guest editor

I have a big place in my heart & life for the handmade community.  I love hearing the stories of how the maker got started, seeing them grow a dream into a reality and especially the friendships they make along the way.  I know first hand how it feels and I want to help in any way I can, especially if I adore the product and the shopkeeper.  This week I have been partnering up with Brickyard Buffalo as their guest editor and I'm excited for today because I can show you my picks and offer up a little giveaway!

When we first started chatting about our collaboration, I wanted the shops I chose to have a Pacific Northwest vibe- I gave them a pretty hefty list of shops I loved from around here, but then I just kept remembering others I adored and soon the list grew to mix of artisans from all over.  That's what I love so much, building community, supporting one another, gaining new friends and not being anywhere near each other.  That's why Brickyard Buffalo has been at the forefront of the handcrafted world since launching last year.  Not only do they share these businesses, but they help them grow and allow others who may not have otherwise discovered them, be instant admirers.

I'm giving you the chance to win all these goods today so don't forget to check out these amazing vendors and share it with your friends since the deals are too good to pass up!  

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

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winner: Hil Mathers

I sent you an email, congrats!

I'm making it insanely simple for you to enter- Head over to Brickyard Buffalo and from the items I've listed and let me know which is your favorite by leaving a comment.  For an additional entry grab the instagram ready photo below, follow @justlove_ly & @brickyardbuffalo and share it on your feed with the hashtag #winbuffstuff 

-MY PICKS-

boot lacings // art prints // hand drawn cards // knit beanies 

 gold diamond shaped earrings // stacking rings // statement necklace 

 brass jewelry // wall decals

This giveaway is open to US & Canada residents.  Open until Nov 10,2013 11:59pm (pst). The winner will be chosen at random from all the entries and announced here on the blog and sent an email. GOOD LUCK! xo

finding your community

Community usually refers to a social unit larger than a small village that shares common values.  Finding the community you belong to can become quite the challenge, especially if you dwell in a small town or you simply can't find your people.  Moving to Portland, I knew this wouldn't be a problem because the resources for the handmade community overfloweth!  With just a little browsing, I found so many great places here that I can't wait to check out.

I'm participating in my first Portland market on May 11th with Crafty Wonderland and while browsing their site and clicking on through about five other vendors I came across ADX / Portland, a membership based 10,000 sqaure foot space that caters to the thinkers & makers.  Helping creatives by providing resources such as a work space, machine use, classes and support by other artisans.  

Through them I found Destination DIY, an independently produced public radio show and podcast bringing you stories about all kinds of creativity.  They hold Makin' It: listening party & project nights, basically, beer-pizza-live dj & projects. Obviously I'm going next time.

Also through ADX I discovered Portland Made, a collective of Portland based designers, local goods retailers, and manufacturers.  I'm attending their launch party tomorrow night and wanted to share a little more about them with the video below.  I plan on doing a recap of the event, so don't miss it!

Portland Made from Portland Made on Vimeo.

If you have been wanting to find a community of your own and don't know where to start- try connecting with a etsy street team, browsing the community section of craigslist for local events & classes and even a quick google search.  You never know what is out there until you look for it!