Try Handmade

Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.

Once Again Recycled Designs

by Leave a Comment

I love these dinner napkins and grocery bags made from upcycled vintage linens.

Once Again Recycled Designs: My name is Megan and I am an Interior Designer. The inspiration behind my creations is coming up with unique, functional designs that make life a little easier and saving the world…well sort of… I wanted to find a way for my designs to stand out and also to do my part by recycling. So I decided to take on the challenge of designing with 2nd hand finds at thrift stores, garage sales, and yes, even the garbage. “One mans trash is another mans treasure” I have discovered pillow cases make great bags, linens can be chopped up and sewn back together as baby blankets, pillows, coasters, placemats…the possibilities are virtually endless. I have two amazing children who also inspire me create fun kids stuff. So…will see how it goes…

Put a Little Spring in Your Step

by Leave a Comment

Please welcome Amy to Try Handmade! She blogs at Handmade Evolution and she also has an Etsy shop called Field Trip. Amy is our new Design & Style columnist, and I think you’re going to just love her posts.

::
Erika

Here’s a little something to distract you from the less than stellar weather outside your door! Or if you’re in the Pacific Northwest – perhaps the warmer temperatures have you feeling like it’s time to look ahead to updating your wardrobe and decor for spring? It’s a month or so until spring will arrive officially – but there’s no harm in planning ahead!

These brightly colored finds remind me that as practical as my wardrobe and home are, perhaps it’s time to spice it up a bit – and what better way to do it than with primary colors like these.

The marigold yellow print from Tessyla featured at the top of this post sets just the right tone, don’t you think? Spring is all about letting go just a bit and living life more freely outdoors, happily anticipating that summer is just around the corner!

I am particularly impressed with the clothing from ThimbleandAcorn – Eve works to include both recycled and upcycled fabrics into her line. She’s got a wide range of items in her shop with everything from modern takes on classic looks to highly unique items with truly innovative details.

Not only does Upstyle have lots of fun fabric clutches to choose from – she will also create a custom purse for you or your bridal party!

Having grown up in Portland I love finding shops from fellow Oregonians – first drawn to all of the cute headbands in her shop I enjoyed reading that the line was inspired by a spring painting of poppies by Susan Hazard.

It’s going to be hard for me to pick just one piece of jewelry from the Round Rabbit shop – so many beautiful choices!

I’d love to hear what’s on your shopping list for Spring, and the handmade finds you’re planning to buy to freshen things up just a bit! Anything in particular caught your eye? I think I’ll need to set a budget because there are just too many things I’d happily scoop up!

1). Top by: ThimbleandAcorn 2). Clutch by: Upstyle 3). Headband by: Flowers by Bluebird 4). Earrings from: Round Rabbit

Hoboe Jane

by 1 Comment

Are you a hat person? Me, I LOVE hats. I wish people wore them more often. And you wont find more interestingly designed berets then Hoboe Jane‘s! These quirky hats are a simple way to add a sens of fun to your look. Hoboe Jane’s creator Kristy has a background in sculpture and art and some of the hats have hand painted elements. Kristy picked up her love of arts, crafts, sewing and design from her mother, a Kindergarten teacher and has been exploring creative venues from a young age.

Kristy is influenced by lines and patterns in nature and also draws heavily from the fantasy movies she watched growing up like “Labyrinth” and “The Princess Bride”.

Kristy’s favorite item in her shop is the Spider Swirl Beret Hat. It’s a good representation of her style as it includes both hand painted elements and design with felt.

When I make my items, I think of a story that goes along with each piece. Like with the Spider Swirl Beret Hat I’ve made, she is a wandering tarantula from the northern regions of Chile and has made her new home on this very hat and wants to live with you now.

Kristy started making her own clothing and accessories in high school and to help with the family budge she started redesigning her old things and turning them into brand new objects! While she’s always loved making skirts and bags within the last year, she found a new love for making hats.

I love the work I create and I hope my love for it shows through, in my products. I try to give my work a sense of fun and joy, so whoever purchases an item will have their very own one of a kind piece.

Larger retail organizations may sometimes have better prices, but you are getting what you paid for. Retail stores sell numerous multiples of items, making them not as unique, quirky, and creative. I try to make my items as affordable as possible, for the everyday customer.

Hand made goods are much more personal and unique. Much more passion and care goes into everything we create ourselves than if it is made by a machine in some obscure factory.

You can find out more about Kristy Albury at her art website or at her experimental music site Retro Juju.

Interview with Erin Bruce of Kitty Empire

by 2 Comments

Today has been a long time coming, and I really couldn’t be more excited to introduce the first of several(!) new contributors to Try Handmade.

Leah Peterson is a master interviewer, and she has graciously agreed to join the team and work her magic on the finest makers around. Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in the workshop of your favorite artist? Leah will deliver the goods to you every week in the first new Try Handmade column: “Focus on Makers with Leah Peterson”

Join me in welcoming her, and please make her feel at home :)

:: Erika

~

[hLeah]

Erin Bruce at Kitty Empire creates the most lovely purses, wristlets, wallets and messenger bags, which are sturdy enough to hold a laptop. Her products are all 100% vegan. Continue reading to find out where she gets her ideas and what she eats for breakfast. Don’t forget to check out her items on sale!

What are vegan products? Why is that important to you?
Vegan products are made without using any animal products (wool, leather, etc). Animal rights are hugely important to me and I try to focus on that with this business. I also donate 5% of my sales each month to a different animal charity.

Do you have pets?
3 cats named Sebastian, Belvedere and Smokey.

How long have you been sewing? Why do you sew?
I’ve been sewing on and off since I was a teenager. I find it to be a great creative outlet and also very calming (despite the occasional frustration).

Can you explain your process?
I come up with a design idea then draw out the stencils and the bag pattern. Then I usually make a prototype that I can give to a friend and get feedback. If all goes well, I start production.

Your designs are so fun and whimsical! Where do you get your ideas?
I can get ideas from anything really. Fairy tales, art, my ceramic animal collection and just random ideas that pop into my head.

Do you have a favorite piece you’ve created?
Hmmm. Maybe the Red Ridinghood messenger bag. My favourites change.

Do you do any other types of crafts/art?
I make some pillows, mobiles and sometimes stuffed animals, but mostly only as gifts for friends.

Do you sell your products in stores?
I sell at a few local stores, but I don’t have time for crafts shows. This is my little side business, my full time job takes up the rest of my time.

What were you like as a kid?
I was a bit shy, but very creative. I’ve always had very creative friends and my mom is extremely artistic so there was always some sort of art project on the go.

Tell me more about you…?
My favourite color is green. I don’t drink soda, but my favourite drink is a vodka tonic. I drink berry smoothies instead of cereal for breakfast.

What is your best selling item?
Probably the bird and cherry blossom messenger bag or the Red Ridinghood bag.

Thanks, Erin!

Handmade Independence Day

by 4 Comments

[hKristin]

Here in the US it’s time to begin gearing up for the 4th of July! What better way to celebrate our independence day than with handmade goodies? Okay, maybe you want to have a barbecue too, but let’s focus on the handmade for now and you can plan your menu later.

I love cuff bracelets and this one, by September House, will look stylish on your wrist on Independence Day and every other day of the year. I adore the folk fabulous look of this bracelet!

independence-1-cuff [Read more…]