Artists in our lives

So, in keeping with the "occupy", pro-99% theme this Christmas, we've done as much small-business shopping as we can afford, which includes patronising our favorite artists:

our cousin, Alan, who designs the world's best jewelry:

http://leedysilversmith.com/

(I guess, technically, Alan's a "cousin-in-law", as he's married to Dave's & my actual cousin, Heather.)

And then there's my sweet friend, Melody, who loves animals and makes them the dominant theme in her work:

http://www.melodylealamb.com/

So, before buying Auntie Gerdie that mass-manufactured knick-nack from a greedy corporation, how about shopping from a local, home-based artist instead?

Happy holidays!!