heart Archives - Try Handmade

Discover: Bolani

May 18, 2017 by Diana Prichard 3 Comments

If there is anything that stands between me and a wholly local food existence it is undoubtedly my love of dining out — especially in small, authentic, ethnic atmospheres. That and guacamole. Unfortunately, Michigan weather is not terribly conducive to the growing of avocados.

There is something about walking into a family-run food establishment and being recognized by the person behind the counter; about them knowing your favorite dishes, your family and that you are interested not just in lunch but their life. It is something that feeds not just the body but the soul. And occasionally I find sacrificing some fossil fuel for that satisfaction is entirely worthwhile.

When I first happened across East & West Gourmet Afghan Food, a company that you can find both on Foodzie and on their personal website online, my heart skipped a little beat. Both excited to have found such an awesome product — one not available, to my knowledge, locally — and a bit saddened not to live near enough to meet the staff in person I jotted down their information to share here later. A few weeks ago, when I decided the last week of each month here should be dedicated to the discovery of one cool new producer I knew they had to be the first.

East and West Gourmet Afghan Food is the story of an Afghan woman and her family’s struggle in the search for a better life. Supported by her husband and eldest son they immigrated to the US and founded East and West Gourmet Food.

Originally the companies signature Bolani — a traditional Afghan flatbread stuffed with spinach, potato, pumpkin or lentil filling — was found only in San Francisco Bay area farm markets, but through word of mouth and excellent customer service has grown exponentially in just over five years worth of business.

Billal Sidiq is an “Ambassador of Love” in most of the San Francisco Bay Area’s Farmers’ Markets and even beyond. He represents his company with an inviting face, running mouth, and hands full of samples. Today East and West participates in up to 100 farmers’ markets every week. The product is now also found in Whole Foods markets and Andronico’s.

Relatively inexpensive, packed with nutrients, low in calories and carbohydrates, East & West’s Bolani has been getting rave reviews from foodies around the country. If you happen to try them out, let me know what you think!

Product Showcase: Starry Night

May 15, 2017 by Ellie Thouret Leave a Comment

Here is a fact that almost everyone who knows me will tell you – I love stars. I’ve always been fascinated by them, both the actual stars in the night sky and anything with their shape on it. I’m so into stars that I even have 12 of them tattooed in various places on my body! This week, I’ve rounded up some fabulous star-themed handmade goodies for your enjoyment.

The inspiration for the earrings up top started with the finish, which Caroline, the artist, discovered by accident one day while working with a piece of silver. She realised that just by using a steel file, she could create a wonderful shimmer effect on the surface of the silver. Caroline has always loved star shapes in jewellery – “I feel the shape is simple, yet fun and also timeless…so what would be better than a star that gently shimmers in the light. ”

I love this print by Deb of Champignons, it reminds me of looking up at the night sky and feeling very small indeed. Deb was inspired by the juxtaposition of big things like cosmic hares and stars and tiny things we treasure and keep safe. She says, “I’ve always liked the idea of tiny world systems, there’s nothing to say that worlds have to be giant, either, so there might be tiny worlds all over the place, with stars and hares and even smaller worlds within them.”

How adorable is this zombie/stars colourful print? “The idea behind the little zombie lovers is to share some love!” says designer Rhi, who intends the expression of the zombie about to recieve the heart to depict warmth, shyness and surprise. Rhi paints these designs with the hope that someone can give the painting to another, as a gift that says ‘I love you’ in an alternative way.

Nautical stars like the ones in this cushion cover remind me of my husband, who has one tattooed on his forearm. Ruth was inspired by her daughter, who loves skulls and pirates – she also thought the red and black stripes were very piratey! “I just love being creative with fabric, it is a bit of an obsession!! I am always looking out for beautiful, luxurious and quirky fabrics.”

Winter Trend: Bright Knits

April 2, 2017 by Sarah Safranski 3 Comments

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.

Hold me just a little bit tighter

March 27, 2017 by Erika Jurney 2 Comments

About De Novo Coats: I absolutely love coats! I can think of nothing I’d rather do than design a new coat, make the pattern, and fit it. I have 10 years of experience, working in San Francisco as a pattern maker and designer. A few years ago, after making a clothing collection for a few seasons I became pregnant with our first child. I then decided to focus my time on coats and jackets, where my heart is anyway.

Each piece is an original design. I work hard to find the best fabrics, and most are in very limited quantity. If you see a style you like but not the ideal fabric/color, please email me with requests. I have others fabrics in my studio and will be happy to send swatches!

Tim's Sally

March 14, 2017 by Erika Jurney 2 Comments

Tim’s Sally: Painting for me, is a nostalgic descent back to my childhood – a time when dolls were a huge part of my life. Today is not altogether different. I think of my paintings as play sets where I dress my dolls up and create their own environment. Sometimes this “land” is a sweet setting of animals, nature, and innate innocence while others are captivated by a mysterious engulfing darkness. I can relate.

Memories of playtime and my special collection of “neat stuff” that I kept in a wooden trunk made specially for me by my uncle were treasures to me. Baby doll heads, vintage dolls, sweet scents of everything yummy are areas of great inspiration. Artists such as Mark Ryden, Joe Sorren, and Casey O’Connell also capture my heart with a sweet tenderness encompassing subtle moments of time we all would like to revisit; a dream state so unique one could only wish to take part.