News From the Workshop

Although we are in the midst of a heat wave, we are gearing up for the holidays at A Remark You Made!

5 Rustic Wood Burned Pine Tree Branch Gift Tags/Ornaments
http://www.etsy.com/listing/78354705/5-rustic-wood-burned-pine-tree-branch

Today we were in the workshop sanding blank slices of a pine tree branch to make gift tags/ornaments as embellishments for the perfect 'green' packaging.

Natural Blank Pine Wood Tree Branch Tags with Bark
http://www.etsy.com/listing/78348976/natural-blank-pine-wood-tree-branch-tags

First, we started with a pine tree branch and cut slices. After sanding each wood slice super smooth, we broke out the wood burning tool to hand burn a hemlock tree design on each tag. Each tag is drilled with a single hole, and hemp twine is used to keep with the rustic charm. Write the name of a lucky recipient using a felt tip pen.

If you would like to try this project, please visit our shop for a selection of blank tags for your own creations. Not a DIYer? No worries. We sell the finished tags, too. These tags are a perfect embellishment for gift bags and boxes, baked goods, and more. They are also terrific for hand stamping projects.

The Green Bride

The Original Wooden Conversation Starters Tree Branch Wine Glass Charms

Break the ice at your next dinner party, cocktail party, or wedding reception with these unique and natural rustic wooden Conversation Starter wine glass charms.

Each Conversation Starter is approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick. They are cut from a reclaimed tree branch in hopes of giving it a second life. Our Conversation Starters are sanded super smooth and finished with a light coat of carnauba wax. A single hole is drilled at the top and raffia completes the look. You may also choose ribbon or hemp twine.

These Conversation Starters are great for going green or a rustic party, bridal shower, or outdoor wedding theme. They would be a wonderful addition to an at-home dinner party, too. Try turning it into a game for even more fun!

Give one to each guest as they arrive or sprinkle them around your table setting to get the conversations started. Each guest can tie one to the stem of their wine glass to remember which one is their glass. Who knows...you might learn something new about family and friends.

Are you a DIYer? Ask us about blank tree branch charms. We would be thrilled to make a set for you!

Each tag is sanded super smooth on both sides and left natural. Write the name of a lucky recipient using a felt tip pen or use for your own creations. Hemp twine keeps with the rustic and natural charm of these tags.These tags are a perfect embellishment for gift bags and boxes, scrapbooking, baked goods, and more. They are also terrific for hand stamping and woodburning projects. You can create your own questions, use as escort cards for your wedding reception, and much more.

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

Thank you for stopping by! We hope you come back again.

A Remark You Made is Launching a New Line of Eco-friendly Needle Case Pendants Handmade from Reclaimed Tree Branches

For Christmas, my husband gave me the most beautiful inro-style pendant made from cow bone by a fabulous scrimshaw artist. An inro is a traditional Japanese case for holding small objects. This gave me a wonderful idea for a new product for 2011!

We are introducing a new line of eco-friendly needle case pendants handmade from reclaimed tree branches. Visit our shop for more selections: http://www.aRemarkYouMade.etsy.com.






This particular pendant is loaded with rustic charm and is handmade from a reclaimed tree branch from a down cherry tree. The pendant case can hold your sewing needles or small treasures like beads within it's hollow compartment. The pendant case has been drilled with all edges sanded smooth, and the bark is still intact adding to the rustic charm of this unique piece.

The top is also made from cherry wood and is opened by sliding the top up on the cord, exposing the inner compartment. The top stays put on the cord, so it will not get lost. This needle case pendant allows you to have a variety of needles at your fingertips any time you need them.
Perfect for your gatherings with your sewing groups.

This particular pendant is handturned on the lathe from a reclaimed tree branch from a down maple tree.
The wood features spectacular spalting patterns. The pendant case can hold your sewing needles or small treasures like beads within it's hollow compartment. The pendant case has been drilled and sanded smooth then finished with a light coat of carnauba wax.

The top is made from a scrap of ebony wood and is opened by sliding the top up on the cord, exposing the inner compartment. The top stays put on the cord, so it will not get lost. 



Tag...You're It!

Want "green" gift packaging this holiday season? Here are some eco-friendly and handmade options to make your gift-giving extra special this year. Some are rustic, some are refined, and some are just plain fun! One thing is for sure...the lucky recipient will love a gift embellished with these great finds!

Gorgeous handmade ornaments from Kylie Parry. Each ornament is formed from stoneware clay and stamped with a hand-carved stamp. A classic shape with her eco-inspired twist- perfect for your christmas tree or as a gift.

Each tag is glazed in golden-tan and brown. The backs remain unglazed and are signed. They measure 2.5" and come strung with red and white bakers twine.

Visit this shop at http://www.kylieparry.etsy.com/.



This lovely and rustic set of 5 birch gift tags from Twigs and Blossoms have hemlock tree designs burnt into the bark. These are the perfect addition for that special gift, wedding favors or woodland Christmas!

Please visit this shop for more selections: http://www.twigsandblossoms.etsy.com/.


Grah-Toe Studio makes these amazing wooden Snowflake Ornaments with a table saw and router! They use woods gathered from many places, and designs are new each batch they make.

This listing is for a box of 5, as seen in the picture and they place 5 hooks with each box. They are absolutely stunning on a Christmas tree or as a winter holiday garland, ornaments, gift tags, or hanging from the ceiling!

Visit Grah-Toe Studio at http://www.grahtoestudio.etsy.com/.

No need for fancy wrapping paper with these fabric decorative gift tags from Quotes and Notes! Wrap your gift in brown craft paper, tie with a cotton twine, and attach one of these tags for a simple organic look.

Each tag is approximately 2" to 3" big. Silhouettes have been carved out and carefully hand block printed onto unbleached cotton fabric using non-toxic water based ink. They are then sewn to cotton flannel for a touch of softness. Each block print will be unique.

These double-sided wood clothespins with "Merry Christmas" on one side and "Joy, Peace, Faith, Hope, or Dream" on the other side will be loved by recipients!

Use to hang up your christmas stockings or display your christmas cards. Clip to gift bags or to a ribbon wrapped around a gift and attach a personal note.

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

These Wrap It Up Rustic Snowflake Gift Wrap Ties from A Remark You Made are sure to please! Each one is handmade from a reclaimed tree branch of a down tree in hopes of giving it a second life. These ties pull triple duty, too. They are a package tie plus tag, and long after the gift has been opened, these ties can be reused as tree ornaments year after year by draping across a tree branch.

Each one is hand stamped with a snowflake design in navy blue and white ink. They have been sanded smooth and left natural. The backs are blank allowing you to write the name of a lucky recipient using a felt tip pen. Twine keeps with the rustic and natural charm of these tags.

These gift wrap ties are a perfect embellishment for gift bags and small boxes, baked goods, and more.

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

Just Mare creates unique stoneware pottery designs. Everything she creates by using the wheel or hand building techniques.

These ornaments/tags are from her woodland friends series. Tilting Pine is ready for the holidays! Each one is hand-crafted stoneware with a wood grain texture, and glazed on both sides.

Tilting Pine measures 2" x 3-1/4"

For a wide variety of pottery, please visit http://www.justmare.etsy.com/.



Here is a great option for children's gifts! This Jolly Snowman star ornament is Jolly Fun!

Studio Jart creates personalized ornaments that can double as a gift tag. Personalized Ornaments make awesome gifts that are treasured year after year after year! The big, ceramic star measures approx 5". Comes with a bright, hand-tied ribbon and a wire ornament hanger. Ready to hang.

To shop: http://www.studiojart.etsy.com/

This snowflake from One Clay Bead's Woodland Magic collection is dazzling!

This ornament/tag is made of stoneware pressed into vintage lace, hand cut so that no two are exactly the same, and glazed in a frosty white with terracotta undertones. It is painted and signed on the back, and strung with copper or aluminum wire. It is 4" round, and 6 1/2" long with the wire hanger. There is room for you to write your own custom message on the back, using any indelible ink marker (such as a Sharpie).
All of the glazes used are formulated for maximum durability, and this piece will be as rich and glossy 100 years from now. This shop offers complimentary gift wrapping, too, and they have a commitment to environmentally-friendly practices.
Visit http://oneclaybead.etsy.com/

These little birds from Prince Design UK were designed to have a contemporary feel, with elements of classic Christmas style and fairytale magic.

The texture of vintage lace was created in the surface, and they are finished with cheerful fine satin ribbons in four colours.

Of course, these will look wonderful on your tree, but they're equally fabulous on wreaths, in gardens or attached to presents.

To shop, visit http://www.princedesignuk.etsy.com/.



 
These chalk tags by Bradens Grace are made from chalkboard vinyl and can be used again and again.
 
They are great for organizing baskets, place cards around napkins, or tied to a gift. Write a holiday message or name on each tag. These would look great on a child's package!
 
Visit http://www.bradensgracewallart.etsy.com/ for more selections.

I hope you enjoyed these wonderful options for your gift-giving this season! I have no doubt that each of these items would be cherished for a lifetime.

Gather Around the Harvest Table and Give Thanks

One of life's greatest pleasures is to share a meal with good family and friends. The joy they bring to our lives is priceless. Bring the warmth of the holiday season into your home with these Autumnal finds from some wonderful etsy shop owners.

Gorgeous rustic walnut footed platte from Gray Works Design...just the thing for handmade rustic baguettes. Personalize it with their wood engraving, and you'll have the perfect gift for a serious baker...

This elegant yet ruggedly built board is an excellent cutting and food/prep surface that transitions beautifully from kitchen to dining table. Signed and numbered underneath.

SIZE: 20"x6"x2"

Please visit http://www.grayworksdesign.etsy.com/ for a wide selection.

A Great Gift Idea for the Cook or Baker on Your List - Beautiful and Functional Hand Turned Pecan Wood Wooden Scoop

This wooden scoop from Sunset Turnings is hand turned and carved from a beautiful piece of pecan wood from a down tree. The wood has a wonderful wood grain pattern and the color is a chocolate brown and golden honey with swirls and streaks throughout.

This scoop has been turned on the lathe and sanded super smooth. It is finished with tung oil to protect the wood then buffed with carnauba wax for a soft luster and flawless finish.

Pair this scoop with your favorite spices or baked goods ingredients and recipe cards for a perfect gift for the cook or baker on your list. Or try including it in a basket of bath salts or laundry soap for a wonderful birthday, shower, housewarming gift, or any other occasion that calls for a unique gift.

Visit Sunset Turnings at http://www.sunsetturnings.etsy.com/ for a variety of hand turned items.

This stunning bowl from Sunset Turnings is hand turned from a piece of the reclaimed wood. The wood has wonderful colors and a beautiful grain in a starburst pattern. This bowl would make a lovely statement piece in any room decor. This bowl has been finished with tung oil and buffed with carnauba wax for a flawless finish.

This bowl would make a functional piece for your dining table or could be used as the container for a wonderful Autumn centerpiece.

An unusual conversation piece! These beautiful hardwood acorns by ejwitherell are done on a lathe. Life size acorns with real acorn tops! Spalted maple, Ebony, Cherry etc. Sanded and a slight sheen makes these acorns a nice decorative centerpiece on your Shaker table. Perhaps placed in a small wooden bowl or on a glass dish. Unique!

You can visit ejwitherell at http://www.ejwitherell.etsy.com/.

Looking for a unique and natural napkin ring? These napkin rings from A Remark You Made are 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 spruce tree branch button attached with hemp twine.

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.

Please visit my shop at http://www.aremarkyoumade.etsy.com/.

Want to go green for your next dinner party or event? Well, make it easy and memorable with these  wonderful and eco-friendly tree-branch place card holders from A Remark You Made. They would make a natural and rustic table display and would be great for going green.

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.

Slide your place cards in the groove for an eye-catching display. These tree branch holders are sure to be the talk of your party!

These handcrafted place cards from Timeless Paper gracefully make any table more eye-catching. These paper cutout silhouettes guide guests to their seats with whimsy and charm. They enhance events from the largest wedding reception to the most intimate dinner party. Guests will enjoy having their own place card to take with them as a keepsake to remember your special occasion.

Please visit this shop at http://www.timelesspaper.etsy.com/ for a large selection.

I love Just Mare's pottery!

This 2-piece nesting bowl set was hand thrown from white stoneware clay. The orange and black glaze captures the season’s spirit, and is of course lead free and food safe. It is also safe to put these bowls in the dishwasher and microwave.

Visit her shop at http://www.justmare.etsy.com/ for a wide selection of pottery.

 

Are you looking for some unique dinnerware for your party? This 12-piece set  of Tapestry Dinnerware from Just Mare is handcrafted in her Pine, AZ studio from durable stoneware. The rich tapestry design was applied with a third firing. Each of the four place settings includes a dinner plate, salad/side plate, and bowl . Of course, they are lead free, and food, microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe    
 

A soft pumpkin made of a lovely ivory jacquard fabric. It has a natural linen stem and hand embroidered pale green leaf. A pretty decoration to have around the house for Halloween, Thanksgiving or any time of the year.

The gourd is all hand sewn together and measures approx. 6" in diameter and 5" tall.

~~See more from Sea Pinks! http://www.seapinks.etsy.com/

The Bean Pot from Jasper Jane can be made with or without a metal handle. These are great to display a decorative seasonal arrangement!

Out of the Woods baskets are made of Basket Reed or also referred to as Splint Reed. She uses oak handles and bases along with a few wire handles depending on the design.

For more selections, visit http://www.jasperjane.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/.