portland flower market

Flowerrrrrssss!!! Thats my thought every time I walk into the wholesale floral market here in Portland.  I remember the day I found out that I was eligible for a wholesale buyers pass (even though I'm not a florist) and thinking I finally made it.  Like I was given the secret knock or password to a cool kids club.

prop swap + pop up

One thing I love about being a maker is the community that surrounds it.  Meeting and collaborating with others that have a similar passion is one of the greatest rewards- well I guess besides making things, selling them and being my own boss haha.. but you get the idea!  This weekend I participated in a pop-up market at Elder Hall, hosted by Ashley- Local Haven and Adriana- Xochitl Adriana.  Its was a small gathering of makers and collectors offering wares for sale and trade.  The space was so beautiful and inspiring- I can't wait to go back!

shop local: artemisia

If you follow me on instagram you might notice that I tend to explore around this city, a lot.  Theres just something about finding little shops, tasting all the food, sitting and just taking in this place that does it for me.  Most days I try to find time to visit at least one local joint (even if that means just sitting in a coffee shop) while out and about running errands, or between freelance jobs.  Its just something that I've made a part of my life here, almost like a hobby.  Meeting shop owners, perusing the goods and people watching are just my jam.

I've thought for a while about bringing on a feature here sharing all of the places I visit, my version of a shop local guide to portland.  I just always lose touch with this blog when life gets busy, but I think I've finally found some balance and can't wait to get back into the swing of things.  

Today I'm sharing a shop visit with Artemisia located in the Buckman-East neighborhood and offering an overflowing amount of pretty.  With a part retail - part workshop experience, its hard to leave empty handed and even harder to not pull out your phone and take a million photos. 

neatly organized things

After reaching the one year mark of living here in Portland, I started getting the itch to get out of the house a little more than just adventures, shopping & coffee dates.  Although I do stay busy with my own projects (like this blog & launching my new shop) I thought finding a small side job would be great because I could meet people, do something I'm good at and make a little cash too (who doesn't like that?).  I came across an ad for a 3 day a week gig working for a super cute stationary shop in the pearl district and jumped all over it.  Thankfully the owner liked me enough to offer a position I actually just passed the one month mark!

I have been self-employed for so long that I actually haven't worked for someone else in almost 10yrs.  Having a boss is almost foreign to me and I never thought I would have a "day job" again, but the reasons are different and I was able to go about this on my own terms- so it works!  Since I had previously co-owned an online paper & pretty things boutique, I've been able to help out in some areas where the current owner just hadn't had time to focus on because besides running the shop, she is also very busy designing invitations for clients.  One of my favorite tasks is heading up the instagram account for Ecru.  I decided to go with a 'neatly organized things' theme over there and I love how its turning out.  Its a great way to show off the products we offer, connect with our vendors and get a little creative in inventory photography. Its a fun challenge to set up these little vignettes and the feedback we have received is great.  I'm glad I get to leave my house to do things like this! Hashtag do what you love.

If you are on instagram and you like organized things- follow along! @ecrumodernstationer

shop local: philadelphia

When I started this project it was because I wanted to figure out a way to share amazing artisans around the country based on where they lived- so using the Etsy shop local feature, I randomly pick a city and go from there.  Finding good stuff seems to be easy, the hard part is that my bank account balance gets a little lower- because honestly there is a lot of cool shit out there guys!  Today we head to Philly and now I'm craving cheesesteak.

stamps & stationary : song & dance 

vintage shaving kit: badger lather

astral crown: giant dwarf

cloud mobile: baby jives co.

tote bag:  exit 343 design

skeen print cases: xenotees

waxed canvas bag: peg and awl

ring: bloodmilk

pillows: {me}longings

View previous Shop Local features here and join me next time when I feature Minneapolis!

shop local: austin

A few weeks ago, I started a new series here called Shop Local.  Its where I browse etsy based on a specific city and share some of my favorite finds.  Since I had just moved to Portland it seemed fitting to share my new city with you, but now its time to take this show on the road and explore all the amazing artisans out there.  Here are some goodies from Austin, Texas.

Pendant: Tea & Tentacles

Card: Little Minnow

Leggings: Grace & Lace

Print: Artsy Pastel

Bag: Eleventy-Five

Print: Quiet Rabbit Studio

Necklace: Son of a Sailor

Soap: Feather Red

Join me next time as I explore Philadelphia and don't forget, I love finding new shops to support and creatives to love- leave a link to your own or share a shop you think I should check out. xo

shop local: portland

Now that I'm in a new city, it makes for a perfect excuse to find some new local artisans.  With shops on every corner, I will have my work cut out for me, but why not find them easily online?  I'm starting a new weekly series here called Shop Local and will pick a town every week to curate etsy shops to share with you.  Since I'm now a Portland resident (finally!!!), its only right for me to start here.

I love to discover creative talent, but finding the unique in that bunch is even more fulfilling.  As a small business owner myself, I'm naturally drawn to incredible design & branding and feel that no matter the size of the shop or how many sales, it always feels so amazing to find others making and selling beautiful goods.  Here are nine shops doing just that.

Dress : Aniela Parys Designs

Print: Ashley Goldberg

Stamp: Paper Sushi

Clutch: Anna Joyce

Bath & Body: Harlow Creative

Print: The Black Apple

Necklace: Then Now Always

Print: Lettered & Lined

Kit: Urban Cheese Craft

Because I love finding new businesses to love & support (plus I'm sure you do too!) I would love to invite you to leave a link to your shop in the comments section.  If you don't have one, but maybe a friend does- or you just have a place you are totally swooning over- leave a link below. xo