Try Handmade

Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.

Olympic Minded

by Leave a Comment

February. The shortest month of the year is also one of the most eventful and emotional. There’s anticipation—will the groundhog see his shadow? Who will win the superbowl? There’s a celebration of love, leadership, and history. There’s carnival revelry and reflection. And this February, there’s the Olympics—evoking pride, spreading excitement and awe and, maybe best of all, inspiring. (Wall quotes from Its Written On The Wall help keep the inspiration alive.)

I love the Olympics. When I was 10 years old, I liked the summer Olympics, in awe of the gymnasts. Back-flipping on narrow beams. Flying through the air. The pressure, the dedication, the incredible disappointment one tiny slip-up caused, and conversely the amazing elation of a perfect performance. I lost interest a little over the years, but fell in love again four years ago, when the Olympics were in Turino. I obsessively watched the coverage from Italy. The skiing, the skating, the snowboarding—amazed at what these athletes could accomplish. It takes an amazing amount of self-discipline to compete at such a level. I, myself, can’t make it to the gym most days, because it’s cold. What a weak excuse! (Maybe, if I had this workout towel from Words To Sweat By in my gym bag, I’d be more motivated.)

Going for gold is what the Olympic athletes do. They compete to win. they are the best of the best, and if they win, and come out on top they’re awarded the gold medal. Maybe if I awarded myself a token of appreciation every now and then, I could motivate. (This necklace from Second Sister Jewelry, titled Olympic, might help.)

Sit down, watch the Olympics and marvel at what we all can do. The possibilities are endless.

Maine, USA

by Leave a Comment

[hTara]

My step-sister, Kate, is back in Pennsylvania this week for some visiting before she starts graduate school in the fall. She might be in between “homes” right now – aren’t all students? But she’s called Maine home for the last 5 years. So in honor of her and her own fabulous creativity, “Shop Local” is coming at you from the land of moose, snow, and trees!

Anabelfuzz - Reversible Cotton Bonnet

Anabelfuzz creates delightful children’s bonnets, clothing, and accessories. They are quite obviously inspired by the climate of Maine. Some bonnets are lined with soft and warm cotton sherpa. Others are meant to keep ears warm on cool spring mornings. There are also apparel items with a distinctly New England shore feel. [Read more…]

Interview with Erin Bruce of Kitty Empire

by 2 Comments

Today has been a long time coming, and I really couldn’t be more excited to introduce the first of several(!) new contributors to Try Handmade.

Leah Peterson is a master interviewer, and she has graciously agreed to join the team and work her magic on the finest makers around. Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in the workshop of your favorite artist? Leah will deliver the goods to you every week in the first new Try Handmade column: “Focus on Makers with Leah Peterson”

Join me in welcoming her, and please make her feel at home :)

:: Erika

~

[hLeah]

Erin Bruce at Kitty Empire creates the most lovely purses, wristlets, wallets and messenger bags, which are sturdy enough to hold a laptop. Her products are all 100% vegan. Continue reading to find out where she gets her ideas and what she eats for breakfast. Don’t forget to check out her items on sale!

What are vegan products? Why is that important to you?
Vegan products are made without using any animal products (wool, leather, etc). Animal rights are hugely important to me and I try to focus on that with this business. I also donate 5% of my sales each month to a different animal charity.

Do you have pets?
3 cats named Sebastian, Belvedere and Smokey.

How long have you been sewing? Why do you sew?
I’ve been sewing on and off since I was a teenager. I find it to be a great creative outlet and also very calming (despite the occasional frustration).

Can you explain your process?
I come up with a design idea then draw out the stencils and the bag pattern. Then I usually make a prototype that I can give to a friend and get feedback. If all goes well, I start production.

Your designs are so fun and whimsical! Where do you get your ideas?
I can get ideas from anything really. Fairy tales, art, my ceramic animal collection and just random ideas that pop into my head.

Do you have a favorite piece you’ve created?
Hmmm. Maybe the Red Ridinghood messenger bag. My favourites change.

Do you do any other types of crafts/art?
I make some pillows, mobiles and sometimes stuffed animals, but mostly only as gifts for friends.

Do you sell your products in stores?
I sell at a few local stores, but I don’t have time for crafts shows. This is my little side business, my full time job takes up the rest of my time.

What were you like as a kid?
I was a bit shy, but very creative. I’ve always had very creative friends and my mom is extremely artistic so there was always some sort of art project on the go.

Tell me more about you…?
My favourite color is green. I don’t drink soda, but my favourite drink is a vodka tonic. I drink berry smoothies instead of cereal for breakfast.

What is your best selling item?
Probably the bird and cherry blossom messenger bag or the Red Ridinghood bag.

Thanks, Erin!

A Greener Birthday Party

by 4 Comments

Today is my son’s twelfth birthday and I can’t help but to reflect on how things have changed in the time that he’s been on Earth. Back in 1997, I gave little thought to things like carbon footprints and e-waste. Deforestation was probably the furthest thing from my mind and I’m pretty sure that the term “upcycling” hadn’t even been invented yet.

Looking back over all of our birthday parties, it makes me cringe to think about how many decorations, trinkets and disposable tableware items I have sent to the landfill. Each of my son’s parties had a theme, and with each theme came a whole slew of coordinated plates, cups, tablecloths, napkins and banners purchased from the discount party or dollar store. As soon as the guests had departed, everything was quickly gathered into a black garbage bag and taken to the curb with little regard for the environment.

happybday

[Read more…]

Silk Twitter scarf

by 2 Comments

Tweet tweet tweet. Birds have swooped into crystal j.! 10 sweet little aqua birdies hang out on a sunny yellow background with a gray border. You can have yours customized as shown with your twitter name – bonus: if you follow me on Twitter, your customization will be free! Great tied in your hair as a headband, around your fave summer hat or bag. Hang it as art.

100% habotai silk. hand wash cool, hang or dry flat. Size: 8″ x 54″. All pieces begin as white silk and then are painted with dye. Like watercolor on silk!