Black Friday Purchases I Would Sacrifice A Night Of Sleep For

I LOVE buying people gifts. The thrill of finding the perfect item and seeing that person smile when opening their present is the best.  This week's Fandom Friday is all about Black Friday shopping, but I'm putting a handmade spin on it. Have a cup of coffee this morning and shop on Etsy or StoreEnvy instead of waiting in the cold for a gigantic tv. Handmade shops have fantastic deals too! 

There are tons of reasons to shop handmade for the holiday season (and year round). Here are a few of mine...

1. You support local artists. 
Not only do you support something a handmade artist puts their heart into, you directly help put food on their table.

2. Your gifts are bound to be more unique. 
I'm guessing you won't be able to find Nigel Thornberry earrings at your nearest big box store.

3. You have an opportunity to meet or connect with the artist themselves. 
As an Etsy seller, I adore interacting with customers to create custom pieces and always find myself relating to each person.

4. Buying handmade is a way of quietly (or loudly) protesting mass produced mediocrity.

5. There is an invisible spirit and soul that stamps each handmade item and unites artists as a community. I am thankful for all the shop owners and artists I've met online and at markets that inspire me to keep creating. 

As a special thank you for your continued love, use the code FANDOM5 for 15% off my Etsy Shop, Synapse to Synapse <3

If you have a shop with your handmade creations, comment with your shop link or any deals you have running this weekend! I still need to start/finish my gift shopping. 

I hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving holiday!

Past weeks:
Characters I'd Invite to My Thanksgiving Feast
Gateway Fandoms That Made Me Who I Am Today
Geeky Clothing Items I Need in my Closet Immediately
Characters I Would Love To Dress Up As For Halloween 
My Must See List of Halloween Movies

I Love Handmade: Sherlock

Are you a Sherlock fan? I am! Even if you have not watched the BBC Series, you've probably heard of Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, who play Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson. Maybe you remember Cumberbatch as Khan in Star Trek Into Darkness or Freeman as Bilbo in The Hobbit?

Sherlock is a TV series that I instantly fell for. The stories of Sherlock Holmes are given a modern twist set in 21st century London. You cannot help but get attached to the characters and their distinctive personalities. Fiction mixed with science and psychology mixed with humor. It's a win-win for me.

There are so many Sherlock-inspired items online, and I really want to stitch something for the Synapse to Synapse shop too! Here are my favorite finds from handmade artists.

 

It's Elementary Coffee Mug

 

Sherlock Phrenology Tote Bag

221B Black Tea Soy Candle 

 

Otter Sherlock & Hedgehog Watson BFF Necklaces

 

Sherlock Holmes Pillow

I can't wait for the next series to air- hopefully in 2015- which means if you haven't watched it, you have plenty of time to catch up. 

Are you Sherlocked?  

I Love Handmade: Cute & Nerdy

I could watch The Office anytime on repeat because of Michael & Dwight. How could you not want a Dwight paper doll?

Now that my new business cards are printed, it'd be so neat to keep them in a leather, heart card case. I love the deep blue color!

This dainty golden triangle necklace would be perfect with a classy dress or a simple touch to an over-the-top outfit.

For some reason, this glasses holder reminds me of 'Clarissa Explains It All' - must be the colors. It's the perfect quirky touch!

I am a much bigger Picard fan, but look at this Kirk Captain's Log Star Trek print! Too funny...and the way he's caressing it!

What's caught your eye online-shopping?

Nerd Love,

Sarah Jean

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I Love Handmade: Etsy Finds

Robo-Boogie! 0011001 How could you not want this robot brooch?

I am in love with these tea towels! The man and woman illustration is so classic in black & white.

I am a HUGE Parks & Recreation fan. My vegetarian self has just the jean jacket for this Ron Swanson patch.

Star Wars & polka dots- This dress is divine, and the cut looks flattering too!

Nerd Love,

Sarah Jean

I Love Handmade: Quirky

This card is so perfect for me. When hungry, I become quite the cranky dinosaur and normally take it out on my boyfriend. oops :)



Could this felt pin be any more adorable? I love the little details and bright colors!



I definitely want to get this turntable spoon rest in turquoise. We love listening to vinyl, and it would be the perfect retro addition to the kitchen.


This tote bag is too cute. Fun fact: I am a huge Peter Pan fan and have collected thimbles, since I was 5 years old.

Nerd love,
Sarah Jean