Etsy's Handmade Blog
Guest Curator: Marichelle of Heart Handmade
Story by marichelle
Published on February 25, 2009 in Spotlight 		Photo by

Marichelle Burdman

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!
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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).


1. Make Do and Mend, hand pulled screen print onto 100 percent recycled card, hot pink (also in turquoise))


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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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5. butter cream pedestal


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.

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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.

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7. SO VERY HAPPY CARD


I love this postcard — a definite picker-upper! By dazeychic, $3.50.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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13. small burlap bucket


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.

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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.

Springtime Gift Guides | Spring Posts | Rejuvenation Posts

Tags art, blogging, blogs, cards, clothing, craft, crafting, decor, Featured Buyer, Guest Curator, hearthandmade, heart handmade, home decor, housewares, jewelry, Marichelle Burdman, paper goods, plants, Rejuvenation, shopping, Spotlight, spring, spring cleaning, style, wunderlust
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83 comments     Login to add your own!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 2:49 p.m. BPyarns

Super article ~ I long for the first days of spring!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 2:49 p.m. elisasherejewelry

Great finds! I love the burlap buckets and the coconut and lime soap.

Feb. 25, 2009 at 2:50 p.m. shadethatlamp

SO exciting about your blog, I really miss the seasons here in FL. Love your picks :-)

Feb. 25, 2009 at 2:51 p.m. tinahdee

Very well done! Thank you for sharing your expert curation skills.

Feb. 25, 2009 at 2:51 p.m. EmmaGordonLondon

Hi Marichelle!
Congrats on Heart Handmade, it's a great blog.

Feb. 25, 2009 at 2:53 p.m. studiocvh

beautiful picks!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 2:55 p.m. EpicBones

so inspiring! i love Heart Handmade!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 2:55 p.m. voleurdebijoux

Lovely and beautiful selections!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 2:56 p.m. MiniatureRhino

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!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 2:57 p.m. LiamDesign

LOVE the beside's ring!!!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 3 p.m. starzselection

very nice items!!!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 3:03 p.m. bluetricycle

I love the Heart Handmade blog! I have especially enjoyed reading the interviews. : )

Feb. 25, 2009 at 3:04 p.m. shadesofsplendor

Thank you Marichelle for being an inspiration to all of us still stuck in the "grey cube" and longing to get out :0)

Feb. 25, 2009 at 3:09 p.m. niTeBecOmEsdAy

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!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 3:09 p.m. lamixx

Great story! Lovely ----thanks for our feature =)

Feb. 25, 2009 at 3:10 p.m. myzoetrope

Pretty!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 3:12 p.m. anirtak

Gorgeous picks, Marichelle!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 3:14 p.m. heidiburton

"get on with it already"... how much do i (the super procrastinator extrodinaire) need that print!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 3:14 p.m. michelemaule

Oh I hert Marichelle and I heart the Heart Handmade Blog too! Great guest to have. Yay for lovely Marichelle! :D

Feb. 25, 2009 at 3:16 p.m. eRosasjewelry

Yay Marichell, you have great picks and a wonderful blog--keep it up.

Feb. 25, 2009 at 3:18 p.m. ShopClementine

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!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 3:19 p.m. Ambrosia

Perfect Spring picks!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 3:19 p.m. BohemianThings

Beautiful! I just love these picks. There are just so many wonderful designers here.

Feb. 25, 2009 at 3:20 p.m. pennyglassgirl

Beautiful selections. So much fun - and inspiring!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 3:21 p.m. IcingOnTheCupcake

Love the potted succulents!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 3:24 p.m. smashgirl

such a cute card by dazeychic!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 3:29 p.m. petalandpink

A lot of these were already in my Favorites, and now a lot more will be added. Thanks!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 3:29 p.m. DeNovoStyle

Looking forward to spring too! Nice selections!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. ChocolateBeachFlower

love the picks! so pretty:)

Feb. 25, 2009 at 3:33 p.m. dogties

Heart Handmade Rocks!
Great item choices too.

Feb. 25, 2009 at 3:51 p.m. 4TheSparrowsNest

Great rustic and modern picks; I love to read stories about people who give up settling for the norm and follow their hearts instead....

Feb. 25, 2009 at 3:56 p.m. nat1489

Cute Cute CUTE!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 4:02 p.m. enhabiten

great picks marichelle. i love the succulents planter and the shape of those produce bags.

Feb. 25, 2009 at 4:02 p.m. dazeychic

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

Feb. 25, 2009 at 4:03 p.m. santosleather

Wow ! Amazing ! Everything was so well put together ! Bravo !

Feb. 25, 2009 at 4:14 p.m. Makool

cute stuff!
Marichelle, you look so pretty in that picture!!
xx~anisa

Feb. 25, 2009 at 4:15 p.m. maramiki

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!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 4:32 p.m. SydneyAndZoeDesigns

Love it! The happy card made me laugh out loud (in my very own gray cubicle)

Feb. 25, 2009 at 4:37 p.m. BeadsInTheBelfry

yay Marichelle!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 4:42 p.m. millalove

That ring, oh how beautiful! Want!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 4:45 p.m. thestapeliacompany

Love the gold ring! Looks like a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup set in gold. ;D

Feb. 25, 2009 at 4:54 p.m. rubywill

Great selection, just that hint of spring is so uplifting.

Feb. 25, 2009 at 5:01 p.m. TheDizzyPixie

Mmmmm that soap sounds so fresh! hehe What a great assortment of items.

Feb. 25, 2009 at 5:04 p.m. Waterrose

That soap sound great! Even living in a warm place where I need no reminders!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. thebline

I love heart handmade and Marichelle is awesome. These picks are delightful!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 5:48 p.m. 2BellesBeads

These are some great picks. :) I'm off to check out your blog!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 6:03 p.m. shopgoodgrace

love, love, LOVE these! Great article - thank you for sharing. :)

Feb. 25, 2009 at 6:20 p.m. BlackStar

Love your picks!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 8:35 p.m. amorluxe

they're all so lovely!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 8:59 p.m. saltandpaper

you're the best, marichelle!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 10:30 p.m. LaireMarie

Love your picks!

Feb. 25, 2009 at 10:36 p.m. ordinarythinks

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 :)

Feb. 25, 2009 at 11:58 p.m. Kingsley

I love these! especially the succulents and produce bag!

Feb. 26, 2009 at 12:17 a.m. thearthistorian

fabulous! clean zingy simple lovely items.
LOVE your blog
cheers to you!

Feb. 26, 2009 at 3:26 a.m. midnighttosix

I feel inspired! Great picks.

Feb. 26, 2009 at 3:45 a.m. misohappi

thanks for your thoughtful selections. very nice!

Feb. 26, 2009 at 4:32 a.m. thebeside

Thanks for featuring TheBeSide, am so happy for it to be Spring!!

Feb. 26, 2009 at 6:36 a.m. onewintrynight

I'm soooo ready for spring!

Feb. 26, 2009 at 7:35 a.m. LeftHandHats

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!

Feb. 26, 2009 at 8:03 a.m. marichelle

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!

Feb. 26, 2009 at 8:09 a.m. bonecalinda

Very pretty selections! Thanks for sharing!! I'm going to check out Heart Handmade now!

Feb. 26, 2009 at 10:14 a.m. frini

nice concepts. I love the produce bag!

Feb. 26, 2009 at 12:30 p.m. SnuggleHerd

I'm a big fan of Marichelle & her blog, and love seeing my fellow EtsyAustin team member featured! Go, Parsimony!

Feb. 26, 2009 at 12:53 p.m. oktak

Great picks! Found some new favorites - off to check your blog!

Feb. 26, 2009 at 1:04 p.m. meganrhodes

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!!

Feb. 26, 2009 at 1:29 p.m. SoulPeaces

You have very beautiful picks and a great blog, thanks for shaing!

Feb. 26, 2009 at 3:43 p.m. ladaworks

Great pictures. Thank you.

Feb. 26, 2009 at 7:14 p.m. wrenandchickadee

Fantastic! Just like the lovely Marichelle!
xox

Feb. 26, 2009 at 7:48 p.m. PDXfabricdeli

Nice collection - and yes spring is almost here.

Feb. 26, 2009 at 8:17 p.m. littlepancakes

Love all of them. Especially that ring.

Feb. 27, 2009 at 9:32 a.m. DeborahVoizin

May we All be.........

"Happier than a bird with a French Fry"

My favorite!

Feb. 27, 2009 at 10:10 p.m. FashionTouch

I love your store, wunderlust. Such a cute items you have!!!

Feb. 28, 2009 at 12:32 a.m. AtelierEmme

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!

March 1, 2009 at 8:53 a.m. FlaxandSpindle

Fantastic pictures....makes my whole life want to be like that..

March 3, 2009 at 11:25 a.m. bluesgirl

Love all the picks, especially the produce bag, spring is here already in tx

March 7, 2009 at 3:30 a.m. Liyana

nice picks

March 7, 2009 at 9:36 a.m. SleepDreamPlay

Great items here. Heart Handmade is a great blog.

March 8, 2009 at 4:47 p.m. MyJunkyTrunk

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.

March 9, 2009 at 2:35 p.m. madeofjacinta

wondeful list and artist! :)

March 16, 2009 at 9:03 a.m. Shroompiloop

GREAT selection !! I LOVE the postcards ;)

May 24, 2009 at 2:05 p.m. LovMely

i heart onono's soap. i have been using kleans products but tried ononos and loved it so much more

May 27, 2009 at 1:40 a.m. lamixx

Thank you for the feature, great story.
warmest wishes!

May 28, 2009 at 9:11 p.m. WANTZIT

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.

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