-
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 hour into the first day of the show, testing the staying power of the artisans as well as the visitors who came out on this damp, drizzly day to see the creativity on display. A magnificent bird with wings outstretched, apparently unafraid of the rain, was stationed at the entrance to greet them all:
Carved Wood Eagle by NaturalWonders The ducks wearing raincoats and galoshes are a nice touch. Thank goodness there is one more day of the art show, Sunday May 22, with no rain in the forecast!
The wet weather created unintentional bonding between artisans and random members of the public who took shelter under their tents during the sudden downpour. I learned about an unusual new art form, how to create kitchen items like peppermills using colored pencils, pinecones, and tricolor pasta embedded in resin, from the folks in The Art of Pens booth:
Artisan Mark Dreyer explained that real colored pencils were used to make this peppermill: covered in resin and then turned on a lathe, carved and milled to make a unique pattern. This process can be used with pasta, pinecones and so many other materials! I never would have known about this unusual technique without taking shelter in this particular booth.
Amy Amdur, president of Amdur Productions, the show’s presenter, believes that interactions between artisans and the public can act as a boost to the creative process, particularly after the forced distancing we all had to endure during the pandemic. “For the most part, artists are alone in their studios while they work. Shows like this give artists a chance to get feedback,” she said. In a way, the pandemic acted as an incubation period of sorts. “Now there is so much art just flowing out,” Amdur said, pointing to the booths around her.
I go with the flow, winding up in a booth full of gorgeously colored glasswork, made by Sheila and Mitch Papaioannou of Medusa’s Stones.
Glass pendants by Medusa’s Stones. Photo: Robert Burton Why did they choose the name Medusa’s Stones? “My Greek husband called me Medusa because of my long curly hair,” Sheila Papaioannou tells me. She is the artisan responsible for the jewelry in the booth made from heated glass. And no, she did not just look at the items to turn them into stone, although that would certainly be a novel technique. “My husband Mitch does the coldworking, but I’m the pyro with the torch,” she explains. At the top of every hour during this show, Papaioannou will be giving demonstrations in her booth of how to do torchwork with glass.
K.M. Pottery
Handmade ceramics by K.M. Pottery. Photo: Robert Burton The fascinating lacy openwork pottery of K.M. Pottery is another clear standout of this show. These intriguing pots have names like Twisted Urchin and Green Hollow Nest. “After I throw the pot, I carve the openings, making them beveled on both sides,” said Kyle Pappalardo, owner of K.M. Pottery. Amazing that it doesn’t collapse in on itself! I have seen lacy 3D-printed pots, but never any made by hand.
Wizard of Woodworking
There are not one but two booths at this show specializing in handmade pens and pen sets: The Art of Pens and the Wizard of Woodworking. Both have a wide variety of pens that would make great gifts, especially in this season of graduation gifting.
American Eagle Pen by Wizard of Woodworking What a great gift for college grads starting their first real jobs. I especially like the handmade wooden presentation box that doubles as a pen stand!
My selections represent just a small fraction of the art on view at this impressive show. Northbrook Art in the Park continues through Sunday, May 22.
-
Amazing Recycled Yard Art
I used to work at Studio 817, an antique store where the owner had a delightful and eclectic assortment of yard art and whirligigs in front of his shop: pigs made from recycled oil tanks, gigantic chickens, even the odd dinosaur or two. These amusing sculptures were designed to attract the attention of passersby and lure people in. While I was there, the shop sold at least one of these lawn sculptures every day, so I know firsthand how popular these things are.
I have since discovered a whole genre of lawn sculptures made from recycled silverware, golf clubs, hammers, screwdrivers, bowling pins, you name it. I am impressed by the creativity: birds with elaborate plumage, goofy dogs and cats made from springs, hammers, and golf clubs, and even a moose on skis made entirely from reclaimed metal.
Spring is the perfect time to decorate your yard with lawn sculptures. Here are some of my favorites:
Recycled Metal Dog Art
Made by craftsman Jim Billmeyer, these dogs have a lot of personality. They would look great lounging on the porch or greeting your visitors out by the gate.
This dog just wants someone to play with him. He is holding a golf ball in his mouth and looking around expectantly. The glasses make him look a little like Mr. Peabody from the popular cartoon series.
See this Recycled Metal Dog Sculpture on Etsy Available from nbillmeyer on Etsy, this dog is made from golf clubs and scrap metal, and a is holding a real golf ball. What a genius gift for dog lovers and golfers alike!
I can’t resist including another dog sculpture that caught my eye, this one made from a hammer, metal rods, and ball bearings. He looks like he wants to shake.
See this Recycled Hammer Dog on Etsy Jim Billmeyer also makes amazing cats, fish, birds, and caterpillars from scrap metal and reclaimed materials. His work is very popular, so don’t wait too long to purchase anything on his Etsy site!
These sculptures from Gallagher Metalwork on Etsy are smaller but no less amazing:
Bird Family Silverware Art
See this Bird Family Art on Etsy Crafted by Gallagher Metalwork, these ingenious birds have plumage made from spoons, forks, and knives. Small and delightful, they would look great perched on a table or windowsill!
Metal Word Sculptures
Some metalsmiths make recycled lawn art featuring words and slogans spelled out with all sorts of reclaimed objects. This sign is an unusual version of a very popular word:
See this Industrial LOVE Sign on Etsy Made by MandMChico, this unique sign seems to suggest that love is manufactured or reclaimed, not homemade. The artisans of MandMChico can use this same approach to create any word that has meaning to people, such as “Peace”, “Home”, “Dad” etc. Because this company uses reclaimed materials, no two signs will be the same.
Bull Folk Art Sculpture
See this Bull Sculpture on Etsy It is amazing how a bull made from an axe head and horseshoes can remind me of Picasso! This bull is handmade by Ralph Possa of Gilroy, CA, a retired sheet metal worker who still loves to work with metal. This folk art sculpture would look great on a ranch or home with a Southwestern theme.
I have saved the wackiest piece for last, the aforementioned skiing moose. This moose demonstrates remarkable coordination and ability for his species:
Skiing Moose Metal Sculpture
See this Skiing Moose Metal Sculpture on modernartisans.com Wouldn’t this be a great sight, gliding down the slopes of your yard? This sculpture is made from reclaimed metal by Kentucky artisans and available on modernartisans.com.
With this post, we are doing our part to help you amaze your neighbors with your unique taste in yard art. And these pieces proclaim that you care about recycling too! We hope you have enjoyed this tour through the wacky world of recycled metal yard art.
-Louise Hunter Burton
-
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 is a tea mug, but it had all the features I was looking for. The mug is double-walled for extra insulation. I wasn’t sure how I would react to a mug without a handle, but so far, so good. Because it is double-walled, the outside doesn’t get too hot. The cover also helps to keep the beverage warm.
See this Kati Cup in Lotus pattern, from TeaForte.com It is also the perfect size, 12 oz. I simply can’t drink more than that at one sitting. Also, it is dishwasher and microwave-safe.
These mugs are available in many different colors and patterns. And… you can buy them as gift sets with coordinating assortments of teas!! I really want to give these as gifts to all my friends.
This mug isn’t handmade, but the lovely design and practical features make it ideal for what I need. During my search for coffee mugs, I discovered several standouts that I just have to include:
Best Mug for Gifting
For sheer beauty, you can’t go wrong with these handmade coffee mugs from the artisans of Lebid Ceramics on Etsy.
See this Ukraine Landscape Mug on Etsy.com The design symbolizes the blue sky and wheat fields of Ukraine. I have featured the work of this Ukrainian company before, because their designs are so stunning! These handmade mugs are dishwasher and microwave-safe, and available in 14oz. and 16oz. sizes.
Best Arts & Crafts Style Mug
This mug has been in my Favorites folder for a long time. I love the vibrant shade of orange-red paired with the pale green leaves!
see this California Poppy Mug on Etsy I am a huge admirer of the Arts & Crafts style, and this mug is such a great example. Made in the solar-powered studio of Cindy & James Searles of Occidental, CA.
Best Botanical-themed Mug
See this Lavender Mug on Etsy Two small sprigs of lavender are just right for a minimalist aesthetic. These mugs hold about 10-12 oz. and have a tendency to sell out, so get them while they are available! Made by Sachisunnycreation of Seattle, WA.
Since coffee is an obsession of mine, I will continue to discover more amazing coffee mugs and alert you to them in a future post!
-Louise Hunter Burton
-
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 gift for his Father’s Day celebration.
Start by thinking about your father’s interests, and making a list if necessary. You can use your list to search on the internet for possibilities. Here are some artisan-made gift ideas that may fit the bill!
Green Mountain Ceramic Mug
See this Green Mountain Mug on Etsy For dads who love hiking and the outdoors, as well as a great cup of joe, this Green Mountain Mug would make an appealing gift. Coffee and tea just seem to taste better when served in an artisan-crafted mug! Lebid Ceramics, an artisan shop located in Ukraine, has a beautiful collection of mountainscape coffee mugs in different color combinations. This particular mug is available in 13, 16, and 20 oz. sizes on the Lebid Ceramics Etsy store.
A purchase from this store is a great way to support talented Ukrainian artisans during the current war and unrest in Ukraine. Because the situation changes from day to day, it is a good idea to contact the company first before ordering, to make sure international shipping to your area is still possible.
Framed Motawi Tile: Frank Lloyd Wright
See this Framed Motawi Tile on Etsy Admirers of architecture and Frank Lloyd Wright will like this classic tile, based on a FLW design found in the Frank Thomas House. This 6-inch tile was made by the marvelous artisans of Motawi Tileworks, located in Ann Arbor, MI. The tile was hand-framed in walnut and quarter-sawn oak by woodworker Craig Henry, and is available on the Fountainhead Woods Etsy store. The overall size is 9″ square, perfect for your dad’s home office or den.
Tree of Life Print by Artist Jan Schmuckal
See this Giclee Fine Art Print on Etsy Artist Jan Schmuckal of Geneva, IL paints radiant landscapes and nature scenes using a mix of two traditional painting techniques – Impressionism and Tonalism. This tree has a presence and unearthly beauty that is characteristic of her stunning landscape paintings. The giclee fine art print is available on the Etsy store Gallery 28. If your dad loves trees, nature, and walking in the woods, there is likely an amazing gift for him waiting on this site.
Celtic Knot Tiles by Earthen Craft Pottery
See these Celtic Knot Tiles from Earthen Craft Pottery My husband and I discovered these amazing Celtic tiles with intricate knotwork designs at Milwaukee Irish Fest a few years ago. Available in several color combinations, these Celtic Knot Tiles are handmade by the artisans of Earthen Craft Pottery, a small pottery shop in Lansing, MI. These 6-inch tiles are perfect as extra-large coasters or trivets. Earthen Craft also sells framed tiles and wall plaques with a Celtic theme.
Ginkgo Smartphone Stand
See this Ginkgo Leaf Smartphone Stand on Etsy Amazing how just a few leaves, lines, and artfully placed squares can make such a design impact. The clean lines of the Arts and Crafts style make this smartphone stand a real standout. A great desk accessory for the home office, this stand is available in several types of hardwoods from CS Design Inc. on Etsy.
I hope you discover something your dad might enjoy on this post, or in the artisan shops I have linked to! Etsy is a particularly good place to shop for gifts, presenting some of the most amazing artisan goods the world has to offer.
-Louise Hunter Burton
-
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
Over the weekend I made a delightful discovery: the Coquelicot Gallery & Cafe in Palatine! Located on Euclid Ave., this gallery may rank as one of the great hidden secrets of the area.
Coquelicot serves gourmet food, desserts, and a selection of organic coffees and teas. Visitors can enjoy their coffee and macarons surrounded by fine artisan decor and paintings. In fact, just walking in the door is like being transported to a chic artisan gallery located in River North or Lincoln Park.
“We love the artisan hubs you can find in the city,” Nana Takahashi said. Along with her mother, jewelry designer Hisami, she is co-owner of Coquelicot. “I wanted that kind of experience in the suburbs – to create a space that is a cultural oasis or getaway, where people can come to explore without having to go that far,” she said.
Hisami and Nana Takahashi of Coquelicot Gallery & Cafe Lounging at a table, enjoying a cup of Coquelicot’s pour-over coffee, I savored the feeling of stepping out of the ordinary. From my table, I could see trays and baskets full of handmade jewelry as well as ceramic art objects, vases, and artfully draped scarves.
For years, jewelry designer Hisami Takahashi and her daughter Nana had their own home-based jewelry studio. “I have made jewelry for many years, starting when I was four years old,” Hisami said. The two were inspired to take the homegrown studio to the next level after visiting other boutiques, cafes, and art galleries during their travels.
“We wanted a place to call our own, a space where people could come and see our work,” Nana said. The mother-daughter team opened Coquelicot Gallery & Cafe on Valentine’s Day, 2018.
Coquelicot is the name of an orange-red color, often seen in the works of Monet and other impressionists. “I wanted the name of the gallery to focus on color in art,” Nana explained. Together, they have created a gallery cafe where visitors can shop for exquisite natural stone jewelry, as well as home decor and paintings sourced from artisans around the world.
It is a space where every time you turn around, there is something delightful waiting to be discovered. I found this intriguing sea creature perching on a shelf:
Resembling a cross between a sea urchin and a small dessert cake, this fanciful sculpture was made by artist Sikiu Perez, who draws inspiration from the undersea creatures that populate coral reefs. Similar colorful ceramic creatures of indeterminate species dot the walls of Coquelicot, showing that these small sculptures can also be used as wall decor.
“I’m such a sucker for small ceramic art,” Nana told me. I spotted a couple of small ceramic dinosaurs with bemused expressions on a high glass shelf nearby.
And to the right, a couple of white ceramic foxes:
I would recognize those faces anywhere. Nana confirmed that they are indeed the ceramic animals of Barruntando Ceramics in Spain.
What a coincidence! I have been wanting to feature the animal figurines of Barruntando on this blog for a while now. I love their Etsy shop, and never dreamed I would find these charming ceramics at an area gallery!
Thamon Wallets & Portfolios
Nana draws my attention to a small wallet that looks like it is made from leather. In fact, the case is made out of rainforest leaves, treated with an environmentally friendly polymer. These elegant cases and portfolios, made in England by Thamon, still retain the outlines and vein patterns of the leaves they are made from:
The leaves are specially treated to make them more durable. “After use, the wallets get softer and more weathered looking,” Nana explained.
Selling items made of eco-friendly materials is important to the mother-daughter team of Coquelicot, as is animal welfare. “We don’t use leather here,” Nana said.
A selection of artisan jewelry, decor, and eco-accessories is available at the Coquelicot Online Shop. Coquelicot also offers jewelry-making classes for individuals and groups.
Coquelicot Gallery is located at 4880 Euclid Ave., Palatine, IL 60067.
-
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 whose work defies categorization?
Attempting to unlock some of these treasures, I searched using some less-specific search terms, such as the names of common shapes.
Searching under “squiggle,” I found some creative modern vases:
Short Squiggle Vase by SpecklGoods
See these Short Squiggle Vases on Etsy These fun vases are made from pastel-colored concrete terrazzo by SpecklGoods of Grand Rapids, MI. This company also makes candleholders, flowerpots and other decor items. I especially love their catch-all trays in pastel colors! They remind me of the Sweetarts candies I used to eat as a kid:
See these Catch-all Trays by SpecklGoods on Etsy Further down in the “squiggle” search results, a 3D-printed Squiggle Lamp stood out. I have been planning to feature some of the fabulous 3D-printed home decor products available on Etsy, and this lamp is a great example:
MILA Table Lamp by Honey & Ivy
See this Squiggle Lamp on Etsy 3D printing has really come a long way. This MILA table lamp was designed and 3D-printed by Honey & Ivy in Portland, OR. In the product description, I was glad to read that this company uses non-toxic, bio based thermoplastic that is 100% bio-degradable.
Because a friend of mine likes spiral-shaped decorations, I typed the word “spiral” into the search bar. The results included lots of spiral-shaped pendants and earrings, spiral-ring notebooks, etc., but also this very unusual artwork:
Spiral Soundwave Art Print
See this Spiral Soundwave Print There really is no way I would have known to search directly for this product. I didn’t even know that soundwave art existed!
Rindle Waves of Houston, TX can take any song or voice recording and render the sound waves into visible form. They create custom works of art from the sound waves, making a delightful custom gift for music lovers!
A portion of every Rindle Waves purchase is donated to help with autism education and assistance through Ausome & Able.
Get Etsy to fill in the blank
Searching for some unusual products related to the desert Southwest, I typed in the phrase “cactus shaped“, hoping Etsy would fill in the blank as to the type of item and reveal some fabulous finds.
Of course, the search results included a lot of cactus-shaped planters, candles, and necklaces, but I feel like I hit pay dirt with this lantern:
Cactus Shaped Mason Jar Light
See this Cactus Mason Jar Lantern on Etsy Who even knew that cactus-shaped Mason jars exist? This Cactus Jar Lantern is sold by a shop in Las Vegas called Tipsy Umbrella.
Other fun search term options:
You could even play a word-association game and try inputting random words to see what products pop up. I hope this post has inspired you to get creative with your search terms on Etsy!
-Louise Hunter Burton
-
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 in the mail today, and I just had to share!
Made from kimono fabric by the Etsy shop Sew Kimono, this bag is a small work of art. I love the artfully placed fan image on the velcro tab that closes the purse. And it has POCKETS! The painted wood beads really complement the patterned Japanese fabric and take the whole purse to another level. Will this bag be too beautiful to actually use? That happens sometimes… I need more events on my calendar that are worthy of a purse like this!
There are more patterns available at Sew Kimono that are just as beautiful as this one, and I want to give them all as gifts to my friends, to share the kimono love.
Italy, here I come!
My husband and I will be cruising the Mediterranean in October, departing from Civitavecchia, the port that is closest to Rome. I plan to bring this handbag and look like a stylish, sophisticated woman for our Roman adventure:
I’ve never carried anything as blingy as this bag, with its hammered brass rivet accents. This was a splurge purchase from the only Sundance store in Illinois, conveniently located near me in Deer Park, IL! Handmade by Campomaggi of Italy, the Sunset Stripes Mini Bag is still available on the Sundance Catalog website.
I admire the artisan jewelry and apparel of the Sundance Catalog, started in 1969 by Robert Redford. Since the Deer Park store is the only Sundance location in Illinois, I just have to patronize it, right?? Boy have I ever.
Here is another Sundance bag in my collection:
McFadin Crossbody Bag
I know what you are thinking: Stop already!! I am clearly developing a purse habit, and it is harmful to the pocketbook. Wanting to support local stores that sell artisan goods could become a habit. But in my defense, I have been looking for the perfect Southwestern bag for a long time now. This one is handmade by Stacy & Laurie McFadin of Texas. See it at the Sundance Catalog online: Hettie Wool Crossbody by McFadin
Here is a little something from my Etsy wish list. I love how the woven rug fabric is paried with a tooled leather Aztec panel on the top, and the photo itself is pretty arresting:
Tooled Leather Cowgirl Purse
See this Southwestern Purse on Etsy I suppose that carrying a cowgirl purse wouldn’t look quite right here in the Chicago suburbs, but it’s a beauty nonetheless! There are lots of similar Southwestern bags to feast your eyes on, available at HauteSouthernHyde on Etsy.
-Louise Hunter Burton
-
Browsing the One of a Kind Show: Highlights
The One of a Kind Spring Show is this weekend at the The Mart in Chicago. I always look forward to attending this show, one of the premier artisan events in the city. From out of the hubbub surrounding the well-attended booths on the 7th floor, the following artisans stood out to me:
Selma Karaca Atelier
I previewed the intriguing sewed-panel dresses of Selma Karaca online before coming to the show, but I was unprepared for the garlands of hand-crocheted floral necklaces and lariats that greeted me at her booth:
“These were my Covid meditation,” Selma told me. She took up crochet during the pandemic, producing garlands of flowers not according to any pre-determined design, but creating whatever flower or berry struck her fancy as she went along.
“My hands always have to be doing something,” she explained, gesturing at needlepoint flower necklaces hanging on a screen and blouses sewn with artfully placed strips of fabric.
We are the lucky recipients of her need to create: unique paneled dresses, needlepoint, crochet. Selma is a sculptor and painter from Turkey who moved to New York in 1999 to start her own clothing line.
Selma recognizes that her needlepoint necklaces are a rarity. “No one does this work anymore,” she says, fingering a needlepointed lily hanging from a garland.
Yet another reason to visit a show like this, to see fabulous needlework that is on the verge of disappearing.
Jewelry by Aris
The golden glow of the jewelry in this booth drew me in. Is it gold vermeil, I wondered (gold layered on top of sterling silver)? The bold, geomeric necklaces and cuffs created By Aris have that type of frosted, slightly matte appearance, that unmistakable glow:
“No, it is heavy gold plate, using 18k gold,” Elena, the sales director, said when I asked. To me, the surfaces looked like they had been hammered with the world’s tiniest hammer, producing a uniformly pebbled finish.
Aris, the jewelry designer, explained, “The base metal is bronze. It is then sand-blasted to get the matte finish.” After the pieces are gold-plated, they resemble ancient artifacts, but the designs themselves are contemporary. Aris is a jewelry designer from Athens, Greece. His work is inspired by Greek culture and the female form, combining structural and cultural elements of antiquity with the elegance and modernism of the present.
Name the Aris Necklace
“We are trying to name this necklace. Do you have any ideas?” Elena asked me. She was wearing the necklace in question, which looked to me like golden logs scattered in a fireplace.
“Golden Ember Necklace”? That would be my vote.
Lilian Asterfield Wearable Art
Nicole Deponte transforms men’s neckties into intricately folded ascots and brooches that command your attention. She takes an item of traditional menswear that we are accustomed to seeing worn one way, and makes it into unique sculptural apparel, something that people of any gender can wear.
Nicole is a sculptor and collage artist based in Providence, R.I. “I found myself drawn to dapper suiting material and tweed, that dapper look associated with Gentleman Jack in the [HBO] drama series,” Nicole said when I asked her why she chose neckties as her medium. She was inspired by two bags full of vintage neckties in her studio to begin experimenting. “I enjoy mixing different prints and playing with people’s perceptions of what colors go together,” she says.
M.C. Escher Ascot
I noticed an ascot with an M.C. Escher print and pulled it out; what an attention-grabbing piece!
Imagine this ascot worn with a tuxedo as formal wear, or even with a simple black dress. Lilian Asterfield also makes belts, reminiscent of Japanese obis or formal cummerbunds:
Now this I would also like to see worn with a tuxedo or little black dress.
Nicole chose the name “Lilian Asterfield” for her shop because it was her grandfather’s nickname for her mother as a little girl. Nicole describes Lilian Asterfield as a “feisty, free spirited Modern Victorian specializing in the dramatic and avoiding the ordinary.”
My selections represent just a small fraction of the more than 300 artisans exhibiting at the One of a Kind Spring Show, which runs through Sunday, May 1 at The Mart in Chicago.
-
Artisan Gifts for Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is May 8, and it’s officially time to get serious about finding your mother a gift. Etsy is overflowing with beautiful artisan gifts to choose from. In fact, there are so many possibilities that we have narrowed it down for you!
You are planning to give your mother a bouquet of flowers on her special day, right? Why not present the bouquet in a gorgeous artisan vase like this one by artisan Jon Price:
Periwinkle Blue Crystalline Glaze Vase
See this Crystalline Glaze Vase on Etsy Crystalline glaze vases have actual crystals embedded in the glaze, which grow when the vase is fired to a very high temperature. This glaze is somewhat unpredictable in nature, and very difficult to do successfully. Artisan Jon Price of California has specialized in crystalline glazes for many years and his work is incredibly beautiful.
The surface of this gorgeous vase is covered in stunning, luminous crystalline blooms. As a gift, it will inspire many oohs and aahs! This work of art is just one of many gorgeous vases in different color combinations available from this company.
Six Shades of Purple Beaded Scarf
See this Beaded Scarf on Etsy Is it a necklace? Is it a scarf? These beaded scarves are so unusual and I love how they drape! Made by artisan Kathy Mattes of San Francisco, these scarves are similar to chain mail, but much lighter. I have seen a lot of scarf necklaces that are overwhelmingly fringey, but this one is much simpler, and to me, more appealing. Imagine the work that goes into making each one!
The Geranium Collection Earrings
See these Polymer Clay Earrings on Etsy I have wanted to feature the polymer clay earrings of Naaz Design Co. ever since I discovered this sophisticated handmade earring brand a couple of years ago. There are literally thousands of polymer clay earrings available on Etsy, but what sets this company apart is their gorgeous marbled paint effects. Artisan Farah Brigante has created many different earring collections in all colors of the rainbow, but the Geranium Collection’s combination of lavender, copper, and white gets my vote.
Woodland Animal Pottery Mug
See this Botanic2Ceramic Mug on Etsy If your mother loves animals and the natural world, this fascinating coffee mug might be just the right find. I have wanted to feature Botanic2Ceramic’s amazing pieces for a long time: plates, bowls, planters, and ornaments with a nature theme. This mug contains some delightful surprises: animals are hidden in the gorgeous detailed foliage. There are even critters on the bottom of the mug!
Tip: If you can’t find the right Mother’s Day card among the mass-produced options in the stores near you, try Etsy’s remarkable selection of handmade cards!
I hope these thoughtfully chosen gift ideas have convinced you that handmade artisan crafts are the way to go on Mother’s Day. There is likely something that would appeal to every mother available on Etsy. And it is so fun to search for the perfect artisan gift!
-
Korean television hooked me on these stunning lanterns
One of the unexpected things I have discovered during the pandemic: the addictive dramas of Korean television! Thanks to Netflix, my husband and I have watched shows like My Sassy Girl, Her Private Life and Forecasting Love and Weather. I am rapidly becoming hooked on these dramas and their fascinating, sometimes quirky characters.
The breakout success of the Squid Game in 2021 really brought Korean television to the world’s attention, but I tend to prefer historical costume dramas like My Sassy Girl, for the sumptuous costumes and other fascinating glimpses into Korean culture.
Everywhere I go in the real world, to craft shows and art exhibits in the Chicago area, it seems that I encounter Japanese and Chinese art, and very rarely anything Korean. Why is that?
So I was very interested to see the interiors of some of the traditional houses and palaces in these shows. I particularly love the carved wood lanterns that illuminate the interiors of My Sassy Girl:
The stars of My Sassy Girl, from Insight Malaysia Facebook Page Searching on Etsy for “Korean wood lantern” revealed several beautiful examples. These lanterns would work really well in my own home decor, which tends toward Mission Style, and would also complement minimalist modern decor:
See this Korean Lantern on Etsy Imagine two of these tall lanterns on either side of a fireplace or entertainment console! I can also imagine them complementing the decor in a Frank Lloyd Wright home. FLW was famously influened by Asian design, and the source for his inspiration is really apparent in Asian decor like these lanterns. They are handmade from paulownia and pine wood and sold by Wooju Corporation of South Korea.
Here is a smaller example from the same company. I love the colorful paintings and the carved ginkgo leaf in the top!
See this Small Korean Lantern on Etsy It is even possible to build your own Korean lantern, using a DIY kit like this one available on eBay:
See this Korean Lantern DIY Kit on eBay The kit comes with wood panels, painted acrylic sheets, a hanger, and a LED candle.
My husband may be focused on the characters and story lines of these Korean dramas, but I am busy admiring the art, costumes, and home decor. To each his (or her) own, right??
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt USD-2087556237 ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Design Hunter's Journal 
