Archive for May, 2011
…Currently drooling over these creamy photos from the shop Magalerie, which means “my gallery” in French. Anne, the photographer behind the lens at Magalerie, has this to say about her work…
“I try to show the simple and poetic beauty of the things around us.”
That is EXACTLY what she does! I’ve been staring at the photos in her shop for over an hour. And with each click, I find something more mesmerizing than the last about her colors, compositions, and subjects…
Visit Magalerie on Etsy now to view the entire collection of prints from Anne.
When I sat down at my computer to write this post, I stared at the blank page for almost an hour. Not because I had nothing to say, but because I have so many thoughts on a topic like this, I wanted to choose my words carefully.
The importance of buying handmade is not as cut and dry as it may seem on the surface. Although many people try to fit it neatly into whatever box happens to meet their agenda.
But the fact is… the real reasons why each one of us buys handmade goods is just as complex as the topic itself. There are a lot of layers to peel back. And everyone and their grandma has an opinion on the topic and their own set of reasons, as well they should. And guess what?
Each one of us has our own truth.
Yes, we all have our own reason(s) to support and contribute to this movement in arts and crafts. And it seems like some of us have forgotten that. So the one thing I want you to remember, in this amazing journey we have all willingly embarked on, is this…
We all buy handmade for different reasons…
1. Some of us feel a sense of camaraderie and community when we purchase something that was made by another individual.
2. Some of us prefer the quality of handmade goods to cheap, manufactured alternatives, and see buying handmade as a way of quietly (or perhaps loudly) protesting mass produced goods.
3. Some of us believe in mindful spending: respecting every dollar as an extension of ourselves.
4. Some of us interpret our purchases as a means of support and love for another.
5. Some of us like the originality and authenticity found in handmade goods.
6. Some of us like it “just because”.
7. Some of us follow the eco craft theory (thanks pns reader Amina for sending the link).
8. And some of us believe everything above is true.
But do you want to know the best part about those reason listed above, and even the reasons that aren’t listed?
No one reason is more right or wrong than another.
So although this post is actually called ‘The number one reason why we buy handmade‘, there is no number one reason. That’s right. There is no one, singular, definitive reason to reject the mass market of mediocrity in favor of handmade goods. There are MANY.
And my reason is just as good as yours. Your reason is just as good as mine. And there is enough room for everyone’s thoughts and opinions.
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image above book planter by M JPorter Design
The NoodleNThread Etsy shop has a well-edited minimalist yet feminine style that I admire. The color palate and shapes are inspired by nature and everyday objects.
My favorite items in this shop are the unique hand crafted headbands and the hand cut note card prints.
Right now NoodleNThread is having a 15% OFF sale on all orders when you use the discount code HAPPYMAY15. The sale ends at the end of this month, so check it out!
Vanessa wrote this post. She is a full time copywriter and webmarketer with a passion for art, creativity, and thrift. She writes about thrifting, creating, and saving money every weekday on her blog, Thrift Core.
A few months ago, Becky Klaas showed us how she transformed her run down wardrobe into a fresh, romantic piece of furniture and then weeks later, she completed a French Flair Chair Before & After. And now, Becky is back with another makeover, but this one is an entire room: a bathroom that is so lovely in vintage romance and charm, you might just wanna stay in there long after your “business” is done. On that note, I’ll let her take it away…
The following is a guest post by Becky Klaas of B-Real…Happy.
…When I moved in I left the bathroom as it was even the shower curtain was in the house when I moved in. I just didn’t see the point of putting money into it until I had the opportunity to redo the entire space. Well, I got my chance when I found out I had a major leak that caused me to hire a contractor to gut the bathroom. Luckily, I have connections in the construction world! They repaired all the damage from the leak and installed the tile. Jose and I did the rest ourselves. We painted, installed the base, I refinished the vanity, plumbing plus all other finishing details.
We did not kill each other but we did come close! The water also leaked into the hallway and closet behind the bath so there is still work to be done that we will attempt to do ourselves.
Here’s the before and during…
And here’s the after…
I really wanted a long rectangular mirror to expand across the entire space, but could not find one I liked or could afford. So in lieu of this I used an assortment of mirrors and painted this stripe that aligns with the tile mosaic in the shower. I do believe i like this option much better.
Check out my Tord Boontje light fixture! I just realized i don’t have a full shot of it in this post.
I used a porcelain 24×24 tile + a glass mosaic accent that aligns with the wall of the tub for the floor. On the wall I used the same porcelain cut to 12×24 and inlaid the glass mosaic as an accent to create a band around the space.
Get naked baby! I couldn’t resist…. Tasty Suite has some awesome decals!
The light is one of my favorite details in the space. I now can say I have a Tord Boontje piece! the flowers are delicately made out of metal. Not knowing when I order this thing, I would have to assemble myself. It came shipped flat and I had to twist and connect the piece to make the shape I wanted….it took me quite a few tries.
I’m not a huge fan of the seashell look because I live in florida and they are everywhere. But when I found these on the beach I was drawn to them because they were not perfect. I like the deteriorating look and the colors were to pretty not to display somewhere in my house.
The cute little round rug over there in the corner was handmade by my mom. I love it.
I got a pair of old white JCPenny curtains for less than a dollar. I liked the ruffles… They remind me of something you would have found in a little girl’s room in the 90′s. I tea stained them…. The color was exactly what I was hoping for! The tie back is from my shower curtain. The shower curtain was made from a set of drapes. To finish off the tie back I sewed a few shiny jewels on.
And the center piece of the bathroom….the vanity. Here is a before picture. I had a lot of fun with this piece. It took me quite a few months to find just the right piece of furniture. It fits great in the space and has plenty of storage. It was originally a gold color and it just so happens that color is an accent in the bathroom. So, when sanding down/distressing I allowed bits of the gold to shine through. I made sure to coat this baby several times to protect the wood top from water and wear. I went with a white porcelain vessel sink, a satin nickel faucet and white porcelain knobs to finish the piece off.
Thanks so much Becky for sharing your bathroom re-do with us. My mind is racing with diy inspiration after seeing it. Any girl who uses a mirror cluster in the bathroom, tea-stains her shower current, and makes her own vanity is cool in my book!
About Becky: Becky runs the blog, B-Real…Happy. She describes it as a place for her to explore, create, dream, live, become, love, inspire and be inspired. How sweet is that? VisitBecky’s blog now for more inspiration.
After last Friday’s weekend links, I am still in a diy mood. Of course at this point, I am pretty much always in a diy mood. But anyway, I have another craft project roundup for you. So enjoy….
1. Learn how to make a felt travel sewing kit
2. How to make a paper corsage
3. Make your own day-glo ruffle light
4. How to make a pinwheel skirt
5. Create your own watercolor favors
That’s all for now. Have a great weekend!
Brass, stone, and vintage charm are the defining elements in artist Suparat’s jewelry shop, A Little Dot. Suparat uses her degree in product design to create a well edited line of simple yet playful jewelry.
“I love simple things but also love to creating, playing around with new ideas and coming up with new designs,” says the experienced designer. This experimentation shows in her work, with a diverse jewelry selection. You’ll find organic shapes like this lead charm, as well as pieces that are more colorful and unique, like this whimsical bracelet.
Discount! Receive a 10% discount through the entire month of May when you use the code PNSDOT10 at checkout.
Scroll through the A Little Dot Etsy Store now to take advantage of your discount. Her jewelry is perfect for any Spring occasion.
Vanessa wrote this post. She is a full time copywriter and webmarketer with a passion for art, creativity, and thrift. She writes about thrifting, creating, and saving money every weekday on her blog, Thrift Core.
Wow, Mother’s Day is this Sunday! I’m sure you’ve selected gifts mom will cherish, (and if you haven’t, get hunting!) but have you found the perfect gift tags and cards to go with the package?
Thoughtful details make your gift extra special, and I feel like the 3GIRLSandagoat Etsy collaboration delivers just that.
You’ll find an astonishing variety of card, gift tags, garlands, and handmade paper doilies to compliment your mother’s day selections. The vivid colors used (like in this set of gift tags) instantly make plainly wrapped gifts lively and festive.
Exclusive Discount: Receive 20% off your entire purchase UNTIL FRIDAY 8 MAY with COUPON CODE PSMAY2011.
Add some flair to your Mother’s Day gifts and shop 3GIRLSandagoat with your discount code.
Vanessa wrote this post. She is a full time copywriter and webmarketer with a passion for art, creativity, and thrift. She writes about thrifting, creating, and saving money every weekday on her blog, Thrift Core.
