HandCrafted Creations Blog

A Trip into the Stationery store...Handmade Cards Galore!

2009-11-08T14:02:00.002-05:00

We have gotten many many requests to be featured here on the HCC blog. But of course!! Where else to be featured but in the blog that specializes in handmade, handcrafted creations! (BTW - we still have over 50 that we want to feature but it just takes time - so those of you who have not been featured but did submit your work - don't dispare - your day in the sun is coming)

We wanted to share with you some of the great stationery designs which are out there that you may not know about. Companies that are large and small, and have one thing in common, their cards and stationery are handcrafted and special in their own unique way.

Now depending on your style, your mood and your occasion you will want to find something that really fits in. We believe the sampling of card and stationery designers below represent many styles, therefore, can meet a variety of needs. Hope you'll have just as much fun browsing these sites as we did!

One of our favorites this first one...

OF THE EARTH

Green Eco Friendly Paper handmade with the Earth in mind - Founded in 1995 by Kevin and Lori Graham

Lori had just graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in Fiber Arts. Lori and Kevin realized that by creating a business that embraces our environment with earth friendly practices and an earth focused product, they could reach even more people if they helped other couples to send green wedding invitations.
In the intervening ten plus years their dream has become a reality with more then 1,000,000 people receiving a card or invitation made on paper created by hand helping the environment. Of The Earth is proud to continue offering great earth focused products.

Of The Earth website - http://www.custompaper.com/

HANDMADE HAWAII
Handmade hawaii boasts they specialize in providing Gallery quality Handmade cards. Their cards are designed using Exquisite Papers and numerous types of embellishments.
You can evern personalize them with your own saying! Simply input your message in the comments box located in the final checkout area, and they will imprint your message on the inside of each card you order. Every card comes with a matching vellum envelope, & a silk organza bag. It's a lovely touch that is better than a basic stationery story card.

Website - http://www.handmadehawaii.com/handmadecards.html

CARDS BY JO
Here ya go - some fun and themed cards. Jo has been making handmade greeting cards for over 30 years. You will find a myriad of handmade greeting cards for any occasion. Many of their designs are made using Stampin' Up! stamps and several others as well.

Website - http://www.cardsbyjo.net/

ROCK SISSOR PAPER

If you're looking for something unique and simple Rock Sissor Paper is a place you shoud check out. Designers, Susie and Heidi Bauer were born in the metaphoric bubble of the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, in the late 1960's... You can see where they get their inspiration from. Today Rock Scissor Paper has a full line of stationery with more than 500 products. Many of the cards incorporate real fabric and are interesting to the touch as well as to the sight.
Website - http://rockscissorpaper.stores.yahoo.net/index.html

I hope you liked this little trip into the Stationery store. Lots to look at and many things to browse. Have fun!!

HCC - http://www.Hand-CraftedCreations.com
My Custom
Garters site http://www.CustomWeddingGarters.com
My Blog
http://brides-n-news.customweddinggarters.com/
My Testimonials http://testimonials.customweddinggarters.com
My Facebook http://www.facebook.com/custom.wedding.garters

DIY alert ! Adorable Handmade cards & Stationery!

2009-11-07T12:17:00.000-05:00

CONNIES HOBBY HOUSE

More and more people enjoy making their own cards. I know I have done it. In fact back in 1995, when I lived in California, I was doing a small business with a friend. Making cards is relaxing and very fullfilling. It can add a very personal touch when given to someone you love. I know that when I get handmade cards it means a lot more to me than when I receive a store bought card. We I came across this website one day, I saved it in my bookmarks cause I just knew I wanted to share it with others. If you're in the mood to browse some really nice handmade cards and get some ideas for doing your own you should check out Connies website. As she says "Feel free to copy any of these handmade cards for your personal use"

Website - http://www.connieshobbyhouse.com/Handmade_Cards/Handmade_Cards.html

Love~Your~Garter

HCC - http://www.hand-craftedcreations.com/
My Custom Garters site http://www.customweddinggarters.com/
My Blog http://brides-n-news.customweddinggarters.com/
My Testimonials http://testimonials.customweddinggarters.com/
My Facebook http://www.facebook.com/custom.wedding.garters

A Must Read for All Handmade & Creative Business Owners

2009-11-05T17:03:00.001-05:00

Alright this goes out to all my fellow Handmade Artisans!! You have got to read this blog post by SEANLOW Execellent!!!

Forget About The Competition hits the nail right on the head. I have always strived to be me and to work with my clients to bring out Who THEY are. I have a rule which I stick by at all costs (even turned down some orders because of it which one must be willing to do) that rule is - Any custom order that I created MUST be based on one of the my samples that are shown on MY website... never based on anyone elses work. Because of this policy I have - I have always had the confidence and great feeling inside that I know I've been true to myself and to my clients.

(this is the comment I left on his insightful blog) I can't stress this enough READ it for yourself... Then follow his blog for future reference - He has lots of insight!

Follow SEANLOW on Twitter - http://twitter.com/seanlow

Read his wisdom at his site - http://www.thebusinessofbeingcreative.com/

Love~Your~Garter

HAILEYS DRAGONFLY GARDEN - Handmade and Organic specialty Soaps

2009-11-03T11:29:00.002-05:00

Haileys Dragonfly Garden of
Botanicals

These beautiful handmade soaps are all handcrafted bath and body
products. Dakota Witt is the owner of Haileys Dragonfly Garden. The
company is named after his granddaughter. There are so many
different colors, scents and designs to choose from.
Take for instance the Ying Yang... isn't that just adorable. Or the fun
puzzle pieces soaps. They actually fit into each other just like a
jigsaw puzzle.

The puzzle soaps are great gifts for the child in your life. They make
getting clean a little more fun. :)
Dakota's products are all natural and organic. One of their main focuses
is to keep their products affordable to everyone while providing a safe
alternative to the chemical filled, mass produced products being pushed
on society daily.  Hailey's Dragonfly Garden only uses 100%
pure vegetable oils and the highest quality ingredients available. Yes, they may
cost a little more, but the final outcome is worth it.
Another thing is that the handcrafters at the Dragonfly
Garden don't sell anything that they don't use on a daily basis. So quality
is of the most importance to them and to you.   These soaps would be
perfect for the little baby in your life as well. Especially if they are
sensitive to harsh detergents and additives that are in many store-bought
brands.
In fact, their baby products were the first line and what started
their business. They were originally created for Dakota's granddaughter,
Hailey. Isn't that sweet?  It's so wonderful how so many
handmade artisans have started companies due to the personal involvement in what
ever they end up in business for. in this case - soap making and selling
because of creating some special soaps for his little angle
baby granddaughter.   I love it!

Now - lastly but certainly not least - I wanted to share with you what
I found that looked and I'm sure SMELLS delish!

You can see all the wonderful organic and handcrafted soaps at Dakota's
website below. Makes a great wedding, shower, birthday or christmas
gift.
Organic Soap -
http://www.haileysdragonflygarden.com/

Just for baby -
http://www.haileysdragonflygarden.com/Just_For_Baby.php

Blog -
http://www.haileysdragonflygarden.blogspot.com/

Giggling - Adnelg-Creations - Unique cards & Stationery for all occasions

2009-10-31T08:39:00.002-04:00

Giggling - Adnelg-Creations

Glenda Brill is the author and artistic designer of her own unique Handcrafted Greeting card line, as well as personalization of children's educational books. She creates stationery for all occasions. As you will see below (even for divorced folks LOL ) She is a Graphic Designer/Illustrator by profession, and has have been creating unique greeting cards since 2001.
To date, Glenda has created over 100 different designs for all occasions. Her cards have even been sold in various stores in New York.
You may see more about Glenda at her blog http://www.giggling.today.com/ and on Twitter http://twitter.com/gigling

blog www.giggling.today.com

Twitter http://twitter.com/gigling

The Hand-CraftedCreations Studio

2009-10-25T00:29:00.000-04:00

Victoria Joanne Love~Your~Garter
Welcome to My studio :) I'm Victoria Joanne. The artist, owner and blogger for the Hand-Crafted Creations website.
I wanted to share a little tidbit with you all. You see the golden gift boxes in that first photo? well they are filled with lots of garters. I'll be giving most of them away starting this week. Free for all - ! So if your getting married or know someone who is this is great. Or if you sell wedding related items and want a bunch to resell - you are welcome to them. See more details about my studio and free garters right here.

My Custom Garters site http://www.customweddinggarters.com/
My Blog http://brides-n-news.customweddinggarters.com/
My Testimonials http://testimonials.customweddinggarters.com/
My Twitter @wedding_garters http://twitter.com/wedding_garters
My Facebook http://www.facebook.com/custom.wedding.garters

Chic and Unique Aisle Runners - Custom painted by Artist Beth Martin

2009-10-22T22:40:00.001-04:00

Chic and Unique Aisle Runners

I came across this website - Chic and Unique Aisle Runners at the beginning of 2009. I just fell in love with the work of Beth Martin. She is a very talented lady.

All of her Aisle runners are painted and color matched to your swatches. So everything is totally custom made to each of her clients specs.

HandCrafted bridal items make such a wonderful addition to the weddings of the 2000's. Back in the 1900's (as if that was so long ago - ha ha ha.. Makes all sound old...) Customized wedding accessories were only for the rich, famous and very talented artist. But now - with the burst of popularity and the respect that Handmade works have been gaining, customized weddings are all the rage.

Having a customized wedding from the Aisle to the little lacy garter is totally within every brides reach now. The Aisle runners that Beth creates run a few hundred dollars to around $500 or more depending on the customization and details you choose to include on your runner.

You can have beautiful satin ribbon running up the sides of your aisle to match your wedding colors. and the Paint on the runner can be any color you like. Even lovely motifs such as the shell below can be created. Beth has an amazing talent when it comes to creating memorable works of art that can become family heirlooms.

I urge you to take a took at her website at the links below. There are so many different sample images to see and her wedding pictures section is wonderful. You can see many different photos of her Aisle in action. One of them even got transformed into a quilt for the new couples bed!! THAT is so awesome and such a treasured heirloom.

When you order your runner, you can have it say a special phrase like the one above. Or you can have it represent your Sir name. Just a simple initial surrounded by the docorative scrolls make a HUGE statement.

Perhaps you're going to Paris or are IN Paris... Then the tower would be a perfect embellishment to be added to your Aisle runner. I can't wait to see the wedding photos from this recent wedding. The newly weds only tied the knot bearly 1 weeks ago. How sweet!

And last the Wedding that hasn't taken place yet. The 2010 runner for the couple of the second decade of the 2000's. How exciting to bring in the new year with a brand new marriage of two souls in love. The mixing of the Scrolly font and the Times Roman type font in the runner below is lovely.

Please go and visit Beth's Website at the links below. You'll be glad you did :)

Website - http://www.chicuniqueinc.com

Wedding Photos

http://chicuniqueinc.com/page/1irpd/WEDDING_PHOTOS.html

Cool @Etsy made it big time!

2009-10-21T06:53:00.000-04:00

Interesting tidbit to report on...

Can you believe, Etsy made it to 1 MILLION followers on Twitter?! http://twitter.com/etsy

I would say - Handmade has finally got it due credit!

Woot - long live the custom made handcrafted artisans... weither they be on Etsy or anywhere on the web!! We rock!

Beautiful Painted Vases by Abby @make14me

2009-10-12T22:24:00.001-04:00

Make14Me! Amazing Wedding Vases!

Stress free decor... Lots of happy colors and shapes to make you feel relaxed as you gaze at the vase even without any flowers in it. Flowers usually are the focal point but with the Vases that Abby makes - you don't even need any flowers.

If Candles are more of your thing - you can even have her paint you a lovely candle holding vase as well. smaller ones like the round vase shown below are easy to put tealight candles in. Since the paint is semi-clear it makes a lovely glow of colors flickering as the candle burns.

Abby is from New York, NY. She is a city gal with lots of imagination and talent. Her heart is big as well. She's very generous with her works of art. I had the pleasure of coming to know about her lovely creations through the club that we are both a part of. http://club.wedding-luv.com She has posted a couple giveaways there already.

You can see her Wedding-luv page right at this link. http://club.wedding-luv.com/profile/Abby

I really love the colors she used in this vase below. Purple and then the blueish sea green color. It's gorgeous.

Did you know that there is a tradition that goes along with the wedding vase? I never knew about it before meeting Abby. Apparently about a week or two before the wedding day... the groom to be's parents make the Wedding Vase. Once the Vase has been made, the groom, along with his parents and all his relatives go to the bride's house. Then...

The brides parents and the grooms parents take turns giving the young couple advice to help them have a happy and successful marriage. After this, Holy Water is placed in the Wedding Vase and the Vase is turned around and given to the bride. She drinks from one side of the Vase, turns it round again and gives it to the groom who then drinks from the opposite side of the Vase. This ceremony unites them as one.

The couple will treasure the Vase throughout their married life. Should one of them out-live the other, the remaining person will give the Vase to a couple known to be living a happily married life. The Wedding Vase is treasured and protected always and it is never broken.

Isn't this a neat tradition to bring into your marriage?

Now even if you don't want to do the actual wedding vase tradition - who's to say that you can't have a beautiful custom painted vase? These vases make such a lovely gift for all kinds of occasions. give more than just flowers on your anniversary... make a special present for a birthday or how about the pretty heart vase above for Valentine's day. They are all so very unique - you really should check out Abby's website to see all the unique samples she has photos of.

Links to her website and her special's blog are below.

Website - http://make14me.com/

Blog - http://make14megives2u.blogspot.com/

HCC Guest Bloggers wanted - Apply within ;)

2009-10-06T23:17:00.001-04:00

Attention!

Do you have a passion for all Creations HandCrafted? Do you have a great respect and admiration for the artisans who display amazing talent? Do you have a way with words that makes people want to read more? Would you like to be an HCC Artisan blogger here at the HCC blog?

If you answered yes to all four questions above - then we would like to invite you to apply to be a guest blogger here at HCC.

Please fill out all areas of the form and then submit it only once.

http://www.hand-craftedcreations.com/z_hcc_blogger_form.html

WENDELL AUGUST FORGE - Hand-wrought metal art - Amazing craftsmanship!

2009-10-05T17:09:00.001-04:00

Wendell August Forge

America's oldest & largest forge. I am so glad that they submitted their site to be featured here at HCC. It was such a pleasure to peruse their handcrafted works of art! These hand-wrought ornamental collectibles are so amazing. The company first came to be in 1923 and has been creating handcrafted elegant gift ware from aluminum and other metals ever since.

There are so many themes and designs to choose from. I was overwhelmed with delight while browsing the Wendell August website. I had to save save save so many nice pictures to show you all. There is a whole section on biblical scripture decorations. Sections for babies, Autumn leaves and the other seasons. Look at how beautiful and detailed the designs are. I really love the autumn leaf motif above. It has the one leaf that is colored while the rest is in silver giving it a black and white feel. Then the Love bird plate, what a special wedding gift.

And Speaking of wedding gifts, there is a whole section for wedding, anniversary, and valentine themed collectibles. There are Monogrammed items. Monograms are so elegant and add that family heirloom aspect to the beautiful gift. They have hand-worked plates, bowls, coaster, Christmas ornaments and even bookmarks. Like I said the selection is huge. There was so much more I wanted to share with you but I figured 10 images was quite enough - you really need to get on over to the website see everything for yourself!

They even have personalized hand-wrought picture frames. The golden one can be inscribed for a wedding photo I'm sure. And the bottom one - it's so wonderful to keep the memorable graduation photo of your high school or college grad!

Besides having a great website they also have 4 stores where you can see these beauties in person! Locations are in Holmes County Ohio, Exton PA, the Grove City Prime Outlet Mall, and their Flagship Location in Grove City PA. Free workshop tours are available during production hours in both the Flagship Grove City location and Exton, PA location, and children can create their own work of metal art for a nominal materials fee of just $2.00 per child. Everything at Wendell August Forge is designed and handmade in the factory at the Grove City location. They pride themselves on being affordable, yet maintaining quality through their unique American roots.

If you're interested, you can read their full history at the link by clicking the image below. Their homepage is at the link below.

Website - http://www.wendellaugust.com

BLACK CURRANT JEWELRY by Irina Pertseva. Wrapped wires with exquisite stones & embellishments

2009-10-01T09:34:00.001-04:00

Black Currant Jewelry

Is the creation of Irina Pertseva. This Artist turned Jewelry Designer has been working on some new jewelry creations. Here are many of the lovely designs she featured over the summer. Irina has been a painter for most of her life. She is familiar with the way colors play off of each other. She applies this knowledge of color and composition to the design of each of her pieces.

Do you see all the swirls of wrapped wire. They are a lovely accent that frames the silver butterfly in the center.

Much of her work is eclectic ( composed of elements drawn from various sources) She has a talent to blend these different elements to create beautiful pieces of body art. Many of her works have an antique or Art Nouveau look as well.

I absolutely love this pendant below. The stone in the center of the design reminds me of an october evening sky, or the Harvest moon as we look through the trees. The embellishments of the dragon fly and butterfly make it whimsical. It is just stunning.

Irina often works from preliminary sketches to determine the best choice of design. She invents unique wire wrapping techniques for most of her pieces. This creates beautiful and wholly original works of art.

She is inspired by the beauty in nature. I can understand why. Nature has so much to offer. Look at the stones in this bracelet. I copied a close up for you to see the details. Isn't it gorgeous? all the cracks in the stones make them so full of personality. I would love to wear something special like this on my wrist!

Irina loves to work with stones to enhance their natural beauty using wire, charms and beads. The stone below has golden wires which is real nice. She loves creating unique designs to match each stones "one of a kind" appearance.

Her works have caught the attention of many and Irina even won first place in the "Fancy beads and Accessories" competition at her local bead store. She lives in Toronto, Canada and her works can be found in local shops like "Made You Look" You should check out her website. She has so many nice pieces. Available are necklaces, pendants, bracelets, earrings & rings.

If you enjoyed seeing these highlighted pieces - you really should go on over and browse her shop. Link is below :)

Website http://blackcurrantjewelry.etsy.com

MOMENTAL DESIGNS stationery and invitations for weddings and more

2009-09-22T16:49:00.001-04:00

MOMENTAL DESIGNS

Kristy Rice of Momental Designs is a very talented young woman. She is a "Storyteller of style" taking the personal tastes of each and every bride to mind. She creates works of art with paint, pen, & paper. Such attention to detail, she has an unmistakable sense of hand.

Look at these blue invitations and save the date cards. They are so beautiful. So professional looking. It just amazes me that God has given such talent to some people.   It is a blessing to be able to create works of art with one's own hand. Ever since Kristy was a child, she has been inspired the visual.  For her, art is not just something she does... but it's a lifestyle. She lives her art... From drawing floral designs on her sunroom walls... to Painting at the Zion National Park, it's all part of her.  Kristy found a place where she could contribute and really share her works of art... She is an artist-turned-stationery designer.

Look at the beautiful artwork that is on both of these sets. the pink flowrs with a modern feel and the beautiful stationery below.   I am so impressed with her work.

Some of the things that Kristy loves are... all shades of green furniture, her loyal companion (the hairless dog Harry), outrageous handbags and the hand-painted walls in her home.   These are all so different yet they are not surprising. Green is the mainstay of nature, so it seems appropriate for a floral artist to just love that color.   And a hairless dog named Harry? well that is just too cute... how can anyone not love him?   The outrageous handbags make a statement and what artist
doesn't like to make a statement?   Last the hand-painted walls... This has got to be one of the greatest personal benefits of her talent.   This is such and expensive thing to have done and when she can do it herself with such attention to detail it must be her pride and joy when she has guests come to visit.   As well as be her peace and quiet when she is alone and can just gaze at her painted walls.

Kristy has an extensive background which contributes to her distinctive stationery style. She's completed Penn State's innovative Art Education Program and been a visual merchandiser, along with an event planning. Kristy is a well rounded artist.

As they say

"Kristy’s stationery design captures and communicates the “Momental” moments that are fleeting, yet profound."

You must visit her website at the link below. There are more beautiful designs you will love to see. Feel free to follow her on Twitter
too.

Website http://www.momentaldesigns.com/

Twitter http://twitter.com/RiceInk

Author: Victoria Joanne Love~Your~Garter

This blog post was brought to you by CustomWeddingGarters - http://www.customweddinggarters.com/

VELVET CHOKERS for the sexy or dainty girl in you!

2009-09-22T15:45:00.001-04:00

VELVET CHOKERS

by: Lynn Julian

Lynn Julian, the artist at Velvet Chokers, specializes in heirloom quality "wearable works of art" TM. She creates chokers using velvet, organza, rhinestones, cameos, and Vintage pendants. All pieces are handcrafted and many are custom made. Lynn will gladly create custom chokers according to her clients specifications.

Velvet Chokers has been in business since 1998 so you know they have lots of experience when it comes to choking ;)

I really like the pretty blue velvet choker here. Victorian inspired cameos are very romantic. I think I would either wear the earrings alone or the choker alone. all of them together would be a bit too much for me. So I would switch things up - one day wear the choker with some simple blue earings. Then on another day wear the earrings with something simple on my neck. Very versitile. like it.

this choker below would be great for a gal who is into alternative fashion. She can freak people out with the eye that seems to stair at them from her neck ;) Definitly alternative.

This last choker is very sexy. I love the stone that is embellishing the black velvet band. It makes me think of a gothic victorian old fashion woman with long black hair, milk white skin, and red lips. Laying on milk white skin of a thin neck... this choker would be amazing.

You can check out all the fashions that are available by going to the website. Velvet Chokers has contests so be sure to see what they are giving away when you visit their site. If you like what they do - you can become a Velvet Chokers Fan at their page below too.

Website : http://VelvetChokers.com
Facebook : http://Facebook.com/VelvetChokers

Author: Victoria Joanne Love~Your~Garter

This website blog has been brought to you by Wedding-Luv

Please come on by and join the club - it's free! http://club.wedding-luv.com

PAINT PUDDLES - beautiful handpainted gifts! Great for the newlywed couple

2009-09-08T10:06:00.001-04:00

To My Blog About Teresa the Artist at Paint Puddles

Teresa is a very talented woman. She's been painting for about 15 years now and for the past 9 years has been a OSCI, ONESTROKE Certified Instructor. Teresa's been a student at painting seminars and classes,such as, Susan Kelly, Bob Ross, Donna Lee Parnella, Debbie Toews, just to mention a few. Out of these classes she's developed her own style of painting. All of her painting is done free hand. When needed patterns are sometimes used.

The paintings she creates make wonderful gift options. How about someone who is down and out... you can feed them their breakfast in bed on a little "Love bears all" platter. It's adorable and perfect for hanging on a childs wall when not in use.

Or maybe some custom painted salt & pepper shakers would be nice. These adorable shakers would make a fabulous wedding gift painted in what ever decor, colors and motiff the newly-weds will be having in threir home. The ones shown below are wonderful for your saint Patrick's Day festivities as well. I'm sure Teresa could custom paint any holiday theme that you would want, christmas, Thanks Giving, Valenties... you name it - I'm sure she can do it.

Then there are the glass and ceramic canisters - How brilliant the colors look. You could have matching canisters painted to match your salt & pepper shakers - Make a whole matching kitchen set! How cool is that?

Teresa has had her Paint Puddle designs in 3 local craft malls and high end gift shops. It's no wonder - her paintings are beautiful.

I would love to have a custom painted TV table - look at the one below. isn't that nice how the colors are so cheerful?

Teresa loves color and coming up with new designs. She gets her inspiration from every thing around her. The fall colors in upstate NY, where she resides are gorgeous. The winter snow is abundant and full of inspiration. The spring blossoms in so many colors tickle your eyes with their beauty. The the summer birds and bug's add fun and excitement to her inspiration. God's beauty in nature is one of the most wonderful muses - isn't it?

Last...this tray below - I have saved one of my favorites for last. I love the muted colors that Teresa used in this painted creation. It's so very elegant. The golden paint that embelishes the side edges is like the cherry on top. It finishes the work of art off perfectly.

If you like some of the samples I have shown you today - I encourage you to take a peek at Teresa shop. You may find something that's perfect for you.

Website - http://paintpuddles.etsy.com