work Archives - Try Handmade

Interview with Lori Dennis of Lofted Designs

February 25, 2020 by Erika Jurney Leave a Comment

I create inspired handcrafted jewelry and pet accessories at my home in coastal Maine. I love working with natural materials (seaglass, wood, etc.) and also recycling vintage materials (especially buttons).

How did you get started? Have you worked in other creative areas before the kind of work you’re doing now?

I started making jewelry quite by accident. Back in 2005, I moved to Maine and was having trouble meeting people. I decided to sign up for a jewelry class as a way to meet new people and ended up loving it.

The hands-on process of manipulating metal and ending up with a completely wearable piece of art were so gratifying to me. I gradually began purchasing tools and supplies one by one until I had my own little studio.

Is there a story behind the name of your shop?

My studio is located in the loft of my house, so Lofted Designs seemed like a natural fit. I also like the double meaning…I hope when people wear my jewelry it will loft their spirits and attitude.

Another cool thing–my initials match the initials of my company!

Do you work alone? With a team? Do you engage your family or friends in the work? What is your process? How do you ensure you get your work done yet still have a life?

Although I started making jewelry as a way to meet new people, it ended up being a completely solitary endeavor for me. I almost always work alone in the studio, but I often consult friends and family for advice on my ideas and designs. And even though he doesn’t wear much jewelry, my husband is a great problem-solver when it comes to design and engineering issues.

It is challenging to balance a full-time job, my jewelry studio and still have a personal life, but when I need to (like, when I receive a bunch of orders) I can really focus my energies and get it done.

Where do you sell your work? Which venues are your favorites? Do you prefer selling online or in person? Do you attend shows or fairs? Is your work in a gallery or brick-and-mortar store?

I sell my work on Etsy — lofteddesigns.etsy.com — as well as in person at craft fairs and art shows. I love selling online and shipping my jewelry all over the world (very exciting)! But selling in person is amazing too, because I absolutely love talking to people about the process and inspiration behind my work.

A few great local shops also represent my work: Gus & Ruby Letterpress in Portsmouth, NH sells Lofted Designs pet tags. Lucy’s Art Emporium in Dover, NH sells Lofted Designs jewelry and pet tags.

Do you have any favorite handmade shops or sellers you’d like to recommend?

Patti of Posy Studio (Bar Harbor, Maine) makes amazingly creative miniature diorama jewelry.

Colleen Kinsella‘s prints are moody Maine masterpieces — I’m amassing a collection of them.

Amity Joy (Odd Showroom in Portsmouth NH) crochets and sews what I consider to be one-of-a-kind wearable art. She also paints amongst other talents.

(In case you couldn’t tell, I’m all about supporting local artists!)

What inspires and motivates you?

This sounds cliche, but I’m constantly inspired by nature. I also draw a great deal of inspiration from traveling to new places and from listening to music.

What do you wish I had asked you?

“Anything else?”

It’s very important to me that Lofted Designs is not only a creative outlet, but is also a socially responsible small business. Each quarter, a portion of the proceeds from my jewelry is donated to a non-profit organization. Many people have supported me in the creation of Lofted Designs and this is my small way of paying it forward.

Thanks Lori. And if you would like to be interviewed next, just go over to DIY Interview.

I welcome the podd people

February 23, 2020 by Erika Jurney Leave a Comment

podds bio: Hello, I am Sarinda and currently live and work in Salt Lake City, Utah. A minimalist approach gives my work a contemporary feel. I use a phrase “Left of Center” to describe the details in my work. This phrase is also used to describe the relationships of the visual line and emotional motivations.

Say it in style

February 23, 2020 by Erika Jurney 2 Comments

Fine letterpress work $5-6 at sweetbeets.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

February 17, 2020 by Kristin Huston 1 Comment

[hKristin]

Are you ready for a fiesta? I know I am! Cinco de Mayo (if your Spanish is rusty, that means the Fifth of May) is a Mexican holiday commemorating the Mexican army’s defeat of the French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. So, now that you know what you’re celebrating, let’s get to the handmade stuff!

What is Cinco de Mayo without some good Mexican food? Kitchen Stories has an easy solution for you! Not only will their Mexican Spice mix make your enchiladas, tacos, and fajitas easier, but the cute graphic tin will look great in your kitchen!

Now your food is looking good, so it’s time to make sure you look good too! I love this Fiesta Brooch from Frank Creations. What a colorful way to show your Cinco de Mayo spirit!

From a Mexican feast to Mexican elements for your home, this cool handmade mosaic shrine by Blue Terracotta was inspired by funerary temples in Mexico. It would look exceptionally beautiful in an entry way or living room.

Another way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo is by supporting Mexican artists. I found two wonderful illustrators whose fabulous work will help to make any room feel more cheery. First up is Geninne’s Art Store. This wonderful print of a puppy has a cool collage feel.

Next is Rosie Music whose shop is filled with fanciful watercolor illustrations. This example of her work, from her umbrellas series, is just the right thing for that empty bit of wall that you have.

Another piece that was inspired by Mexico is this amazing photograph from Jen Murray Photography. The vibrant colors could liven up even the darkest space.

Last but not least is my favorite item of this week’s batch, an eco-friendly Frida Kahlo softie created by Sew Sew Suck Ur Toe. What a fabulous way to bring Frida Kahlo, and the spirit of Cinco de Mayo, into your home!

I hope that you all have a fabulous Cinco de Mayo fiesta! Join me next week when we send some not so subtle hints to spouses and kids everywhere as we spotlight some of the best handmade Mother’s Day gifts!

A Show of Hands

February 14, 2020 by Valerie Williams Leave a Comment

The neighborhood of Del Ray in Alexandria, Virginia has a great little motto: “Where Main Street Still Exists.” And it is absolutely true. Del Ray’s main street, Mount Vernon Avenue, is lined with adorable shops and independent restaurants. It is the kind of place that encourages residents to hang around close to home, rather than wander into the city, and also lures in people from neighboring towns who are looking for something different.

One of those adorable shops is called A Show of Hands, and it is my favorite kind of place: a store completely devoted to selling the works of local artists and crafters.

Currently more than 300 artists have their work on display there, and more are added all the time. Nearly every artist featured is from Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC or West Virginia, with just a few sprinkled in from other areas.

A Show of Hands will celebrate its fifth anniversary this November, and over the years has served as the launching pad for several northern-Virginia area artists and crafters.

Store owner Pat Miller, who is also chairman of the Alexandria Commission for the Arts, says that was her intention all along. While the store accepts work in all mediums from artists of all levels of expertise and experience, the focus tends to be on emerging artists. Those who maybe still have their day jobs, and can’t yet focus completely on their artwork.

Having their goods for sale at a store like A Show of Hands is often the first step to working on their art full time.

The inventory at A Show of Hands is purposefully diverse. Paintings, photography, pottery, fiber work, soaps, jewelry, wooden toys, and homemade jam all have a place there, in addition to nearly anything else a local artist could dream up. The store even sells work from local musicians and poets, and occasionally sells tickets to events starring resident recording artists.

Pat and co-owner Maria Wasowski plan trunk shows and demonstrations at the store that feature resident artists, and are also planning to host performances at the shop sometime in the future.

The most popular items in the store are jewelry and baby goods, as the shop is a very popular destination for locals looking for that unique and special gift. After all, nobody wants to show up at a baby shower with the fifth Baby Gap sweater.

The store’s unique and ever-changing stock has made it a favorite destination for locals as well as tourists visiting Alexandria. Many of the handcrafted goods in the store cannot be found anywhere else!

A Show of Hands is located at 2301 Mount Vernon Avenue in Alexandria, VA. Drop by Tuesday through Fridays 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturdays 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sundays noon to 5:00 pm.