Kevin and I are lucky enough to have some incredibly talented friends, and while I’ve shared favorite handmade gifts that I’ve made here on the blog before, I wanted to also share some of the amazing homemade treasures that we have been gifted over the years. In fact, I can’t believe this hadn’t dawned on me earlier! Wow there is just something so special about handmade. I feel so incredibly honored when someone gifts something unique and beautiful that they have spent time and energy creating just for me. I can’t think of a more special feeling.
We have lots of these treasures around our home. Here are a few that might inspire a little creative juice:
Geometric candleholders: our friend, David is a contractor and is pretty skilled at working with wood. He made these beautiful votive candleholders out of chunks of a reclaimed slab that Kevin was using to build a bench for the backyard. They are probably one of my favorite pieces of decor in the entire house. That dark stain, the unique shape, the exquisite contrast between the white and wood, the unique imperfections in the wood itself that shows through. They’re beautiful.
Tools: leftover wood chunks, chopsaw, stain and a drill (for candles). Serious experience using a chopsaw since cuts are so angled.
Where to buy: David is starting up an Etsy shop of his own (and when he does I’ll be sure to share!) but until then, here is a similar Etsy artist.
Pastel weaving: weaving is so popular right now (I’m trying to build up the courage to try my hand at it) and my very creative friend Cassie has been churning out some amazing work. She used to blog over at Kent Heartstrings but now sells most of her art via an Instagram popup shop.
Tools: diy loom (Cassie built hers with wood framing and nails), yarn, found wood (twigs, driftwood)
Where to buy: check out her Instagram shop.
Watercolor home artwork: my friend, Trish has diyed most of her home and one of my favorites about her art is that almost all of it are originals by her family. Apparently she comes from a long line of talented painters! She created this beautiful watercolor of our home (which I will treasure forever) for us a couple of years ago. We now proudly display it in our living room.
Tools: watercolor supplies, a picture of your home
Where to buy: there are Etsy artists selling similar custom pieces (Trish should start a shop!), here is one.
A talented group, right? This will have to be part 1 because I can already think of more homemade gifts around our house that I’d love to share.
PS one of my favorite recent projects, another friend collaboration that resulted in beautiful leather necklaces.
This is SO sweet Morgan, hanks for the shot out! We do have quite a talented group of artisans! So much creativity!!
It sounds so ungrateful, but I always get irked by the people that just go to the store and buy whatever they see just to say they gave something. Gifts like these are so personal and so kind. I love that they all have a story behind them. Can’t wait for your friend David to start his shop…my sister would LOVE candleholders like those. You’ve definitely got a talented set of friends out there. Looking forward to the next installment!