Fellow indie blogger Kristen Berge has just launched her Who's Who Indie Love Spring Gift Guide, and let me tell you, it is a feast for the eyes!

With so many blogs, zines, portals and online destinations to get your fix of all things indie, Indie Love definitely stands out from the crowd.

While many people may prefer their blog reading to be short & sweet, I like that Kristen injects her own personality into every post.

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Is your personal book collection starting to dwindle from all the loan-outs you've been giving your friends?

These Letterpress Bookplates from Paper Monkey Press are a classy way to practice the subtle art of the guilt trip.

Printed in a brown, soy-based ink on archival paper, these bookplates have a space to handwrite your name, and can be easily glued into your most cherished hard covers to remind your pals that, while they are welcomed to enjoy the story within those covers, they had better get that book back to you as soon as they have finished, lest you thump them upside the head with it.

See…didn't I tell you? Classy!

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I hate to admit it, but we had it good here in Canada last winter. While we were able to get by with just a spring jacket last year, this year we have have record snowfalls!

As I dream every night of waking up to green grass and blooming flowers, my imaginings look similar to this Dragonfly Garden print by crookedlittlestudio.

While I am more partial to butterflies, this 8X10 print is equally charming, with all its swirling vines and gently swaying flowers.

If you want something a little brighter, there is also a stunning color version of this print – but the black & white lines and curlicues totally make a statement, and will have you longing for spring just as much as I am! 

Photo: courtesy of crookedlittlestudio 

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One think I am particularly loving in my monthly Samplers are the crafty projects, tutorials, kits & supplies that have been showing up in the most recent editions of the monthly crafty free-for-all.

Leethal Zine's DIY Clock Kit is just one example of an artsy take on using something old to create something new – and could really kick-start some crafty projects.

The cool thing is you could easily switch out the fabric front for all occasions by taking a quick trip to your local fabric store and stenciling on some numbers.  

How co-ordinated would you look to all your friends when you bust out a new clock for New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day, and every other Hallmark occasion.

If you decide to run with designer Lee's idea, tell all your buddies that Leethal Zine inspired ya!

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Remember to join our mailing list for your chance to win one of our IC Style Swag Bags full of items from The Sampler! 

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The design of Carta Etc.'s greeting cards in the November edition of The Sampler may seem simple upon first glance.  But I think that just gives you extra room for your own personalized holiday greetings.

Why not draw a little doodle on the front of the card of your loved ones decked in those kooky reindeer antlers that everyone probably has a pair of by now?

Or pull out your watercolors and dazzle your friends with a soft, wispy winter landscape.

There is still plenty of room inside to dash off your "Verry Merries" and "Ho Ho Hos", and your own personal touches will make your holiday cards that much more cherished by the lucky recipient.

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Remember to join our mailing list for your chance to win one of our IC Style Swag Bags full of items from The Sampler! 

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Every month, Manic Trout's contributions to The Sampler wow me.  The Alegra Midnight Show Necklace is no exception.

Now normally, I am all about silver when it comes to my choice of accessories.  But I am totally willing to make an exception for this delicate necklace.

The antiqued patina of the floral pendant gives this necklace a vintage look and adds a sweet sentimentality to your outfit.

Manic Trout has some pretty cool vintage button rings , as well some equally gorgeous oil paintings and watercolors if you want to bring some of designer Sierra Bailey's signature sassiness to the walls of your humble abode.

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Remember to join our mailing list for your chance to win one of our IC Style Swag Bags full of items from The Sampler! 

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I feel so spoiled after receiving a 3-pack of Rachel Baum's hand-drawn illustrations in the November edition of The Sampler.

Each one is truly special and incredibly detailed, with such lovingly crafted scenes that evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue.

The Bee Queen is all about regality and sweetness, just as you would expect a Bee Queen to be.

The lightly flushed background of the Autumn Owl print gives the scene a subdued feeling, while the pale pastel space scene of the Rocket Science print sets a dreamlike mood.

Each of Rachel's prints create a fanciful world that shows off her enchanting illustrations and dreamy style.

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Remember to join our mailing list for your chance to win one of our IC Style Swag Bags full of items from The Sampler! 

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Is it wrong that when I opened up my November edition of The Sampler and saw the chunky baby beanie from Babai Alainn, I got a little jealous?

Or that I spent a good minute or two trying to figure out if it would stretch big enough to fit my own head?

Or that when I realized it would never stretch that big, that I thought maybe I could use it as a coffee cup cozy?

Maybe.  But that says something about these funky beanies and I am totally going to keep hoping that one day, Babai Alainn will make their earflap beanies in adult sizes!

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Remember to join our mailing list for your chance to win one of our IC Style Swag Bags full of items from The Sampler! 

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There has been a lot of buzz lately in the indie world surrounding the art prints of Alicia Bock.  After receiving her Incomplete print in the November edition of The Sampler, it was easy to see why.

The photography superstar's incredible talent is displayed in dreamy photos and prints like the bird on a wire print with its vibrant blue sky and hazy scene that reminds of summer daydreams.

The Winter Red Note Card combines stark white with eyecatching cranberries, and would be the perfect way to set the scene for your holiday gatherings.

Think of how lovely these would look as place cards or framed prints to decorate the table at your holiday dinner!

From the packaging to the business card, Alicia's experimental spirit creates a fully rounded aura of joy and sense of suspended dream and memory you want to revisit again and again.

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Remember to join our mailing list for your chance to win one of our IC Style Swag Bags full of items from The Sampler! 

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The holidays are nearly here, and The Sampler offers so many great gift ideas from some pretty talented indie designers! 

Ready to get shopping?  Click the links below to read all posts featuring the contributors of the November Sampler. 

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