It's hard to believe today is already February 1. Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and while we aren't so fancy on the corporate push to buy something random for someone special - we are definitely all game for buying something unique and special that is handmade. Not only because it supports the many small handmade businesses, but also, because buying handmade is 100% unique and thoughtful. It's not just another box of chocolates off the shelf (sorry to those who love that). So, while we think of Valentine's Day this year, we have pulled some fun Valentine's themed items for all the ages, that will definitely put a smile on the special one's face.

 

Adorn Handcrafted Co creates small batch, thoughtfully crafted, sweetly soft bows, and other adornments - like these cute Valentine's Day print hair clips. Grab a pack to put inside a sweet Valentine's card.

Adorn Handcrafted Co.

Looking for the perfectly most thoughtfully crafted dog accessories? Look no further. The Bossy Pupper has you covered with the sweetest little accessories for your furry friends too. Valentine's themed or not - they'll be looking extra special.

Bossy Pupper

These little hair bows are just too cute to pass up. We're loving all the different fabrics. Want to buy some for that special little one, just pop by Dawn & Ruby Designs. And maybe get something for yourself- because they're making hair accessories for all ages.

Dawn & Ruby Designs

Looking for some simply handcrafted clay jewelry, Delo & Co has the perfect pairs. We're loving these cute Valentine's Day sets, but there are soooo many amazing styles to choose from as well.

Delo & Co

How cute is this bow? The colours are so pretty and precious. If you love this, you'll definitely love Mama Whimsy Shop's whole line of hair accessories for mama and mini. So many adorable options.

Mama Whimsy Shop

Another beautiful pair of earrings. NIDU Designs is behind the mixed media statement accessories. These stunning heart dangles just had to be shared. Be sure to pop over for so many other options that would be perfect to gift to her. 

NIDU Designs

We love when something Valentine's isn't red. We mean red is great - but it's nice to see something different too - like this cute little black heart headband from PinkPeony by Kirsten. So simple yet so fun to add to any outfit.

PinkPeony by Kirsten

If food is the way to the heart - than these cake pops from Pretty Witty Sweets are the perfect gift. So many fun sayings. They're all about slightly inappropriate, occasionally offensive, anti-prude custom cookies... and we're loving everyone of them.

Pretty Witty Sweets

Okay, food on a card. Perfection. And if you know the Hong Kong street food bubble waffles - then you'll love this card even more. Actually, Shop Ting and Things has so many fun and playful cards to gift - we wish you luck choosing just one.

Shop Ting and Things

YODA one for me. And this pattern listing from Spontaneous Stitches is the perfect purchase to make this cute little embroidery for that special fan. A win win - you get to make something and support the handmade community. Now that's a whole lot of love going around. 

Spontaneous Stitches

There are so many amazing Valentine's ideas, but these are definitely at the top of our list. How cute are these Dino-mite pendant necklaces? Tiny Threaded Mouse makes one-of-a-kind hand embroideries... and these have to be our absolutely favourite.

Tiny Threaded Mouse

When your love language is puns, Yuenique Cards has you covered. I've been shaving all my love for you, too fun not to buy. Check them out for other fun cards and framed art - there's something for everyone.

Yuenique Cards

The Rustic Home Farmhouse Decor has the cutest little signs and tags for your Valentine. Making handmade rustic decor to give your home those farmhouse vibes - we know they'll have something to gift that special someone. Our favourite is definitely the Pucker Up tag. 

Rustic Home Farmhouse Decor

We love Valentine's Day, but we hate the pressure of having to support the big box stores with flower, chocolate and diamond purchases. It seems so "ordinary" to us and that why we encourage shopping small and local. It just adds an extra special touch of thought. Plus, who doesn't like something unique that you can't just run into town and get? 

For some more Valentine's ideas, be sure to check out last year's Valentine's Day Features. 

HC ♡

Ho, ho, ho! We have some very exciting news for you. This year we have 12 amazing makers who have graciously offered to give something to you. It's our biggest giveaway on Instagram we have done yet, and it is soooo much fun. We are super excited and can't wait to get started. Today, we're sharing the details, so you can mark your calendars for the big days because you won't want to miss it. 

 

 

Here's how it's going down. From December 1 - 12 we are going to introduce you to each of the makers who are participating in the giveaway. Over those days, you can comment, like and follow - be sure to show them lots of love. Here's a sneak peek at who they are... but what they're giving will be a secret! :)

Jars by Jodi

 

PinkPeony by Kirsten

Misiyo Candle Co

Heartfelt Bundles

 

Hunny Tree Hollow

 

Southern MB Comforts

 

Always and Forever Designs

Sweetness

 

Designs Barn

 

Leigh's Clays

Sweet Magnolia Designs

Mar's Scrunchies

On December 13, we are going to pop on Instagram (@HandmadeCanada) with the giveaway post and details. You'll need to follow each of the makers, as well as do some other, super easy stuff. You'll have until December 15 to participate (we'll have the full deadline in the post). Then, ONE WINNER will be chosen. That's right - one winner is going to win all 12 items! That means 12 days of Christmas parcels will be showing up at your door!! How fun is that?? 

We really can't wait to spread some Christmas cheer and make someone's Christmas one to remember. Be sure to mark your calendars for December 1, and to follow along until December 13th for all the fun. 'Tis the season to give handmade!

 

HC ♡

This is Halloween, this is Halloween... Halloween, Halloween, Halloween. Anyone else have that song on replay in their heads these days? The fun and spooky holiday is fast approaching, with ideas that it may look a lot different for some this year, as trick or treating has been put on the Covid "NO" list. Either way, we've heard many fun ideas floating around social media on how to make the day just as fun and special, with or without the regular door to door treating. Which has us wondering,what does Halloween look like for you this year? Are you planning something different? We'd love to know in the comments below. 

But wait! Before you jump to the comments, we've rounded up some of the handmade Halloween items popping up around Instagram. It was a little tougher finding some makers who make for the occasion, but the ones we did find, definitely met the requirements, and more! Here's this round up of Canadian Handmade items for Halloween:

 

 Spooky Boo! Drinkware from designs by d.

designs by d.

Cartoon Hocus Pocus Mask from 3 Sister Scrunchies

3 Sister Scrunchies

Candy Corn Beanie form Alma Retro Crochet

Alma Retro Crochet

 

DIY Necklace Kit from Cords Designs

Cords Designs

Halloween Ghost Explorer Kit from Creating Explorations

Creating Explorations

 

Skull Hand Tank Top from Culture Graphics

Culture Graphics

Glass Skull Body Oils from Luxuria Studios

Luxuria Studios

 

Hypoallergenic Skull Earrings from Pretty Ears

Pretty Ears

Hocus Pocus Themed Cake from The Bizy Baker

The Bizy Baker

So many fun and spooky items to get you into the Halloween spirit and keep it alive this year, despite the many guidelines. We're just loving all of them. As always, pop by our Instagram @HandmadeCanada for other amazing makers and even more fun - a place to support the handmade companies big and small from across Canada.

 

HC ♡

Cinna Bunnies - Cinnamon Bun Bunnies

Kristen Sellentin - #cinnabunny

Easter Bunny Paper Dolls

How fun are these Easter bunny paper dolls? You can order these and so many other paper dolls from Kody Stewart Illustrations (Etsy). You can purchase the digital files, print moments later and be on your way to a really fun afternoon. And just for reference, these ones are only CA $7.50. That is a great price to keep all ages busy. Something unique and different. Print a pair for the whole family and see how everyone chooses to give them a different look of colours. We think these are so fun and very old fashioned, something even the grandparents would take joy in (just leave them on their doorstep with their treats).

Kody Stewart Illustrations - Instagram

This no bake white chocolate mini egg cheesecake looks so delicious. We know making it would be a huge hit, and fun way to spend Easter afternoon with those extra Easter chocolates. We can't wait to try it and hope you can't either. Don't want to make cheesecake, but still want to bake with Mini Eggs? Head over to the mini egg cheesecake recipe and there are many more links in her post to other delicious looking recipes. 

Little Sparkle and Co.