Marshmallows & Craft Fairs

I made homemade marshmallows last night. Thanks to the aid of a stand mixer they were super easy to make. I find them much more light and fluffy than their store bought cousins and therefore leaps and bounds more satisfying. I was hoping to enjoy them with a bit of cocoa, but I find the weather still a wee tad too warm. So instead I dipped them in semi-sweet chocolate for a decadent little dessert! They are so delicious this way... the chocolate provides a sweet, substantial exterior while the marshmallow center is light and melts in your mouth. YUM! I think they'd made the most perfect s'mores.

I've been treating myself to the marshmallows today while I work hard preparing for the 11th Annual Wilmore Arts & Crafts Festival which will take place this Saturday, October 4th, from 9am until 4pm on Main Street in downtown Wilmore, Kentucky. I am hoping to have quite a large selection of jewelry available, from my usual designs to some new pieces from my fall/winter line! There will be lots of colors and styles available in a wide range of prices. Something for everyone. I will also be trying out some new displays and packaging. I found a gorgeous carved wood picture frame in a yard sale for a mere dollar. I will be painting it white and giving it a distressed antique look. I plan to use it as a display for my popular stud earrings. I am also planning some ideas for a bit of new packaging, with gift wrap options available as well for a small fee.

I will be focusing all my free time (outside classes) this week preparing for the Festival. I have a few more big events coming up this fall as well. I am looking forward to the holiday craft fair season!

Homely

The hubby and I are currently in the process of looking for our first apartment together. Yesterday we viewed an apartment which really stood out to the both of us. The apartment itself is the entire second floor of this charming, old home. The location is ideal as the house is quite close to campus and would enable us to freely flow to and from classes without the fuss of planning schedules, finding parking places, etc. While the apartment would present a few issues if we decide to move in (such as the current lack of any counter space in the kitchen), I am already brainstorming ideas for problem solvers. My mind is racing with ideas for decorating to make the place home.

So, in the spirit of moving, I offer some of my favorite Etsy picks for the home, room by room!

Kitchen:


Lemon and Baking Soda Kitchen Soap by South Pacific Body.

Sounds like the perfect soap to have on hand at the sink after an evening of preparing dinner!


Bird Candlesticks Pair by Beehive Kitchenware.

These would be the perfect addition to a sweet, little kitchen table, setting atop a vintage embroidered table cloth!

Living room:

Knitware Coasters by alyssaetinger.

I love the muted color and knitted texture of these coasters!


Mod Cabin Clock by Nice.

What a whimsical touch this could bring to the area above a couch. I think it would look fantastic amongst a cluster of various other items: small framed art, embroidery hoops, skeleton keys, book bookshelves.

Bedroom:

Orange Vanilla candle by Bliss Candles.

I crave a calm, simple bedroom. No television, no computers. I want a room solely for relaxation and the like. This candle would be the perfect addition, sweet and inviting.


Ooo-La-La-Lavender sachets by BananaSaurusRex.

"Who doesn't love lavender-scented underpants?" INDEED! I actually purchased some French lavender several weeks back with the intent of making myself some fragrant lavender sachets for my drawers and laundry, but, alas, there has been no time for crafting for myself.

Studio:

Foral Wall Wear by neawear.

What a lovely little, inspiring work of art for a studio wall!


Button Collector Print by The Black Apple.

Isn't she the most whimsical little thing you ever saw? I love Emily Martin's work, and this is one of my favorites. I've been dying to have walls of my own to cover with her girls.

Bath:

French Mararon Soaps by naiad.

Quite possibly the cutest soaps in existence, modeled after one of the cutest sweets in existence, these soaps are to die for!


Cupcake Bath Bomb by Hey Lady Cards.

More unbelievable cuteness for pampering oneself. I can't believe how realistic the cupcake bath bombs at Hey Lady Cards are! I am seriously impressed.


There are so many lovely things on Etsy with which to fill one's home!

What are you favorites?

Featured by OMG! Lia?

A super sweet fellow Kentuckian/Etsian posted on her blog today about my Blue Girl necklace.

I couldn't be more honored! It was so very kind of her.

I am planning to offer more variations on the cameo/charm necklace soon.

Lots of fall and winter themed items are on the way as well.

"Vintage" Bakeware

I just treated myself to this absolutely darling vintage-inspired pie dish from the lovely folks at Typhoon. I have been drooling over this particular pie dish for some time and I cannot wait until it arrives at my doorstep so I can lovingly fill it with my most favorite apple pie recipe! I command you to go forth and try this recipe. I have tried many other apple pies in my lifetime and none compare. To be honest, I was actually convinced that I did not like apple pie altogether until I had tried this recipe. It saved me.

Cameo Love

I love cameos. I really, really do.

I love vintage cameos. I love their feminine details and images.

I love how beautiful they are paired with charms and lockets and other whatnots.

And what beautiful hairpins they make.

I think cameos are lovely.

Don't you?