T's Earrings and Shopping Local

I'm a happy camper. Last week I'd decided to hunt down earrings for Teesie. Something cute, small, and princess-y. We'd taken her to get her ears done a few months ago and she's been begging for new earrings.

I was ok with buying new ones, really. But lately there has been news of the lower cost kid's jewelry having lead in them! There was no way that I was going to buy something I wasn't sure of. The prices of gold, though...a small pair of earrings were outrageous! So, I began searching for handmade jewelry.

That was a big success! In fact, I found so many little stores offering handmade jewelry for kids and adults that I was very tempted just to splurge and get myself something. Instead, I picked up Buddy and Ambi a present each. A toothfairy pillow for Ambi and for Buddy, a spiderman pillow.

It hit me while I was shopping that with the economy so bad, buying from a mom or another artisan is a really good idea. Yeah, some of my friends will say, 'duh Julie', but really, how often do you buy anything local that's not garden grown? I found a neat series on a Long Island website that showcases MOMTREPRENEURS on a monthly basis. Janene Mascarella conducts interviews and provides links to some very nice mom run shops. Her latest is here- Long Island Exchange, Momtreprenuers Month.


I like Mascarella's style. It reminds me of some of my favorite writers. Earthy, open, and friendly. Sort of like those shops! (Which reminds me, I need to get back to Etsy and leave feedback, erp.) I was checking out the rest of the site and found other articles, too. Since I'm talking about shops, here are a few more links to interviews she's showcased, maybe you'll find something to buy and support another mom.

Jacqueline V Designs

Scrubz

Precious Parcels

This series only has 3 entries so far, but I like it and I think I'll send Janene some suggestions as I find them.

Do you have any links to share? I'd love to find more mom based shops for my own shopping, help??

Janene Mascarella writes for the Long Island Exchange, check out her other articles.(Hey, I support other writers,too, not just shops ;-) )