Try Handmade

Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.

Silk Twitter scarf

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Tweet tweet tweet. Birds have swooped into crystal j.! 10 sweet little aqua birdies hang out on a sunny yellow background with a gray border. You can have yours customized as shown with your twitter name – bonus: if you follow me on Twitter, your customization will be free! Great tied in your hair as a headband, around your fave summer hat or bag. Hang it as art.

100% habotai silk. hand wash cool, hang or dry flat. Size: 8″ x 54″. All pieces begin as white silk and then are painted with dye. Like watercolor on silk!

Product Showcase: Gray Days

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It’s been raining nonstop in Manchester for many, many days. This is not an unusual occurrence – when I first moved here four years ago, it rained constantly for a full month. My husband and I wondered what the heck we had got ourselves into! I’ve got used to the gray days now, but now and then the gloom does get to me. During this spate of gray, I’ve rounded up some handmade treasures to brighten my day – enjoy!

The above print from Askey Illustration reminds me of jumping in puddles as a child – a common pastime in the rainy North! The inspiration came from stormy spring days, “when the sky is slate grey and the sun shines through the clouds for just a moment making bright colours really pop against the dark sky” – I wish this would happen in Manchester today!

These delicate earrings from RosieJo incoporate pebble-like beads, which inspired the piece. “In this case the wooden pebbles were just so tactile, I loved the natural shape and their lovely colour.” Many of RosieJo’s items feature flowers made from scraps of fabric in silk, satin, cotton or other materials. “I find nothing more satisfying than taking fabric that might otherwise go unused, or from a used or vintage item, and using it to create something pretty like flowers.”

The rosettes for this hair slide were made from fabric from one of MischaM’s husband’s shirts! “It was a beautiful shirt of slate gray, and when he decided it was past its sell-by date I jumped at the chance to make something pretty from it.” Mischa knew that the subtle sheen of the fabric would translate into beautiful fabric flowers, giving new life to an old favorite. “My husband is now under strict instructions not to throw away any shirts without consulting me first…”

This beautiful felt case was inspired by the palette of the UK landscape. Elin says, “I absolutely adore grey, which we have plenty of!!” Elin has recently started to work with Harris Tweed and has a huge passion for it. “The whole ethos and process of Harris Tweed have a consistency and integrity that I like, the landscape of the outer Hebrides speaks through the fabric but not in a corny or literal way. I hope my lichen and mycology work has a similar quality, it’s realistic but subtle as well.”

Does your landscape inspire your handmade creations? I’d love to hear about your inspiration!

Fall Capes

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Fall is my favorite time of year. It’s just cold enough to curl up with a blanket and hot tea, but still warm enough to enjoy a walk outside. When I lived in Chicago, I used to hit the pavement every weekend in my favorite fall outfit: jeans, boots, and a cute fall jacket. This year, however, jackets are being replaced with capes, and I, for one, couldn’t be more thrilled. Can you think of anything else so functional and chic?

This short and hooded gray cape by Dainty Things is the perfect combination of simplicity and style. Made of soft fleece, it is sure to keep you warm, and the neutral color will go with every outfit. Dress it up with a sparkly brooch or wear it as is for a more casual look.

I just love the charming plaid pattern, and large wooden button on this sweet cape by Qinliumei. The gray-lined hood and soft wool fabric will block out the cool fall wind, while the cropped sleeves are perfect for showing off a stylish pair of gloves. Falling around the hips, the length of this cape flatters all body types. And best of all, red is in this season.

I couldn’t gush more about this cape by Artlab, which can be made in tan, black or gray. I just love the drama of this piece: the longer front and shorter sides, as well as the lovely sculpted fabric around the neckline. Made of medium weight cotton, it won’t feel too heavy while you’re on your fall walk, and you’re sure to turn plenty of heads along the way.

If I make it home to visit this fall, I may just have to splurge on one of these sweet capes to keep me warm. Every one of them would look great with my jeans and boots!

**The beautiful photograph of rural Illinois featured at the top of this post was created by Lauren Powers Photography.