Tough times, Gentle Reader. With a number of conventions cancelled, many of the friendly vendors that I look forward to seeing and buying pretties from are hurting.
If you’re scared and strapped for funds right now, you can always put a little good out into the world by reviewing a book, or a craft person you love. Bonus: it might make you feel a bit better.
But if you have a bit to spare for something fancy, I can personally recommend the following indie vendors…
Badali Jewelry
They handle my merch among other more famous authors. Still if you have been eyeing the Bumbersnoot necklace, or Sophronia’s bladed fan find them and much more at Badali.
Badali is a women owned and run operation. They make most of their sales at conventions, because they specifically do tie-in jewelry. They are my safe haven at big conventions, and I can often be found hiding out there (eating their snacks). They even host author signings! They are warm and welcoming with big smiles for everyone, and I miss their lovely faces when I don’t get to see them.
Hibernacula
I find this vendor’s name IMPOSSIBLE to remember, which is frustrating because when I wear my “eye of sad Sauron” necklace, I am constantly asked about it. Hibernacula is their name and I first met them at a WorldCon. Since then I mostly frequent their Etsy shop.
They do lots of slightly creepy jewelry but the line I LOVE is their eye AKA iris stuff. Each one is slightly unique. Sooooo cool. Here I am wearing mine in a Live video.
I love this necklace so much and get so many compliments on it, I’m thinking of investing in one of the other colors for myself next time I release a book. (Usually I buy shoes to celebrate but my shoe collection is OUT OF CONTROL. Not that my jewelry collection is any better, but smaller so I don’t notice as much.) Just need to look over my wardrobe and decide which one would work best…
Geeky Teas
Geeky Tea & Games is a small shop and gaming store in LA, their logo is a happy octopus drinking tea. They also host stand up comedy and other social events. Needless to say they were particularly hard hit by recent events. Also, there is an attached cat rescue. Finally, if that didn’t convince you the owner IS MY COVER MODEL!!!
Try one of their special made high quality tea blends. You won’t be sorry. I never am.
Belle Monde Chocolates
Nikki Woolfolk is not only a wonderful author and fellow steampunker but purveyor of my most favorite chocolate off all time. This is what I spoil myself with for birthdays etc… it is truly amazing and wonderfully delicious. Sometimes, if you’re really lucky, she does a tea meets chocolate sampler.
MORE?
Here are a few others I’m less familiar with but I hear good things about:
- Jane Austen Tea Gift Set with Bookmarks
- Charmed Book Tea Infuser
- “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me. ” ~ C.S. Lewis quote stamped metal bookmark
- Vintage teaspoons stamped with bookish/tea quotes and turned into bookmarks.
More Gift Ideas for the Gail Carriger Fan here.
Take care of you, yours, and your creativity,
Many virtual curtsies…
Miss Gail
- I often give away things in goodie boxes that I have purchased from vendors at conventions. For a change at those boxes, join the Chirrup. Sign up here.
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BOOK DE JOUR?
Defy or Defend, a new Delightfully Deadly book featuring Dimity!
Find it here!
Dimity, London’s cheerfullest spy, must fix a broken vampire hive while a gentle soldier tries to keep her safe. A charming makeover story set in the popular Parasolverse.
It’s a battle for survival… and wallpaper!
Gail’s Daily Tea Party
Tisane of Nifty
Writerly Tincture
Are your kids home from school? If they’re up for it, have them write book reviews of their favorite books. Then you can post them online and they get to see their words LIVE out in the world influencing others. How fun is that?
Book Nibble
T.J. Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea is finally out.
I was given an advanced reader of this book and have been waiting to crow about it. I ADORED it. It’s basically 1984 meets The Umbrella Academy with a pinch of Douglas Adams thrown in. It’s delightful and comforting and warm. HIGHLY recommended.
Quote to Sip
