september’s issue of kc magazine features cutting boards from scott mcburney furniture, available exclusively at mash handmade. from the article: in terms of chefs, hardwood is the new iron, as evidenced in this mash-up of ash, maple, walnut, and beech wood- serious in durability and style. made locally by scott mcburney from lee’s summit and available at mash handmade, the handled cutting board is a piece from a series of ornate and functional boards. these beauties are handmade with a variety of woods that result in one-of-a-kind patterns, from subtle swirls to contrasting, bold stripes. you’ll look like you know exactly what you’re doing, no matter your level of kitchen expertise. -kaitlin motley
from getting started by cindy hoedel, kansas city star 5/1/11:
Karen Tholen of Roeland Park creates custom necklaces using a family photograph in a soldered “frame” hung on a 16-inch sterling necklace; available in 1.5-by-1.5 inch or 1-by-3 inch pendant sizes. Photographs brought in Monday can be turned around for pickup Saturday, in time for Mother’s Day.
$32-$43 at Mash Handmade, 3900A Pennsylvania Ave., 816-960-7000, www.mashhandmade.com
Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/04/30/2831223/getting-started-made-with-love.html#ixzz1LP2sZIOs
By CINDY HOEDEL
The Kansas City Star
A roundup of nifty items for cooks of all skill levels.
Uber-bownie mix
■ This crème brulée brownie mix ramps up the decadence factor of the classic dessert. Just add water, 4 eggs (really) and 1 1/2 sticks of butter (well, why not?). Makes enough for a 9-by-13-inch pan.
$6 at Mission Fresh Produce, 6102 Johnson Drive, Mission, 913-236-5128
Serious chopping block
■ A solid, thick hardwood cutting board is a serious cook’s best friend. Scott McBurney of Lee’s Summit makes decorative and functional ones in various sizes. Pictured is a 14-by-22-inch board of walnut, ash and beech.
$88 at Mash Handmade, 3900A Pennsylvania Ave., 816-960-7000, www.mashhandmade.com
staff pick: coffee bean bag pillows
The world goes through more than 100 million sacks of coffee beans each year, but most of the beautiful burlap bags go straight to the landfill. CasaBean Design of Chanute, Kan., has brewed up a plan to change that.
while browsing on the website of one of our favorite magazines today, we came across this blog post and were so happy to see our cards! when you’re finished here, maybe you can make someone’s day and go write a letter…maybe even on a postage paid card!
check out the readymade post here.
Foolproof ‘plants’
Stefanie Richwine of Independence makes faux terrariums of felted “rocks” and “plants” in domed glass pots, perfect if you’re looking for low-maintenance “greenery.”
$38 at Mash Handmade, 3900-A Pennsylvania, 816-960-7000, www.mashhandmade.com
Record your post-grad adventures in these fun journals by Jennifer Nauss of Kansas City, $20 each at Mash Handmade. Nauss repurposes vintage books, ads and even billing envelopes to make supercool themed notebooks (these two are baking and football).
If you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind gift with flair this holiday season, then mash handmade is the place to go. Mama Mash and Miss Mash, Karen Tholen and her daughter Amanda Tholen Long, respectively, opened mash handmade last October in hopes of fulfilling their creative side and to get out of a boring job. This mother-daughter duo travels around the country to find merchandise handmade by artists. Mama Mash is proud to support young artists and help get their name out there.
Karen goes back to her childhood to get inspiration for her creations, such as felt and fleece adjustable ear warmers that her aunt made for her as a child. Her oldest daughter used to walk around the house with a crayon apron, so Mama Mash has created more aprons and bibs for your little one to wear.
Amanda, an aspiring artist, is adamant about sending letters rather than emails or updating her status on Facebook. Her handmade glass jars with paper and a pencil inside are just right to leave your loved one a special note. She also teaches classes on Saturdays behind the store. For under $20, a session includes her artistic eye, supplies, and wine. All you have to do is show up with an open mind and walk away with a unique, handmade gift for you or someone else.
mash handmade is about getting your hands dirty and being crafty. Amanda came up with the name from the popular game mash, where you end up living in a mansion, apartment, shack, or house. She figures you need art in even a shack, so why not make your own and be proud of it.
This holiday pass up on an expensive notebook from Anthropology and visit Mama Mash and Miss Mash at mash handmade.
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Amanda Tholen Long, who co-owns Westport boutique Mash Handmade, deconstructed a necktie. Then she shaped, stuffed and sewed the pieces into a darling plush toy. “I’m giving this to my 3-year-old nephew,” she said.
Mash Handmade, 3900 Pennsylvania Ave., specializes in handcrafted housewares from local and regional artists. Select items are up to 25 percent off through July 4. Info: mashhandmade.com
Read more:
Westport 39
Since Boomerang, 39th Street’s venerable retro boutique, left its restaurant-row location for a storefront just a few blocks east, a fashionista’s Eden has sprung up around it. Westport 39 is a single gray building that now houses five locally owned, stylish shops. So if that otherwise perfect vintage cocktail dress from Boomerang was designed to fit a bustier gal, just take it 10 steps away to Kathy’s Alterations. Once Kathy alters the Boomerang dress, pick up a matching clutch and the perfect pair of silver woodland-creature earrings (made by a local artisan, of course) at “femme boutique” Colfax. Then duck into Chop Tops salon for a rockabilly up-do. And don’t leave without hitting Mash Handmade to pick up a gift for the host of whatever kick-ass party you’re getting ready for.
by Monica Watrous
One word describes the inventory at Mash Handmade, a new Westport boutique.
Covetable.
This shop opened a couple of weeks ago and specializes in handcrafted house wares from local and regional artists.
“We have so many fun things that you honestly can’t find anywhere else in the city,” co-owner Amanda Tholen said. “Everything you didn’t know you were looking for.”
The goods: You’ll find a selection of expertly crafted home accessories, including cheeky aprons, funky wall art and vibrant, upholstered chairs, as well as a few personal items such as jewelry and hair combs.
A children’s section called Mini Mash is stocked with whimsical toys, blankets and blinged-up baby shoes.
Buying handmade is hot, Tholen said.
“Right now, with the economy shifting and our ideas about living green, people are being more conscious about how they shop,” Tholen said. “Buy handmade and you support an artist.”
About 15 artists supply the inventory. People can apply to sell their wares at mashhandmade .com.
The owners: Tholen, 29, opened the store with her mom, Karen Tholen. The pair — who sell wares as Miss Mash and Mama Mash, respectively — hope to host monthly workshops in their store.
“For years, we wanted to have some kind of business together,” said Amanda Tholen, an art school grad who also works in a dental lab. “We’re both lifelong crafters.”
The look: Tholen’s objective? Less stuffy than a gallery, more comfortable like a home.
The boutique is bright, clean and colorful — and in good company. Neighbors include Boomerang, a vintage-goods store, and Chop Tops, a rockabilly hair salon. “This whole block is really nurturing to the creative side of life,” Tholen said.
The name: When the mother-daughter duo decided to open a home accessories store, the younger Tholen recalled the childhood fortune game MASH — remember it? — whose acronym stands for Mansion Apartment Shack House. The idea behind the game, she said, reflected the point of the shop.
“People of all walks of life and sizes of paycheck can find something in our store,” she said.
Read more:
specials
slate chalkboard and coral chalk
chalk and slate, old school, in the loveliest forms...mount this slate chalkboard on your wall (hardware included) and make your mark with a gorgeous piece of cast coral that fits in your hand just-so. the chalkboard measures approx 10"x 16" (each is slightly different, as they are made of natural slate), and the chalk measures 3.5"x 2". chalk comes in a drawstring fabric bag. handmade just for you in wisconsin, they are as lovely on their own as they are as a pair. click image on left for full view.
$26.00
