Secret Santa on Etsy Lithuania Team

Happy New Year to all readers! Here’s a bit overdue post about the exciting Secret Santa game we had on the Etsy Lithuania Team, pics of the wonderful gift I’ve received and a spotlight on two artists I had an opportunity to get to know a little better: talented knitter Irma who was very generous to send me one of her bestseller pieces and also an outstanding fiber artist Rita who was receiving Secret Santa gift from me.

Now I must tell you, I get easily excited when I see any kind of secret gift exchange on the forums, and I’ve taken part in quite a few of them in the past. Some have been a complete disappointment while others left me craving for more. It’s like a lottery, although I don’t consider myself a gambler-type (actually, quite the opposite). Well this Secret Santa exchange was no different – as soon as I saw it posted, I was in

I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by. [Douglas Adams]

And the usual emotional routine followed – first I’m excited and full of gift ideas, then it all goes flat, then I panic, then panic some more, then start cursing myself why on earth did I need this one more responsibility on my shoulders (and that before Christmas!), and only when I see the deadline approaching fast, I finally get to work.

wrist warmers by Irma

And here’s the gift I’ve received from Irma – a pair of flawlessly made and absolutely beautiful pair of wrist-warmers. Some call them fingerless mittens or fingerless gloves, but no matter what the name they are one of the most useful accessories, especially if you are like me who tends to get ice cold hands while typing. Or your wrists are sore from too much wire wrapping..

Close up of the ornament - embroidered tiny flowers

So soft and cozy!

Are you jealous yet? Here’s more of the Irma’s creations from her Etsy shop – while she still struggles with photos, believe you me her knitting is perfect!

Irma's creations

And yes, it went in that order – I’ve received my gift before I even started working on the one I had to send out.. to Rita, who makes fantastic felted creations from handbags to slippers and boots, to wrist-warmers, and even wool felted jewelry! And boy was it difficult decision to choose a gift for her – that lady has a damn good taste and a subtle one too! Her color preferences were very similar to mine, but making jewelry for someone you know from the pictures only is a really tough challenge!

Just take a look at her shop – felting art at its best:

Rita's Felt and Fiber Art creations on Etsy

I haven’t photographed the pieces I’ve sent her, but I made a variation of the garnet set I have in my Etsy shop (and I must admit, I have a similar set made for myself too.. love it). So basically my credo for these secret gift exchanges is make something that I’d like to receive myself (isn’t that how most bad gifts are selected? ).

I've slightly changed this design to incorporate a couple of extra yellow agate beads

.. and a pair of matching garnet and agate earrings

.. and I hope as hell that she likes my gift at least as much as I like the one I received from Irma

Finally, this Secret Santa game roundup wouldn’t be complete without our charming Etsy Lithuania Team Leader and designer Aldona who’s organized the whole thing – Thank you, dear! It was an exciting game!

Aldona designs all kinds of wearable and useful goodies and seems to be the master of all things fiber, here’s a quick peek at her Etsy shop:

Aldy's Creations Etsy shop

Bloggers who have taken part in this game:

Rasa @ Felt by Dew
Sigita @ Sija Felt
Aldona’s Blog
Rita’s Blog

And that’s it for today. Hope you’ve enjoyed the quick tour

Have you participated in any Secret Santa games online? Has your experience been mostly positive or were there any disappointments? Is it easy for you to make gifts for people you barely know? Please share you thoughts in the comments below!