Try Handmade

Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.

Holiday Table Decor

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Personalized melamine platter from Rouge and Co.

The official start to the holiday season is just around the corner. And of course – I’m already thinking about what handmade gifts I want for Christmas. Though I must say, I know that I’m getting older, because for the last couple of years I’ve begun to value time with family so much more. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed, but when I was younger sometimes it felt like a bit of an obligation, though now I value it much more highly than any gift I might receive. We’ve already had Thanksgiving here in Canada – but I know it’s not for a couple of weeks for all of you that are stateside. So I thought I’d round up some easy ideas for holiday table decor from some wonderful Etsy shops.

Candle stand from Bragging Bags

I fell in love with this sweet candle stand from Bragging Bags the moment I laid eyes on it. The owners of this shop are happy to add any kind of personalized message you like on your candle stand – ensuring yours is one of a kind. I’m also smitten with the personalized beach photos offered in this shop – I think these would make a wonderful anniversary gift.

Chalkboard from Arizona Creative Studio

I think this little chalkboard is such a fun way to bring some extra personality to an event. It can be used in so many ways – from a special note about a guest: “Abby’s first Christmas, 2010”, to ensuring everyone knows exactly what’s in a particular buffet item and beyond.

Acorns from Green Baboon Designs

How sweet are these acorns from Green Baboon Designs? They come in a variety of colors so you can mix and match for each holiday. I think they look really great displayed on a simple platter to add some fun to any holiday dinner table.

I’d love to hear about your holiday decor projects and your holiday decorating traditions!

Family Time

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Due to family commitments and an unexpected emergency I was unfortunately unable to get this post up the week it was written. Please transport yourself back in time a little and enjoy this wonderful post of Ellie’s with my apologies for the timing :) – Erika

It’s that time of the year – next Friday, or Christmas Eve as it’s commonly known, my husband and I will be travelling across the country to stay with our respective families for the holiday period. This may sound like a long trip, but being as how we live in the UK, it should only take us about two hours (snow permitting)! I love spending the holidays with my family, for the first couple of days at least, and in honour of this special time I’ve rounded up some fabulous, family-inspired handmade goodies. If you’ve still got gifts to buy, this little lot should certainly inspire you!

“Home is where the heart is” has always been my favourite cliched saying and in my case is certainly true. Although I haven’t lived where my parents are for nearly ten years, and although we own our own house here, I always describe going to my parents’ place as “going home”. So I’m really looking forward to spending some time there, catching up with old friends and re-visiting all my childhood haunts.

I may have mentioned once or twice that gifts for my family this year are almost all handmade, by me or others! I’m just a little bit excited about being able to offer my nearest and dearest totally unique items that are so different from the mass-produced goods I’ve bought in the past. I’m also hoping to receive a few handmade accessories of my own this Christmas – hopefully I’ve dropped enough hints with my husband…

Every family has its traditions for the holidays and mine is no exception. On Christmas morning, we eat avocado and bacon sandwiches while opening our stockings, then move onto presents before toasting the occasion with prosecco. My dad then makes the most delicious Christmas dinner you have ever tasted – no kidding – which we eat before collapsing in front of the fire to watch the Doctor Who Christmas special. It’s difficult to say what makes these simple traditions so special, but to me they really are.

I hope you all have a fabulous holiday period, whatever your plans are! I’ll see you in 2011, when I’m looking forward to discovering more wonderful handmade items!

Photo credits:
Preloved Penny Lane
Terrordome’s Extractionarium
Indira Albert
Cross Street Press

ISH Shoes by Randy and Claudia

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I’m not sure who Randy and Claudia are but I have a theory. In my imagination, “Randy” and “Claudia” are the summer home aliases of Mr. & Mrs. Claus. You know, their witness protection program names that they use when they summer in the Great Lakes or Spa in Sedona. Everyone needs a name to put on their Safeway Club Card and Yogurtland loyalty account.

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When they are not busy making sure that Christmas happens, apparently Randy and Claudia are making these adorable leather “ISH” newborn booties. These booties are not cheap, but aren’t your little elves worth it? The level of detail and craftsmanship on these elevates them to a place halfway between clothing and art.

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Even though I’m not so sure about who Randy and Claudia really are, I am sure about something else: The whimsical curlicues on the toes of these shoes just makes me want to smile and giggle.

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Formal wear for your monkey

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Who says boys can’t be cute? I have 3, and they wore these shirts from Super Sweet Creations all last fall and winter for Thanksgiving, Christmas parties, birthdays, and other special occasions. I love having an outfit that gives a nod to a formal event, but is made by someone who clearly understands that kids aren’t miniature adults.

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Sculpted Light

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I know it’s only November, and those irritating Christmas commercials have amazingly already started, but these dear little cards make me start to remember why Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year. When I found them in the Gallery I knew I just had to share them with you.

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And she also has these gorgeous paper lamps as well.

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Sculpted Light: My sculptures begin life as a string of reed. Then with a bit of imagination, it’s bent and shaped to form a skeleton. Once I’m happy with the skeleton, it’s time for paper and paste.

To ensure quality and strength, tissues are purchased from The Paper Place in Toronto, and three layers of it are applied to the skeleton. Sort of like paper mâché.

Because of this process, there are no duplicates. All are different and unusual. When placed in your home, I hope they will bring to it the quirky side of life.

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