It was on a sunny June afternoon in 2007 when Marichelle Burdman (aka wunderlust and marichelle), realized that spending 30 years working in a gray cube wasn’t for her. So she waved goodbye to the corporate world and embarked on a journey to discover her true passion in life. At first, she set her sights on opening a shop, but this quickly evolved into wanting to make things and then wanting to share her experiences with other people in the crafting and design community. As a result, Heart Handmade was born.
How did it start? I was peddling some pouches that I’d made, and after weeks and weeks of dead-ends, I decided to turn my frustration into something positive. I figured there was room for one more blog to help independent designers get noticed, and a couple of months later Heart Handmade was up and running. I really had no idea that I’d end up becoming a full-time blogger!
BEHIND MARICHELLE‘S ETSY PICKS…
It must be because I was born in the tropics, but I am such a wuss when it comes to cold weather. I’m actually surprised that I’ve been able to live in the Northeast for this long! The end of February is always a reassuring time for me — the birds start to sing again and the daylight seems to stick around a bit longer. I start dreaming about packing away my winter coats and my favorite ugly-but-warm Uggs in exchange for flip-flops and sandals. I love it when the seasons change — it brings about a sense of hope, re-invention and the notion that we all have a clean-slate to work from. So I’ve chosen a collection of goodies that signify the welcoming of a new season to come! And don’t forget to spring your clocks forward one hour on March 8 (US/Canada).
Spring evokes thoughts of healing and rejuvenation and this boldandnoble print really inspires me to stride forward with a resilience and hope. It’s also especially relevant given the current global economic climate. By boldandnoble, $49.
2. Women’s Sheer Buttonup Top (small, medium, large ready)
I’ve been cooped up in flannels and wool all winter long — I can’t wait until I can put on a super comfy cotton lived-in shirt like this perfect top. By lamixx, $58.
3. Handwoven Cashmere Silk Scarf Pashmina
I cannot wait to replace my heavy winter coat with a bright and cheerful scarf like this one for those cool and refreshing spring nights. By adventuresofjr, $170.
4. Team Spirit dress…….CAN BE MADE IN PRACTICALLY any COLOR
If I could wear dresses all year round I would — I love this dress, love the color and it would look great as a transitional outfit with winter/fall boots. By Parsimony, $54.
Nothing says spring better than this beautiful handcrafted ceramic planter filled with an assortment of succulents. These are perfect for those of us without green thumbs. By greenwaredesign, $40.
6. Produce Bag
I can’t wait for the farmer’s markets to start sprouting back up again. These produce bags are perfect for replacing all the tiny plastic bags that start to add up! By ordinarythinks, $5.
I love this postcard — a definite picker-upper! By dazeychic, $3.50.
8. Pink Poppies Letterpress Stationery
Have you been hibernating for the past couple of months? Missing a loved one? Why not send them a handwritten note just to say hello? By satsumalynn, $15.
9. Coconut Milk and Lime with Crushed Bamboo
I don’t know about you, but the scent of anything coconut and lime instantly takes me somewhere a little less chilly and a little less gray. These soaps look so luscious, they’re something my winter-weary skin is just screaming for! By onono, $6.
10. Gold plated Rockwell Ring part II
OK, so you didn’t get engaged on New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day. No worries! Take care of it yourself with this amazing ring. By thebeside, $210.
11. Standard Pillowcases (pair)
As much as I’d love to redecorate every season, it’s just not possible — so throwing in a couple of new pillowcases always makes me feel like I’ve done something new in the bedroom. I love these hand printed cases. By maramiki, $50.
12. Get On With It Already- Print
New season, new projects (old projects that you haven’t gotten to)… I need all the motivation I can get. By orangebeautiful, $12.
Spring cleaning — I hate the idea, but once I get started I can’t stop. These burlap buckets are perfect for organizing just about any clutter! By designsmayamade, $22.
For more of Marichelle’s picks, check out her blog at www.hearthandmadeblog.com. She also recently launched two sister sites at www.hearthomecooked.com and www.hearthitech.com. She has an Etsy shop, wunderlust which carries a new limited series of whimsical treats every month!
Looking for past Guest Curators? Check out our archive.
86 comments
Sign in to add your ownBPyarns says:
Super article ~ I long for the first days of spring!
3 years ago
elisasherejewelry says:
Great finds! I love the burlap buckets and the coconut and lime soap.
3 years ago
shadethatlamp says:
SO exciting about your blog, I really miss the seasons here in FL. Love your picks :-)
3 years ago
tinahdee says:
Very well done! Thank you for sharing your expert curation skills.
3 years ago
EmmaGordonLondon says:
Hi Marichelle! Congrats on Heart Handmade, it's a great blog.
3 years ago
studiocvh says:
beautiful picks!
3 years ago
EpicBones says:
so inspiring! i love Heart Handmade!
3 years ago
voleurdebijoux says:
Lovely and beautiful selections!
3 years ago
MiniatureRhino says:
i'm from CA and living in NY, so I definitely know what you mean- spring, please hurry! congrats Marichelle on finding your way, thanks for supporting other makers and good luck with your own shop!
3 years ago
LiamDesign says:
LOVE the beside's ring!!!
3 years ago
starzselection says:
very nice items!!!
3 years ago
bluetricycle says:
I love the Heart Handmade blog! I have especially enjoyed reading the interviews. : )
3 years ago
shadesofsplendor says:
Thank you Marichelle for being an inspiration to all of us still stuck in the "grey cube" and longing to get out :0)
3 years ago
niTeBecOmEsdAy says:
What an inspiring article. I too am starting my own blog. I'll be sure to check out heart handmade! And I love the picks for spring; the succulant pedestal garden has to be my fave!
3 years ago
lamixx says:
Great story! Lovely ----thanks for our feature =)
3 years ago
myzoetrope says:
Pretty!
3 years ago
anirtak says:
Gorgeous picks, Marichelle!
3 years ago
heidiburton says:
"get on with it already"... how much do i (the super procrastinator extrodinaire) need that print!
3 years ago
michelemaule says:
Oh I hert Marichelle and I heart the Heart Handmade Blog too! Great guest to have. Yay for lovely Marichelle! :D
3 years ago
eRosasjewelry says:
Yay Marichell, you have great picks and a wonderful blog--keep it up.
3 years ago
ShopClementine says:
Oh Marichelle, I love these picks!! That succulent pedestal?!? Love. And I've had my eye on that ring by thebeside for so long..... Great job with this collection!
3 years ago
Ambrosia says:
Perfect Spring picks!
3 years ago
BohemianThings says:
Beautiful! I just love these picks. There are just so many wonderful designers here.
3 years ago
pennyglassgirl says:
Beautiful selections. So much fun - and inspiring!
3 years ago
IcingOnTheCupcake says:
Love the potted succulents!
3 years ago
smashgirl says:
such a cute card by dazeychic!
3 years ago
petalandpink says:
A lot of these were already in my Favorites, and now a lot more will be added. Thanks!
3 years ago
DeNovoStyle says:
Looking forward to spring too! Nice selections!
3 years ago
ChocolateBeachFlower says:
love the picks! so pretty:)
3 years ago
dogties says:
Heart Handmade Rocks! Great item choices too.
3 years ago
4TheSparrowsNest says:
Great rustic and modern picks; I love to read stories about people who give up settling for the norm and follow their hearts instead....
3 years ago
nat1489 says:
Cute Cute CUTE!
3 years ago
enhabiten says:
great picks marichelle. i love the succulents planter and the shape of those produce bags.
3 years ago
dazeychic says:
ooo! i love the ♥ handmade blog! (im beyond HONORED to be one of your fabulous picks!) The "Get On With It..." Print is a great find, off to check it out! xo
3 years ago
santosleather says:
Wow ! Amazing ! Everything was so well put together ! Bravo !
3 years ago
Makool says:
cute stuff! Marichelle, you look so pretty in that picture!! xx~anisa
3 years ago
maramiki says:
Great collection - lots of things for me to look into this afternoon. And congrats to you for seeking what really inspires you - I did the same last year and haven't looked back. Thanks for including Maramiki in your feature!
3 years ago
SydneyAndZoeDesigns says:
Love it! The happy card made me laugh out loud (in my very own gray cubicle)
3 years ago
BeadsInTheBelfry says:
yay Marichelle!
3 years ago
millalove says:
That ring, oh how beautiful! Want!
3 years ago
thestapeliacompany says:
Love the gold ring! Looks like a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup set in gold. ;D
3 years ago
rubywill says:
Great selection, just that hint of spring is so uplifting.
3 years ago
TheDizzyPixie says:
Mmmmm that soap sounds so fresh! hehe What a great assortment of items.
3 years ago
Waterrose says:
That soap sound great! Even living in a warm place where I need no reminders!
3 years ago
thebline says:
I love heart handmade and Marichelle is awesome. These picks are delightful!
3 years ago
2BellesBeads says:
These are some great picks. :) I'm off to check out your blog!
3 years ago
shopgoodgrace says:
love, love, LOVE these! Great article - thank you for sharing. :)
3 years ago
BlackStar says:
Love your picks!
3 years ago
amorluxe says:
they're all so lovely!
3 years ago
saltandpaper says:
you're the best, marichelle!
3 years ago
LaireMarie says:
Love your picks!
3 years ago
ordinarythinks says:
dear marichelle, i'm so flattered you picked my item! the news brought a smile to my morning and even more so grateful in bringing a sense of spring into yours & others' handmade world. thx a bushel & a peck :)
3 years ago
Kingsley says:
I love these! especially the succulents and produce bag!
3 years ago
thearthistorian says:
fabulous! clean zingy simple lovely items. LOVE your blog cheers to you!
3 years ago
midnighttosix says:
I feel inspired! Great picks.
3 years ago
misohappi says:
thanks for your thoughtful selections. very nice!
3 years ago
thebeside says:
Thanks for featuring TheBeSide, am so happy for it to be Spring!!
3 years ago
onewintrynight says:
I'm soooo ready for spring!
3 years ago
LeftHandHats says:
I'm new to the whole blog thing, but I've bookmarked Michelle's! When I get frustrated trying to get my shop and things I've made seen, it is so good to hear stories about people who have left the cubicle behind to do what they love! It helps keep me going!
3 years ago
marichelle says:
Hi everybody! Thank you so much for all of your nice comments (I've read every single one oh... about 5x now - they're all very much appreciated!!) and I'm happy to see that I'm not the only one craving a little warmth these days! Glad you enjoyed the picks and thanks for coming over to Heart Handmade yesterday! For all those featured.. your work is awesome, thanks for the constant inspiration and most of all thanks for making my job easy ;) HH friends - thanks for coming over here and showing your support. I know I say it a lot but you guys truly make my day. Thanks for having me Etsy!
3 years ago
bonecalinda says:
Very pretty selections! Thanks for sharing!! I'm going to check out Heart Handmade now!
3 years ago
frini says:
nice concepts. I love the produce bag!
3 years ago
SnuggleHerd says:
I'm a big fan of Marichelle & her blog, and love seeing my fellow EtsyAustin team member featured! Go, Parsimony!
3 years ago
oktak says:
Great picks! Found some new favorites - off to check your blog!
3 years ago
meganrhodes says:
Your picks perked me up! Seriously - grey skies have gotten everyone a bit down and these selections all seem to radiate that "pick your self up and dust yourself off" motif. I love it! Thank you!!
3 years ago
SoulPeaces says:
You have very beautiful picks and a great blog, thanks for shaing!
3 years ago
ladaworks says:
Great pictures. Thank you.
3 years ago
wrenandchickadee says:
Fantastic! Just like the lovely Marichelle! xox
3 years ago
PDXfabricdeli says:
Nice collection - and yes spring is almost here.
3 years ago
littlepancakes says:
Love all of them. Especially that ring.
3 years ago
DeborahVoizin says:
May we All be......... "Happier than a bird with a French Fry" My favorite!
3 years ago
FashionTouch says:
I love your store, wunderlust. Such a cute items you have!!!
3 years ago
AtelierEmme says:
This is a fantastic article! Everything is SO beautiful, I loved all your picks, just looking at them makes me smile !!! :-) especially the the "so very happy card". Every day I am at awe of all the talent featured on Etsy - it makes me SO proud to be a part of it (even if a teeny part!) Good luck in all your endeavors and thanks for sharing your great work!
3 years ago
FlaxandSpindle says:
Fantastic pictures....makes my whole life want to be like that..
3 years ago
bluesgirl says:
Love all the picks, especially the produce bag, spring is here already in tx
3 years ago
Liyana says:
nice picks
3 years ago
SleepDreamPlay says:
Great items here. Heart Handmade is a great blog.
3 years ago
MyJunkyTrunk says:
Super inspiring story! I can totally relate to the whole cubical thing! I really can't wait to start my blog. I always include my inspirational writings on the pages of each of my paintings in my shop, but I think a blog would allow me to really express thoughts in a greater way. Thanks for this wonderful article.
3 years ago
madeofjacinta says:
wondeful list and artist! :)
3 years ago
Shroompiloop says:
GREAT selection !! I LOVE the postcards ;)
3 years ago
LovMely says:
i heart onono's soap. i have been using kleans products but tried ononos and loved it so much more
3 years ago
lamixx says:
Thank you for the feature, great story. warmest wishes!
3 years ago
WANTZIT says:
I really like what you wrote. I am in a similar state...I am an artist at heart and want to support myself with my art and creativity. A road map would be helpful.
3 years ago
spoonfulzine says:
LOVE IT ALL!!!!!!
2 years ago