Handmade: Rebound

We had a quick wander around the Rose St Markets yesterday morning after having a sort of breakfast/brunch at the Vegie Bar. As we circled the little stalls of handmade goods it was Rebound Books that caught our eye. 

Melbournians Ben Mason and Natalie Crupi have coupled their love of old books and creative writing to found Rebound. They rescue the best looking hard cover novels from dusty shelves in charity op shops, filling them with 100% recycled denim paper (completely tree-free and made from denim offcuts and scraps) and bind them with a sturdy wire to create one of a kind blank journals. Each Rebound journal is hand made, each cover is unique, each page is hand cut and each binding is closed by hand.

You can get your hands on one of these unique pieces at various markets around Melbourne or online. For more information, take a look here. 

Handmade: Gift Guide for Valentine's Day

Leo and I are aren't particularly big on the commercial hoo-ha of V. Day. We do however like an excuse to get a bit smoochy and remind each other how awesome the other one is. So, we've gathered up a few handmade bits and pieces to express your feelings to a loved one, anytime.

Kiln fired, pure white porcelain clay gift-cards and bowls, $18.00 (set of 6)/$16.00 US, from Etsy seller Paloma's Nest

Printed illustrative greeting cards, $4.00 US, from Etsy seller Making Strangers

Hand-drawn prints, $20.00 US (left) and $16.00 (right), from Etsy seller Dazey Chic

Cute illustrated greeting cards, $8.00 US (set of 4), from Etsy seller Wooke

Letterpressed gift-cards, $3.50 US, from Etsy seller Pistachio Press

Vintage Collage Sheets, $3.50 US, from Etsy seller Candy Connection 22

Handmade: Gift Guide for Chinese New Year

February 7th brings the dawn of the Year of the Rat. To celebrate, we've put together a gift guide of handmade items from various Etsy sellers around the globe.

Fine silver fortune cookie pendant, $20.55 US, from Etsy seller Melissa

Moleskin journal with gocco printed ancient Feng Shui Compass, $19.00 US, from Etsy seller Bamboo Village Press

Sterling silver, brass and freshwater pearl, Three Lanterns Earrings, $55.00 US, from Etsy seller Howlin' Doggie

Hand-stitched good fortune Nezumigiri Charms, $8.00 US each, from Etsy seller Sususten

Chinese Zodiac, vintage placemat journal, $25.00 US, from Etsy seller Color Theory

Hand-cut wooden rat puzzle, $10.00 US, from Etsy seller Puzzimals

Above: Rats vintage flash-card, $1.50 US, from Etsy seller Tres Locas

Below: Rat Love pin & sticker set, $3.50 US, from Etsy seller Black Lily Pie

Letterpressed 'Happy New Year' Chinese lantern notecards, $18.00 US for a set of 8, from Etsy seller NBD Stationery

Rufus Rat, $25.00 US, from Etsy seller The Birds and Bees

I had to post the full description for this one because it's quite cute: I'm a 100% wool crocheted and felted rat. I'm around 8 inches (20cm) in height. I'm sandy brown in color. I know I have a big bucked tooth, but I promise I won't gnaw through anything. Actually, I'm kind of sensitive about my tooth. I have a long rat tail and I'm very lovable.

Handmade: Etsy Seller - Reya

I love the soft, textural shapes in the work of Esty seller and Holland based artist, Reya.

The hand-felted poppies are available in her store now and the beautiful hand-felted pebbles can be custom made by contacting her.

Handmade: Night Owl Paper Goods

Alabama based creative team, Night Owl Paper Goods have a gorgeous range of eco-friendly greeting cards available through their website. Their range features cute forest characters, folk-art inspired patterns with an overall modern aesthetic. We love the pieces that are letter-pressed straight onto wafer thin, sustainably harvested yellow birch card.