Louisville Etsy Craft Party: Recap

Last week I joined forces with Emily of The Em Dash and Mary of Block Party Handmade Boutique to host the Louisville Etsy Craft Party as part of Etsy’s global crafting celebration.  Over 25 makers in Louisville came out to participate in the event and we had an amazing time.

We chose to decorate terra cotta pots as our project for the evening.  Using paint, chalkboard paint, jute, and fabric, the participants were able to create beautiful outdoor art for their potted plants.   Etsy also provided a fun-filled box of supplies from various Etsy sellers, plus fun “Craftivist” stickers to pass out to guests.

Check out The Em Dash for more details of the event plus the full instruction list for the many ways you can decorate your own terra cotta pots. 

It was a wonderful evening and so much fun meeting new creative friends in Louisville.  A big thank you to Block Party for sharing their space with us, and to everyone who came out to participate.

Emily and I are already planning for next year’s Etsy Craft Party!  We hope to see you there!

~julee~

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What We Wore

Oh chambray, how I love thee.

My summer job is in a casual office, and it’s been fun to toss on my favorite fuss-free dresses  most days.  Unfortunately, I didn’t get one single picture of one single cute dress this week.  The only day I thought to recruit my begrudging kid to snap a photo was on the day I wore my faithful old black jeans.  Ah, well.

Chambray top:  Anne Taylor, thrifted

Black Jeans: Target

Wedges: Target (old)

Earrings: Kiki(verde)

Kiki is one of my most darling friends in all the world.  When she recently opened up Kiki(verde) Handmade, an etsy shop full of her beautiful handmade jewelry, I cheered fervently.  When I set out to find a pair of earrings for myself, I must admit, I got downright giddy, as there were so many unique sets to choose from.  I ultimately chose these Imperial Jasper Earrings because they reminded me of little beaded globes.  So lovely, and so easy to pair with so many outfits.

I am linking up with many other bloggers over at The Pleated Poppy this week.  If you are stopping in from there, please say HI! in the comments – I would love to check out your blog!

~julee~

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Owl Birthday Party

This owl party was thrown by my best friend for her daughter who turned 10 last month.  The owl theme with the little bird and peace sign is perfect for an older girl.

I had no part in the planning of this party, mainly because, as you’ll see, the hostess didn’t need any help putting all of these elements together by herself.  To save on time, the main decorations came from a party themed set from the party store.  The rest was pulled together with baked goods from local bakers and additional decorations printed from an Etsy seller.

Also, these pictures are a combination of two parties for the birthday girl with the same theme – a family party on one day, and a sleepover party on another day.  We moms sometimes do crazy things for our kids.  Here are some of the details:



The hostess adamantly believes that a party isn’t complete without a big cake.  This beautiful cake was made by a local baker.  She did an amazing job decorating with elements from the party decorations.  I forgot to get a picture of the cut cake, but the inside was also pretty with strawberry cake and green buttercream.



The fondant owl, bird, and bow cake pieces were made by local baker and cake decorator Louisvillicious.   They look too adorable to eat, but the kids were more excited about eating these pieces than the actual cake.  Go figure.

The cupcakes were purchased at a local bakery and the hostess used Oreos and Reese's Pieces to turn them into owls.  So cute and so easy!

Both sets of these owl cookies are darling!  The Etsy set was purchased from TSCookies on Etsy and used for the family party.  The service from TSCookies was wonderful, and each cookie came individually packaged, tied with coordinating ribbon and labeled with the ingredients on the back.

The local owl cookies were made by Louisvillicious and were used for the slumber party.  These had an added little flower on the top of the owl that was just too cute!  Louisvillicious was great to work with and very willing to customize their products for the hostess.  The hostess packaged these cookies herself and passed them out to the girls with their goody bags.

 

The slumber party was a campout with a movie under the stars, campfire popcorn, roasted marshmallows, and these adorable owl smores.


This was the dessert table for the sleepover. Instead of a traditional cake, the hostess purchased a cookie cake.  (Hostess tip:  cut your cookie cake with a pizza cutter.)


The hostess also used owl printables from FlipChickDesigns on Etsy to create customized signs, cupcake toppers, candy wrappers, and bottle labels.  (Hostess tip:  It was less than $10 to have the printables printed at an office supply store and the quality was great.)  The bucket of movie snacks was used for the sleepover movie, and the bags of gumballs were given to the girls in their goody bags.

This was such a fun party and the owl theme is great for any age!  I hope this has helped inspire your next party.

For quick reference:
Cake: Local baker, email us if you’re interested in more details
Fondant cake adornments and baked goods:  Louisvillicious
Local owl cookies:  Louisvillicious
Etsy owl cookies:  TSCookies
Owl customizable printables: FlipChickDesigns

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Pretty In Pink, Local Artist Round Up

As thoughts are turning to Valentine's Day, I thought we would gather up some of our favorite items from local artists. I'm not usually a pink girl, but these items make me think otherwise.

Pretty pink grapefruit soap from modmadme

Sweet little pink and purple hat from clamors

Felted purse in shades of pink from needlesandKims

Love this pink herringbone neck warmer from ohmaudlinme

These are so pretty, I love the vintage feel, from cherryandviolet

This cowl looks so cozy and I love all the variegated tones in it, from whirlwend

Also check out WHY Louisville's selection of Valentine's Day Cards here

For a special treat check out this great free Valentine's day printable from the lovely and local, Craft E Magee   She has two styles that you can print on her blog for free!

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For The Boys, Christmas D.I.Y. Day Ten

In the crafty world the guys sometimes get neglected.  There is always so much cute, fun stuff for us ladies, but the guys like crafty homemade stuff too.  It may be getting down to the wire, but here are some of the best handmade items for guys from local artists.  I've also noted if they are available in local shops for last minute shopping!

Pocket bottle opener from parsnipandpear.

Pretty awesome peacock cuff links from tomatomade.

Love this!  Grow a Beard print from poppyandpinecone

Weirdy Beardy from onlyembry.  Available at Cherry Bomb and Hey Tiger.

Amazing ring from naturalezanica  Available at Amazing Green Planet, Edenside Gallery and Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft

Beautiful pottery pilsner cup, so he can drink his beer in style.  From gottuso

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Holiday Party Round Up, Christmas D.I.Y. Day Five

I thought with party season hitting hard I would share some local artists work that would be perfect to wear to your next festive party.  Day six of the Christmas D.I.Y.'s will be on Monday, I'll be hard at work this weekend making some new crafts and goodies to share with you.

How about these lovely earrings from CherryandViolet.

Love this shiny bracelet, it's woven out of swarovski crystals, available from KSInspirations.

I'll have a blue, blue Christmas with this beautiful necklace from Human Kindness.

I can't resist this super cute 'Santa' necklace from mayandmae.

We can't forget our hair.  Sparkle with these cute pins from jamiesonbarkett.

Shiny snowflakes!  So pretty!  From Annie's Wearable Art.

Last but not least, you have to have a cute little purse.  This one from peanutbearys fits the bill.

So shop local this year and check out these amazing artists.  

-Kim

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Christmas Gift Round Up

So since last week I featured local artists and their takes on Christmas ornaments I thought this week I would feature some Christmas gift ideas, since shopping is well under way in my household.  What better way to support local art and culture than by buying from local artists this year.  Also don't forget Thursday is our meetup at 6 p.m., check the events page for all the details.  As always if you are a local artist and would like your work or website listed here, shoot us a message or leave us a comment.

How about this fantastic bow tee from laurafauna, for your lady friend :)

Or maybe you need a new stocking or two, I love this super cute fox stocking from Cowboy Bunny.

Baby, you you can get me anything you want from Jorgensen studio, swoon.

I am so in awe of these fantastic prints from Moanyandlallas, magical.

Pretty rosewood bracelet from Misobel.

Yes please!  Love this color and it looks so warm! Cotton Infinity Scarf by Tehlia.

Also check out these great shops that feature work from local artists:

Revelry Boutique- 980 Barret Avenue

Why Louisville-   1583 Bardstown Rd

The Makery- 1734 Bonnycastle Ave

Dot Fox- 1567 Bardstown Rd

Edenside Gallery- 1422 Bardstown Rd

Hey Tiger- 1572 Bardstown Rd

Cherry Bomb - 1602 Bardstown Rd

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D.I.Y. Louisville's X-mas Ornament Swap

To celebrate the upcoming holidays, D.I.Y. Louisville is having a handmade holiday ornament swap.  The rules are pretty simple, make a nice ornament in any media that you choose, just make something that you would be proud to give. Wrap it and bring it with you to our December 16th Meetup at Sunergos Coffee on Woodlawn.  We will place them all in a basket and let people take turns drawing an ornament from the basket.  This is our first challenge for the group and we hope it will be a fun one.  As with everything that D.I.Y. Louisville does, we encourage you to think outside the box.  To help you with that I've put together a little inspiration post with some great local artists takes on ornaments.

Wouldn't this mini embroidery hoop from WeirdWoollyDesigns make an awesome ornament?

How about something like this great brooch from NeedlesandKims hanging from your tree.

Or this awesome vintage hang tag from ItwasMadewithLuv.

I would love to hang this acorn on our tree, from kbrownpottery

.How about a sparkly mustachio dangling from your holiday tree?  Tie a ribbon to this pin from onlyembry

Know some more local artists making amazing Christmas ornaments, or items you would use as Christmas ornaments?  Send us a message and we will add them to this list.  So start thinking of ideas for your contribution to the Xmas ornament swap  and make sure you stop by our next meetup 11/18 at 6 at Sunergos on Woodlawn for more information.

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