Yesterday, Julen accompanied me to Craftstravaganza, one of our best local art and craft sales.
We started the day off by visiting the Textile Centers' hosted workshops. I was enchanted by the spinning wheel demos. Watching raw wool spun into yarn is so magical. (have you seen Kim's beautiful work?) Of course I'd love a chance to learn how to spin some day.
They also had an activity for kids...making a teddy bear. This is Julen's (with some help from mama).
I was so happy to see my friend Lisa there. She's still making the most beautiful bibs and burp cloths I've ever seen...like the ones she gifted me before Julen was born. You can find her things for sale here.
I was also thrilled to meet lovely Alyssa, who happens to be friends with one of my dearest childhood friends. He had emailed me long ago to tell me about her work, but as she had already claimed fame on Etsy, I already knew her work well. She is quite a talent, not only making gorgeous plush creatures and animals, but she designs her own embroidery patterns and has even illustrated a children's book! I couldn't resist and went home with one of her darling cats. You can find her store here.
Then I went in search of Happy Go Lucky whose beautifully detailed needle felted mushroom house and girl I just had to see in person. (see it here on Flickr) I went home with a very affordable but equally as adorable fabric one that I know my preschoolers will love. Really, this was such a bargain, I'm still a bit shocked at what she was selling them for. If she had any left after the show, she may list them in her Etsy shop.
And how could I resist this sweetie? Leisure Suit Lap Dog, by All My Own. This little guy has so much character, he just makes me smile every time I look at him.
That's absolutely enough links for one post.
Happy May Day!!
