Fabrics for the Kitchen

February 19, 2016 by NY Handmade Collective

What makes a good fabric for the kitchen? Whether it's an apron or a tea towel/ dish towel, which fabric is better than another? Why do chefs and bakers prefer one over the other? Here is a brief rundown of what's what and what you might like.

Linen: do you immediately think of summer dresses or pants? Timeless and classic. Linen fibers are from the flax plant and much stronger than cotton. They yield cool yet absorbent fabrics. However they do wrinkle easily. This fabric makes a perfect kitchen apron, a place where it gets hot!

Chambray: a plain weave fabric made of a white weft and colored warp yarn creating a beautiful watercolor look. It's cotton, it's sturdy. Light to medium weight. Great fabric for aprons or table cloth.

above chambray fabric from fabric.com by Robert Kaufman

Denim: Really? Denim? Yes. Many kitchens are now preferring or wearing denim. Denim as you know comes in many weights and weaves. From 3 oz to 16 oz, denim is made to take a beating. It is woven in a twill weave, a zig zag or angled weave. This makes it quite strong and hard to tear. Similar to chambray it is sometimes made with 2 different colored yarns. Denim will make a great apron for kitchen wear, restaurant wear or studio wear. Don't buy something too heavy because it may become cumbersome and hot in a kitchen.

Denim apron from Jones of Boerum Hill Brooklyn

Do you have a fabric you love to use in the kitchen? Or something you absolutely will not use! Please share!

Happy Friday!

Tracey Toole

www.traceytoole.com | www.traceytoole.etsy.com

Spring Wedding Planning | Part 1

February 10, 2016 by NY Handmade Collective

While the 2015 holiday engagement season has past the wedding talk in the office and on social media is just starting for 2016! As an interior and graphic designer I am often asked by friends and family to help pull together the big day. Over the next four posts, we'll will take a look at some of the best wedding vendors in New York and surrounding states for you to gather some inspiration!

When it comes to planning a wedding there is really no wrong place to start, the key is a consistent story throughout. For our spring wedding we will start at the dress! This beautiful short dress from Dahl NYC really sets the stage for a stunning outdoor wedding.

With a beautiful simple white dress, a little bit of sparkle goes a long way. Meli By Maria has a gorgeous hair pieces that bring the perfect bride look together effortlessly.

Buffy Weddings has stunning invitations to bring your special today to life. I love this invitation in particular because of the the unique color palette and floral element continues the garden theme.

And of course every wedding needs "something old". These vintage glasses from Country Home City Home would make a romantic low table centerpiece or stunning decor surrounding a dessert bar. Sometimes simplicity makes a bigger statement than a large feature.

If you're planning for your big day and have some great finds please share below! Next post, we will take a look at some awesome summer wedding finds!

~Amberlee

Amberlee Isabella Home

Valentine Picks

February 05, 2016 by NY Handmade Collective

Valentine's Day is around the corner and even though it is a Hallmark made up holiday it is a sweet day for kids and adults. Express your love for your loved ones; partners, parents, friends and children.

Here are a few of my favorite picks from Etsy.

A polar bear, a penguin and a bike. How can one go wrong? From ShawnCarneyArt.

Are you into more vintage style? Know someone who is a fan of Cupid or mythology? AdornmentsNYC has the perfect gift. A Cupid medallion.

Feeling old school? I love the memories of friendship bracelets. Emily of SlopeGirlKnits is offering these adorable hand crocheted friendship bracelets in a variety of colors.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Tracey

www.traceytoole.etsy.com | www.traceytoole.com

Valentine's Day Tutorial: Make a Heart Pop-up Card for your Loved One(s)!

February 01, 2016 by NY Handmade Collective

Valentine's Day is just around the corner here in the US. With today being February 1st, you officially have 13 days to buy goodies for your loved one.

I'm a huge fan of Valentine's Day. I love everything about the holiday. I love that it is a day designated for love, even if we should be showing love every day. I love that people dress up in red on that day. That people do their best to be compassionate and kind. These things are more real to me than boxes of chocolates and expensive dinners. Don't get me wrong, those have their place, but I think Valentine's Day is so much more than spending money. It's about holding doors and saying "hi" or "I like your shoes" to a stranger. It's about giving $.50 to a homeless person on the street. It's about calling your Mom, grandparents, sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews, boyfriends/girlfriends, regular friends and saying, "I love you."

In the spirit of keeping things simple this Valentine's Day, I've put together one of my favorite handmade craft projects in a video and am sharing it with EtsyNY readers and followers - heart shaped pop-up cards. They take about three to five minutes a piece and can be embellished as you like. Really these are a winning card!

Supplies:

Scissors
8.5x11 sheet(s) of paper - be creative!
Confidence in your cutting and folding skills

Instruction Video:

As a stationer, I always think the more important element of any holiday is the way we communicate our feelings and emotions to the people we care the most about in our lives. I hope you find many uses for this card, not just the holiday of love.

If you make one or two or even a few, share pictures in the comments!

Happy Valentine's Day! Happy Love Day! Happy Heart Crafting!

Sara

New Year, New Inspiration!

January 26, 2016 by NY Handmade Collective

It's official! We're almost 1 month into New Year's Resolutions! If you're anything like me you've slipped up a few times this month on those promises. But that's okay, no ones perfect! The key is to jump right back on the horse if you fall off. If you're looking for some inspiration to keep you going, Etsy is a great place for a pick me up. Think of it not only as a treat, but an investment in encouraging you year round!

Pretty Collected does the classic "girl boss" well. Simple and stylish that is great for your corporate or at home office!

A personalized notepad from I Design That is the perfect place to jot down your to do list! Whether it's notes from a client meeting or even your grocery list, this notepad adds a bit of style to all of your daily tasks.

Getting a bit more personal this piece from Georgie Designs has the quote "She Believed She Could So She Did" in rose gold. This beautiful bracelet is sure inspire conversation!

This is one of my favorite quotes from Spell and Tell. Such a true statement and a testament to the power of working hard. While natural talent can be helpful, hard work is really what sets successful people apart.

With those words of wisdom I wish you the best of luck this year knocking your resolutions out of the park!

~Amberlee

Amberlee Isabella Home

Indoor Plantings

January 22, 2016 by NY Handmade Collective

New York City is expecting it's first big snow fall of the season and the weather has been quite chilly! I find myself craving citrus and water. I can't seem to get enough of oranges, grapefruits and glasses of agua! I look outside and see my garden sleeping. Although the plants are also snoozing for the winter it still looks beautiful and peaceful. I have few indoor plants, the air is so dry in my apartment, I have trouble keeping things alive. But I continue to work at it. And this winter on my kitchen table I am holding onto the Christmas berry centerpiece. Also dried out and beautiful.

Whether you have dried, fresh or living plants in your home there are so many beautiful pots and planters to brighten up your home during hibernation season.

Want to do some diy this weekend and have copper piping laying around. Ok it's a possibility. Pinterest is filled with ideas!

Mid-century modern planters can usually blend well with any decor.

Do you have a favorite indoor planter? Or plants? Are you growing herbs this winter in a sunny kitchen window? Show us your pictures!

Enjoy the snow and your weekend!

Tracey