Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Joys of Spring, Part One

I've got Spring Fever and I don't care who knows it!!


Okay, so technically, it' not spring yet. And it's still bitter cold out. But hey, we all know it's coming!


And with it comes the gardening season, my absolute most favorite time of the year. I not only love to garden myself, but when summer comes, I also love going to farmers' markets and buying what I don't have, but need, from other local growers.



Some may think this doesn't have a whole lot to do with "handmade," but it really does. Growing local, organic food means self-sufficiency, sustainability, independence...a lot like crafting! By producing your own food, you create more options--no more scavenging through the produce bins at Walmart hoping to find the least-damaged tomato. The tomato you grow in your backyard hasn't traveled 2000 miles to get to you. And YOU can control what chemicals are--or, more importantly, aren't--used in its cultivation!


As much as I love gardening, I still consider myself a novice and rely on my mom for a lot of information. So I may wait until a later post to tell you HOW to garden. (And since we do have a weeee bit of time left before market season, I do hope to have more posts on this.) But for now, here are some markets you should definitely visit when summer is here!! {Click each link for more information}


Kansas Grown Market: this is one of my favorite markets. Selling lots of produce and some nice crafted goods, as well. They hold market in both west and east Wichita, and in Derby.


Delano Community Farmers Market: opening for the first time this year! (I am really looking forward to seeing how this does!)


Old Town Farmers' Market: this cozy little market downtown has a fabulous atmosphere! Fresh produce and other food, along with more handmade goods than most markets in the area. I have found quite a few treasures here!


These are the major ones in Wichita. But there are MANY more in Kansas! Please check this website for a large listing:


KS Farmers Markets


And if you're on facebook, become a fan of Savor the Season: Eating by the Calendar in Kansas




Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Whitney West Bags!!

I was recently introduced to these great burlap purses and I just ADORE them!
I love when items are re-purposed into something stylish and functional.
Whitney is a local artist who up-cycles authentic burlap coffee bags into unique purses, pillows, and home accessories.  Most items are accented with the softest of leathers.
So go and check out her Website or her Etsy shop!
You can also find her treasures locally at
The Spice Merchant and Douglas Photo.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Pincushion Swap!

Lovebird Pincushion by feltmates


Red Zinnia by TheDailyPincushion


Red, Yellow and Teal Bottle Cap Pincushion by upthecreek

I've been collecting pincushions since I bought my very first one back when I discovered Etsy over three years ago. So far, I've only collected handmade ones, and frankly, it'll probably stay that way! I love the way that these essentially utilitarian objects are adorned and decorated so beautifully. There are such a variety of styles and looks. I could keep collecting them for years and not get bored!

To help grow my collection and, hopefully, add some variety to it, I'm hosting my very first Pretty, Pretty Pincushion swap over on Swap-Bot! I'll make a pincushion and send it off to my partner, and I'll be the lucky recipient of a handmade pincushion from my partner! If you're a pincushion lover, you're welcome to join us!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

A Lovely Day

Breakfast with 6 of my favorite people
3 of which are super cuties
Rock out a new scarf/necklace thingy
Be featured on CRAFT GOSSIP