Handmade Favorites for March 15, 2009

In anticipation of the 17th of March, coming in just two days, my favorites for this week all relate to St. Patrick's Day. I do enjoy reading about a bit of St. Patty's Day "frivolity", but we tend to stop our celebration at the wearing of green.

I was curious about the origins of the day, so I did a little research. Saint Patrick (386-493) is the patron saint of Ireland. The anniversary of his death, March 17, is a feast day that celebrates his life. A pagan until he was 16, Maewyn (St. Patrick's given name), was sold into slavery and as a result became closer to God. His passion was to convert the native pagans of Ireland to Christianity and his mission there lasted 30 years. He was arrested many times for upsetting the Celtic Druids, but always escaped. St. Patrick is widely regarded as the person responsible for the conversion of the Irish country to Christianity. The holiday was originally Catholic in origin, but has become primarily secular since then. It was brought to America by Irish-American immigrants. St. Patrick's Day was first celebrated in Boston, Massachusetts in 1737. The largest St. Patrick's Day parade is held in New York City with a reported 2 million spectators.

Now that we know what it's all about, how about we get on to the handmade goods?


The first item this week is a Saint Patrick's Day Basket Purse handmade by the folks at The Elliott's Closet. The purse has a reinforced bottom to keep it from bending and awesome bamboo handles. I love the postcard print fabric and how the crafter centered the image of and emerald-colored castle on the purse. Finally, the purse is fully lined with an apropos shamrock print fabric. I don't know if having this by your side will keep you from being pinched, but it's a great accessory, so why not carry it anyway?

Image used with permission from TionneStrife.


It's no secret that I love our dogs, Toby and Ranger, so it was a pleasant surprise for me to find these St. Patrick's Day Treats made by 3 Dogs & A Chick. Nicole, the proprietor, bakes these peanut butter bones, a best seller, with only human-grade ingredients. The bones are dipped in either carob, a chocolate alternative, or yogurt and then sprinkled with shamrocks. I've always been a dog person and being able to provide them with healthy, delicious treats is always a great thing. Show your pups you love them this St. Patty's Day with some treats from 3 Dogs & A Chick! Check out their website for tons of great stuff, including a great blog!

Image used with permission from Nicole at 3 Dogs & A Chick.


To fulfill your green-wearing requirement this St. Patrick's Day, I've found another beautiful charm bracelet. This one, by the mother-daughter duo at The Goblin Tree, would be a stylish way to ward off would-be pinchers. The Luck Of The Irish Emerald Green St. Patrick's Day Charm Bracelet is stunning with its iridescent crystal beads, shamrocks and four-leaf clovers and the focal point leprechaun hat charm, all in varying shades of green. You know I'm a stickler for quality and this bracelet doesn't disappoint. This mother-daughter duo is obviously doing something right. I will be keeping an eye on their store for what's to come!

Image used with permission from Elsa at The Goblin Tree.


According to legend, Saint Patrick used the shamrock to illustrate the Trinity and how the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit could all exist as separate elements of the same entity. M. C. at Sloopy Jewels has crafted these elegant St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Sterling Silver Earrings. I love that these earrings are themed towards St. Patrick's Day, but could easily be a part of your daily attire. Attached to the emerald swarovski crystals is a silver disc that the artist has stamped herself. I love the dark green of the crystals against the silver. What a great combo! I'm certainly coveting a pair of these earrings to wear next year!

Image used with permission from M.C. at Sloopy Jewels.


The Little Piggy Went to Market has created a great St. Patrick's Day decor item for your home. This 10 inch St. Patrick's Day Wool Felt Penny Rug/Table Mat would look great on any side table! It is hand sewn out of a double layer of wool felt into a whimsical St. Patrick's Day piece. She even offers a set of matching ornaments for sale! The stitching on her work is so perfect and evenly spaced. It makes the obsessive compulsive side of my heart flutter a bit. I love the folk-art feel of her work and want a penny rug from her for every holiday!

Image used with permission from Mary at MaryImp.


If you'd prefer to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with food, have I got a treat for you! I decided to pass on featuring the meat cupcakes with mashed potato "frosting" in favor of these beauties by Julie at Blue Cupcake. Her creations can be custom-made for your event and she sells them from a booth at some of L.A.'s farmers' markets. I love the whimsical fondant, I assume, themed toppers for the cupcakes, especially the pot of gold and the horseshoe. They look yummy and make me want to go in search of a cupcake right this instant!

Image source: www.bluecupcakebyjulie.blogspot.com/.


Well, that's it for this week, folks! I want to thank all of our wonderful artists for allowing me to feature them and I hope they get a couple of visits from you as a result. Enjoy your week and your Saint Patrick's Day fun!

Thanks for reading and many blessings to you and yours.