Christmas 2009, Here We Come!

Last minute orders for Christmas are pouring in! We are so thrilled to be able to help so many of you check off your list. Hopefully, we have made shopping a little easier for you this year!
We will be setting up and presenting some of our favorite pieces at Donoho's Breakfast with Santa early Saturday morning, so if you are in the area, come on by!
We expect to place one more order for supplies on Monday,December 14. If you are considering shopping with us, please let us know soon, so we can be sure to have everything in stock to allow you to customize your order especially for you!
Thanks so much for your support!

Christmas Orders

Please remember to scroll to the bottom of this page to view pictures of many of our favorite and most popular creations. We are updating the photo gallery often, so check back regularly.


We are excited to help you find the PERFECT gifts for the most special people in your world! Every order is custom-made, so keep in mind that you may request something even if you don't see it featured in our gallery. We are updating our supplies on a regular basis, so if we don't have it, we will try to get it! In order for us to create for you exactly what you have in mind and in heart, time is of the essence. Turn around time is usually 1 week for local orders and 2 weeks for non-local orders. Although our elves are working around the clock to fill all Christmas orders, we are setting an order deadline to ensure timely delivery. All non-local orders must placed prior to Thursday, December 10, and local orders should be placed prior to Tuesday, December 15. Last minute orders will be considered on an individual basis and may be subject to a "rush to the sleigh" fee.


Please feel free to contact us (minilees@gmail.com) with ANY questions or gift ideas...


Make it personal this holiday season, and let MiNi Lee's create for you!


Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!

Christmas Orders

Please remember to scroll to the bottom of this page to view pictures of many of our favorite and most popular creations. We are updating the photo gallery often, so check back regularly.


We are excited to help you find the PERFECT gifts for the most special people in your world! Every order is custom-made, so keep in mind that you may request something even if you don't see it featured in our gallery. We are updating our supplies on a regular basis, so if we don't have it, we will try to get it! In order for us to create for you exactly what you have in mind and in heart, time is of the essence. Turn around time is usually 1 week for local orders and 2 weeks for non-local orders. Although our elves are working around the clock to fill all Christmas orders, we are setting an order deadline to ensure timely delivery. All non-local orders must placed prior to Thursday, December 10, and local orders should be placed prior to Tuesday, December 15. Last minute orders will be considered on an individual basis and may be subject to a "rush to the sleigh" fee.


Please feel free to contact us with ANY questions or gift ideas...Make it personal this holiday season, and let MiNi Lee's create for you!


Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!

Meet the Real "Minnie Lee"

Both of our grandparents on our mom's side are deceased and have been for several years. Although they are no longer here in person, they are always present in spirit at every Sunday dinner, family get-together and holiday. More often than not, though, they exist in our dreams. What is truly amazing to me is how easily influenced we can be by loved ones that are no longer "with" us.

Usually when I dream of my grandparents, we are all congregated for a family social at their residence or at the beach, and they usually just make a brief appearance. I always interpret these dreams as an opportunity for them to say hello or as a way for my mind to satisfy that urge to see them once more. There is one particular dream that stands out to this day, and that dream not only reminded me of my love for them, but opened my eyes to an opportunity that I thought only existed in my dreams.

It was a dream just like the others...Family get together...dinner around the dining room table...biscuits so fresh that I could taste them in my sleep...Every detail was just as it would have been. I will leave out all of the boring details, but what struck me as "odd" was when I left the most magical and sentimental moment of the dream to go to what I called "work." At first I was unconsciously irritated with myself for not waking up or at least not going back for one more "goodbye hug." But at the same time, I was curious to see what was important enough to tear me away from such a pleasing occasion. 

All I knew at the moment was that I was weaving from one road to another and everything was oddly unfamiliar. I stared out the window hoping for some understanding of my destination. I looked up, and in bright, neon lights was a sign whimsically perched on the top of a small, but tall building. The sign read: "MiNi Lee's" in colorful, fun and fanciful letters. At that point...it was over.

The dream had come to an abrupt end, and I struggled to return to a deep sleep as an effort to search for an explanation as to whom or what "MiNi Lee's" was. With no luck, I tried to drive what was left of the dream out of my mind, so I would no longer be left with the agony of trying to answer the unanswered questions of "what and why?" 

All day long, the image..."MiNi Lee's" flashed in my mind. I took the first opportunity I had to call my sister, Toni, and I couldn't get the words out of my mouth fast enough, "Toni, we need to start a business together, and we have to call it 'MiNi Lee's'!"

Much has happened since then, but I am ecstatic to finally introduce to you the original "Minnie Lee" and the inspiration of what is now known as "MiNi Lee's." What is more exciting is we found a way for Minnie Lee to be with us in more than spirit.

When we decided to embark on this journey, we knew she had to be with us in more ways than one. We have been fascinated with personalized gifts, and we have found so many ways to personalize with words, but sometimes words are just not enough...

Since Minnie Lee was the "vision" of this dream and the influence we needed to pursue it, we feel that it is only fair that our first piece of Photo Jewelry be dedicated to her...

We love you, Memaw, and we are so proud to finally be sharing this dream come true with you.

Technically, this is not jewelry, but a key chain seemed fitting for our first attempt. It allows us to keep our "Minnie Lee" with us everywhere we go. 
If you are interested, all you need to do is send us a picture via email, and we can transform your favorite photo to your most treasured pendant, bracelet or ring embedded in resin that seals the picture and preserves it forever.

Whether you choose a key chain, a necklace, a bracelet or a ring, photo jewelry allows you to keep your "Minnie Lee" with you wherever you go.

A Little Something for Everyone

Mini Lee's received a thanksgiving request a few days ago...The hostess of a family gathering was looking for a few creative ways to honor each family member attending the holiday feast. It began with something special for the little ones...I already knew that girls are easy to please with a little jewelry, but apparently boy are too! You just have to get creative!
Look how cute these turned out!

Butterfly and Beaded Necklace...$30

Simple Silver Disc on Leather Cord Necklace...$30

Adults can be easy to please as well...These wine glass charms were the perfect addition to the table setting and also served as "place cards" for each guest:

 A little souvenir from a lovely Thanksgiving family dinner.

Wine Glass Charms in Silver or Copper

A Little Bit of Love

Simply put...Forever cherished.

Grandma's Heart...$40

All Because...$40

For the Mom of Three Miracles...$48

Copper + Silver= A Dynamic Duo

What do you get the Grandmother that has EVERYTHING? We are not just talking about ANY ole grandma here, either.
I have spent many nights at my "crafting" table (a.k.a. dining room table) arranging and rearranging discs, drawing out designs, and still remaining unsure of the "perfect" design for the most special lady in my life: The lady that I call "Mom" and my kids call "Gaga." She is a mother. She is a grandmother. She is an awesome and exceptionally well-dressed and fashionable woman. What...would...she...like...?? After 6 weeks of contemplating the perfect piece of mommy/grandmommy jewelry, I decided to come up with something unique. This I will call the GranJan (Gaga for short.)
A little splash of silver, a hunk of copper, and a dazzling Swarvoski crystal give it pizazz...The heartfelt message of only a few words make it personal. I guarantee no other Gaga is wearing one of these.
Oh, and by the way, she loved it!

It Really IS the Thought That Counts

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Christmas and everything associated with the Holiday Season!! 

I would say, "Who doesn't, right?" But I am not so naive as to make an accusation that everyone shares my opinion and is passionate of this particular holiday. I am obviously aware of the people who don't "love" Christmas. At the same time, I acknowledge that many others may appreciate the season (or the reason for the season), but find it difficult to tolerate the additional stress that goes along with its celebration. I will confess that I have been guilty of implying that the anxiety and tension associated with this time of year have exhausted me by making a statement, such as, "Whew, I will be glad when Christmas is over!" But I must come clean to those of you who have heard me say that: I didn't mean it! :) 

It may seem a little early to be getting giddy about the upcoming holiday. In fact, I don't even know what my kids are going to be for Halloween, yet! But a little chill in the air and a warm flame in the fireplace sends a tingle up my spine and adds an extra beat to my step as I get anxious that my favorite holiday is fast approaching. I feel as though I should elaborate on some of the reasons responsible for my eagerness and enthusiasm. 


Like many of you, I have always been fond of the Christmas season for many reasons. As a child, the reasons at the top of my list were the same as any other child: 1) no school and 2) lots of presents for ME! As I have aged and matured, my mind has grown more aware and understanding of the true meaning of Christmas, my soul has become more appreciative of life, and my heart has learned to cherish the significance of my loved ones that make the special occasions even more remarkable. As a mother, I am once again experiencing life through the eyes of a child, which makes the Christmas season so much more invigorating.

Well, this blog does have a point, so let me get to it. At this stage in my life, I look more forward to giving than receiving, but I am in no way immune to the excitement and joy that goes along with being the beneficiary.  Last Christmas, I was presented with a gift that warmed my heart and brought a smile to my face bigger than my cheeks could carry. It was wrapped in a tiny box that was adorned with a miniature bow that gave no clue as to how much joy could be hiding under its tiny lid. Upon inspection (shaking the box to detect a little rattle), I felt confident that it would be something made of metal and could possibly be worn on my neck or wrist. Since the tag read: "To Jennifer, From The Christopher's," I knew that it would be something stylish, modern and even a little snazzy. (If you know my sister, Toni, you know that she has awesome taste!) Even though I had come to so many assumptions before even peeling away the scotch tape ("sticky tape" according to Addie), I had NO idea how precious the contents of this simple, recycled box would be. As soon as I removed the lid and my eyes made contact with the shiny object my fingers had already begun to stroke, I was silently blown away with emotion. What was revealed was so simple and so pure, but its informality only added to its beauty. What stood out the most was the inscription on the two small, silver discs hanging from a sterling silver chain. Adorned on them were my babies' names: Emma and Addison. This simple piece of jewelry has become one of my favorite and most prized possessions, simply because it was created just for me! 

It is possible that many of you have seen my "mommy jewelry" dangling from my neck, and you may even have complimented me on it. My usual response to the statement/question combo of, "That is so cute! Where did you get it?" is usually, "Thanks! My sister ordered it from somewhere on the internet. I am not exactly sure who made it, but Toni has always had a knack for finding new things." 

I would have thanked my sister just as much for a gift card to Old Navy as I did for the sweet and charming necklace I received from her. The only difference is that I know just from the teeny, little inscription on each disc that she had me in mind when she purchased it. It was not on a sales rack with 15 other identical pieces waiting to go home with the next last-minute shopper to pass. This was a gift that was personally and lovingly created JUST for ME. 

Well, friends, I said I had a point, and here it is:

Almost a year later, I am still just as proud of my mommy necklace as I was the day it was first placed around my neck. I wear it as often as I can. I have become so intrigued with it and the joy it brought to me on an already joyous occasion, that I want to offer you the opportunity to surprise a loved one with the uniqueness of a personalized, hand-stamped piece of jewelry. Toni and I have taken on a new hobby, and after lots and lots of practice, we have perfected the technique of creating these timeless treasures. We are undoubtedly sure that anyone receiving one of our creations, regardless of the occasion, will be overjoyed and elated at the concern and compassion that the giver has invested just to see them smile. No two pieces will ever be the same, so you can be certain that you will receive a true original and "one of a kind." Oh, I also need to mention that although they are unique and custom-created, they are very, very affordable! The best part is that this is a gift you won't have to order from "somewhere on the internet." Placing your trust in someone local who you already know can only increase your certainty that you will receive exactly what you ordered.

We are all familiar with the phrase, "It's the thought that counts." Well, it certainly is! It was my sister's thoughts that "wowed" me last Christmas, and I have not found a way that I can top that! But believe me, I will continue to try! :)

Explore. Dream. Discover

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” 

Mark Twain

We are in the process of setting sail. Please check back with us soon and often to view our progress. Thanks!