The Shop at Old Austerlitz

It has been a while since I've posted, and it has been a very busy summer so far. One of the projects I have been working on is The Shop at Old Austerlitz for the Austerlitz Historical Society . The Society operates a beautiful property in Columbia County, New York and this is the first actual shop they have opened on the property. So I thought I'd give you a tour, and an example of what can be done with very little money, some good volunteers, and a bit of creativity.

The Best Handmade Christmas Ornaments of 2017

Yes, you can go to Macy's or Neiman Marcus for some beautiful Christmas ornaments, but in my view nothing beats a handmade Christmas. Think Laura Ingalls stuck in that little house on the prairie with nothing but a few sticks and some twine (I don't think she even had tinfoil!). Handmade ornaments are just special and there are some amazing people out there, creating some spectacular ornaments. All of our picks come from individual shops at Etsy.com, just click on the shop name to see what they have to offer. Here are some of the best:


Paper ornaments, $8 from LeniAndCo



Spool ornaments made from recycled materials, $17.90 from redhardwick


Sardine Ornaments. Doesn't everyone hang sardines on their Christmas tree?  $10 at Qforquilts


Set of three Recycled Soda Can Ornaments, $6 at TRossCreations


The mouse-in-the-walnut-shell is a handmade classic, we really liked this version, $10 from mamadothat


Shell star ornament, $9.50 from CathysCoastCreations


Wood Turned Ornaments, these require some advanced ordering, $38 from JasonPrigmore



Clothespin ornaments are an American tradition and we just love these clothespin soldiers, $5.50 from OrnamentsPlusMore



Baby in a Star is just one of the amazing creations from this artist, $16 from Fairyshadow




Another incredible shop, here we have a modern take on a Christmas Angel, $20 from TIMOHANDMADE



Miniature Hand Knit Mittens, $14.99 for four, from KittyCatsPajamas



We also love these Slightly Off Fabric Ornaments, there is just something charming about them, $12.25, from Pankuka

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