Gift Bliss

Tomorrow is the craftstravaganza Blissful Revolution. Among the sure-to-please vendors will be Fuse jewelry by local artist Alex Argo. See below for a pair of her earrings, which are striking, eco-chic choices for your pierced-eared gift-ees.

Alex fashions the pieces out of paper (recycled from magazines, for example), so they are super light and very earlobe friendly. I already own two pairs myself and know that my friends are counting on receiving their own pairs from me this year. She’ll be at the fair just on Sunday, so plan your shopping trips accordingly.

If you can’t get down to Biddeford, you can also find Alex among the other artists at Space’s Shop-a-do on Wednesday, or she’s restocking her display at Ferdinand, which is currently sold out.

…And speaking of Ferdinand, if you caught PPH’s iHerald on Monday you got a glimpse into one of my most favorite Portland shops. Proprietor Diane Toepfer offers the harried gift-giver one-stop, affordable shopping without sacrificing style or thought.

Look for her “fashioned by Ferdinand” label for items Diane has made herself (check the squirrel or reindeer tees or my personal favorite, feathered headbands!), or “found by Ferdinand” for her stock of vintage jewelry – fun post earrings, pendants and a small selection of clothing and handbags. Not only for the ladies, Diane stocks men’s and children’s clothing, along with some selected housewares.