Try Handmade

Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.

The How

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“Oh, Mom! What are those?”

I love it when my children get excited about things that can be grown so when my five year-old’s eyes lit up and the chatter started last week as I pulled a packet of Luffa Gourd seeds from the envelope Seven Acre Woods had lovingly tucked them in I couldn’t resist engaging her. The conversation that resulted was even more pleasing than what had spurred it because if there’s anything I love seeing my children excited about more than things that grow it’s how (and where) those things are grown. And that’s exactly where her interest turned.

“Can I grow one of those in my garden? Oh and Mom, don’t let Dad use that loud thing on mine okay? I just want a shovel and a rake.”

‘That Loud Thing’ is the rototiller and while her current interest is a bit misplaced — the decibel level of the machinery used to till land on which food is grown is of little environmental and social concern, after all — her interest in the production of food at all is encouraging; and timely.

For some the Farmer’s Markets either never ceased or have already made their grand re-opening for the 2010 growing season and even for those in colder geographies the season of local production is just around the corner — or so I keep telling myself as I stare out the window at a barren white expanse.

As we step foot back in the Farmer’s Markets this year we may know, at least for the most part, where the goods we find there were grown but do we really know how? USDA organic certification can be costly and for some small producers and those that are trying to keep consumer costs at a bare minimum in order to make healthy, local fare available to all income levels, certification can be downright out of reach — but that doesn’t mean their goods aren’t grown organically. It just means they can’t bare a USDA seal.

Without getting to know your growers; without asking how their products are grown you’ll never know if the goods you choose each Saturday and Sunday morning are meaningfully produced in the manner most important to you. As you venture back out to shop your local farmer’s market this season remember, knowing how is just as important as knowing where.

Kirschbits

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Look at these great bags by Kirschbits that I found in the Try Handmade Inbox! I love seeing products that are both beautiful and reasonably priced. (Please buy the hobo bag before I do…)

Kirschbits was born in Schleswig (a small historic -and viking related- town in the northern most region of Germany) through the skills and creativity developed through my curiosity and desires to make different things, try different materials, and above all, Hand-making everything I shape in my mind.

Kirschbits is me, Vanessa Kirsch (Graphic Designer, Artist) a Venezuelan living in Germany. I make different kinds of handmade stuff (handbags, jewelry, art, design and graphics, etc). I throw in a whole bunch of ideas, concepts and above all, love and professionalism in everything I do.

Mademoiselle d'Ange

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Check out these sweet fabric pendants by Mademoiselle d’Ange.

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I was unable to choose just a few, so you get to overdose on them!

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As an artist, Mademoiselle d’Ange paints, sticks, cuts, sculpts. One day, seeing her grandmother, needlewoman of profession, and her mother, to handle the magic sewing machine, Mademoiselle decides to steal in the workshop of these Ladies some ends of cloth…an angel passes!

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Say Hello to Fall

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Top from: Little Houses

I wonder if I’m the only one who’s hopelessly fickle? One moment I’m wishing it was fall, then the next moment when it gets a bit windy and there’s a nip in the air I’m wanting summer back. I suppose I’ve got a big case of the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.

Having felt a chill in the air recently and none of the extremely hot temperatures we had in July it’s probably best that I resolve to just look forward to fall and all it’s various delights as it’s really just around the corner.

Coat from: Little Houses

With fall means taking stock of the wardrobe and seeing what’s needed for the season ahead, be it new shoes, a coat, long sleeve tops or a hat and gloves.

Coat from: Little Houses

I’ve had Vancouver local Shanah Flodstrom’s etsy shop, Little Houses, on my radar for quite some time. Launched in 2007, I spotted it on the front page of etsy at some point and couldn’t help but be drawn in by her unique style and great product photography. And now fall is right around the corner so no better time to share her shop with you. Little House’s gorgeous coats have become well known for their large collars, asymmetrical fronts, attention to fit and detail. Everything in Shanah’s shop is constructed by her, from sketch to pattern to garment.

Coat from: Little Houses

Whatever fall shopping you have planned you’ll want to do some searching on the Best of Handmade to see what fun finds are available. As I surfed around tonight I was pleasantly surprised with all the options that are available from designers in the handmade community.

Crochet silver crown

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I adore this crochet silver ring!

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Lena Marie Echelle: The assumption of jewelry as tactile is a basic component of the definition of jewelry as distinguished from other art forms, and it is part of the intimacy of the medium. Because of this, texture and movement are as important as color in my work. Many of my pieces open or close, have moving pieces, bells, or secret elements that rattle within hollow spaces. I use mixed metals in my work, building up dimension and texture through shell forming, folding, forging, punching, repousse and chasing techniques. In a simple process where silver dust and filings are fused to copper sheet, I have found a method that produces wonderfully reticulate surface textures and beautiful color contrast. The excitement of the unknown and the timely recollection of previous ideas, the practice of creating and distilling forms and concepts, and the pleasure of seeing others’ reactions to my jewelry encourage me to keep working.