Miss Smith: . jUst a cArd . { well . actually . 10 lOvely xmAs cards } .

one of the things i lOve about the internet is how it has seemed to support & aid the rise of independents . & . crafts people . & . artists . people that you would have needed to have known about before are given a relatively cost effective platform in which to sell their beautiful goods . that said, there is something to be said for being able to browse around shops & fairs . & . also something so lovely about being able to speak to the makers & designers & artists themselves .

this sAturday sees a whole host of xmAs fairs & markets; i'm lOoking forward to the Winter Market & Digmas in my home town of birminghAm . whilst not far away nOttingham the Etsy Nottingham Team will be playing host to a Etsy Made Local market . both helping to support shopping small & shopping local this xmAs . it's easy to visit these markets . & . to look . & . admire the beautiful hand crafted products . & . then to walk away without purchasing anything . we have become so used to prices being driven down that quite often, as beautiful as these pieces are, they seem expensive when compared to the High Street . but . we forget the time that goes into creating & making these pieces . we have forgotten the value of individuality & creativity & our own personal time .

which is why markets like the Winter Market . & . Etsy Made Local . & . campaigns like Just a Card . are so important . not just to visit . but to put our purses where it matters . maybe you don't buy as much this year . but maybe you buy mindfully & with a little thought to supporting local people ?

so here are a few cards . just to give you a little inspiration of what lOveliness shopping local can bring you .