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How is everyone's holiday shopping coming along? Only 8 more days left before Xmas! Now for those of you who got a head start and came to our Holiday Sip & Shop last month, I'm sure the stockings are filled and you're resting easy with a cranberry cocktail in your hand (right?!). In all seriousness, we look forward to the open studio event every year and want to thank everyone who stopped in to shop local and meet some very talented folks. Also, Heidi our press had a blast celebrating her 50th birthday and watching everyone print their own letterpress gift tags. 

If you weren't able to make it, I beg you to check out these independent New England designers and makers: Elizabeth Benotti Handmade Ceramics, Salt Cellar Shop, Wild Folk Studio, The Everyday Napkin, Whitney Elizabeth, Ava's Caramel Popcorn,  Leveret & Hare, and Downeast Cider House. And if you're looking for a fantastic string band, tell Ben Truboff of the Fine and Dandy Trio that we sent ya! We not only shopped, but also snacked 'til we dropped thanks to our friends at Whole Foods Market Charlestown.  

Lastly, a big shout out to the wonderful Jessica Rich Photography who stepped in at the last minute to capture the evening. We picked out some of our favorite moments below. Visit the Smudge Ink Facebook page to see the full album!

Photo credits: Jessica Rich Photography 

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As a reading addict myself, I think fellow bookworms are relatively easy and fun to shop for. You can contribute to their growing library or get creative with literature-related accessories. If you're feeling overwhelmed, I got you covered. Just check out my recs for the book lovers below (also known as my personal wish list!).

1) For the classic book lover in your life consider the gorgeous hardcover classics by Penguin—the linen cover and ribbon marker will stand out in any library.

2) If you’re at a loss for what to buy your favorite bookworm then a gift card is a slam dunk! For an added bonus, get them a card from their local indie bookstore.

3) If the bookworm in your life is anything like me, they are constantly loaning books and forgetting who has what. Help them keep their library intact with these beautiful, personalized bookplates from stationer Felix Doolittle. 

4) What’s better than a nice smelling candle? How about a nice smelling (tangerine and juniper!) candle inspired by one of the greats?

5) Celebrate some of the best poets year round with Smudge Ink's gorgeous 2016 wall calendar!

6) Litograph’s products feature readable text from beloved books in all genres and categories. This tote is my favorite but be sure to check out the tattoos!

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Whether it be the tree or the mantle, half the fun of the holidays is decorating! And you don't necessarily have to spend a lot of money either. You can make all sorts of ornaments with just a little time and some paper. Our intern, Meaghan, found these handy origami tutorials via Apartment Therapy and decided to give it try using some leftover wrapping paper. We loved the ornaments Meaghan created and are now enjoying the festive feel of the studio. Even better is that she insists she is no origami superstar and you don't have to be one either. So give it a go and deck the halls!

Paper ball garland using this and this. 

Origami doves using this.

3D stars using this. 

Paper wreath using this.

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Meaghan agrees there’s nothing better than spoiling your friends, which is why her gift guide is all about shopping for your best gal! From cute to functional to both, your BFF is guaranteed to love ‘em.

1) I love film cameras because you’re forced to develop your pictures rather than have them sit on your phone! This adorable, tiny camera can easily fit in a purse ready to capture all your memories together. Or, if you’re friend is a little impatient, check out Polaroid’s line of instant cameras. 

2) Smudge Ink’s “Just Us Girls” gift set, features what most of my friendships revolve around: eating sweets and swimming in margaritas.

3) Not only is this little pin by illustrator Tuesday Bassen gorgeous, but every time one is purchased, 50% of the proceeds go to an organization benefiting young girls through art!

4) I’m known in my friend group for having a mild obsession with rabbits, so I can’t decide if I want to give this handcrafted brooch away or keep it for myself! Etsy has loads of beautiful, one-of-a-kind pins for your one-of-a-kind friend!

5) Netflix and sew? Embroidery has made a strong comeback and this DIY embroidery kit from ModCloth is so fun and easy to do!

6) Two of my favorite things in the world combined: socks and Sasquatch. These beauties will keep toes warm in style, regardless if you don’t believe in Big Foot.

7) This handmade mug by Elizabeth Benotti is the perfect for your minimalistic obsessed friend. Great for eggnog or a hot toddy.

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If animals make anyone happy, it's our very own E.B. Goodale. I mean she adopted a stray cat while on vacation in Mexico and brought her back home. So for those of you stuck on holiday gifts, I asked Emily to round up her fave ideas for the animal lover. Read on for her picks from the woodsy to the exotic ... 

1) No crazy cat lady here. This top is a hip addition to any cat lover's wardrobe.

2) You might have seen Becca Stadtlander’s illustrations on the cover of books, on cards in your local boutique, or in the pages of the New York Times. Her nostalgic, folk inspired paintings are filled with life and this zebra print is no exception.

3) This cutie little bear note card is the perfect way to say, hello, thank you, sorry, whatever!

4) Open your beers with style. These funky bird bottle openers are bound to stay out on display as they are a work of art!

5) Whether for a child or an adult, this book by Akiko Miyakoshi is absolutely stunning. The shadowy, charcoal illustrations tell a story about a group of animals that help a lost girl find her way through the woods—a must have for animal and book lovers alike!

6) These mugs are simple and classic on the outside and then have a surprise friend on the inside. I had one of these as a child and it was my favorite mug! It's like a little world inside your tea.

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