Handmade Items | Faith and Family Reviews

Archive for Handmade Items

Novica Black Giraffe Wood Ornaments

Posted by Brande on December 23, 2012
in Family Stuff, Fun Stuff, Gift Ideas, Handmade Items, Holidays, Home, Products for Dad, Products for Mom, Reviews, Seasonal Stuff, Shopping

Need a last minute Christmas idea? But, it has to be unique! Head over to Novica.com. Novica is associated with National Geographic and has beautiful items for any occasion. Need help with a special gift? No problem! Novica has a “Gift Finder” section!

When I received my Novica package, I opened the shipping box and this is the box inside! Wrapped with beautiful paper adorned with a crafted bow.

In my package I received 4 individually wrapped Giraffe Wood Ornaments.

These giraffes are hand crafted and hand painted by Made Sarna. Each giraffe is unique in it’s own way. They have a small hanger on the back and ready for the Christmas Tree.

Head to Novia.com for your last minute gifts!

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review/feature. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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Review ~ KitchenKuffs

Posted by Professor on February 13, 2012
in Cleaning, Clothing, Family Stuff, Farm Stuff, Fun Stuff, Gardening, Handmade Items, Home, Houseware, Products for Dad, Products for Mom

KitchenKuffs Keep your sleeves up

KitchenKuffs is a great product designed to keep your sleeves out of the way of everyday tasks! I was very excited when I received my KitchenKuffs…I can honestly say that this product has so many uses! Basically the product slips over your sleeves near the wrist area and helps keep your sleeves out of the way of dirt, grime, water, muck…etc. No more continual pushing sleeves up after they slide down…KitchenKuffs keep them up!

I have used KitchenKuffs around the house in so many capacities…especially cooking and washing dishes… they have been invaluable in these two tasks! Once the weather gets warmer I cannot wait to use them while I garden and put up preserves and vegetables in the fall!

I received two pairs, a medium size and an adjustable size. When you visit the website they have a fitting guide so you know which ones to order! When in doubt order the adjustable!

I used the adjustable ones and actually gave the second pair (medium) to my mother. My mom owns an ice cream stand and when I showed them to her she was practically begging me to let her try a pair…so of course I did. She was so excited about how they worked. She usually uses a rubber band to keep her sleeves up when she works serving ice cream and now she has a more comfortable, more fashionable way to keep her sleeves up. Mom also said that she liked that if they got dirty she only had to wash the KitchenKuffs and not her whole jacket!

What a Myriad of uses …KitchenKuffs come in handy in work, play and everyday!

You can find out more about the product here:

http://www.kitchenkuffs.com/

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Review ~ Squid Balm

Posted by Professor on July 31, 2011
in All Natural Products, Baby Products, Eco Friendly Products, Family Stuff, Gift Ideas, Handmade Items, Health and Nutrition, Organic, Personal Care Products, Products for Dad, Products for Mom

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

Squid Balm

A Vast Variety of Vegan beauty goodies….

Vegan products that are Nut-free, Bee0free, phthalate-free, paraben-free, and gluten-free.

These products are great for sensitive skin types!

Solid product means Squid Balm is TSA friendly as well as eco-friendly.

There is a myriad of choices on Squid Balms Website ranging from skin and body car to hair care! The products are scented or unscented…something to suit everyone’s taste!

OUR REVIEW:

We received the following products:

UNSCENTED ~ Squid Balm Solid Lotion Bar

UNSCENTED ~ Handcrafted Cold Pressed Avacado Oil Soap

UNSCENTED ~ Squid Silk Solid Conditioner Bar

Squis Squeak Solid Shampoo Bar ~ PURE

Gentle Oil Cleanser ~ For Normal Skin

This is such a wonderful product! I must say that I sought them out for my daughter who is 2 and has severe Eczema on her little body. I am tired of using steroid creams and was searching for a natural alternative when I found Squid Balm. I opted for the phytoestrogen (plant estrogens) free option that Squid balm offers…so I must say I cannot comment on the scented line of this product. The phytoestrogen free products are also free of xenoestrogens (synthetic chemicals that can mimic estrogen in the body), fragrance free, phthalate free, nut free, gluten free, and paraben free. I opted for this option because of the Eczema and anything that a product can eliminate to suppress flare-ups is a plus in my book! However, with that said…this product is so wonderful that their scented line can only enhance the “awesomeness” of Squid Balm!

On to my review…

Theese were all AWESOME products for my daughter with sensitive skin. She did not have an Eczema flare up while using this product. It actually helped to clear up the Eczema. I was extremely surprised to see how well she took to the product. Often creams (even sensitive, fragrance free) creams irritate her skin…causing it to “burn” as she says when applied. Squid Balm DOES NOT burn or irritate the skin…in fact she liked the lotion bar so much she carries it around putting the cream on herself. This is such a relief to a mother who used to have to hold her daughter down to apply cream! All of the products were great for her little skin… I liked the shampoo bar because it too was easy to apply and since she was already used to Mr. Squiddy (as we affectionately call the solid lotion bar because of the cute logo) she was not apprehensive about letting me wash her hair as she usually is with the commercial shampoo I was using.

The only thing I did not try out on my daughter was the Gentle Facial cleanser (I saved that one for myself!) the cleanser is nice and smooth and does a great job! In fact I like it more than the cleanser I was using previously! The only thing I wish is that the bottle I was given included a pump…I received the 1 oz size which does not come with a pump. I would imagine that a pump dispenser would be much easier to use with the product and cause less waste! I must also admit that I swiped the conditioner bar for myself (my 2 year old does fine with just shampoo and no conditioner) I am currently using this in lieu of shave gel…let me tell you this is by far the BEST thing I have used for shaving! The conditioner bar has many used from traditional conditioner to styling crème…but I liked it best as a shave lotion.

All in all these products are truly AWESOME! I am so glad I have found Squid Balm for myself and my daughter…we will use this product for years to come!

To find out more about Squid Balm and to order please visit:

http://squidbalm.com/index.html or look them up on facebook or twitter!

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Novica Products Review

Posted by Brande on July 13, 2011
in Fashion, Handmade Items, Houseware, Jewelry, Shopping

Novica’s Mission:

“We want to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity. And, we want to provide you with access to unique, hard-to-find items at great values that only the Internet infrastructure can allow.

At the deepest essence of our philosophy, we want to create a bridge between you and the many talented artisans across the globe.

We want you to know about who you’re buying from. We want you to feel that attachment to the product and to the hands that created it.

In the spirit of the Internet, let us bring you together.

NOVICA. The World is Your Market.”

Novia offers a wide range of items from all over the world, that include Home Decor, Jewelry & Apparel, Paintings, and other beautiful gifts. Here are links to a few on my favorites!

Check out these beautiful scarves.

http://accessories.novica.com/scarves/wool/
http://accessories.novica.com/scarves/silk

The jewerly is just as beautiful! How about a charm bracelet?

http://jewelry.novica.com/bracelets/charm/sterling-silver/

Or a Cross Necklace, they are always in style.

http://jewelry.novica.com/necklaces/cross-shaped/sterling-silver/

My Review:

I received the Ceramic Salsa Bowl, “Mexican Spice”, from Mexico. The artist is Javier Servin.

It measures 3.9′ H x 6.7″ W x 4.7″ D. It came with a small tags that says…

“Mexican Spice – Orange Blossoms add a spicy contrast to the turquoise and cobalt blue composition of this salsa bowl. in Javier Servin’s design, the hand painted motifs create raise textures over the bowl’s cool ceramic surface.”

It’s a beautiful bowl and I can’t wait to use it!

I also received a Leather Centerpiece, “Triangular Essence” from Peru. The artist is Johnny Jimenez.

The leather bowl measurements are 2.6″H x 7.9″W x 7.9″ D. The tag that came with this leather bowls says..

“Triangular Essence – Johnny Jimenez captures the artistic essence of geometry in the design of this handsome centerpiece. He tools it of quality leather in a triangular shape featuring shiny iron studs at the center.”

Again, another beautiful piece. My husband has confiscated it for himself to drop his keys and wallet in.

If you enjoy art and Mother Nature, you’ll love Novica. Please visit them at www.novica.com , on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/novica , or Twitter http://twitter.com/novica

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Product Review: The Joy Of Jewelry

Posted by Bobbie Gould on August 27, 2010
in Fashion, Girl Stuff, Handmade Items

I received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

I received the God’s Princess Peach Pearl Single Strand Bracelet to review and really like it! It is comfortable, with a nice fit, easy to wear, and is really cute! I like the colors that Miss Joy used and the cute clasp! The bracelet came in a very timely matter so I was impressed by that! She packaged it very nicely with ribbon in a cute box so it is already gift wrapped. It is very pretty. The bracelet is $17.99. Here is her description of the product.

“Large and small peach colored Swarovski pearls give this lovely bracelet texture, while amethyst Swarovski crystals give it elegance. Simple and beautiful, this bracelet is fun and pleasant to wear.”

Some of her other products:

Purple and Crystal Dangle Earrings

Pearl Double Stranded Bracelet:

You may visit The Joy Of Jewelry at the above link.

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Product Review: Alabu Soap

Posted by Bobbie Gould on August 6, 2010
in Eco Friendly Products, Handmade Items, Personal Care Products

I received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

The owners just wrote and told me that they have a coupon code for you all! Here it is!

It’s good for 15% off any order of $10 or more (can only be used once per customer) at www.alabu.com. The coupon code is below: COUPON-VGHOOD-15

I recently received some product from Alabu Natural Goat Milk Soap and liked it alot! The product that I received was:

Organic All Natural Shea Body Butter: This body butter was very nice to use as it helped take away some of my eczema on my arm. I really liked that it is all natural and comes in 2 kinds of ‘scents’ the product that type that I received is the Original with jojoba oil. The other scent is: Tea Tree. It is defiantly really nice for dry skin when you don’t have any hand-cream on hand or after a shower! It is priced at: $4.90 for Original but the Tea Tree is priced at $6.90. Very reasonable for all natural shea body butter.

Organic All Natural Lip Balm: The lip balm comes in 3 different flavors so to speak and I received mint. I liked the scent and “flavor” it helps chapped lips but, I didn’t find that it made any drastic changes for my lips. But I thought that it was a nice lip balm. The scents are: Mint, Tea Tree, Vanilla, and Natural. They are all priced at $3.50

Organic All Natural Neem Essential Oil Soap: Neem oil contributes conditioning properties and a wonderful lather to this soap, making it a good choice for dry and problem skin. The neem oil is not added for the great scent (it actually smells terrible, and they add lavender essential oil to help tone down the scent). It’s in the soap because it’s great for your skin. So I just wanted you to be informed: don’t judge it for it’s smell! I didn’t really smell anything that bad, it smelled like lavender to me. I found it a very nice soap and it made my skin VERY soft! It must be the goat soap that does that! It is priced at: $6.30.

Organic All Natural Baby Me Ultra-Moisturizing cleansing Bar:I really liked this soap and it is all the name says it is! It too makes my skin feel soft and silky! It smells nice and I think it was my favorite of the two soap. Extra special handmade soap for anyone with extra sensitive skin. I found it lathered nicely and was a great bath bar! It made my hands very soft after working in the garden all day. It is reasonably priced at: $5.15

All in all I would highly recommend Alabu products. Here is a little bit about Alabu:

” A Brief History:

After making goat milk soap for a home-school chemistry project, we quickly realized how drying and harsh commercial soap was to our skin. We found that handmade natural soap (made with the “cold process” soap method) retains the naturally occurring glycerin that is very beneficial to your skin. Family and friends told us how our soap was a great skin care product, and how it did not leave their skin feeling dry and itchy like commercial soap did and helped with their eczema treatment. That is when Alabu Soap was born. Now we have retail and wholesale soap customers world wide.” (My note, the Alabu company was founded by a Christian Home-Schooling family.)

Happy Shopping!

~Miss RJ

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Product Review Forget Me Not Jewelry

Posted by Bobbie Gould on August 3, 2010
in Fashion, Handmade Items, Shopping

I received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

I received the Malorie Bracelet: I found this bracelet to be very comfortable and not able to slide off my wrist as other bracelets have. It is very pretty and I liked the fact that the attachment part to the jewelry on both sides did not fall off at ALL! She made it very sturdy and is very pretty with blue and crystal beads. The blue was in all different shades which was very nice! Here is her description of it: “This bracelet, almost identical to the Norah anklet, is made with turquoise seed beads, crackle glass beads and small pale blue beads. The beads are looped on silver eye pins and the bracelet closes with a darling rosebud toggle clasp.” I really liked this bracelet. And the other jewelry that she makes!

Some pictures of the product:

She has alot more product including some more of my favorites:

The Jocelyn Earrings:

Lexi Bracelet:

Zara Necklace:

Chantelle Earrings:

I encourage you to check out Forget Me Not Jewelry made by the lovely Miss Lydia Jane!

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Recycled Mosquito Coin Purse and Keychain/Cell Phone Holder

Posted by html404 on July 30, 2010
in Eco Friendly Products, Fashion, Giving Back/Charity, Handmade Items

Coin Purse

Coin Purse 2

I have been using these two purses for a while now and really, really, like them! They look small but they hold alot! In the grey purse I have been putting my cell phone and other needed objects and I am using the black one for my keys etc, etc. The key ring with cell phone holder (pictured above) and coin purse are perfect to attach to the inside of five’s messenger bag. The key ring and coin purse features a five petal flower similar to five’s logo flower. The purses have a zipper closure.

These purses are from the new line made by a fair trade co-op in Cambodia, is made from recycled plastic mosquito netting, carefully washed and cleaned, originally used to protect livestock, safety netting, and brick layers used it as a sand sieve. They are recycled, Eco-Friendly and support needy people in Cambodia.

These purses are available from five ACCESSORIES. They are $15 for the black and $20 for the grey. For more info contact: info@fiveaccessories.com or call 312.504.3483.

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Product Review: Flower Bracelet From five ACCESSORIES

Posted by html404 on July 26, 2010
in Eco Friendly Products, Fashion, Giving Back/Charity, Handmade Items, Uncategorized

blueflowerbracelet

The Flower Bracelet $10

The Flower bracelet adds color and life to a neutral or dark outfit. Made of natural wood with handpainted blue and white flowers on each square block. On SALE from $15 to $10.

I liked that this bracelet was handmade and that the flowers where hand painted. I love flowers and this definitely attracted my eye. It has a nice loose fit, is very pretty and is one of my favorites out of five’s bracelets!

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Product Review: Pop Top Bracelets From five ACCESSORIES

Posted by html404 on July 2, 2010
in Eco Friendly Products, Fashion, Giving Back/Charity, Handmade Items

PurpleKidsPopTop
BlueWhitePopTop

Pop Top Bracelet $5.00

A bracelet made from can pop tops and ribbon. Perfect for the little princess. Handmade by the vendors of StreetWise. Each item comes with the picture and story of the individual who made it. One size fits all wrists. For custom colors and orders please inquire at info@fiveaccessories.com or call 312.504.3483.

This bracelet comes in a lot of different styles and colors (ribbon wise) and you can get custom orders done at the above info. I thought that this bracelet was appealing to the eye and was very fun and cute. Perfect for a child or even fun loving teenage girl! I don’t know if I really would wear this one alot but my children like it.