Jessica's Holiday Wish List

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We've pulled together a special holiday treat for our readers... for the next couple of weeks we'll be featuring our reporters' holiday wish lists, as well as highlighting some must-haves for the season!

Be sure to send links to your well-meaning significant other who may need a little, ahem, guidance. Who loves ya? Craft Critique does!

Reported by Jessica Ripley

My Holiday wish list seems to have come full circle over the years. As a child of course I wanted toys, with Barbies very high on that list (though I'd never admit it now). In high school it was clothes, or cash for clothes. In college it was just cash. Early in married life I was excited about receiving matching bath towels (and again... cash). Now that I've really latched on to that creative side of myself however, each and every holiday I keep longing for what I did once upon time, bring on the fun stuff!

This year there are so many new wonderful products to consider. I had a hard time narrowing my list down to a top 3, however I knew what the number 1 item on my wish list would be. The new Gypsy from Provocraft! Cricut lovers unite!


I have to admit I didn't know what all the hype was about until I looked into what this little darling actually can do if you own a Cricut die cut machine. Basically, you can think of the Gypsy as an external hard drive / personal assistant for all of your Cricut cartridges. It allows you to store all you have in this one device so you can design and cut without having to plug them into the machine, the Gypsy does it all. Not only this, but you can actually create your designs on the Gypsy and store them for cutting later. The touch screen works with a stylus to do so. Here's a great video on the Provo Craft site explaining even more.

The MSRP is high for such a fun toy, up to $400 at some places. However we're talking 'wish' list right? And I've been a very, very good girl this year.

Next on my list is any of the art supply products from Claudine Hellmuth's line through Ranger Industries.


Something about working with products that someone you admire has endorsed just makes me confident that they would be a great addition to my crafty stash. Her paints are described as highly pigmented, easily mixed without becoming muddy, and also in a range of her favorite colors. I'd also love a set of her brushes, which come in the perfect mix of sizes and shapes to get to creating with.

The MSRP for the paint is around $5.50 per jar, and the brushes around $7.00.

Finally, near the top of my wish list for this holiday season is something that I have needed for a very long time. In fact I don't know why I don't require a stronger prescription on my reading glasses yet with the light I have been crafting by!

The Jupiter Magnifying Lamp by Ott Lite could just be the answer to my dimly lit woes.



Not only does it provide the natural, daylight-like effect that Ott Lite is known for, it also has a handy magnifying tool directly on the top of the lamp itself, making it easy to move up and down as needed when working with smaller details, or matching colors. I've had lamps that have the magnifying tool attached, yet separate from the light. I really love the idea of the two being together so the light shines where I need it at the time.

MSRP for the Jupiter Lamp is around $105.00.

Now, enough about me. Hopefully not only are there some crafters out there putting together their wish list, but also some that are looking for ideas for the crafters in their lives too. My family is always asking what I might love for the holidays, but when I say something like... oh I don't know.... Stickles Glitter Glue (from Ranger Industries),





I am inevitably met with the response, "But you already have Stickles".

Hear me now crafty family members, you can never, ever, have enough Stickles.

They are such a wonderful stocking stuffer, or better yet a real show stopper if you buy one of every color (60+) and fill a box full. I promise you will be thanked a thousand times over. They are just so fun and versatile!

MSRP is around $2.00 per bottle, and they last a long time. Love them.

Next, every gal likes sparkle around the holidays. Who am I kidding, we like sparkle all year long! Still, the holidays seem like an extra appropriate time to spoil the crafter in your life with both a little fun, and a little bling. Splurge on the hobby she loves with the Crystallized Elements bead collection from Swarovski.



These are some of the most beautiful beads I have ever seen, and of course they bear the name Swarovski. Being able to design your own unique piece with these lovely gems would be such a treat!

They are pricey (again... the Swarovski name), however the holidays are meant to be a time to spoil those you love. MSRP starts from around $12.00 per bead.


And finally, a can't miss gift no matter what kind of crafter you need to please this holiday season would be a special issue from one of my favorite magazine publishers, Hand Crafted by Stampington and Company.

I am constantly inspired by all the artwork and creativity found in any number of Stampington's publications, and Hand Crafted takes the very best of those and compiles it into one gorgeous issue that will be sure to bring a smile to any one's face. In fact a subscription to any of their publications would be a wonderful gift.

The cost for this issue is $14.99 (and well worth it).

I hope no matter what is on your holiday wish list this season, that you not only get what you desire, but also have the time to relax and enjoy it. Creative time is such a precious thing and is actually above all else on my list this year. Time to play, time to share, and time to have fun.

We'd love to hear what is on your wish list too of course! Please share with us in the comments section your ideas for the perfect crafty holiday gift. Happy Holidays!