For the holidays in 2020, we all surrendered to canceled events, limited to no family or friends around, and embraced the digital world in a way we hadn’t before. We did this because it was the safest thing to do, with the tacit understanding that next year would be different. We would “get back to normal”. Almost two years into this new world, I find myself announcing that an upcoming in-person event is being moved online due to COVID. Déjà vu. No matter which side of the isle you sit on, there is no denying that small business needs you more than ever. Makers like me, as well as small boutique owners like many of my vendors, have been looking forward to this holiday season for a long time and truly do a happy dance when you shop with us! It’s not just a meme on Instagram - it's our real life. As we move into the holiday shopping season, whether it’s for your jewelry or your groceries, please consider ways you can support small and/or local businesses - every sale makes a difference.

As for me, like I said up there ^, one of the main events I was planning for this year (The Visual Arts Center of Richmond's Craft + Design showcase) has been moved online. I would love, love, love to see you shopping with the incredible artisans featured on Craft + Design’s online show this year. I know online trade shows can be difficult to navigate and none of us need more time on our devices, but shows like this buoy holiday sales and all artisans, myself included, who were planning to exhibit will have invested big time in their available stock for the show. There are some amazing artists exhibiting, some whose work I proudly have in my own home. And, of course, I would love for you to shop my jewelry - there are new collections and pieces that I am so very proud of that I designed with you in mind. Registration to attend begins in November, and the show is November 19th through 21st. The schedule and other details have not been announced yet, but it is likely that artists will go live or upload video showcasing their products or their process. This is an amazing opportunity to get off-the-beaten-path gifts for your loved ones, handmade and heirloom items they won't find anywhere else.