opportunity to share some places where you can find lots of great American made products to shop while surfing the web. Since fashion was the theme for our virtual fashion show on Black Friday I thought today we could offer a virtual toy box with great gifts for kids based around a wide variety of children's interests.

 

Here are a few of my favorite suggestions for gifts for children:

For the little artist:
http://www.downtoearthtoys.com/Made-In-USA/All-Toys-Made-in-USA/Adjustable-Art-Easel-p4.html

How adorable is this adjustable art easel? They can draw or paint on paper on one side and enjoy chalkboard art on the other. I had an easel like this growing up and I believe it was one of the toys that fostered great creativity in my young life.

For the little one on the go:
http://www.littletikes.com/kids-toys/ride-rescue-cozy-coupe-30th-anniversary-edition

Some cool wheels to keep them on the move...this little fire engine themed toy will make them feel like their heading to the rescue!

For the little princess or knight in shining armor:
http://www.littletikes.com/kids-toys/classic-castle

OMG! I want this castle myself...you never really outgrow wanting to be a princess...lol. This is too cool...this is bound to inspire hours of creative play.

For the future scientist...or cosmetologist:
http://www.educationaltoysplanet.com/ultimate-spa-perfume.html

What a cool way to add some glamour to the world of science!

For the little chef:
http://www.childtrek.com/wooden-toys/wooden-pretend-play-kids-toys/camden-rose-cherry-wood-play-kitchen.html

Here's a cool kitchen playset that will let them cook up a storm. It's a really deluxe design with a play stove, oven and sink...they can even pretend to do the dishes!

For the little caretaker:
http://www.step2.com/product.cfm?product_id=1766

She can take wonderful care of a baby doll with an easy to push doll stroller like this one.

For the darling decorator:
http://www.ebeanstalk.com/Greenleaf-Dollhouses/toy-product-detail/Westville-Dollhouse-AND-Furniture.html

How cool...a dollhouse you can paint yourself. Perfect for the child who knows just the way she wants everything to look.

For the puzzle pro:
http://www.buffalogames.com/300-Piece-Puzzles/Country-Snowman/flypage.tpl.html

You can find a wide assortment of puzzles and games, but I just thought this snowman was so cute and perfect for the holidays.

For the budding builder:
https://www.backtoblocks.com/wooden-block-setswhimsical-windows-large/

Get them thinking about how to put things together with this awesome set of building blocks.

I hope I've helped make your Cyber Monday a little easier with guiding you to these great toys, all made here in the USA. Supporting these American manufacturers really does make a difference and I hope the kids in your life love the gifts you've found!

A Favorite Holiday Candy

Day 37.

A Favorite Holiday Candy

Certain traditional gift items just bring back wonderful memories every year. For me there's a particular holiday candy that has been a favorite of mine for ages. I love to enjoy Sevigny's ribbon candy each year and everything about it reminds me of Christmases past. The taste of the cinnamon, the orange and the sweet sugar tastes blend into delicious, delicate ribbons and the flavors take me back to my childhood. How sweet to know that this is a traditional American favorite that has been made in the USA for years. One look at the package lets you know that this ribbon candy is also ready for gift giving.

I always look forward to enjoying ribbon candy and I'm sure you know someone who would love to receive a box as well. It's definitely a delicious treat and also a very pretty candy, so you can be assured of an attractive presentation with this gift. You can find more about this candy at www.fbwashburncandy.com.

My New Philosophy

Day 36.

My New Philosophy

Some of my favorite beauty luxuries to enjoy are the bath and shower products from Philosophy. I've been using them for years and love how their shampoo/shower gel/bubble baths have such delicious fragrances. I particularly love the scents that smell like yummy baked goods...it's probably not just a coincidence that all the gifts I'm giving (and keeping) from this line all smell like delicious treats...

Seriously, that candy cane fragrance smells just like a real candy cane! And all the products you just saw are of course, made here in the USA. You can find out about more of what they offer at www.philosophy.com. I can't say enough about how much I love these as gifts or treats just for you!

Black Friday at Home with a Virtual Fashion Show

Day 35.
Black Friday at Home with a Virtual Fashion Show
 
It's Black Friday morning and I've slept in. I have the day off from work and have no intentions of leaving the house, even for a great deal. I wholeheartedly feel I can find great deals on great gifts from right where I am and instead of waking myself up at the crack of dawn I prefer to celebrabrate my Friday in "Cyber-Monday" style by checking out some cool gifts online. In this spirit, I'd like to make today all about online shopping for fashion and we'll assemble some cool outfits with all the pieces made here in the USA with a virtual fashion show.
 

 

We'll put together three great looks for both men and women, starting with a casual wear look for the ladies...

 

We'll start with a great basic...a half sleeve turtleneck that will go with lots of other outfits as well.

http://madeinusaforever.com/jhasltubyau.html

 

You can match the turtleneck with a beautiful sweater from this sweet collection:

http://www.willowusa.com/lookbook/Fall2011.html

We'll pair it with a pair of fashionably cut jeans.

http://www.gussetclothing.com/wstretch.html

And a black belt with a trendy X pattern:

http://www.naturalreflections.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Session_ID=3bb0012eb9b75ee254f1dbb7677d4b60&Screen=PROD&Store_Code=001&Product_Code=1-Fl-X-Blk&Category_Code=womensbelts

 

Top it off with a great loafer and you're ready for a casual shopping trip...or to casually shop at home!http://www.naturalreflections.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=001&Product_Code=Sp-04

Now what about a great business look?

Here's a feminine yet professional ladies business suit with a great pop of color:

http://www.juliegcollection.com/product_catalog_women/jg721curr/jg721curr.html

 

Match that with a pair of comfortable pumps and you have a complete look for the office:

http://www.usmadeshoes.com/johansen/womens-shoes?brand-code=natural-bridge&shoe=target---black-patent-black-smooth

And finally, how about a formal look for an evening out...

I absolutely LOVE this evening gown:

http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Aspeed-Womens-Halter-style-Deep-V-neck-Dress/4390413/product.html

And here's a fabulous pair of dressy heels to complete the look:

http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Stuart-Weitzman-Womens-Pipevixen-Pump-Heels/5771159/product.html

Three great looks and all items made in America. I love shopping! Now we need to come up with some looks for the guys...

 

 

We'll give our men a cool casual syle also, beginning with a great sweater:

http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=7E9H

 

Put that together with a cool pair of khakis:

http://freeridesystems.bigcartel.com/product/prospect-pants-standard-traditional-pocket-canvas-khakis

 

And some great mens shoes:

http://sasshoes.com/main/view_styles.php?catid=1&prodid=17

 

Next up we need some business attire...

This suit is HOT:

http://www.hartschaffnermarx.com/mens-suits/modern-fit-black-stripe-suit/

We'll put it together with a crisp, white shirt:

http://www.whitedressshirts.com/white_shirts.php?kindpk=SIBTPRC

A cashmere tie will really complete the look:

http://www.mountainandsackett.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=5137&idcategory=15

And we can't send him out barefoot when he could have shoes like this:

http://www.aldenshoe.com/cat_ane2_924.htm

And our final look, if we're going out on the town he's got to be looking equally sharp in his tux:http://www.galexanderllc.com/index.php/tuxedo-collections/redefining-romance-collection

And of course the stylin' shoes:

http://www.aldenshoe.com/cat_plaza_9373.htm

Hope you enjoyed our virtual fashion show! I love that all these items are made right here in the USA and hope this post shows you that you can be very fashionable while supporting American industry.

A Gift For The Thanksgiving Table

Day 34.

A Gift For The Thanksgiving Table

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you will be enjoying time with family and friends today. When visiting family during the holidays I think it's always nice to bring a little something to add to the table. In addition to my famous fruit salad (made from our friend Tod's special recipe), I wanted to make something delicious using all American ingredients. I found a baking mix from www.pelicanbayltd.com that only requires the addition of a few extra ingredients to make some wonderful cranberry orange bread. 

I'm glad to be able to offer this bread for our dinner table. I'm very thankful to be spending time today with my family and for all the blessings in our lives. This is just the way I love to enjoy the holidays.

Tomorrow is Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year. I strongly support the idea of Small Business Saturday (the following day), but will I be getting up at some crazy hour tomorrow to get the doorbuster deals that many stores are offering? Umm...no. Instead, I will be leisurely visiting my favorite shopping locations online and helping you find some great items that are made in the USA, but won't require you to leave the house. See you then!

A Mug That Matters

Day 33.
A Mug That Matters

I recently read an article about how Starbucks had turned to an Ohio company to make mugs for them right here in the USA. I found both the article and the effort impressive.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/12/business/starbucks-turns-to-ohio-not-china-for-coffee-mugs.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

 

After reading this I wanted to purchase one of the mugs myself. I will say I had some difficulty finding one locally, so I ordered mine from their online store by searching their site for "made in USA" and received a high quality, durable, American made mug.

 

 

 

I do hope Starbucks will continue to make available mugs and other products from here in the USA and I appreciate their effort to support American business. In the process of learning about these mugs I was also intrigued by another initiative, createjobsforusa.org. I found American made wristbands available in support of this effort for a $5.00 donation.

 

http://www.starbucksstore.com/create-jobs-for-usa-wristband/011019163,default,pd.html?q=made%20in%20usa

The wristband packaging explains the goal for these donations is to "help create and sustain jobs in underserved communities." I like the purpose, the message and the design of this wristband and will proudly wear it in support of American business.

Fabulous Shoes!

Day 32.
Fabulous Shoes!

There must be some kind of gene women have that gives so many of us this same predisposition...WE LOVE SHOES!!!!!! While searching for some stylish heels made in the USA I happened across the coolest site where you can actually design your own shoe. They offer a wide selection of shoes including those that are custom made, made here in the USA and designed to your specifications and preferences...and they are GORGEOUS! This site lets you be your own footwear designer and I think that is such a fun idea...

www.shoesusa.com

They say these shoes are designed to match your personality. This idea is right up my alley because not only does it let you reveal your creative side, but in the end you'll have a really hot pair of shoes!

Cool Slippers...Handmade By Ade

Day 31.

Cool Slippers...Handmade By Ade

Craft shows are a great place to find talented local artists and unique, one of a kind gifts. While checking out a holiday craft show over the weekend I met a woman who makes the coolest slippers! Adrienne Hopkins was at the event showcasing some slippers that she made by first crocheting 100% wool (and some from alpaca fiber) and with a little bit of crafting technique they ended up as awesome felted footwear. See what I mean...

Adrienne has an Etsy store and you can find more of her original custom creations at www.HandmadeByAde.Etsy.com.

Making Earrings with Gemstones from the USA

Day 30.
Making Earrings with Gemstones from the USA

If there's one thing I love more than wearing jewelry, it's making jewelry. It gives me a chance to be creative and crafty and have something cool to wear at the end of the project. I recently went searching for supplies that were made here in the USA and I started looking at one of my favorite locally owned bead and gem shops where I got some great insight, suggestions and help finding exactly what I needed. All the supplies for putting together my earrings were purchased from http://www.fallhillbeadandgem.com/ and Kim helped me find the silver findings, some beautiful sleeping beauty turquoise beads from Morenci, AZ and some faceted beads made from locally mined Herkimer Diamaonds. Time to put it all together..

 

Once the project was complete I was very pleased with the beautiful earrings!

What Does Your Jewelry Say About You?

Day 29.

What Does Your Jewelry Say About You?

When I first learned about Alex and Ani jewelry I was impressed to find a unique assortment of beautiful items that are made in America and crafted with a cool, innovative style. However, once I really started exploring the vast array of charms that they have to offer I was excited by the idea that you can select pieces that will really have personal significance and to me that's what makes a gift particularly special. They have a wide selection of necklaces, rings and earrings, but what I gravitated to immediately was the expandable wire bangle style of bracelet with charms for any occasion. I found a few that really spoke to me...

This message has always been my personal mantra...

http://www.alexandani.com/bracelets/single-charm-bangles/everything-happens-for-a-reason-expandable-wire-bangle-2335.html

This one is cool because I collect butterflies. A few years ago I had the pleasure of voicing the part of the mother butterfly for an award winning animation and have loved butterfly items ever since...

http://www.alexandani.com/bracelets/single-charm-bangles/butterfly-expandable-wire-bangle-russian-silver.html

And this one reminds me of how I got here to writing my blog in the first place...a love of elephants and respect for life...

http://www.alexandani.com/bracelets/single-charm-bangles/the-elephant-expandable-wire-bangle-russian-gold.html

These are just a few of the cool bangles and single charm options that I liked because they represent something of significance to me. What does your jewelry say about you?

Shopping for kids...including those we don't have

Day 28..
Shopping for kids...including those we don't have
 
There is a question that arises once you've been married as long as my husband and I have been..."When are you going to have kids?" The answer..."not yet", but if you asked "When are you going to be shopping for kids?" I would give a completely different answer. I shop for gifts year round. I'm fortunate to happen upon lots of unique shops for my work and if something catches my eye I don't hesitate to buy it on the spot and tuck it away for the next appropriate holiday. It's a great way to reduce the spending pinch in December (and also to be prepared in case a birthday sneaks up on you unexpectedly). So even though I don't have any of my own, there are kids in my life who I have occasion to shop for and you might be in that same boat. If so, you'll love the selection of clothes from this website for kids, whether you are looking for an adorable outfit for a little girl...

http://www.cwdkids.com/servlet/quagga/custom/items.jsp/_qprm_/noleft?id=56

or a little boy...

http://www.cwdkids.com/servlet/quagga/custom/items.jsp/_qprm_/noleft?id=57

There's a certain little guy I know who would look supercool in that dinosaur shirt. However, he grows so quickly I'm always needing an update on his current size! Well, their website seems to have a generous time window for returns, so that's always a comfort to know when doing holiday shopping, especially for a little one.

P.S. I'm not spoiling any surprises by posting this here...he's too young to read (although his little tech skills are good enough he might find this blog purely by accident)!
 

Speaking of shopping for kids who are not our own, let's remember that this time of year can be difficult for many families. There are so many children in less fortunate circumstances who may not have much of a holiday season without the generosity of someone like you or me. There are many worthy toy drives happening all over the country and I'd like to ask that while you are out doing your holiday shopping you consider purchasing an extra gift to donate to a child who might not otherwise have anything to open on Christmas morning. Let's make it a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season for all.

Hangin' Out With My Peeps

Day 27.

Hangin' Out With My Peeps

One of my favorite sweet treats (that just happens to be made in the USA) is all dressed up for the holidays and I'm taking this opportunity to incorporate them into my decorating. When I was out shopping this week and found Peeps marshmallow candies in snowman, tree, star, reindeer and gingerbread shapes it was all I could do not to tear into the packaging and eat them on my drive home. However, I restrained myself and instead decided to use them as an edible garnish to dress up some goodies. I left the gingerbread men and the reindeer intact in rows of three and put them on all sides of a bowl of cookies (with some Bogdon's peppermint stcks added in the corners of the bowl) and then thought that they would be adorable on a cupcake as well. Here are the results of my decorating...

It's starting to feel like the holidays now!

A Conversation About Coffee

 

Day 26.
A Conversation About Coffee

Coffee is an important part of my daily routine and probably yours as well. It's also a great go-to gift for many occasions. Whether it's in the form of a gift card to a favorite coffee shop, a package of a favorite blend tucked into a gift mug or part of a basket assortment, coffee can be a great gift for a neighbor, a Secret Santa exchange or a thank you to someone who has been helpful to you. I wanted to learn a little more about how coffee can fit into our search for products made in the USA when coffee beans come from so many other sources throughout the world. I went to a very knowledgeable source, Frank Elias, owner of the Utica Coffee Roasting Company.

 



 

 

 

This is a wonderful example of a gift that can be both local and global at the same time. It's also great to enjoy this coffee knowing that it comes from a terrific local company.http://uticacoffeeroasting.com/about-us/

In my office we regularly enjoy this coffee...

 

And at home I love to enjoy coffee as well...and while it's brewing it gives me the time to get a few things done...

 

The Ducks are Taking Over!

Day 25.
The Ducks are Taking Over!

I stumbled onto something that is just too adorable for words! Often I do a video review when I find something that I want to share with you, but this company has already done an amazingly entertaining video to spotlight their equally creative products. If I told you I was blown away by a line of rubber ducks you might not immediately get the full impact of my enthusiasm, so please check out this website and watch their video and I think you'll see why Sam from CelebriDucks, hatched in the USA, has quacked his way into my heart as a great gift idea!

http://www.celebriducks.com/index.php/made-in-america/

Aren't you glad you checked that out? Double snaps for this awesome company!

Stuff for your Stocking

Day 24.
Stuff for your Stocking

Ok, back to our holiday stocking. Now that we have that project completed we have to find some things to use as stocking stuffers. Here are a few ideas to get us started...

 

 

I absolutely LOVE finding little additional gifts to round out the holidays and filling a stocking is a fun way to mix in a few of those surprises. If you're looking for some more stocking stuffer suggestions take a look at these...

How about some fun new colors of water-based nailpolish by Acquarella?

http://store.acquarellapolish.com/

Or some sweet treats to make for a relaxing bath...

http://www.beaubain.com/

And my experience has been you can never go wrong with chocolates...

http://www.worldsfinestchocolate.com/

I think these are all particularly fun ideas for adding a little something extra to your stocking and all are made in the USA. You'll have a great time adding these goodies to a stocking...and just tell 'em they're from Santa!

Thank you, veterans!

 

Day 23.

Thank you, veterans!

I am married to a veteran. My husband served for six and a half years in the army and went to Korea twice during that time. My father entered the Navy near the end of World War II. I thank them both and all of our nation's veterans for their service. This Veterans Day let's consider a gift of an American flag.

 

 

 

In honor of Veterans Day I drove a talented young lady named Kimberly Sargalis in a local parade. During the parade we saw LOTS of American flags and we decorated the car with several of our own. I know that many American flags are manufactured in other countries, so it was important to me to make sure we knew the origins of ours. For this occasion we were particularly pleased to show patriotism and honor to our veterans by showcasing flags that were made right here in the USA.

 

 

Today I encourage you to thank a veteran. We owe them so much. I also encourage you to give special attention to the label on the purchase of your next flag. There are many places where you can purchase an American flag that was made right here in America. Here's one...

https://www.flagstoreusa.com/Default.asp

I hope you fly your American flag with patriotism and pride. And thank you again to all our men and women in the Armed Forces, past and present, who have served with honor.

 

Handmade is Heartmade - Making a Stocking

Day 22.
Handmade is Heartmade - Making a Stocking

A handmade gift is a heartmade gift, don't you think? I love to get creative and make presents for my friends and family. Some gifts I have made and given to loved ones in the past have included a quilt for my mother made with squares all featuring family photos, a bracelet made from my own handcrafted beads shaped and painted to resemble each of my aunt's 12 cats and a picture book that transformed my nephew into the star of an original story as a result of some creative use of photo editing software. Maybe these thoughts will give you a few ideas too.

Using supplies that are made here in the USA I'd like to now show you how to make a stocking from scratch and give a gift that can be enjoyed throughout the holiday season for this year and years to come.

 

It's so gratifying to make something special and see the project come together well. Then the feeling of giving the gift and feeling that your efforts are being enjoyed and appreciated is even nicer. Now that we have the stocking we're going to need some cool stocking stuffers to fill it. I have some ideas...

It's chilly outside, but I've got a Warm Glow

Day 21.

It’s chilly outside, but I’ve got a Warm Glow

I mentioned previously that I took a trip to St. Louis this year…but did I tell you it was a road trip? I drove 16 hours in each direction, which gave me lots of time to stop and shop at outlets and interesting stores along the way. While passing through Indiana I came upon an attraction that was too good for a candle lover like me to pass by…the Warm Glow Candle Company! If you’re driving along Interstate 70 they are just off exit 145. They tell you to look for the big candle. I assure you that is no joke, it is a BIG CANDLE! Here is their sign by the road…

 

When I went inside there were fragrant candles everywhere I looked in their enormous outlet store…a true paradise for someone like me! Now, candles are always great, but as a souvenir from this trip I wanted to bring home something a little different, so I selected one of their electric candles. This is a great item that is hand dipped in one of their many aromatic scents. I chose one in a gingerbread cookie scent (because I love all things gingerbread) and it has a fabulous fragrance. The light bulb inside gives off a beautiful glow that heats the candle up just enough to really make the scent really fill the room. For those times when you want to enjoy the candle atmosphere, but may not want to actually light a flame, an electric candle is a perfect alternative.

 

If ever you’re travelling through Centerville, Indiana, the Warm Glow Candle Company is definitely a place I’d suggest visiting. Or in the meantime you can see their store online at www.warmglow.com.

Another Great Candle Find

Day 20.
Another Great Candle Find

While searching for some more cool gift ideas online I found a company that impressed me and I placed an order for some unique scented candles that have a beautiful fragrance, a clever and decorative design and are made right here in the USA. I was thoroughly pleased with my experience ordering from the American Spirit Candle Company and their website at www.americanspiritcandle.com.

How cute is that little snowman? These candles are absolutely perfect for the holiday season...or maybe for tucking into another gift basket!

Art Appreciation

Day 19.
Art Appreciation

Sometimes when you see a gift item it just speaks to you and you know that it's the perfect item for someone on your list. I think the same can be said for art, which can also be a treasured gift, and occasionally the story behind the work is what makes it all the more interesting. That was the case for me when I learned about the art of American artist Ellen Clapsaddle. Although her name was previously unfamiliar to me, the style of her images was immediately recognizable and spoke to me and I gained a much greater appreciation for them once I learned a little about her life and the fact that she lived quite near to where I do today. She is known particularly for being a very prolific postcard artist. Her vintage cards are apparently quite collectable and prints of her work are also very desirable. Locally printed items are available from www.jimparkerartist.com and Jim Parker took some time to tell me a little more about Ellen Clapsaddle and the work that made her known.

A search for more information about her online turned up a number of other places to find her vintage cards. For someone who loves art or history you can find a piece of both from this artist who I'm proud to say was from my local area.