Gift Cards

Are you stressing about last minute Christmas gifts, or just looking for something to give someone special?  We've got you covered!  Our gift cards come to you as a coupon code and are perfect for giving.  You are able to customize the amount and your gift is sure to fit and flatter.  

Birds of a Feather: Nukumori Designs

It's the end of March.  Spring has officially begun, but here in upstate New York, I think we all feel like we're stuck in a never-ending winter.  Boston may have gotten more snow, but we have had a very long, very cold, and very home-bound winter.

So.

When these super cozy baby-wearing coats from Nukumori Designs came in the mail, and we had a sunny day to work with, we got over the idea of waiting for spring and got out there, baby (or maybe a two-year-old big boy) in tow to snap some photos. 

Nukumori is Japanese for warmth and it was immediately clear that these sweet coats and pretty scarves deliver warmth both literally and figuratively.  Elias was thrilled to share a jacket with Mama and they both LOVED the cozy snuggles. 

Middle English in Navy - they always look great with jeans.

This is the coolest package I have ever received.  Each coat came individually wrapped.

Middle English in Moss - this color varies a bit and can look quite brown in bright light.

Emily, owner of Nukumori Designs, is a long-time customer of ours and we were thrilled to partner with her for this photo shoot.  We've been wearing our babies for as long as we've had them, and love her jackets for the warmth they have added to our lives.  Thanks, Emily!

Merry Christmas! and Holiday Hours

If you've ever wondered who's making or re-soling your shoes, this is it.  We're a team of eleven artisans, working together to make leather shoes in small batches with great care.  It truly is an art form and a tradition that we are proud to be a part of.  

In this week leading up to the Christmas holiday, our factory outlet will be open today along with next Monday and Tuesday, from 12-4:00 p.m. Local folks are welcome to stop in for a pair of shoes or a gift certificate during those hours.  Everyone else can follow the link and order a gift certificate online.  It's super easy and can be done at the very last minute, which we all know is helpful this time of year.  

Starting Wednesday, the 24th, we'll be off for a while, and plan to spend our time staying warm and enjoying good food with our families.  We hope that you are able to do the same. 

Merry Christmas!

Last Minute Christmas Gifting

image via

Holiday shopping can be so hard.  You want to get something useful, something memorable, or just something that your recipient does not already own.  So you think long and hard, you make plans, you finally make or purchase something and then, just 12 short months later, you're right back where you started.  At least that's how it all goes 'round in my brain...

If you've ever thought about giving 100% American made leather shoes, then you're in luck.  Giving an Aurora Shoe Co. gift certificate has just gotten easier.  Instead of contacting us and waiting for a certificate in the mail, you can now follow the link to our website and purchase one with a few clicks.  You'll be sent a coupon code via email and can give the gift of comfort and joy at your convenience.  We've pre-set a few different gift amounts and are open to suggestions if you find that the amount you'd like to give is not listed.

Thank you all for your support in 2013.  We've continued to gain exposure all over the globe and know that it is in large part thanks to you, our loyal customers and friends.  Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Small, Local, Handmade Gift Guide: Tea

I come from a long line of tea drinking women, and think that early winter is the perfect time to stock up on new teas.  If you have a tea loving friend or relative, you might want to consider one of these tea themed gifts...

This set of natural and reusable organic tea bags, along with some loose tea via Natural Linens on Etsy (they also carry reusable and organic coffee filters).

 A cheery handmade mug to put it in

Lemon flavored tea stirring "spoons", just for fun

or maybe a set of all natural, tea flavored lip balms from Orange Thyme on Etsy

Adventurous or especially health conscious friends and family might enjoy A Kombucha Starter Kit

For those who like to make their own gifts...

This recipe for chai concentrate looks so good.

I have always wanted to try making candles in old tea cups.

p.s.  This cup cozy, paired with a Mason jar, and one of these would make the perfect gift for an eco friendly tea-drinker-on-the-go. 

p.p.s.  These cup cozy patterns also look fun.  They have a built in pocket for tea bags!

Small, Local Handmade Gift Guide: Hand Knits

There's a reason I'm starting with the knit gifts - those who take their knitting seriously know that holiday knitting begins in July.  BUT... those of us who have waited until after Thanksgiving for the holiday "inspiration" (read: pressure) to strike, still have plenty of gift-worthy options to consider.

For example...

A gorgeous infinity cowl pattern or any of these exquisite knits by Elena Rosenberg.

A cute little knitted hedgehog by Yarnigans on Etsy (it ships for free!)

Simple and classic wool mittens for every person on your list (these are very local and unbelievably affordable).

An adorable child-sized hat on Etsy.

This less-tricky-than-it-appears mug cozy (the pattern is FREE at yarn.com).

The perfect slippers pattern by Elizabeth Murphy on Ravelry

Or, alternatively, for that friend or family member who has always wanted to give it a try...

A Learn to Knit Kit from the always stylish, Purl Soho, and a budget friendly version from Fiber Wild on Etsy. 

2012 Holiday Gift Guide and Holiday Order Details

Starting with Small Business Saturday, and running until the middle of December, we'll be sharing our favorite small, local, and handmade gift ideas.  We hope that this list inspires you to buy or make something that honors the gifts that you and your area can provide.

For those who have asked, our gift certificates are available all year round and are a great way to give the gift of shoes without giving away the surprise (it's hard to get a foot tracing on the sly).  You can email Dave directly (info@aurorashoeco.com) to order a certificate.  Orders placed before Monday, November 26th should arrive before the start of Hanukkah.  Orders placed by Friday, December 14th should arrive in time for Christmas.  As always, we are happy to include free shipping on all of your gift certificate orders.

Those who would like to purchase shoes can receive free shipping through the end of the year with the promo code "Elias" in honor of Dave's (very) new baby son.  Orders received by December 4th should ship in time for Christmas.

Happy Holidays!

p.s.  Our 2011 gift guides including one for your brother, your sister, your parents, and someone special.

Gearing up for the Squam Arts Fair

We're excited to be joining an impressive list of vendors at the annual Squam Spring Art Fair.  I hear that Ravelry will be there (if you know the online fiber community, then you know that this is HUGE).

I'm making lists and gathering supplies for our little booth and am trying to figure out just how to take orders for shoes that have not yet been made.  Thanks to a brilliant suggestion from Maya, I'm thinking about bringing a huge roll of butcher paper and taking foot tracings on the spot.  What do you think?  Will people be okay with placing orders and waiting for a package in the mail?  I sure hope so.  Handmade to order is probably not typical art fair fare...

On the Business of American Made Goods

Have you noticed that there has been a new push to buy American made fashion?  It's a slow movement, but it's definitely gaining traction, with websites and blogs popping up to keep us posted on the latest developments and the hippest shops.  I've seen a rise in American bags, accessories, leather goods and American heritage brand boots, shoes and blue jeans.  

There are plenty of viewpoints about the merits of domestic vs. international production, and I'm not looking to get into that debate.  What I want to focus on is the intent of our consumption.  In general, I think that this Americana movement is a great sign that people are looking to support their local and national economy through thoughtful consumption.  Because really, thinking about our impact on the world and those around is is at the center of our morality. 

The thing is, everything of value has a cost and when we pay less for an item, someone else pays more. Poor working conditions, unfair pay, even slave labor are going on RIGHT NOW to bring American consumers cheap and expendable goods. 

 

It’s my opinion that American companies who use imported materials only go half way.  If you pride yourself on your American purchases, do your homework and find out where the materials are sourced as well. It’s a long chain of events and you deserve to know what you're really paying for.  

Final Gift Guide - Someone Special

With Christmas looming, I thought it might be a good time to share a gift guide with ideas that you still have plenty of time to work on.  No order by deadlines or expedited shipping charges to worry about, and you don't have to stress about which size or color to choose.  Merry Christmas!

Unlike your siblings or your parents, you chose your special someone, and through good and bad you've made it together.  You know them better than anyone and depend on them in ways that you probably don't even realize.  As Christmas swiftly approaches, here are some thoughtful "gift" ideas for your someone special...

Presence

When life gets hectic and the expectations of the holiday season start to feel oppressive, it helps to have the support of your partner, even if that means nothing more than having another set of hands in the kitchen, a person to bounce ideas off of, or another set of eyes on the kids. 

A few years ago my husband wanted to make me a piece of furniture for Christmas.  He spent many December evenings in his shop and was even there until 3 AM on Christmas Eve to (almost) finish it for Christmas morning.  The table is beautiful and his intentions were so good, but all of that work left me chasing a toddler around alone on Christmas day while his exhausted Daddy dozed off as soon as he hit my parents' recliner.  I love the table, but I would have gladly traded it for a present and well rested husband.

Cooperation

With all of the traditions and obligations it's sometimes easy to complain about having to watch another pageant or attend another party or whatever, especially with all of the last minute preparations that you have on your shoulders.  It's great to edit out the stuff that isn't important or that doesn't fit, but try to remember that we all have our own sense of what makes a complete and fulfilling holiday. 

I know that my husband does not have the same appreciation for religion as I do, but he knows how much I love Christmas Eve, so he puts on his churchy clothes and sings along with the hymns and keeps the kids quiet so that I can enjoy my favorite tradition.  When he does it all without a single complaint and even looks as though he's enjoying it too, I feel very blessed. 

Ask your someone special what they're ideal Christmas would look like and see what you can do to help make that vision happen.  It could be as simple as whipping up a batch of grandma's cookies, taking a late night drive to look at lights, or downloading a certain song on itunes.  You won't know until you ask...

Patience and Understanding

As much as we try not to let things get out of hand at this time of year, there are all kinds of stressors that are beyond our control.  Expect delays, hold-ups and deadline anxieties and when you can, step in and help each other out.  I have a whole list of things that I'd like to do this week, but that probably won't get done.  My husband likely has a list just as long if not longer.  Neither of our lists is more or less important than the other, so we'll have to work to be understanding and patient with each other as the week goes on and our lists begin to compete with each other. 

A Willingness to Let Go

Didn't make those stars you had in mind?  Your truffle recipe was a bust?  Those jammie pants didn't make themselves?  With all of the gift giving and receiving that goes on no one will notice the difference. 

I remember being a kid and getting so excited to open each present.  It all seemed so great, but by the time we'd made our holiday rounds, I'd search my brain to try and remember all the stuff I'd been given.  I still have this feeling and try to remember it when I'm not able to come through on one of my "perfect" ideas.  Chances are that we're all being bombarded by Christmas cheer, so if your perfect something doesn't work out, let it go; chances are nobody will feel like it's missing.  Share this thought with your special someone.  It's liberating.    

Enjoy!

I speak for everyone at the Aurora Shoe Co. when I say that we wish you a very merry Christmas.  We'll "see" you again in the new year!

Small Business Shopping Guide - Your Parents

In the weeks leading up to Christmas we'll be sharing gift guides focusing on small businesses and organizations that we feel good about supporting. We only recommend gifts and products that we would actually consider ourselves and hope that you find inspiration. Please feel free to add other ideas in the comments section - there are so many great businesses out there and we would love to know about your favorites!

Good old Mom and Dad - they deserve more than you could ever give them, but here are some ideas anyway...

for Mom

A handle free pitcher from Jasmine Pots to add a little handmade love to her morning coffee or the next cup of tea that you share ($15)

A cold hardy succulent wreath for her post-Christmas front door ($125)

A simple and pretty letterpress calendar ($40)

A cozy knitted merino and silk lace scarf that goes with almost everything ($39)

for Dad

A walnut travel mug masuline enough to be seen out with the guys for their morning meet and greet at the local coffee shop ($45)

The holiday chocolate assortment from Lake Champlain Chocolates to satisfy his sweet tooth ($29.50).  This snickers fudge would also do the trick.

  A book to enjoy in his favorite chair ($45)

for both of them

Good old handmade leather shoes.  Order online with a gift certificate or come in to the shop and we'll take care of you (and give you a discounted rate).

The Value of Handmade

What is the value of handmade?  It's a question that many of us ask ourselves as we price our handmade goods or search for the perfect handmade gift.  Monetary value can be broken down easily enough.  Add the cost of materials, a decent hourly rate and you've got a number.  Prices allow us to buy and sell, but do they really reflect the value of our goods?  

 When we buy handmade we're demonstrating a value that goes beyond price.  To buy handmade is to invest in an art form, a way of life and a cultural ideal.  It's to take part in a system that supports the individual, the artist and the entrepreneur in a society and an economic system that leans in the opposite direction.  

At the Aurora Shoe Company we are proud to be a part of the handmade culture.  Aurora Shoes are made with pride in Upstate New York using only American sourced materials.  This means a lot in an age when many products are assembled under sub-standard or unregulated working conditions using materials that are often produced in even less desirable conditions.  All of these materials and products travel great distances to finally make it onto the shelves of American shops where the shipping, import taxes and marketing costs result in products whose pricing does not reflect their quality.

At Aurora Shoe you pay for what you get:  high quality materials, superior craftsmanship, serious comfort and a solid guarantee.  You can see the Aurora Shoe production process for yourself by watching this video, filmed by a local newspaper about a year ago.  

The next time you decide to spend your hard earned money, consider what you're investing in and look for the real value that isn't reflected in its price.