Handcrafted for You

The latter makes charming tiny candles and the former makes charming clocks and bookmarks. I’ve carried the clocks since I opened and we’ve sent them all over the world. The face is cheerful artwork done by artist Pam Corwin. The seconds are kept by what looks like a floating charm. There are manydesign options, one of which I’ve avoided for years. It’s a caricature of Vincent Van Gogh and the “floating charm” is his ear. Every time I placed an order, I said “No Van Gogh!” because my thought was – who wants to look at a floating ear first thing in the morning? Well, more people than you think. When I received three Van Gogh clocks by accident with my next order, they were the first to sell. Who knew!

My favorite part of owning a retail store is going to the shows. I just returned from A.C.R.E. in Las Vegas. The weather was excellent, the food was exceptional and I found some wonderful additions for the store.

First place goes to “Pure  Bohemian.” I bought purses that I can’t wait to get so I can choose one for myself. They’re beautifully fashioned from elegant recycled materials. Great size and weight. Then I found a corkscrew/bottle stop which was exciting because it’s difficult to find hand crafted gifts for men. They’re wood with softly colored swirls.

Scarves, scarves, scarves. One cannot have too many scarves. They’re beautifully colored, soft and showy. Quite Bohemian as well.

Next show comes next week. Clothing in San Mateo. Sounds good to me!

There has been quite a bit of excitement in Sausalito over Ciji Ware’s new book “A Race to Splendor.” Besides the enjoyment of reading a page turner, I learned a lot and had fun at the book signing events. There was an elegant party at the Fairmont Hotel – one of the major focuses of the book. Guests dressed in 1906  attire with such an elegant flair I was amazed. If your looking for an entertaining read definitely go for it. It’s available at Out of Hand and cijiware.com.

To quote Oprah, “If you’re a tea lover, this is as good as it gets.”

I’ve had Tea Forte products in my store since I opened five years ago. I always look forward to what’s new for the season. This spring it’s “Herbal Retreat –  a box of organic relaxation teas,” with relaxatin being the key word in my world.  Another favorite of mine (and my customers) is the “Teas for the Heart.” It’s a joint partnership with WomenHeart, the National Coalition for the Women With Heart Disease and Tea Forte in the all-important campaign to champion prevention and early detection of women’s heart disease. Bravo to all involved and here’s to a great cup of tea!

The most luxurious accessories in the store are the sophisticated knit shawls from AMOROSO/A17 Inc. They are reversible, and made from the best quality natural fibers. The company’s patented technology transcends the technical limitations of the traditional craft of knitting.

The artist, Sandy Mu-Ling Ku experiments with design ideas to create a sense of tranquility while maintaining the vibrancy that brings all artwork to life.

The combination of contemporary style and classic design in the beautifully crafted works of wearable art has been well received by a growing number of admirers.

The yarns are Italian Merino Wool and the shawls are well made in New York. A wonderful way to stay warm and fashionable!

“Tea Time” has become a revitalizing afternoon ceremony for me. I prepare the tea, set out a snack and turn to my lotions from McEvoy Ranch.

I have enjoyed their traditional fragrances, Lavendar and Verde, but now a new one has taken priority in my indulgence list. It’s called “Blood Orange” and it is scented with the essential oils of a medly of citrus fruits, with hints of neroli, vetiver, and jasmine. Blood Orange evokes the citrus groves and trailing vines of wild jasmine that grow on McEvoy Ranch.

What began at McEvoy Ranch with Tuscan olive seedlings on 80 acres of rich northern California soil today yields an organic extra virgin olive oil of unparalleled quantity. Rich and luxurious, the products are infused with this oil. Definitely worth a try!

I’m newly returned from “Magic” in Las Vegas (a clothing show so large it’s impossible to get through in the three days it’s running). I did my best and found some exciting new accessories – most scheduled to arrive in March. In the meantime, I just received my spring shipment of Haiku bags. They’ve added some cheerful new colors and some functional new styles. Haiku is using more “Cycle PET” fabric. It’s 100% post consumer recycled beverage bottles, and it’s gorgeous. You can just throw it in the washing machine and hang to dry. The bags are available at our web store at www.itsoutofhand.com.

The cute "dabawalla" kids' backpack is practical and fun.

Vibrant graphics and functional simplicity characterize the delightful kids’ backpacks we carry. They’re strong, flexible and crafted from water-resistant neoprene, which is naturally insulating.

Frustrated by the lack of functional, appropriate-sized bags available for children, sisters Susan Givens and Carol Mack teamed up to create Dabbawalla* Bags.

Their Dabbawalla back packs for kids are perfect for carrying lunch and gear to school or over to grandma’s house. They are sewn by people who earn fair wages in safe working conditions.

The backpacks have cushioned flexible straps that adjust from the inside and can be pulled tight when not in use, so there are no dangling straps to trip over or drag. The inside has three mesh pockets and the back has one, and the seams are reinforced for added strength. The bags are machine washable and stain resistant, and the dimensions are 13”l x 10”w x 7”d.

So we have incorporated fun, function, durability and responsible manufacturing into our backpacks for kids. Details about these and other handcrafted products and accessories can be found at ItsOutOfHand.com.

*da-bba-wa-lla: a person in India who delivers lunch boxes to office workers.

One dog plus one fire hydrant equals fun for the garden.

A whirligig is an object that spins or whirls, or has at least one component that spins or whirls.  Whirligigs are most commonly powered by the wind, but can also be hand-, friction- or motor-powered.  The word whirligig derives from two ancient, middle English words: Whirlen (to whirl) and gigg (top) or literally to whirl a top.

Each of the Out of Hand kinetic garden sculptures has a delightful action that is set in motion when the wind blows, turning their propellers.   Our amusing collection will, more likely than not, make you smile.  We have a nicely performing dog whirligig named “Spike” that simultaneously lifts his leg and chomps. Bow wowser!

We also carry a mama bluebird who starts feeding her hungry chicks when the wind blows.  Also in our collection are four cats doing a dance while displaying the fish they caught for dinner.

Details about our whirligigs and other creative garden décor can be found here: Whirligigs

These cute cats will fish for a meal whenever the wind blows.

Sponge Coral provides a vivid counterpoint for a stunning onyx pendant

When it comes to necklaces I tend to collect the “bold and beautiful.”  I chose two of my favorites to feature for upcoming events. The coloration of these handcrafted necklaces would make any outfit “Holiday Ready” and would be a great wardrobe addition for any season.

The first is a sponge coral necklace by jewelry designer Terry Hennessey. It includes two sizes of coral beads with a beautifully detailed pendant of sterling silver and faceted onyx.The second is an eye-catching combination of Pacific coral with Chinese black beads. There are rustic Hill Tribe silver beads to compliment the pewter findings and clasp.

Once thought to be a plant, coral has been called the “garden of the sea”. The gemstone symbolized joy and happiness — a perfect holiday wish for yourself or someone special.

Specifics– along with other handmade jewelry — can be found here: Coral Necklaces

Chinese black beads go nicely with a selction of silver pendants.