Heartful Handmade Blog

now there's even more to like at xenotees

Since I last dropped in on the shop, Noelle at Xenotees has expanded her offerings beyond the core line of very smart looking hand-screened tee-shirts.  She now has large (really large) cotton jersey (tee-shirt fabric) scarves and heavy canvas tote bags. These additions live up to the Xenotees signature look with original graphics and dramatic style.  This is the only tee-shirt outfitter I know of that can   dress you for a night at the opera.  Xenotees is also in Handmade Lookup.

May 3, 2010 update:  Here's a great article on Noelle and Xenotees from today's Etsy Storque.

masks from recycled garden shovels

John T. Unger has added Face of Spades masks to his line since I last checked out his shop.  These wonderful pieces of intricate metal art are created from 100% recycled materials, primarily discarded garden shovels. Each of the pieces in the current collection is $59, and there's a good assortment to choose from.  John T. Unger is also in Handmade Lookup.

11/14/2010 update:  These masks seem to be currently unavailable.

a perfectly pleated sling

I adore this pleated tote from Yorktown Road.  Its creator, Carol Gilbert, calls it a layered pleat sling.  It comes in natural (undyed) linen, or hand dyed golden (shown), chartreuse, dark orange, or parrot blue.  It's about 17 inches across the bottom by 14-15 inches high.  Each one is slightly different because they're made freeform, without a pattern.   It's made to order and will take a couple of weeks before you get to show it off. $120.00

tami rodrig makes happy art jewelry

Tami Rodrig at Happy Art Studio, Lexington, Massachusetts, makes very happy jewelry -- jewelry that makes you smile.  Brightly colored renderings of flowers and birds and things from the natural world, created with a sense of childlike wonderment channeled by a top flight jewelry artist working with an array of interesting materials:  Sterling silver, beads, resin, paint, bottle caps, found objects and magic.

mother's day gift ideas

Mother's Day is just around the corner, so I've pulled together a nice assortment of handmade goodies. Prices range from under $10 to $255. And the links lead to lots more where these came from.

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Go to article and gift links.

crystals galore served at the jewelry bar

I love crystals.  And so does the creative spirit at the Jewelry Bar.  She says her favorite materials are lemon topaz, labrodorite, kyanite, gray moonstones, london blue topaz, and gold. When you browse the lovely pieces in her shop, you'll also find various varieties of chalcedony, quartz, amethyst, citrine and more.  It's a crystal lover's paradise.  And a perfect place to shop for wedding jewelry.

Step through to the Jewelry Bar via the Handmade Lookup link.

one-of-a-kind glass necklaces, bracelets, earrings

The UK bead artist at ChapturedChaos created these colorful stacking bangles.  The shop has a nice collection of one-of-a-kind necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, most of which are made of various sizes and types of glass beads.

Browse the collection of bead jewelry at ChapturedChaos.

check out these undiscovered etsy shops

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View article and product links.

nate waxman makes affordable expensive jewelry

Nate Waxman creates original and limited edition jewelry in the dramatic and colorful style made famous by Swoboda in the 60s and 70s, when Nate Waxman worked there.  He continues that tradition of using precious and semi-precious gemstones and 22 carat gold plating to create affordable high-style jewelry that looks like it costs a fortune.  

Check out Nate Waxman in Lookup.