Check out these back to school stickers by Illustrator Jennifer Bell. Seriously how cool would these have been in third grade. If you are thinking the same thing, you can get a printable version along with some other cool back to school stickers, from a few other artists as well, at the We love to illustrate blog. I also really liked this little bunny illustration of hers as well… I just couldn’t resist putting the two side by side!
This past Saturday I had the good fortune to check out the Picnic music and arts fair in downtown Portland Maine. It was the first smaller sized indie fair I have been to but I have to say it was just amazing. It was so refreshing to see new vendors that aren’t part of the usual suspects of crafters and DIY’ers that I typically see in the NY area. Of course I picked up a few awesome pieces for myself but I didn’t want you to miss out on the fun either… so enjoy!
Heather Toupin, aka heatherjeany had these hilarious kids shirts that had me in a giggle fit. It was such a pleasure to finally meet her in person. As always her both looked so well put together and you couldn’t help but pop in to take a look at her printed cards and paper goods.
Kyle Durrie from Power and Light Press had a slew of witty and unpretentious letter pressed greetings. I actually almost missed her booth but I am so glad I spun around at the right time. My personal favorite was the WTFWJD which I promptly bought to send to a dear friend in New York.
Matt and I were both drawn to the bags by Jared DeSimio, aka dappermonkey. He had such a range of ideas and I loved them all. Of course my my favorite were the lumberjack themed laptop sleeves, I wouldn’t mind thinking of my little macbook as Paul Bunyan. But in all honesty all of his other up-cycled bags were just stunning as well, I love having something that is a functional art object as well.
I loved seeing Morris & Essex at the show as well. I don’t believe I have ever gotten the chance to see their work up close and personal. The hand printed cards and wrapping paper have the most gorgeous colors and really draw you over from an aisle away.
I was also pretty stoked to see former Brooklynites Zooguu and Goobetsa. Jen and Brian (respectively) always have a great looking booth. Of course the critters in the Zooguu line always make me smile but Brian has some new superhero paper cuts that really take the cake.
Sarah McCann had these great little finger puppets of monsters and mysteries. The yeti might have been my favorite. I really enjoyed seeing local artists, and some not so local artists gather in Portland for this awesome fair. I really hope next year I can be apart of it, in the meantime I will keep my fingers crossed for a holiday indoor version. After all I heard it does get cold here in Maine.
Tomorrow I am headed down to Baltimore for the buyers market of american craft. I have two new products that will be debuting there ( and will be up in the shop shortly after). I thought I would give you guys a sneak peak at one of these products, a set of 6 reusable cheese markers. I love cheese almost as much as I love making new things. This is definitely the best of both worlds!
I love when someone can take something that is normaly a little bit drab and punch up the color and design to make them fabulous. The sibling team behind These Creatures has done just that. They have taken some fabulous silhouettes, combined them with steel and a little powder coating and made them into some beautiful pieces. Normally I am not a big fan of wall hooks but these look amazing. They also carry a wide range of good for you and your pet such as fencing, mini hooks and bookends. Check them out.
We officialy arrived in Maine a week ago. And while there are a few things we are still working out, we couldn’t be happier to be here. I started a new job, and have been having a blast exploring our new surroundings. Even Einstein has made some new friends. Our current neighbor has a lovely cat who goes by Clark (I call him Clark W. Griswold) that Ein treats as a fellow dog. So far Clark has been nice enough to allow him into his ragtag group of outdoorsy animals as well greeting me on the front porch when I arrive home. Unfortunately though we will soon have new neighbors as we found out the hard way that Freight Trains do not make good neighbors. Upwards and onwards.
Well it’s actually quite a while until Crafty Bastards (over 2 months away). But I am so excited to be invited to be part of this amazing indie craft show. This will be the farthest I have ever traveled for a craft show, but some awesome people have reminded me that the leaves will be changing and the drive from Maine to Washington D.C. will be beautiful. Hope I will get to see some of you there!
It’s been sort of radio silence around here for the last couple weeks. Matt and I enjoyed our trip to Maine and found a great space that we will be calling home for at least the next year. I’ve been busy getting ready for a wholesale show as well as packing up the peppersprouts shop and all of our belongings. I can’t wait to see where the year takes us, but I can tell you this much, there will be many lobster rolls and beer evenings at the Portland Lobster Company this fall. I love outdor seating, great food, bands and a place where the pup can hang out under the table.
Can you guess where we are headed next week? Big things have been happening around here the last few weeks. Decisions are being made, changes are happening, excitement is in the air! More on that in the next few weeks! In the meantime have a great weekend!
Clockwise from top left: Moose trophy from squirrellicious • Lobster pillow from Carlos Santiago • Picket wood sign from Wood Words • Up-cycled wine bottle from Greencycle designs • Seagull spirit guide from iktomi • Wood sailing block from Pretty dreamer • Scrimshaw trinket box from Linda Layden
I just saw this on springwise and had to share this with you. How cool is this! Reflective lace, also known as LFLECT can be sewn onto just about anything, or even worn on its own. This is such a jump from those big reflective strips on those old L.L.Bean backpacks. You can get it in a variety of colors and with or without little mini bicycles. You could be the safest, and coolest kid in school!
Matt’s parents were in town this weekend so we decided to head over to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. I have lived in Brooklyn for 4 years and have actually never been there before (it’s a shame I know). This place is simply beautiful. I always worry about going to “guidebook destinations” in the city because I don’t like being in large crowds, but aside from the indoor areas we were pretty much alone in the gardens. It was such a peaceful escape from the everyday city life and I’m planning on going back sometime in the next few weeks to explore the areas we didn’t get to see.
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