There is always so much hustling and busting during the holiday season. I cannot understand the appeal of driving across town to go to the mall, fighting to find a parking spot, dealing with crowded stores and waiting on long lines, just to buy a gift.
I will go to the mall (or a local store) to purchase a gift if I have no choice, but I prefer to buy things from the comfort of my own home, and have it delivered right to my door.
Another option I enjoy is shopping at “mom and pop” type stores. I fully support small businesses. I used to have one my self.
Years ago (15+ years), I had a home business. I sold personalized party favors such as candy wrappers, buttons, gift cans, personalized pens and more. I was mostly an online store, but I did do a lot of local orders as well (word of mouth advertising is the best!). I had my business for 7 years, but I lost my passion for it and closed down.
I did make decent money doing what I was doing, but my heart was no longer in it. I also didn’t like being up all night for rush ordered, and dealing with overly picky individuals.
I know what it’s like to have a small business, which is why I love to support small businesses, both locally and online.
Not long ago I was introduced to a company called J&L Decor. They are located in Montana. Montana is on my “Bucket List” of places I want to visit some day. I’ve only seen Montana in pictures, and it looks beautiful there (although winters look pretty rough).
J&L Decor makes handcrafted home decor, home accessory, jewelry, chalkboards, welded horseshoe cross, bottle opener, wine bottle holder and wholesale handmade 100% soy scented candles and so much more.
I love candles. Whenever I learn about a new candle source, I always love to check them out. I think handmade candles smell so much better than mass produced candles.
I also like soy candles because they burn a lot cleaner than wax candles.
I have not tried any candles from J&L Decor (yet), but some of their scents sound AMAZING! They have Salt Water Taffy, Autumn Rain, Hazelnut Coffee, Leather & Lace, Cider Barrel, Pineapple and Alaskan Wilderness. That last one, Alaskan Wilderness, sounds heavenly.
Their candles are budget friendly too, with wax melts starting at $2, $3 for a six ounce tin and $5 for an eight ounce jar.
In addition to their uniquely scented candles, J&L Decor make the most beautiful cutting boards. I don’t have a need for one right now, but when I do, I really want to get this one (pictured below). It’s their maple and walnut cutting board.
I also like their chalkboards. I really should get one for our home. I’m tired of my kids asking me all the time what is for dinner.
I think one of my most favorite J&L Decor products are their handmade crosses. Their unique crosses are made entirely from brand new horseshoes and horseshoe nails.
Growing up, I was always surrounded by horses. My sister still owns a horse, as does my niece. My nephew transports horses throughout the state too.
I love the idea of a cross made out of horseshoes. It would be a great addition to any home or barn. You don’t even have to own a horse or farm to appreciate the craftsmanship of these beautiful crosses.
I was sent one to review. I am truly amazed that they are able to bend horseshoes to create those shapes. Sometimes when I look at it, it looks like a regular cross (not made out of horseshoes). Other times I look at it, I can see the horseshoes. It’s all about perception. None the less, it’s a beautiful piece of art if you ask me.
J&L Decor made crosses in different colors as well. If you would like it painted a specific color (perhaps to match the room you plan on hanging it in). There is no extra cost to color the cross. All you need to do is let them know what color you want when you place your order.
I do not have a photo of the one that was sent to me to review. We decorate our entire home for the holiday, including artwork on our walls (I have several holiday canvas prints that light up). The cross was taken down and packed away so I could put up our holiday art. I neglected to take a photo of mine before doing that. When we un-decorate, I will take a photo and update this post.
J&L Decor also have a deer head design made entirely out of horseshoes. This is a great design for hunters.
The crosses and deer head are made to order, and are usually processed and shipped out within 1-3 business days, and you should receive your pretty cross (or deer head) within 1-5 business days after shipping, depending on where you live and weather conditions.
If you are interested in seeing more amazing creations from J&L Decor, visit JandLDecor.com. The brand is also on social media. Their links are found at the bottom of their website.
Christmas is more about buying the “it” and “must have” gifts of the season. Remember the REAL reason for the season. Gifting someone a beautiful cross would certainly be a gift they will appreciate year round, year after year.
Kimberly
*I received a free product sample to review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.