DIYthing

We know you voted last week for Smashing Darling…but they need your help once again.
Smashing Darling has made it to round #2 for Best Social Shopping Site in the Mashable Open Web Awards! So stop shopping and go VOTE again for Smashing Darling!

“We created a place for EVERYONE who loves fashion that thinks beyond the mall. Whether you want to shop, sell your own designs, find raw materials, meet others, collaborate, or just see what’s new and hot in independent fashion…Smashing Darling is the place that brings all of these elements together and is a community like no other. “

Check out our hot indie stocking stuffers for the guys on your list over at Stylehive.
And check out some other great posts by the bloggers over at Stylehive.

A one woman labor of love handmade in NYC. I love this generation of indie designers that are determined to make it…to quit their day job and make it as a mom, a wife, a student, or just being single but doing what they love. Hats off to them!

Paulette is just that, a mom that was determined to quit her day job to stay home with her child, so she reached back in her childhood, and found a skill that her grandmother taught her as a child and started crocheting hats.

You can find Paulette’s designs on her website: www.dahliasoleil.com or on her etsy shop: www.dahliasoleil.etsy.com. Or check out this wonderful interview on Anti-Mag.com.

The Holiday season is upon us…and so is jack frost! Stay warm
with these top 8 picks from DIYthing.

1. Stripe-O-Rama Scarf by: Drew-O-Rama

2. Vintage and Polar Fleece Flower Neckwarmer by: dismantled

3. Cappuccino Cowl by: fringe

4. Chartreuse Tulip Scarf by: kthurm

5. Lamb’s Wool Scarf by: Debbie Bryan

6. Monsters Scarf by: luchaworkshop

7. Owl Applique Scarf by: Itybitybags

8. Best Friend Scarf by: fringe

goingreen designer on etsy makes these really cool recycled t-shirt bags. these would make great holiday gifts for the book lover, teacher, student, or just anyone that totes a lot of extras around.

“I search high and low for fun, funky, unique t-shirts”…Taylor Ballweg

Get your grove on with this tee by Maine College of Art student, George McGinty.

George spends his days working hard to get his Art Ed certificate from MECA. Humor has an important role in his work, and he often focuses on the human face or form.

You can see more holiday gift ideas at Smashing Darling! Also be sure to check their blog often for the latest news on designers and gift ideas.

“This Saturday, December 8th, 3rd Ward is proud to present the 1st ever Handmade Holiday Craft Fair and Open House where local artisans and craft mavens alike will be selling their wares in the classic marketplace style amidst 3rd Ward’s Open House filled with free tutorials and demos in vintage furniture restoration, sustainable lamp design, video animation, metal work, graphic design and more - all led by some of Brooklyn’s top artists and creative professionals.”

If you are in the area, we hope you get the chance to stop by and support the local artists this holiday season. DIYthing has plans to stop by 3rd Ward Saturday and meet some of the locals and maybe do a little holiday shopping as well.

Open Call for Designers - Summer 2008 Collection

Burda Style has put out a call for designers to dream up their “Summer 2008 Collection”, but time is running short, deadline is December 22, 2007 for all designs. You can see all the details here.

“What do we want to wear when the days get long and warm again, darlings? We want you to dream up the summer fashion forecast, design it, and share it with everyone on BurdaStyle!”

This is your chance to show what you got! Go for it, no excuses this time.

What and who is on your holiday list this year? Well today DIYthing brings you holiday gift ideas from Smashing Darling’s designers. Smashing Darling is the place to shop handmade this season, you can find clothing, jewelry, accessories, vintage, textiles and a whole lot more.

Handcrafted silver paper ring by designer Kristi Roshau. Might want to drop a few hints for this one, price - $58.00.

For the man on your list - $26.00 - designer: Whodini. Handmade single fold design for less bulk.

Must have belt buckle by “The Urge To Adorn.” The buckles are made in house with found or created photography. - $98.00

Can’t go wrong with this gift idea by Yosifa+Penina, unique and functional. $45.00

Check back often as DIYthing brings you handmade gift ideas from different shops over the next few weeks. Remember buy handmade, it will make the receiver feel special knowing you took the time to shop for a unique gift.

I’m sure many of you have taken the handmade pledge this holiday season, and are looking for the perfect gift. Stay with DIYthing this holiday season as Deb and I bring you some of our favorite indie finds.

What a great necklace from gamiworks! This “Little Black Dress Approved” necklace would be the perfect gift for any woman or teenager on your list, and with a price tag of only $16.00.

What about this hand crocheted Lip Balm holder, it would make a perfect stocking stuffer! Visit seahorsedesigns to browse all of their products.

Paperhill has a beautiful handmade Damask Frame.

You can never go wrong with a little zipper pouch for any friend on your list. Louloubell makes these incredible little zipper pouches, great for carrying in your purse to keep things organized, and who has to know it only cost $8.00.

Also, remember the Etsy Trashion street team, in an effort to encourage customers to buy recycled, and to buy handmade, is hosting Save the World Sunday, a major sale event and celebration of all things recycled & handmade. Participating shops are offering 20% off or free shipping on this special sales day, Sunday Dec. 2. For a list of participating shops, visit www.etsytrashion.com or www.etsytrashion.blogspot.com. Special gift guides focusing on different holiday themes - winter wear, holiday decor, gifts for children of all ages - are up for view at www.etsytrashion.blogspot.com