A Handmade Spring: The Spring Scarf

Those who know me, know I'm not terribly trendy. Mildly style conscious, yes. Trendy, no. But do correct me if I'm wrong....I think there is a spring scarf trend this year and I think it's fabulous. What a great way to spice up a simple knit tee and jeans. And they also make lovely gifts for the fashion conscious among us, as well as those with timeless style. There's something for everyone.

First up is a "ruffle scarf." If you crochet, let me know, I have a great pattern for this one. I've made more than my fair share this past Christmas and just love it (I'm entertaining taking custom orders if you're interested). Some use a heavier yarn like this one by beautiful bridget on Etsy. But there are so many yummy lightweight cashmere, silk and even bamboo yarns out there, that I could see this one all year long. Love. Love. Love. it.

girly girl by beautifulbridget

rose lariat by gsakowskidesigns

citrine silkscreen by toybreaker

raw silk wrap by bonzie

queen anne's lace by redprairiepress

A Handmade Spring: Paper Expressions

Spring and early summer are definitely wedding season and I know there are plenty of you out there with weddings on the calendar or your own anniversaries to celebrate. (Okay, so fall is popular, too, so just bookmark this and come back then : ) But I can't resist sharing a few sweet "paper expressions" from Etsy.

Most of these items or sellers can be found in my favorites on Etsy, which by the way, is a great way to find new shops. Etsy can be quite overwhelming for those of you venturing out there for the first few times. So many artists and so much to see. So sometimes I just find a shop or seller that I like and click on their Favorites (in the righthand side bar on their shop page) and see what they like. It's great fun!

I have a soft spot for this first one since my father-in-law custom ordered our rehearsal dinner/groom's cake is this same theme.

4-Ever Print by SilhouetteBlue

Also a stationery set.

The Way I Am by colorflystudio

Draw Your Own Heart by hijirik

Live What You Love by hijirik

A Handmade Spring: Children's Art

I shared a few ideas about children's artwork here during our Handmade Christmas series. Plenty of those ideas would make great Mother's Day and Father's Day gifts this time of year as well. We touched on framing artwork brought home from school (which I still love), but what about creating some of your own?

Grab a blank canvas, some finger paints, and let the little ones go to town! Or if you're looking for something more structured, check this out. With a blank stretched canvas and one color of acrylic paint, let the kids cover the canvas entirely (no doubt, themselves in the process, but what are baths for?) While the paint is still wet, grab those little hands or feet for a quick imprint. I love the simple statement and possibilities with this. A series, one for each family member, one for each child....go have fun!

And to make this project even more special, Amy shared this poem with me....

Sometimes you get discouraged

because I am so small

And leave my little fingerprints

On furniture and walls.

But everyday I'm growing

And soon will be so tall

That all these little fingerprints

Will be difficult to recall.

So here's a little handprint

That you can put away

So you will know how my fingers looked

On this special day.

A Handmade Spring: Fostering Creativity

Do you have someone you know who treasures the lost art of letter writing? Or someone who loves all things preppy and monograms her sheets, towels, stemware, you name it? How about that person who loves decorating to make her house feel like a home?

Fostering Creativity specializes in handmade stationery, custom floral arrangements, home decor items, and even photobooks - perfect for upcoming birthdays, graduations, and weddings.

I, personally, can't get enough of Amy's newest stationery designs. And one can never have too many notecards. She has everything from classic and timeless to preppy and pink. And monogramming them gives them that extra something special.

Rustic Spring

Onyx Damask Collection

Simply Green Collection

More than just stationery, Amy's "passion for paper" extends to invitations, announcements, and cards for any occasion like this one for Mother's Day.

Another great idea for this time of year are Amy's photobooks. They are a great answer for those who want to scrapbook, but never find the time. Amy can put together a beautiful book to commemorate a birthday, wedding or anniversary, or even baby brag books. Find some samples here.

And last but not least, find a beautiful custom floral arrangement for Mother's Day, housewarmings or birthdays. If after the previous post, you still don't feel comfortable making your own, Amy can help you by creating something to fit perfectly in any decor.

A Handmade Spring: Floral Arrangements

This is one of my favorite handmade gift ideas. Any excuse to roam the silk floral aisles of Michael's, AC Moore, or Old Time Pottery is fine by me. But don't let them intimidate you. I try to keep it simple and focus on three things.

1. Color - Choose a dominant color and one or two accent colors. Keep it simple.

2. Size - Think about the finished size of the arrangement and choose flowers accordingly. I also like to choose a variety of sizes using smaller flowers and different shapes as accents.

3. Texture - Choose silk grasses, wheat stalks, and "fuzzy" stems to add texture, depth, and interest.

Oh, and don't be afraid to walk up and down the aisles several times, pulling out stems and trying out different combinations right there in the store. It's okay to play : )

Here are a few arrangements I've made as gifts and for our own house. Without assuming my style is your style, hopefully they will give you some ideas for your own gifts. But of course, if you're still intimidated, check out Fostering Creativity and have Amy make one for you! I have two of hers in my house, too!

I made this one for my MIL's birthday last year. Sorry for the busy background. I chose cranberry with sage and yellow accents- a classic combination. The magnolias are the large focal point flower with smaller hydrangeas for variety and all those "fuzzy" stems for accent color and texture.

Here is a potted arrangement I made for our kitchen. I chose all foliage and greenery for this one, but varied the size and variety, brought in accent colors with the striations on the leaves, the purple stems, and the small green flowers.

Here it is on top of the fridge.


And here is one in our bathroom. I wanted a green tonal look for this room as an accent to the navy, white, and slate blue in the rest of the room. The tall green "cone shaped" flowers are the focal point with the cat tails adding texture and the round flowers added a contrasting shape and another shade of green.

One last tip to save on cost is to use the premade "floral bunches" they sell in the store. You will need to cut everything apart when you get home so it doesn't look so fake, but use the bunches to your advantage. They can save you money and give you a dominant flower with several accent stems. In the first arrangement for my MIL, the magnolias and some of the fuzzy stems and grasses were purchased separately, but the hydrangeas, leaves, the fern like stems, and the pale greenish yellow clusters all came on the same bunch. I just cut it apart and mixed it together with the other stems.

A Handmade Spring: Stone Lotus Pottery

Because I know you were all disappointed when the Handmade Christmas series ended, we're back with a few ideas for your spring shopping. Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduations, birthdays, and weddings are all great opportunities to think about handmade gifts.

Gift giving is definitely an art and a subtle one at that. Gifts are always appreciated and should not be expected, but I think it's safe to say we all know the feeling of opening a gift and immediately realizing it was last minute or rushed without much thought. We are still grateful because a gift is a gift and it is the spirit and the intent we should recognize, but couldn't we make it that much better? Take the time to think about the important people in your life. If you know them, is it that hard to think about their interests and taste?

Here's one example: I have a friend who treasures warm baths, a good cup of tea, scented candles, all things cranberry and pumpkin, is in to running and exercise, classic jewelry with a twist, and appreciates a well made designer handbag. Would I send her gardening items or vintage dinnerware just because I liked them? Probably not. But if I found a heavenly scented pumpkin sugar scrub or a cool turquoise and silver necklace, definitely.

In the spirit of finding just the right gifts to tell people how much you care about them, we're hoping this series will introduce you to some new ideas (and of course, remind you of a few you've seen before : )

Of course, Stone Lotus Pottery, is a great place to start. And it's not just us saying that...we introduced lots of new spring colors and designs and all of you like them just as much as we do! Pottery can make a wonderful gift, be it wedding, birthday, Mother's Day. Deviled egg plates and other serving pieces can make your Easter table that much more beautiful. And our jewelry may be just the right gift for that eclectic, artsy friend of yours! We have a wide range of pieces from large platters and bowls to the perfect "little something" like a pair of earrings or a spoon rest for your favorite cook. Shop now and check back often, we are always introducing new pieces.

Here are few items available in the shop now...

Orbit Necklace

Medium Kiwi Green Bowl

Large Red Deviled Egg Plate (you all loved our small ones for Easter!)

Blue Rutile Teardrop Earrings

Look forward to new jewelry designs in the coming weeks as well as more spring arrivals. Mom is busy working with new glazes and designs and we hope you all are as excited as we are!