Sustainable Style for the Environmentally-Conscious Consumer

Eco-Friendly Wood Tree Branch Buttons and Needle Cases • Nature-Inspired Gifts • Earth-Friendly Jewelry • Green Wedding Ware • and More

Showing posts with label fiber art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fiber art. Show all posts

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Playing Matchmaker Part III

One of my favorite posts from last year is entitled "Playing Matchmaker." It was so fun to create. I love looking at all the wonderful fiber shops, and it thrills me to feature their beautiful handspun yarns.

If you are a DIYer, here are some great selections to consider for your upcoming projects. I have played matchmaker by pairing these beautiful yarn selections with some of our handmade tree branch buttons that complement each other perfectly.

My hope is that you see something you like and are able to incorporate some of these great finds into your own designs.

#1: This ridiculously soft yarn was hand spun by Eliade on an Ashford Kiwi Wheel.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73626093/cleopatra-handspun-merino-crazy-plied?ref=sr_list_3&ga_ref=auto&ga_search_query=bulky+handspun+yarn&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

#1: Pair this yarn with a set of our spalted maple tree branches buttons hand crafted from a tree branch from a down maple tree. The wood is gorgeous with its coloring in light golden hues of honey and spectacular spalting patterns. http://www.etsy.com/listing/71481291/4-magnificent-maple-wood-tree-branch

#2: This wool is from the flock of Olde English Babydoll Southdown sheep. You can visit  www.MyLittleSheep.com to get a peek into their lives. http://www.etsy.com/listing/74511948/babydoll-wool-yarn-bulky-wt-38-yds?ref=sr_list_38&ga_search_query=handspun+yarn&ga_page=7&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade
#2: These buttons are so exquisite. The buttons have golden hues, reddish browns and blueish-grey coloring with a prominant grain pattern. Absolutely gorgeous! They are like little pieces of Mother Nature's art. I chose a simple yarn as to not detract from these beauties. http://www.etsy.com/listing/74225313/4-stunning-pine-wood-tree-branch-buttons
 
#3: This two ply yarn from SheepingBeauty was spun from either mohair and wool fiber, 50/50, or Alpaca, Mohair and Wool, 50/30/20, that was prepared by Wellington Fibres. This silky yarn has a lovely sheen with nice depth of color. http://www.etsy.com/listing/73805413/goblin-handspun-yarn-mohair-and-wool?ref=sr_list_16&ga_search_query=handspun+yarn&ga_page=8&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade


#3: I love these buttons with their two-tone, 'espresso with cream' centers. They are some of my favorites! They are hand crafted from a tree branch from a redbud tree and are consecutive cuts. The wood is gorgeous and has slight spalting and wonderful dark and light espresso-brown centers with blonde sap wood. A natural and eco-friendly embellishment for that special fiber project. http://www.etsy.com/listing/74142405/5-spectacular-spalted-redbud-tree-branch
 
#4: This is a very beautiful handspun yarn from alltheprettyfibers. It has a lot of coils and beehive coils, made from 100% extra soft Bluefaced Leicester wool. The colours are warm autumn shades of dark sunflower yellow, burnt orange and rosewood pink. A great yarn for special knitting projects that require extra texture. http://www.etsy.com/listing/56911052/autumn-whispers-ooak-handpainted-and?ref=sr_list_1&ga_search_query=handspun+yarn&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade
 
#4: These buttons were hand crafted from a branch of a down tree and are consecutive cuts from the branch. After doing some research, we determined that this species has the characteristics of the American Smoketree. The buttons have a wonderful circular grain pattern with a rich reddish-orange center and light sap wood. http://www.etsy.com/listing/72392763/eco-friendly-and-amazing-american
 
#5: This thick and thin style, super bulky weight yarn is from EnchantedYarn. It is spun from uncarded cotswold wool locks. Next to the skin soft. It is hand painted in rich shades of chestnut, forest green, goldenrod, and pomegranate. http://www.etsy.com/listing/68777720/handspun-wool-art-yarn-forest-witch?ref=sr_list_10&ga_ref=auto&ga_search_query=bulky+handspun+yarn&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade


#5: This set of 4 buttons was hand crafted from a branch of a fallen oak tree. The branch was splitting due to the drying process. To save this beautiful wood, we cut the branch in half to create half-circle buttons that are very charming. Each button has golden brown colors and spalting patterns. http://www.etsy.com/listing/73642468/a-new-take-on-toggles-4-beautiful
 
#6: This Merino wool roving was carded with shimmering nylon firestar fibers and angelina sparkle by Autumnrose. It was spun into a thick and thin soft and super bulky yarn. http://www.etsy.com/listing/74030442/enchanted-forest-sparkle-handspun-yarn?ref=sr_list_12&ga_search_query=bulky+handspun+yarn&ga_page=8&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade
 
#6: These pine buttons were hand crafted from a tree branch from a down tree. The buttons have a gorgeous swirling grain pattern in a golden honey-brown color with blonde sap wood. The bark is still intact lending to their rustic charm. http://www.etsy.com/listing/74167534/pretty-pine-tree-branch-buttons-with 

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Call for SWAG


We are getting ready for a big fiber festival in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The Midwest Festival of Fibers presents A Wool Gathering on Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18, 2011 at Young's Jersey Dairy North of Yellow Springs, Ohio on U.S. 68. The vendor list is full for 2011, and this festival has record crowds.

We’ll be giving away 50 SWAG bags to the first lucky shoppers of the day. A Remark You Made will be including handmade tree branch buttons, magnets, and more. We would love to include your yarn samples, business cards, coupons, or any other items you would like to promote!

If you would like to contribute promotional material for your business, please contact me via our etsy shop by June 17th (http://www.aRemarkYouMade.etsy.com). I will provide more information to interested parties and answer any questions you may have regarding this festival.

Note: No pornographic, racist, sexist, or vulgar materials will be used in the swag bags. We reserve the right to refuse any materials. Please keep it friendly!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Fondly,
Brenda K.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Window Shopping with A Remark You Made

Running a business has many perks. You come across wonderful shops and meet some really great people.

I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorites with you. I hope these shops become some of your favorites, too. Happy shopping!

Who wouldn't love this little wristlet from sweetpeatotes? It is loaded with natural charm and is embellished with one of A Remark You Made's handmade tree branch buttons! http://www.etsy.com/listing/72965424/owl-wristlet-wallet-detachable-strap

The WhiteOakRoom makes some of the most beautiful pillow covers that would make a perfect addition to any room decor. I own several and they are very well made. Jayne is a such a pleasure to work with, too!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/52519992/16x16-handmade-designer-pillow-cover

This sweet little clutch from fuzzycraftknitwear is all spruced up! This roomy and colorful clutch features luscious fruity shades of pomegranate, lime, and orange that blend into each other. Perfect for those summer evenings out.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/70588789/all-spruced-up-hand-knit-wool-clutch

Super bulky, super soft, the Eleanor scarf from AnaidDesigns is gorgeous! Visit her shop for an amazing selection. The shop owner is a doll!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/54944845/the-eleanor-scarf-with-wooden-buttons?ref=pr_shop

Check out this hand-tooled leather look fabric! If you are in the market for a tech gadget cover, check out Clevelandgirlie. This shop offers a large variety.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/72755548/ipad-cover-hand-tooled-leather-look?ref=pr_shop

Wow, wow, wow! This black walnut cutting board from rusticandy is stunning! It would make a wonderful housewarming or wedding gift.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/72772027/black-walnut-burl-plattercutting-board

Are you hosting a gathering? Check out these mongrammed cookies from SweetAmbs! These will certainly be a conversation piece.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/31908682/monogrammed-cookies-in-juniper-green-set

This gift set from belleterre would make a perfect gift for out-of-town guests. Leave it on a dresser or bed to make your guests feel welcomed and right at home.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/71970055/black-gift-box-soap-lotion-and-lip-balm

Game on! Bring home a classic with this game from AlmasKnitShop! A great gift for the backgammon lover.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/66486197/knitted-backgammon-game

Dare to be distinctive with a piece from A Remark You Made's Natural Statements Collection. Each piece is fashioned with sustainability and designed with style. http://www.aremarkyoumade.etsy.com/

Saturday, January 22, 2011

WINTER BLUES BUSTER 3-Day Sale


Brrrrr...baby it's cold outside.
To help beat the winter blues,
A Remark You Made is having a 3-day sale!

Visit A Remark You Made Sunday, January 23rd - Tuesday, January 25th to take advantage of the savings. Our "green" items will save you a little "green." Sale begins at Midnight and runs through 6:00 pm on Tuesday, January 25th (Eastern time).

Want to go green? Try a set of our handmade tree branch buttons! They make a perfect embellishment for journals, accent pillows, handbags, and your knitting and sewing creations.

Maybe you are looking for a unique gift for the Quilter, Hobbyist or the Sewing Guru. Our Eco-friendly and Rustic Needle Case Pendants are handmade from reclaimed tree branches and would be the perfect gift!





We have a large selection to choose from.

• Wood Tree Branch Buttons
• Organic Linens
• Earth-Friendly Jewelry
• Sustainably Harvested Needle Case Pendants

and much more!

How to qualify:

For every in-stock item purchased in our shop, you will receive a 20% discount. When placing your order, be sure to use coupon code "WinterBluesBuster" during checkout.

Please note: This offer is not valid on custom orders or with any other discount or previous purchases. Sale ends at 6:00 pm Eastern Time.

A Remark You Made helps you live a greener, healthier, and happier lifestyle. Our wood items are locally and sustainably harvested or salvaged from fallen trees ensuring our commitment to the environment. No living trees are harmed in the making of our products. For selections, please visit our shop at: http://www.aremarkyoumade.etsy.com/

To all of our wonderful customers, you are truly appreciated. We hope this sale brings a warm feeling your way!

Friday, December 31, 2010

Introducing a New Series of Distinctive Designs Tree Branch Buttons for 2011 - The Woodburned Collection

With a new year comes changes, and A Remark You Made has some great new items we are excited about launching! Here is a sneak peek at the first of many new items, earth-friendly Distinctive Designs Tree Branch Buttons - The Woodburned Collection.

Please stop by our shop on January 1st to check out these distinctive wooden buttons.

Distinctive Designs Tree Branch Buttons - The Woodburned Collection (Blossoms)
Distinctive Designs Tree Branch Buttons - The Woodburned Collection (The Dragonfly)
Distinctive Designs Tree Branch Buttons - The Woodburned Collection (Dots)
Distinctive Designs Tree Branch Buttons - The Woodburned Collection (Branches and Blossoms)

Distinctive Designs Tree Branch Buttons - The Woodburned Collection (Branches)


Looking for something a little unique and different for that special project?
Try a set of earth-friendly buttons from our line of Distinctive Designs Tree-Branch Buttons
by A Remark You Made!

Handcrafted from reclaimed branches of fallen trees, these buttons showcase various woodburned designs. Each eco-friendly button has been cut, sanded smooth on all sides, drilled with 2 large holes, woodburned with an image, and finished with carnauba wax for a glass-like finish.

These eco-friendly tree branch buttons would make a unique embellishment to any sewing, knitting, or craft project. They are ideal for journal closures, accent pillows, knitted hats, scarves, sweaters, neck warmers, handbags, or your handmade gift boxes.






Thursday, December 30, 2010

END OF 2010 12-Hour Sale Going on Now!



It is the end of another year. To celebrate and to make room for new inventory, A Remark You Made is having a 12-hour sale today only!

Visit A Remark You Made December 30, 2010 from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm to receive 10% off any in-stock item.
• Tree Branch Buttons
• Organic Linens
• Earth-Friendly Jewelry
and much more!

How to qualify:
For every in-stock item purchased in our shop, you will receive a 10% discount. When placing your order, be sure to use coupon code "Endof2010" during checkout.




Please note: This offer is not valid on custom orders or with any other discount or previous purchases. Sale ends at 6:00 pm Eastern Time.

A Remark You Made helps you live a greener, healthier, and happier lifestyle. Our wood items are locally and sustainably harvested or salvaged from fallen trees ensuring our commitment to sustainability. No living trees are harmed in the making of our products. For selections, please visit my shop at: http://www.aremarkyoumade.etsy.com/

To all of our wonderful customers, we wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Playing Matchmaker Part II

The original post entitled "Playing Matchmaker" was so fun to create and was quite popular, so I decided to do a part II.

If you like to knit or crochet, here are some great selections of yarn for all the DIYers out there.

I have played matchmaker by pairing these beautiful yarn selections with some of my handmade tree branch buttons that complement each other perfectly.

My hope is that you see something you like and are able to incorporate some of these great finds into your own designs.

Primeval Forest - Hand Spun Hand Painted Yarn by The Opalescence.

This is a 100% Merino wool 2-ply yarn that has been handspun on a Majacraft Suzie Pro. It measures approximately 14 WPI with some thicker and thinner bits throughout. A light worsted weight yarn.

Fiber Credit:
The Yarn Wench

To purchase, please visit http://theopalescence.etsy.com/.

I love these buttons with their prominant grain, and being green with your next project is easy with this Button Bundle™ handmade from a reclaimed tree branch!

These 4 naturally green and beautiful buttons were hand crafted from a tree branch from a down tree. The wood is gorgeous with its pale-green coloring and prominant dark green circular grain pattern. These buttons are approximately 1-7/8 inches x 1-3/4 inches in diameter and are 3/8 inch thick and very lightweight.

For a variety of handmade tree branch buttons, please peruse my shop at http://www.aremarkyoumade.etsy.com/.


Autumn - handdyed handspun single ply BFL silk yarn by Pocket Meadow Farm

Hand-dyed Bluefaced Leicester and silk blend (80/20) roving, spun as a soft, chunky single ply yarn. This new blend has a wonderful sheen. 160 yards, apx. 105 grams. Soft, bouncy, a bright autumn blend or orange, gold and mahogany. This would be excellent for a hat or neckwarmer.

Dyed with professional acid dyes for color fastness.

For more selections, please visit http://www.pocketmeadowfarm.etsy.com/.




Eco-Friendly and Amazing American Smoke-Tree Tree Branch Buttons
 
These buttons were hand crafted from a branch of a down tree and are consecutive cuts from the branch. After doing some research, we determined that this species has the characteristics of the American Smoke-Tree. The buttons have a wonderful grain pattern with a rich reddish-orange center and light sap wood. Each button is approximately 1-7/8 inches x 1-3/4 inches and 3/8 inch thick.




 
 
 
Handspun Merino Thick n Thin Singles - Birthday Suit by Godiva Yarn.
 
Just fresh air and sunshine in this natural yarn. Spun from a buttery soft merino combed top into a thick 'n thin singles suitable for knitting, weaving, crochet or felting.
 
For more selections, please visit http://www.mysweetspot2.etsy.com/.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
These lovely buttons were hand crafted from a reclaimed branch of an oak tree. They would look gorgeous with this yarn. Each button has light rays running through it and gorgeous reddish-brown color with a splash of white. Because they are cut from a tree branch, they are not perfectly round, but have great character. The bark is still intact lending to their rustic charm.
 
These buttons are approximately 2-1/2 inches x 2-1/8 inches and 1/4 inch thick. Each button has been sanded smooth and finished with 100% pure tung oil then buffed with a light coat of carnauba wax for a super smooth finish and added durability.




Peatmoss Handspun Yarn by Terra Bella Spun

This yarn is spun Thick and Thin & plied with Black Thread.

Fiber: A Very Wooly blend
This skein is Very Bulky & Squishy! The colors are a wonderful blend of browns and rust.

This fiber was purchased at a wool festival. It may be a bit itchy, and would probably not be good for a next to the skin project. It Would however,be good for a purse or any project off the skin.

To purchase, please visit http://www.terrabellaspun.etsy.com/.

I love these buttons with their two-tone, 'espresso with cream' centers, and being green with your next project is easy with this Button Bundle™ handmade from a reclaimed tree branch!

These 5 naturally beautiful buttons were hand crafted from a tree branch from a red bud tree. The wood is gorgeous and has slight spalting and wonderful dark and light espresso-brown centers with blonde sap wood. These buttons are approximately 1-5/8 inches in diameter and are 3/8 inch thick. Beautiful paired with this yarn!





James West - 2-ply bulky merino, cormo fleece, banana, sari silk, teeswater and sparkle handspun yarn by Sosae Caetano.

"James West" is named for the handsome character portrayed by Robert Conrad - always impeccably dressed in blues and browns, polished and ready to save the day.

This handspun is rich in texture and color, with lovely golden sparkles and shimmery banana fiber plied with turquoise thread. It will knit into a lovely piece!

To purchase, please visit http://www.sosaecaetano.etsy.com/.



Pair this goreous yarn with my handmade pine tree branch buttons.

These buttons have wonderful cocoa and honey browns swirling throughout the grain. They are plain enough to not compete with the yarn, but each button has enough character to be interesting on its own.

For more selections, please visit http://www.aremarkyoumade.etsy.com/.






Dinnshechas Handspun Wool Yarn by SpazSpun 

This is a handspun, hand-dyed yarn, made on a Louet wheel. She dyed the roving, and once the yarn was spun and plied, overdyed it to give it more depth and character. Jacquard dyes were used for color and light fastness.

100% soft and squishy wool
186 Yards
2 ounces, 58 grams
Ranges from Sport to Worsted Weight yarn

For more selections, please visit http://www.spazspun.etsy.com/.



These 4 lovely buttons are hand crafted from a cherry tree branch from a down tree. The buttons have gorgeous reddish-brown centers with light colored sap wood. Each button is approximately 2 inches x 2-1/8 inches in diameter and a 1/2 inch thick. The bark is still intact lending even more rustic charm.
 
This set of buttons has been drilled with 2 large holes and sanded smooth on both sides. Each button is finished with 100% pure tung oil, and to make them complete, each button is buffed with a light coat of carnauba wax for sheen and added durability.




Black Magic Core-spun Handspun Yarn by Whispering Acres

This is a fun and crazy yarn made from an art batt that contained a great mix of exotic fibers. The yarn has a nylon core thread and the fiber is spun around the core, which is why this yarn can be called "corespun" yarn. It is in shades of black, brown, cream and has a generous amount of sparkle in it.

The yarn is made from the following fibers: merino wool, bamboo fiber, alpaca, camel down, and yak fiber, as well as gold angelina for the sparkle.

Because it's a corespun single, it is an "energized" yarn with extra twist to it. This would make a great accent on a hat or mittens, or any number of other projects.

For more selections, please visit http://www.whisperingacres.etsy.com/.


Rustic and charming oak tree branch buttons by A Remark You Made

This lovely set of 4 buttons was hand crafted from a reclaimed branch of an oak tree. Each button has light rays running through it and gorgeous colors and patterns due to spalting. Because they are cut from a tree branch, they are not perfectly round, but have great character. The bark is still intact lending to their rustic charm.

These buttons are approximately 2 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick. Each button has been sanded smooth and finished with 100% pure tung oil then buffed with a light coat of carnauba wax for a super smooth finish and added durability.


Hand Spun Grey/Brown/Black Alpaca Yarn by Spun By Hand
 
Beautiful Hand Spun Grey/Brown/Black Alpaca. One skein of pure, ultra soft, undyed Alpaca manually spun into a thick and thin yarn for a beautiful hand and texture.
 
"Noreen" comes to you from Parris Hill Farm in Vermont. Her fleece was so clean, I only needed to give a gentle bath in organic castile soap after it was spun. This produced a beautiful yarn with a nice halo, similar to angora.

• Natural color with a hints of grey running throughout the yarn
• 3.5 ounces
• 72 yards
• Undyed, unadultered Single-ply thick and thin yarn
• 5 WPI
• Recommended knitting needle size 8-10

To shop, please visit http://www.spunbyhand.etsy.com/.

These 5 marvelous buttons were hand crafted from a tree branch from a down maple tree in hopes of giving it a second chance at life. The buttons have spectacular color variations and spalting patterns on each button.

These buttons measure approximately 2-1/4 inches x 2-1/8 inches in diameter and 3/8 inch thick. The bark has been removed, and each button has been sanded smooth on all sides with the edges slightly rounded. Each button is finished with pure tung oil to preserve the wood then buffed with a light coat of carnauba wax for a super smooth finish.

These buttons would make a wonderful embellishment to any sewing or craft project. Each button has 2 large holes and they are a perfect addition to knitted hats, scarves, sweaters, neck warmers, cowls, handbags, totebags, or handmade journals and gift boxes.

Foraging Fibers believes that spinning yarn is an art form in and of itself. To celebrate this art, they have created a line of Artfully Spun Yarns that take into special consideration the interplay of colors, textures, and forms in a skein.

Glam was spun from soft mill end fiber colored black and bright shades of pink, purple, and orange. A lot of silver crystal flash sparkle was thrown in and a bit of emerald angelina sparkle, too. It is then plied with white thread for loopy squiggly fun! It contains about 15% mohair for strength and shine. I would recommend it as next-to-skin wear for most people.

This shop makes yarns using sustainable practices and materials whenever possible. This skein was made from mill end fibers. Visit http://www.foragingfibers.etsy.com/.

This wood is amazing! I love these buttons, and being green is easy with this Button Bundle™ handmade from a reclaimed tree branch.

These 4 gorgeous buttons were hand crafted from a tree branch of a willow tree. I was fortunate enough to get a call about some wood from the down tree. We were so excited when we cut into these branches. The wood is gorgeous and has wonderful patterns and the color variations are amazing.

Each button is approximately 2-1/8 inches x 2 inches and a 1/4 inch thick. This set of buttons has been drilled with 2 large holes, sanded smooth and finished with 100% pure tung oil and buffed with a light coat of carnauba wax for a super smooth, glass-like finish and added durability.

Caramel Creme handspun artyarn by Kindred Threads

This caramel and creme colored confection is a strand of mill end wool blend with some honey colored merino/tencel and some fluffy white merino/angora; handspun thick and thin and then plied with a naturally tan colored silk strand. Think vanilla ice cream with caramel topping cause that was going through her mind the whole time she was spinning this.

Visit http://www.kindredthreads.etsy.com/.

These 5 charming buttons were hand crafted from a tree branch from a down mulberry tree. The wood is gorgeous with its prominant circular grain pattern and coloring in golden hues of honey. These buttons are approximately 1-3/4 inches x 1-1/2 inches and are a 1/4 inch thick.

This set of buttons has been cut, drilled with 2 holes, bark removed and sanded smooth on all sides with the edges slightly rounded. Each button is finished with 100% pure tung oil and buffed with a light coat of carnauba wax for a super smooth, glass-like finish and added durability.

For a variety of handmade tree branch buttons, please visit http://www.aremarkyoumade.etsy.com/.