If you are like me, a "maker", perhaps you can relate... I find that I am so often looking at handmade goods and saying "I shouldn't buy that, I should be able to make that myself, or at least try..." and mentally adding it to my never-ending list. I was talking with a friend (also a maker) at our school's winter faire a little while back about this phenomenon and how it is so difficult for us to be able to purchase the handwork of another because it feels so indulgent (like when you have someone clean your house... the guilt...) Anyway, she and I agreed about how wonderful it is to be able to use and fully appreciate handcrafted items that we did not handcraft as well as support our community of artisans close to home and at large. I recently was realizing how many amazing artisans I have had the pleasure of coming into contact in one way or another in recent months. I thought today I would share with you some of their beautifully handcrafted work that has made its way into our home...
Handcrafted essential oil soap and candles by the lovely Amber of Oakmoss. Her blends are earthy and magical... I highly recommend "Caravan". I am hooked... And the tiny handstitched thank you note (!) Simply wonderful...
Handcarved Cherry Wood sauce spoon by Claudia of Marshkat. This has become my "everything" cooking utensil. Look at that lovely wide handle!
... and a collection of salt spoons in Rosewood, Cherry and Dark Walnut. These are so cute and so well made. These can be used for so many things, I am finding...
Handmade "Double Scrubbies" by the very sweet Diana of Cocoa Beans. These have very successfully taken the place of the kitchen sponge. I can throw them in the wash and they are good as new. Double thick and sturdy cotton. They hold their shape well and are really perfect for wiping up counters, etc. I also bought a stack of the "Bathtub Scrubbies" for all of us to use in the shower and tub and I will say, I truly LOVE them! They are the perfect "roughness" for getting kids (and grownups) clean without being too rough as well as being the perfect size for little hands. I am sooo happy with these, I will definitely be adding to this collection as she has so many great colors...
The adorable stitch markers attached to this new needle case (which I am soon to post in my own shop) are made by the amazingly talented Karen of Karatstix. Browse through her "sold" items in the shop also and you can see so many goodies that are available for custom order...
I also purchased from her a needle gauge in the shape of a little sheep and an ingenious little Kitchener Stitch Tag (peeking out of the pocket here). If you are like me and always have to haul out the book (or the computer) and look up the kitchener directions every time you need them, this is totally for you! She also has some great accessories for spinners...
I am sure you have seen little Buttercup by now, but I just have to dote again on this lovely handmade which found her way into our home around the holiday season... She is made by Jenny of Little Jenny Wren Dolls. I still am in awe of the details of this incredibly well made little doll. She even arrived with her own little handknit outfit, a handsewn set of pajamas and handknit camisole and underwear set (!!) as well as handknit shoes!
She is just the sweetest little doll and Jenny is such a dear to work with!
And last, but not least, is this Amber necklace from Nova Natural. Though not technically a "handmade from a (local) artisan", I really love supporting this family-owned business and support their philosophy of play, crafting and family-care. I really just love everything they sell and they are just so nice!
SO, if you have any other great artisans that you have been loving, please do share!
Happy Monday!
