Last show, then… vacation!

Well, it's Friday — the end of a very long week and close to the end of my summer/fall craft show season. Tonight kicks off the DIY Street Fair in Ferndale. I'll be in booth #102 and the show runs through Sunday. Come hear some music, have a beer and look at some art. Sounds fun, huh?! And then… Monday morning the boy and I run off to the Upper Peninsula for two weeks of unplanned, unchartered, dreamy northern exploring. That's right, we'll be gone for two whole weeks. I had thought that I would have a slew of posts scheduled to run in my absence because there has been a lot going on around here lately that I still need to tell you about. But really, the last two months have been such a whirlwind of activity that there just hasn't been time. And so, I leave you with peace and quiet on this space until the first week of October. I still have lots to share with you — some new designs in the works (a little sneak peek above from a project in the works), recent finds, yummy recipes and more — and I'll be gathering more from the northern climes (I've never been!). In the meantime, enjoy these crisp fall days and I'll see you soon!

Necklace love: Muggy Tuesday

I made just one purchase last weekend in Chicago and it was this beauty. For me it was all about the texture and color — an impulse I just couldn't resist. It was made by the two lovely sisters: Margaret (aka Muggy) and Sarah (aka Tuesday) who combined are the dynamic Muggy Tuesday. They live and craft together in Chicago creating gorgeous jewelry, hair accessories and home goods with recycled glass, crocheting and felting. Check out their shop, Facebook page, or tweets for more info.

And if you're in Ann Arbor, don't forget that tonight's MakersMeet at the Blue House. Bring your latest crafty project to work on and hang with the ladies. (Boys welcome, too, but you haven't made an appearance yet!) See you there!

Renegade Chicago Craft Fair

Welcome to Chicago! Yes, this is me snapping a photo of the skyline while driving. I was headed into town for the Renegade Craft Fair and everything looked so pretty.

I have to admit that after two weeks of gorgeous weather, I couldn't believe when I woke to such grey skies on Saturday morning. But after a wee mishap with the rain coming right through our tent, our kindliest neighbors helped us spread a tarp over the tent, the skies cleared, and my boothmate, Michelle of Elevated Press, and I got setup and the place was hoppin'.  

 

We took advantage of the fantastic setup next door built by those same kindly neighbors from shipping palettes. I think it really added to our display. Doesn't Michelle look happy?! As usual, I didn't venture out as much as I would have liked, but it's just too fun to talk to everyone visiting our booth.  Of course, I didn't have to go far to see some amazing things. Immediately next to us was the booth with the palette display and three wonderful vendors I would recommend checking out: Mary of Flora Fauna who crafts charming birds and other critters from gorgeous upcycled suiting material, Beulah's Porch with fun yet sophisticated felted banners and the wonderfully utilitarian line of Winter Session products like ticking aprons, bags crafted from Carhartts and more. It's always so fun to meet great new people and this crowd was fantastic—so enthusiastic and welcoming! Thanks so much to everyone who came out. I look forward to seeing you again next time! If you didn't make it to this show, you can always check out the vendor list on the Renegade site here.