Barnacle Bags: A Giveaway - Celebrating Handmade Goods!

2013 calendar handmade by Oana Benfort

Oana creates the most beautiful illustrations with lots of inspiration from nature. Visit her blog, such a pretty view into her life.

A pair of earnings handmade by Ashley of Roots and Wings Jewelry

Ashley spends her days making beautiful jewelry and going on many adventures around the beautiful Oregon coast which she often shares on her blog.

Feather stamp handmade by Stephanie of Extase

Stephine has a great collection of hand carved stamps which are mounted salvaged wood. They would be perfect for making your own wrapping paper this holiday season.

How did you learn your craft?

Oana- "Art was a part of my life since very little. I always loved crafts, drawing and painting. My love for illustration and design grew thorough the years by a lot of practice, study and working."

Ashley- "I began, like many Etsy sellers, making jewelry for myself because I wanted something that fit my style. I have no training in jewelry making and am almost entirely self-taught. I started out using whatever tools and materials I had on hand and I have slowly refined my skills through trial and error, learning from fellow jewelers, and reading about new techniques and tools. One of the things I love about creating jewelry is that I am always learning and my style is always growing and changing."

Brass nugget necklace handmade by Krystin of Sappy Apple

Krystin has a wonderful blog highlighting the simple things from her daily life and hopes to re-open her cute Etsy shop soon.

Bee Hive notebook handmade by Amanda of Wit & Whistle

Amanda creates wonderful illustrations for her diverse line of paper goods

Shop

Rose & Chamomile mini facial set handmade by Briar of Marble and Milkweed

Briar creates the most amazing skin care products using organic and local ingredients.

Shop // Website // Blog

How did you learn your craft?

Krystin: "One of my favorite places to spend my time when I was little was in my grandmas craft room. I would look through her collection of Martha Stewart magazines, search through the dozens of drawers stuffed with pom poms, beads, glitter, googly eyes and paper doilies. I remember hand sewing little skirts for my barbie dolls and trying to sell my FIMO creations to all of my family members... I'm mostly self taught, though I've learned a few tricks from grandma. I enjoy reading up on new techniques and I spend a lot of time trying (and often failing at) new ideas and crafts. I truly love to create and that's what keeps me going."

Amanda: "I've been practicing drawing ever since I was a child, but I really learned my craft in college while earning my graphic design degree. I loved the work I started producing once I learned how to combine digital techniques with my hand drawing."

Briar: "I learned my craft while working by day as a pastry chef, and my line grew out of the love I have for pure and beautiful ingredients, gracefully assembled. My work is also inspired by simple and analog pleasures, like a hot bath in my ancient claw-foot bathtub in the kitchen."

To enter this giveaway:

1. Subscribe or Follow Barnacle Bags Blog

2. Leave a comment below with your email address and share which gift package you love

3. Visit these wonderful shops and blogs ( heart a few of there items on Etsy or follow these makers lovely blogs)

Thanks so much to all these talented makers and for donating such beautiful items!

Happy Holidays & Remember to Shop HANDMADE this holiday season!

Giveaway will end December 10th