Announcement
To me, handmade is like organic; if more people could afford it, more people would buy it. By using recycled fabrics for my creations, I can provide quality handmade goods at an affordable price.
At Useful & Beautiful, you'll find soft toys, toddler dresses, accessories and home goods all made with fabric upcycled from clothing, vintage linens and more. I love the challenge of working with discarded items and can give a second life to almost anything. Repurposing old garments is the thread (bad pun, sorry) that runs through all my work.
My shop's name comes from a quote from William Morris: "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." I think that says it all.
Please follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/UsefulBeautifulHandmade and on Instagram: www.instagram.com/karen.heenan
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Items
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Reviews
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Tessa on Jan 14, 2024
5 out of 5 starsKaren went above and beyond in creating these stockings! We asked her to create them out of clothes from our child’s NICU stay. She did a beautiful job and her attention to detail is truly amazing.
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mlugones on Dec 26, 2023
5 out of 5 starsI love this stocking. Great, friendly communication, and the item is so beautiful in person. Thank you!!!
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Tracy on Dec 15, 2023
5 out of 5 starsKaren was great! She responded quickly and completed the doll even faster than we expected. We are EXTREMELY pleased with the finished doll! We highly recommend her!
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Michele on Jan 6, 2023
5 out of 5 starsLove, love love this stocking made from my granddaughter’s infant clothes.
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Kelly on Jan 3, 2023
5 out of 5 starsSo perfect! Very well made. The quality and care that goes into these stockings is amazing. This is my 4th one and I’m so happy my boys have these to use year after year!
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Caroline on Oct 22, 2022
5 out of 5 starsThank you so much! This was perfect. I live in Uganda but wasn’t able to bring back a local doll for a niece when I visited the states. This doll was so similar to ones made there and a perfect substitute. Just what I ordered.
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Amelia on Sep 18, 2022
5 out of 5 starsBeautiful and unique! An heirloom! Wonderful communication :)
About KarenHeenan
Hand made. Well made. Responsibly made.
Shop members
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Karen Heenan
Owner, Maker, Designer
I'm a lifelong crafter -- you name it, I've tried it. And if it made me stash materials and supplies, so much the better. This shop is my attempt to clear out years of excess, and better live up to my ideals of a simpler life.
Shop policies
Shipping
Customs and import taxes
Payment options
Returns & exchanges
Cancellations
More information
Frequently asked questions
Custom and personalized orders
I happily accept custom and personalized orders. Please feel free to message me prior to ordering one of my custom listings to clear up any questions you may have. Once an order is placed, I will provide my shipping address (if you are providing materials) and will contact you again upon receipt of your package. I will provide an in-progress photo and will notify you (with tracking) when your custom order ships out. Please note that due to the nature of custom / personalized items, I cannot accept returns and that is why I am happy to answer questions prior to proceeding with a project.
Care instructions
All my items are made with recycled / repurposed fabrics that have already been washed/dried, etc. Clothing items (children's wear, scarves, etc.) are machine wash and dry.
Stuffed animals can be spot-cleaned and, in some cases, put through the washer and line dried. Care will be noted in the specific listings and on the item tags.
Sizing details
Clothing sizes: while clothing is handmade, sizing follows commercial standards. Flat measurements are provided for both children's and adult clothing.
Toys: full dimensions are provided for all stuffed animals. There may be minor variations in size due to the "stretch" of one fabric over another, but any variation will be minimal.
Wholesale availability
Please feel free to contact me with any wholesale inquiries.
Addendum to Refund Policy
My work is made from recycled fabrics, and as such, there may occasionally be imperfections or fading to fabrics, which in my view only adds to the charm of the piece. I aim to describe my items accurately (and note any imperfections) and hope there would be no need for refunds. But . . . if you're unhappy with your purchase, PLEASE reach out to me so we can work together to find a solution.