Cleveland Handmade

Celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day with selections from Lori Paximadis (virtuallori).

I’m not sure what it is about this fantastic Celtic Crow/Raven card from Red Maple Studios that makes me love it so, but I do. Note the Celtic knots in the shamrock leaves.

I adore this Dichroic Fused Glass Four Leaf Clover Pendant by glasfuzion. It shows off the shamrock with subtle style.

These Playful Shamrock cards from bdoodlez are just adorable. What a sweet way to send greetings to your friends, whether they’re Irish or not.

This pretty shamrock headband from MaidenJane will help you keep your hair out of your beer when you’re celebrating.

By Leah Anastasakis (leahanadesigns)

Buying online can be extremely convenient and allows you to shop at places you could never reasonably drive to. Buying online can pose some problems, however, if you don’t know exactly what size to buy.

When it comes to jewelry, rings might be the hardest. Not everyone knows what size ring they wear on every finger. That would be a lot to keep track of seeing as how we have 10 possible choices and not all of your fingers will be the same size.

Here is the best way to find your ring size at home without going to a jewelry store.

1. Find a piece of string or ribbon.
2. Wrap the piece of string or ribbon around the base of the finger that you want to measure.
3. With a pen, mark on the string or ribbon where it overlaps to form a complete circle around your finger.
4. Measure the length with a ruler in millimeters.
5. Compare this measurement with the chart below.
6. Purchase ring with confidence!

Our newest featured artist is Pat Garmhausen of Giardino. She is a self-employed illustrator and designer with a huge collection of fabrics and sundries from many years of art directing photography of fabric collections, and from her mother’s life long fabric and knitting fascination. She has lived in Cleveland Heights since 1991.

What is your first memory of your craft? Did someone teach you, or did you learn on your own?
My mother was a very talented elementary school art teacher, so I just absorbed it from her but I was also really influenced by nature. I remember making little paper birds with wings, owls out of acorns and pinecones.

What is it that draws you to your craft material?
I find I am drawn to textiles and paper, making objects that are useful and beautiful.

How would you describe the style of your work? Does it reflect your personal style?
I like detail, and I like bold graphic shapes too, lots of bright colors and natural shapes.

What are your inspirations?
Nature and history.

Do you have an all-time favorite creation? What about it makes it your favorite?
Usually the newest is my favorite, I have to say I’m loving the printed fabric items right now.

When did you realize that this was more than a hobby?
I’ve been self-employed for a long time, so it’s just an extension of that.

Describe your workspace.
Upstairs in the dormer of my bungalow. I installed skylights in 1999; they face east, so there’s no direct light all day — just perfect. It’s too messy to photograph right now.

What is your favorite task related to your work? Your least favorite?
Exploring new ways of printing and illustrating is probably my favorite.
Anything having to do with billing or taxes is my least favorite.

What is your favorite tool? Why?
Right now it is my speedball linoleum cutter, because I can get an idea about a fabric design, cut it out, and see it printed within an afternoon.

Do you have artistic talents in other areas?
I love gardening, especially fruit gardens. I’ve got a fig, strawberries, apple trees, blackberries, and raspberries in my backyard.

Where can we find your work?
Etsy (username: giardino)
Cafepress (username: inhausdesign)
I have cards and framed art at Heights Art in Cleveland Heights, and framed original art and cards at Artefino Gallery downtown, and framed original art and cards as well as fabric goods at Custom Framing in Lakewood on Madison.

UPDATE: Congratulations, Marci! The Random Number Generator at random.org chose you as the winner of the Straw Flower Mandala Print from Playnature. We’ve sent you an e-mail with details of how to claim your prize. Look for a new giveaway at 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 4.

Cleveland Handmade is hosting a giveaway to thank all our supporters and customers, as well as give you the opportunity to check out the high-quality handmade art in our members’ shops. This giveaway comes from playnature. The winner will receive a 12-inch square archival paper print of this photographic mandala. The photograph is of a strawflower — what a great reminder that spring is on the way!

There are just three simple things you need to do to enter:

1. Visit playnature’s shop and take a look around. Make a note of your favorite item in his shop.

2. Then either visit our artists page or search Etsy for the “clevelandteam” tag and check out some items from other Cleveland Handmade member artists. Make a note of your favorite and which shop you found it in.

3. Come back and leave one comment on this post telling us your favorite item from playnature’s shop AND your favorite item from another Cleveland Handmade shop, and you’ll be entered to win. It’s that simple!

You have until Wednesday, February 17 at noon EST to get your entry in, so commence browsing. There’s lots to discover!

We’ll randomly draw one winner from the comments posted.

Read the giveaway rules here.

UPDATE: UPDATE: Congratulations, Rachel! The Random Number Generator at random.org chose you as the winner of the Stoneware Buttons from CMS Designs. We’ve sent you an e-mail with details of how to claim your prize. Look for a new giveaway at 9 a.m. on Thursday, February 11.

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Cleveland Handmade is hosting a giveaway to thank all our supporters and customers, as well as give you the opportunity to check out the high-quality handmade art in our members’ shops. This giveaway comes from CMS Designs. These handmade stoneware buttons will make great additions to your creations—be it your latest cowl, hand sewn purse, or cardigan! All glazes used are lead free and food safe. Backs are smooth and glazed.

There are just three simple things you need to do to enter:

1. Visit CMS Designs and take a look around. Make a note of your favorite item in her shop.

2. Then either visit our artists page or search Etsy for the “clevelandteam” tag and check out some items from other Cleveland Handmade member artists. Make a note of your favorite and which shop you found it in.

3. Come back and leave a comment on this post telling us your favorite item from CMS Designs AND your favorite item from another Cleveland Handmade shop, and you’ll be entered to win. It’s that simple!

You have until Wednesday, February 10 at noon EST to get your entry in, so commence browsing. There’s lots to discover!

We’ll randomly draw one winner from the comments posted.

You can read the giveaway rules here.

UPDATE: Congratulations, Abby! The Random Number Generator at random.org chose you as the winner of the Italian Earrings from Erika Originals. We’ve sent you an e-mail with details of how to claim your prize.

Look for a new giveaway at 9 a.m. on Thursday, February 4.

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Cleveland Handmade is hosting a giveaway to thank all our supporters and customers, as well as give you the opportunity to check out the high-quality handmade art in our members’ shops. This giveaway comes from Erika Originals. Images from a vintage French dictionary and a vintage atlas showing the cities of Rome, Naples, and Milan are placed into vintage brass settings and covered with waterproof resin to make these fabulous Italian Earrings. The posts and earnuts are made of surgical steel.

There are just three simple things you need to do to enter:

1. Visit Erika Originals and take a look around. Make a note of your favorite item in her shop.

2. Then either visit our artists page or search Etsy for the “clevelandteam” tag and check out some items from other Cleveland Handmade member artists. Make a note of your favorite and which shop you found it in.

3. Come back and leave a comment on this post telling us your favorite item from Erika Originals AND your favorite item from another Cleveland Handmade shop, and you’ll be entered to win. It’s that simple!

You have until Wednesday, February 3 at noon EST to get your entry in, so commence browsing. There’s lots to discover!

We’ll randomly draw one winner from the comments posted.

You can read the giveaway rules here.

A selection of locally handmade gifts for guys by Tricia Hodson.

Pick a card and think of the perfect thing to say.
The Valentine’s Collection 4 Blank Cards from bdoodlez $8.50

Write a secret message (or a grocery list)!
Two Embossed Matchbook Journals from bettyhendrick $3.95

Buy him a beer.
Blue Moon (or others) keychain from resinNation $5.00

Sweeten his feet?
Two Foot Pillow Show Odor Absorbers from zJayne $12.00

Make plans for the Summer.
Pemaquid Lighthouse Fine Art Photograph from photohale $30.00

Creative talent abounds in Northeast Ohio!
Here are some Cleveland Handmade picks from Susan of SToNZ for Valentine’s Day gift giving this year.

I am in LOVE with this romantic map of Paris made entirely from etched copper by the inimitable Chris of Copper Leaf Studios.

Who wouldn’t adore this irresistible heart charm bracelet by SusanK Jewelry?

Everyone loves cheese! And I LOVE this photo by the amazing Susan of photohale, who travels the world over to find the perfect subjects for her incredible photos.

Need an answer? Tell him to RSVP with this great one of a kind gentlemen’s pin by the clever Mary of the Vintage Brooch Company.

You can’t always be there to warm her up, so keep her cozy with these yummy Mulberry mittens by Tricia, the crochet maven of LazyTCrochet.

She’s not a blingy sort of girl and you love her for that! So forget the diamonds and go for pure modern art. I have a thing for this stamped hug and kiss necklace by the multitalented Lori Paximadis, and so will your valentine.

With these fun upcycled patches you can always have a heart on for her! (Did I really say that!?) There’s always good clean environmental friendly fun to be had at zJayne, where Jane Pierce transforms ordinary old t-shirts into functional, fabulous treasures!

Trust me . . . give your special valentine a dozen roses in this gorgeous purple vase by the extraordinary Gina DeSantis, and you will get lucky for sure on the eve of Feb. 14th!

Happy browsing, friends!
With love,
SToNZ from the creative North Coast!

Susan Hale of Photohale and Numeric Design found these treasures for the guys. Remember your special guy with something unique and handmade this Valentine’s Day.

puncture: oxidized sterling silver dotted ring from SilverMade Studio • The Best Thing You Ever Had – 8 x 10 print from JukeboxART

Chessboard from Michael Barchalk • Rural Ride by SKnights

Forsythia Bakelite Wall Clock from Chronology • Sterling Silver Morse Ring from SToNZ

Secret Message cufflinks by smashing • Pew Pew Pew unisex tshirt from Psycho Reindeer

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate being in love. Jewelry artist and Cleveland Handmade coleader Lori Paximadis shares her selections for a romantic celebration.

These beautiful soy candles from Terra Verde Soap & Candle Company are a modern and environmentally friendly way to create a romantic mood. I love that they’re poured into reclaimed wine bottles. ($22 per candle)

I adore charm necklaces, and this one from Simple Elements Design is one of the prettiest I’ve seen. Quartz, garnet, and freshwater pearl charms are set off by a simple but unusual square sterling silver toggle. ($47)

This gorgeous ivory wool and mohair shawl from LazyTcrochet combines knitting, crochet, and felting techniques. It would be stunning over a simple black dress. ($48)

Layers are all the rage, and this funky multichain bracelet/necklace from SToNZ makes my heart go pitter-pat. Sea glass, beach stones, amazonite, and African turquoise mingle with nine different types of sterling silver chain and set off a delicate hand-cut sterling silver heart. It can be worn as a multistrand necklace or wound around your wrist to make a bracelet. ($250)

What’s a romantic date without wine? Hand-painted stemless wine glasses from Pretty My Drink add romance to any table. ($32 for a set of four)