Try Handmade

Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.

Goodness Gracious

by 4 Comments

Looking for something spectacular for your yard? Stop looking now. I’ve found it.

Designed to become an everlasting part of your family tradition, The Great Bowl O’ Fire is an unique work of art hand-cut by artist John T Unger. No two are exactly alike, as the flames are drawn free-hand. Gather friends and family to celebrate around a roaring blaze year-round. The raised bowl allows you to sit comfortably without having to lean forward to stay warm. Keep your feet toasty, tucked below the rim of the bowl and bask in the full-body radiance that a raised firebowl offers. An outdoor fire pit is a great way to extend the outdoor living season.

The Great Bowl O’ Fire makes a stunning focal point for yards, patios and gardens. Unlike many outdoor firepits which look dirty or empty when unlit, The Great Bowl O’ Fire functions as a gorgeous sculptural element either hot or cold. By day, the flame shapes cast intriguing shadows both inside and outside the bowl and the rich tones of the patina suggest a warm blaze. At night, with a fire burning, the bowl casts flickering shadows as lively as the fire within.

The Great Bowl O’ Fire is a gorgeous sculptural element even when not in use. The play of light and shadow as the sun moves across it is as entrancing as the dance of fire.

Jacqueline Turpin Handmade

by 3 Comments

I am a sucker for quirky illustrations, so I just love these embroidered pillows! Jacky who’s namesake shop, Jacqueline Turpin Handmade, uses her background in Interior Design to create unique home and personal accessories with an illustrative twist. Her shop ranges from her illustrated embroidered cushions to adorable felt brooches.

Born and raised in Swansea, Wales, it was a move to rural France, when she found herself without a day job, that brought her the opportunity to explore her creative passions. She was considering illustration, but came across free-motion stitching, and from there re-discovered her love of sewing. Jacky has a B.A degree in 3D Design from Buckinghamshire collage and spent 12 years in Hong Kong working as an Interior designer and as a Interior stylist for an architectural firm before moving to France with her family.

My favorite item at the moment is probably the bunting. I’m pleased with the way it turned out, and think it is something people can use over. Saying that, I also have a fondness for the old lady and school girl figures – they remind me of my childhood in the UK.

My influences are memories of home, 1970s/80s Britain. I have always loved vintage 30s – 50s decor.

She’s currently only selling online, but hopes to visit some local deco type shops soon to see if they would be interested in stocking a few pieces for a trial. You can also find Jacky at her website. She’s had no sales yet, so let’s help give her a kickstart!

Not enough cooks in the kitchen!

by Leave a Comment

A friend recently told me I should: “become a foodie” after learning that I’m not really into cooking! I thought this was pretty funny… If you’ve been reading my posts you’ll know that I’ve been on a bit of a health kick lately. So far, so good – though this last week I’ll admit work took priority over yoga and eating right. I figure this week’s a new week though! (Hive Honey Set from Biodidactic Designs)

We’re heading to a friends house for dinner tonight and I urged her to have me bring something so I could “flex my domestic muscles”. She didn’t crack the whip though, and just suggested we bring salad and ice cream (she’s pregnant)! All the same it got me thinking about my hope of becoming a foodie one day… From time to time I find myself looking longingly at all the fun handmade products available online for the culinarily (is that a word ;)) gifted.

Here’s a roundup of a few of my finds from Supermarket, I hope some of these will find their way to my kitchen one of these days.

Showpony is urging us to Eat our Greens! With this adorable kitchen towel. Emma Henderson is the creator behind Showpony and her business is run out of her studio in Glasgow. With the environment in mind Emma uses organic and fair trade fabrics whenever possible as well as water based inks and recycled card and packaging.

Inhaus brings us these beautiful, minimalist letterpress kitchen notes, perfect for keeping track of all of our favorite recipes. All of their beautiful work is created on their very own Adana Eight-Five letterpress.

And my last find from oooms – which I think is pretty clever, these fun wooding cutting boards that also double as the perfect plate at a cocktail party (featuring a spot for both your wine glass and an appie too)!

How about you, are you a foodie extraordinaire, or more like me, hoping to get there some day?