Browsing Tag

Handmade

Design

Which Bracelet Says it Best?

July 8, 2011

These hand-cast, sterling silver bangles are made with love by archeologist-turned-artist Mary Steratore. A clever way to brighten someone’s day or show off your personal motto, we want to spread the word about these bold bangles. Our buyers are asking: Which phrase do you love most?

Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.
Christy has her eye on At First Glance. “A very loving sentiment! I would be very pleased with this item as a gift!”

Terry is beaming over My Sunshine. “I want to buy this as soon as it’s available”

Regreet(TM) is sharing love for Outside the Lines on Twitter “(@regreet) @FezzyWog colors outside the lines RT @UncommonGoods: Do you color outside the lines?”

Do you love one of these fabulous phrases? Or, is To Thine Own Self or Be Bold a better quote for you? Visit our Community Voting App and speak up. We want to know which words you’d wear!

Design

Get Your Vote on the Board!

July 6, 2011

Personalized Chalk Board

Becky said: “Very cool. The idea of personalized chalkboards is not only ingenious, but rustic and charming too. It’s a playful gift given at a baby shower, a stylish way to exhibit specials at a restaurant and an original, custom piece of art in your own home. I think the price is right for what it is. P.S.-My wedding is at a ranch in October, is it possible to have one made by then? “

Handmade of reclaimed wood by artist James van Kriedt, this Personalized Chalk Board is hand-lettered with the family name scrolled across the top, first names below in bold, beautiful lettering and your hometown in script. Would this board make a great wedding or housewarming gift for someone you know? Could you see this in your own home? We want to know what you think! Visit our Community Voting App to get your vote on the board, and feel free to leave a comment with your feedback, questions and suggestions. If you love the board like Becky, you can even sign-up to be notified if it’s added to our assortment!

Design

Get Comfy, Drink to Fun & Make an Impression

June 30, 2011

Independence Day is almost here, but before you ooh and awe over that fireworks display, save some of that wide-eyed wonder to gaze upon our radiant new goods. These bright ideas are just out of our Community Voting App, and we’ve got more where that came from! Read what our voters said about these wild pillows, fun flasks and printed pendants, then share your thoughts on the next batch of potential new goods!

Safari Animal Pillows

Jennifer said: “These are super fun!”

Sanriobaby said: “Love these pillows and they would work so well in a child/nursery room as decoration only.”

Handmade by HSSS Artisans in India, these pillows are soft, vibrant and 100% cotton. You loved these fun animal designs and that the set is made using traditional artisan techniques, which you can learn more about by reading the Product Story on our website.

Bottoms Up Flask



Emilie said: “Cute, and pretty good price.”

This star of this flashy flask takes the phrase “bottoms up” literally! You loved that the circus inspired illustration, the stainless steel container and that this product is made in the USA.

If you love this colorful contortionist, you might also enjoy designer Kaycee Binns’ Wingman and Holy Water flasks.

Custom Fingerprint Necklace

Brianna said: “I love this idea and would not hesitate to get it! it is so unique and special! Something I would keep forever.”

Nicole said: “This is such a beautiful, romantic concept. Can it get any more uncommon? I think not:)”

This special necklace takes personalization to a whole new level! Artist Jackie Kaufman gives you the chance to take part in her artistic process by sending you a special kit which allows you to make a mold of your unique fingerprint. After you send Jackie your mold, she creates this sterling silver heart pendant. You loved that this custom pendant is as one-of-a-kind as you can get!

Want to see more new goods and potential products? Check out other product design posts. Each week we’ll show off a few of our latest Community Approved goods, so tell us what you think, and next week your comments could be featured in our roundup!

Maker Stories

From Haiti to Your Home

June 24, 2011

We love getting customer feedback about our products, and lately we’ve had a few questions and comments on our home décor selections. The Community has spoken, and we’re glad you’re looking for fun, funky home accents like the uncommon items we have to offer!

One brand new Community Approved item, the Green Rhino Trophy Head, received some great feedback in our Community Voting App, and we’re excited to tell you more about how this terrific trophy came to be. Collaboratively conceived by Aid to Artisans designers, these paper mache heads are crafted by skilled fair trade artisans in Haiti.

Green Rhino

Continue Reading…

Gift Guides

Rockin’ Recycled Gift Idea

April 5, 2011

Earth Month is a special time of year here at UncommonGoods, and we’re celebrating all month long with special blog posts on sustainability and profiles of UG artists that are doing their part for the planet. We’re also giving away Earth friendly products all month long!

Don’t forget to check out our profile of recycled glass artists Vawn and Mike Gray and enter for your chance to win a Recycled Glass Night Light—but if you need a really cool, inexpensive, recycled gift now, take a look at these great handmade Guitar String Bracelets, designed by Hannah Garrison and Steve Bernstein!

Hannah began crafting bracelets made from used guitar strings for musician friends and their families. When she saw Steve’s Craigslist add reading: “Do you have any ideas for interesting products made with guitar strings?” Hannah knew she was on to something. Now, the team makes recycled guitar string bracelets in five colors, works with big name musicians to create special bracelets for charity and runs an eco-friendly business.

Hannah even sent us a list of Earth Month reminders of how to stay green while living like a rock star. Her list includes:

      -Carpool to the next concert.

 

      -Get energy efficient speakers, you’ll use less electricity

 

      (and save money on your electric bill).

 

      -Play acoustic when you’re practicing or working on new material. “You’ll conserve energy and also hear some cool nuances that you might have otherwise missed.”

 

      -Use a chalkboard or marker board when writing out song lyrics or set lists.

 

    -Listen to a song that reminds you to help save the planet.

Are you a guitarist? Do you know someone who is? Your old guitar strings can end up in a bracelet, too! Just send them to:

Wear Your Music
112 Main Street,
Woonsocket, RI 02895

Do you play an instrument or practice another form of art? We want to know how you stay green while sharing your talent! And don’t forget to check back often for more recycled gift ideas and the next Earth Month giveaway!