This year, I'm taking a handmade pledge: To make as many presents for the holiday season as I can. There's a different Handmade Pledge, all about vowing to buy handmade goods (read all about it and sign-up here!). As one person who took the pledge this year said, "if i can't make it with my own two hands, i will buy it from someone else's two hands!"

With the exception of two specific books (one for mom, one for dad), I've made an apron for my chef bro, some throw pillows for my sister's apartment, and have handmade notebooks for my studious bro and tea cup candles for my mom on deck. There are various other people I want to make for, including original artwork and scarves for my boyfriend's family members. And everyone is getting some sort of baked-goods-in-a-jar! So inexpensive, but so thoughtful!

On the off chance I can't get to make all these presents, I'll turn to Etsy and local shops to fill the holiday baskets. Check out these awesome items, and much more, at etsy.com!

"Neskat Scarf Collection" by NesKat ($18); "Softest mohair scarf in pink" by DressYu2008 ($15, includes a free paif of matching shell earrings); "forrest green high gloss leather notebook with yellow pages" by Jovencio ($40); "Point of Light" notebook by ShooFly ($12); "The Coffee Stain Jotter" by PaperLibrarian ($9); "pair of Italian summer teacup Soy wax candles" by TwilightSpells ($35); "Pair of Vintage Blue Modernetone Soy Candles" by LeslieJanson ($30); "Teacup Candles, Set of Three" by MingledHues ($23).

I have a lot of stuff, and I tend to take it with me where ever I go. Sewing projects, knitted stuff, paper fun—it all goes with me. And while i hate digging around in the bottomless pit that is mt large, brown leather bag, I can't image not carrying this stuff with me.

I seem to like my bags the way I like a piece of choclate creme pie: the bigger the better.

That's why this week's Etsy Finds Thursday is all about: Bags, and the packrats who love them (namely, me).

"Easier Knitting Bag" by DebbieDonnellyDesigns ($75); "Tote shopper in Tartan" by AmbrosiaPitiguil ($300); "The Dahlia Jasmin Bag" by DahliaHandbags ($38); "Queen Anne's Lace" by LaVitaLola ($45); "Tulip Truffle" by Morelle ($92); "Large Clutch-Blue Leaf" by girlbyAileen ($42); "Large Tan Leather Tassle Bag" by apipi ($99); "Meredith Bag" by CottonPurr ($98); "Winter Pleated Hobo Bag" by GypsyRoseHandbags ($69.99).