Ramblings

I have been so incredibly busy lately. Strangely, I took a week off work to get caught up, and now I'm closer to ten days behind.  How does this happen?  Yet I'm not complaining; it's better to be busy than to wander about aimlessly, trying to find something to do.

Yesterday, while I was working on a doll hat, my mind was wandering.  It doesn't take complete concentration to sew strands of yarn to a cotton muslin form.  Without thinking too much, I threaded my needle with the thread in my right hand.  A few minutes later, when it was time to stitch something on the machine, I threaded that needle with the thread in my left hand.  "Really," I thought.  So I tried doing both tasks with the other hand and simply couldn't do it.

Idiosyncrasy... [id-ee-o-sin-kruh-see] noun. A characteristic, habit, mannerism, or the like, that is peculiar to an individual. (Thanks to dictionary.com for this definition.)  It's a fun word to say...  idiosyncrasy...  can't thread a needle with my left hand, can't thread the sewing machine with my right!  I'm still chuckling.

So what's your idiosyncrasy?

WHICH ONE IS HANDMADE?

Results of #8

77% of the voters were correct again!  Although this cute pair-of-jeans iPod case could be handmade, it's not.  I found it at hdaAccesory.com.

The wonderful, watermelon print phone and accessory case is indeed the handmade item. This post is up a week late because I was hoping that the link I had to this item and shop on Etsy would again begin to work.  As of last Saturday, Karen Lain's shop on Etsy no longer exists.  It's as if she simply vanished.  Her shop there, Aunt Karen's Creations, was full of all kinds of colorful and wonderful clutches, cases, totes and hats.  Karen was on Etsy when I first found them over two years ago.  She was an active, helpful, delightful artisan with a wonderful sense of humor.  She gave me lots of help when I was just starting out.


I checked her blog to see if there was some indication of what happened.  Her most recent post (March 12, 2012), contains wonderfully written directions on how to navigate Etsy and find things in your account now that they've changed everything.  This lady was a gung-ho promoter of the site.


This is what I think happened.  Of late, Etsy has been closing shops with no notice for violation of their terms of use with little or no explanation of what terms the victim had violated.  With their cryptic email comes a questionnaire which the recipient must complete to have Etsy consider reinstatement.  There are no guarantees.  I haven't seen one, but from what I hear, the document is lengthy and invasive.  I know four people who've been put through this in the last 4-6 weeks or so, and I don't know that many people!

Etsy is to be given credit for starting small and growing into the huge site they are now.  But in the process, they've certainly lost their focus on 'handmade.'  It's laughable what gets sold on Etsy these days as handmade ...  perhaps it was handmade ...  in Taiwan!  It's obvious that the driving force behind the site is the almighty dollar.  Even that's okay, but not when it's the only focus.  The resellers there are now Etsy's bread and butter, and Etsy admin is going out of their way to protect them at the expense of the handmade artisans who supported them in the beginning.


I've tried to contact Karen and have received no response.  But know this...  Karen, if you're out there somewhere, and have become one of these victims, we would be ecstatic to have you join us at HandmadeArtists.  Your sense of community, your willingness to reach out and help a confused fellow artisan, and your wonderful creations would be a perfect fit within our 'family.'  You'd be free to chat and not have to worry about suddenly having the rug yanked from under you.  I know it would be a whole new learning curve for you, but we would be happy to help you.  In short, we'd love to have you!

WHICH ONE IS HANDMADE #8

83% of the voters correctly spotted the beautiful touch and unique design of the handmade chainmaille piece.

This lovely bracelet can be found at Andrew Kitchen's site, ChainmailleByMBOI.  I am not sure whether this is Andrew's work or his wife Kim's, but regardless, I can't imagine the time it takes to create something so lovely!  

 

Many of you know that Andrew and Kim are the owners of HandmadeArtists.com, and as such, I thought it was about time that someone promote them.  I think that all this couple does is promote everyone else!

I found the other bracelet at Neiman Marcus' website.

So here we go with week 8 of Which One is Handmade.

**********

Item #1

Dress up your iPhone 4/4S to show off your unique style with Denim Jeans Case for your iPhone 4/4S. Combining luxury with ultimate protection, this fitted Jeans cloth case is covered with an easy-to-grip Denim fabric with your favorite design. Pleasing to the touch, this lightweight and durable custom case allows optimal access to all sensors, ports, and controls, while offering superior comfort in-hand.

Price:  $11.95

Item #2

Holds your cellphone, digital camera, has 2 outside pockets, the back pocket holds a thin cell phone easily but you can stash your ID and credit card in this area too. Red watermelon print on cotton fabric makes this little gem a fun accessory to carry. The watermelon print looks good enough to eat! The lining is a rich green satin like polyester weave.

The closure is a simple tab with a black and silver plastic button. It folds over the front and securely buttons. It is washable just toss it in the wash with your colors, dry in the drier and it's ready to go!

Price:  $15.00

**********

So, which one is handmade?  You can vote in the poll in the right side bar.  See you next week!

 

 

WHICH ONE IS HANDMADE #7

There were tons of voters last week, and 88% of you got it right!  I thought this was a tough one...  You are all much more observant and perceptive than I anticipated!

This lovely, lacy shawl was handmade by the wonderful Anne of MadeForMeByOaklie.  Anne is a tireless promoter of handmade in all of its forms.  Her shop is full of a myriad of these lovely and delicate hand-knit items.  Perhaps so many of you got this right simply because you recognized her amazing touch and style.

 

The other shawl does have a handmade feel to it.  But that's not the case here.  I found this one at Sears website!

Thanks to everyone for participating in this!  I hope you are having as much fun playing as I am writing!  So, Week 7, here we go!!!

Which one is handmade?  You can vote in the poll in the sidebar.

**********

Item # 1

This piece weighs in at approximately 3 ounces and is braided using a European 4 and 1 pattern. It is made using 3 metals; sterling silver, copper, and bronze; creating a very intricate pattern. The bracelet measures 7.5 inches long  and about 1 inch wide. The braids are held securely with a sterling silver slide clasp.

Price:  $175.00

Item #2

 

Choose this whimsical, glittering bracelet to set yourself apart at the next formal occasion—the fuchsia crystals and 18-karat yellow gold plate speak to the decadent design you love.

• 18-karat yellow gold-plated brass chain maille bracelet.
• Round-cut, fuchsia Swarovski® crystals.
• Approximately 5/8"W.
• Fold-over clasp.

Price:  $215.00

**********

Which one is handmade?  See you all next week!

 

 

AMAZING!  Artists With a Special Touch!

NancysWildWireArt

I love the name of this artist's site...  WildWireArt ... The name alone is enough to picque one's interest!  

Click here to see more views of this piece!

So, off I went for a visit, and look what I found!  Isn't this the epitome of the shop's name?  With all of its swirls and squiggles, its just wonderful!  The jade owl is surrounded with mixed metal wire.  It comes on a 16 inch leather cord with copper accents.  I'm just in awe of the workmanship in this piece and can't imagine the time it took to create!  The description includes a delightful story of a magical forest, too!

Click here to read more about these wonderful earrings!

Nancy lives and creates in Southern Illinois.  She claims in her profile attached to her shop on HandmadeArtists that her job is play to her.  That joy is apparent in her finished products.  Her materials are copper, sterling silver and gemstones.  These wonderful earrings are a great example of Nancy's skill with raw wire.  The hoops are hand hammered copper, and even the ear wires are made by the artist.  The blue lapis bear-like charms are so charming!

Nancy's shop is a joy to visit!  Stop by soon and see what I mean!

WHICH ONE IS HANDMADE #6

I thought last week's was tougher than it was, apparently...  100% of you got it correct! 

These great looking baby booties are the mass-produced item.  Though the actual item description has a bullet point which reads "imported," I cut that out.  If you would like more information on the booties, I found them on a site entitled Baby & Child.  

 

These handmade gems were made by Becky of LittleDogLaughs and are in her shop on HandmadeArtists. Click here to go directly to this item.  Priced at $28, these booties will keep a little one warm and toasty and provide lots of entertainment to everyone visiting the new baby!

 

So, here we go with week #6.  You can cast your vote in the poll to the right in the side bar!

 **********

 

Item #1

 

Lacey white knit shawl or wrap. Perfect for any occasion or season! Can also be doubled as an extra large scarf or draped over the head wrap too! Knit with an open weave stitch to give it that lacey look and finished with matching fringe this shawl measures appx. 78" long x 20" wide! 

 

Price:  $50.00

 

 

 

 

 

Item #2

 

An elegant acrylic & mohair medium weight long scarf knitted with sequined flowers with tassels ends. It is soft and super stylish and will keep you warm with fashion. The scarf measures 73 inches with fringe. An excellent fashion accessory good for cold weather when layered or can be use as a light shawl opened up. It can also be a gift for your friends and loved ones.  Machine or hand wash. 

Price:  $62.95  

 

 

 

 ********** 

So, which one is handmade?  The answer will be posted next Sunday!  Have fun!

AMAZING!  Artists With a Special Touch!

Southern Comfort Creations 

The artisan behind this shop is Dee, a "50 something teacher who has been crafty from a young age."  Dee is an active member of HandmadeArtists, participating often in the Forums and attending the weekly Chat.  Take a look at her unique work.

To purchase this lovely bracelet, click here.

 This bracelet caught my eye immediately...  I recognized the button used as the focal point, as I've used that very button on a sweater I knit!  But this isn't a sweater - it's a bracelet!  I just had to check it out.  What Dee has done is taken things that wouldn't normally be jewelry and transformed them into just that.  How cool is this!!!  I so enjoy things that move outside the box.  I think the colors are so springy, too...  just right for this time of year.

This bracelet can be found here.

Here is another of Dee's pieces.  This bracelet is 14 inches long and can be double wrapped around your wrist.  It also uses a button as a closure.  It's tightly braided/crocheted hemp with gun-metal beads.   This one is so classy and understated, yet still so much fun!

Dee has recently opened her shop on HandmadeArtists.  You can also find her on Facebook.  It's so much fun to watch an artist grow and evolve from the beginning!  

WHICH ONE IS HANDMADE #5

The voting in Which One Is Handmade #4 was close again, but not as close! Did you all gain a couple of pounds reading about and looking at those wonderful chocolates?

Item #1 in dark chocolate...  oh yumm!  I thought the hint on this one would be the price (1/2 pound for $2.00).  Most of you picked up on this one and guessed correctly (40%) that this is the mass-produced item.  If you would like to buy this candy, I found it at the GreaterGourmet.

And Item #2...  my blood sugar is going up just reliving the decadent experience of consuming this confection!  I had the extreme pleasure of meeting this wonderful confectioner, a delightful lady named Ruthie, at an arts festival last summer.  Simply walking by her booth leads to a weight gain!  Her shop, Lacie'sSweets, is full of fabulous edibles.  This particular item can be purchased here.  60% of you guessed correctly that this one is the handmade item!

Ready for Which One Is Handmade #5?  Here we go!

**********

Luxe Fur Faux Booties

Inclement weather is no match for these extra-cozy booties. Expertly woven from finely spun strands, our luxuriant faux fur captures the natural weight, depth of color and indulgent softness of genuine fur while keeping tiny toes toasty warm.

• Lush pile is impeccably woven for realistic beauty and inviting softness
• Offered in arctic fox (pure white) or mink (variegated shades of rich beige and grey)
• Arctic fox: shell is 37% modacrylic, 32% polyester, 31% acrylic
• Mink: shell is 74% acrylic, 26% polyester
• Lined with silky polyester plush
• Polyester soles have non-slip dots for safety
• Machine wash

Price: $14.99

Fur Baby Booties Faux Fur Baby Boots

Adorable and warm these felt lined faux fur baby booties will keep your child comfortable and adorable when the cold weather comes. These gray faux fur booties are lined with black felt to make these fur boots cute and comfy. Thin leather ties and no slip sole complete this pair of adorable booties.

These boots are for indoor use only, they are not waterproof.

Price:  $28.00

**********

So, which one is handmade?  You can vote in the poll in the right-hand side bar.  Have fun and see you next week!

AMAZING!  Artists With a Special Touch!

Lisianblue 

 

Let me begin by quoting this artist's description of herself from her blog:

I love creating in general.  I really enjoy painting ornaments,  making stained glass items,  and sometimes combining painting on glass and stained glass. I also crochet, knit and sew. And, oh yeah I'm really into photography too!

To buy this ornament, click here!

This lovely glass ornament is a perfect example of Kris' love of painting such things!  The tremendous attention to detail is simply enchanting.  Her choice of colors makes this lovely ornament striking and calming at the same time. Not limited to winter holidays, this lovely ornament could hang in a window year round.  To see more of Kris' beautiful painted glass, visit her shop on Artfire!

To buy this hat, click here!

How entirely different can you get?  I know many artisans who have various talents, yet somehow related.  Kris is truly an exception...  from painted glass to crochet!  This lovely toddler-size hat is crocheted from pink acrylic yarn and pink fun fur!  What toddler wouldn't just love wearing this!  The lovely photography also lets the viewer nearly feel the softness of this unique hat.  To see more of Kris' lovely crochet, visit her shop on HandmadeArtists!

Kris also has a delightful blog, where she discusses all kinds of things!  Please visit this multi-talented artisan on any or all of her sites...  you'll be so glad you did! 

WHICH ONE IS HANDMADE #4

 

The voting was so close last week...  53% for number 2 and 46% for number 1.  And the winner is...  the handmade item is ...  oh, the suspense is killing me ...  

 

 

This hand-tooled, hand-dyed leather wallet is available from AmazingLeather at HandmadeArtists.com.  Artist Nicole also has a shop on Etsy.  Her Etsy shop has a much wider variety of items - these amazing wallets,  belts, cuffs, clutches, bags and purses.

This beautiful wallet, though not handmade, is from American West Handbags.  According to the description, this particular style is made in/imported from Paraguay.  They're available in a number of places, but the one I featured was found on ShopNBC!

 

 

This means 53% of you picked the wrong  one!   Many of those choosing correctly noted the stitching on Item #1 as the thing that tipped the scales.  And honestly, I would have chosen #2 with the majority just from the description...  it seemed more personal to me.

Can I get you again?  Which One is Handmade #4

**********

 

Item #1

 

Dangerously dark chocolate!  Deceptively complex with the alluring texture of German cinnamon almonds, marshmallows, Cappuccino & Kahlua flavorings.

Price:  8 oz. bag - $2.00

 

 

Item #2

Our original! Some have referred to as “Almond Joy” on steroids. Fresh roasted almonds surrounded with mouth watering coconut nougat and hand dip in the finest milk chocolate.

Davies Coco-Dots: Essentially the Coco-Dot without the almonds but all the coco-nutty goodness. Also available in dark chocolate!

Price:  Box of 5 dots - $5.00

**********

So....  which one is handmade?  Voting will close Sunday, March 25, 2012!