The Five ✶ SPARKS ✶ Interview: Metal Artist Ruth Baillie from Bird Land Creations

by Julie Blanchette on 3/12/10 | View Comments Comment(s)

From the stunning snowy backdrops of Norway, this week we are traveling to Glen Ellen, California, wine producing hometown of author Jack London and his famous novel  “Call of the wild.” This little wee town has also another claim of fame, “metal clay” artist Ruth Baillie behind Bird Land Creations…  …

Spring is Near

by Handmade Spark on 3/10/10 | View Comments Comment(s)

For those of us longing for Spring to arrive, warmer weather is right around the corner.  I hope you enjoy these spring flower finds from Handmade Spark.
{1}  Flower Power Cuff Bracelet Hippie Boho: Quite Fabulous Women’s Wrist Band is Handmade from a Recycled Upcycled Leather Belt. This Cuff …

Quirky Style

by Sarah Ranes on 3/06/10 | View Comments Comment(s)

How would you describe your style?  Could it be a wee bit on the quirky side?  Would your friends say your taste runs a little bit off center or maybe even say you took a major detour off the main road years ago?  Well if this describes you take a …

The Five ✶ SPARKS ✶ Interview: Clay Artist Brigitte Bouquet behind ‘Atelier BB’

by Julie Blanchette on 3/05/10 | View Comments Comment(s)

This week we go -technicolor- to New York!
Some of you may already know this week’s guest, if not personally, then through Etsy with her unique, vibrant and textured Wobbly Plates-Wobbly Bowls!
I fell in love with her pieces way before I had the privilege to get to know the energetic, passionate, …

Upcycling 101

by Delight Worthyn on 2/11/10 | View Comments Comment(s)

Although you can expect to pay less for material you should be prepared to make up for it in labor. If you decide to take the plunge I have a few starting suggestions-
1) Become a regular at your local thrift stores.
2) Be prepared to spend time sorting through a lot …

Handmade Birdhouses

by Handmade Spark on 1/28/10 | View Comments Comment(s)

Here are a few handmade birdhouses freshly hand picked from Etsy.

{1} Home Is Where the Heart Is {2}Wren House {3} Iron Red {4} Alberta {5} Birdhouse
{6}BirdHouses {7} Sparrow Apt {8} Mushroom {9} No. 3 {10} Houses

Handmade Modern Lighting

by Handmade Spark on 1/25/10 | View Comments Comment(s)

I have always loved modern lighting. Here are a few handmade lighting options I found on Etsy.
{1} Machine Shop {2} South3rd {3} Rocket {4} January {5} Vintage Minimalist
{6} Double Wire {7} SOLO {8} Orrington {9} KOZO1 {10} Tree Branch

A Love for Bottle Caps

by Handmade Spark on 1/21/10 | View Comments Comment(s)

Christine from Christine’s Beadworks loves bottle caps.  Over on her blog she wrote three posts about bottle caps, and how artists are using them to make all kinds of wonderful handmade goods. Christine goes into great detail about each of the items below.
“The first four designers embrace the iconic image …