Hiatus

Hello!

After three solid years of non-stop action, I Love Handmade is unfortunately having to take a break. My Dig The Earth workload has increased dramatically (yay!), but the flip side of that means it has become harder to dedicate time to research and blog every day.

A huge thank you to readers old and new for following, commenting, sponsoring and submitting work for inclusion, it really has kept I Love Handmade going.

Hopefully I'll be back soon, fully refreshed with loads more handmade loveliness to show you. Until then…

:)

Thank you!

Kev

Hand Printed Necktie by Strand Redesign

This is a OOAK necktie, and is sold numbered. It's hand printed onto reused cotton fabric. Black typography print on white fabric. Part hand sewn, part machine sewn. Each necktie is made to order and completely unique. Length: approx. 154 cm. Width: 7 cm.

Visit Strand Redesign

Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Apron by Gillian Kyle @ Fab UK

Whether you’re a Nigella, a Jamie or an Ottolenghi fan, you need this Tunnocks Caramel Wafer Apron for your battles in the kitchen. Everyone knows it’s best to side with a Scot. Contrary to popular belief, Tunnocks is not the only confectionery available in Scotland. However it might as well be: school children are treated with teacakes and wafers at lunch and every good Scot knows the heavenly pleasure of dipping a Tunnocks Caramel Wafer in a cuppa. Dream. So don that apron, chase down a haggis (if you think they've got legs you've got problems) and do it the Scottish way. Another fantastic product from Gillian Kyle. 100% organic, unbleached premium cotton.

Visit Gillian Kyle @ Fab

This apron is available at a very special price over on Fab UK for the next few days. Fab is a global sale site with lots of brand new offers every day. If you've not heard of Fab and want a chance to bag some fantastic designer bargains, just click here and join today! You'll also get a £5 gift to put towards your first purchase! Enjoy!

Turmoil by Toula Mikoniati

A fabulous piece full of movement and texture. Inspired by the beautiful colors of the Mediterranean. Gallery stretched canvas painted in high quality acrylics. Size: 16" x 24".

Visit Toula Mikoniati

Bird by Splinter Designs

Designed and hand crafted in the UK by Jacob Pugh, this beautiful ornamental bird is available in English Sycamore or Black Walnut and finished in a range of colours. 74mm x 135mm x 40mm. Love it!

Visit Splinter Designs

Scottish Hero T-Shirt by Ole Originals

I love the humour in this limited edition argyle print t-shirt from Ole Originals, a pattern usually associated these days with golf wear or socks. This argyle design would surely make any Scot glow with pride. Feel free to wear with a kilt! This limited edition shirt has a soft vintage feel and is made from the highest quality fabrics available.

Visit Ole Originals

Having A Nap – Original Hand Printed Linocut by Trotting Jack Press

The little Jack Russell is having a nap in the warm sunshine. I hope he's having a lovely dream! An original 5-colour lino print, hand printed by Trotting Jack Press in England. Oil-based ink on 175g soft white English printmaking paper. Paper size 14.6cm x 19cm. Signed by the artist.

Visit Trotting Jack Press

Oak Hen Egg Cup by Hop & Peck

Bring an added smile to breakfast time with this fantastic sustainable Oak Hen Egg Cup. Hen is the classic Egg Cup in Hop & Peck's range and will make your morning eggs a true delight. Hen has been designed to stand when not in use and will sit sweetly on any kitchen dresser. A lovely gift for all Hen lovers which can be enjoyed all year round. Beautifully presented in a cotton drawstring bag for safe keeping. Size approx: W8.5cm x H9cm x D2.4cm.

Visit Hop & Peck

Thoughtful by smiling robyn

This is a small archival print made from an original series of paintings of individuals with their eyes closed. The intent of the series is to reverse the subject and viewer experience. In this case the subject (art) is purposefully not looking back at the viewer. Many many portraits are needed to create the effect so the project is still growing. However, the paintings make beautiful prints and so are being offered for sale. This image is 4 x 4.5 inches with a 1/2 inch border. It is printed on high quality fine art paper using archival inks. Signed and dated by the artist.

Visit smiling robyn

CMYK Mug by ONE MUG A DAY

For print lovers everywhere! Bright CMYK combinations surround this mug from  ONE MUG A DAY. The ONE MUG A DAY project is a cure for creation crave.​ Each day one new  mug design is added to the store, creating an unique collection. ​​All of the mugs are 330ml, white and printed with dye-sublimation technology.​ Colours are scratch-proof and mugs can be placed in the dishwasher. I love the idea, and am sure that it's one store that will reward you with regular visits!

Visit One Mug A Day

Spear-Headed Suffolk Latch by Lucy Sandys-Clarke

From the old Smithy in the Dales village of Dent, near Sedbergh in Cumbria, UK, Lucy produces hand-made pieces of bespoke ironwork using an open coke fire, and the tools and techniques employed by generations of blacksmiths. This fantastic traditional Suffolk latch set caught my eye, it comprises the handle with thumb-piece, latch-bar, keeper and staple. Available in a standard waxed finish for inside use or unwaxed (upon request) for home painting. Love it!

Visit Lucy Sandys-Clarke

Glazed Donut by Kevin Inman Art

Glazed donut from 7-11. 6 x 6 inches, oil on archival canvas board. "When I was toiling for the man in cubicle land, I wanted to feel the sun on my face. I stepped out from under the fluorescents and I started painting the California good life. I wanted to embrace the beauty you can find in unexpected places. Where can you find beauty in the unexpected?"

Visit Kevin Inman Art

Bee Eater by Jennifer Tetlow

This amazing Bee Eater has been hand carved from Opal Stone by Jennifer Tetlow. Using traditional tools and methods, all of Jennifer's work has the wonderful individuality and character that is special to work created from natural raw material. Size: 12" x 8 " x 15". Beautiful!

Visit Jennifer Tetlow

12 White Ceramic Modern Bottle Vases by Sara Paloma

A grand cityscape of 12 wheel thrown stoneware bottles in a clean, modern matte white. Line them up on a fireplace mantel or create a striking sculptural tabletop centerpiece…this collection makes a bold, modern statement and will make you smile every time you walk into the room. This collection can also be broken up into many smaller groupings for different rooms. The largest piece is 24" down to 3". Clear glaze inside to hold water and a thin stemmed flower. Each piece signed Paloma 2012.

Visit Sarah Paloma

Berries Pendant by Shere Design

This necklace comes from a range inspired by the changing of the seasons and how they are observed in nature. Here, berries respresent late summer, harvest time and the transition into Autumn. The pendant is entirely handmade from sterling silver. Each pendant is hand stamped to create the design, making each one unique. The pendant measures approximately 1.5cm x 2cm and hangs on a 16inch (40cm) sterling silver snake chain and comes in a gift box tied with ribbon.

Visit Shere Design

Woody's Chop Chort Wood Bike Fender by woodysfenders

Woody's short rear fenders are just that…a short fender designed to mount to the rear seat stay brace to keep the spray off of your back. Choose from a variety of woods such as Walnut, Maple, Mahogany, Teak, Bubinga, Oak, Cherry, and Leopard wood just to name a few. Different wood can also be combined to create a unique fender just for you. Each fender is laminated with slow cure epoxy and the mount hardware is stainless steel or beautiful brass.

Visit woodysfenders

Star Wars Inspired 'Cloud City' Print by The Designers Nursery

Decorative, fun and just a bit geeky! A fantastic quality digital print from an original screen print design. Print features aqua green and coral orange block colour with stylised halftone black detailing. Printed on 224gsm Perfect Image stock. Love it!

Visit The Designers Nursery

Arms and Crafts MILK by KRASZNAI ceramics

I love this made to order ceramic milk carton from KRASZNAI ceramics – what a great use of doll limbs! A highly unusual and fun piece from Barcelona.

Visit KRASZNAI ceramics

Little Blackbird by Mark Hearld @ St. Judes

This beautiful linocut is from the fantastic Mark Hearld @ St. Jude's. It's a mounted, unframed print. Image size: 105mm x118mm. Edition size: 95. This is an original limited edition print, signed by the artist. Love it!

Visit Mark Hearld @ St. Judes

Storage Bucket / Basket Tutorial - Charity Donation In Aid Of PWSA by Helen Rawlinson

A great little tutorial with a step by step guide to making a handy storage bucket to fill with all your wonderful bits and pieces. As featured in the book – State of Craft, see more details here. All you have to do is purchase the Etsy listing (only £2.50) – just click the photo above to see the listing!, once your payment is received your name will be added to a secret blog where you can view the tutorial whenever you like. It has plenty of great photos to guide you through and detailed step by step instructions with all measurements to make your own set of handy storage buckets. Created by Helen Rawlinson (UK based textile and lighting designer) all you need is a Google account to log in. You will be sent a special link to the blog within 24hrs of payment. This is a special fund raising exercise in aid of Helen's brother and his family who are about to embark on a crazy coast to coast cycle ride here in the UK. Helen's niece was born with Prader Willi Syndrome and it's with great thanks to the PWSA that they receive help and support for her disability. All net proceeds of this purchase will be donated to their cause. You can find out more here. Available for one week only 21/07/2012 till 27/07/2012. Please blog, facebook, tweet and generally spread the word!!

Visit Helen Rawlinson

Handmade Silver Wedding Ring by muriel & lily

Handmade silver wedding ring, beautifully made to order in sterling silver in your choice of texture and finish by Mary Larkin, the designer/maker behind muriel & lily. Your ring will be unique, simple and incredibly personal to you.

Visit muriel & lily 

Textile Taxidermy - Hare Head With Vintage Embroidery by Mister Finch

A soft sculpture textile hare head. Stuffed very firmly and made with a lot of love and care from thick cottons. Made from vintage rescued hand embroidery. Using inks, teas and acyclic paint to bring him to life. Would look great anywhere in the home or den. Each one is completely unique. Flaws and odd stitching are to be expected and are celebrated. He is approx 31cm in height from ear tip to base and his width is 9cm.

Visit Mister Finch

Primitive Heart Garland by What. No Mints?

Hang this garland to bring some warmth and cozy to your space! Entirely hand cut and sewn using soft and buttery 100% wool fabric in a variety of patterns. Each heart measures 3.5 by 3 inches and is gently stuffed with Poly-Fil. Garland measures 4 feet in length with loops on each side for hanging. Fantastic!

Visit What. No Mints?

Red Guitar by Gabriela Pardo

We will, we will rock you! This red guitar pillow/cushion from Gabriela Pardo is made from silk cotton, is 30cm x 60cm and is machine washable. Printed with water based ink. Fantastic!

Visit Gabriela Pardo

Heavy Duty Wellie Rack by The Pine Studio

It's been raining so heavily here lately I could do with one of these! Wall mounted wellie boot rack – to keep the floor clear and tidy! Heavy duty - craftsman made in Suffolk, UK. The pegs are properly morticed into the backboard then glued and screwed for strength and durability. Treated with wood preservative for indoor or outdoor use. Traditional made to last craftsman quality.

Visit The Pine Studio

Prisma Plaid Ascot Bow by Fox & Brie

I'm loving the range of colours in this Ascot Bow from Fox & Brie. Made from multicolour plaid they are hand crafted in Austin, TX. They are adjustable in length and made of 100% linen. Each bow arrives untied and ready to be styled! Great packaging too!

Visit Fox & Brie

Jellyfish Air Plant by Petit Beast

These funny little plants are masquerading as jellyfish! Just floating in their little sea urchin shells, waiting for someone to take them home. Air plants are really easy to care for. All they require is watering twice a week and a nice, bright room with indirect sunlight (or your desk lamp in the office) to thrive in. Complete care instructions are included.

Visit Petit Beast

Learn To Fly by Ileana Hunter

This fantastic fine art print is from an amazing original pencil drawing by Ileana Hunter. So amazing. A magnificent quality print, virtually indistinguishable from an original. 297 x 210 mm or 11 3/4 x 8 1/4 inch (A4). Hand signed by the artist. Printed on 225 gsm acid free archival cotton paper.

Visit Ileana Hunter

Handmade Vintage Map Lampshade by Rosie's Vintage Lampshades

Made from Italian laid paper this handmade lampshade fits a large table lamp or, with a top fitting, it will also work as a pendant shade. The shade is lined with PVC to make it heat safe. Standard diameter 12" (30cm) and 8" (20cm) high. Beautiful!

Visit Rosie's Vintage Lampshades

Magpie Feathers by Splodgepodge

Magpie Feathers, a beautiful print of an original watercolor painting by Louise De Masi of Splodgepodge. Printed with Epson Ultra Chrome pigment inks on 310gsm Fine Art Paper. Paper Size: 5" x 7". Love it!

Visit Splodgepodge

Hummingbirds by Mandarina Print

11.7 × 8.3 inches A4 (21 x 29.7cm). This beautiful hummingbird design is an original high resolution printable illustration that is delivered straight to your email inbox! Using this, you can create prints, posters, cards, t-shirts…anything! Fantastic!

Visit Mandarina Print

Peg Bag in Dempsey Petrol Blue by Popsey

A striking print to brighten the chore of hanging out the laundry. Dempsey is an original design by Popsey and available in a choice of three colours – Chocolate, Charcoal and Petrol. Hand screen printed with non-toxic water-based inks on white cotton duck fabric and handmade. Generous in size with a small neat hanging hook. Each bag is individual and made to order. Dimensions: 310mm (h) x 400mm (w) approx.

Visit Popsey

Fox Brooch by Tatty Devine @ Howkapow

This curled-up fox brooch by Tatty Devine is elegant and adorable. It's cleverly constructed from three pieces so that its nose peeps out at an angle over the tail. The warm tortoiseshell perspex captures the beautiful colour of the fox. Tiny black studs fasten it all together, forming the gleaming eyes and nose. Don't resist, you know you want to be a foxy lady!

Visit Tatty Devine @ Howkapow

Fire Walk With Me Silver Necklace by Corky

What Laura Palmer would wear on a hot date. Material: Sterling Silver. Chain: 80cm fine Sterling Silver. Dimensions: 3.5cm high x 3.5cm wide. Designer: Christopher Bril. Love it!

Visit Corky

Barbarella Poster by Ron Guyatt

Bordered image print made with Canon dye inks on professional grade premier imaging micropore luster paper. Created in Photoshop and dedicated to Jane Fonda, you can read a great description of this piece at the bottom of this Etsy listing.

Visit Ron Guyatt

Peep Show (Blur) by Andrea Claire

• Bright red silk exterior with fabric trim. Interior is a collage of 3 cropped images from 1970’s erotica. Comes with 10’ black or gold coloured fabric cord with plug. I'm loving the hidden element of this everyday product – it suggests that everything needs a second look. Great idea.
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• Visit Andrea Claire
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Large Round Pebble Vase in Satin Black by Kim Westad

Beautiful hand-thrown porcelain orb vase hand glazed in satin black and accented with a pebble inspired slip design in white. The design is comprised of individually applied slip dots which are slightly raised above the surface. This gives the piece a wonderful, tactile texture and sculptural appearance. The interior of the vase is sealed with a glossy glaze while the exterior has a rich, satin matte finish. Measures approximately 4.5"H x 7"W with a 4"W opening. Water-tight.

Visit Kim Westad

LIttle Red Riding Hood Storybox by Storybox

Storybox is the latest body of work produced by UK artist Andrea Boorman. All images are original prints, hand carved onto lino block and printed on laser cut boards to create a multi-layered product with real depth. The image has been crafted from 4 printed layers and a further 11 spacing layers to build up a 3 dimensional scene from Little Red Riding Hood. 33.5 cm x 23.5 cm x 4.5 cm.

Visit Storybox

Hand Blown Bud Vase by Corporan Glass

A small decorative bottle shaped bud vase. This petite and elegant vase is handblown in a classic bottle shape. Hundreds of strands of black glass are delicately woven in a net-like pattern over clear glass. The interior surface is frosted giving the piece a soft inner glow. Measures 8 1/4" tall and 4 1/2" wide.

Visit Corporan Glass

The Lonely Goldfish by Andy Smith

I love this! Enamel paint on wood. 34 x 27 x 5cm. Weight 2.5kg. Each bowl is hand painted, signed and packaged in a screenprinted box. This is currently sold out but it's rumoured that Andy will be making another batch. Send him an email using the link below if you'd like to know when they are ready.

Visit Andy Smith Illustration

Three - The Magic Number!

Today is our third birthday! Hurrah! A massive, massive thank you to you all for your continued support and for all your lovely words of encouragement, it really does mean a lot.

Today is a well earned day off, but we'll be back with more daily handmade loveliness tomorrow.

Thank you!!! :)

DJ Panda Jug by Yvonne Ellen

Quirky ‘DJ Panda’ vintage ceramic jug with entirely hand illustrated design. An original and unique piece of functional art. Washable (dishwasher proof) and food/drink safe. Jug measures approx 16cm (6") long x 11cm (4.5") wide x 10cm (4") deep.

Visit Yvonne Ellen