It's easy to be green.

July is almost here and I'm definitely feeling the heat. With only one window box AC I've discovered that my dog has the right idea: sleep in the basement.

But at least the sunlight has a nice impact on some things! I took some photographs for those of you who can't swing by and see the deliciousness in person.

While I have yet to use the cilantro, I have fallen in love with having mint on hand to make some delicious mojitos.

Can you believe this pepper? It's huge! I mean, it's not really huge. but I've never grown peppers before so this is pretty exciting.

I have two varieties of tomatoes growing; Roma and Cherry. I just ate my first homegrown cherry tomato today, delicious.

This photo might not show it, but my snap peas are out of control. Seriously off the hook.  Too bad Elan won't eat them!

The really nice effect of having all this growing is that I am suddenly inspired to cook with my homegrown food.  I just made my first batch of hand-made (no machine) basil and garlic linguine.

Maybe now I can get chickens?

Hurrah! Unreserved Open Market!

Thank you all for your insights on doing the Providence Open Market. I realized that 5 days (and $300 something dollars) is way too much for me to do.  So, I sent a nice little email to the Open Market people, who kindly allowed me to re-submit as an unreserved vendor.
Now I just have to pick which days!

Some say soon, you can come visit me here! And, if we're all lucky, little Mausley pup will be there signing autographs!

I know, I know, right? Cutest dog EVER.

Huh. Well, now what do I do?

Serious dilemma, my virtual friends!  You may recall two posts ago that I mentioned the Providence Open Market hadn't responded to my application. At first I was bummed. Then I was happy. Then I got a response; an invoice for $325 for my reserved spaces. 

OUCH.

So.... should I do it? Or not? Before, I thought it was a really good idea. Now, however, I can't really picture it. I'm back to the whole "I have to get up WHEN?" thing. And of course, the threat that I won't sell enough to break even.  

$325? 

Thoughts? Ideas? Anyone up for an e-brainstorm???

Open Market, Inspiration, Astonishing Heir

Hello my friendly mcfriendersons!
I'm sitting here on my couch, having not five minutes ago eaten an entire container of blackberries, watching the surprisingly interesting flick Helvetica.  Not being one to sit still for more than four minutes, I thought I would take this moment to do a bit of multitasking...
I spent a good amount of time last week creating more of my upcycled earrings.  I'm running a bit low on findings, but that doesn't concern me.  I'm in the process of discovering what Ebay can offer in the direction of interesting jewelry supplies.

(Oh, a word of warning... All images from today's post are taken on the not-so-fancy iPhone camera. Ironic, since my last chat was all about the importance of photography)

I spent 85% of my Saturday shoveling and raking 13 yards of topsoil across the giant hole in my lawn. The other 15%, excitingly, was spent at the local antique store's rare sale. I scored a lot of new materials to play with, lots of rockin vintage rhinestone items.

I've found a happy new direction to head in... I'm all into pins right now. Think military awards of honor meets feminine jewelry meets funky found items.  Mmmmm delicious, right? 

I'm looking forward to some of my latest Ebay purchases to arrive, which will allow me to really bring my ideas of these items into fruition.  Feathers, tiny guns, leaves... rough and frilly at the same time. 

I know what you're thinking though.. "that's all well and nice, but what about the whole Providence Open Market dealy?"  Well... I haven't heard back, which I'm going to consider a blessing in disguise.  $85/day is a bit much for my measly budget, and as I mentioned before... I really don't feel like waking up that early.  But my "being okay-ness" is a new thing.  As of last Wednesday, I was dying to get accepted.  

Then, Thursday happened.

(ooo... what happened on Thursday?)

I was trying out the new spring menu of the all-amazing Farmstead with some friends downtown when we walked by Heir.  Haven't heard of Heir? You must not live in Rhode Island. Or read any of the really popular design blogs. This place makes my heart beat faster and my wallet try to escape my pocket.  Tyler Doran, a man with an eye for uniquely delicious patina'd items and a fantastic talent for interior design, mentioned that he may, just maybe, might, sort of... have a little space for my work in his store.

Yes.

Yes, I am pee-my-pants excited.

So, I guess we can all look forward to more items coming fresh out of the studio.  

And seriously. Seriously. Go to Heir. If I haven't brought you there yet, just go. It's to die for.

Hangin In There

Still waiting to hear back if I was accepted as a vendor... If so, I've got a whole lotta makin' to do!
In other news, I'm looking for new inspiration for materials.  If anyone has a thought, feel free to let me know!

Putting my foot down

After a little bit of encouragement from a friend last night, I have made the decision to apply for a space at Providence's Open Market.

If accepted, I will be at Lippitt Park Saturday mornings, starting May 22nd!  Wish me luck...

Buy yourself a staple gun

You may have heard (or experienced) the overwhelming flooding of RI last week.  It was, and still is, pretty bad.  Thankfully, my house made it through! The garage? Not so lucky. 

Well, whatever. Who needs a garage anyway?

Saturday, Elan and I headed up to MA to check out a craigslist find.  We bought these crazy retro patio chairs, and then scored some ridiculously low priced outdoor fabric at Jo-Ann fabrics (who, as an entire store, was incredibly un-helpful).  

Refurnishing the four chairs (a favorite past-time of mine) was all fun and games until I stapled through my leg.

And in lieu of the gorgeous weather we've been having, I finally brought my seedlings outdoors.

Anyone got a good design for a raised bed?