8 Wonderful Handmade Shops to Indulge in ...

I first stumbled upon this lovely handmade shop and the beautiful woman, Melis, behind the shop two years ago. She was so sweet to share one of her handmade floral headbands with our readers for a giveaway. Since then I have purchased a few of my own pretty bands and surprised my sister with one for her birthday. What’s great about giving handmade products as gifts is having the opportunity to personalize it for each individual. I told Melis my sister’s favorite colors and she came up with the perfect headband for her, and she coudn’t have been happier! Check out Mila Rose Designs online and on Facebook for weekly deals and other goodies.

A few years ago I won a giveaway from Reese Carrozzini Studio over at my friend’s blog, Poppies and Sunshine. Once we were in contact with each other about the item I selected, an instant friendship was born. Reese is the sweetest person and so personable, which is another reason why I love buying from handmade shops. You really get to know the people behind the product and connect in a way you couldn’t with items bought from mass production. She makes her jewelry and artwork in her home in Italy, where she teaches English as a second language. For my birthday she sent me a pair of owl earrings that she made, and two bracelets for my daughters! Stop by her shop over on etsy.com to find these earrings I am currently in love with, and much more.

Jennifer makes the cutest home decor and accessory items - including embroidery hoops, like this one - as well as jewelry, scarfs, hats, coffee cozies, and little fabric owl buddies. I recently purchased an owl embroidery hoop from her shop, Homespun Happiness, that she personalized with my wedding date and colors for my anniversary. Stop by shophomespunhappiness.com and check her out on Instagram where you can find deals and giveaways!

Whether you’re a sports fan, country chic, or just looking for something fun to spunk up your wardrobe, Stephanie over at Sassy Belle Wares' etsy.com shop has what you need! She’s a Phillies fan, but she may still hook you up if you’re a Yankees fan! Oh, and for all my owl obsessed friends, she just sent me the cutest owl bracelets that are perfect for summer... so be sure to stop by and get yourself a set too!

So many incredible shops and women who stand behind them; they are moms, students, and housewives doing something they are passionate about. Hilani is a mom to two adorable little boys and in her free time she sews purses, wallets, travel organizers, and more! Last year she made the most adorable owl wallet for me that fits so many things ... I love it! But what I can’t wait to get my hands on is one of her purses! Can you believe the handmade details she put into them... pretty amazing! Head on over to her shop handmadebyhilani.storenvy.com and check out her blog hilanimade.com as well for more items and ideas.

There is so much to say about this amazing handmade shop and the young lady who started it all. Jessica got the idea for Headbands of Hope after a summer internship where she was helping with the Make a Wish Foundation. She thought about all the little girls who were losing their hair because of cancer and wanted to give them something to make their day so much brighter. For every headband that is purchased, one is donated to a little girl with cancer and $1.00 is donated to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Each headband is handmade by My Sunshine Shoppe. Please stop by headbandsofhope.org to learn more about the shop, Jessica, and the little girls that need our help, one headband at a time.

Who doesn’t need a good luck charm in their life... right?! I love everything that Jutta from The Lucky Elephant makes, especially her wrap bracelets. She has a great Facebook page with updates on new items and quick sales, which is where I spotted her sparkly black beaded charm bracelet on sale and had to claim it for myself last year. Did I mention what a sweetheart she is? Last Summer she helped me get together an amazing list of vendors for our big Facebook giveaway! I Love Jutta... and you will too when you head on over to her etsy.com shop!

Is this not the most adorable little tutu you’ve ever seen? How cute is this little girl as well? Kristal hand makes and customizes tutus for just about any occasion, season, or holiday. She has a beautiful holiday collection that includes a green tutu that looks like a Christmas tree and another one that looks like Mrs. Claus! She recently had the pleasure of making one for the daughter of Bachelorette star Trista Sutter... how cool is that? If you have a little girl or know a little princess who would love these, stop by her etsy.com shop for a look.

Aren't all of these handmade goodies wonderful? Now it's your turn to dish! What are some of your favorite handmade shops?