day Archives - Try Handmade

Warm Up with Winter Mittens

August 17, 2018 by Sarah Safranski 2 Comments

One of my favorite things about the cold winter weather is having to bundle up before you go outside. Hats, scarves and, mittens are not only necessary, but a great way to show your style, transform an otherwise bland coat, and pull together your outfit. While I don’t know how to knit, I’ve always admired the time and care that knitters put into what they make, objects that offer warmth and comfort.

These three cable mittens by LadyOverboard09 have a classic design and will match with any winter coat. The blue and black specks in the yarn add just a dash of color without taking away from the handiwork or the design. Made of 100 percent Merino wool, these gloves are sure to keep your hands warm on the coldest winter night.

These fushia mittens by Beaded Wire are a perfect way to add a punch of color to your winter coat and are bright enough to combat any gray winter day. Made of Lopi Icelandic wool and featuring a large cable knit down the middle, these gloves make a bold statement.

I love the playful design of these thrummed mittens by Lindfield Farm. Set against a navy blue background, these patterned gloves feature small white hearts all the way around. What better way to spread some love during the cold winter months? Made of 100 percent wool, these gloves are made by inserting unspun fiber through the knitting pattern to make a soft interior that will keep your hands extra warm.

I don’t have any warm clothes with me in Honolulu so my parents always bring some along with them to the airport when they pick me up. As an early birthday or Christmas gift, I may have to pass along a link to one of these gorgeous pairs of gloves and hope that they are waiting for me when I arrive in Chicago!

The lovely blizzard photograph featured at the top of this posted was created by IS Photography.

Coffee Talk – part one

August 1, 2018 by Rebecca Hadfield 3 Comments

Most weekday mornings, seconds after my clock-radio switches itself on, I begin an internal debate about whether or not to get out of bed. The angel on my shoulder gently reminds me that I have venti-sized responsibilities; lunches that need to be made, bills that need to be paid and the emails waiting on my office computer that aren’t likely to answer themselves. At the same time, the devil on my shoulder presents an almost-convincing argument for staying in bed (and can usually keep me tucked snugly under the duvet for at least another 15 minutes.) I would like to say that it’s virtue that eventually rouses me, but I have to confess – it’s coffee. Just knowing that there is a fresh pot of fair-trade, organic coffee waiting for me in the kitchen gives me the little nudge I need to get into the shower and start my day. You can call a it a habit or an addiction, but I prefer to think of it as a life-long love affair with the stuff.

South African textile & graphic artist Wendren celebrates her own love of coffee in this entry on her blog. After reading her post, it came as no surprise to me to see the influence that coffee has had on the handmade goods available in her shop, The Wren. The bag pictured below, is just one of a number of beautiful accessories that Wendren creates from used coffee sacks.

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Alternative Wedding Dresses

July 27, 2018 by Helen Hobden 1 Comment

Celebrities and friends are getting married all over the place and photos are appearing everywhere from Hello magazine to Facebook. Unfortunately I haven’t had any invites this year (not even from Kate Moss!) but I do love looking at all the wedding dresses. Of course the wedding of the year was Prince William and Kate Middleton, and whilst I did like her dress, I preferred Lily Allen’s vintage style dresses. The price for all of the ones we see in magazines are usually somewhat astronomical and out of reach for most of us, which makes handmade dresses on sites such as Etsy, even more appealing.

The dress above by blackmirrordesign is no doubt a brave statement to wear as a wedding dress, but if you like it; why not? Surely your wedding day is the best time to wear something that truly reflects you.

I have never understood why people pay so much for a dress that is worn for one day only and tends to look pretty similar to everyone else’s. Young girls dream of their wedding dress long before the boy has even been met; and the dream usually consists of stepping onto the aisle, the organ playing and everyone turning to look at you. I dreamt of a train so long it would reach the door while I was stood at the alter! In fact, it was only two or three feet long, and that got trodden on often enough! My wedding dress was bought in a charity shop for £5, which I then customised by opening the back and adding red ribbon lacing, tying ribbon around the medieval style sleeves and gluing on hundreds of beads to form a gothic style flower on the train. I was very proud of my dress and especially loved knowing that no-one else would have one the same.

I am still happily married, but if I were to get married again, I’d be brave and go for a dark red one. Something like this from thesecretboutique is just the thing.

My dress is packed up in a box in the roof, but there’s no rule to say you shouldn’t think of the future and get better value by buying a dress that can be worn on other occasions. Some simple dresses look absolutely stunning, and it does seem a shame that they often never see the light of day again. This dress by K T Jean Designs is so pretty and could easily be worn to a summer evening soiree.

Goodness Gracious

July 6, 2018 by Erika Jurney 4 Comments

Looking for something spectacular for your yard? Stop looking now. I’ve found it.

Designed to become an everlasting part of your family tradition, The Great Bowl O’ Fire is an unique work of art hand-cut by artist John T Unger. No two are exactly alike, as the flames are drawn free-hand. Gather friends and family to celebrate around a roaring blaze year-round. The raised bowl allows you to sit comfortably without having to lean forward to stay warm. Keep your feet toasty, tucked below the rim of the bowl and bask in the full-body radiance that a raised firebowl offers. An outdoor fire pit is a great way to extend the outdoor living season.

The Great Bowl O’ Fire makes a stunning focal point for yards, patios and gardens. Unlike many outdoor firepits which look dirty or empty when unlit, The Great Bowl O’ Fire functions as a gorgeous sculptural element either hot or cold. By day, the flame shapes cast intriguing shadows both inside and outside the bowl and the rich tones of the patina suggest a warm blaze. At night, with a fire burning, the bowl casts flickering shadows as lively as the fire within.

The Great Bowl O’ Fire is a gorgeous sculptural element even when not in use. The play of light and shadow as the sun moves across it is as entrancing as the dance of fire.