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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Winter Trend: Bright Knits

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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.

Leopard Print

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The new fall trends have been announced, and animal print is in this season with leopard print leading the pack. Living in Hawaii, I typically miss out on the fall and winter fashion trends, but this one may be a little easier to incorporate into my wardrobe. Adding a small touch of animal print with the right accessories will instantly make a simple outfit chic and exotic.

A leopard print purse is a quick way to add a little sass to your little black dress, or any dress for that matter. This envelope style option from Hmmm…by Melanie includes a black chain strap, magnetic closure and is lined in black sequined fabric.

A leopard print hat may be a bit fashion forward for most, but this vintage-style cloche hat by The Millinery Shop is just too good to pass up. It is hand blocked, made from long haired felt leopard print fabric, and completed with a Bakelite buckle and hat pin. This would look amazing with a fall cape or winter coat.

Using black, brown, tan, creme and white yarn, this scarf is hand-knit by Crickets Creations to create the look of leopard print. Paired with a fall blazer or winter coat, it is sure to keep you warm and make a statement well beyond this fall’s animal print trend.

This turban-style headband from ChiChi is the perfect get-your-attention accessory for girls who love to be glamorous. Perfect for a night on the town or just pulling your hair back while running errands.

As the weather becomes cooler, embrace this year’s fall trend and incorporate a little bit of leopard print into your wardrobe! I’ll have my eye out for a leopard print bikini!

**The Leopard Shoes fine art print featured at the top of this post was created by Karcharz Photography.

Bridal Party

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My best friend from high school got engaged this week and I couldn’t be more happy for her and her new fiance. She’ll be the first in my group of friends to tie the knot, making her wedding a momentous occasion for all of us. Despite the busyness and excitement around the engagement, I got a chance to speak with her over the weekend about the proposal, her engagement ring, and, of course, her ideas for the wedding.

My friend has loved the color baby blue ever since I’ve known her (we met in the 1st grade); therefore, it didn’t surprise me that she wanted to have it as one of her wedding colors. When I came across this beautiful baby blue dress by Ananya, I couldn’t help but think of my friend’s wedding. Besides being the perfect shade of blue, I love the elegant simplicity of this dress. The architectural collar adds just the right amount of elegance to this otherwise simple, but timeless piece. And just in case my friend changes her mind, there are plenty of other fabric colors to choose, everything from hot pink to black.

My friend wants to make sure that every girl in the bridal party feels completely comfortable in her dress, no matter what their body type. The Coda wrap dress by nataJane is the perfect solution. It can be worn a dozen different ways, from strapless to sleeveless to kimono style, and will look great on everyone in the bridal party. Oh, and it comes in baby blue as well as 44 other amazing colors.

My friend loves strapless dresses, and I think she would just adore the sweet ruffles and the architectural look of the Kia dress by Nostalgia. Accenting the smallest part of your waist and falling around the knee, this dress is universally flattering and timeless. With a price tag of only $89, it’s affordable as well!

I can’t wait to pass along the links to each of these dresses to my friend. With so many great choices, I have no doubt that her bridal party will look absolutely amazing for her big day!

**The photo featured at the top of this post was taken by CAPow Art & Design.

haute couture bookbinding

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This week I am multi-tasking as I write my column. I am selling my jewels at the Pawtucket Rock And Roll Yard Sale. Please excuse me should any random song lyrics find a way into this post. As I sit surrounded by vinyl and rock memorabilia I have been focusing on these elegant journals and albums from local artist Natalie Stopka. Quite a contrast I know.

Natalie of Natalie As Is has an amazing eye for integrating vintage odds and ends into her books. The lace here is so precious and adds a special detail to the canvas she has bound together.

And when the artist doesn’t have the proper trimming in her stash she makes her own from scratch by creating hand sewn embroidery. I am in awe of Natalie’s description of her book as “humble” as they are far from that in my eyes.

Her details are ever so carefully collected and utilized. We can recognize the fabric swatch on this book cover and feel comfort in the memory of soft cotton against our skin. This repurposed smock adds a delicate detail and gives the book a dreamy quality, possibly dictating what stories or pictures are to be logged on it’s pages.

The book in the photograph above is my favorite of Natalie’s collection. I am in awe of the detail and care in construction. It is the same care someone would give to the making of a wedding dress, as this would make for the perfect guest book for any bride and groom. It is timeless and classic, always a favorite.

This is another great example of the artist creating the perfect landscape for her vintage finds. The whole piece is well balanced. No one element outweighs another. The subtle hues of the book’s covers allow you to appreciate the artist’s skill in bookbinding. This same neutral cover allows us to appreciate the antique satin ribbon she chose to accentuate her album. This mastery of design is a unifying element in Natalie’s work. I am never ceased to be impressed when I browse her shop. Enjoy and happy shopping.