Inspiration Thursday! Making a list... checking it twice!

Well folks, it's December. Some people shop all year long for Christmas so that when December rolls around, they're finished with their shopping and are ready to ship their prettily wrapped packages. I'm not that girl.

I'm not the girl to leave EVERYTHING to the last minute. I've got some shopping done and wrapped. But I'm still searching for those last little perfect gifts. If you're that person too, may I suggest an option? Did you think about shopping Etsy?

For me, it's a year of tight budgets and I'd much rather spend my money on something handmade (or vintage that's passed the test of time) than something electronic that will be obsolete in a year. There's an incredible array of beautiful gifts to be had on the site - including a little something from Swoon Studios!

Earlier this week, I created a Treasury - it's the picture above - to showcase some of the artists that had put things on sale for cyber Monday. If they're like me, they'll probably be running specials this month to help you finish your Christmas list! Again, it's December folks....

Etsy Treasury: Country Wedding

This treasury was inspired by my friend E who gave me the inspiration.

Working Tuesday: Etsy Treasury East

If you follow the blog, Facebook or Twitter, you know I have really gotten into making Etsy Treasuries. According to Etsy:

The Treasury is a member-curated gallery of short-lived lists of 12 handpicked items each. Members can feature their favorite items, items selected on a theme or just whomever they like. The Treasury is not intended for self-promotion, but instead to acknowledge and share the many cool things for sale on Etsy.

I've very much enjoyed thinking up themes, cool names and finding items that fit into my self-picked Treasury according to color, photo layout and style. You're not allowed to put more than one of your items in a Treasury, but I find it a challenge to pick an item and find it's genre so to speak. It's taught me quite a bit about photos and layout as well. It's not gotten me a ton of new eyes, but it's been a great way to explore the world of Etsy.

Etsy has started a beta section called Treasury East. Treasury East doesn't have a time limit when the list expires into the ether, and you have more choices you can highlight. I've pulled together a couple lists just for fun.

The first I called "Cotton Candy." I've just added a new section called "Milk Money Designs" to the shop. These items were made by my good friend Kat and there's one necklace in particular that I adore - I have since she made it. It is sparkling sumptuousness and it deserved to be highlighted.

The other is "Spring can really hang you up the most" inspired by Spring and Bette Midler - again, trying for a catchy name. This one includes designs inspired by flowers or spring and are rich in pinks, reds, blues and greens. Some of my favorite designs on Etsy are in this particular Treasury.

I'm sure there's more Treasury fun in my future. These are just the beginning. In the meantime, enjoy exploring with me!