We met Misty aka lapistolera through the Handmade Cavalcade and the New New Team. She not only makes bags, jewelry and other items, but she also loves handmade things — like these especially cute love birds that she used as her wedding cake toppers! Since the Handmade Consortium launched the Buy Handmade Pledge (http://buyhandmade.org) last year, over 30,000 people have signed. Some say "hand-made is the new black" — but it's not a trend. This is about real people making changes in their everyday lives and figuring out how to make those changes lasting and sustainable. It's about being able to quit your day job and shop local. It about personal history and the inspiration behind making something of your own vision.