Try Handmade

Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.

Pucker Up to Monkey Farts?

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Have you ever tried to put lip balm on a 5 year old boy, only to be met with utter disgust about wearing “lipstick” like a girl? My son is particular. He sees his older sisters (and mom’s) obsession with lipgloss and lipstick and equates anything in a tube with girly-ness of the “gross” kind. The only sensible thing to do? Get him some gross balm of his own, from Givin Me Lip.

Let’s face it, your big sister might pinch your Cherry Chapstick but she’s not coming close to your Monkey Farts balm.

There’s a fair chance that big sis might get jealous of lil’ bro’s PB&J lip balm however.

My son gets chapped lips every winter and having some of these fun balms around seems like a good way to keep it at bay. If nothing else, it makes me chuckle!

Clare Bare

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It’s been a while since I looked in on what Clare Bare has been up to. I’ve got to say, her stuff is even better than it was last year.

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Clare Bare: My main goal is to make people feel good about themselves. I make garments that accentuate the body, rather than cover it up, push it up, or transform it into something that it never could be. I don’t believe in clothing that is created to solve a problem- the flaw doesn’t exist until you design something for it. I feel that this is one reason why people are so unsatisfied with their bodies. You can buy a garment that will temporarily make you look “better” while you’re wearing it, but when you take it off you’re even more dissappointed than you were in the first place because you realize that it’s not the real you. My lingerie is constructed to frame your body, fit comfortably, and make you feel naturally beautiful as you should.

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Jim Bradshaw

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Jim Bradshaw: Jim loves everything art and creative and puts that passion into all assignments. Humorous illustration and cartoon surrealism is what he is drawn to. Some topics you’ll find showing up in his recent work are dreams, the tyranny of time, life & death, childhood versus the tainted adult world we all exist in, good and evil and just plain fun whacked out made up worlds that swirl around in Jim’s brain.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

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[hKristin]

Are you ready for a fiesta? I know I am! Cinco de Mayo (if your Spanish is rusty, that means the Fifth of May) is a Mexican holiday commemorating the Mexican army’s defeat of the French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. So, now that you know what you’re celebrating, let’s get to the handmade stuff!

What is Cinco de Mayo without some good Mexican food? Kitchen Stories has an easy solution for you! Not only will their Mexican Spice mix make your enchiladas, tacos, and fajitas easier, but the cute graphic tin will look great in your kitchen!

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Now your food is looking good, so it’s time to make sure you look good too! I love this Fiesta Brooch from Frank Creations. What a colorful way to show your Cinco de Mayo spirit!

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From a Mexican feast to Mexican elements for your home, this cool handmade mosaic shrine by Blue Terracotta was inspired by funerary temples in Mexico. It would look exceptionally beautiful in an entry way or living room.

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Another way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo is by supporting Mexican artists. I found two wonderful illustrators whose fabulous work will help to make any room feel more cheery. First up is Geninne’s Art Store. This wonderful print of a puppy has a cool collage feel.

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Next is Rosie Music whose shop is filled with fanciful watercolor illustrations. This example of her work, from her umbrellas series, is just the right thing for that empty bit of wall that you have.

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Another piece that was inspired by Mexico is this amazing photograph from Jen Murray Photography. The vibrant colors could liven up even the darkest space.

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Last but not least is my favorite item of this week’s batch, an eco-friendly Frida Kahlo softie created by Sew Sew Suck Ur Toe. What a fabulous way to bring Frida Kahlo, and the spirit of Cinco de Mayo, into your home!

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I hope that you all have a fabulous Cinco de Mayo fiesta! Join me next week when we send some not so subtle hints to spouses and kids everywhere as we spotlight some of the best handmade Mother’s Day gifts!

Blue Pumpkin Corsetry

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Blue Pumpkin Corsetry: I’ve been making corsets professionally for three years now. I was studying the construction techniques and pattern manufacture for two, previous to that.

I really do believe that a good quality corset is comfortable and wearable. I also believe that a corset can be made for any occasion, not just formal or bedroom occasions.

I have made corsets for clients all over the World and for all manner of reasons. From underwear, to office wear and day-to-night corsets.

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