Try Handmade

Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.

Tableware made with love in Pawtucket

by 3 Comments

With my five year wedding anniversary fast approaching I have been thinking about what fun it was to make registries. The excitement of a new life, new belongings and maybe a new place to call home. Even with all of these presents, building your life is always a work in progress. You find new objects you love more than the ones you already own, styles and aesthetics change. But there are some things which are timeless and Gleena is the perfect blend of classical and modern which will never get old.

The medley of white and blue is soothing. I love that the middle plate, being half blue and half white, brings the large plate and bowl together. Each piece has their own personality yet they are still a cohesive set.

It is in this set that you can best see where the artist draws her influence from. She grew up in Russia, summering in a country house surrounded by her grandmother’s gardens. She seems to handle these memories carefully as they are important to her. Asya displays detailed images on hand-shaped forms, showing that memories can change shape over time. I love the cheery yellow she chose. Makes for a great presentation.

These plates don’t need a special occasion. I would love to have these for everyday use. The sea inspired glaze adds a dash of color without overpowering the simple design. The typeset imprints make for a great detail.

This cup is my favorite out of all her work. The blend of color and form are just darling but the quote and stamped letter make this cup perfect. Sharing tea is most certainly a celebration, toast to something grand.

Asya does a great job of mixing her love of form and function with her passion for graphic design. This cup displays her happy union of numbers, letters, color and shape. I love her subtle introduction of color, it is never overpowering and always just right.

These bowls make for the perfect presentation. Asya makes even the simplest of pieces elegant with her attention to detail. She carefully adapts the form to better serve it’s function. In keeping these bowls white, she draws attention to her beloved form which were inspired by gourds found while traveling in French Guiana.

I think celebrating five years should call for an updated registry. My wedding was lots of fun and I would love to do it all again with Gleena’s shop at the top of my registry list. What would be on your list?

Peacock Garden

by 4 Comments

Are you familiar with Peacock Garden? I cannot stop staring at these wonderful animals with such personalities! I feel like I am on the farm. Cari Humphry is a native of Arkansas, a wife, and a Mom of two preschoolers. She squeezes in her love of painting between the two. She loves the old and forgotten. She also loves painting those creatures that are a warm, comfortable & often stinky, part of her backdrop of Arkansas- cows. This original acrylic painting called Early Risers measures 18 by 24 on Gallery Wrapped canvas. This piece has wonderful earth tones throughout.

“Daybreak” is an original painting of a rooster on Gallery Wrapped canvas as well. The soothing color scheme in the background is a wonderful backdrop for this feisty fellow.

Cari uses deep rich color which excites the senses. I can almost hear this rooster calling out, and I can feel those cows staring right into my eyes. Freshly painted and not overdone. Wonderful broad brushstrokes as well.

This fabulous piece called “Max and Ruby” is an original acrylic painting on stretched canvas.

Please take a peek at more of Cari’s fabulous original paintings in her shop. She adds paintings almost daily, so check back often. Thank you Cari for sharing your beautiful artistic talent with us.

Patrick Burt

by 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?

Falling for Red

by 3 Comments

Along with the changing leaves and dropping temperatures comes the new fall fashion and color trends. I already reported on capes and leopard print, and last but not least is the color red. I have to admit that the only red thing I own is lipstick, and that only goes on for special occasions, but that may change this season. The color red screams confidence and strength, and, well, who doesn’t want more of that?

A red party dress is the perfect way to stand out in a crowd of little black dresses. This silk option by Ikvot ha Mashiach has wonderful detailing–a series of sweet ruffles and pleats–coupled with a classic and universally flattering cut that accents the smallest part of your waist. Paired with a simple heel and jewelry, this dress is sure to turn heads.

This poncho by Sandmaiden is handmade from beautiful red hand-dyed wool jersey. It features a peter pan collar and belted closure, as well as a sophisticated cut that can be worn casually with a pair of jeans or dressed up with a skirt and heels. If aren’t too eager to wear red this season, this poncho comes in nine other colors. Best of all, it’s sewn to your specific measurements.

A red purse is a great way to make a statement with color this season. This leather option by Art On Crafts is perfect for work or running errands on the weekend. It features a zipper closure, both interior and exterior pockets, and plenty of room for all your odds and ends. The detailing on this bag is excellent; I love the larger zipper pulls and white stitching.

My mom always told me I should wear more red. This year I’m going to take her advice and pair my red lipstick with an equally red and stunning dress!

**The painting featured at the top of this post was created by Shira Sela.

New in the Gallery

by 1 Comment

The Zipper end – Steampunk Choker

Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction, alternate history, and speculative fiction that came into prominence during the 1980s and early 1990s.Specifically, steampunk involves an era or world where steam power is still widely used—usually the 19th century and often Victorian era Britain—that incorporates prominent elements of either science… details »

Welcoming Spring Crochet Hat

This hot pink crocheted hat with a double-layered, lime green flower fits a little girl approximately 1 to 3 years old. This is a great color combination for spring! This adorable little hat is made with careful attention to detail in a pet-free, smoke-free environment. It is fantastic for… details »

Swarovski pearl and crystal spray Bridal Hair Pins

Three beautiful bronze, french hair pins with a spray of mauve, cultured, pearls and Swarovski crystals and pearls in lite gold. All perfectly hand wired with silver plated, artistic wire.These pins are a great accessory for a french pleat or up do, adding that extra something for a… details »

[Read more…]