Handmade Favorites for January 31, 2009

The theme for this week may seem a bit premature for some, but if you're a gardener; you'll understand. The second I harvest the last vegetable from the garden, clip the last dead rose or cook my last "homegrown herb" meal, I begin dreaming and planning next year's gardens. The middle of January tends to bring two things with certainty; cold temperatures and garden-talk. We discuss what will be grown, what tools need to be cleaned, sharpened or purchased, what the schedule will be and where we will buy seeds from. The garden catalogs are most likely already out and dog-eared in many homes across the world. Because I'm planning and dreaming about beautiful gardens, that seemed to be the natural selection for this week's theme. (Besides, we could all probably use a bit of cheerful greenery right now.)


The first item I selected is this beautiful hand-bound Herbal Journal by susanholland. Susan is a book-maker out of Spain and has some beautiful journals, but this is by far my favorite. I do love to keep a journal about my garden and this one is perfect with it's vintage-style Italian paper cover and blank pages.



Photo used with permission from Susan at susanholland.


I chose these Custom Engraved Garden Rocks as a favorite because of their beautiful and organic utility. I love items that are beautiful and serve a purpose. These stones are hand crafted by sjengraving. They just seem like the most natural and fitting way to label a garden's contents. I feel they would also be wonderful for other herb gardeners, such as myself, that only have room to grow herbs in pots on a window sill.



Photo used with permission from Tony & Joanne at sjengraving.


This beautiful Stoneware Planter from Letsgetmuddy is another great example of form meeting function. This is a beautiful pot and I can just imagine the possibilities; small herbs, succulents, African violets; the list could go on and on! I love the calm colors of the glaze on this pot. The story of how these pots came to be is wonderful and there are many other great finds at the shop! (Hint: check out the awesome Raku planters!)



Photo used with permission from Barbara at Letsgetmuddy.


Craftsbykrisa is a shop with a plethora of rustic, hand crafted finds, but the best, in my humble opinion, is this Garden Wall Hanging. I adore the diminutive garden tools that are attached and would proudly display this in my home. This sign is full of charm and would be welcome in any garden.



Photo used with permission from Krisa at Craftsbykrisa.


Every gardener needs accessories that shout the praise of this fulfilling hobby and so I bring you the Avant Gardener tote bag by jpharris. The artist creating this tote is Jen P. Harris from Brooklyn. A percentage of the proceeds from the Avant Gardener line has gone to community gardens around NYC. Most of her items are printed on 100% recycled or organic cotton. This awesome tote speaks to both the gardener and the do-gooder in me! I would carry it everywhere; grocery shopping, the farmers' market, the library and etc.



Photo used with permission from Jen at jpharris.


I don't feel I can post a handmade favorites feature without posting at least one piece of jewelry. This Lavender Leaf Pendant is a very elegant accessory. The artist, Riki from RikiCraft uses an actual leaf from her garden and paints it with precious metal clay to create this 99.99% sterling silver pendant. This would be a piece I would wear all the time. I feel that it is one of those great, universal jewelry items that can be dressed up or down and suit any outfit perfectly. There are several other leaf pendants to chose from, but the lavender is my favorite. Isn't it gorgeous?



Photo used with permission from Riki at RikiCraft.


Finally, the best way to end any post; BAKED GOODS! This cake is courtesy of the queen of domestication, Martha Stewart. I just love the miniature fruits and vegetables! Can you see the radishes, strawberries, artichokes, tomatoes and many others? Too cute!



Source: Martha Stewart.


Well, that's it for this week's edition! I hope you enjoyed it and checked out some wonderful artists as a result. Here's to a wonderful season of fresh produce, delicious herbs and beautiful flora for us all!

As always, many blessings to you and yours!