As the ground emerged from the snow yesterday, I found myself peeking around for green. I know mom, it’s too early. I just can’t help myself. Nosing around outside brought to mind the thrill of treasure hunting.  Whether you’re clicking or stomping– this phrase by artists of the same name says it best “something’s hiding in here.”

1. The Victoria- Clutch, Wallet On the Go by Momotrees $35

2. Wood Ring- Zebra Wood by Somethingshidinghere $60

3. Wherever the Boy Went, the Rabbit Went Too- recycled wood collaged humble house by gigglepotamus $25

4. Morningsong- Cameo and Amazonite Necklace by wildplum $17

Kate, along with her husband, bring together farm, food and design at The Steel Fork. They also design and create sculptural metalworks using recycled farm machinery – Gatski Metal. Kate is also the mother of two busy little children.

distinctive valentine’s day gifts for the animal, insect and bird lover

animal lover scarf by xenotees

ruby beetle mechanique by 19 moons

cedar waxwing watercolor by sixsisters

all handmade in Pennsylvania and found in the HiP flickr pool.

Valentine’s Day is sneaking up on all of us.  It can be overwhelming to think of something perfect for your favorite person.  Go with what you know… give handmade.

12 gauge shotgun shell leather belt buckle by Michelle Verbeeck  $32.00

2.  Barbie Repurposed Red Boot Earrings by BarketBell $10

3. Vintage necktie by tymbal $28

4. Miller High Life pendant by Jen Roder $60

5. Dump Truck by Green Toys (made in State College) $24.95

6.  Mistletoe… Lambswool Slippers from Upcycled Sweater by Wooly baby $32.00

1. Fringe Tote – White and Brown by RuJu - $46

2. Half Can Oscillator cufflinks by digiBling - $14

3. Bronzed Series Recycled Watch back Tomato Key fob by OrganicOdysseys - $18

4. Santolina Sprigs Espresso on Pewter Polymer Pendant by UnaOdd - $20

5. Old Quilt Pouch with Sweet Annie by TeresasPrimTreasures - $9.95

6. Crocheted Chunky Cream Hat with Beautiful Flower by jjcrochet - $17

Jenya is a Philadelphia based artist who focuses on the concept of unique and original designs that are done using free form technique. Her forEvaMore handmade clothing line features one-of-a-kind pieces made with natural materials and her EvaForeva shop is full of hand knitted winter accessories.

1. Botany Recycled Notebook by Subu $6

2. Drawstring pouch my Mhague $8

3. Vintage White and Aqua Flowered Apron by DotandIrma $28

4. Parking lot fields pillow by dwellinstyle $26

5. Wristlet by Jalmodovar $24

6. Headband vintage fabric by weezawar $8

I know you know this but… buying handmade is so fulfilling. I confess, I forget. I get sucked into the allure of filling the big red cart. This week I found these gifts… $20 and under. I’m changing my ways.

This little guy [a nice surprise for the host of your next party] is made by ArtTales. It is stuffed with recycled plastic bags.

For your more conservative hostess, how about this lovely pendant by TubbyTabby. It is upcycled “from a wooden American Brick from the 40’s. These were toys for kids.”

Something about this tossed me to the 80’s- in a very good way. It’s on sale now!

Five Blossoms Ring EtsyProjectEmbrace by UnaOdd - $38

Enchanted Forest Necklace, Baby Aspen Leaf and Labradorite on Oxidized Silver by briguysgirls - $45

Grand Marnier Truffles – Box of 30 by ChocolateMadness - $20

XXX Rated Chocolate Bliss Brownies by cupcakesinjars - $13.50

Collectible Ornament The Joker 3 inch Glass Hand Painted Embellished Keepsake by JudiPaintedit - $10

Snowflake Ornaments in 5MM Thick Virgin Merino Wool Felt- set of 4 by feltplanet - $16

Jenya is a Philadelphia based artist who focuses on the concept of unique and original designs that are done using free form technique. Her forEvaMore handmade clothing line features one-of-a-kind pieces made with natural materials and her EvaForeva shop is full of hand knitted winter accessories.

i am so excited to tell you that kate – our reduce, reuse, recycle columnist and one-half of gatski metal – has recently launched a new retail website called “the steel fork.”

this site features some of the gatski’s signature metal work, smaller pieces in the same style, artisanal sausage, jewelry, and more! kate’s goal is to bring agricultural life to a whole new generation! with an emphasis on sustainable living and celebrating the land and its bounty, the steel fork present farm life in a fresh & original way.

from the steel fork blog: “It is farming. It is food. It is design. It is the continuation of a journey.”

i was lucky enough to be in on this project a bit (full disclosure!) and it is sure to be a stop on my christmas list this year!

congrats, kate & ben! to celebrate their launch, ben & kate are offering 10% off your order – just enter “thesteelfork” at check out!

two weeks ago i launched a new extension to scoutie girl: scoutie girl gifts.

sg gifts is about two things: community and buying handmade. or is that one thing?!

scoutie girl gifts is fostering a sense of community by encouraging *you* to submit your own gift guide galleries of handmade goodies, rate posted gift guides, and leave comments with your thoughts & additional links.

and, like always, scoutie girl – just like handmade in pa – is encouraging people to buy handmade gifts for friends & loved ones! to further this goal, i’ve included basic tips for beginners and easy-to-use options for finding appropriate handmade gifts. scoutie girl gifts is also skinned for compatibility on mobile devices!

here’s how you can help: go window shopping, find 12 handmade items you love, send me the URLs. i’ll post your selections, credit you as the curator, and you can share your post with the world! it’s fun & easy, and probably something you do on a daily basis, anyhow – yes, i know what you do in your free time. or, simply, let your friends & readers know about the site and i’ll be eternally grateful!

last night, i posted what i hope will be the first of many handmade in pa gift galleries. it’s called gray days in pennsylvania and features 12 of your favorite pa crafters! don’t forget to leave a comment, rate it with the stars at the bottom of the gallery, and tweet it!