Category: handmade
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Huichol artisans of Mexico take beaded jewelry to the next level
I recently saw some floral earrings on Etsy in the Huichol style, and was intrigued by this Mexican folk art and wanted to know more. But I wasn’t preapared for what I would discover in a keyword search for Huichol jewelry: a profusion of multicolored, lavish beadwork, great blooming flowers, stunning imagery. Collars and bracelets…
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The Perfect Finishing Touch: Handmade Silver Charms from Ayla’s Originals on Etsy
For the past 26 years, Ayla’s Originals has been the go-to bead shop in Evanston IL, filled with quality beads, charms, and findings. I always know I will find natural stone beads and supplies of the highest quality when I shop there! Ayla and Joe Pizzo are amazing resources, and I can ask them any…
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The 5 Steps of Any Creative Project
It recently dawned on me that there is a pattern to my behavior as a creative entrepreneur. Whenever I am making jewelry or engaged in any other creative work, I tend to go through five distinct steps: The 5 Steps of Any Creative Project Get an idea for a creative project. Work like mad to…
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Northbrook Art in the Park: Highlights
The weather in the Midwest is famously capricious, making any kind of outdoor show a gamble of sorts. There were plenty of gamblers present at the first day of Northbrook Art in the Park, a juried art show featuring more than 80 artisans on the Northbrook Village Green, May 21-22. The rain started about an…
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Best Coffee Mugs, Part I
I just purchased a Kati Cup made by Tea Forte for my morning coffee and I couldn’t be more pleased. The beautiful lotus flower image on a background of celadon green is a treat to see every morning. And, unlike my taller thermos mug, it fits nicely under my Keurig coffee maker spout! Technically this…
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For Father’s Day, give your Dad a high-quality, artisan-made gift
What do you give the man who has everything? This age-old question has stumped many, but I have always relished the challenge of finding just the right gift for those who are hard to shop for. Your father may insist he has everything he needs, but there are still ways of finding just the right…
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Top Artisan Galleries in the Suburbs: Coquelicot Gallery & Cafe
My husband and I moved to the Northwest suburbs of Chicago almost a year ago, and we are still exploring the area, searching out the local artisans, galleries, and art shows that look promising. With this post, I am launching a series about the best artisan galleries of the Northwest suburbs. Coquelicot Gallery & Cafe…
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Creative Search Terms Yield Etsy Surprises: Squiggle Vases, Cactus Lanterns, and Sound Wave Art
There are millions of products available on Etsy, and the primary method for finding what you are looking for is by typing descriptive terms into the search bar. This naturally gives preference to items that are easy to describe and categorize. But what about the flights of fancy that are dreamed up by creative artisans…
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New Crossbody, New Handbag, New Outlook for Spring
Nothing improves my outlook like a new purse or handbag. I feel refreshed and ready to go places. Take a look at the inspiring artisan bags I recently found on Etsy and the Sundance Catalog. These handmade purses are perfect for spring and summer occasions and just right for gifting. This Japanese-style smartphone purse arrived…