HandCrafted Creations Blog

Happy Eleventh Birthday HCC!

2012-02-10T11:51:00.001-05:00

WoW It has been 11 Years since I first started my business!!

How far things have come from that first little creation I made back in 2001. These 8 Garters that follow were some of the very first garters I ever made. such a far cry from the amazing things I have ventured into over the decade.

~*~*~*~*~ THEN ~*~*~*~*~

~*~*~*~*~ NOW ~*~*~*~*~

And this isn't even IT! this is just a tiny bit of what I've done. over 15,000 Creations! it's amazing to me, how one craft project to create wedding accessories for my neice could lead into this!

I Thank God for letting me find success in this endevore I have chosen to undertake.

It's all Cracked up!

2012-01-17T12:35:00.000-05:00

Marjories Cracked

Marjorie submitted her work back in 2009.  Her submission was lacking info so it was added to the rejected email list. Sometimes in going over past submissions that were rejected for lack of enough info, I find out-of-date and out-of-business links. It's sad to see that someone's dream hasn't worked as they had hoped.   I'm happy to say Marjorie is still in business now and looking great I might add.   Marjorie's Cracked Plate Jewelry is designed from broken pieces of china, porcelain, ceramic or crystal, as well as some creations using authentic Jersey Shore Sea glass - Not tumbled glass.

I really enjoyed looking around Marjorie's website.   She has so many unique, beautiful and fun items. She even added a new mens section, where she has sets of cuff links and tie tacks.

Marjorie has lived on the Jersey Shore all her life and works full time as a paralegal. She's a grandmother, animal lover and has a fondness for crafting. Two of her favs are crocheting and making jewelry.

She has a very unique way of making her jewelry. It's pretty cracked up if you ask me!    We love the idea of reusing the broken china and glass. it's so "GREEN"! In making her unique embellishments... each plate, teacup or mug is broken into pieces and then they are filed to be smooth.  Varnish is applied for a glossy and protective coating. The cracked piece is hand-wrapped with wire.  This is artisan jewelry, designed with style & creativity.   Definitely not mass produced costume jewelry.

The bracelets, necklaces, and chokers are hand crocheted with thin wire. I must say I LOVE this crocheted wire look!!   Very neat.    I wish she would take some close-up shots of her wire crochets to show them off more.    This photo shows a bit of the chochet.

This lovely design was featured on her site in the wedding section.
The wire embellishing the china is dreamy.

Website - http://www.marjoriescracked.com/

Blog - http://marjoriescracked.blogspot.com/

Twitter - http://twitter.com/marjoriecracked

Facebook - http://artist.to/marjoriescrackedplatejewelry

Note: I am not compensated for writing about any of the Featured Artists in this blog. I do this simply to share with you what I find... and I hope you will enjoy the works of these artisans as much as I do. email@hand-craftedcreations.com for possible submission of your site in our blog. OR if you are a vendor who doesn't want your info posted - please email & it will be removed ASAP.

Winter Time Weddings and Engagements

2011-12-29T14:11:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! And congratulations to all the excited brides and grooms who recently became engaged. You may be planning a wedding for this coming spring, summer or fall... or perhaps for next winter. What ever the case - Good luck with all your planning!

Winter time is the perfect time for a wedding. It can be a magically time of year. Glistening snow and dreamy snowflakes. If your planning your wedding for this time of year we want to remind you about the pretty winter garters which you can custom order in any color or style you like. check them out at

Custom Wedding Garters .com

Memorial Keepsake Boxes

2011-12-29T10:32:00.000-05:00

Keepsakes and Memorials

A while back the owner of "Keepsakes and Memorials" sent me an email hoping to be featured in the HCC blog. The only problem was, they had not included any pix or description, therefore that email was rejected for blog submission. As I have time... I've been going through old rejected submissions to do some research.

I had some time to dig around on their site. What I found was some really great things!

Now not all the items on the site are handmade but the ones that are...

memorial keepsake box for little girl - box opens for
storing ashes, or other special heart felt memento.

They are truly keepsakes and some even brought TEARS to my eyes!!

Originally I went to the site and checked out the wedding related items, since this is one of my specialties. But upon further browsing of the custom items I came across some very unique memorial items. I never realized such things were out there, since I haven't had any need for them. The memorial boxes are so touching. Especially the ones created for little girls and boys who will be dearly loved and missed. My heart ached for those who would need such memorials... but at the same time, it was so wonderful to know that such a special product did indeed exist for those who wish to have them.

Though it is not shown here in my blog, you may add your loved ones photo to the box as well. it's not just a regular photo, it's specially processed image imprinted onto fabric so it actually becomes a permanent part of the box. It can go on the inside lid.

Memorial box created in the design of a fancy sofa.
opens to reveal a place to keep photos or memories.

This little Kitty on the couch design was shown in a different color on the
testimonials page, for a client who lost their kitty cat. The kitty on the couch
was a representation of her cat and mementos and photos of the actual cat can
then be kept inside the box.

Website - http://www.keepsakesandmemorials.com/

Note: I am not compensated for writing about any of the Featured Artists in this blog. I do this simply to share with you what I find... and I hope you will enjoy the works of these artisans as much as I do. email@hand-craftedcreations.com for possible submission of your site in our blog. OR if you are a vendor who doesn't want your info posted - please email & it will be removed ASAP.

Bridal Card, Ring and Keepsake Boxes

2011-12-22T11:10:00.000-05:00

Keepsakes and Memorials

Handmade Lace Keepsake Boxes: by Sandra

Perfect to keep small wedding mementos like Jewelry or your garter. Not only are they great for weddings but also for your little girls first Holy Communion.

They are perfect place for photos, jewelry and other mementos. Each Box is handcrafted and upholstered by Sandra, with fine laces, satins, pearls and silk flowers.

I just found this website in the list of emails that came in about 2 years ago. It didn't have any photos or description included, so it was not considered for submission. Now that I had some time to do some digging, I decided to research some old submissions and this little diamond came up from the rubble. I love the creations that Sandra does. She is very creative and many of her items are unique and NOT wedding related. I'll be doing a different feature on them next week so be sure to check it out.

In the mean time - Let me show you a few of the highlights of the wedding keepsakes I found simply lovely. You can order different designs and I'm sure different colors to coordinate with your wedding colors.

This card box is stunning and would be gorgeous in any color satin or lace - the possibilities are endless when it comes to custom orders.

I specially loved the Ring Boxes that Sandra creates! They are amazing, I wish I could have had something special like this when I was married about 18 years ago! Below you'll see a few boxes that are stand alone, one of which is perfect for a beach wedding! It's stunning with all the beachy shells encrusting it. Also I thought the tiered box was really creative. It looks like a mini wedding cake. Then there is the ring pillow with the fancy box attached to it. Perfect for your ring boy to walk down the aisle with.

Website - http://www.keepsakesandmemorials.com/

Beads of Beauty and Bliss

2011-12-13T12:30:00.000-05:00

Bliss Designs

Anne Bliss has been making lovely jewelry for over 7 to 8 years now. She has no employees, thus all her creations are custom designed and created exclusively by her. She specializes in freshwater pearls, and Sterling silver accents. Her work make beautiful gifts for any lady you know. They are especially popular as gifts from the bride to her bridal party and for the Mother-of-the-Bride. Even the little flower girls would absolutely love a personally made pearl necklace to wear to the wedding and every other holiday she will celebrate over the years.

Ann puts a great deal of thought into each component she choose for her designs, from oval jump rings, and strong lobster claps, to the soft touch jewelry wire with covered crimps to protect it. Each necklace and bracelet includes the Bliss logo tag to remind you to think of blissful thoughts whenever you look at it.

As stated on her site...
"Attracted to the natural beauty of freshwater pearls, Anne designs pieces that are elegant and timeless, yet incorporate her unique touch. Her style can best be described as kicked up classic. By starting with the best quality components available, Anne’s pieces are also durable and lasting."

Ann's jewelry from her Buffalo, New York-based business, several gift shops. A few include: The Museum Store in the Burchfield Penney Art Center at Buffalo State College, September’s Bride in Holland, MI, Enjoy the Journey Art Gallery in West Seneca, NY and local art shows.

Ann has served on the board of Artists in Buffalo Inc since 2008, am a partner with Urban Artisans since 2008, and with Bliss &; Bejewelled Benefit Bazaars since 2004. We’ve raised more than $40,000 for local charities, such as Gilda’s Club WNY, Child & Family Services Haven House, Hospice Buffalo and more.

Look at the gorgeous fresh water pearl necklaces shown here. They would complete the look of many a bride. Be sure to check out her website and other links below.

Website - http://blissdesigns.net/

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/BlissDesignsNet

Flickr photos - http://www.flickr.com/photos/blissdesigns/

ETSY shop - www.blissdesignsnet.etsy.com

The Original Runner Co. for the bride who wants to be noticed

2011-12-05T12:30:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I missed this gem back in 2010...   It was such a busy year and so many things to create for HCC. After Looking over previous emails in an effort to clean up my folders I found this note from Julie Goldman .   The email from Julie was marked as "read" but never got featured.

"I really love your blog ... I love the idea of highlighting handmade wedding products since it is becoming a bit of a lost art. We make hand made aisle runners and accessories for weddings. All of our products are hand drawn and hand painted by a select group of fantastic artists. We would love to be featured in your blog..."

Over the past couple years Julie along with her group of extremely talented artists have grown their company into one of the most well known and featured aisle runner designer companies the world over.   They are very proud have been featured in most major wedding magazines, and just about every bridal TV show has highlighted their runners as well.  It's not surprising that their list of celebrity clients is seemingly endless.

All of their runners are non-slip, which is pretty much essential for any event.   Who would want to take a chance in having the runner slip all over and get wrinkled... after all it would look ugly (not to mention be a tripping hazard)

The Original Runners are breathtaking.   Some are regal, while others are fun and playful, but all are completely amazing works of art!   You really should check out the website and especially their blog to see all the fabulous designs they have created!

Website - www.OriginalRunners.com

Blog - http://originalrunners.com/blog/
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Original-Runner-Company/24157361987?ref=nf~ Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/WeddingRunners

Note:

I am not compensated for writing about any of the Featured Artists in this blog. I do this simply to share with you what I find... and I hope you will enjoy the works of these artisans as much as I do. email@hand-craftedcreations.com for possible submission of your site in our blog. OR if you are a vendor who doesn't want your info posted - please email & it will be removed ASAP.

Attention DIY crafters - Lace For Sale

2011-11-25T12:00:00.000-05:00

Hey all your DIY gals, I'm selling some of my lace, if you want it - come on over and get it.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/VictoriaJoanne?section_id=6745736

Also Lots of pre-made garters on sale too - so if you know a bride - tell her all about it. great deals at my Etsy.

Happy Thanks Giving!

2011-11-23T11:00:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the day to officially "give thanks".

But hopefully you are remembering to be thankful each and every day. God Bless!!

We hope you have a Hand-Crafted kind of Turkey day! Good old fashion home made meal!

It's FREE to be featured at HCC

2011-11-18T13:00:00.000-05:00

Hi, I'm Victoria Joanne, the owner and blogger here at HCC. I'd like to invite you to come join us here if you are an artist.

If you'd like your creations to be featured on the Hand-Crafted Creations blog - Please be sure to include as much info as you can to really sell yourself and tell everyone who you are & why you do what you do. INCLUDE PIX TOO.

CLICK HERE to Submit your website to be considered!

Your submission should include - at the very least TWO or more pictures of your creations, a Description of YOU/YOUR Company - what you do, how long you've done it etc... AND your website link for us to link to.

you may include twitter pages, facebook pages and blogs as well... "the more the better " is my motto.

Then please link to our site here http://www.hand-craftedcreations.com

After all - it's always nice to scratch each others backs... I scratch yours... you scratch mine.

xo Victoria.

DIY Safari Suitcase Craft for Kiddies

2011-11-14T12:00:00.000-05:00

You ever go on a trip and bring back momentos of the trip. Say... shells from the camping trip at the beach... or pinecones from the forest? Cool rocks found on the ground at the state park you visited... The list can go on and on. What kid wouldn't like to put their special things in their very own keepsake collector box?

Here's a fun little project you can do with your little ones that will make saving their special things more fun.

the pix are pretty self explanitory. You get a shoebox from the last time you bought shoes. Punch two holds in the lid. Then take tape ( or if you have some nice bright ribbon you can use that as an upgade and glue it around the box and top) You put some rope/cording through the two holes and tie it on the inside of the lid. This way it's a handle for the lid to be opened by.

Then you can let your child color the outside of the box with whatever they want and even put stickers all over it to simulate those travel trunks of the olden days. Another thing that I think is a fun thing to do is paint the whole box outside as well as inside, with some glue or acrylic paint and then put a coating of sparkles over it before it dries. This way the box is great on the outside and just as magical on the inside!

email@hand-craftedcreations.com for possible submission of your site in our blog. OR if you are a vendor who doesn't want your info posted - please email & it will be removed ASAP.

American Geiko - the artisan in exile

2011-11-11T13:00:00.000-05:00

At the beginning of this year we were contacted by the lovely people over at _American Geiko_ . We are so busy at that time with many different things that time just went by so quick.

Cynthia is the owner of this limited edition online shop. She has some remarkable work she can brag about, some work on Wardrobes for Miley Cyrus, Jay. Z, Star Wars: In Concert, Britney Spears, and Mary J. Blige. She has even done some wardrobes for Disneyland.

Cynthia is a professional model, actress and writer in addition to her costuming talents.

You should check out her ETSY shop. The item she is wearing in the photo below is on sale for a huge discount. Perhaps you may want to purchase it before someone else does.

ETSY shop : http://www.etsy.com/shop/americangeiko

Face Book : http://www.facebook.com/artisaninexile

Note: I am not compensated for writing about any of the Featured Artists in this blog. I do this simply to share with you what I find... and I hope you will enjoy the works of these artisans as much as I do. email@hand-craftedcreations.com for possible submission of your site in our blog. OR if you are a vendor who doesn't want your info posted - please email & it will be removed ASAP.

VERY EXCELLENT BABY - Featuring original artwork by Sally Davies

2011-11-09T12:17:00.000-05:00

VERY EXCELLENT BABY

Sally Davies is an artist and has painted many diffrent original pieces. She decided to take her art work to the next level. After becoming well known in the 90's for her "Lucky paintings" and "Lucky chairs" She started working with making her art available on clothing. So she came up with her company Very Excellent Baby. Her clothing which features her original art work is now the fashion musts for many rocker and celeb parents. Cool baby clothes that show your personality and style.
She also offers her art for your favorite pooch as well. So if you have a little puppy and want them to be in style - you can purchase one of Sally's dog outfits as well. Check out her website below. Very Excellent baby and her Art site below for more samples of her works of art.

Website - http://www.veryexcellentbaby.com

Sally's Art Website - http://www.sallydaviesart.com

The HCC Blog is brought to you by Wedding-Luv - www.wedding-luv.com JOIN for free wedding related give-aways and Vendor promotions!

Snow snow go away

2011-11-04T16:30:00.000-04:00

... and please take the tree limbs with you!! Who would have thunk it!! OCTOBER SNOW STORM!! You would NOT believe the damage this Storm has done! We had a tree come down on our deck and JUST miss going through our sliding glass door. Dang - this was a close call. The Angels were watching out for us the night of the storm!

It's pretty needless to say that I didn't get any Hand-Crafted Creations done this week.

We ended up losing power for 6.5 days - No lights, No heat, No hot water! That was roughin' it for sure. Probably just as bad as camping, well at least we did have our soft, warm comfy beds to hunker down in each night.

EVERY single property in our town has damage. They declared it an official disaster area and a state of emergency was issued. We STILL have a tree down in our yard - half on the grown, and half on our house. The tree crews are THAT slammed that we just can't find anyone to remove it for us... so there is sits. This was the worst storm they have ever seen here (so they say)

The Hubster is looking in wonder as to how in the world we are going get all this MESS fixed.

Winter time wonderfuls

2011-10-28T11:27:00.000-04:00

Tis the season!

Wonderfully adorable snowman with a real working light adorning his hand.

Recently I had the pleasure of attending one of the Aiden Loves Zoe holiday parties.   It's that special time of year when Mary the Artist at Aiden Loves Zoe is busy like a bee displaying all her whimsical works of art.   Up until now I've only talked with her and visited her website so this was a real treat to see her creations in person.

Let me tell you, they are so creative!   Her parties are set up to make you feel as if you are in a professional shop with all her wooden shelving display cases and turning display with all the hooks to hang her signs and ornies.   I was very impressed with everything I saw.   Mary is a true artistic professional!

It's not too late to order your winter time decorations or that special little gift for your mom or sister.   check out her website right away to get your order in for the holidays.   Plus there are things for other times of year too, spring, summer, fall and general Americana.   So many cute and creative items to choose from.
Here's a few of my choices for winter time - Go on over to her website to see soooo much more.

Let it melt, let it melt, let it melt.

Snowman wonderland.

Snow momma and babies

Adorable mitten ornies.

Website - http://www.aidenloveszoe.com/

Note: I am not compensated for writing about any of the Featured Artists in this blog. I do this simply to share with you what I find... and I hope you will enjoy the works of these artisans as much as I do. email@hand-craftedcreations.com for possible submission of your site in our blog. OR if you are a vendor who doesn't want your info posted - please email & it will be removed ASAP.