October 21, 2010

More gorgeous handmade jewellery to share with you today! Pittsburgh based designer, Amy, creates delicate porcelain jewelry with vintage ceramic decals. Her online store – Red Raven Shop, is stocked to the brim with pretty necklaces, earrings, belt buckles, and more.

Click here to visit her shop.

On a side note – this will probably be my last post for this week – was under the weather earlier in the week and now staring down lots of deadlines. Back to the regular schedule next week!

Category: Handmade Jewellery | 1 Comment »
Tags: red raven shop

October 19, 2010

Spotlight – Handmade in Vancouver

It’s always so fun to find a new shop from a local seller whose work you love! Last night I came across this gorgeous handmade jewellery from Sadie Designs and I’m very glad I did. I know it’s still 2 months away, but I’m already starting to add items like this to my Christmas wish list! You can purchase Sarah and Jennifer’s work online here, or in Vancouver at Dream and Little Dream.

~Posted by: Amy

Category: Handmade Jewellery, Vancouver | 2 Comments »
Tags: sadie designs

September 15, 2010

I’ve been a fan of Karen Jess’s beautiful shell jewelry for several months now. I love that each piece is handcrafted here in Vancouver from a shell that she’s found on one of her many surf trips. My husband is really into surfing, and I’ve dabbled a time or two, though I prefer boogie boarding when the water is warm and the waves are a fun size and speed. I’ve got lots of great summer memories of time at the beach with friends and family – spending hours out in the surf, picnicking on the beach and retreating in the evening to a campsite or lodge for games and S’mores.

Just as we say our goodbyes to summer – I think it’s great that Karen Jess has opened up her long awaited online shop, so we can get a little something to remember our favorite beach memories by.

~Posted by: Amy

Category: Handmade Finds, Handmade Jewellery, Vancouver | 1 Comment »
Tags: karen jess, shell jewelry

August 5, 2010

Summer Sales are popping up here, there and everywhere it seems- not just at local shops but in the world of handmade too!

Handmade Jewellery from Bird in Flight Boutique

Handmade Pillows from Utilitarian Franchise

Art from Hide n Seek

~Posted by: Amy

Category: Handmade Finds, Handmade Jewellery, Home Decor | Comments Off
Tags: handmade, jewellery, pillows, sales

July 20, 2010

Even before the term handmade and the ethos of shopping locally had become somewhat mainstream – there was Dream Apparel and Articles for People here in Vancouver. Launched in 1993, this mainstay of Vancouver’s Gastown also has a sister store on Granville Island, Little Dream. This is a mecca for lovers of indie fashion, handmade jewellery and accessories.

To say this shop is special would be an understatement – it’s actually pretty wonderful. I hadn’t visited in awhile but was wandering around my neighborhood on the weekend and thought I’d pop in. The range of handmade and local goods currently available is outstanding. I also spotted Allison Wonderland’s lovely designs on sale too! I’ve featured some of the brands that caught my eye above: Glam Vintage Remix, Flightpath Designs, and Bywa Bags. It was my first time spotting a Bywa bag and I was happy to learn that their bags are all made from recycled leather and repurposed materials.

If you haven’t stopped by Gastown lately, I think now’s the time as the summer sales start to kick into high gear! If you’re not a Vancouver local do check the links above as these lines also offer online shopping.

~Posted by: Amy

Category: Handmade Finds, Handmade Jewellery, Indie Fashion, Vancouver | 2 Comments »
Tags: dream vancouver

July 12, 2010

Handmade Jewellery is one of the largest categories on Etsy – so I felt pretty lucky when I came across Little Black Rabbit’s beautiful jewellery and art, and knew that I had to post about it! This talented Seattle artisan works during the day as an art director before coming home to the small house she shares with her teenage son, small black rabbit and big black cat. Many of Little Black Rabbit’s pieces use vintage tin trays – I’m especially smitten with the scissors above, I’d love to have this piece for my office. All the pieces you see in the shop are one of a kind or limited edition – so if you see something you like, you’ll want to snap it up right away!

On a side note – hope you had a great weekend! I spent some fun time with friends, tidied up my office and worked on a new project. I gotta say I wish we could rewind right about now and start the weekend all over again. Ah well – another 5 days and it’ll be here again, right?

~Posted by: Amy

Category: Handmade Finds, Handmade Jewellery | 2 Comments »
Tags: handmade jewellery, little black rabbit

May 25, 2010

Some handmade finds for the bride to be – or really for anyone looking for some summery accessories to brighten up their look.

Clockwise from Left to Right: 1). My Lavaliere 2). Eclu 3). Jaros Designs 4). Dapper Paper

~ Posted by: Amy

Category: Handmade Finds, Handmade Jewellery, paper goods | 1 Comment »
Tags: accessories, stationery

May 12, 2010

Handmade Jewelry from Alisha Louise

I know where I’m getting my next pair of earrings! Seattle metalsmith Alisha Louise makes each gorgeous piece by hand, finding inspiration in her travels through Latin America, the United States and Europe. The art deco inspired pieces are right up my alley.

~Posted by: Amy

Category: Handmade Finds, Handmade Jewellery | Comments Off
Tags: alisha louise, handmade jewelry

April 26, 2010

This post is from one of our sponsors, jewelry designer Patsy Kolesar – you can see her beautiful jewelry here.

She’s got a wonderful contest for all the brides to be that you’ll want to read all about.

The Love Story Necklace Contest

The Love Story Necklace, just like any great love story is complicated. It has twists and turns, highs and lows, and has been hammered and polished.
It is the perfect necklace for a bride who has been through a lot but who has always believed in finding her true love.

The idea for the Love Story Necklace came to me when I realized that my favorite love stories are often complex and drawn out. I spent a weekend doing research. I watched all of my favorite romantic movies, the ones that have shaped my ideals of love, and I became inspired to create unique pieces of art that honored the curving, unique path that relationships can take us on.

The pieces that resulted were intricate, stunning and highly original, featuring precious metal, colourful enamel, and freshwater pearls. Each Love Story Necklace, just like the story it was inspired by is truly one of a kind.

If you think that a Love Story Necklace is perfect for you, and you want to wear one on your wedding day, here’s your chance – all you have to do is tell me your love story in a maximum of 800 words.

My creative team and I will read the submissions and choose the one we feel most inspired by, and I will create a Love Story necklace based on it. The winning love story will receive a custom-made Love Story Necklace valued at $450, and the story will be posted on my blog. Good luck!

Contest details:

To enter please tell me:
1. Your love story in up to 800 words
2. Your wedding date
3. Please include a photo of you and your fiance

Submissions will be accepted until May 7th 2010.
Winner will be notified by May 21st 2010

Please send submissions to: info@pkkdesign.com

~Post by: Patsy Kolesar

Category: Handmade Finds, Handmade Jewellery, Vancouver | 1 Comment »
Tags: handmade, Handmade Jewellery, patsy kay kolesar, wedding