Handmade Favorites for April 27, 2009

Good Monday afternoon, everyone! I really did intend to get this posted over the weekend, but I had such a wonderfully lazy time with hubby that I didn't get around to it. I'm sorry for that, but I also know you understand that when it's time to step away from the computer for a few days, you've just got to do it and enjoy it! On a side note, it really wasn't that lazy. We both got our workouts in and did a little housework/cleaning, and also planned the planting rows for our summer garden.

I've been spending some daily time in my Bible lately and for some reason, angels continue popping into my head during those readings. I'm still not sure where the connection is; I'm reading the Bible in chronological order, so I've been in Genesis and Job and there haven't been many references to the heavenly hosts thus far. Anyhow, as a result of these mental images, this week's handmade items are all angel-inspired.


The first item I chose for you sent me to the dictionary. I love handmade goodness that also teaches me something new! This gorgeous Wood Intarsia Angel is from Wood N Goods. Yes, "intarsia" is the word I had to head to the dictionary for! Intarsia is simply a form of wood inlaying similar to marquetry, however intarsia inlays sections of wood in a solid matrix as opposed to applying veneers to a base. (Thank you, wikipedia!) Now that I know the definition, I know just how much work was put into this piece. According to the shop, each piece is cut, shaped, hand-sanded and glued together. It is just amazing to me the color variations there are without the use of wood stains. The beautiful angel here is crafted out of four different woods by a very talented artist. Being a brunette myself, I love the flowing brown hair, but they do sell a blond version as well.

Image used with permission from Theresa at Wood N Goods.


I just adore these cute Mother's Day Angels by Poplar Springs Pottery. Sue is the creator of these ceramic angels that are 4" tall. Every one is hand thrown or built and is then glazed with lead-free glazes that Sue mixes herself. These beauties come in green or blue and I just can't pick my favorite between the two. I love their cute bob haircuts and their adorable matching halos. I have to be honest and let all of you know that at least one of these will be adorning my home in the near future. I just can't resist!

Image used with permission from Sue at Poplar Springs Pottery.


I'm absolutely addicted to the creations of Carrie at Poetsummer. I've featured two of her pieces before and I'm sure this next one won't be the last one. The thing that first drew me to her Guardian Angel Photo Charm Bracelet was the soothing tones of blue that she used for the beads. Every one of her pieces is high-quality and you can tell she spends a lot of time getting each part perfect. The images of children dressed as angels are adorable and I love that this bracelet is substantial without looking chunky. I still daydream about owning one of her pieces. I just don't know if I'll ever be able to pick just one that I want.

Image used with permission from Carrie at Poetsummer.


Cheri at Itsmecheri created these Angel Guards as the result of a personal experience that caused her to rely on God to send His angel guards to watch over her. You can read about her experience on her blog. These polymer clay creations are a great, innovative interpretation of angels that can be hung anywhere; your home, your car, your office and etc. This purple/gray color combo is my favorite that she has pictured, but she offers them in any color combo. The gift possibilities are endless; have them made in school colors to send with travelling teens as they participate in sports/band/dance/academic contests, order them in your wedding colors and gift them to your attendants; I'm sure you could make these a personal gift for anyone on your list.

Image used with permission from Cheri at Itsmecheri.


I love all things Japanese and origami is no exception. Imagine my excitement, then, when I stumbled upon these adorable Origami Angel Dangle Earrings from Funny Sky. These diminutive earrings are just 1.4" X 1.8", which illustrates the skill involved in creating these tiny wonders. They are triple-coated with a polymer sealant to render them water resistant. The paper components are paired with Swarovski and Japanese beads to complete these adorable accessories.

Image used with permission from Shirley at Funny Sky.


I have two awesome handmade sweets for you this week, both by the same amazing cake artist. If you head over to LizzyLu Tutus, you'll find "everything a little girl could want." In addition to those things, you will find these cute icing and gum paste cake toppers. You can choose between the Baby Boy Angel Topper and the Baby Girl Angel Topper. I love the little angel wings on the babies' backs. And do you see the cake underneath the Baby Girl Angel Topper? Well, she made that, too! I don't like to admit to envy, but I have to say that I am a bit envious of whoever the lucky girl was that had this cake for her baby shower. For more wonderful cakes by this talented artist, head over to Sweet Elegance, her blog.


Images used with permission from Misty at LizzyLu Tutus.



Once again that's it for this week! I hope you found something beautiful and inspirational in this wonderful group. I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of the artists who allowed me to feature their items this week. I couldn't blog without you!

As always, thanks for reading and many blessings to you and yours!