Wishlist Wednesday - Etsy's Edibles

by Amanda Aileen, Verabelle
www.verabelle.etsy.com

I usually think of Etsy as the source for cool t-shirts, one-of-a-kind accessories, and awesome artwork, but this online marketplace is the place for ALL things handmade. Even food. For someone who is obsessed with anything that comes out of the kitchen, this has been an exciting discovery.

I've now purchased a few edibles from Etsy (cake-flavored lollipops for a friend and a DIY cheese kit that you'll be hearing more about very soon), but here are the top five on my current wish list.

Pumpkin Spice Marshmallows
by Have It Sweet Confections
I am imaging homemade hot white chocolate (Just melt white chocolate with some milk, instead of using the regular milk or dark) and topped with these marshmallows. I can think of nothing better for a chilly fall night!

Grapefruit with Jalapeno & Candied Ginger
The description says this combination of candied grapefruit peel, jalapeno, and candied ginger would taste great atop goat cheese. I believe it.

Candied Chipotle Bacon
by Hash Delectable Edible
Because it's something I just have to try! Like they say, everything is better with bacon. I don't know about everything, but the combination of a sweet and spicy chipotle glaze paired against pork sounds pretty darn good to me.  

Lavender Fleur d' Sel Caramel
by Calabasas Candy Co.
These confectioners took their handmade lavender infused caramel and topped it with a sprinkling of lavender fleur d' sel. Sounds amazing! I've always been intrigued by floral-flavored foods.

Vanilla Rose Cacao
by Flying Bird Botanicals
It's no surprise that I'd want to try this Peruvian sipping chocolate that's been infused with rose petals and vanilla beans. So decadent! Not to mention this product is organic and fair trade and comes in beautiful packaging. I hope it tastes as good as it sounds!

T--'d Off?!?

Revamp your T-Shirts!

 Join us for our September Make-Out at Patchwerk Playhaus.

It's time to add some flair to one of the the most under-appreciated workhorses in your closet, The T-shirt! Try your hand at up to three different techniques to change the way you wear and look at tees. Bring at least one fitted tee and one a bit loose. Bonus points for funny (or unintentionally funny) T-shirts! If you don't want to cut anything up, there will be items to jazz up a boring basic, or enhance one of your favorites.

Vanessa Ross of *Skwrrl Collective will lead this fun session.

Optional BYOB, $5 corking fee per container/6 pack. Sodas for sale. Patchwerk Playhaus, in the back room of Century Vintage, 1508 Central Avenue, Charlotte, 28205. Enter in the alley past Soul Gastrolounge and Snug Harbor.

Book review

CrownTown Members are all over the web! Here is a link to Amanda Aileen of Verabelle's book review on the Goodwill blog.

Goodwill.

Edible Art

 I have been yearning to make pies lately. Maybe it is the hint of fall in the air....er, no. The wholesome feeling of baking for my husband....er, not that, either. The addiction I have a a flaky, crispy yet buttery, pie crust? Yes, that completely.  I LURVE pie crust. with filling, without filling, just a big fat yes. At an awesome Fall County Fair themed party this weekend, one of our members made a Strawberry Rhubarb Pie, with an orange pie crust. ORANGE. PIE. CRUST. Oh my. Here is a link to her blog post on Farthing Collective talking about it, the love for scratch, handmade cooking, and the recipe for the pie.

This past weekend, I also stumbled upon this post for Mini Pies in a Jar.  You can bet your patootie that as soon as I find those jars, my freezer will be stocked!

How about you? Do the CrownTowm readers have any favorite pie recipes, or that perfect, knock their socks off crust recipe?

You are my obsession...

Current Obsession: Not Made In China
submitted by Sarah Terry, Stitch Machine

I bought these Charlotte themed buttons from Not Made in China at Paper Skyscraper.

I love how much thought is put into every aspect of the product and packaging. At first, I almost wanted to frame them and hang them on the wall instead of wear them; but luckily I got over that and took them to the streets!

Shop & Tell : Blue Toad

submitted by: Trish Schepp, Creative Love


One of the best things about being an Etsy seller is scoping out the other artists' amazing projects! I can spend hours on Etsy just browsing and shopping, so buying handmade was my first choice for unique Christmas gifts last year.

I get excited about books, journals, writing and editing so when I found these, they were perfect for bookworm friends. I have purchased several journals from Blue Toad, and gave two of them away as gifts. Of course, I had to keep one for myself! Bound by hand, each journal consists of blank pages alternated with pages from road maps, or tear sheets. The outside is canvas painted with different original artwork, and now several of the journals have handmade stoneware closures.

I’m especially smitten with the “tree of free spirit” journal, as it features a tree on the cover. It’s so perfect and pretty...I haven’t even written in it yet!


A quote from the artist of Blue Toad:

I have been creating art for as long as I can remember, self taught, and find it to be my greatest outlet/escape from the daily stressors. I'm a strong supporter of affordable art and a sustainable outlook, for each of us to support each other and hold something that is as original as each of us. Hoping that each other's work can inspire and motivate to create and pass on to the next person.

Have you bought something from Etsy recently that you want to talk about? Let us know about it!

All photos Blue Toad www.etsy.com/shop/bluetoad

Spreading the Joy of Jewelry

By: Donna Kirby intenyears.





When Rachel sent out an email to CrownTown Members, asking if anyone wanted to help her with a jewelry project involving Girl Scouts, I answered so fast my keyboard smoked. I was only a Girl Scout for a short while, but I firmly believe in doing whatever you can to empower young girls. On Aug 21, I was able to help Rachel Taliaferro of Rachel Taliaferro Art Jewelry as she taught some wonderful York County Girl Scouts the art of making jewelry to obtain their jewelry badges. We started off with some jewelry history, how to craft jewelry ourselves, materials (AKA, borrow Dad's tools), and how we can use vintage and found items in jewelry. Then, Rachel taught them how to make paper beads, and while we waited for the beads to dry enough to string, everyone decoupaged some jewelry boxes. Who doesn't love Mod Podge?!?

I know I can speak for Rachel in saying that we had a great time spending the morning with the girls, and moms. Thank you so much for letting us share our knowledge (and love!) of jewelry with you!

Here are a few pics.


Materials




Beads Drying


Et Voila! Art!




intenyears. display

Rachel Taliaferro Art Jewelry display