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Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.

Mother's Day Gift Guide

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Mother’s Day comes around once a year. Although you should thank mom for what she does all year round, it’s especially nice to do something extra special on mother’s day, too. If you’re like me, you worry about the ‘perfect’ gift for weeks, and then the week of mother’s day you’re running around last-minute and many times, wind up with something a little more cliche than you would have liked (usually flowers). So to help you in your quest for the perfect mother’s day gift, and to eliminate any last-minute scramble, here are a few ideas.

Betty Crocker: If you grew up with, and still come home to, homemade brownies, cookies, muffins, and cakes, you know mom will flip out over a gorgeous cake stand like this one from Vessel and Wares. She can display her wares proudly and it’s pretty enough to stay on the counter, long after the last cupcake has been eaten.

CEO of the Household: What every “CEO of the Household” needs, besides an extra set of hands and more hours in the day, are better ways to get organized. One way is with this adorable little shopper from Get Sassed. She can finally declutter her wallet of coupons and rewards cards and receipts and store all shopping needs right here, where she can also make lists. It’s sure to put a smile on her every time she hits the store.

Mom On The Go: For the mom on the go who needs to bring everything with her everywhere she goes, this sturdy, meticulously-crafted bag from MOOP will keep all her stuff in place.

Mom and Daughter: For an extra-thoughtful gift that you can share in too, check out this mother daughter necklace set from Iris Jewelry Design.

This year, celebrate mom with a thoughtful, handmade gift that will keep her smiling all year round. To all the moms out there, celebrate, be happy, and enjoy life a lot.

Interview with Stacey Sharman of Peppermint Pinwheels

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I make handcrafted quilts in a modern, traditional style.

I believe in making things that are beautiful and functional. I am also working on a line of patterns because I know there are a lot of crafty and creative people who love to make things for themselves, but need a place to start.

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

I am a textile junkie. I started sewing on an antique treadle sewing machine at the age of 8, did needlepoint through-out high school, began collecting vintage textiles while working at an antique/auction house after college and am currently working in antique carpet restoration. I love the gorgeous colors and patterns that surround me day to day and love the history of a handcrafted piece.

I started making quilts to sell after years of making them exclusively for close family and friends. I had always held back from selling the things I loved making because I was afraid that the joy would go out of it. I’m still a bit scared of that happening, but for now, I’m excited about the possibility of doing something I love and making money at the same time. Plus, I have a huge closet overflowing with wonderful fabrics that deserve more than just being stacked on a shelf!

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?

In many ways, my “day job” in antique rug restoration is very much how I imagine quilting bees used to be in the past: a bunch of women working with needles and thread and talking about their lives. Because I get so much support from these ladies during the day, I always feel inspired to go home and work all evening on my own pieces.

Making a quilt can be a very long and labor intensive process. It normally takes at least a week for a very basic quilt to be finished. That is what I love about what I do – the process of choosing patterns, color, textures- and I’m always happy to be doing it. I do, however, have a husband, a small child, a dog, a cat, two fish and a job, so my challenge is often finding enough time to fit it all in.

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’ve only recently begun this endeavor of making my work public. I do have a website at www.peppermintpinwheels.com as well as an etsy site at www.peppermintpinwheels.etsy.com. I have had a lot of success in selling to people that are able to touch and cuddle with my quilts up close, but I’m still a bit shy about selling in person.

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

www.papaververt.com

What inspires and motivates you?

Every day I’m surrounded by beautiful color and pattern, and that’s what inspires me most. It doesn’t hurt that I live in an area that has abundant sewing , quilting, and thrift stores and there are always new and exciting fabrics to be found.

Thanks Stacey! And if you want to be interviewed next, just head over to DIY Interview.

Taylor's Eclectic

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Taylor’s Eclectic: Entirely hand sculpted of paper and wire, this extremely intricate abstract vase truly is the queen of the ocean. The second installment in my ‘Under the Sea’ series, this vase is translucent on a sunny table and equally beautiful on a cloudy day.

A highly tactile piece, the Jewel of the Ocean has individually pieced ‘bubbles’ that rise and fall across it, creating various dips and rises to run your fingers across. These dips and rises are inspired by the constant ebb and flow of the ocean and its’ abstract texturing and shapes.

The rich plum base color has been painstakingly pieced around each and every ‘bubble’ to allow for optimum translucence so that the colors and textures in this vase may be fully realized.

Winter Adventure: Ice Skating

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The cold winter months can drag on when you’re stuck inside all day, but sometimes the best thing to do is get out and embrace the chilly weather. The ice rink in downtown Chicago has some of the best views of the city and I would try to go at least once a year to take it all in. It was always crowded and I was always wobbly, but, if nothing else, I would have a good laugh at myself and enjoyed some hot chocolate at the end of it all.

If you’re ever looking for an excuse to put on a twirly dress, ice skating is it. This knit dress by Jessica Rose Design features a full skirt that’s perfect for 360 spins or just trying to stay on your feet. The classic design, v-neck and full skirt are figure flattering for women of all shapes. And, since it’s cold outside, the knit fabric is perfect for layering with sweaters and scarves.

These amazing screen-printed leggings by Pretty Penny Designs are truly going to set you apart on the ice. Made of a cotton Lycra blend, you’ll be able to move around the ice with ease and stay warm as well. The blue and white fireworks pattern is a surprising accessory to your classic blue dress.

Of course, your legs are going to need a bit more warmth if you’re going to be out on the ice all day. These speckled blue leg warmers by Uniquely Chic for You are a great accessory, both on the ice and off. Made of wool and viscose yarn, these are sure to keep your legs warm and the relaxed fit ensure that they will fit right over your ice skates.

The cute and eco-friendly ice skates featured at the top of this post were created by Recycled Parts.

Owl and Piggy Hats from Wooly Mammoth Woolens

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In this day and age, with such an abundance of cute hats available, it should be considered a crime to put your child in a boring chapeau. There’s no risk of being charged when you put your kids in these Owl and Piggy caps from Wooly Mammoth Woolens.

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I love the slightly silly felt embroidery on these. It takes the handknitting to the next level. The fact that the pig is speaking in French and the owl is Woot-ing rather than hooting, is just priceless.

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Would that I could shrink my kids a bit to fit into these fabulous caps.