Try Handmade

Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.

Handmade Summer Whimsy

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The end of summer is creeping up on us, so I thought now would be a good time to focus on some fun, whimsical summer items that are sure to make you smile as these hot days draw to a close.

First up is this absolutely perfect summer dress from Amanda Archer. I am not at all exaggerating when I say that I think this is the perfect summer dress. Not only that, but if you throw on a cardigan, it would make the perfect fall dress. Add some tights and it will carry you into winter in style. With some ballet flats and a chunky bracelet it will take you right on through the spring. So, I guess it’s really an all around perfect dress.

Summer-1-Map-Dress

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There Be Pirates!

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I was thrilled to read recently that parts of the next Pirates of the Caribbean film are being shot in Cornwall, a very beautiful county on the southwest coast of the UK. I adore the franchise and although I’m nervous about the sequel effect, I can’t wait to see the next film. Inspired by everyone’s favourite pirates coming to these shores, I’ve put together this week’s product focus, with nautical-themed jewelry and gorgeous piratical artwork!

The inspiration for finestimaginery’s adorable cutout pirate necklace came from the idea of zombies, ninjas, cowboys and pirates being the top four character trends. The design is based on a captain hook style character, with a typical pirate moustache and hat. And, according to Kim, he wouldn’t be a pirate without a patch!

I love this octopus necklace from yellowsquirrel, who is based in Manchester like me. Nicole took her inspiration from the fact that it’s a popular image and combined this with her love of vintage. Nicole says, “Raw brass and antique gold chains, they just look ‘right’ together!” – she’s certainly hit the nail on the head with this piece!

Simple but pretty, louloudo’s ‘rope’ necklace was inspired by the very charm that makes it work. Louise thought that the silver charms were so sweet that they didn’t really need anything more then a nice, lightweight candy striped string. She also thinks that they look “sort of lucky, dangling there on their string!”

Andreakett’s amazingly detailed pirate artwork (top) just had to be included! I’m always green with envy over people who can draw as I have zero talent in that area. Andrea started working on this piece just because she loves pirates, which is the best reason for creating something that I can think of! Andrea says that she tends to have characters in her head when working on a drawing and with this one, she was channeling Poison Ivy from the Cramps and Tura Satana from Faster Pussycat Kill Kill, and the character Aunt Sally from Worzel Gummidge all together!

Are you a pirate lover? To share your favorite handmade pirate-themed pieces, or to just drool over Captain Jack Sparrow, post here or send me a message on @elliethouret!

Z-Town Made, USA

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If it’s Monday, it must be time to introduce you to another great new Try Handmade columnist. Today’s wonderful addition is Tara Gentile of Handmade In PA.net fame. Every week she’ll be bringing you Shop Local — the best in handmade from local scenes all around the world.

Do you know of a location ripe for the picking? Does a particular city or district spring to mind when you think ‘handmade?’ If so, leave a tip for Tara in the comments and maybe your town will be next!

:: Erika

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[hTara]

Before I go exploring the globe for unique handmade finds where you live, I thought I’d share some finds from my own backyard.

Kutztown, Pennsylvania, USA – about 90 minutes northeast of Philadelphia – is the home of Kutztown University, a vibrant Pennsylvania Dutch community, and now the Z-town Made indie craft collective. The ladies of Z-town Made all went to Kutztown University to pursue various endeavors and then spread out into “the big city.” But Kutztown called them back, allowing them to focus on their craft without the distraction of city life, mainstream design, or intense competition.

In addition to the beautiful work below, Z-town Made includes two other crafters: Mary Oswald of Collier Leeds and Jen Lindsay of Clothesline Designs. Mary creates high-end, hand-crafted leather & brass collars for (wo)man’s best friend. Jen focuses on designing for babies & toddlers with tummy-time mats, appliqued onesies, and giraffe softees in beautiful fabrics.

Z-town Made meets weekly to support each others’ businesses, learn new skills, and plan events.

Kutztown is sure to keep cranking out great crafters – the university has a BFA degree with an emphasis in crafts.

Z-town Made - Indie Craft Collective

Clockwise – starting in upper left:
Peacock Feature Necklace – handcut sterling silver – by Karen Stanford of Skylark Studio
Stoplight Placemat Set in Curry, Charcoal, and Cloud – hand-screened on linen – by Sara Smedley
L. O. V. E. Letters – pink embroidery on gold metallic fabric – by Kimberly Scola of chezsucrechez
Hawk Mother Wooden Postcard – original illustration printed on maple veneer – by Melanie Linder of Spread the Love

Tractorgirl

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Green applique pillow

Julie of tractorgirl and her partner live on a farm, with cereal cropping and sheep and three small children (5, and twins 3), in south-eastern inland Australia. And if that’s not enough to keep you busy, she also sews lovely pillow covers, tea cozies, brooches and makes textured silver necklaces.

From an early age, Julie’s been a maker and a dreamer.

My mum used to work as a dressmaker, and so she would always have scraps of lovely fabric around for me to wrap my dolls in.

At University she studied jewelery and silversmithing, and while she loves it, with small children around, it’s difficult to do, so she’s returned to sewing. While she’s sold things now and then ever since finishing University, she’s always had another job as her main income. Now, however, as a stay-at-home mother – which is definitely a full time job in itself, it’s also one without without an income and she’s becoming much more involved in selling her work.

Green and Teal fabric brooch

I have always felt compelled to make something somehow, and it didn’t seem to matter too much what type of medium – drawing, lino, textiles, metal.

My head is repository for all sorts of wonderful things. I like to keep on open mind; inspiration comes from all sorts of things, everything from nature to architecture. I have a Fine Arts background, so I have a large aesthetic resource to draw on – for instance, I am using classic motifs from various time frames and cultures for my current designs.

I care about my work – the process and the finished details. Each item is unique; I use upcycled materials somewhere in all my work, so I can rarely make the same thing twice.

I always try to be gentle on the earth. For me, upcycling refers to fabrics that are remnants from old projects and other sources, and from clothing, homewares and remnants found in op shops (thrift stores). This saves it from going to landfill, and besides, some things are too beautiful to throw out!

Julie’s favorite item is usually the last thing she made – right now it’s a cushion cover featuring a decorative motif from Pompeii, in white velvet and red satin. Her reverse applique on cushion covers is a beautiful combination of rustic and modern.

Turquoise and red handmade pillow

You can find out more about what’s in her head and on her workbench by following her on Facebook, her blog and twitter. If you’re in Australia you can also find her on MadeIt.

Interview with Stacey Sharman of Peppermint Pinwheels

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I make handcrafted quilts in a modern, traditional style.

I believe in making things that are beautiful and functional. I am also working on a line of patterns because I know there are a lot of crafty and creative people who love to make things for themselves, but need a place to start.

How did you get started? Have you worked in other creative areas before the kind of work you’re doing now?

I am a textile junkie. I started sewing on an antique treadle sewing machine at the age of 8, did needlepoint through-out high school, began collecting vintage textiles while working at an antique/auction house after college and am currently working in antique carpet restoration. I love the gorgeous colors and patterns that surround me day to day and love the history of a handcrafted piece.

I started making quilts to sell after years of making them exclusively for close family and friends. I had always held back from selling the things I loved making because I was afraid that the joy would go out of it. I’m still a bit scared of that happening, but for now, I’m excited about the possibility of doing something I love and making money at the same time. Plus, I have a huge closet overflowing with wonderful fabrics that deserve more than just being stacked on a shelf!

Do you work alone? With a team? Do you engage your family or friends in the work? What is your process? How do you ensure you get your work done yet still have a life?

In many ways, my “day job” in antique rug restoration is very much how I imagine quilting bees used to be in the past: a bunch of women working with needles and thread and talking about their lives. Because I get so much support from these ladies during the day, I always feel inspired to go home and work all evening on my own pieces.

Making a quilt can be a very long and labor intensive process. It normally takes at least a week for a very basic quilt to be finished. That is what I love about what I do – the process of choosing patterns, color, textures- and I’m always happy to be doing it. I do, however, have a husband, a small child, a dog, a cat, two fish and a job, so my challenge is often finding enough time to fit it all in.

Where do you sell your work? Which venues are your favorites? Do you prefer selling online or in person? Do you attend shows or fairs? Is your work in a gallery or brick-and-mortar store?

I’ve only recently begun this endeavor of making my work public. I do have a website at www.peppermintpinwheels.com as well as an etsy site at www.peppermintpinwheels.etsy.com. I have had a lot of success in selling to people that are able to touch and cuddle with my quilts up close, but I’m still a bit shy about selling in person.

Do you have any favorite handmade shops or sellers you’d like to recommend?

www.papaververt.com

What inspires and motivates you?

Every day I’m surrounded by beautiful color and pattern, and that’s what inspires me most. It doesn’t hurt that I live in an area that has abundant sewing , quilting, and thrift stores and there are always new and exciting fabrics to be found.

Thanks Stacey! And if you want to be interviewed next, just head over to DIY Interview.