Try Handmade

Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.

Barefoot Weaver

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Barefoot Weaver: I have been in love with color since my first box of crayons and I fell in love with weaving in the 70s when I watched a girl weaving (barefoot, of course!) in the back of a store in Brattleboro, VT. Here was not just color but dance as well! By the early 90s I had my first loom and there was no looking back. Looms have a way of multiplying and taking over the house (as my family can attest) and now I have four (we won’t count the one in the barn). I am always amazed seeing them warped and vibrant with potential.

Colors live in my living room and cones of thread fill my bookcases. I dye my threads on a big plywood table upstairs in one of my workrooms (did I mention that I have taken over the entire house?) and my clothes line is often draped with skeins of freshly dyed thread. I do my designing on my warping mill and my work now is mostly warp driven which just means that I want the warp to show more than the weft (or weaving).

I started adding more texture to my weaving some years ago as well inspired in part by knitting yarns that have flags and tufts and wraps and shiny bits and skinny and fat parts.

So, I overproduce. And I have three grown sons who really don’t wear my creations aside from a very plain chenille scarf or two. I live on an old farm with my two horses, three cats, one small dog, and a very supportive husband. We heat with wood, snuggle down in the winter up here in the North Country, and I am content.

Handmade from the Eastern Shore

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eastern shore SoapomokeRiver

The Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia, is one of those places far enough away to escape the rat race of Washington, DC. And still close enough to be a getaway spot for DC metro residents. That’s how I think of it, as a place to escape to a friends family house where fresh crabs and wild horses can be admired.

So when I found Soapomoke River‘s shop, I knew I had to check it out. I was tempted right away by the River Otter Soap, and Blackwater Honeysuckle Lotion Bar. Ah, good smells, no chemicals, and good memories.

I was even happier when my order arrived. The Blackwater Honeysuckle Lotion Bar is smooth and melts easily on the skin. And it smells wonderful. It also comes packaged in a small travel size, perfect to toss in your purse or backpack.

On small note for vegans, the first ingredient of the lotion bars is beeswax. But the cold processed soaps are vegan friendly.

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The River Otter and Neem Oil Bug Repellant soaps are cold processed, and unique. The Neem Oil smells a lot like a citronella candle. Which is great, if you’re going to be outdoors. I love that I can just give the soap to my child at bath time and not have to fuss with bug spray when we’re going out the door.

The River Otter has a grainy feeling from the kelp it contains. And the smell does make me think of a river. It also has a nice rustic look.

Also shown, is the In the Buff solid lotion bar. I have not tried it yet. But it has the same ingredient list as the Blackwater Honeysuckle. And smells nice too.

Many of Soapomoke River’s products are named for the surrounding area. So when you visit the shop and you’ll get a bit of a geography lesson. Or if you’ve lived nearby, like I have, a trip down memory lane.

Something to Wine About

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Wine stopper from Spaeny Wood Studio

If all has gone according to plan, by the time you read this I’ll be on a mini vacation in the midst of the Columbia River Gorge’s beautiful wine country! I feel like I’ve been on vacation a lot lately – certainly more than any other recent year, but my husband insisted we go. And at some point I said ok, twist my rubber arm – and I know that getting away from work really does helps me to re-focus in the long run. Almost every year we head to Oregon, and to the Columbia River Gorge so he can go kiteboarding. It’s kind of a crazy sport – a hybrid of windsurfing, surfing, and parasailing that involves flying through the air and doing tricks with the help of generous wind gusts, a sail, and a surfboard that’s strapped to your feet. The Gorge happens to be the perfect place for it, so that’s why we go! That aside, Hood River is a really sweet little town – and more than once we’ve discussed doing a house swap with a local, as we think it’d be a fun place to spend a summer.

Wine tags from Say Anything Jewelry

We’ve never visited any of the area’s wineries, but we’ve decided we ought to this year. To be honest I’m not really a fan of wine, I prefer totally unsophisticated, girly drinks, that have more resemblance to a slurpee. But I’ve found that I really enjoy an occasional visit to a winery – they are usually so charming and there is something decadent about having a drink in the afternoon. One of my favourite winery trips was a couple years ago – we visited a friend in nearby Victoria, BC – and ended up riding bikes to several wineries near her home – I’ve got to tell you that made for a very fun trip back to her house.

Lazy Susan – perfect for a wine and cheese party, from: The Wine Crafters

So, with wine on my mind I’ve rounded up a few finds from Etsy! I hope your week has been wonderful and that you’ve got something fun planned for Labor Day long weekend.

Wine bottle holder from: Tim Sway Perspectives

Beach Bound: The Retro Look

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Summer is going by fast, but there’s still time to hit the beach and soak up the sun. One of the hottest trends in swimwear this season is the retro look, featuring high waists, ruched tops, and draped bodices. While it may be intimidating to sport the same beachwear as pinup girls and classic beauties, this season’s suits flatter all body types and will surely set you apart from the crowd.

This red one piece from The Red Dolly recreates this season’s vintage-inspired style with a gathered bust, halter top, and classic, flattering shape. The suit’s subtle detailing will allow you to wear it next summer without looking last season.

The high waist bikini is for the more daring trend setter, but all you need to pull it off is a little confidence and some sass. This white suit from LA Drama Queen features sweet eyelet detailing and a little bow, making it both feminine and flirty. While the high waist may look intimidating, it will actually make you appear slimmer by complimenting your natural curves and holding in your tummy.

A true retro girl never leaves the house without her signature lipstick. This cherry red shade from Glory Box Cosmetics is a quick way to pull together your retro-inspired beach look.

The hot summer weather is sure to leave the sand scorching. You’ll need a cute pair of sandals in order to comfortably stroll down the beach. Hit the sand in this silver pair from Tuto. Made from leather, they have a simple, modern style that will freshen up this season’s retro look and make it decidedly 21st century.

There are still plenty of long summer days left to pull together this season’s retro-inspired beach look. Channel the classic beauties, head to the nearest body of water, and get ready to turn some heads!

Jelli Burlesque Miss Coco

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I can’t stop laughing long enough to write a suitable description for this doll. I.Love.It. Do I really need to say that it isn’t for kids? I mean really, what kind of house are you running there? (Unless you’re parenting Bob Fosse, of course, and in that case: more power to you.) By jellibat.