Giving Etsy a Run for their Money

For those of you who don't know, Etsy is a website with fabulous handmade things for sale. It's like a giant, time-sucking craft fair with all kinds of handcrafted goodies. I used to sell my candles and soaps on there, and many of my artists sell their wares there too. Think of Fly Right as Etsy without paying the shipping and handling!
Handmade in Chicago, Zoe's bows are great for little girls with little hair. They stay in really well, thanks to a super grip clip.

Atomic Mama bibs were handmade here in Berwyn and feature a terrycloth backing and an industrial-strength snap that's easy for parents, but hard for kids to undo.

These earrings from (wired) are handmade in Chicago out of old Effen Vodka labels (they're spongey rubbery). Below is some of their jewelry made from surplus and recycled industrial materials--the red is magnet wire. How attractive!

You should also check out (wired)'s stuff made from vintage electronic resistors--hard to photograph, but easy to love!

These are some hand-crocheted hanging vases made from old glass cigar tubes. A lady named Barbara here in town makes these, and I think they're just adorable! Great for a couple of stems of flowers, or for rooting plants.

Kraptacular Krafts candles made from vintage glassware--these are a few of the holiday ones I have left. Lightly scented with fig or pine, they're great for hostess or Christmas gifts or a little something for yourself. . .

Locally handmade Olive Owl soaps and lip balms make great stocking stuffers!

Handknit Christmas ornaments from local resident Jennifer Dale--bells or wreaths in a variety of colors. These are great tied on top of packages as a little something extra!

Also from Jennifer are these wonderful fingerless mitts--they're so cute and practical. I hate wearing gloves or mittens, but these will keep you warm while still allowing you to find your keys in your pocket. There are also a few beautiful scarves that she made. Mitts come in wool or non-wool options. I've had a lot of people say they would wear these indoors--great for the chilly office or while reading in bed.

Thanks to everyone who braved the nasty weather last Saturday for the Festival of Lights--cold and rainy, but it looked like people were having fun.

Gifts for people who cook (and who doesn't cook?!)

If you cook, you've got dishes to wash. Mrs. Meyer's makes both traditional dish soap, and dishwasher soap. Both are natural, hard working, and they smell great (kinda like me!).

After you wash the dishes, you need to dry them. I have two different sets of Christmas-themed dish towels: four towels folded neatly into a cute fabric bag. Display them or use them--they'll put a festive spin on your kitchen decor. These are a great host/hostess gift for those holiday parties you'll be attending.

I have both holiday and all-season dip chillers now. Just put ice in the bottom part, and your dip stays cool throughout the whole party (or movie, or whatever). Both come in 1 and 2 cup sizes. I just got in a fresh order of dip mix--a great stocking stuffer for anybody--even those who don't cook (you need to stir, and that's about it).

The handmade cutting boards and wine holders are a perfect gift for that special cook in your life. Handcrafted in Berwyn by a Berwyn artist, Nevin Peters. We also have the perfect conditioner for them--Howard Naturals' Butcher Block Conditioner. It's unscented (unlike their other fabulous woodcare products), all natural, and very moisturizing to keep your cutting boards from drying out (as comes with washing). Resting atop these boards is some Chef's hand cream from Sunfeather Natural Soaps.

We all scream for ice cream!

We have a few events going on in the Depot District this week. Tomorrow is the last car show (aka Cruise Nite). I have my dip chiller ready, and I'll be serving up some delicious dips with chips and carrots.

Saturday (and here is the relevant ice cream reference)August 23rd the neighborhood merchants are celebrating the anniversaries of Exquisite Revisit (antiques) and Over the Rainbow (ice cream). There will be a sidewalk chalk drawing contest for kids all along Windsor Avenue. The Fillmore Used Book Store will have half price books (from August 21-24). Mary Memories (antiques) will have free coffee and sweet rolls from 10-noon, plus a 10% discount on purchases. Exquisite Revisit is playing the Oreo game--you pick an Oreo (they're fake cookies from an old game) and open it to reveal your discount from 10-25% off. I'll be having a free gift with purchase over $20. The Windsor Cigar Depot has 10% off cigars (for the grown ups) and Over The Rainbow will be dishing up free ice cream for the kids between 1 and 2 o'clock (birthday cake flavor--I tried it, and it's good!). Then at 2, they have a magician performing. I will also be raffling off a Melissa and Doug puzzle--just come in and enter--I'll email you if you win. And yes, by entering you agree to be on my email list. *insert evil laughter here*

The Open Market (formerly known as the Farmer's Market) will be held, as usual, in the parking lot on Grove Ave. just North of Windsor from 8am-noon. What a busy day! There is also a street fair on Roosevelt Road by Fitzgerald's Nightclub with bands, food, and "green" vendors. I couldn't swing (i.e. coerce anyone to help me with this) a booth at it, but I'm hoping to head up there after I close to catch C.J. Chenier and grab a beer.