I feel positively bombarded with advertising every day and I think I’ve noticed it more these days because I’m not shopping for clothes for myself. So, I decided to do some advertising for the dreamers and artists and the whimsical makers in my life. These are products made or dreamt up by my friends and comrades in the world of handmade…and that may make me biased but it also means that I can guarantee a purchase from one of these shops goes directly to a family. The money spent on these things will go to groceries and haircuts and all those everyday things. But beyond that it supports dreamers and artists so they can keep dreaming and artist-ing. If our money is a vote, let’s vote for art, huh? It’s a bit of a random list of things I really like right now. Enjoy!
1. Madre Beads
Madre beads are the creation of my friend Lacy Stroessner. She is a mama to tiny little people and wanted good looking safe jewelry she could wear while still nursing and holding babies. She came up with these ingenious stretchy, saliva-friendly, non-toxic bead necklaces. Baby can suck on them, pull on them and they will wash and wear easily. Genius! I have two necklaces of hers and wear them constantly…and I no longer have babies! Ha!
2. Furoku Membership from Sanae Ishida
Very few people have been as honest and upfront about the financial stressors of trying to make art full-time than Sanae. Her Furoku membership is Sanae’s answer to reducing that stress. She’s attempting to hold onto her whimsical artistic, ad-free blogging style that relies on “consistency, quality and trust”. It’s a beautiful idea…a monthly subscription for readers with something a little special, a furoku. She sends an email with special essays, tutorials or an artistic downloadable. I just bought my subscription and can’t wait to see what she sends!
3. Smallful by Mari Richards :
Mari makes magic out of paper products with her incredible eye for good design. Dragon masks, crowns, paper dolls, you name it. My kids had a blast putting together some of her paper spinners.
4. Happy Handmade book :
How adorable is this book! Edited and organized by the crazy, imaginative mind of Michelle of MollyMoo, it’s filled with over a hundred activities for kids! And includes amazing contributors like Jane Kohlstein, Jennifer Cooper and Caroline Gravinos.
5. Knitting Without Needles :
This book isn’t released yet but I can’t wait for it! Having given up on knitting because I can’t seem to do more than tangle knitting needles; I’m eager to try arm knitting and make a pouf like this one on the cover! Anne Weil has an incredible eye and a whimsical nature and is super easy-going so I’m feeling confident I can actually knit something. Wahoo!
Did I miss an awesome maker that you know of? Tell me, I love finding more awesome people! If this kind of post is fun for people, I’d love to do it again with whatever else crosses my desk!
Also, in celebration of supporting dreamers and makers, Lacy Stroessner has offered up a 20% discount on her incredible Madre Beads products!! She has everything from necklaces for women and kids; bracelets, key fobs, teethers (!) and even tote bags. How cool is that? Use the code ahappystitch until the end of the month.
Plus, head on over to my Instagram account for a Madre Beads Giveaway!! Take a chance on winning a women’s necklace and minis necklace!
Love that you have featured these talented creatives! Also, I am a Furoku member. Sanae is so talented, I look forward to each Furoku every month.
Isn’t Furoku great!! Sanae is an natural writer and so honest. I can’t wait for her next book.
Thank you so much for the love! So happy to know the most creative and talented mamas around!
Ditto!! <3 <3