It's Christmas Eve!

I grew up in the midwest where it's below zero this time of year. While I'd quietly prefer to stay home, cozy in my pjs with a hot toddy, every Christmas Eve my family gets all bundled up and makes a frigid journey to the candlelight church service.
This lovely cowl by GrayDesigns will help keep me warm.
...as will these fun handwarmers by HelenGrayDesigns.
And when we return home from church, we always have a feast of hors d'oeuvres and toddies! I'll bundle up in this hand crocheted throw by Fringe as we track Santa's location on Norad.

This Weekend: Holiday Heap!

Only 4 days until the Charm City Craft Mafia's Holiday Heap, and I can hardly wait!

This year's fair will have 60 of the best local and national crafters, as well as a yarn-spinning demonstration by Three Ravens and a raffle to win a huge basket full of goodies by supporting Arts Every Day! Check the CCCM blog to see vendor interviews and raffle basket sneak peeks.

GrrChe, a local food truck, will be outside for lunch and snacks.

Check out the vendors beforehand by visiting the vendor page. Sugar Paperie will be there and I do hope that you'll stop in and say "hey!". The show will be held on December 3rd, from 10am to 5pm inside St John's Church at 2640 St Paul Street, Baltimore MD 21218.

Designers I Could Just Eat Up: Hillery Sproatt

I met Hillery Sproatt a couple of years back at the MICA Art Market, while searching for the perfect little birthday gift to myself. I found her delicate, feminine etchings irresistable and I came home with a piece entitled, Balancing Act. It hangs on our dining room wall, reminding me as I pass to take a breath and chill.
A local printmaker and fiber gal, Hillery is a Baltimore favorite and can be found at the Charm City Craft Mafia's Pile of Craft and Holiday Heap craft shows. Which means that I am forever tempted by her lovely work. This is the newest addition to my burgeoning collection, Speckled Spectacle, a dense collection of people busied with their work and united in labors of love.
My birthday is just a few weeks away. I'll keep you posted on what sweet treat I come away with! Maybe another piece by Hillery?

Trend Watch: Geometrics!

a token of true affection print by treasure frey

pink triangle print by toems

greeting cards by Carson Too

Designers I Could Just Eat Up: Young Alexander

I just love these guys and their dishware! I met Young Alexander at Artscape this past July and purchased a pair of itty bitty bowls from them. Then I came back for a few chevron plates that will adorn our dining room walls.

Their retro-inspired motifs are hand-painted and reminiscent of vintage diner ware which I am quite fond of! Even though our kitchen cupboards are bursting with dishes, I can't help but add to my collection of mix-match old and new, humble and fancy.

Paisley Plates

Retro Leaf Plates

Diamond Serving Plate

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Autumn - I love it! Crisp, cool air, crackling leaves. The excuse to bundle up in a cozy sweater, and nestle on the couch with a good book. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, it's divine.

fair isle painting by squidwhaledesigns

butterfly mug by my friend, Shawna of pinkkiss pottery

bartlett teapot by clamlab

This Weekend: Monster Craft Mash

The trickin' and treatin' begins on Monday, and that frees up the whole weekend to shop for treats of the crafty sort. So why not head down to Dupont Circle in the District, for the DC Craft Mafia's Monster Craft Mash. Held in the parking lot at St. Lukes Episcopal Church, over 40 talented crafters will be featured.

Sugar Paperie & Found Studios will be there, as well as local favorites like NAMOO, Jill Popowich Designs in Metal, Yummy & Company, Design by Night, among others. So come on down - we'd love to see you!