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).

Today should be a day to revel in: It's a balmy 75, work is moving along swimmingly, I don't have to see anymore political commercials, and I start a sewing class tonight. But, alas, I feel like crap: I've had a cold for two weeks, and there are no signs of it stopping. Le sigh.

When I'm sick, I tend to fall into a dreary wardrobe of black, greys and navy blues (much like my winter wardrobe, eww). But I do notice that getting dressed in more colorful finery helps to push me out of the doldrums of disease. I put a bright pink sweater over my dark grey button-down this morning in the hopes to brighten my day.

So, in my hast, I turn to you, Etsy, purveyor of fine hand crafted items, to cheer me up, make my nose stop running and, in general, inspire me. And while I may still have to call my doctor to have him check for pneumonia, I dedicate this week’s Etsy Finds Thursday to: The bright side of life.

"Color Me Earrings" by SingingSky ($15 for one pair); "Eyes Wide Open" photography pring by JenMurray ($30); "Cashmere, Silk and Swarovski crystals, Handwoven Scarf/Wrap" by Tisserande ($105); "Carribean Waters Hand-Sewn Pillow Cover" by WarmNfuzzies ($45); "Electric Pink Whipsnake Silver Lined Cuff" by nearthed ($40); "Violet Treasure Bowl" by shanineal ($16); "Girafe Tote Bag" by RainbowSwirlz ($10); "Cheer Care Bear mini glycerin soap" by DuckySoaps ($3.25); "Wooden Rainbow and Black Tyre Bead Bracelet" by ShopFullOfRainbows ($9).

OK, I know—I'm a bum. I post these wonderful finds once a week, and last week I was slacking. I was keeping myself busy at the phot studio, but the Internet is everywhere. To sum it up, I'm lazy.

This week is full of meetings, and it's topped off with a pretty nasty cold. In short, it's gross.

So, to make myself feel better, I'm posting stuff to soothe my cramped hand from all the note-taking, and my sore nostrils from all the nose blowing. Craft candy for the soul. This week's Etsy Finds Thursday is dedicated to: The stuff I would make to save the time I don't have. (AKA: Yay! Kits and patterns!)

"Pattern for Cashmere Arm Warmers" by AdventuresofJR ($7.50); "Felt Snacks Patterns" by UmeCrafts (4 for $6.90); "DIY Sock Monkey Kit" by TerbearCo ($9.99); "1966 Simplicity Dress Pattern 6781" from LauraLeeShowalter ($1); "Houses Embroidery Kit" by vol25 ($3.25); "Fox Mask Kit" by SchmancyPants ($12); "large chai tea kit" by PurposeDesign ($38); "Large Spindle Basic Drop Spindle Spinning Kit" by MaineWoodsYarn ($24.50); "Monster Stuffie DIY Kit" by KitsandCaboodles ($9.99).

It's finally getting chilly in Ohio. And it's about time!

A few weeks ago, I expounded on my love of crunchy leaves and crisp air only to be met the next day with 80-degree, sunny weather. Boo, I say, BOoooooo! As much as I detest the absolute frigid, skin-cracking days winter can provide, I savor the transition that let's me bring out my sweaters and mittens and snuggle up with a cup of cocoa after a lovely fall walk (through said crunchy leaves). I might even go to a college football game to root on my alma mater, the University of Cincinnati, as long as I can bring a lap blanket and have some hot stadium food.

And what goes best with sweaters, gloves and stadium food? That's right—a cozy, warm, soft, yummy handmade scarf. Mmmmmmmmm, I feel warmer just thinking about them. That's why this Etsy Finds Thursday is dedicated to: The scarf.

"Lovely Green Scarf" by omanepadmeom ($30); "Organic Daphne Indoor/Outdoor Scarf" by SweetMemoriesQuilts ($39); "Hannah - MBA Luxury Cowl" by AllInStitches ($74); "Blue Poppies on Pum Scarf" by SweetGoddess ($14); "Autumn is Calling" by Green Couch ($20); "Tweedy Scarf" by PasticcioKnits ($50); "Neckwarmer" by DoGooder ($6.50); "Mustachioed Neck Warmer" by LuckyDuct ($16); "Cashmere/Bamboo Handwoven Scarf" by AdventuresOfJR ($125).