Handcrafted FCD

Handcrafted FCD Midwest made, thoughtfully curated goods + alteration shop. I am always on the lookout for a new way to help my wonderful customers live their lives in style.

Handcrafted FCD started out with the desire for a stylish tote to carry all my teaching ‘stuff’ back and forth to school. It quickly expanded as friends and family realized they had many uses for reversible totes in colorful patterns. Over the years, in addition to our original Reversible Totes, our product list has grown to include Clutches, Zipper Pouches, Cosmetic Bags, Wallets, and so much mor

e! My newest love is working with canvas and leathers mixed with stylish prints. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to share my love of sewing and handmade products with you! Please send me an email if you have any questions, are looking for something specific, or just want to say hello. I am touched and thrilled when my customers find my work so sweet, so stylish!

🍫 WHAT'S NEW WEDNESDAY 🍫Something deliciously new has made its way onto our shelves!We're excited to now carry Dick Tayl...
09/09/2026

🍫 WHAT'S NEW WEDNESDAY 🍫

Something deliciously new has made its way onto our shelves!

We're excited to now carry Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate—artisan chocolate made in Eureka, California.

Dick Taylor began in 2010 with founders Adam Dick and Dustin Taylor, whose backgrounds in woodworking and boat building naturally led them to another very hands-on craft: making chocolate. They take that same attention to craftsmanship to their chocolate, starting with raw cacao and handling the entire bean-to-bar process in their small factory.

They use organic cacao and organic cane sugar, source fairly traded cacao from around the world, and take about three weeks to make each batch. They even leave out vanilla and other emulsifiers so the natural flavors and subtle differences of the cacao can shine through.

We don't carry something simply because it's trendy—we want to find products that are beautifully made, thoughtfully crafted, and special enough to share. And these definitely caught our attention. 🤎

We now have several varieties of their chocolate bars, along with chocolate-covered cherries and almonds—and I'm already thinking these are going to make some awfully good holiday gifts! 🎁🍫

Yes, they're from California rather than Iowa, but when we find an artisan company creating something this thoughtfully, we're happy to make room on our shelves.

Have you tried Dick Taylor chocolate before? If so, what's your favorite?

✨ BEHIND THE SEAMS | SIMPLE ELEGANCE ✨Sometimes the most beautiful details are the ones that are meant to look effortles...
09/08/2026

✨ BEHIND THE SEAMS | SIMPLE ELEGANCE ✨

Sometimes the most beautiful details are the ones that are meant to look effortless.

This bride wanted a soft, sheer piece of fabric incorporated into the front of her gown for a little added modesty. Rather than simply draping the fabric over her shoulders, we created a soft cowl neckline, with the longer pieces flowing naturally over her shoulders, connecting into the back of the gown and continuing all the way down the length of the train.

The challenge was making it feel completely natural—as though the fabric had always been part of the original design.

I added subtle pleats to help support and hold the cowl drape in place, while keeping them soft enough that they disappear into the design. The goal was structure without looking structured… something secure enough to wear comfortably, but delicate enough to simply float over her shoulders. 🤍

This is one of those alterations that may look simple when finished, but there is quite a bit of thought behind those little details.

And since this beautiful bride hasn't said “I do” quite yet, I'm keeping the full gown under wraps for now. 😉

For now, here's a little peek behind the seams.

There is something so special about taking a bride's vision and figuring out how to make it work beautifully with the gown she has chosen. 🤍

EDUCATION MONDAY | What is Labor Day really about? 🇺🇸Tomorrow, many of us will enjoy a day off, fire up the grill, spend...
09/07/2026

EDUCATION MONDAY | What is Labor Day really about? 🇺🇸

Tomorrow, many of us will enjoy a day off, fire up the grill, spend time with family, or squeeze in one last summer adventure.

But have you ever wondered how Labor Day came to be?

The first Labor Day celebration was held in New York City on September 5, 1882. About 10,000 workers gathered for a parade organized by the Central Labor Union, followed by a picnic, speeches, and time with family.

Over the next several years, more states began recognizing the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed legislation making Labor Day a national holiday to be observed on the first Monday of September. 🇺🇸

At its heart, Labor Day was created to recognize the social and economic contributions of American workers - the people whose hands, minds, skills, and determination help build a community and a country.

And that part still feels pretty important.

Today, we're surrounded by people who work with their hands and hearts every single day.

The farmer growing our food.
The teacher shaping young minds.
The mechanic keeping us moving.
The nurse caring for others.
The carpenter building something that will last.
The small business owner taking a leap of faith.
The maker creating something beautiful.
The seamstress carefully repairing something rather than throwing it away.

There is dignity in honest work.

So this Labor Day, maybe we can look at the holiday as a little more than the unofficial end of summer.

Let's take a moment to appreciate the people who work hard, create, build, serve, teach, repair, grow, and care.

And from our little corner of Iowa, thank you to the people who choose to support small businesses and makers. Every purchase, alteration, loaf of bread, handmade item, or kind word helps someone's work continue.

Happy Labor Day! 🇺🇸

A little Sunday reflection… 🤍Something has been on my heart this weekend.I’ve never been very good at following the crow...
09/06/2026

A little Sunday reflection… 🤍

Something has been on my heart this weekend.

I’ve never been very good at following the crowd. I’ve never been one to chase every trend, keep up with what everyone else is doing, or worry too much about whether I’m doing things the “right” way according to the world around me.

I suppose part of that is simply getting older.

But I think part of it is also growing in Christ.

The older I get, the more I realize I don’t need to be everywhere, say everything, or keep up with everything.

I just want to be faithful with what God has put in front of me.

To do good work.
To love people well.
To encourage when I can.
To create something beautiful.
To be present for my family.
To serve my community.
And to keep becoming the woman God is calling me to be.

Today, a couple of people told me they really enjoy reading the things I share here. And honestly, that surprised me. Sometimes it feels like everyone is scrolling so quickly that nobody is really listening.

But maybe that’s not the point.

Maybe we don't need to reach everyone.

Maybe we just need to reach the person God intended to find our words that day.

"Let us not grow weary in doing good…” — Galatians 6:9

So I'll keep doing what I've always done—paving my own little path, trying to do things with purpose, and trusting God with who is meant to walk alongside me.

And as we head into Labor Day, I'm especially grateful for the privilege of doing work I love, for the people who support our little shop, and for this community that continues to show up for us.

If you're out and about this holiday weekend, we're open Sunday from 12–4! Come wander around, say hello, and enjoy a little slower pace with us. 🤍

And whether you're working this weekend or enjoying a well-earned day of rest, I hope you find a little time to slow down, breathe deeply, and remember that your worth was never measured by how much you accomplished.

Rest is a gift, too.

Happy Labor Day weekend, friends. ❤️

✨ SATURDAY IN JEWELL ✨If you're looking for a little Saturday adventure, come wander Main Street in Jewell. 🤎We're OPEN ...
09/05/2026

✨ SATURDAY IN JEWELL ✨

If you're looking for a little Saturday adventure, come wander Main Street in Jewell. 🤎

We're OPEN today from 10–4, and while we're not headed to the Des Moines Farmers Market this weekend, the shop is ready for a little small-town shopping!

There are new things tucked onto the shelves, Iowa-made favorites, fall goodies, books, candles, gifts, and plenty of little things that are just fun to discover.

Sometimes the best Saturday plans are the simple ones—grab a coffee, take a drive, wander a small town, and see what you find. 🛍️

We'd love to see you today!

📍 Handcrafted FCD | Jewell, Iowa
🕙 Saturday 10–4

What kind of Saturday shopper are you—do you come looking for something specific, or just wander and see what catches your eye? 👀

✨ WEEKEND READY ✨Labor Day weekend is here, and we're keeping our usual shop hours! 🤍🍞 Fresh sourdough will be available...
09/04/2026

✨ WEEKEND READY ✨

Labor Day weekend is here, and we're keeping our usual shop hours! 🤍

🍞 Fresh sourdough will be available at the shop Friday, but quantities will be LIMITED.

If you'd like to make sure you get a loaf, message us and we'll be happy to reserve one for you to pick up! Otherwise, come see us early before they're gone. 🍞

And while you're here, take a little time to wander the shop. Our shelves are filling with new Iowa-made goods, fall favorites, candles, gifts, books, and plenty of things to discover.

📍 Labor Day Weekend Hours
Friday 12–4
Saturday 10–4
Sunday 12–4

🌾 A little market reminder: We will NOT be at the Des Moines Farmers Market this weekend.

Whether you're staying close to home or making a little small-town road trip, we'd love to see you!

Come grab some sourdough, browse awhile, and shop small this Labor Day weekend. 🤎

🧔 Happy World Beard Day! 🧔What better day to give a little love to one of our favorite Iowa-made grooming companies?We'r...
09/03/2026

🧔 Happy World Beard Day! 🧔

What better day to give a little love to one of our favorite Iowa-made grooming companies?

We're proud to carry Iowa Beard Co., a handmade, small-batch company from Des Moines that knows a thing or two about keeping beards looking (and smelling!) their best.

From their beard oils and balms to combs and solid colognes, their products are handmade with care and are some of our favorite additions to the men's section of the shop.

And while they're known for their beard products, they make so much more—including hair pomade, combs, brushes, and solid cologne.

We love supporting makers who put thought and care into what they create, and Iowa Beard Co. is a great example of the talented small businesses right here in our own state. 🤎

So, beard or no beard...

Happy World Beard Day! 😂🧔

And if you have a bearded guy in your life, stop in and take a peek at what we've got on the shelf!

09/01/2026

BEHIND THE SEAMS ✂️📏

My newest sewing tool just arrived… and I’m pretty excited about this one! 😂

A laser level might seem like an unusual sewing-room tool, but it’s going to help me mark hems more evenly and precisely all the way around a garment.

Because pinning is just the beginning! 😉

Stay tuned to see it in action and the finished work!🧵✨

🍂 Monday Maker: Milkhouse Candle Co.🍂It’s starting to feel a LOT like fall around here! 🤎We recently switched our Milkho...
08/31/2026

🍂 Monday Maker: Milkhouse Candle Co.🍂

It’s starting to feel a LOT like fall around here! 🤎

We recently switched our Milkhouse Candle Bar over to our fall scents, and we’re officially ready for all the cozy smells of the season.

If you haven't experienced our candle bar yet, you get to choose your favorite Milkhouse scent, scoop it into a jar, and create your own custom candle right here in the shop.

And the fall scents? SO good.

🍎 Apple Strudel
🌽 Caramel Corn
🥨 Sticky Buns

Just to name a few!

We love carrying Milkhouse because they’re an Iowa-made company, and their candles bring that warm, nostalgic feeling we love so much about the Midwest.

Come in, smell the scents, pick your favorites and make a candle that's uniquely yours. 🕯️

Fall has officially arrived at the candle bar!🍂

What fall scent would you choose? 👇

Midwest made, thoughtfully curated goods.

🤍 Sunday Reflection 🤍Some weeks feel full of big moments, and other weeks are simply filled with the ordinary things tha...
08/30/2026

🤍 Sunday Reflection 🤍

Some weeks feel full of big moments, and other weeks are simply filled with the ordinary things that make up life.

This week, I've been spending a lot of time at my sewing machine working on alterations—carefully stitching, adjusting, repairing, and preparing dresses and garments for their next chapter.

There is something I really love about this work.

Sewing has always been more than just a skill for me. It's something my grandmother passed down, and every time I sit at my machine, I’m reminded of her and the gift she gave me.

And over the years, I've learned that the ordinary work can be meaningful too.

A stitch here.
A repair there.
A bride getting ready for her wedding day.
A garment getting a second life.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord." — Colossians 3:23

I'm thankful for the work God has given me to do, the people He allows me to serve, and the opportunity to use something I love to bless others.

Wishing you a peaceful Sunday, friends. 🤍

And if you're out and about today, the shop is open 12–4 in Jewell. We'd love to see you.

Address

627 Main Street
Jewell, IA
50130

Opening Hours

Friday 12pm - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm

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