Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Handmade in Kansas City

The makers from Handmade in Kansas City would like to wish you and your family a very merry Christmas and all the best for 2016!

Last Minute Gift Ideas from Handmade in KC

Still looking for the perfect Christmas gift, holiday decoration, or New Years Eve accessory? Head over to our list of sellers, and view the shops to find just what you need.

All of us at Handmade in KC would like to thank you for your support, and wish you Happy Holidays!

DIY: Thumbprint Snowman Ornament

Christmas is drawing near, and I've had a lot of fun doing holiday crafts with my daughter. Each year for Christmas we like to create ornaments to give as gifts to friends and family. In the past we've made button tree ornaments, salt dough handprint ornaments, and yarn ball snowmen. This year we made thumbprint snowman ornaments. Its a simple and fun process, great for any age!

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You will need:
Plain ball ornaments (we used plastic ornaments with both shiny and matte finish)
white acrylic paint
black permanent marker
orange permanent marker or crayon
makeup sponge or paint brush (optional)
empty egg carton


To start, I dipped the makeup sponge in white paint and painted a layer on my daughter's thumb. (Dipping also works, but for her age the brush was simpler) It took a few times to figure out how much paint to use, and we practiced on a piece of scrap paper. Once we had the right amount I helped her put three stacked thumbprints on each ornament. We placed each ornament in a egg carton, paint side up to dry.

When the paint had full dried, which for us was 10-15 minutes, I helped her use a black permanent marker to add eyes, mouth, arms, buttons and a hat to each snowman. I then went back with an orange permanent marker and added a carrot nose. You could also use a warm crayon to add the nose, which I tried and didn't have as much luck.

Finally, I added my daughter's name and the year to the back of each ornament. If you are concerned about sealing the ornament, you could coat it with mod podge or a spray sealant (even clear nail polish would work). I tied a ribbon loop to the top and they are ready to hang.

A big thank you to Melanie Gipson from Violet's Buds for sharing this fun activity with us!

Meet the Maker – Nuggets of Goodness, Carla Poirier

Get to know Carla – the creative mind behind Nuggets of Goodness, original handmade jewelry with a vintage vibe!

Carla Poirier found a love for sparkly adornments playing in her Grandma’s collection of 40s, 50s and 60s costume jewelry.  She started her own collection of vintage jewelry in high school, and began to make her own jewelry too, mostly funky stuff made of found objects and repurposed stuff from the hardware store.   She attended school to be a graphic designer, then later again to study art history. The enduring theme in her work was a passion for jewelry. 

A few years ago, overwhelmed with the amount of vintage jewelry in her collection that was sitting unused, she decided to tear it apart and made new pieces.  Of course, she started getting requests from family and friends, especially for special occasion and wedding pieces, and it grew from there.  Carla grew up watching her family run a metal finishing business, so the entrepreneurial spirit was just in her blood.  The first products were exclusively wedding jewelry, but it has since evolved over time, and now she has added fun accessories like hair pins, magnets and quirky wine charms, all using recycled vintage materials.  Her unique business name has special meaning, she said, “While dating, my husband and I shared the pet name Nugget. Once we married and had our daughter, we became Team Nugget, and they are my sweet Nuggets of Goodness. I thought the name would be fitting for my shop J” 

The creative process for Carla comes in waves…what she calls “binge making.”  She isn’t a planner and just goes wherever the day takes her. “I have all my beads organized by color and often that will get me going on a path, or maybe it will be certain textures or shapes that I'm thinking about. I have a little print drawer with lots of little cubbies, and I will usually fill that up with the supplies for several jewelry ideas, and then I set off to making everything. The brainstorming with the supplies is one of my favorite parts of the process. I'm usually listening to music and dancing around while I poke through the supply cabinets looking for just the right piece. Good stuff!”

As she looks to the future, Carla realizes the importance of accepting help.  “As a maker, I always try to do everything myself, but I've had to learn that you can't do it all! You just end up spreading yourself too thin, and lose focus.”   The original pieces she creates are still inspired by her grandma, but also her 9 year old daughter, a fearless fashionista who has an eye for quirky, amazing color choices.  

We have a lot of fun to look forward to from Nuggets of Goodness, “I've always made jewelry, and as long as I'm physically capable, probably always will. I don't think I could ever stop. Now that the price of metals is going down, I'm excited to start adding more sterling silver pieces into the collection, and am planning to add a line of gold-filled pieces, which I've not done in the past. I'm very excited about that: I haven't worked in precious metals in a couple of years, so feel like I'm going back to my roots. It's quite rejuvenating, creatively. I'm looking forward to more studio dance parties in the near future!

Support Nuggets of Goodness here:

Shop – nuggetsofgoodness.com

twitter - @nuggetygoodness

Instagram – Instagram.com/nuggetsofgoodness

Facebook – www.facebook.com/nuggetsofgoodness

Thank you to Laura from Handmade by LoloZ for helping us to learn more about Nuggets of Goodness.  

Handmade in Kansas City Men's Gift Guide

This is a collection from the Handmade in KC group that caters to the men. So get ready and take notes!

First up--who doesn't love the Royals?? Especially after all their wonderful success! What better way to celebrate than to snag one of these great collars?  Click here to check them out in detail.

Next up Unravelled is offering a brand new line of wallets for every guy on your list! A line of hand-printed silk ties coming soon! 

For the guy in your life with a soft spot for tech and all things science check out Remnants by RJ to see an awesome line of robots!!  This Cine-Bot would be the perfect gift for a movie-buff.  

Finally, for the musician who is so difficult to buy for Hang Ups in KC has cufflinks made from a retired saxophone.

We know men are hard to shop for so we here at Handmade in KC strive to continuously add goodies to our inventory. Stay tuned as we release more great holiday gift ideas for every person in your life.

Thank you to Larissa from Unravelled for creating this blog post.  

Handmade in KC Gift Guide for Upcycled Lovers

Several of our Handmade in Kansas City community members use re-purposed materials in their handmade creations.  We wanted to make it easy for you to shop handmade upcycled this holiday season so we created this Upycled Gift Guide.

This gorgeous double wrap zipper bracelet created by Cindy at FabTabulous is upcycled using a post consumer brass zipper, antique bronze chain, and three lovely, midnight blue and gold vintage buttons.

PugglesWorth is everything a mixed-up-pug-bot should be: adorable, compact, and completely irresistible. Remnant by RJ has created a diverse and unique line of robot sculptures made from spare parts that has something for everyone.

 

Hang Ups in KC has a large selection of jewelry made from upcycled items including musical instruments, keys, key holes, silverware, typewriter keys, belts and buttons.  This fun necklace was created from an antique keyhole.

Farnsworth the Puppy Pillow was handmade by The Little Wing KC from upcycled and vintage fabrics.  Check out Jennifer's online store for adorable dolls and pillows.

Ivory Isis has a gorgeous line of jewelry made from upcycled materials.  You can find her on Facebook and on her website.

Gypsy Soup makes incredibly cool and unique items from upcycled items.  This wrist cuff is 90% repurposed, using an upcycled neck tie as the base with layers of recycled materials and buttons.

These Gypsy Hair Jewels were handmade by Violet's Buds.  Lovely upcycled metal & black jewel pendants have been carefully secured to bobby pins, turning them in to hair jewelry.

Happy Holiday Shopping!

This blog was created by Carolyn from Hang Ups in KC.

Handmade In KC Kids Holiday Gift Guide

Can you believe it is already mid-November?!? Where did 2015 go? Christmas is right around the corner and Handmade In KC group has many great handmade items that will make wonderful gifts for the kids in your life. So, while I was sitting down writing out my 'Christmas gift list' for my own family, I thought I would pull together a children's gift guide.

Baby: M and J Creations has so many amazing handmade items, for all ages but I love their Ribbon Creatures. This elephant is darling and would be perfect as a gift for the holidays or even a baby shower during the year.

Kiser Krafts also has handmade plush sock bunnies that are safe for 0+. One of my favorites is this bright Dotdot Bunny. She is cute, small, colorful, and features secure safety eyes.

Toddler & Children: I love The Little Wing and her creations! My daughter has one of her previous styled dolls and it is well loved. I love the NEW dress-me style dolls, especially this one with vibrant blue hair.

Every little girl loves flowers in their hair (sometimes even women😉 I know I do)! Violet's Bud hair flowers are so well made and super darling! I love the pig tail sets as well as this beautiful bloom for the Harry Potter fan!
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 While M and J Creations and Kiser Krafts have items set apart for the very young, there are other items within their virtual walls for children of all ages. M and J Creations has handmade wooden cars - how cool is that!?! And Kiser Krafts has sock lions!?! Who needs a monkey, when there is a sock lion out there?!? Handmade In KC has many other amazing items for all ages that make wonderful gifts. Please, stay tuned as more gift guides will be shared throughout the next few weeks. I know you will find the perfect gift you are looking for.

Thank you to Kelly from Kiser Krafts for putting this blog together.

November & December Shopping Events in the Kansas City Area

Crafts & Drafts:

Crafts & Drafts is hosted by local Kansas City paper The Pitch and has 95 vendors with 20 craft beers ready for you to check out!  Happening on November 7th from 11:00 AM until 6:00 PM at the Uptown Theater Shoppes, across from The Uptown Theater.     

Members Participating: Ivory Isis, Ni-Chern Designs, Nuggets of Goodness, Stik a Pin In It

Cool To Be Blue Holiday Boutique:

The North Heartland Community Church is putting on a show for the fifth year on November 7th!  9:00 AM until 3:00 PM at North Heartland Community Church.  For all the details click here.  

Members Participating: Aunt Christy’s Country Kitchen

Pinterest Inspired Holiday Craft Show:

On November 14^th in Blue Springs, this 100% handmade holiday show will feature homemade, boutique, and repurposed vendors.  At the Pavillion at Centerline in Blue Springs, MO from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM.  Four $50 giveaways will be awarded, and donations of a toy worth at least $10.00 are needed for entry.  Check it out here.   

Members Participating: Aunt Christy’s Country Kitchen

Belvoir Winery Sip and Shop:

Two floors of fabulous crafters on November 21st.  $25.00 value free gifts given to the first 30 that walk in the door at 11:00 AM!  Free wine tastings, lunch, and giveaways as well.  11:00 AM until 6:00 PM at Belvoir Winery in Liberty, MO.  More details here.   

Members Participating: Aunt Christy’s Country Kitchen, Ivory Isis, Nuggets of Goodness

Strawberry Swing Holiday Swing:

Come visit one of the top indie craft fairs in the world with 75+ vendors, food trucks, kids crafts, live music, a photo booth, and plenty of fun!  At The Uptown Theater Shoppes across from The Uptown Theater, Saturday and Sunday, December 5^th and 6th.  For more details click here.   

Members Participating: Stik a Pin In It, the little wing, Ivory Isis, Life’s Gems

A big thanks to Tania from Ivory Isis for putting this blog together.  

Witch Hat Cookies - a kid friendly recipe

Thank you to my friend at Just Cheeky Boutique for giving me the idea for these cookies! They are really cute, and so simple to make. This was a great project for me to have my preschooler help and learn to follow simple directions.

You only need 2 ingredients- thin mint cookies (or any chocolate cookie), and Hershey's Kisses. Start by melting a few Kisses over a double boiler. While you are waiting for these to melt, start unwrapping the other Kisses you will use to make the hats. Once the chocolate is melted, its time to assemble the witch hats. Dip the bottom of a Kiss in the melted chocolate with just enough to coat the bottom. Stick the Kiss on top of a cookie, and tah-dah--  Witch hat!

I made an assembly area for my daughter and she went to town making the hats until we ran out of cookies. Of course, when you have a little helper, you will get chocolate everywhere and have to sacrifice a few Kisses to taste-testing. We had a great time! It was a simple but fun Halloween activity.

A BIG thank you to Melanie from Violet's Buds for sharing this fun Halloween recipe!

Introduction to Hand Embroidery Workshop - November 7, 2015 ● 1pm – 4pm 1400 St. Louis Ave. ● Kansas City, MO

Our Stitch workshop on November 7th is QUICKLY approaching! Join Kristen Shuler of Hey Paul Studios and members of Handmade in Kansas City for an Introduction to Hand Embroidery Workshop, put on in conjunction with Eat Drink Stitch.

This workshop is perfect for beginners, for those who want to sharpen their stitching skills, or for experienced stitchers who just want an excuse to hang out with like-minded, fantastically creative people.

During this 2 ½ hour course, you will learn all about:

• Basic tools of hand embroidery,
• Four basic stitches,
• Pattern making techniques, and
• Methods for mounting your work for display.

This EXCLUSIVE and one-time-only event offers you a fabulously fun-filled-Saturday! Start with our workshop where you will learn all you need to know to start stitching, hit up our complimentary snack bar complete with hot apple cider, and shop handmade quality products made right here in Kansas City. After the workshop, wander just a few blocks down the street and visit Kansas City’s infamous First Friday Weekends in the West Bottoms! All of the antique stores open and offering more unique treasures and gifts than one person can see in a day!

Tickets are limited, as we want to keep this event exclusive. Grab your closest girlfriends and reserve your tickets now, as they are not available at the door!  Click here for tickets.

Ghost Gourd DIY

Looking for an easy spooky decoration for Halloween? Try making a ghost gourd! This craft is relatively fast, and is kid friendly.

You will need:

a ghostly shaped gourd (dried is preferred)

white craft paint

a black permanent marker.

I am using a dried gourd that my dad grew a few years ago. Start by wiping the surface of the gourd clean. Then coat the gourd with white craft paint. Allow to dry fully. Give it a second, or third coat of white paint as needed.

Once the white paint is even and fully dried, you can make the face. I first drew the ghost face with a pencil to make sure I got it right. Draw in the eyes & mouth with a black permanent marker. Now your ghost is done!

As is, it makes a nice indoor decoration. You can tie a string around the stem to hang it, or simply place on the mantle. If you want to place it outdoors, I would recommend a coat of waterproof sealant.

Happy Halloween!

Thank you to Melanie from Violet's Buds for this spooky DIY!

What Handmade in Kansas City LOVES About Fall

When asked our members were happy to share their favorite things about Fall.  We'd love it if you would share what you love about Fall with us!

Nicole Wall  - Ni-Chern Designs: accessories for people and pets
“Taking the kids to the pumpkin patch and just spending time with them.”

Melanie Gipson – Violet’s Buds: handsewn flowers for hair accessories and hoop art

“My favorite parts of fall are having the windows open during the day, baking with pumpkins and apples, and watching my daughter play in the leaves.”

Jennifer Goodman Schumaker - The Little Wing: one of a kind doll & animal friends, embroidery art
“ALL THE PUMPKINY THINGS. Cozy sweaters, more baking, soups, trips to the pumpkin patch, carving pumpkins, & watching leaves change.”

Carolyn Goodfellow-Adams – Hang Ups in KC: Jewelry from upcycled finds

“Pumpkin Pie! I love the coziness of the fall. Ooooh and apple cider from Trader Joe's.”

Jennifer Conner – Creations by M and J: sewing for children and babies

“Apple cider and cider donuts from Dunn's cider mill. Then going to the pumpkin patch.”

Rebecca Jackson  - Remnants by RJ: Recycled Robots and Steampunk Jewelry/Art

“I love the orange leaves. I stalk certain areas that have those orange-y trees.”

Amy Beth – By Wicked Red: Beaded Jewelry, Upcycled paper beads

“I love the weather. I have the be’st tree in my front yard the has the best fall leaves. Thanksgiving ...everything about it from family to shopping to, of course, the food.

Sara Hunsaker – Gyspy Soup: UPcycled wearables (wrist cuffs)/carryables (pouches/aunt fannys)

“Layery goodness, extra long hugs, cool stocking caps and fall festivals!!!”

Cindy Livingston Jurries – Fabtabulous: Upcycled jewelry made from guitar strings, soda tabs, bullets, etc.

“The things I look forward to each autumn are cozy sweaters and boots, making homemade soup, and the smell of fall-ish candles! I also love simmering my own concoction of spices and fruit on the stove to infuse the house with the scent of cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, oranges and apples... or anything else I think of to throw into the pot.”

Shelly Lawless-Nguyen – Stik a Pin in it : Sewing Accessories, embroidery, felt

“EVERYTHING! Hahaha, I seriously adore this time of year. The weather, the fashion, the food (Louisburg Donuts, and Walts Pumpkin patch Pumkin sloppy joes) TV shows starting back up, settling into a routine after the more carefree days of summer, Halloween (fav holiday by far), pumpkin patch traditions with friends and family, the colors, the smells...okay I could go on forever! I just feel so energized this time of year! And Pumpkin or Caramel flavored everything doesn't hurt!”

Carla Gilliland Poirier – Nuggets of Goodness: jewelry: recycled vintage; vintage handbags

“Crisp 40 degree mornings with clear blue skies, start of the new season of the Walking Dead, warm cozy hoodies, hot chocolate, trick or treating with my daughter, fall colors, flowerpots full of mums, Saturday night bonfires in the firepit, hiking in the woods, the smell of cinnamon and cloves mixed with clementine peels simmering on the stove...I love Fall!!!!!”

Christy Parker Bean – Aunt Christy’s Country Kitchen: Handcrafted jams and jellies

“I was born in October and I grew up, predominantly, on the east coast. I just remember the beginning of the fall semester and riding my bike to school with my new back to school clothes on a crisp autumn day and feeling like life was brand new. New school year, new adventures. I love the smell of autumn and the crisp autumn days that give relief to hot summer days. And the month of October. My birthday, my wedding anniversary, and Halloween, my second to favorite Holiday because I love dressing up and being someone/something else for a day. And football games, and marching band competitions. Walking around in a kilt and freezing my butt off at the night football games (our HS mascot was the highlander). So much for me to love about fall!”

Brie Holst – Life’s Gems: Dazzling designs for home and life

“I enjoy the cool crisp air when fall first begins. The change in wardrobe to warm sweaters and boots, cuddling on the couch under blankets, smelling chili and different soups cooking all day, and of course, planning my Halloween party!”

Laura Graybill – Handmade by Lolo Z:  Custom Clothing for the whole family

“My family has such great fall traditions!  First, the Harvest party where my parents create an afternoon of fall fun for all the kids; complete with hayride, corn maze, pumpkin picking, apple bobbing and of course a ton of food!  Then we have the neighborhood Pumpkin Party with the kids carving their jack-o-lanterns and a bonfire and delicious treats to finish off the evening (and hopefully a little Royals baseball as well!!).  Then Halloween night – trick or treating with the kids and enjoying warm drinks and driveway fire with the other parents”  

A big thank you to Laura from Handmade by Lolo Z for putting together this blog post!