Handmade Drool-Worthy Home Things

A short stroll through the furniture pages of Etsy has me lusting after so many things! Here are a few awesome pieces I came across. It's just mindblowing how much creative talent there is out there. Kinda inspirational don't you think?

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Leonie x

Above: The Holy Card Cabinet jefieldco http://www.etsy.com/listing/44442467/holy-card-cabinet?ref=cat2_gallery_10

So unique! I love the quirkiness of this lovely marine coloured cabinet covered in Holy Cards.

Above: Thrublock Wall Mounted Modular Shelving System in Small by wuda http://www.etsy.com/listing/47598139/thru-block-wall-mounted-modular-shelving

I love the cleverness of this beautiful shelving unit. Just goes to show that thoughtful and practical can be stunning!

Above: Vintage Bus Banner Number 2 by Sandymill

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51998665/vintage-bus-banner-number-2?ref=cat1_gallery_9

I know there has been such a popular rush on these for decorating but I still think one would look great on my wall!

Above: 3 Rock on Heavy Metal Silverware Coat Hooks by jjevensen

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51998665/vintage-bus-banner-number-2?ref=cat1_gallery_9

How great are these?! Also available in groovy Peace signs.

Above: Incurvo Rocker Maple by ruppeldesign

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51998665/vintage-bus-banner-number-2?ref=cat1_gallery_9

I think this is one of the most beautiful pieces of woodwork I have ever seen. So elegant!

Above: Seward Handmade Solid Walnut with Cherry Accents Table by blackelm
http://www.etsy.com/listing/12653219/seward-handmade-solid-walnut-with-cherry?ref=cat1_gallery_2

Another gorgeous piece of quality handmade furniture.

My push for handmade.

Apples to Apples Crayon Roll by Cottage on the Coast. You can find this on Etsy.

Today is the start of many toy sales around Australia. You know the kind - no deposit layby till Christmas Eve, big discounts on whatever trend in children's brands is happening now. Every year I get caught up in the rush and desperation for a bargain. Every year I layby probably far too many toys for my two children. Most importantly though, every year I think I'm doing The Right Thing - my children will be tickled pink with their new, shiny, plastic, expensive toys when they unwrap them (I imagine the joy on their little faces!), not to mention the excitement over the myriad of accessories that accompany their new favourite thing (that will invariably drop to the bottom of the toy box quicker than New Year's Eve rolls around). And so I leave the department store with a lighter wallet, exhausted from crowd-battling and with a thumping headache brought about by rapid decision-making BUT absolutely sure my children will have a magical Christmas morning, one they'll remember for years to come.

But, do you know what happens every week before Christmas? I have to return to the department store where I spent so much time selecting perfect presents only to have to claim a refund on most of them as soon as I collect them from layby! Why? Because in the 6 months between the July sales and Christmas morning my gorgeous ratbags have changed their minds about what is cool and fun of course!

Not this year.

This little black duck is leaving the department store sales alone and looking for gifts that will entertain fickle children for longer than the shiny, plastic, branded toys. I'm going to do my best to buy at least half of my children's stocking contents from craftspeople. Not only will I be doing my family a favour but I'll also be supporting handmade which is very important to me.

So here is the point of this long entry (the first bit was just a bit of a rant really :) )- If we all look to handmade when we look for gifts we would be supporting so many people! Online you could try heading to madeit or Etsy or visit a market where local arty types are sharing their precious things, lovely toys, beautiful clothes, baby goodies, art, pottery, sculpture, food, produce, flowers, plants, there's far too much out there to list. Think of the great community we'd be building and don't forget to compliment the stall/store/site owner if you like what you see. It's all the encouragement we need.

Ring Making

I finally dragged my ring mandrel out of the dark depths of it's drawer and put it to good use. Here are some pics of the making of my Little Bricks stacking rings (which are for sale in the madeit store :)

This first pic below shows the metal after it's been cut to size and soldered to form the rough rings. I'm starting to file off the rough bits left over from the solder.

After the filing the ring goes onto the mandrel to be whacked into a perfect round shape. I then used the chisel end of the hammer to give it a good texture (also fantastic for taking out any frustrations!).

Then here it is, round but still a bit too rough.

A good rub over with 2 grades of emery paper and some strategic filing marks to pretty it up. I like texture and this is really evident in my jewellery - things need to feel beautiful as well as look beautiful.

Now to cut out the little brick shapes. I have a sheet that I've already patterned with a chasing tool so I measure and cut my shapes, then file them till they're perfect.

Next I have to solder the little bricks to the shanks... apply the flux, light the torch, a bit of fiddly tweezer work and voila!

A quick dip in the pickle to clean off any impurities, a scrub with a wire brush and there you have the finished product - Little Bricks Stacking or Sharing Rings.