Katy's Handmade Gift Guide - 2017

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the PLANT LOVER

the KITCHENISTA

the MUG COLLECTOR

the ACCESSORY QUEEN

the BOHO ENTHUSIAST

the SPA GURU 

the CHRISTMAS NATURALIST

the ECO-CONSCIOUS

the MAKERS

please check out these awesome makers and businesses!

  1. CONVIVIAL

  2. AMY HAMLEY CERAMICS

  3. MENKE CERAMICS

  4. LOOM & KILN

  5. WILLFUL GOODS

  6. SOUL VESSEL DESIGNS

  7. EAST FORK

  8. MCCABE CLAY

  9. THE OBJECT ENTHUSIAST

  10. AMY HAMLEY CERAMICS

  11. BRYAR WOLF

  12. LEADHEAD GLASS

  13. MADE BY JUSTINE

  14. IN.SEK DESIGN

  15. FRENCH GIRL

  16. BONNIE KAYE STUDIO

  17. FARMHOUSE POTTERY

  18. MUDDY HEART

  19. WHAT WE MAKE

  20. WHAT WE MAKE

Posted on November 22, 2017 by Katy Quinn.

FALL INSPIRED TABLE SETTING

Beautiful, Simple Fall Scandinavian Tablescape

Fall is in the air...and I couldn't be more excited!  As much as I've enjoyed our beautiful summer, for me Fall brings cool crisp days, warm sweaters, apple cider, and beautiful autumn colors. Not to mention my birthday! Around the home it's time to bring out the mums, change up the centerpiece, and add cozy blankets & pillows to the couch.  Keep scrolling to read some of my tips on creating an eclectic cozy table setting that won't break the bank!

THE ANNUAL FALL EVENT.  10% Off all Dining Tables & Benches!

Here at WHAT WE MAKE Fall & family go hand in hand. Don't miss out on gathering around one of our tables this fall with our annual friends and family event! Featured in this post is our Reclaimed Wood Plank Dining Table.

FALL TABLE SETTING TIPS:

  • Grab a modern vase to use as your centerpiece and fill it with fallen branches and leaves. I gathered everything for our centerpiece within in walking distance from our workshop! Florals are beautiful, but they're costly and only last a week or so. This branch centerpiece will last all season and transitions well throughout the season.

  • Go to antique & second hand stores to find interesting drink and serveware. I've collectected several silver pitchers and these really cool etched goblets that make the table feel eclectic and unique. Don't be afraid to mix new and old together!

  • Switch out your bright white dinnerware for some organic grey and muted earthy tones.

  • Add a cozy sheepskin to your bench or chair to add a mix of textures and warmth.

  • Try different combinations until you find the right mix. Play around with what you have and have fun!

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My editorial debut, hehe! For more fall tablescape inspiration check out our Pinterest page.  Thanks for reading!  ~ Katy

Posted on August 28, 2017 by Dan Quinn and filed under Style it! and tagged fall.

OUTDOOR LIVING!

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SUMMER HAS ARRIVED!

OUTDOOR FURNITURE with INDOOR STYLE

It's that time of year! When we all start to live outside, and soak up summer before the chill of fall creeps in. Ok, all you California folk I know you get to sit on your patios all year long, but us Chicagoans have a window of time each summer to utilize our outdoor space. There is nothing more pleasurable than warm summer nights when kids are running through sprinklers, fire flies are flickering through the yard, and s'mores' are on the dessert menu.

I'm here to share some exciting news! Any piece of furniture on our website can be finished with an exterior finish. Bringing your favorite furniture design outdoors. It's the same high quality, voc-free, oil-based finish we use on all of our products, but it adds exterior protection from all the outdoor elements.  Take a look below at some of our current designs that customers have added to their outdoor living spaces.

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Console Tables

Utilize one of our console tables as a pub table by adding bar stools beneath. I love seeing one piece of furniture be utilized two ways!

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Coffee Tables

Bring any of our beautiful reclaimed wood coffee tables to the center of attention in your outdoor lounge area. We customize to fit any space!

How to order your outdoor furniture:

1. Fill out our custom form: https://www.wwmake.com/custom/, and note you want the exterior finish for outdoor use.

2. Call or e-mail us directly and we'll get you a custom invoice straight away!

- > info@wwmake.com

- > 331.442.4831

3. Visit us at our showroom:

- > 207 Berg Street, Algonquin, IL. 60102

Dine Outdoors

We are here to help you entertain outdoors! From dining tables + benches, to coffee tables and end tables they all can be finished to live outside!

Posted on June 19, 2017 by Dan Quinn and filed under Customize It! and tagged outdoorliving outdoorfurniture summertime patiofurniture outdoordining.

TAYLOR'S TIPS! Interior Designer

Taylor White What WE Make

Let me give a formal introduction to our interior design expert Taylor White!  

She will be a contributor on our blog giving you the latest and greatest interior design advice.  I've known Taylor for 5 years or so...since she started dating my brother (lucky boy!).  She is the perfect fit for our blog.  She's part of the family, has great interior + personal style, is a wellness guru, & has a kind soul!

For her first blog post she'll be giving you her favorite home trends for 2017.  Enjoy!

 

2017 INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS

Six must have home trends to try right now!

Written By: Taylor White

 

No color will ever be the new black. Black rules. However, these colors are pretty sweet too… 

In 2017, we are seeing the use of a dark and moody color palate, which I happen to adore. Popular colors in this trend include navy, dark gray, emerald and olive green, and plum. Yes, it’s a complete 180 from the minimalist white interiors that dominated your Pinterest feed in 2016, but in my opinion, this new palate is a welcome change that can make your space feel like a romantic, cozy retreat. 

Speaking of dark and moody…

This trend applies to your wood finishes as well. I think its safe to say, we’re getting a little bored with blonde and light grey wood tones. Try adding some dark, warm wood pieces to your space to add depth and sophistication.

Big art melts my heart. 

It’s true, you guys. Try swapping your gallery wall for expressive large scale artwork, or better yet — wallcovering. You’ll be surprised and delighted on how it connects you to your space on an emotional level. Another great thing about this trend is that it works best with abstract art, giving you an opportunity to get your Picasso on and try creating some art of your own, like these people did: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/everyones-painting-their-own-abstract-art-and-you-should-too-229632  

source: what we make / wall covering by phillip jefferies

source: what we make / wall covering by phillip jefferies

Greenery!

I love the idea of having more live plants in the home. In today’s very digital society, it feels good to go home, unplug, and try to get more grounded in nature. I think Pantone was dropping a major hint that we all need to chill out, and appreciate mother nature more when they introduced Greenery as their color of the year. And if you're scared that your lush interior greenery would eventually turn into… brownery, try succulents or climbing plants like ivy, which are notoriously hard to kill. 

Velvet

The 90’s are back, people! And I’m not mad about it. Not only is the 90’s trend big in fashion right now (so. many. chokers.) but it’s translating into interior design as well, in the form of velvet everything. I love the idea of adding velvet to your space, but before your go reupholstering your sofa, try incorporating velvet with accent pillows. It’s less of a commitment, and just as cool.

What the heck is hygge?

Everybody’s talking about it, and probably saying it wrong. Pronounced hue-guh, hygge is a Danish term defined as, “a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” It is considered a defining characteristic in Danish culture. WOW. Sign me up. You can embrace the concept of hygge by filling your home with plenty of soft knit blankets and textiles, candles, plush rugs, the smell of baked goods and coffee, and by actually lighting your fireplace. The goal is to set the stage for relaxation, and take some time to enjoy and feel grateful for the simple pleasures that life has to offer. Excuse me while I go snuggle with a puppy. 

Posted on April 5, 2017 by Katy Quinn.