On the busiest shopping day (I almost accidentally typed holiday) of the year, I’d like to get in a plug for buying handmade gifts from local artists and artisans. Here are a few incentives and ideas for your gift list!

As a special thank you to blog readers, I’ve created a coupon that you can use for 10% off any purchase in my etsy shop or at rutharmitage.com. Expires Dec. 15th!  Simply enter the code ARTISTRUTHDEC during checkout, either in the coupon box on Etsy or in the notes to the seller on the paypal page on my website. Enjoy! And feel free to pass this offer along to a friend who might need some artwork. If you don’t see the painting you want, be sure to leave me a comment. I haven’t had time to post everything to the new site yet 🙂

Also, check out the new Handmadeology site from Etsy: http://www.handmadeology.com/reaction/gathering/ where you can vote for my “Gathering” print… and give your reaction to other great items from etsy sellers. This is a curated site, so you don’t have to sift through millions of photos to get great gift ideas.

I’d also like to point you to some of the wonderful links I’ve accumulated in the sidebar here: Especially take note of  Works by Tracy Helgeson where you’ll find some fabulous landscapes in oil. If you’re local, be sure to check out http://www.victorhillfarm.com/ for beautiful handmade wreaths, gifts and fresh u-cut Christmas Trees.

One of my students, Leslie, had such a fun advent calendar idea… I had to have one! Here she is with her Merry Matchbox Advent Calendar, available in her etsy shop.

Get ready to decorate!

This weekend I’m hosting my little 3 yr. old godson, Christian, while his parents take a much needed break. We’re looking forward to popcorn, baking, long walks, and lots of fun! I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!