This Christmas, I took the Handmade Pledge and vowed to buy only handmade products for my friends and family. 

To me this means supporting local artisans who are producing items which aren't mass-produced - and they rarely use machinery.  However, it can be difficult to find local, handmade products without running around from store to store in a haphazard search.

Fortunately for me, the Bizarre Bazaar came to town in December with over 100 crafters and their handmade wares to choose from.  One of the more popular vendors was Oakland designer Adjowah Brodie's The Weekend Store featuring fun recycled jewelry.  My girlfriends and I each bought one of her initial necklaces, made from recycled vintage typewriter keys for $36.  Check out her sweet little XO earrings and necklaces just in time for Valentine's Day.