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 

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/

The Temperatures Are Falling and So Are the Prices!

Fall Extravaganza Sale Going On Now!

Visit A Remark You Made October 2 - October 10, 2010 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 between October 2, 2010 and October 10, 2010, you will receive a 10% PayPal refund (shipping not included).

When placing your order, be sure to mention code "102010 Blog Extravaganza" in the "Note from Buyer" section on Etsy during checkout.

Please note: This offer is not valid on custom orders or with any other discount or previous purchases.

A Remark You Made helps you live a greener, healthier, and happier lifestyle. For selections, please visit my shop at: http://www.aremarkyoumade.etsy.com/.



THE NATURAL STATEMENTS COLLECTION

Beautiful Spalted Red Bud Tree Branch Pendant with Deer Skin Cord



WRAP IT UP Rustic Gift Wrap Ties - Perfect for Winter Gift Giving (Set of 3)

FEET FLAIR from THE NATURAL STATEMENTS COLLECTION
Lovely Spalted Maple Tree Branch Button Shoe Clips (1 Pair)



THE COTTAGE COLLECTION
Authentic Burlap Coffee Bean Sack Accent Pillow



6 Perfect Pine Tree-Branch Buttons

Perfect for Journals, Decorative Pillows, Favor and Gift Boxes, Knitting and Sewing

 

Go Green - 4 Naturally Beautiful Tree-Branch Buttons

Perfect for Journals, Decorative Pillows, Knitting and Sewing



THE NATURAL STATEMENTS COLLECTION
Eco-Friendly and Rustic Tree Branch Drawer Pulls, Knobs or Chunky Buttons - 2 1/4 inches x 2 1/2 inches

Sweet Handmade Wooden House Buttons (Set of 6)

Grand Ideas for a Grand "Green" Gathering

Cool, crisp air is upon us, the smell of a fireplace burning, rustling leaves, and thoughts of the upcoming holidays swirl around in my head. I love this time of year and I love entertaining friends and family!

Add a touch of Autumn and bring the magic of nature to your next grand gathering with these amazing eco-friendly ideas.

This is a set of five cheese markers from WoodenHive has the name of each cheese hand hammered into a vintage silverplated teaspoon. It's up to you which cheese names you would like for your set.


Some examples of cheeses that can be made are Swiss, Gouda, Herb, Cheddar, Brie, Gruyere, Raclette, Fontina, Emmentaler, Camembert, Blue, Feta, Goat. If the word can fit, then I can stamp it! The possibilities are endless.

These would be a very nice gift for the cheese lover, cook or housewarming gift. Please visit http://www.woodenhive.etsy.com/ if you are interested in ordering these unique markers for your gathering.

Bring the magic of nature to your special occasion with these delightful felted acorn Place Cards from Fairyfolk. They look so very pretty on the table... elegant, natural and magical!

Your guests will delight in taking home their very own monogramed felted acorn place cards to remind them of your special day. So, not only are these enchanting acorns place settings but they can also be your party favors.

They are natural and eco-friendly treasures, made from real acorn caps collected  from the oak trees. The acorn is connected to the oak leaf place card by a delicate ribbon. Cards are blank so that you can hand write your guests name in a style of your choosing.

The acorns are life size and range in size from 1 to 1.5 inches. The place cards are made from strong card stock and have a delicate imprint of the leaf veins for added detail. They are 2 inches long and 1.7 inches wide.

Please visit http://www.fairyfolk.etsy.com/ for more selections.

Go green with these eco-friendly napkin rings from my greenSTYLE Collection. These napkin rings are sure to be a year-round favorite. Designed for casual or formal dining, these napkin rings bring a natural texture into your room.


Each napkin ring is handmade from pieces of an authentic burlap coffee bean sack. The burlap is adhered to a cardboard tube and each ring is embellished with a handmade butternut tree nut button attached with hemp twine.

A Remark You Made helps you live a greener, healthier, and happier lifestyle. For more selections, please visit my shop at: http://www.aremarkyoumade.etsy.com/.

A white foam pumpkin acts as the "vase" for this all-around autumn centerpiece from AprilHillerDesigns. It contains realistic faux ivory tiger lilies, peach day lilies, terra-cotta colored roses, autumn hued oak and maple leaves and is accented with wisps of ivory and brown feathers and real dried branches. This is a great size for an average dining table.
 
Please visit http://www.aprilhilerdesigns.etsy.com/ for more selections.
 

Greet guests with this beautiful wreath from twoinspireyou! It looks like the harvest was allowed to ripen in it's natural environment for just a little longer to give it that weathered perfect look. I love the subtle tones in this wreath with the muted colors of the pumpkins, gourds, pinecones and leaves. This wreath is definitely oversized but yet, still fits a standard door.
 
For more selections, please visit http://www.twoinspireyou.etsy.com/.

Add a touch of autumn to your fall party and give your guests a gift that keeps on giving with these plantable confetti leaves from NatureFavors. Each one contains a special blend of wildflowers seeds embedded inside the paper, perfect for table decorations or party favors. The confetti may be started indoors by placing them in a flower pot or toss them in the garden and enjoy the flowers that grow in the spring.
 
To order these fab favors for your guests, please visit http://www.naturefavors.etsy.com/.

Entertaining greenSTYLE

With colder weather and the holiday season fast approaching, more people will be indoors entertaining. Here are some terrific "green" ideas if you are planning to host a dinner party or gathering.

Go green with these eco-friendly napkin rings from my greenSTYLE Collection. These napkin rings are sure to be a year-round favorite. Designed for casual or formal dining, these napkin rings bring a natural texture into your room.

Each napkin ring is handmade from pieces of an authentic burlap coffee bean sack. The burlap is adhered to a card board tube and each ring is embellished with a handmade spruce tree branch button attached with hemp twine.

For selections, please visit A Remark You Made at http://www.aremarkyoumade.etsy.com/.

 
 
 

Go green and save a little green with these eco-friendly and easy to care for classic-style napkins from my greenSTYLE Collection. These napkins are sure to be a year-round favorite and they are perfect for everyday use.

Each napkin is handmade from 100% Organic Cotton Oasis Canvas fabric by Marcus Brothers in a wonderful red color. This fabric is produced with eco-friendly dyes and looks and feels much more like linen bringing a soft, natural texture into your room.

These wonderfully rustic and charming coasters from A Remark You Made make me think about trips to the mountains and sitting out on the deck drinking a steaming cup of coffee in the morning or a tall iced tea in the afternoon.

This set of four coasters is handmade from the branch of a fallen maple tree in hopes of giving it a second life. The coloring and spalting patterns are stunning!

I have kept these coasters as natural as possible. The bark has been removed and each one has been sanded smooth on all sides with the edges slightly rounded. Each coaster is finished with natural tung oil to protect the wood then buffed to a perfect shine with carnauba wax for a durable finish.

Do you love the 80s? Well, host an unforgettable event and break the ice at your next dinner party, cocktail party, bridal shower, or wedding reception with this unique and fun Ice Breakers Trivia Game by A Remark You Made.

Each ice breaker has a different question pertaining to 80s music and is made from a clear glass gem/marble. The answer for each question is on the bottom. Place one at each guest's place setting or sprinkle them around your table setting as decorations to get the conversations started.

Celebrate the grape, toast the winemaker and nourish friendship by hosting a wine tasting.

These bottles bags from South House Boutique (http://www.southhouseboutique.etsy.com/) are carefully crafted from a premium, all natural jute fabric with a label (3.25” x 2.5”) of the most wonderful chalk cloth so you can ID the mystery bottles, address the gift recipient or post a seasonal message. Use chalk or Chalk Markers, and yes, they wipe clean for use over and over again, the ultimate in living green and great!
 
 

These wine scoring sheets from South House Boutique will keep your wine tasting party light and fun, and yes, a bit irreverent.

Rather than stuffy and pretentious, wine tasting should be fun and friendly. So to keep the party just that, with the aid of many friends, South House Boutique designed a set of 4 scorecards for your next Blind Wine Tasting Party. You are prompted to score each wine based on the same attributes traditional aficionados use: appearance, aroma, taste, balance/body and finish. But pop-culture serves as your measuring sticks. How full-bodied is wine A: Mini Cooper or Hummer; Kate Moss or Heidi Klum? How long-lasting is the finish: Bert & Ernie or Teletubbies? Is the taste more reflective of Howard Stern or Michelle Obama?

You will receive a PDF file that contains four different scorecards as well as a page of tips for hosting a great wine tasting party.

To top off those wine bottles, how about a beautiful hand turned wine bottle stopper!

Please visit Sunset Turnings for a wonderful selection of wood wine bottle stoppers. Each one is unique and the wood is complemented by a chrome droplet-style base.

Looking for a great gift for the wine connoisseur or the occassional wine drinker on your gift list? A handmade wine bottle stopper would be perfect!

http://www.sunsetturnings.etsy.com/

Dreaming "Green"?

Want to go green for your next dinner party or event? Well, make it easy and memorable with these wonderful and eco-friendly ideas. They would make a natural and rustic table display and would be great for going green, holiday dinner parties, bridal showers or luncheons for your bridesmaids, your wedding party table, or an outdoor wedding theme.

This heart-shaped Willow tree slab is about 3" tall and 18"-19" in diameter with beautiful rustic knots and checks in the wood. Each slab is cut from Willow that will last use after use. Perfect for weddings, parties, and general uses. Get creative and add character to your decor!

If you are interested in purchasing a slab, please visit roxyheartvintage at http://www.etsy.com/shop/roxyheartvintage?ref=top_trail.



 
 

These wonderful and eco-friendly tree-branch place card holders would make a natural and rustic table display and would be great for going green  or an outdoor wedding theme.


Each holder is cut from a reclaimed tree branch from a down tree in hopes of giving it new life. The wood center markings and bark are unique to each piece and make a rustic statement. A groove for your place card has been cut in the center.

Visit A Remark You Made at http://www.aremarkyoumade.etsy.com/.

These smaller slabs of wood make great stands for wine bottles or centerpieces. They add a nice rustic touch to the decor. A Remark You Made offers disks up to 4 inches in diameter. If you would like thinner slices, they can be used as coasters after the event!

The wonderful origami flowers featured here can be purchased at Everlasting Blossoms by Karin Hope Designs. Everlasting Blossoms are her handmade origami folded-paper flower sculptures.

She creates lovely bouquets ~ earrings ~ decorative ornaments ~ and more!
Please visit: http://www.karinhopedesigns.etsy.com/.
The wood slices were purchased from A Remark You Made.

 
 

 




Give your guests a gift that they can enjoy again and again. Favor Creative's Eco Friendly Lavender Herbs in a Box Junior favor comes with a 100% 3x3x2 inch recycled box - inside the box is a 2" peat pot which can be planted directly in the ground or in a house plant pot, a peat pellet, instructions for planting, and lavender herb seeds.

For more selections visit: http://www.favorcreative.etsy.com/

This Ball Ideal jar from Midwest Finds comes with a wire bail, perfect for hoisting up in the air for romantic lighting. And...it can be your something blue!

They have created a sturdy chain attachment that makes hanging this lantern as easy and as adjustable as possible. The jar comes with a 36" long chain with "s" hooks on each end that allow doubling or tripling to achieve a shorter length. To hang your lantern from a shepherd's hook, simply use the bail (the built-in wire).

For more selections, please visit their lovely shop on Etsy at http://www.midwestfinds.etsy.com/.