37 Unique Handmade Wedding Invitations

Lo Lankford
September 10, 2012      3:00 pm
6 comments

Source: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/37-unique-handmade-wedding-invitations.html?page=1

Wedding invitations are an interesting part of the whole Big Day operation. They’re the first thing that people see as a representation of your union (besides your engagement ring and perhaps engagement photos), and they can say so much about your personality and/or the type of wedding you’ll be having. Some of my friends took this very seriously, looking high and low for the exact right invites. Some have made their own, while others have ordered from handmade vendors. Still, I have a few friends who aren’t exactly paper or design enthusiasts, and after deciding to focus more of their attention on other details, went with very simple, traditional invites from Hallmark or even an online printing site like Snapfish. To each their own, for sure!

For me, I love handmade things and treasure unique and personality-driven design, but also know my limitations when it comes to crafting paper things for myself, so I know that one day, I will be purchasing my very own handmade cards. In helping other friends search for their own special set, I have saved many of my favorite designs that I would like to share with you today. Though this list is 37 deep, (thankfully? scarily?) it doesn’t even being to skim the surface on what all is out there! Take it for inspiration and then set out to find your own perfect invites. Oh, and congrats!

This eco-friendly invite set is made using archival inks from Upup.

This hand-drawn invite comes on thick textured card stock. From See the Skyline.

This modern set includes a map for tricky locales. From Creative Start Design.

If you’re into water and the animals that live inside of it, you might get inspired by this letterpress set from Reb Peters.

If the recent feather craze is in your wheelhouse, check out this Native American-inspired invite from Champagne Press.

Throwing a chic and preppy affair? Try out these yellow and blue striped invites from Julie Hanan Design.

These super-unique invites are made from linen fabric. Your guests won’t have seen these before! From Artful Beginnings.

If vintage-inspired is your thing, consider these circular invites from Go Go Snap.

This rustic printable is feminine without being over-the-top girly. From Casala Studio.

Book nerds might enjoy this library card-inspired set, from 0 Names Left.

This illustrated set has a total Wes Anderson vibe. From Amy Heitman.

Planning a rustic, outdoor affair? You might enjoy these simple invites from Seaborn Press.

Into comics? Check out this comic strip-inspired design from Three Eggs Design.

This hand-drawn save the date card is romantic and whimsical. From Color Me Caria.

This adorable bird wreath invite from Amy Heitman has me feeling the need to get married in nature.

This crisp, modern design can be customized in any color your heart so desires. From Kel Elizabeth Design.

This custom invite includes your love story – however you want to tell it! From Anthologie Press.

A vintage lace doily adorns this romantic, rustic invite from Postscripts.

Want some options to mix and match for guests? Give this set from Daniel J Bradley 11 a go.

This custom “English rose” set is perfect if your affair might include tea and ladylike actions. From Jolly Edition.

Classic elegance with simple adornments – that’s what these simple and beautiful invites say to me. From Lou Tinen Events.

One of my personal favorites from Rachael Kienhe Designs.

If you’re both writers, you may enjoy this typewriter invite set from Couture Details Design.

Another illustrated set, Arthur’s Plaid Pants will really capture you and your honey.

Having a destination wedding? Get right to the point with these invites from Paper Please Studio.

If brown paper bags always make you feel giddy, you might enjoy this set from Truly B Designs.

Another English-inspired invite, this sweet and soft set from Three Eggs Design is elegant and simple for the modern bride.

Feeling lucky in love? Shout it from the rooftops with this cute set from Little Spark Creations.

Wildflowers and hand-drawn designs accompany this set from G and G Paper Studio.

This adorable save the date from Kerta Studio will have you dreaming of The Jetsons.

Want to represent your home state front and center? Check out this invite from A La Carte Studio.

If you’re looking to buy printables, check out this modern and sleek invite from Em Papers.

Having a “northern romance”? You might like this set from Ready Maker Design.

Digging the ombré craze? Check out this watercolor set from G and G Paper Studio.

If you want a special touch for your custom map, check out this amazing invite from Cecelia Hayes.

 

Fantasy Candies Chocolate Factory doubling in size, adding a make-your-own-chocolate station

Published: Thursday, September 13, 2012, 8:01 PM     Updated: Friday, September 14, 2012, 6:48 AM

 By Janet H. Cho, The Plain Dealer 

Source: http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2012/09/fantasy_candies_chocolate_fact.html

Peggy Turbett, The Plain DealerAssorted truffles and a solid dark chocolate heart sit in a handmade chocolate box on top of more chocolate hearts at Fantasy Candies Chocolate Factory. Chocolatier Joel Fink has just moved into a bigger store with space to more than double his capacity to make his dark chocolate treats.

LYNDHURST, Ohio — Joel Fink doesn’t just want to make and sell chocolate; he wants people to eat, drink and be surrounded by chocolate.

So he’s designed his newer, biggerFantasy Candies Chocolate Factoryto be much more than a candy store.

In addition to the 72-percent cocoa dark chocolate bars, chocolate truffles and novelty candy he sold at his previous shop, he’s also adding educational displays about the origins and health benefits of dark chocolate, a wine bar for wine-and-chocolate pairings, and a make-your-own chocolate bar station.

The 4,500-square-foot store, at 5338 Mayfield Road just east of Winchester Road, is about 1,000 feet west of and more than twice the size of his former location.

If he gets the green light from the health inspector and building department, Fink could open by Tuesday.

Fink just hired two more employees in addition to his current five workers.

He is looking for three more part-timers that will enable him to extend his hours and possibly add another production shift.

The new store has more windows, more display space and room to double or even triple his capacity to turn out novelties like chocolate-drizzled popcorn and dark chocolate-enrobed potato chips.

Fink said he’s willing to cover almost anything in chocolate, including cheese puffs, matzo and marshmallow Peeps.

Fantasy Candies has made chocolate versions of ancient shark teeth, trilobites and Madagascar hissing cockroaches for the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s gift shop.

Fink is hoping that with all the extra walk-by traffic, he’ll sell more slabs of his homemade fudge, from chocolate-peanut-butter swirl to strawberry cheesecake.

He also made his store more kid-friendly by bringing his enrobing machines out from behind his counters and enabling them to see – but not touch – the chocolates as they come off the conveyer belts.

He also plans to have a table where children can make their own chocolates by pouring cups of melted chocolate into small molds.

After the chocolate cools and hardens, he’ll give the children little squares of colored foil to wrap them in.

“It takes about 15 minutes, it keeps the parents here, and they can’t help but look around,” Fink said, smiling.

As another incentive to linger, he’s also adding tables and bar stools to the bar in the back, where he plans to have tastings of chocolate, wine and hot cocoa, seminars on dark chocolate, and maybe even welcome a book club or two.

He plans to sell more than 200 varieties of wine.

Inside a tiki hut along one wall, visitors can log onto his website to learn about where chocolate comes from and how it’s made via a 32-inch flatscreen TV.

Besides his Lyndhurst store, Fantasy Candies also sells its 72-percent dark chocolate barks and dark-chocolate chia bars at the Cleveland Clinic hospital shops and at Heinen’s Fine Foods.

Fink envisions welcoming schoolchildren as well as kids’ birthday parties, and says that if he can’t find anyone willing to do magic tricks or twist balloon animals for them, he just might do that, too.

“Don’t laugh,” he said. “I put myself through college doing that.”

Follow me on twitter: @janetcho

 

Danny Hess’ Handmade Surfboards and Handplanes

Posted by hipstomp | 13 Aug 2012

Source: http://www.core77.com/blog/object_culture/danny_hess_handmade_surfboards_and_handplanes_23158.asp

Statistically speaking, few of us are lucky enough to be able to make a living doing what we truly love. And by that math, Danny Hess is doubly lucky, having successfully combined two passions—,woodworking and surfing—into a career. The San-Francisco-based Hess, who was formerly an art teacher and general contractor, eventually decided he’d rather be making boards than remodeling homes. That was over a decade ago; today Hess Surfboards is a sustainable company (and we mean that both ways).

First off here’s Hess on his “handplanes,” a manual wooden fin surfers can use to dig into the wall of a wave for stability:

As for Hess’ full-sized surfboards, they incorporate the same recyclable and sustainable approach to building that he used during his contractor days. The wood is reclaimed and/or sustainably harvested, he uses renewable cork, recyclable EPS foam, and a low-VOC epoxy that doesn’t require solvents come cleanup time. There’s still fiberglass involved, but about half as much per board compared to the norm. And due to Hess’ specific design and construction techniques, his ‘boards have “a lifespan far longer than a conventional surfboard because the wood does not fatigue and break down the way foam can. The end result is a beautiful, strong, high performance surfboard that lasts longer than conventional boards and has a reduced environmental impact.”

Here’s a video profile on Hess telling his story:

Check out more of Hess’ stuff here.

 

Seniors and Kids Dedicate Handmade Butterfly Houses

Source: http://ionstratford.ca/2012/06/14/seniors-and-kids-dedicate-handmade-butterfly-houses/

Posted by: i on Stratford Staff  Tags: Avon Public School,Stratford VON  Posted date:  June 14, 2012  |  No comment

If you were a butterfly, where would you like to live? Well, there are some new handmade butterfly houses just waiting for new tenants in the garden at Avon Public School in Stratford.

Handmade and painted butterfly houses, made by grade 6 students from the school as well as the Perth Huron VON’s Day Away clients, were dedicated to the garden on Thursday.

Over an eight week period in the late winter and early spring, small groups of the students made the trip to the Day Away program at Spruce Lodge. They worked alongside the clients, many with Alzheimers, as they sanded and painted the wooden houses. The houses were constructed by volunteer Cyril White from discarded wood from the Stratford Festival and delicately adorned with folk art painting by volunteer Lois Sweeny.

Avon principal Janet Jamieson said when the school found out about the Day Away program they discovered they needed each other. “Working alongside each other, the students learned about people,” said Jamieson at the ceremony. “They shared wisdom and took back with them kindness and empathy.”

The garden at Avon is already formally recognized as a Monarch Way Station for the migration of Monarchs by the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

Jane MacPhail is the VON Adult Day Away Program Co-ordinator and she facilitated the project along with parent volunteers Mindy Gough and Renee Broadhurst.

“We all became friends,” said MacPhail. “We look forward to doing it again in the fall with a new group of kids.”

Photo above: Grade 1 student Jakob Smith with one of the butterfly houses

Avon Public School Grade 6 students and VON Day Away Clients and volunteers

Another one of the beautiful handmade butterfly houses at Avon’s Garden

 

Natural Handmade Soaps For Your Skin

Saturday, June 16, 2012, 11:13 [IST]

Ishween Anand

Source: http://www.boldsky.com/beauty/skin-care/2012/natural-handmade-soaps-for-your-skin-029684.html

Treat your skin to Natural Handmade Soaps!

Every time we switch on the TV, we can’t help being the recipients of innumerable ads of soaps for fairness, soft skin, and even soaps that act as a deodorant. And of late, the new rage is “Natural, handmade soaps”. So how is it any different from a regular bar of soap?

All natural soaps are made from a combination of three ingredients – firstly, natural vegetable oils like coconut, palm or olive oil; secondly natural fragrance oils and finally, some garnishing like flowers, buds, leaves, herbs and grains to enhance the look.

Regular soaps, on the other hand are more like detergents and contain harsh ingredients like petroleum, motor oil, alcohol or gasoline which can do irreversible damage to your skin! Lets look at the uses and benefits of Natural Soaps.

Natural Handmade Soaps-

For Dry skin: Natural soaps made with “Goat Milk”, Extra Virgin Olive oil, Sunflower oil and Bees wax create a smooth creamy lather on your body. Added Shea or cocoa butter in soap will help moisturize your dry skin naturally, acting as a lotion!

For Aging Skin: Use natural soaps made of Wheatgerm, Avocado and Argan oil to rejuvenate aging skin. The natural antioxidants in these plant extracts will help fight the free radicals in your skin – the biggest contributor to aging.

For Oily Skin: Use natural soaps made out of lavender, chamomile and thyme or tea tree oil to control oily skin. Also, Clays such as green clay or pink clay in a soap get rid of excess oil from the skin.
Benefits of Natural Handmade Soaps on Skin-

1. Contains essential minerals: Some natural soaps contain Dead Sea mud that has over 21 types of different minerals. They also contain vitamins A, B6, B12 and E – that are required for healthy, glowing skin.

2. Preservative free: These soaps are devoid of harsh preservatives, hardeners or lathering agents. They do not dry out the skin and they keep moisture in the body locked for hours.

3. Fights skin diseases: Natural soap bars are highly recommended for people who are suffering from skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. They tend to develop rashes and itchiness with synthetic bars.

The skin on our body is very delicate and must be treated with utmost care. Regular soap bars contain strong chemicals that damage our skin over time by the use of animal fat and other toxic ingredients. Even the fragrance provided by such soaps isn’t natural. So do your skin a favor and shift to natural handmade soaps. They even make a very good gifting option!

Posted by: Priyanka

 

手工制作1 Handmade

Character Design, Creative Direction, Toy Design

Source: http://www.behance.net/gallery/-Handmade/4047061

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• 用瓦楞纸跟卫生纸卷做的点东西，比起电脑，还是喜欢手工制作，那是有感情的。

 

15 Handmade Garden Projects + Ideas

POSTED BY POPPYTALK ON MAY 18TH, 2012 AT 2:00 AM

Source: http://blogs.babble.com/family-style/2012/05/18/15-handmade-garden-projects-ideas/

There’s a new garden book out that I’d love to get by Seattle-based freelance garden writer, author, blogger, Lorene Edwards Forkner called Handmade Garden Projects(Timber Press). By reading one of it’s reviews by local garden blogger, Andrea Bellamy of Heavy Petal (such a great name for a garden blog), it looks like the perfect book for the DIY’er (especially one who enjoys gardening).  Projects such as a succulent gutter planter to a gabion-style coffee table; the ideas behind the how-to book seem obtainable yet unique. It inspired me to look for a few handmade garden projects myself.  Click “continue” to see what I found.

Bird Seed Feeder
Create an open bar for your garden feathered friends.
Esprit Cabane

Outdoor Planting Table
A cute little set-up for your potting needs.
designsponge.com Images and idea from Matt at Wood and Faulk

Herb Organizer
A creative and economical way to build one of those coveted vertical gardens. Turn a pocket shoe organizer into
a veggie patch!
instructables.com

Mobile Container Garden
Make a planter on wheels!
houzz.com

Veneer Sphere Birdhouse
Create a unique birdhouse using simple strips of wood veneer.
From lowescreativeideas.com

Outdoor Planter Pendant Light
Create a light with two outdoor planters.}
From designsponge.com.

Grow Potatoes in Towers
How to create some cool planters perfect for growing potatoes.
From sunset.com.

Modern planter bench

Build a bench over two planters.
From sunset.com.

Build a Beach
Create a beachy atmosphere right in your backyard.
From sunset.com.

Beach garden in a pot
Create a miniature beach in a pot.
From sunset.com.

Succulent Gutter
Make a planter out of an old gutter. Make a planter out of an old gutter. Image from the garden of Lorene
Edwards Forkner, from Handmade Garden Projects. Photo by Allan Mandell.
Via heavypetal.com.

Add a Hideaway

Add a vintage trailer and create a cosy backyard hideway. Image from the garden of Lorene Edwards Forkner,
from Handmade Garden Projects. Photo by Allan Mandell.
Via heavypetal.com.

Geodetic greenhouse
Create a cool dome for your tomatoes.
By rickharris instructables.com.

DIY Garden Markers
Beautiful garden markers you can make in a jiffy!
By witandwhistle at instructables.com.

Make a Hanging Garden
A clever a whimsical hanging garden.
By rainbuilder at instructables.com.

 

为什么您需要手工皂？ Why Use Handmade Soap?

Source: Story Handmade Soap

为什么您需要手工皂？
1. 肌肤最好的呵护
全程采用低温冷制法作皂，手工皂的植物油脂的养分可以留存较多，给您与宝宝的肌肤最好的呵护。

2. 不会阻塞毛细孔
坚持不采用蜜蜡、硬脂酸、皂基入皂，不会阻塞毛细孔。

3. 比一般香皂更滋润
手工皂将甘油完整地保留在肥皂之中，几乎占了手工皂的25%左右。因为甘油是十分天然的保湿滋润剂，所以使用时会比一般市售的香皂来得滋润！

4. 完全天然素材
手工皂完全适用天然的材料，决不添加防腐剂、抗氧化剂、 发泡剂、硬化剂、胶结剂以及化学合成界面活性剂。

5. 有利环保
手工皂制作过程并没有添加清洁化学物质，因此当手工香皂遇到水之后，约24小时内会完全中和分解，所以也不会造成环境的污染与负担，让我们享受舒服的洗澡乐之余，也可以同时做好环保。

Why Use Handmade Soap?
Benefits Of Handmade Soap
There are said to be many healing properties of a handmade bar of soap. Those who suffer from skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, as well as people that have sensitive skin or are hypoallergenic often find immediate relief by switching to an all natural chemical free handmade soap. Compared to a conventional bar of soap, handmade soap is very mild. Most of them are made from vegetable-based oils, such as olive, coconut, and palm and do not contain the potentially harmful chemicals found in store bought soap. Some say one of the biggest differences between commercial soap and handmade soap is glycerine. Glycerine is a clear liquid that absorbs water from the air and is a key factor in keeping skin soft and healthy. Glycerin soap is especially good for sensitive and delicate skin, and for children. Because it is a high quality by-product in the soap making process, many mass commercial soap manufacturers often extract the glycerine and sell it as a by-product to be used in higher priced beauty products like lotions and skin creams.

Natural handmade soap is much better for you than commercial store-bought soap. If you’ve been having skin problems or have easily irritated skin, you should seriously consider switching to handmade soap. You’ll notice the difference almost immediately and will grateful that you did switch.

Handmade Soap Is Good For Your Body, Spirit and Soul 
Skin is the largest human organ and is the bodies first line of defense against dehydration, temperature, infection and harmful substances. Handmade soaps give your skin the care it deserves and make bathing a gentle, soothing experience.

In our busy day to day life we often put aside the indulgences of a simple thing like a special bar of soap. With our limited time it becomes last on our list of priorities. But a fragrant, handmade bar of soap is a simple indulgence that fosters a feeling of relaxation and being pampered. Treat yourself or someone you love to the benefits of handmade soap!

 

Mother’s Day Handmade Stocking Flower & Handmade Soap

每年的五月的第二个星期天是个洋溢着温馨的季节，所有做子女的都希望在这特别的日子里献上最真诚最贴心的关怀与祝福。送给母亲最好的礼物，一份充满心思和爱心的礼物，最能表达对母亲的感恩。

双福残障自强发展协会的残障朋友用他们的巧手编织了很多手工丝袜花，每一朵都是花了很多心思和时间来完成的，欣赏与认购他们的手工花能协助他们成就居家就业计划。

手工皂完全使用天然材料，加上它将甘油这种天然的保湿滋润剂完整地保留在手工皂中，所以比一般香皂更加滋润，而且对皮肤敏感的肌肤特别有效。

送手工皂让母亲的肌肤享受到最好的呵护，同时也是环保的表现，再加上手工丝袜花，绝对能让母亲感受到你对她的爱意！

我们总共有六款最受欢迎的手工皂供选择，可以任选一款，配上红色的康乃馨，由我们精心包装，为你打造一份精美又有爱心的母亲节礼物。如果要附上任何寄语的话，我们可以免费为你制作一张小心意卡。

你下订单后，我们需要几天时间制作和包装，完成后可以在Cheras面交，我们也提供母亲节当天特别专送(只限雪隆区)，只需一点的邮费，就可以让你的母亲有个惊喜的母亲节！

我们有以下的配套：
配套A：一支丝袜康乃馨 + 一片手工皂 RM 35
配套B：三支丝袜康乃馨 + 一片手工皂 + 包装 RM 55
配套C：六支丝袜康乃馨 + 一片手工皂 + 包装 RM 88
邮费：RM 8 (特别专送/Cheras区以外的地区)

手工皂任选一款：
1) 深海翡翠马赛皂 Great Barrier Reef Deep-Sea Mud Soap
2) 高滋润蛋奶皂 Goat Milk Egg Soap
3) 润肤止痒皂 Anti-Itch Mosturizing Soap
4) 蜂胶桧木抗菌皂 Propolis Hinoki Soap (适用于洗脸)
5) 佛手柑桧木手工皂 Bergamot Hinoki Handmade Soap
6) 薄荷海盐清爽皂 Sea Salt Mint Soap

除了配套以外，我们也有售卖手工皂而已，欢迎询问：珮珩 012-2208921 / Email: info@sunbrightgift.com

 

One-of-a-kind handmade leather iPad case with original Apple logo

April 20, 2012 at 8:20 am

Source: http://9to5mac.com/2012/04/20/one-of-a-kind-handmade-leather-ipad-case-with-original-apple-logo/

April 20, 2012 at 8:20 am

The one-off, handmade case above featuring the original Apple Newton logo engraved in thick premium leather was commissioned by Reddit user 44oz.  The logo featuring Sir Isaac Newton sitting under an apple tree with the text “Apple Computer Co” is said to have been designed by Apple’s third cofounder Ronald Wayne. Handmade by Attila Acs in Australia, the one-of-a-kind case sports black kangaroo leather bands to hold the iPad in place and red suede lining. The whole process of carving the design into the leather is documented on Snapguide, and you can learn more on the creator’s website at Highonglue.com.

This is a handmade iPad cover made from 3.5mm thick premium leather, suede lining, kangaroo leather spine and parts.