Monday, June 23, 2008

Dream Away


There was barely enough time to breath this weekend. I left our dining room in mid sail bag chaos and packed it in for a weekend in the Berkshires. We barely stopped moving.

One of the highlights, and there were many, was the reveal when we went out to dinner at the Dream Away Lodge in Becket, MA. Driving, driving, driving through the dark woods and wondering if we were on the right path paid off when we turned on 1342 County Rd to see a small parking lot filled and beyond a white house with a wrap around porch sprinkled with colorful Christmas bulbs and neon signs.

There were families milling around the front yard fire pit. Being a bit late for our reservation, we b-lined it for our table, through the porch, past the colorful bar and stealing a quick peek into other kitsch packed rooms that were later filled with live music.

We were dining with old friends not often seen which left us with plenty to talk about which was good because somewhere between the new cook and the party for 25 our dinners got very lost. Luckily, the food was tasty and ambiance is enough to lure us back for another try and enough to recommend it to others.

Alas, it's Monday morning, back in Brooklyn and back to tame the chaos...

Friday, June 20, 2008

Nice Neighbor





Wow. It's been a whirlwind month or so. Renegade Craft Fair, Brooklyn Flea, ThreadBangers and Japanese Public Television videos (more about those later).

I wanted to pause and give a shout out to my lovely Renegade neighbor, Sherry, who is the creative enameler under the name Dandelionblu.

She and her buddy Cindy traveled to Brooklyn last weekend from Baltimore and since I haven't posted (bad blogger!) my Renegade recap, check hers out here.

Sherry is self described as an artist, jewelry maker, teacher, and lover of all things canine. She has a little announcement that she has hinted to in her blog but hasn't officially shared. I will be watching her work and cheering her on throughout the coming year. She is a sweet person and a pleasure to be next to in sun and intense, frightening torrential lightning storm downpours.

Her lovely enameled necklaces and beaded jewelry will be available at the upcoming Crafty Bastards in Silver Spring, MD next Saturday, June 28 from 10am-5pm.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Clearwater Music Festival


We miss the Clearwater Music Festival every year because it conflicts with camp drop off, but it looks like a great way to spend a day this weekend.

Still haven't found my camera-to-computer download cord. I will look in earnest after I get a couple of wholesale orders out the door (and pack the kids for camp!)

The Renegade Craft fair was fantastic. Keeps getting better and better. I promise to post details soon.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Fancy Island


Meg Whiteley who blogs under the title Fancy Island is on a nautical roll this week! I love her picks - especially the fully functional spy glass from local store Catbird.

She features a sweet silver whale ring from Imogene and Annie, but I found their sea horse necklace (above) even sweeter! It's available on Etsy and this weekend at the Renegade Craft Fair from 11-7.

Don't forget to come by and say hello - I'll be at the Renegade at booth 140!

Friday, June 13, 2008

Messenger Bags and Grizzly Bears

Reiter8 Messenger bags are a perfect Father's Day gift for Dad this Sunday - don't forget. I've recently made a batch and I'm packing 'em for the Renegade this weekend. Unfortunately, I can't find the camera-to-computer cord to show you! I'll keep looking and in the meantime here is the Grizzly Bears, a Brooklyn band singing the Deep Blue Sea. (Keeping it nautical)

Found the band through Fancy Island a newly started blog by fellow Brooklynite Meg Whiteley.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Renegade Ready?



Well, almost! Gearing up for this weekends Renegade Craft Fair. I LOVE this fair! There's so many (over 200!) talented creatives selling their wares in a truly unique venue. The fair takes place this Sat and Sun 6/14 - 15 from 11:00 - 7:00 at the McCarren Park Pool. PLUS - Popshop DJ Squad will be playing tunes throughout the weekend, and tasty treats will be provided by: Lefty's Silver Cart, The Treats Truck, Wheeler's Frozen Desserts, Fizzy Lizzy, 1 Bite 7 Days and Mr. Softy.

I'll be at booth number 140. I'll try to update with a map later. Must go make more totes. mini wallets and messenger bags!

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Chairloom



At Sunday's HOT, HOT, HOT Brooklyn Flea I had the pleasure of being next to Molly Worth of Chairloom. While the temps were in the 90's with bright sun and humidity, Molly was upbeat and relaxed the whole day - despite being up since around 4:30 and getting to the schoolyard at 8:00 am for the earlybirds. Molly makes the trip to Brooklyn from outside Philly. She finds chairs worthy of a second chance and reupholsters them in fabulous modern fabrics. Her motto is 'reuse and reinvent', which definitely resonates with me.



This sweet victorian pair in Hable Construction fabric was my favorite. She has 'the eye' and also offers fabric consultation. On Sunday she brought several unfinished chairs so that you can select fabric to suit your color needs.

She will be at the flea again on 6/22 then off for the Summer and returning in the Fall. View Chairlooms catalogue here.