Photo credits from top to bottom, left to right:
1. Vintage bird save the date tag magnets from SunshineandRavioli
2. Goldfinch among the budding maple trees 10×10 print by Raceytay
3. Large yellow tree necklace from JustineJustine
4. Grey and Yellow Rosette Headpiece from Houseoftelsa
5. Little Desert Flowers 5×7 Fine Art Print by Gandolphoto
6. Yellow silk roses bouquet by Patkas

After I did the post on the DIY Letterpress Machine from Lifestyle Crafts here the other day, I came across this blog post by Emily Ley Paper on her journey to find and restore a real letterpress machine. Reading it and watching this video showing a letterpress machine in motion definitely gave me a better appreciation for the work that goes into making real letterpress art.

Photo credit: The image in this post is from letterpressdelicacies via a Creative Commons Attribution License.

Today’s Beautiful & Handmade feature is Whimsy & Spice, a Brooklyn husband and wife team who make delicious and beautiful handmade sweets for delivery throughout the US.

They have been featured on television shows and magazines, including Martha Stewart Weddings, the Rachel Ray Show, and Conde Nast Traveler, as wonderful options for baked wedding favors as well as scrumptious treats to try while you’re in the Brooklyn area.

There are several things that make Whimsy & Spice extra special in the world of handmade sweets and edible wedding favors.

• First, they combine his fascination with spices and culinary expertise, with her talent and experience in graphic design to produce beautifully branded and packaged baked goods. Not only do these sweets taste wonderful, they arrive looking gorgeous too.
• Second, I love the fact that they operate their business out of their Brooklyn home. I just love the fact that there are real people making my food – people with consciences who are accountable for what they make. People who care deeply about their products and the services that their businesses can provide. (Edited to change: Please note that while they operate the business out of their home, they bake out of a licensed kitchen. I’m so sorry for the misinformation for those who caught this post earlier!)
• And finally, they’re so transparent about their businesses, and they take time to share their thoughts and lives with their blog readers.

Visit their Etsy shop here and read about what they’ve been making lately here.

Photo credits: Images in this post are from the Whimsy & Spice site.

I love the beautiful, handmade pieces from Paloma’s Nest in Austin, TX and was so excited to hear that they would be coming out with a new site and blog today. Paloma’s Nest is the work of and art of Caroline Colom Vasquez. As she describes on her site,

Paloma’s Nest, is dedicated to creating Handcrafted Modern Heirlooms -pieces for the home and for the heart. Caroline is perhaps most known for inventing the original Ring Bearer Bowl™, and her works are intended to be passed on for many generations to come.

Visit the new site and blog to read more about Caroline’s exquisite heirloom pieces.

Photo Credit: Images from this post are from the Paloma’s Nest site.

Awhile ago, I blogged about a daily photo love note idea from Shutter Sisters. Here’s a whole new twist on a love note idea from Eat Drink Chic!

It’s a beautiful, DIY origami heart complete with detailed instructions for both the heart and envelope… and just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Photo Credit: The image from this post is from the Eat Drink Chic blog.

These gorgeous clutches from Julia Sherry Designs are individually handmade, covered in colorful cottons, silks, and organza patterns. Each clutch is lined in a coordinating shade of silk dupioni.

The color lining means that you’ll easily be able to see and find your personal items inside. And their solid and luxurious construction makes them perfect for your own wedding clutch and gift-giving.

Read about the thoughts that went into each fabric choice and design on Julia’s blog here.

Photo Credit: All images are from the Julia Sherry Designs store.