Try Handmade

Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.

Crescent Maille

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Crescent Maille: From the moment I picked up two pairs of pliers and started crafting my first bracelet I was immediately hooked. Chain maille is a passion and a joy. Creating jewelry in traditional weaves and using these weaves as a starting point for my own designs, I strive to make jewelry that is as much a pleasure to wear as it is to behold.

I work primarily with sterling silver rings, made by hand by the best sources. Sterling silver is pliable but durable, so luxurious, with such brilliance; though metal, it feels soft to the touch. When crafted to perfection, a silver chain maille bracelet is an amazing thing, mesmerizing as it bends and moves and molds itself to your wrist; it feels almost alive.

Crafting chain maille is very labor-intensive and time-consuming; many pieces are made from hundreds of individually linked rings and take hours. I value my time and trade, and believe in fair pay for all artists and artisans; I won’t under-price a piece just to sell a few more.

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Waveform wedding rings by Sakurako Shimizu

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Sakurako Shimizu: Custom made wedding bands with waveform of couple’s own voices. “I Do” Ring offers a unique opportunity to own a timeless representation of your partner’s voice. Any words can be recorded to make a ring. Available in platinum, 18K white/yellow gold, and silver. 100% recycled gold and precious metals are used for the rings.

San Jose, California, USA

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[hTara]

Do you know the way to San Jose? This week’s Shop Local post is coming at you from sunny San Jose, California.

Pink Sparkly Wood Earrings

The Sharma Designs shop is full of funky jewelry that is refined enough to go just about anywhere! She has a wide selection of painted wood earrings and earrings made from vintage lucite, as well as jewelry crafted from various other materials. While this selection could easily be distracting, the Sharma Designs aesthetic brings a great consistency to the entire shop.

Fabric Tea Cup

This fabric tea cup, by Atelier Usagi’s Quilt, would make a whimsical touch to a mantel or coffee table. Fill it with pens or paper clips. Store sweetener packets inside and serve it with your afternoon tea.

Pink Acrylic Rings

Acrylic rings are HOT and these are some of the very best I’ve seen anywhere! PoppyJoy‘s rings are colorful – with beautiful patterns and prints. At just $3.99 a piece, you can treat yourself to a little bling without breaking the bank. Love that! Poppy also has a bulk option to purchase larger quantities of rings at a discount. They would make outrageous & affordable party favors for a bridal shower or ladies brunch.

At only 18 years old, and an Etsy member since only January, Poppy – with over 200 sales – has a promising craft career in front of her!

hand knit purse

Amy from Bandamy Boutique creates hand-knit bags & purses. The purse pictured above is knit from a wool and alpaca blend and features an antique brass kisslock snap frame. Such a luxurious place to keep a bit of change and a lip balm!

Intricate delights

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These felt cuffs and rings (yes rings!) are so detailed and intricate. The attention to detail is heartwarming.

bio: The word Waterrose is special to me and my creativity was influenced and inspired by my grandmother. My mother was an embroidery artisan and with patience and love she taught me many of the stitches that you see in my creations. My paternal grandmother was an extraordinary quilter and she spent time with me cutting pieces, sewing and then making a quilt. I was embraced in traditional arts growing up. I collect textiles, vintage and new, to make many of my creations.

With the loving knowledge given to me by these special women I create items that I hope bring joy to your life.