Member Artisan Profile: GAR Sticks and String

"Man enough to Knit, Strong enough to Purl" - the tag line says it all.

Meet GAR, one of our younger – but certainly no less talented – members of Handmade Louisiana. GAR creates hand knitted and felted items for his Etsy shop, GAR Sticks and String. He began creating at the age of 11 and has been working steadily at it for 3 years now. How did he get started? He explains, “My mom has always been artsy and when a knitter opened her home for lessons we jumped the opportunity.”

When asked where he finds inspiration, GAR again credits his mother: “My mom is really creative. Not so much me. Just tell me what to do and how to do and I'll get it done.” (Disclaimer: this writer, and customer of GAR’s, disagrees when he says he's not creative. I purchased on of his plushies, a felted hedgehog, for my teen son. The quality and craftsmanship is impressive indeed!).

His favorite material is wool, and he finds knitting relaxing. His favorite piece is the lily baby booties.

When asked what challenges and obstacles he faces, GAR replies, “Just trying to get through teens years. Bringing less drama along as possible and trying to set a good example for my peers.” His words of wisdom for other artisan/sellers: “Never give up, promote, just love people, and pictures matter a lot.”

What’s next for GAR? Llamas, purses, more baskets, gloves and so much more. Perhaps pottery, too. “I’ve done a little pottery and loved it but that was a couple years ago,” he says. “I would love to go back to that.”

Although his mother is from California and his father is from Ohio, GAR has a strong connection to his birth state (Louisiana, of course). “I love that people are SO friendly and love you the second they meet you down here.”

His family is a major influence, rightfully so. “My dad and mom are always there for me and my sister (13 months older than myself) just loves to be around people. We serve God with the best of our ability at an amazing church and have found MANY awesome friends there,” GAR explains. “I personally hope to be the salt and light of the world and be a leader and an example giving hope to a fallen world.”

His creations can be found in his Etsy shop: http://www.garsticksandstring.etsy.com/

Visit his blog at: http://www.garsticksandstring.blogspot.com/

He also sells offline to family, friends, and word of mouth. When asked if there was anything else he wanted us to know, he said, “Well, I love all my customers and sincerely appreciate them. I give glory to God that he gave me this talent!”

Where Can You Purchase Our Wonderful Items?

We have many excellent artisans as members of Handmade Louisiana. The listings below offer you some options on where you can find your favorite items.

-Art-

Art by Mags!- Urban folk art for the masses
http://www.artbymags.com/
http://www.artbymags.etsy.com/
Retail locations for items- In Exchange, Storyville

Bluebird Art- Creations inspired by nature, dreams and the subconscious mind
http://www.bluebird-art.com/
http://www.bluebirdart.etsy.com/

BOLOdesigns- Art created from recycled materials
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BOLOdesigns

Cheese and Chocolate- Original works of art and jewelry
http://www.cheeseandchocolate.etsy.com/

CT Studios- Art and accessories for you and your home
http://ctstudios.artfire.com/

EvesJulia12- June bug art
http://www.evesjulia12.etsy.com/

Knotaway- Photography, printmaking, tatting, lace, paintings...
http://www.knotaway.etsy.com/

Nichole Paints!- Vivid art for your home or business
http://www.nicholepaints.com/
http://www.ashtonatelier.etsy.com/

Noulou Illustrations- Daydreams, and doodles, created for children (and their parents)
http://www.noulouillunstrations.com/
http://www.lilab.etsy.com/
http://www.noulou.bigcartel.com/

Original Creations by Apryl- Handcrafted gemstone wire tree sculptures
http://www.byapryl.com/
http://www.byapryl.etsy.com/
http://www.byapryl.artfire.com/

Play of Light Studio Designs- Art, jewlery, sculpture
http://fineartamerica.com/artwork/tag/jodi+marze+kass/

Sherry Dole Art- Original animal paintings and prints
http://sherrydoleart.etsy.com/
http://www.zazzle.com/sherrydole*

Southern Heart Gallery- American contemporary folk art
http://www.folk-art.com/
http://www.southernheart.etsy.com/

Vintage Snaps and Scraps- Altered expressions...inspired by the past
http://www.vintagesnapsnandscraps.com/
http://www.vintagesnapsandscraps.etsy.com/

-Bath and Beauty-

2 Virgos Designs- Premium handcrafted soaps and such
http://www.2virgosdesigns.etsy.com/

Amelia Amos Soaps- Handmade soaps from the south
http://www.ameliaamos.etsy.com/

Embellished Bayou- Glycerin soaps
http://www.embellishedbayou.etsy.com/

Gabrielle Acres- Working with nature and herbs to create bath and body products
http://www.gabrielleacres.com/
http://www.gabriellenatural.artfire.com/
http://www.herbfriend.etsy.com/
Retail location for items- Poncio's Tuxedos on Main Street in New Iberia, LA

Herb ‘n Development Handmades- Handmades by hands God made http://herbndevelopment.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/HerbnDevelopment

-Candles-

Sassy Soy Creations
http://www.sassysoycreations.etsy.com/

-Ceramics and Pottery-

Hurricane Pottery- Wheel thrown stoneware pottery with awesome glazes
http://www.hurricanepottery.com/
http://www.hurricanepottery.etsy.com/
Retail location for items- Mandeville Trailhead Market

-Children-

Bayou Moon- Children's accessories and clothing
http://www.bayoumoon.etsy.com/
Retail location for items- Spoiled Rotten in Monroe, LA

Bows for Belles- Boutique hair bows, snap clips, headbands, hats & more!
http://www.bowsforbellesshop.etsy.com/
Retail locations for items- Sugar and Spice in Ocean Springs, MS; Oh Baby in Moss Point, MS; My Lil' Sunshine in Gauthier, MS; Home Sweet Home in the Singing River Mall in Gauthier, MS; Robin's Nest in Hurley, MS; Picket Fence in Vidalia, LA

Butterflies and Rainbows- An affordable custom clothing boutique
http://www.brkids.etsy.com/

Dazzle Me- Jewelry, photography, children's clothing, and handmade cards
http://www.dazzleme.etsy.com/
http://www.dazzleme.artfire.com/

Funski Munki- Fun clothing for the lil’ munki in your life
http://www.funskimunki.etsy.com/

GAR Sticks and String- Knitted and felted home accessories, animals, baby items
http://www.garsticksandstring.etsy.com/

Georganna and Company-Children's clothing and plush toys
http://www.georgannaandcompany.etsy.com/
http://www.hyenacart.com/georgannaandcompany

Girls Love Bows- Custom hair hows, monogramming & supplies boutique
http://www.girlslovebows.etsy.com/
Retail location for items- Kinchen's

Hailey's Beads & Bows- A unique boutique
http://www.haileysbeadsandbows.etsy.com/
www.HaileysBeadsAndBows.com 
Retail location for items: 1st Saturdays at the free craft market in Clinton, LA

Hopscotch Square- Children's clothing and accessories to keep your child in the latest style
http://www.hopscotchsquare.artfire.com/
http://www.hopscotchsquare.etsy.com/
Retail location for items- Evon and Suzette Designs in DeQuincy, LA

Lila’s Bowtique- Quality handmade hair bows and accessories
http://www.lilasbowtique.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LilasBowtique

KnitZy Handmade Fashion Accessories - one of a kind hats, scarves, headbands, collars and other hand spun and knitted accessories
www.KnitZy.com
sales@KnitZy.com

NOLA NUKS Embroidered Pacifier and Ponytail Holders
http://www.nolanuks.com
http://www.facebook.com/nolanuks
Retail locations throughout the New Orleans area

MagnoliasBoutique-unique children's clothing and  vintage chenille creations

http://www.etsy.com/shop/magnoliasboutique

Mama's Little Monkeys- Custom gifts for mom, baby, and more

http://www.mamaslittlemonkeys.artfire.com/
http://www.mamaslittlemonkeys.etsy.com/

My 2 Princesses Creations- Hair accessories, jewelry, and baby items http://www.simply2exquisite.com/
http://www.my2princesses.etsy.com/

Nana J of Nine- Handmade children's clothing
http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Nana-J-of-Nine_W0QQ_armrsZ1

Nap Mat Covers- Your one stop shop for nap mat covers

http://www.napmatcovers.etsy.com/

Pacha Mamma- Helping us to celebrate the 'Earth Mother' within ourselves
http://www.pachamamma.etsy.com/

Payte*Pie Accessory Boutique- Unique tutus, bows, clothes, and who knows!
http://www.paytepieaccessoryboutique.com/
Retail location for items- Jete Dance Studio in Prairieville, LA

PurseOnlyYours- Adorable clothing for girls
http://www.purseonlyyours.etsy.com/

Quibby’s Bows- Bows made to last throughout your little girls "bow years"
http://www.quibby84.etsy.com/

Rosella Claire- Custom creations
http://www.rosellaclaire.etsy.com/

Stitches in Cotton- 100% cotton clothing and accessories
http://www.stitchesincotton.etsy.com/
http://www.mommydee7.etsy.com/

Vivy's Closet- Whimsical clothing for little girls
http://www.vivyscloset.etsy.com/

-Embroidery-

My 2 Princesses Creations- Monogrammed travel mugs
http://www.simply2exquisite.com/
http://www.my2princesses.etsy.com/

Nanny Dot's Unique Baby Items- Handmade with pride and care
http://www.dacopeland.etsy.com/

Rosella Claire- Custom creations
http://www.rosellaclaire.etsy.com/

Spiffy Sprouts - The cutest stuff you've ever seen
http://www.spiffysprouts.com/
http://spiffysproutsnola.etsy.com/

-Fabric-

Destash City- Where my addiction is your gain
http://destashcity.artfire.com
http://www.destashcity.etsy.com/

-Floral-

Fleur De Ink- Custom flower pens
http://www.fleurdeink.com/

-Glass-

Debi Deaux Designs-Handmade flamework glass- beads, sculpture & wearable art
http://www.debideaux.com/
http://www.debideaux.artfire.com/
http://www.debideaux.etsy.com/
Retail location for items- Art Market of New Orleans- Palmer Park in New Orleans, LA

Expressions On Glass- Say "I Love You" with a beautifully carved paperweight or vase!
http://www.expressionsonglass.com/
http://www.lindadale.etsy.com/

Hvnly Designs- Something unique with a New Orleans Flair, but with some METRY attitude thrown in for good measure
http://www.metrychick.com/
http://www.hvnlydesigns.etsy.com/
Retail locations for items- in boutiques

-Graphic Design-

Rue Design- An eclectic mix of southern inspiration
http://www.ruedesign.etsy.com/

~Housewares~

5 O'Clock Crows- Resist patterned textiles, handmade quilts
http://www.5oclockcrows.etsy.com/
http://www.artfire.com/users/5oclockcrows

Art by Mags!- Urban folk art for the masses
http://www.artbymags.com/
http://www.artbymags.etsy.com/
Retail locations for items- In Exchange, Storyville

Art on the Half Shell- Unique, one-of-a-kind timepieces for the oyster and seafood connoisseur and coastal enthusiast!
http://www.ArtOnTheHalfShell.net
http://www.artonthehalfshell.etsy.com

Barbs Macrame and More- Unique handmade gifts
http://www.barbsmacrameandmore.etsy.com/
http://www.barbsmacrameandmore.artfire.com/

CT Studios- Art and accessories for you and your home
http://ctstudios.artfire.com/

Etco- Handmade jewelry and paper bowls
http://www.etco.etsy.com/

Embellished Bayou- Hand painted frames and custom designs
http://www.embellishedbayou.etsy.com/
Retail location for items- Lil' Miss Priss Boutique and Company in Shreveport, LA

Fleur De Ink- Custom flower pens
http://www.fleurdeink.com/

GAR Sticks and String- Knitted and felted home accessories, animals, baby items
http://www.garsticksandstring.etsy.com/

Geaux to Gifts- Decorative home fragrances
http://www.heaven-scent.net/
http://www.geaux2gifts.etsy.com/
http://www.shop-nola.com/

Louisiana Grown
http://www.imadveus1.etsy.com/

Merci Beaucoup Designs- Home accents and stationery http://www.mercibeaucoupdesigns.etsy.com/

Micro Mops--Keeping your world clean and pretty!
http://www.micromops.etsy.com
http://www.micromops.artfire.com

Rue Design- An eclectic mix of southern inspiration
http://www.ruedesign.etsy.com/

Special From Rachel- Creations for giving and decorating
http://www.specialfromrachel.etsy.com/

-Jewelry-

Barbs Macrame and More- Unique handmade gifts
http://www.barbsmacrameandmore.etsy.com/
http://www.barbsmacrameandmore.artfire.com/

Bayou Tatter- Beautiful hand knitted and tatted accessories
http://www.bayoutatter.etsy.com/
Retail location for items- Feret Street Market in New Orleans

Bluebird Art- Creations inspired by nature, dreams and the subconscious mind
http://www.bluebird-art.com/
http://www.bluebirdart.etsy.com/

BOLOdesigns- Pendants with flair
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BOLOdesigns

Charmies- Beaded creations for all occasions
http://www.charmiesonline.com/
http://www.charmiesonline.etsy.com/
Retail locations for items- Local boutiques

Cheese and Chocolate- Artisan jewelry
http://www.cheeseandchocolate.etsy.com/
http://www.cheeseandchocolate.artfire.com/

Chloe Boutique- Handmade jewelry from the bayou
http://www.wildlifer78.etsy.com/
http://www.chloeboutique.artfire.com/

CT Studios- Art and accessories for you and your home
http://ctstudios.artfire.com/

Design Studio 504- Island Bound collection
http://www.designstudio504.etsy.com/

Dazzle Me- Jewelry, photography, children's clothing, and handmade cards
http://www.dazzleme.etsy.com/
http://www.dazzleme.artfire.com/

Etco- Handmade jewelry and paper bowls
http://www.etco.etsy.com/

Flambeaux Design Company- A collection of unique handmade polymer clay and copper wire jewelry
http://www.flambeauxdesigncompany.com/
http://www.flambeaux.etsy.com/
http://www.flambeaux.artfire.com/
Retail location for items- Storyville New Orleans

Gaudet's Gems- Fine artisan jewelry in sterling silver
http://www.gaudetsgems.etsy.com/

Hailey's Beads & Bows- A unique boutique
http://www.haileysbeadsandbows.etsy.com/
Retail location for items: 1st Saturdays at the free craft market in Clinton, LA

JMS- Magazine Street Designs- Unique collaged pieces
http://www.magazinejms.etsy.com/
http://www.magazinejms.weebly.com/

Lemon Jitters- Handmade jewelry: vintage and repurposed materials
http://www.lemonjitters.etsy.com/

Lisa Raspino Handcrafted Jewelry- Artisan jewelry
http://www.lisaraspino.com/
http://www.lisaraspino.etsy.com/
http://www.lisaraspino.artfire.com/
http://www.lisaraspino.1000markets.com/

McKenzie’s Designs- Unique and one of a kind
http://www.mckenzies.biz/

Precious Metals- Handmade artisan jewelry
http://www.preciousmetals4u.etsy.com/

Redhead Lady Collection- Eat, drink and wear jewelry
http://www.louieandtheredheadlady.com/
http://www.redheadlady2.etsy.com/
Retail location for items- Louie and the Redhead Lady Restaurant in Mandeville, LA

Savoy Truffle- from New Orleans with love...
http://www.savoytruffles.etsy.com/
Retail locations for items- Magazine Metals in New Orleans, LA; GOGO Jewlery in New Orleans, LA; Fifi Mahony's in New Orleans, LA

Sweet Madelyn's Boutique- Bitty bracelets and other jewelry
http://www.sweetmadelyn.etsy.com/
http://www.sweetmadelynsboutique.com/

-Clothing and Accessories-

Badge Reels-- ID holders, keychains, lanyards. You're at work, might as well look good!
http://www.badgereels.etsy.com
http://www.badgereels.artfire.com


Bayou Tatter- Beautiful hand knitted and tatted accessories
http://www.bayoutatter.etsy.com/
Retail location for items- Feret Street Market in New Orleans

CT Studios- Art and accessories for you and your home
http://ctstudios.artfire.com/

DL Creations- Largest selection of rhinestone transfer designs in New Orleans
http://www.rhinestonefetish.com/

JMS- Magazine Street Designs- Unique collaged pieces
http://www.magazinejms.etsy.com/
http://www.magazinejms.weebly.com/

KnitZy Handmade Fashion Accessories - one of a kind hats, scarves, headbands, collars and other hand spun and knitted accessories
www.KnitZy.com
sales@KnitZy.com

Knotaway- Photography, printmaking, tatting, lace, paintings...
http://www.knotaway.etsy.com/

Lady Fleur Designs- Designs are inspired by the southern lady - reflecting simplicity with sophistication
http://www.ladyfleurdesigns.com/
http://www.ladyfleur.etsy.com/

Miss Malaprop- Indie finds for your uncommon life
http://www.missmalaprop.com/
https://www.shopmissmalaprop.com/cart.php?m=product_vendor_list&v=2

My Three Blind Mice- Handmade crochet items and vintage glass http://www.mythreeblindmice.etsy.com/

New Orleans Umbrella Company- Original hand decorated umbrellas
http://www.lizmpetro.etsy.com/
http://www.artfire.com/users/NewOrleansUmbrellas
Retail location for items- Lost and Found in New Orleans, LA

Pamela’s PNW Creations- Beautiful accessories from beautiful fabric
http://www.etsy.com/shop/PamelasPNWCreations
Retail location for items- Harrison Medical Center Gift Shop

Pretty 'n' Preppy- Pretty, functional, preppy tote bags, key fobs, water bottle wraps, and much more
http://www.prettyandpreppy.com/
http://www.prettynpreppy.etsy.com/

PurseOnlyYours- Beautiful crocheted purses
http://www.purseonlyyours.etsy.com/

She Loves Me Not Clothing Company- Handmade clothing and accessories for you
http://www.cuteshirtgirl.etsy.com/
Retail location for items- The Foundry Square on Magazine Street in New Orleans

Splendiferous Fiber- Wearable art and accessories
http://www.splendiferousfiber.etsy.com/
http://www.splendiferousfiber.artfire.com/
http://public.fotki.com/wlstarn/
Retail location for items- Alexandria Museum of Art gift shop in Alexandria, LA

Stitches in Cotton- 100% cotton clothing and accessories
http://www.stitchesincotton.etsy.com/
http://www.mommydee7.etsy.com/

SuperDuper- Couture cocktail hats, feathered headpieces, bridal & unique hair accessories
http://www.annmariepopko.com/
http://www.superduper.etsy.com/
Retail locations for items- Fifi Mahony's and House of Lounge (both in New Orleans)

Trapped In Time Designs- Custom and ready made costumes, clothing and accessories
http://www.trappedintimedesigns.etsy.com/

-Men’s Clothing and Accessories-

Bow Tie Ben- Custom handcrafted bow ties
http://www.bowtieben.etsy.com/

KnitZy Handmade Fashion Accessories - one of a kind hats, scarves, headbands, collars and other hand spun and knitted accessories
www.KnitZy.com
sales@KnitZy.com

-Paper Goods-

Bayou Moon- Party supplies and children's clothing and accessories
http://www.bayoumoon.etsy.com/

Dazzle Me- Jewelry, photography, children's clothing, and handmade cards
http://www.dazzleme.etsy.com/
http://www.dazzleme.artfire.com/

Merci Beaucoup Designs- Home accents and stationery
http://www.mercibeaucoupdesigns.etsy.com/

Noulou Illustrations- Daydreams, and doodles, created for children (and their parents)
http://www.noulouillunstrations.com/
http://www.lilab.etsy.com/
http://www.noulou.bigcartel.com/

WStoreyCreations- Greeting Cards and other goods
http://www.wstoreycreations.etsy.com/

-Pets-

2 Virgos Designs- Primo's Pawtourage dog themed soaps
http://www.2virgosdesigns.etsy.com/

Scrivener's Retreat- Handmade toys for pets and people
http://www.scrivenerferret.etsy.com/
Retail locations for items- Wagging Tail in Santa Monica, CA; Optimal Pet Foods in Calgary, AB, Canada

-Photography-

Amazing Art Photos- Sharing the beauty of everyday things through photography
http://www.amazingartphotos.com/
http://www.amazingartwork.net/

Bird Cottage- Bringing bird photos to life
http://www.birdcottage.etsy.com/

Dazzle Me- Jewelry, photography, children's clothing, and handmade cards
http://www.dazzleme.etsy.com/
http://www.dazzleme.artfire.com/

Lightworld Photo Art - limited edition color photos
www.lightworld.org
ze@lightworld.org

Rue Design- An eclectic mix of southern inspiration
http://www.ruedesign.etsy.com/

-Plants-

Gabrielle Acres- Seeds grown organically
http://www.gabrielleacres.com/
http://www.gabriellenatural.artfire.com/
http://www.herbfriend.etsy.com/

-Supplies-

CharmPacks- Quilting supplies
http://charmpacksplus.com/

Destash City- Where my addiction is your gain
http://destashcity.artfire.com
http://www.destashcity.etsy.com/

Nanoo Designs- Children's clothing e-patterns
http://www.youcanmakethis.com/info/authors/1039293363
http://www.nanoochildrendesigns.etsy.com/
Retail locations for items- All Brands Stores(Louisiana); Sew Blessed Fabrics (Hahira, GA)

Supply Studio 504- Eclectic mix of jewelry supplies
http://www.supplustudio.etsy.com/

Working the Stash- Destash rubber stamp supplies
http://www.workingthestash.etsy.com/

-Toys-

Cheese and Chocolate- Knitted animals
http://www.cheeseandchocolate.etsy.com/

GAR Sticks and String- Knitted and felted home accessories, animals, baby items
http://www.garsticksandstring.etsy.com/

Georganna and Company-Children's clothing and plush toys
http://www.georgannaandcompany.etsy.com/
http://www.hyenacart.com/georgannaandcompany

Mama's Little Monkeys- Custom gifts for mom, baby, and more

http://www.mamaslittlemonkeys.artfire.com/
http://www.mamaslittlemonkeys.etsy.com/

-Vintage-

My Three Blind Mice- Handmade crochet items and vintage glass http://www.mythreeblindmice.etsy.com/

Spanish Moss Vintage- Vintage and supplies southern style
http://www.spanishmoss.etsy.com/

Don't Forget the Portal!

There is a nifty little blue widget over there on the right that you can click and take you straight to the portal! Now the portal is not without it's issue, because yes, we're new at running a portal!! So please, if you have ANY issues with the portal, signing in, posting, etc, PLEASE contact me, or just leave a comment here!

We want this to be a fantastic group and I know we can be because of the fantastic members! So let us know how we can help you as a group!!

~~Amy

Want to stay up to date on all things Handmade Louisiana?

Then just enter your email over there in that nifty box
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and you will be updated when a new post is made...don't worry we don't plan on posting every day so the emails will be approx. 1-3 times a week! :)

Thank you for your support and for supporting Handmade Louisiana!
~~Amy

Welcome!!

to Handmade Louisiana! This is a brand new blog for ALL handmade artisans in Louisiana! This is also a great blog for those who want to PURCHASE excellent handmade Louisiana items! We will have a fearless blog leader, Lisa, who you can find at www.lisaraspino.etsy.com, who will basically be your blog go-to gal!

Want to JOIN Handmade Louisiana? Then you can contact Merry at www.cheeseandchocolate.etsy.com or visit our BRAND NEW FORUM at http://handmadela.informe.com/portal.html

So come on down, get involved in Handmade Louisiana life and have fun!

~~AwesomeAmy
Admin/Group Owner