I Pledge Allegiance

Pledge to buy handmade this holiday season at BuyHandmade.org!

"Buyhandmade.org is a collaboration between Etsy, Craftster, indiepublic, Craft Magazine, Interweave, Burdastyle, The Austin Craft Mafia, Design*Sponge, and The American Craft Council, nine prominent forces in the DIY and handmade worlds. Calling ourselves The Handmade Consortium, we have banded together to encourage people to buy handmade this holiday season.

The ascendancy of chain store culture and global manufacturing has left people all dressing, furnishing, and decorating alike. The connection between producer and consumer has been lost. Buying handmade helps them reconnect. We created the pledge as a call to action for consumers to be conscious of how they spend their money this holiday season. We want people, whenever possible, to support independent creators and shop outside the big boxes."

What a Hoot

This is what happens when I have a pattern all cut out and opt to use the glass that's at the top of my supply pile. Cute? Yes! Realistic? No!

It can all be yours for a mere $135 (plus shipping). Shop online now!

Fume Trap

Most stained glass enthusiasts—such as myself—use solder that contains a percentage of lead.

According to the National Safety Council, lead can increase blood pressure and cause fertility problems, nerve disorders, muscle and joint pain, irritability, and memory or concentration problems.

I have a new excuse! I mean, oh, THAT explains a few things...

So here's an item for my Holiday Wish List—a fume trap. How much difference can there be between a $49.95 model and a $149.95 model? Is my health something to scrimp on?