only a few more days to shop handmade in 2008!!!!

the past couple of months have been pretty hectic for me and my family. i have been working at an event for almost every weekend since the beginning of october (except for a short reprieve in paris....oh, paris). when you have children weekends do not tend to be restful. as a matter of fact they tend to be incredibly busy, with soccer games, swim class, play dates, art classes, music classes, etc., etc. while most families are tidying up their homes from a week's worth of mess, eating lunches together, and playing in the park, i have been printing until 1am or 2am, and then setting up for a show at 8am and selling my goodies on saturday or sunday for the past few months. don't get me wrong, i absolutely love the making and selling part, but what i have not loved this year is being away from my family. so, i can honestly say that i am thrilled to announce that my last event of the year has been cancelled!!!! there will be no solstice arts & crafts market at psu on saturday.

there may be a few people in portland who were looking forward to the solstice arts & crafts market, especially after the weather made it hard for people to attend the absolutely amazing crafty wonderland show this last sunday. since i was lucky enough to be a vendor at the super colossal sale, i was also lucky enough to be a customer (see my lovely new fernworks necklace and una top!). but the great thing about all of the handmade nw events is that even though they have canceled you can still shop handmade by checking out the vendor list for the event. when i looked at the vendor list last night i was a little disappointed that i would not have an opportunity to meet e.soule, who sells her truly precious still life photos. i absolutely love her little zoo collection, and to be honest i don't think i have ever met someone other than a family member who shares my last name. i have been asked numerous times if she is my sister, so it would have been nice to put a face with a name. but alas, the show is canceled, so i will have to settle with an on-line purchase. my little miles will adore this little elephant....oh, there are just too many to choose from, so be sure to check out her etsy site.

so stay in doors this weekend and shop handmade and local on-line. here are a few of my favorite artisans to choose from....just a few, because linking is tedious.....

octavine illustration - art deco inspired artwork
plywerk - amazing photography or custom photo mounts
una - see the pretty shirt pictured above.....love, love, love it.
amy olson jewelry - very feminine jewelry
fused glass house - the perfect pendant for you or as a gift!
moss - sweet jewelry, very anthropologie!
stubborn - very modern, cool jewelry, and bags too...
hadley hutton - super sweet prints
thinking mama - most adorable baby hats
pearly grey - retro baby designs
peri ponchos - unique ponchos for your little girl
mugwump - totally hip bags & accessories
yedomi - the most beautiful glamorous jewelry
mimi muse - beautiful vintage inspired notecards
scrumptious suds - best soap ever, husband loves it too!

ok, there are just way too many to list, and some of my favorites like big woo wear (super cute hats), don't even have any product in their shops.

Happy Shopping!