Try Handmade

You’re missing out if you’re not perusing the submissions over in the Gallery — look who else I found!

Jenny Hoople: Bienvenidos! I grew up on a farm, graduated from college with a bachelor of arts in fine arts and now I work part-time on an organic farm and in a library. My life ethic is one of authenticity, because a more authentic life is a more meaningful one, and, for me, an authentic life is a handmade one.

My good friend has told for years that I should sell some of the crafts that I am compelled to make. When I started making this jewelry and couldn’t stop, I figured I’d better start selling them! The best part is, I grew the grey Job’s Tears beads right in my own backyard!

I choose knotted silk because I like its history, it’s more romantic! I choose “natural” materials (stone, bone, wood, shell, silk) because even when altered by human hands and arranged and strung by them, the beauty of the processes that formed them breaks through and dazzles me. Really, this jewelry is so wonderful because it’s so much more meaningful than something that was mass-produced. Everything is designed and crafted by yours truly from start to finish.

As a child my favourite story was a Grimm’s Fairytale, The Elves and the Shoemaker. I loved how the elves helped the man make beautiful shoes that would turn his life from rags to riches. Today, as an adult, I still love this tale and share it with my children. But in real life can shoes turn your life from rags to riches, maybe not, yet they can make a ‘fat’ day seem slimmer, as shoes will always fit even if you did eat an extra chocolate brownie.

After some searching I have found a shoemaker, who may wish upon a visit from the elves at her busiest times. Silvia Campbell designs and makes beautiful bespoke shoes from her studio in London. Her design career began with a degree from The University of the Arts, London College of Fashion which then led to work experience with John Lobb Ltd a company renowned for the finest hand made to measure shoes and boots. Silvia Campbell then progressed to work for a shoemaker in the dance world, Freed of London Ltd and learnt about making shoes that are strong and comfortable yet elegant and fashionable.

Maybe you had planned on splurging on a pair of Jimmy Choo’s for your wedding day but imagine having a pair of shoes made specifically for you, that fit perfectly and are completely unique. Silvia Campbell offers a bespoke design service for brides and understands the importance of the need for comfortable shoes to take you from the walk down the aisle through to dancing at midnight as you celebrate the most important day of your life.

When you commission Silvia to design and make your wedding shoes she will meet with you to measure your feet and discuss your ideas of the design you would like, assisting you in choosing the shoe shape and heel height. Silvia will use this information to create her initial designs and a specific price proposal before your second consultation. When you visit Silvia for your second consultation she will discuss the choices of the material for your shoes and it is also very important at this stage to share your opinions of designs presented to you. Unlike mass produced shoes, Silvia Campbell shoes are designed uniquely for you and you can say what you do and do not want.

Now that you have confirmed your designs Silvia will produce a mock up to ensure a perfect fit and for visualising the final design. However this mock up will not be in the material of the final design. This mock up pair will also be vital for you, as a bride, to take with you for dress fittings ensuring the hemline of your dress is set at the correct length for your shoes, as the mock up pair of shoes will be the correct heel height.

Once your shoes are made they will be ready for a final presentation for you and Silvia will also advise how to care for the shoes. Leaving Silvia Campbell’s studio with your own unique shoes for your wedding day would surely be a fairytale itself.

Beautiful bespoke shoes may seem like a luxury but imagine walking down the aisle in perfectly fitted, unique shoes. Art really is one of life’s essentials.

$24 – $32 by Contrariwise Jewelry.

You’re in for a treat today — a guest post from my friend Casey at the Moosh in Indy blog. She’s always fabulous but especially so last month when she was in New York for Fashion Week. Read on to hear how she styled herself in handmade for this high-power event, and love her for helping spread the word that handmade is better and more beautiful and closer to the heart than mass-produced.

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There was the most wonderful crocheted hat at the most unique little boutique on Pier 17 in NYC. I had it in my hand ready to purchase when a little sticker came out that read “Made in Taiwan.”

If I’ve learned anything from living part of my life on the internet it is that I don’t need to stand for “Made in Taiwan.”

In February I went to New York during fashion week for a “work thing.” I have no shame in admitting that my first thought was “WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR?” It was at that moment I decided to go handmade for my trip.

I first gathered up all of my own etsy and farmers market purchases.

I then put the question out to my followers on twitter, “Anybody on here make stuff?” Simple as that. Even if someone didn’t make something themselves they knew somebody who made something or had purchased something from someone and were more than willing to brag about their wares.

Suddenly the internet became my own little personal boutique.

And you know what? No one else had what I had. When I was asked “Where did you find that?” I was able to answer a real person’s name and hand them a card rather than answer a big box store. I’ve met a lot of these people, I’ve had conversations with them, had things custom made or tweaked. There’s nothing quite like getting a compliment on an item when you know yours is the only one in existence.

Now I’d like to present to you the handmade items that made me feel unique in a city of chain stores, trends and a million other people. I can vouch for all of them, some I’ve known for years, others only a month, but they are all fantastic.

Accessoire. This girl is just down the road from me in Indianapolis, all of her lovely wool flowers have feminine names and she warned me that Lillith must put out and that’s why people like her so much.

Pere Custom Handbags. I was told by a New Yorker that out of towners stand out most when they bring a big handbag to evening events. She said a leeedle teeny clutch was key in not standing out like an unfashionable sore thumb. I’m addicted to jewel tones so her pinch puff clutch stole my heart immediately. The thought of carrying one of her other handbags actually gets me more excited than going out in the first place.

Necklush. I. LOVE. SCARVES. Necklushes are even cooler than the coolest scarf I own, which is why I own two. Everytime I wear one I can’t go out without at least two or three comments on it (complete with touches, I don’t even mind the touches if that says anything.) There’s a dozen different ways to wear one and all of them are awesome.

Cheryl’s Jewelry. Another local. I have admired her intricate wirework from afar for awhile but never had the occasion to wear such art around my neck. She picks the most amazing jewels for her work and the hours spent on each piece is apparent. Wish her luck as she tries to get into the local art market scene.

Studio Jewel. Ever built an outfit around a necklace and then spend the day with your hair up and your chin up showing off the necklace? That’s how I feel in my Studio Jewel necklace. It just feels good. And pretty. And what’s even better is since she’s the boss, she was able to size it down for my puny little neck.

Round House Designs. Not only did she make a custom ring based off of my blog for me, she and my husband went into cahoots for Valentine’s Day. Not to rub it in, but my Valentine’s gift kicked your Valentine’s gifts’ trash.

What’s fantastic about this? I just told you about all of the secrets in my closet but you’ll never be able to duplicate exactly what I have. Why? Handmade, that’s why.

Like so many fantastic discoveries, my finding of Dela Flamant was a complete accident. However, I knew I loved this art as soon as I laid eyes on it! The intense repetition of the lines of rain in the above piece is mesmerizing.

The shop owner write this about the inspiration for their art:

“I am inspired by avant – garde 1960’s graphic design, in particular Swiss, Dutch and Bauhaus design work as well as antique images and fine art including paintings and drawings.”

The sailboat and lighthouse print above would be welcome in my son’s bedroom any day. I’m sure he would love to fall asleep dreaming of sailing the sea. I love how the artist celebrates the hand drawn aspect in this print.

This last piece of art has a thick industrial feel. It’s strong without being too overbearing. I can see this hanging in a home with modern decor. Actually, it would like nice anywhere!

The artist states that all posters are printed using soy based ink. I am unfamiliar with this type of printing ink but definitely inspired to learn more about it. When I discover an artist I’m always interested in their process, supplies they use and their inspiration. It’s clear to me that the art at Dela Flamant embraces the creative process and creates outstanding end products!