Home of the Handmade

curiosity

2011-05-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

looking into other people's spaces - a pleasure. James Merrell's photograph as well as a must see blog post on Design is Mine. It feels like day dreaming.

Loving the garden

2011-04-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

It is amazing to see how something grows. I have always been in amazement of growth, people, animals, plants. I have moved around just enough as a small person to never get to see how something changes. I have been gifted being a mom, a wife, having a house and now a garden which shows me just how much things change and in there own time. My husband is mostly the overseer of this great garden, but yesterday I snapped up a snow pea. Yumm, a bit early but still good tasting. Here are some pictures of how are garden is changing. Actually, it has already grown a bit since these pictures. They were taken last week.

I hope everyone is having yummy food.

I love to wrap wrap wrap -- gifts, gifts, gifts

2011-02-04T19:18:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to see this zine, Hello Sandwich Gift Wrapping Zine! Oh wow, it is great. A myriad of ideas, tools to make those sweet gifts that build anticipation. I love getting something that looks to good to open. I am thinking about a confetti bow right now.

A great new book -- right up our alley

2011-01-27T05:47:00.000-08:00

This book is wonderful. I ordered with some some gift cards and coupons the other day -- and I am super happy with it. So many great projects -- many of which I have not thought of or seen in other crafty home books. This is a super topic these days - which I think is great, but sometimes I wonder if books aren't repeating the same crafts over and over. Well no fear here, very fresh and lovely. I can't wait to make make make. ......go check it out -----Crafting a Meaningful Home.

Something beautiful

2011-01-21T18:02:00.000-08:00

This is a one of a kind quilt now on sale at Anthropologie by Frank Shand. The mystery of storms feel at home here. I would love to sleep under the heaviness of one of these.

a dream of mine --- a tricycle, a front basket of flowers, and some yummy food in the back cart

2011-01-18T15:56:00.000-08:00

So... I have long had this dream of having a tricycle. I think it would make my shaky bike riding not such a problem and and I would have lots of space to pick up stuff along the way. I am not a die hard bicyclist, my husband rides a lot - but I am more an admirer. However, I will find a way to one day ride my own way. And with these crochet adornments I would be oh so happy. To see more crochet goodness and to buy - visit Simeli. To happy days.

the crochet - at one time it was just for toilet paper holders -- but why is that bad?

2011-01-11T07:34:00.000-08:00

I love the handmade, pretty much all shapes. Even stuff that lacks great color combos or skill, sometimes that even more. I am amazed that people slow down and make stuff. I think it is a great thoughtful act that means someone is paying attention to something small and significant. I love this Dottie Angel door knob, perhaps something that is often over looked and under valued. As well as this Knitta bus. Knit graffiti is amazing to me especially something on this scale. So I hope we all find time today to make something. Happy New Year.

who would of thought...

2010-08-24T05:17:00.000-07:00

What a great idea - oil cloth for wallpaper. I am loving this space - but of course patterns and shelves of books not unlike the space where I live. It is always nice to see a full colorful space, rather than the perfect white spaces home decor lovers seem to photograph. I hope you enjoy this too. It is from Readymade, and you can find out how to make your space just as fun.

birds - oh how I love birds - and oh my paper birds too

2010-07-13T19:30:00.000-07:00

Such a lovely sight. I'd love to walk the aisles of anthropologie at Rockefeller center. Looks like there are lots of goodies. I am such a fan of paper, I love the curiosities on the shelves.

The great Linda Hall

2010-06-18T06:42:00.000-07:00

Linda Hall is marvelous in the studio, turning animals into adventurers of human drama. I have adored her and her work for over a decade. For a treat take a long visit to her blog, Linda Hall.

gosh it's been awhile

2010-05-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

Sorry to have been missing in action for a bit. Life has brought my family some interesting changes which have been for the most part good, but it is a matter of getting use to them. I think I am finally back into the swing of life and finding a balance between all that is important. While searching around the big wide web I found this amazing illustrator. If you haven't already visited her sites check out Leah Duncan, such a pleasure to see. Leah Duncan's website is delicious her shop is fantastic and her blog is fun too. So much good to wrap yourself around.

Patterns Galore

2010-02-15T19:05:00.000-08:00

Oh Liberty of London, how I love your line and colors.

I was looking at Oh Joy, was pleased to see these great patterns. Always looking and loving patterns. Visit Purl for fabric in the states and Liberty for a plethora of loveliness.

A tour of our cottage

2010-02-09T12:09:00.001-08:00

I've been wanting to share with you my artistic space. I love things, and like to see them everywhere. Which doesn't lend itself to an easily understood living space, but I love how it grows and grows, like the southern Kudzu. We live in a 930 square foot two bedroom home. My husband and I, our sweet son and three cats. I do not have a separate studio space, although I would love to add onto the porch, the house acts as all things at all times for us.
The dinning room is also my sewing and drawing area. Which has good lighting and I am able to see what all is happening in the rest of the house. When I was in graduate school, I disliked my studio greatly - how disconnected it was from my life. I need to integrate the two together, so I can watch my boy play and make lots of goodies. I love stuff - and my house is fodder for my art.
We love books, books on all things. We have been cleaning out our house as one of our New Year resolutions, however, no books have left. In fact I am sure we have collected at least 50 since the New Year. I think we are over 2,500 books now. It is a bit daunting at times, since we are still so young and do not plan on moving. We'll figure it out.
I am a huge fan of 1970's craft books and home decorating books. This is a stack I have been looking through lately. I am about to begin some smallish bird pillows. My fabric is stacking up like a beautiful cloth mountain.

to cozy days

2010-02-09T12:03:00.000-08:00

As you can see we love stacks, stacks of books, stacks of cloth, stacks of pretty much anything. I think more the merrier. Except in those moments where I am looking for something terribly specific and it is buried under a stack.

mmmountain

2010-02-09T05:54:00.000-08:00

When I saw this the other day on papernstitch, I said-oh boy oh boy. I love this mountain, and how it seems to be sinking and stacking all at the same time. The colors and textures are delicious and ickky in that oh so pretty way. Goodness. If you want to visit his shop go HERE. There are also having a giveaway on the papernstitch blog so hurry and leave a comment to win a beauty of a print.

now for - studiomama

2010-02-05T13:27:00.001-08:00

For a Danish delight visit studiomama, Nina Tolstrup's fantastic design sight. The studio images were of her artistic space, so you can imagine how wonderful her crafted items will be. I love her resolutions, and am still making and remaking lists of my own.

Pretty Clutter - bring it on!

2010-02-03T12:31:00.000-08:00

I was saying to myself, "I would like to see some pretty clutter". I love all the beautiful spaces by beautiful people, but so often I think what about their stuff. I love stuff, I like to see my stuff, I don't mind the dust, I love things, who else does? So in manic state of bliss and frustration I found this lovely post. Thank goodness, still organized and tidy but this shows a love of stuff. Thank you to the things that make life lovely and thank you to seasawdesigns for revealing this space.

Beautiful lines

2010-02-01T16:50:00.000-08:00

I am a big fan of line and pattern and both of these beautiful works by Selflesh have that. These are map pieces that have sewn red lines on top. I really enjoy the subtle texture the applied line gives these pieces. Right now on Papernstich's blog, Selflesh is doing an amazing give away. Such talent.

another room clean, at least almost

2010-01-26T19:13:00.001-08:00

We keep our house pretty dim, I think this hides potential grime that might otherwise freak me out. My son and I worked on this Valentines banner, he painted it with his paint squeeze pens which are fun and a total mess. It is done on paper and the ribbon is laced through. A fun craft for the both of us. This nighttime photo makes my sleepy - good night.

a mini landscape

2010-01-22T10:50:00.000-08:00

Dusty yes, pretty too. I am still rearranging and organizing so the actual cleaning and dusting has taken a back seat. I love this landscape, I bought it at an estate sale, made in Germany. All the pieces are made in wood, even the flowers. We are having Spring like weather today, it is confusing the mind and body - but I like it.

Another yeah for crochet

2010-01-21T05:28:00.001-08:00

This is an amazing use of crochet. I have seen many fantastic portraits done in thread, embroidery, and machine stitching. But I haven't seen portraits done using crochet. I am loving the color combinations and honest expressions. For more check out Jo Hamilton's site. A real pleasure to visit.

Oh how I can spend hours looking at really good patterns

2010-01-18T14:38:00.000-08:00

Here is a beautiful pattern that is in a happy family of other beautiful patterns. Check out ten14Textiles. I first saw them on Lovely Pieces. Both fun and inspiring places to visit.

Here is a bit of yummy for you.

cloth kits - how much fun!

2010-01-16T15:18:00.000-08:00

Besides the fact that I absolutely love Mr. Rob Ryan, here is a fantastic way to bring Rob Ryan's art into your everyday life. This is a skirt made from a cloth kit. And excitedly it is on sale, I hope the sale can last to my birthday and then I too will wear such a delight. Also here is a pillow or bag - you choose. I love cloth kits, and think I would have gone crazy in the 70's when they were in there hay day. Check out this website, lots of good hunting.

Our mantel collections

2010-01-15T06:42:00.000-08:00

I have a deep love for so many things, which is part of the reason why it is hard to organize so many things. Even if they are small. Here are some old old marbles, from GA and VA, and maybe even an Italian marble. A teacup from my son's great great grandma from Alabama and an old German wooden figurine. We have lots of wooden figurines. Perhaps you can see the dust. Again, I will get this place clean. I think the problem is keeping it clean. Like losing weight, after you lose the weight you have to try and keep it off. Both of those things are hard for me.

The only clean spot in the house

2010-01-15T06:37:00.000-08:00

I love my home, even though it is small 930 square feet. But it is a cottage, cozy and sweet. A major highlight that it has a working fire place that I use often, even before it is too cold. However, finding a place for everything is super tricky. I see all those amazing articles in the right magazines and online, but the reality is difficult. It is just not me, also my son, husband and three adventurous cats who are indoor cats except for the occasional afternoon on our screened in porch. So, I have a list or perhaps pages long of resolutions and one of them is that I will organize. Not just move things from corner to corner but find a place. But for now this is the only spot that seems settled. I will post my progress, and I hope it is godspeed.

Sanna Annukka's shop is brillant

2010-01-14T10:37:00.000-08:00

I have just stumbled upon Sanna Annukka's shop and it is so colorful as well as filled with amazing lines and shapes. I am especially fond of this portrait, at one moment I see ribbons and the next ladies in brilliant cloth. I think pretty much anything she does is great.

Cloth Books - oh how I love cloth books

2009-11-17T12:01:00.000-08:00

This is Ruth Ashton's Monsters of the Household Variety. I first saw this on Anthropologie's website and have started to make my way through her website. I am excited that Anthropologie is selling unique artist objects. I would love to get my hands on this.

line and shape - oh how I love line and shape

2009-11-13T17:15:00.001-08:00

These are pages from Louise Bourgeois' cloth book. I found these on the blog wren handmade.

The great Louise Bourgeois

2009-11-13T17:00:00.000-08:00

I first saw this on the blog, wren handmade, and kept thinking about it for months. This is the amazing cloth book Ode à l’Oubli. Louise Bourgeois has left a legacy of works, and many of my favorites are her works done in cloth. Please read this NYTimes article, Louise Bourgeois Builds a Book From the Fabric of Life, by Amy Newman. I wish I could spend a day, or days exploring these pages. Hopefully one day.

Nate Duval is fantastic -- and there is lots more

2009-09-16T18:19:00.000-07:00

Nate Duval has a plethora of goods, from prints to t-shirts. I got my hubby a shirt that is fantastic, and even with all of our garden dirt and washings it is still beautiful. I just love this work.

A great garden for a friend

2009-09-16T18:15:00.000-07:00

What a sweet scene, a romantic garden, a parade of flowers. A pattern to delight. I found this sweet card at Little Otsu by Lart Cognac Berliner. A great site for paper goods.

Jill Bliss Patterns

2009-09-16T18:10:00.000-07:00

Geesh, I love patterns so much. I am a fan of Jill Bliss's art and design work. Here is a playful and lovely pattern.

Patterns Patterns I love Patterns

2009-09-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

These are two pages from Nigel Peaks's book on Patterns. All of his books look amazing and I am anxious to order them. I am on a hunt to collect images of patterns. Visit Nigel Peake's site and you will be amazed.

More Spoonflower fabric

2009-07-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

Etsy has many artists selling unique small batched designed fabric. Spoonflower is a valuable venue for this type of production. Wonderfluff is a sweet etsy shop where you can purchase sweet botanical mod like fabric. Check out this fun wonderland.

Textures has moved and it is beautiful!

2009-07-04T12:38:00.000-07:00

This is the "new" Textures Handmade Market. It is located at 1123 Thomasville Rd, next to Waterworks. First Friday was exciting, the aroma of sweet cupcakes mixed with all the new goodies by Tallahassee's Finest. Maggie Willman did an amazing job creating a space that you do not want to leave. If you are in town, you should check out the sweet treats.

My Spoonflower fabric

2009-06-10T18:29:00.000-07:00

I have received my spoonflower fabric and it is an amazing service. At just $18 a yard you can get your own image made into fabric, and it is pretty easy. I have made a bird pillow out of the fabric, the wing, eye and nose are other designers fabric. The color of the drawings are accurate, however the background was suppose to be cream rather than a butter yellow. I have been told by others that yellow/cream is a hard color to reproduce. I am glad to know this and will alter my drawings/designs in the future. I wish everyone best of luck with their spoonflower try and I am will be designing a new one for the future.

Fabric kits by Wilsons on etsy

2009-05-31T05:56:00.000-07:00

Here is another fine example of what one can do with your own designed and printed fabric. Check out their shop on etsy as well as stop by Spoonflower and play around with your own designing.

Paper Sparrow fabric printed at Spoonflower

2009-05-31T05:43:00.001-07:00

As many of you know there is a great online service where you can print and design your own fabric. Mine is currently being shipped to me, I cannot wait. I thought it would be fun to compile a group of posts that show many amazing designers and the items they made. This is from Paper Sparrow on Etsy and can be purchased for a mere $20. You should check out the site, especially if you heart birds like so many of us do.

Kako Ueda

2009-05-31T05:36:00.000-07:00

One last paper cut for this series of posts, Kako Ueda. Her work is so breathlessly intricate, which I admire. I hope to see one of the delicate and complex pieces in person some day. Enjoy and check out her website.

Papercut Diecut

2009-05-31T05:29:00.000-07:00

This beautiful papercut can be found on Etsy. For a mere $20 it is amazing that all the work is hand done. Despite the shop name, all of the papercuts are done by hand and there is an amazing variety. A collection of beauty awaiting us all.

Paper rings

2009-05-23T13:16:00.001-07:00

I am a big fan of the cut out, taking the flat and making it dimensional. Here we have a splendid use of the paper cut - to dress the finger. Check out more of TT:NT designs, and also check out Paper Crave, a fantastic site devoted to what we hold dear, paper.

Aoyama Hina - delicate text

2009-05-15T19:51:00.000-07:00

This body of work is breath taking and mind boggling. I continually am amazed at those who partake in this labor intensive art of drawing with a knife. If you would like to see more of Aoyama Hina's work check this story out in Paper Forest.

Another Fun Summer project - More papercut crafts to come

2009-05-08T12:52:00.000-07:00

Sweet and simple this Japanese how to book takes you through the steps of how to do kirigami as well as other papercuts. I am a huge fan of papercuts, as many of you know, and thought you might want to add this book to your list - because I sure do.

how to crochet flowers

2009-04-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

I keep collecting summer project ideas. It is exciting to see how many different types of flowers one can potentially make. Check this book out on Amazon.

More fun crochet finds

2009-04-30T12:27:00.000-07:00

This is a fun necklace designed and sold by Studio Karma. I find gardens continually cheerful, and what a nice way to wear one wherever you go.

Check out these beauties

2009-04-21T12:04:00.000-07:00

These amazing shoes come in many colors and styles from Lepiedleger. They are each handmade so you can choose the color of your choice. I know she has had many orders lately so you may want to email her and ask about your order. I am looking forward to wearing them soon. I will tell you more once mine arrive.

The massive chain

2009-04-21T05:53:00.000-07:00

This is from Yokoo's store on etsy. I find the photos and the work pretty amazing. The chain wonderfully walks the line between feminine and masculine. I'd like to see a photo of someone walking the street with this necklace on. I hope you visit her site.

Sweet Japanese Crochet

2009-04-19T18:03:00.001-07:00

This shop, Linnet, is filled with small intricate crochet items that enthuse me. I am thrilled to wish on these items at the first star tonight. They feel like dream items.

Printing by Hand

2009-04-19T17:57:00.001-07:00

This seems like a very useful book for all of us who are curious in how to make our own fabric. You can find this at Amazon, and I will be adding it to my own wish list.

Rex Ray

2009-04-19T17:16:00.001-07:00

This was found on the ever so loved blog, Design Sponge. It is great to see Rex Ray's work show up in all sizes and spaces.

I really enjoy the unexpected color and shape combination his design brings. For more of his work check out his website.

Shiny shop spaces

2009-04-19T17:06:00.001-07:00

I would love to splash around in this cozy store. Melissa Averinos is the owner of these beautiful items. You can hunt around her blog for inspiration and her lovely fabric designs.

fabric pillows designed by Mary's Granddaughter

2009-04-18T18:21:00.000-07:00

These pillows can be found at Mary's Granddaughter on etsy. The artist used Spoonflower to print her sweet pillow fabric. There is this new fantastic website Spoonflower where you can get fabric made by the yard. Your design and only $18 a yard on 100% cotton. I am hoping to embark on a summer project of my own.

The beautiful and colorful Ninainvorm

2009-04-18T11:57:00.000-07:00

Ninainvorm has so many sweet shapes and designs in her pottery. She sells her items on etsy, continually placing new items for sale often. The pieces seem light and airy, how she deals with negative space is exquisite.

Nathalie Lete's workshop/living space

2009-04-18T10:51:00.000-07:00

This is Nathalie Lete's workshop/home space. I find her work very cheerful. Her work seems very connected to childhood and the need and appreciation for the handmade. The rug seen is called Blume Rug.

Sailors Valentines

2009-04-18T10:09:00.001-07:00

I have been a fan of Sailors Valentines for several years now. An original valentine can be very pricey however some stores have created reproductions of these valentines for a more affordable price. My mom bought me one at Anthropologie a couple of years back. I love seeing all the intricate work someone put into it. I live in Florida so it also reminds me of all our beautiful beaches.