these people...

Researching the family's halloween costumes. Mostly a historical figure/celebrity/classic character sort of a year for us. There are only a few more days to complete them, and some of us are more put-together than others. The mister is totally on his own with his get-up, but I've been doing the rest of the family. It's a combination of costumes and props from previous years, thrifted items, and handmade magic. So looking forward to partying and trick-or-treating!

some print designs inspiring me right now...

1.&2. bark decor, 3. muelu and jones , 4. iheartfink, 5. thief and bandit

what I bought

I did some shopping last weekend at Renegade while my booth helper held down the fort. Really happy with what I found.

Two prints for my kitchen from Yee-Haw Press.

A wooden tie for my carpenter hubby from Wood Thumb.

A hat from Lottie-Da for Makai (and Solomon too if his big brother doesn't destroy it first).

(behind the scenes)

I had to bribe Makai with an oreo to get him to try on the hat. Now he loves it and won't take it off! :)

Thank you, Renegade!

Well, I think I'm finally recovered from a very busy week of preparation and a very fun weekend of selling at Renegade in Chicago last weekend. Thank you to everyone who came down and visited me and the other 300 amazing vendors. I bought a couple things myself. I'll have to show y'all next blog post.

galactic apache

I first found Galactic Apache's headbands at Milwaukee's Hover Craft fair last year. She's finally on etsy. Pure awesome.

Hound

A new collection from Chicago-based handmade line Hound. I love their Wisconsin shot location.

cursive s/s11

Cursive's new collection is killer. I especially love the painted quartz pieces!

yes please!

Doily bath rug made from remnant t-shirt fabric! Squirrellicious

cupid's earrings

These earrings are perfect for Valentine's Day. Don't they remind you of bows and arrows? Handmade by Anthem.

handmade play teepee by moozlehome

geodes and crystals

Just organizing my inspiration for the spring/summer collection and I noticed this theme.

necklace, sculpture, collage, dress,

Art vs. Craft

Only one week away! Milwaukee, I love you and I can't wait to show you my latest creations. I will also have some special deals for you just for being my home-town peeps, so don't miss it!

Some Tutorials

When I saw the DIY tutorial for this Proenza Schouler inspired rope necklace here, I was blown away. I know I've reposted from honestly...wtf a few times already the past couple of months, but this is just too good not to share. Those girls are awesome. The Holidays are approaching and I've had my eyes peeled for good handmade gift ideas. Here are a few more DIY necklace projects.

DIY friendship necklace also on honestly...wtf

DIY rope necklace here.

This Anthropology knock-off here.

cozy and colorful

Amazing embroidered wool winter wear from Tiny Toad Stool.

Solomon took a long nap Halloween morning so I was able to whip up this costume with some fabric I just happened to have. Three days postpartum and crafting away. I'm ridiculous.

Have you seen the fall collection from handmade designer Hannah Elise of Hetterson? She's doing knits now! *love*

cozy feet

Happy fall-time, friends. Here are some of my favorite eco-friendly and/or handmade autumn foot ware this year.

1. manimal, 2. spirocreations, 3. woolybaby, 4. yuketen

Hovercraft is coming

Some friends of mine are putting together a craft fair/ art show / awesomeness exhibition (as I interpret it) in Milwaukee this December. I encourage all you local creatives to participate. It's cheap and sure to be fun. Alls you gotta do is email them with a description of your work and some pics by Sept. 30th. Check out their blog and do it!

34 weeks

Still refusing to drag that tired old box of maternity clothes out of the basement. But my pants are getting pretty uncomfortable....

I'm wearing a shrug I made out of some dyed doilies and a new quartz necklace I made.

I'm so excited to be selling my wares in Chicago this weekend. Last year was amazing, and I expect this year will be even better. I've been working like MAD to get a lot of new items ready, and I can't wait to see my customers react to my work in person. That's the best part about craft fairs! The second best thing is taking breaks from my booth to see all the other awesome handmade wonderfulness.