This month's Sampler arrived in my mailbox and it's brimming with wonderful handmade treats!
What is the Sampler? It's where clever marketing and handmade goodies join forces to promote independent designers. Every month, crafters, zines, musical artists and makers of all stripes submit their samples to a huge pool of contributed items that are divvyed up, tucked neatly into care packages, and then sent off to Sampler subscribers. Best of all, if you contribute to the Sampler you will also receive your very own Sampler. How cool is that?
In addition to their monthly box o' crafty goodness, the Sampler offers special curated boxes of items that are custom-ordered from Sampler contributers and it's called Sampler Select. It's very exclusive!
To learn more about the Sampler, visit them online: www.homeofthesampler.com
OK, let's take a peek inside this month's Sampler!
The owners of Compai (means company in Spanish) contributed a really lovely silk scarf in a beautiful color palette of peach, brown and gray. It's so soft and feels luxurious! Along with the scarf were cute "recipe cards" with instructions on how to wear the scarf with style for the launch of their book "99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Tie & Rock Your Scarf" in stores on March 8. I think I'll make mine into a halter top!
Manic Trout does it again with another stunning piece of jewelry. Upon setting my eyes on their Alegra Midnight Show Necklace, my mind drifted off to a dream vacation to Morocco where I might find such a treasure. It's a necklace that's feminine, yet funky and sure to make your gal pals jealous.
Indie designers love animals! I've seen cool handmade items featuring owls and birds and now I have a super cute octopus to call my own. My new pet has eight legs, is made of sterling silver, and hangs around my neck. To adopt one of your own, check out Imogene, which carries a nice selection of jewelry, paper crafts, and home goods.
As I'm rummaging through my Sampler box, I notice a delicious aroma and discover it's a bar of oatmeal, milk and honey soap and a tube of chocolate dreams soothing lip balm by Dejae Blue Spa. They both smell heavenly! The soap is made up of wholesome ingredients such as rice bran, shea butter, and coconut oil. I can't wait to try it after a long day at work to wash away the stress.
And finally, I received a plethora of greeting cards just in time for the holiday season. Carta Etc. sent in a pack of five cards stamped with a gilded bird that are absolutely stunning. On their Web site, they are offering 20 percent off your first purchase and free gift wrap until December 25. What a great bargain!
The card makers at Presents and Law contributed adorable postcards of dogs wearing antlers and one sporting a tiara.
These cards made me howl with laughter!
Alicia Bock of Alicia Bock Photography captured a moment in nature that's similar to one I witnessed just the other day -- a flock of birds flying away for the winter. Her artwork is inspiring and ethereal. I can see myself picking up a few of her offerings for gift-giving.
Frank & Bean's cards will make you smile. They are whimsical and unexpected, which are the perfect ingredients for must-have greeting card in my book! Look for their birthday card featuring a cave man wielding a club, inside it says "let's go clubbing!" I know just the person who receive this special card!
Well, I'm off to enjoy my goods. Viva la Sampler!
Can't get enough? See what's been written about the October and September editions of the Sampler.
