Shop Local: Shells Bells Cards

Shelley Keaton and her husband, John

What gets you in the Christmas spirit?
That first week of December, when my husband and I get the lights up and tree decorated. It’s one of my favorite things to do at Christmas time.

Tell me a little about yourself and your business.

What items do you offer?
I offer hand crafted, hand stamped art cards. I’m working on adding jewelry next year.

In speaking of your business, what would you suggest for someone who doesn't know what to buy their loved one?
I suggest getting cards for gift baskets, and gift cards. I have also had people ask for packs of cards. I think cards are special and I leave them blank inside so you can hand write a personal message. That’s the extra special gift: the message. 

What is the best way to contact you?
You can contact me via my Etsy store shellsbellscards https://etsy.me/2zA8Zy7
I’m also on Facebook, instagram and messenger.

Shop Local: Tracey Moody and Magnolia & Vine

Tracey Moody and her sweet family: her husband, Travis; oldest son, Bennett; and youngest son,  Noah.

What is your favorite Christmas dish?
My favorite Christmas dish would have to be my Momma's stuffing and giblet gravy. My holiday meals are not complete without it. It is amazing!

Tell me about yourself and your business.
My career has been at UF health for the last 23 years. I've been in the OR for the past 17 years as a Surgical Technologist. There is never a dull moment! At home, I am a wife to Travis Moody (22 yrs.) Mom to Bennett 18 and Noah 9. At Union Baptist Church, I am their crazy Preacher's wife...a name that was given to me. I also have a couple of side gigs that I enjoy. I'm a Stampin up demo, which is so much fun! I hold monthly workshops in my home with a group of ladies I adore. We are always looking for a few more stampers to join us. I love jewelry, so I found a way to support my habit by becoming Magnolia and Vine Consultant. 

What items do you offer?
Magnolia and Vine is beautiful, high quality snap jewelry with over 500 snaps to choose from. 

 
In speaking of your business, what would you suggest for someone who doesn't know what to get their loved one?
If you are looking for a great gift for a loved one, I would reccomend a beautiful base piece such as; a ring, necklace or bracelet with a snap. This is a gift you can add to on every occasion with a new snap or coordinating base piece. 

 
What is the best way to contact you?
I can be reached by phone 352-474-9404 or shoppers can make purchases from my website www.mymagnoliaandvine.com/1668

A display of her Stampin' Up Cards...contact Mrs. Tracey if you're also interested in joining her Stampin' Up group!

Shop Local: Raymond Hood's Wood Carving, Engraving, and Etching

Raymond Hood and his sweet family, Rebecca, JJ, and Joshua.

What is your favorite Christmas memory?
Most recently, this past Christmas, when we got JJ (our oldest son) an electric motorcycle. He was so excited about it and riding it all around the yard. Then we realized Santa had left a gift for him in my workshop! It was a set of drums that JJ went over the moon about! We have a video of his reaction when he saw the drums for the first time and it was priceless!

Tell me a little about yourself and your business.
My name is Raymond Hood. I will be 42 years young this coming February. I am very happily married to my best friend, Rebecca Akins Hood. We have two boys: Jeremiah is 7 years old, and Joshua is 4 months. I love to hunt and be in the outdoors whenever I have the opportunity. I got into wood carving about 4 or 5 years ago because I really enjoy working on and with wood. It is very warm and inviting to have a beautiful piece of wood in your hands: be it rough sawn wood, a newly carved and refinished gun stock/grips, a clock, or a simple step stool. To me there is nothing more beautiful from nature than to see and experience wood and its natural grain and color. I get so much enjoyment from working with the different varieties of species, and seeing the challenges that each brings.

What services do you offer?
I do hand-wood carving, engraving, and refinishing of gun stocks. These can be memories of a favorite hunt or favored game to hunt. The carving/engraving can be done as a tribute or memorial. Each one is personal to the piece and are one of a kind crafted items. I have air driven tools for the carving and engraving that I do by hand. There are no computer controlled carving machines or laser carvings on my work. Also, I do etching on glass and metal.

In speaking of your business what is something you would suggest for someone who doesn’t know what to buy their loved one?
I would be interested in what they are passionate about and go from there. If you can find what someone is passionate about, you can get them anything related to that and they will be happy. But then having it personalized, so that it is truly unique to them, makes it all the more exciting.

What’s the best way to contact you?
Phone/Text or Email 352-339-1297 or raymond.c.hood@gmail.com

Shop Local: Sandi's ThirtyOne

Sandi Ice McGee

What gets you in the Christmas Spirit?
Definitely putting my tree up! It makes my heart so happy. Also, Hallmark Christmas movies. I'm a serious addict. 

Tell me a little about yourself and your business.
I'm a blessed wife, Mommy to 3, Worship leader at my church, a Realtor and Thirty-one consultant. I spend all my free time at church or home. I've been a Thirty-one consultant for almost 3 years now. It started when I had a home show because I needed a new diaper bag for Charli. I fell in love with the company and their products. My whole family is a walking advertisement, so I knew it was a good decision becoming a consultant. 

What items do you offer?
I offer a variety of items: purses, utility totes, home organization, wallets, jewelry, etc. You've got to check out a catalog so you can see! So much great stuff. 

In speaking of your business, what would you suggest for someone who doesn’t know what to get their loved one?
Definitely the "All About The Benjamins" wallet. Hands down--it's the best wallet I've ever owned. Also, a large utility tote. They have multiple uses-you can't go wrong buying one.

What’s the best way to contact you?
My cell phone 352-949-1982 or email sice02@yahoo.com
My website is www.mythirtyone.com/thriftybagchic

Shop Local: Dyehard Personal Graphics

Terri Walker

What was your favorite Christmas memory?
My favorite Christmas memory was in 2004, when my husband and I gave our daughter, who was 5 at the time, a pony. I will never forget the excitement on her face when she realized the pony she had been taking lessons on, and absolutely loved, was in our backyard.

Tell me a little about yourself and your business.
My husband and I have been married 22 years. We are both only children, and we have an only child. Kalyn who is now 19 and a sophomore in college. I work full time for a foot and ankle surgeon. My dream and plan is to open my own store front.

At Dyehard Personal Graphics, all of our products are made using the sublimation process.
With sublimation the image is dyed into the item, not on the item. No chipping, peeling, or fading. 

What services do you offer?
We make sports towels, coffee mugs, slates (which make perfect gifts for the person that has everything), garden flags, youth performance fishing shirts, birth announcement pillows,and more! We can take your own picture and put it on any of our products. 

What is the best way to contact you?
You can find us on Facebook/dyehardgraphics or call 352-262-9431

Aleta's note:  While perusing her facebook photos, I was just so drawn to the coasters.  I found something all of our Watermelon Farming Families would love (because I sure did):

Shop Local: Wildling Artistry

Beth Ice

What are you hoping Santa will bring you this year?
My own workshop in the back yard. I hope to one day make it into an online emporium.

Tell me a little about yourself and your business.
My name is Beth. I’m from Chiefland and currently reside in Ocala. I started my business in June. I’ve been teaching myself about herbal medicine and metaphysical healing for a few years and decided in June to share my creations with all of you on my website: 

http://wildlingartistry.com/

What services/items do you offer?
I collect and sell crystals and vintage relics.
Custom created crystal jewelry, sewn and embroidered items, and I have a herbal apothecary with dried herbs, organic oils blends, custom candles, skin care products and smudging tools for self care and sacred space.

In speaking of your business, what suggestions would you give someone who isn't sure what to buy their loved one?Candle are always a great option for house warming gifts. I use beeswax which is great for anyone with a sensitive nose like myself and they come with or without scents.
I also customize in creating intentional gift sets. I’ll create this by asking a few questions about recipients interests. The gift sets would include handmade items that are fun, unique and practical. For example, a bracelet design with that person’s birthstones, custom essential roller blend, herbal tea and a beautiful unique box for everything to fit in.

What is the best way to contact you?
Contact me from 8-5 on weekdays via Facebook and Instagram at Wildling Artistry or via email at wildling1111@yahoo.com I try to respond as quickly as possible.