Thank you box

Ever have one of those days where you get that front row parking spot or there's no one in line at the post office or the bank teller (ooops, I meant Bank ATM) is available?? Those days are rare but great.  A few days ago, I was sitting at my desk and I had such a moment when I recieved an unassuming box that bore an awfully cool "E" stamp on the bottom right but otherwise, could have come from anywhere.

 It was a thank you from someone that truly was unexpected and unwarranted but boy, did it make my day.  It was filled with handcrafted felt flowers in different shapes, sizes and colors.

Now, way before Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City made wearing a large blossom hip, my mother would sport one for special occasions-a summer wedding, a ladies luncheon, so flower pins always make me think of southern ladies on their way to somewhere fun.

I love how this one has a  "Thank you so much" tag on it.

And this one, well, it's my favorite.

If you like flowers, check out emersonmade.com to see all the lovely blooms that this talented artist makes.  And yes, that gorgeous girl sporting an oversized pink number tis the fabulous maker and the brave guy wearing a more subdued flower is her husband. Aren't they the most handsome couple ever??
These guys make sweet stocking stuffers if you need any last minute ideas.

Enjoy!

Shopping Side Note

If you are in the New York Area this weekend, check out these too REALLY GOOD shows.

Holiday Craft Show, Sunday, Dec. 13, 11-6
Divine Studio
21 E. 4th St.
Soho


and


One of a Kind Show
First time ever in NYC but has been in Toronto and Chicago for many years.
Head to Pier 94 on Hudson Dec. 11-13, 9-6pm

Happy Shopping!

Martha Christmas Crafters

During the season's first snowfall, I ventured out to do my first round of Christmas Shopping. Rather than go the expected places, this year I wanted to venture off the beaten path and support local artists. NYC has an embarrassing riches of street vendors, fairs, open studios and during Christmas, they are all open. Just like delicious street food (dirty water hot dog, enough)?, you really don't have to darken a crowded mall to get fabulous, well priced and unique gifts. (Ok, FG, get down from your soap box.) So I hit the Starrett-Lehigh building where Martha Stewart's Omnimedia was hosting their first ever Christmas Craft Show Saturday afternoon.  I was a bit late due to the sideways snowfall, not arriving till the last hour.  Apparently, the line had wrapped around the building of folks trying to get in.    The show consisted of a room full of MSL staffers who each manned their own table, selling their homemade items. Here are some of my favorite vendors.

Note: I was a little bit worried it would be one big infomercial for Martha and her many, many brand extensions but it wasn't.  It really was a showcase of her talented staffers.  Everyone was a "non personality" except the first vendor-Emeril. While he wasn't there, they were selling homemade cookies and candy in bags labeled with his trademarked  "bam".  What a cute idea to steal.  If any of you have a saying like Wendy Williams "How you doin'?" or Paris Hilton's "That's hot," make labels and add to simple glassine or clear bags with homemade goodies to personalize your holiday party.

Wren Homemade made these TEENSY yet adorable hair clips.  I loved how she displayed her ways in such a Martha way all grouped together on a tray. (This was messy for her as I arrived so late.)

loveteenie.etsy.com

I couldn't get enough of these pastel hued fabric blossoms.  Perfect hair accessory year around.

Handlespout.com

Athena Preston sells ADORABLE felted animals. Check out the pig will also end up on my wish list this holiday season.  She also will make a personalized version of your favorite critter. Now, that is a gift that any pet owner would love.

apreston@marthastewart.com

So simple yet elegant these felted holly pins add a little something to a fall/winter  outfit.

Jonesfife.com

Ahhh.... Marcie McGoldrick Design's are uber chic yet still fine for chili and cornbread night.  She does have an etsy site but admitted that during the holidays between the craft shows +  existing orders, she doesn't update it so check back in January to see the breath of her line.

marciemcgoldrick.com

It wouldn't be a Martha Craft Show without a knitter in the bunch.  And with the temperatures outside suddenly taking a nosedive, no better time to stock up.

Pip-squeakchapeau.com

Quirky and unique, this crafter took a matchbox case and styled it up with a reindeer necklace.  At $45, it's a lot of look for the price.

AndreaCorson.com

How freakin' adorable is this plate? From flowers to carnival letters, her stylist wares are available at gleena.com.

Last but not least, I am coveting these children coats + dresses.  Her palette is so Martha "subtle grey and greens" and the details were incredible.  If only the designs were for Big Girls, I'd have dropped my visa.

dominiquerouzier.com

The Show did not disappoint.

Enjoy!