color Archives - Try Handmade

Patrick Burt

July 1, 2020 by Erika Jurney 9 Comments

This amazing occasional-wear ring deserves your attention.

Patrick Burt: This was an experiment which I felt failed and was therefore not reproduced. Now, when I state that the design failed I mean that in the sense of wearability. The look of the ring, I believe, is terrific but I know that it won’t stand up to the rigors of daily wear.

Titanium is colored by an electrical process which builds up an ultra thin skin of Titanium dioxide on the surface of the metal. This coating is completely clear and just molecules thick. The clarity and thickness sets up a diffraction of light which appears to us as color. The result, as you can see, is wonderful but the color is just molecules thick and quite vulnerable to the wear that hands dish out.

Even so, isn’t it gorgeous?

Heather Palmer

June 25, 2020 by Erika Jurney 4 Comments

This small sculptural glass bowl adds a delicate touch of color where ever it is placed. The open lattice work makes these pieces appear to be light as a feather. And, while they are delicate the overall form is sturdy, like actual nests. The process used to make these insures that no two are ever alike. Each unique with its own twists and bends. This aqua color is like a cool drink of water.

Heather Palmer is a craftsman, artist and maker. Heather primarily uses glass to create objects but loves lots of other mediums too. Her work is varied including both functional and non functional pieces. She is inspired by communication, experimentation, play and from learning new ways of working. From these inspirations she and her work continually grow.

As I feverishly prepare for Bazaar Bizarre, amongst the many other holiday shows I will be in, I have been taking a break to read about fellow crafters partaking in these fairs. I was excited to learn that Alli Coate will be at Bazaar Bizarre, her etsy shop has long been a favorite of mine.

Her illustrations are interesting in that they are a mix of materials. Vintage fabrics are used to give patterns and color to her drawings. In the image above, she used a vintage print to start, then added clouds with applique techniques. I wonder is this boy is taking all the clouds away, or placing them in the sky. Does he want to dream on puffy clouds or keep the rain away?

Alli’s palette and technique are diverse, making for unique illustrations. These flat images are brought to life as Alli layers her skills. Sketched lines overlap fabric allowing for depth and energy. The flower pattern on the birds takes place of shading, giving them life and dimension.

Her attention to detail is amazing. I love how the fabric is cut to represent the turtle’s shell. It takes on the same pattern of shapes as we know his shell should look, but she abstracts the details with floral prints. Alli blends line and shading with blocks of patterns perfectly to create her images.

Of all her work I adore the winter illustrations the most. Maybe it is the delicate lace making up the snow covered trees, or the red birds who stayed for the winter. I love how Alli captures the fragile nature of the season. The horizon is grey and the sky the palest of blue making for a nice contrast to the bright white snow in the foreground.

Maybe it’s just that this palette allows us to best see the artist’s technique. Her lines are minimal, yet just right. Her use of lace is accentuated by the blue water. And the red dress catches our eye and draws us in for a closer look. The hues are subtle, gentle and comforting, just like a wintery day on the ice.

Taylor's Eclectic

June 17, 2020 by Erika Jurney 7 Comments

Taylor’s Eclectic: Entirely hand sculpted of paper and wire, this extremely intricate abstract vase truly is the queen of the ocean. The second installment in my ‘Under the Sea’ series, this vase is translucent on a sunny table and equally beautiful on a cloudy day.

A highly tactile piece, the Jewel of the Ocean has individually pieced ‘bubbles’ that rise and fall across it, creating various dips and rises to run your fingers across. These dips and rises are inspired by the constant ebb and flow of the ocean and its’ abstract texturing and shapes.

The rich plum base color has been painstakingly pieced around each and every ‘bubble’ to allow for optimum translucence so that the colors and textures in this vase may be fully realized.

Winter Trend: Bright Knits

June 12, 2020 by Sarah Safranski 3 Comments

From scarves to gloves to sweaters, knits are an obvious choice during the winter months. The cold weather may be dreary, but resist the urge to dress in blacks and grays. After all, this fashion season, brighter is better when it comes to everything knit. Bold colors and neon hues quickly transform knit winter staples into bold and modern statement pieces that are sure to add some new life to your wardrobe and perhaps even brighten up your day.

This red bolero knit jacket from Amy and Pia is the perfect way to add a punch of color to your current winter wardrobe. The 1950s-style jacket features three-quarter length sleeves, a wooden button closure and a universally flattering v-neck cut. Hand knit with chunky yarn, this beautiful piece would be perfect in an office setting, stunning over a formal dress, and could also be worn during the early fall and spring months.

Not for the faint of heart, this bright orange loop scarf by Moonsun is a bold fashion statement made for those who aren’t afraid of color. Hand knit, the length and width of the scarf lends itself to its flexibility, allowing it to be worn many different ways, including as a cowl and hood. Providing layers of warmth, this scarf is sure to keep you cozy and warm, and to brighten your spirits during the coldest winter weather.

This matching bright blue hat and cowl set by Alisa Design is the perfect way to add a dash of color to a neutral-colored winter coat. Beautifully made, this set features an open knit design that is both breathable and stylish. Falling above the shoulders in a lacy pattern, the cowl has a vintage feel to it, while still being functional.

*The heart and knitting needle print featured at the top of this post was created by Block Party Prints.