Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Feb 9, 2012, 2:58 am
Nothing better than white space on a computer screen that needs to be filled up as far as I’m concerned… I feel lucky, because as a freelance web designer I have a lot of time to think and to ponder as I’m putting together designs for this and that. As I was putting together the images for thi...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Feb 7, 2012, 2:34 am
Please welcome Emily Anderson to Try Handmade! She is the author of three books {Eco Chic Home, Eco Chic Weddings, and What to Do When Changing a Light Bulb Just Isn’t Enough} and she also blogs at www.goodwithstyle.com. A lover of the handmade, she’ll be taking over the Shop Local column starti...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Feb 6, 2012, 2:22 am
Dear Reader, I’m a Lutheran, and when people ask what kind of Lutheran I usually respond “The Wisconsin kind.” And if they won’t let up I just start singing the Yon Yonson song till they go away. My name is Yon Yonson I live in Wisconsin I work in a lumber mill there. All the people I meet...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Feb 4, 2012, 1:54 am
Geometrics in Motion bracelet by Virginia Stevens: Art is integral to life. The two cannot be separated. Wearing beautiful objects is a simple way to bring art into your life and to connect with it in a very direct and personal way. Virginia Stevens enjoys working with metals and stones to bring ou...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Feb 3, 2012, 1:41 am
Glam, retro, and plus size. I love it! Hissyfit: Mainstream fashion got you down? Tired of hunting for vintage in your size? Well, ladyfriend, you’ve just found the cure for your “it don’t fit” blues = Hissyfit readymade & custom-made clothes, skillfully designed with retro flair & freshly ...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jan 30, 2012, 1:31 am
I was very lucky to be invited for the Buyers Market of American Craft this weekend. This show is not open to the general public – only press (that’s me!) and buyers for stores, boutiques, and galleries that feature handmade work. Two Sweet Peas by KnitKnit This year, the event organizers made...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Aug 21, 2011, 9:29 pm
MOJOWORKIN: This is a popular design of mine. It is made entirely of stacked plywood. This chair is as comfortable as they come. It seats you low to the ground and at a comfortable recline. This is an entirly original chair design. You won’t find it in a friends home unless it comes from my shop. ...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Aug 19, 2011, 9:07 pm
I’m lucky enough to be going on holiday soon, so I’ve actually been the target audience to all the swim wear on offer in the high street. I can’t tell you how much time I’ve wasted looking through rails of clothes and trying on various combinations of bikini tops, tankini tops, bikini bottom...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Aug 14, 2011, 9:29 pm
I have loved all the Pirates of the Caribbean films and I think even Disney were surprised at how popular they were. The absolute gorgeousness of Johnny Depp in them probably has something to do with it in my opinion. Then there is the romantic freedom of the open seas, the girls in the revealing co...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Aug 7, 2011, 10:42 pm
The hubby and I recently relocated from our one room studio to a two-bedroom house. It is, for the most part, married bliss. There’s nothing like having more than one bathroom to keep a marriage strong. However, there is one major drawback to the home: plaster walls. Those familiar with plaster wi...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Aug 6, 2011, 5:16 pm
There is something about a bluebell wood with dappled sunlight streaming through the leaves that makes me believe in nature spirits. They’re there, I know they are. I just wish I could see them. I imagine them often though, wearing clothes made from their surroundings; woven grasses, leaf skirts, ...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jul 28, 2011, 9:00 am
The humble safety pin. Its usual purpose is to act as an emergency fastener when a zip or button breaks, but it has evolved into a legitimate item of alternative fashion. Long gone are the days when it was only worn before the age of three to hold our nappies (diapers) together (scary! – how did o...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jul 27, 2011, 9:00 am
This post, like my last, focuses on the work of a single artist. Sometimes, the work of an artist catches my eye and one photo or little snippet of their work isn’t enough to do their beautiful work justice. So this week, I bring to you: Elegance Farm Homestead. Elegance Farm Homestead creates be...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jul 26, 2011, 9:00 am
I’m writing a Two Part series on Living Arrangements. This post is all about Happy Homes, how to be satisfied with your home and how to make the best of what you have. In the next series I will talk about the many different living arrangements people have around the World and why adopting a simple...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jul 25, 2011, 8:55 am
Original Purple Textile Ring One of Kind Ready to Ship Textile ring made from twisted ribbons decorated with beads on Silver Tone Brass Nickel Free Adjustable Ring Base 40
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jul 24, 2011, 9:00 pm
I am reliably informed by several fashion magazines, that ‘tribal’ is fashionable for this summer, though I’m not sure sure exactly what this means – especially as this has been a trend for the last few years, varying slightly each time. My mind is drawn towards a native American style – l...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jul 24, 2011, 2:53 pm
Over the holiday weekend we had a bit of a dilemma. My hubby, darling he is, decided to invite 20 people to our petite house. The living room has enough room for one very slim TV stand, one mighty coffee table, and a three person couch. Ask any host or hostess and they’ll tell you the living space...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jul 19, 2011, 1:02 pm
Look what I just discovered in the Gallery. I am Audra Zilinskiene (Audra Zili) – a textile designer located in Vilnius, Lithuania. I’ve been working with textile fifteen years. All the time I was interested in the source of textile, traditional weaving and dyeing techniques, ethnic design of d...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jul 18, 2011, 8:56 am
Marie Statement Ring MARIE Ring in Copper. Simple, Sweet and Stylish. I named this “MARIE SIGNATURE”. It’s like a big love, around your finger. This Ring is handmade with copper. It’s created with a thankful and joyful mood. It’s carefully soldered and polished, just fit your size. Each...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jul 12, 2011, 9:00 am
As I was perusing all of the beautiful handmade things on Etsy, as I often do, I stumbled across a unique little shop by the name of NottyPooch. Huey and Wah of Penang, Malaysia are the creators of these organizational products made entirely from recycled billboard banners for an eco-friendly, inter...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jul 11, 2011, 8:55 am
Lavender Crested Owl – watercolor painting My painting style usually contains intricate “scale feathers” reminiscent of prehistoric dinosaurs. The smooth color transitions and little details really make things fresh and whimsical. Enjoy!  details » Winding Road Landscape Quilted Fabric Post...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jul 8, 2011, 9:17 pm
When we were children, at one point or another, we always attempted to write on the wall. Most of us succeeded–much to the exasperation of our parents. If only they knew! One chalkboard paired with a few nontoxic chalkboard markers would have satisfied us for hours. I was an artsy kid, and that mo...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jul 7, 2011, 3:00 pm
Celebrities and friends are getting married all over the place and photos are appearing everywhere from Hello magazine to Facebook. Unfortunately I haven’t had any invites this year (not even from Kate Moss!) but I do love looking at all the wedding dresses. Of course the wedding of the year was P...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jul 6, 2011, 10:21 pm
Please help me welcome Jesika Wolff to Try Handmade! She’s a writer, artist and web developer and here on the blog she’s going to be detailing tips for Small Space Living. I live in a small space so I’m looking forward to her tips, and if you have any special requests, please leave them in the...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jul 5, 2011, 9:00 am
In the UK, Glastonbury Festival is the biggest music festival, and in my opinion, the best as well! I have been going for years and now I’m lucky enough to live practically on its doorstep. If you haven’t been, it’s difficult to explain quite how fantastic, or to imagine how big it actually is...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jul 4, 2011, 8:55 am
Modern Linen Quilt in Green and Red Using improvisational piecing, I made this modern quilt using green linen, off-white cotton and a variety of red-hued linens. The “crushed” cotton gives the quilt an antique appearance, while the linen has a wonderful weight and drape. This is the perfect quil...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jun 30, 2011, 9:00 am
I find that one of the most difficult things to organize is my never-ending pile of jewelry. A jewelry box is functional, however, I have found that openly displaying your jewelry can be even more beautiful and can even serve as a piece of artwork within your home. The handmade jewelry organizer pi...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jun 29, 2011, 9:00 am
I just checked back in on Ric Stultz a year later, and you have to check out these bold new pieces of his. → Read the rest of this article
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jun 28, 2011, 9:00 am
Tie dye is classic hippy style, but I don’t actually always like it. I think it works best when you’ve got subtle shades of the same colour happening, rather than as many different bright colours you can throw onto a t-shirt at once. Shades of pink from bright to pale to white looks girly and pr...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jun 27, 2011, 8:55 am
Lacy mohair rectangular shawl in pale green Amazingly airy hand knitted mohair shawl in beautiful pale green shade. It will make a great addition to your evening dress as well as to your everyday jeans. This rectangular shawl is quite big, it measures 75
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jun 23, 2011, 11:20 am
Everyone please welcome Helen Hobden to Try Handmade! She’s a seamstress, artist, writer, renovator, pyrographer… The list goes on – I think she’ll really fit in here. Please leave her a comment on her first post and let her know if you know of any great alternative fashion she should featur...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jun 18, 2011, 4:28 pm
There are so many talented artists out there creating beautiful, functional works of art from re-purposed and recycled materials. One of my favorite trends right now is the application of old re-purposed barn wood into projects like the ones shown in this post. The handmade owl rack shown above is ...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jun 10, 2011, 12:43 pm
One room in your home that you may spend the most time in is your kitchen. Especially if you have a large family to take care of; preparing school lunches, sorting groceries after shopping trips, creating a dinner menu for the month. Keeping your kitchen organized will keep the stress minimal and al...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jun 10, 2011, 8:58 am
Pink Gradient Ring This unique, original ring design is hand embroidered in a gradient pattern featuring four shades of pink silk ribbon ranging in color from magenta to light pink. The pattern consists of all French knots carefully stitched onto white felt fabric. The design is set into a round m...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jun 6, 2011, 5:47 pm
There is something about Hillieballoo, a charming little Folksy shop that sells gorgeous items; kids clothes, pillows, custom made drawstring bags and one of my most favourite things ever: personalised items. I dream about creating in the same way that Hillieballoo does but I know I don’t have the...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jun 3, 2011, 9:00 am
How many of you have been outside taking advantage of this beautiful, sunny weather? I know I have! Let’s get our hands dirty with some garden talk today. If you’re in the works growing a vegetable garden, jazz it up a little with these colorful garden stakes by fromArtisanHands. If you’re ne...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jun 2, 2011, 11:00 am
It’s no secret that I like my handbags. I have lots of them. My husband might argue I have too many, but let’s think about this honestly – can you ever have too many? My answer would be yes. I literally do have too many bags. And shoes. And generally I have too many clothes. My answer: I need...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Jun 1, 2011, 1:45 pm
Teaching children about the techniques and pleasure of art is a truly wonderful thing. Finding ways go keep their own art supplies in order…not so much. Here are a few handy items to keep their paints, pencils, tools, and even their completed projects in order. The bright and cheery art clips pic...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - May 20, 2011, 5:01 pm
Nothing reminds you that Spring is here better than the little birds chirping away outside of your window. Bird motifs are everywhere in fashion and home decor right now. They represent many different things in many different cultures such as: joy, happiness, luck, love, and freedom. The bookends p...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - May 20, 2011, 8:58 am
Vintage Rhinestone Earrings These lovelies are from my JULIA collection, a line that is characterized by opulence, intricacy, and elegance. These pieces can be worn individually as single statement pieces, or combined together for a look of true indulgence. Classically elegant and so very vintage-ch...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - May 16, 2011, 9:00 am
Re-Bound: Creating Handmade Books from Recycled and Repurposed Materials “Re-Bound is a beautiful book on bookbinding with a fun green twist-all the projects use recycled and upcycled materials. This book shows you how to take everyday materials from around the house, flea markets, thrift stores,...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - May 13, 2011, 9:00 am
For the first quarter century of my life I thought that I hated beets in all their forms. Hated. “They taste like dirt! I’d adamantly regurgitate. I’m sure I’d heard it somewhere, at some point, because I’d never actually tried them myself. And while it’s true, they can taste like dirt, ...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - May 13, 2011, 8:58 am
White dappled milk jug Handmade from English stoneware clay it’s distinctive bulbed shape was created by working with my potters wheel. You can still feel the gentle texture of throwing rings where my hands have drawn the clay upwards.  details » Olive Linen Rose with Lavender/Eggplant and Oliv...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - May 11, 2011, 9:00 am
A clean bathroom is a happy bathroom. A stylish one is even happier. This week’s post is a little “how-to” session on creating a well organized, shabby chic style bathroom. While everyone has a different style preference, I believe that adding a few rustic, natural elements is just good for t...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - May 10, 2011, 9:00 am
Okay, okay…I’m not encouraging any school ditching or anything…I’m talking about decorative wall hooks, of course! Adding a few hooks to an area in your home that accumulates a lot of clutter is a great way to get organized in a hurry and can be used in any area of your house. The personali...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - May 9, 2011, 9:00 am
A Handmade Life: In Search of Simplicity “William Coperthwaite is a teacher, builder, designer, and writer who for many years has explored the possibilities of true simplicity on a homestead on the north coast of Maine. In the spirit of Henry David Thoreau, Emily Dickinson, and Helen and Scott Ne...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - May 7, 2011, 12:12 pm
I imagine the supermarket sales of white eggs soars this time of year. Soar may be a strong word, but I can’t imagine the increase is insignificant in any way. I’ve known even those with their own backyard chicken flocks to lament the need for supporting the corporate, commercial egg giants arou...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - May 6, 2011, 8:58 am
Blue Blissdom Lampwork Glass Earrings These fun and funky white, blue and black earrings are made with 14mm beautifully detailed solid color lampwork glass beads . They are accented with black obsidian beads. The earrings dangle approximately 1 3/8 inches long. details » Couture Derby Hat Another...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Apr 29, 2011, 2:37 pm
Due to getting a bad case of the flu and having a slow recovery I totally missed getting this post of Cara’s up in time for Easter. Please read it and imagine yourself a week back in time :) -Erika It’s Easter all over again. The one celebration I can sail through quite happily every year – a...
Comment - Like

Erika Jurney posted an article on Try Handmade - Apr 27, 2011, 6:14 pm
I love a good lamb gyro perhaps as much as anyone can love any food. Ever. In the world. But I also have a soft spot for lambs. I cannot resist their particular brand of cute. So much so, in fact, they are the only livestock I have been reluctant to try my hand at raising for meat myself. I simply c...
Comment - Like