April Photo Challenge

Every so often, the Nutmeg Collective likes to offer up a fun photo challenge that we host on Instagram, providing a list of topics for participants to follow and interpret how they see fit.  It's a fun way to get to know our followers, and hopefully for the followers on our group feed to learn more about our individual members.

So in the spirit of spring, we invite you to join in our April photo challenge:

One photo per day, following the topic for the number of the day it is.  When posting your photo, please tag them #nutmegdailypic so we can easily find you.  We may even share your photo on our feed.  We start tomorrow- we hope you'll join us!

Nutmeg Collective Critters: Pandas and Schnauzers

Panda!

Ready for adorable?  This needle and wet felted panda bear head is made from 100% wool and is handmade in Connecticut by Jen of The Felt Haus. This is a one of a kind piece, made entirely free-form with no patterns or templates used and is Jen's own design.

Schnauzer!

How about a Schnauzer? Modeled after Jen's miniature schnauzer, Mikki, this perfect little collectible for the schnauzer lover will sit nicely on a flat, solid surface such as a shelf, bookshelf or fireplace mantel.

Don't you want one to squish (gently, of course)?  See more of  Jen's beautiful wool items here: The Felt Haus

Who is in the Nutmeg Collective?

An easy way to see who is part of our Nutmeg Collective membership is to visit Our Members Page.  You'll be able to see each member, read a bit about who he or she is, and engage by clicking through to each members' website, shop, or social media.

In the coming weeks, we will be creating easier ways to find Connecticut made goods by our members through our site.  Whether your goal is to shop online or in person, our goal is to provide the information to enable you to proudly support local makers and shops.

If you have suggestions, please let us know in the comments below!


P.S.  You can stay current on most happenings by following the hashtag #nutmegcollective on Instagram.

Anything but basic. Utensils: @abdesigned Tote: @hartfordprints Seascape: @hockmanphoto Embellishments: @oscar_ollie #nutmegcollective

A photo posted by Queen Vanna (@queenvanna) on Mar 13, 2016 at 2:42pm PDT

One Thing: Add a Listing

Our One Thing series is all about fitting an action into your day that is fast, efficient, and hopefully, effective for your business.  Today, try adding a listing to your online shop.

This does not have to be a new listing for a new product.  One Thing you can try is copying one of your existing product listings, reworking your titles and tags with different keywords, and listing it as an additional product.  It can be an experiment in SEO and how your potential customers may find your goods.  You'll benefit from this experiment by gaining knowledge of what keywords are best for your product, as well as keeping your online shop fresh and up-to-date.

If you try this one thing this week, add an image to social media and be sure to tag it with #nutmegcollective - we'd love to see what you post!

Cyn Thomas is the illustrator, designer and pattern maker of RiverDog Prints. Her paper goods and gifts are guided by earth, animals, function, food and cocktails. You can also find Cyn canning in her kitchen, walking her dog, being outnumbered by her boys and husband or reading herself to sleep.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | woof@riverdogprints.com

Treasurypalooza Friday

Each month, the members of the Nutmeg Collective have the option to create a curated collection of items found within our Etsy-based shops in an effort to get to know each others' items and to help show off our beautiful work to others. So much thought and consideration goes into putting these collections together, that we decided to show off some of the top groupings from the past month.

This month we are all about spring and pastel colors!

 Purple Posies by The Tiny Wren

 Connecticut Easter by Milo and Molly featuring all CT-based shops

Spring in Connecticut by Queenvanna Creations featuring all CT-based shops

 Scattered Flowers by MSD Design

Here it Comes, Spring by Melley Nelson Design featuring all CT-based shops

Spring Clean by Milo and Molly featuring all CT-based shops

****

Click the photos to go directly to the treasury on Etsy, where there are clickable links to each item.
Which grouping is your favorite?

Nutmeg Collective Gift Shop Field Trip: Middletown

Verse-A-Tile

Denise of The Burnt Shop came up with the idea for a member field trip to several gift shops in Connecticut. Over ten members participated and each shop received a basket of Nutmeg Collective samples. This is a look at the third stop in Middletown.

Verse-A-Tile

The first Middletown stop on the trip was Verse-A-Tile, a collection of artisan products from local makers, and beautiful art tiles, made by owner, Dorene.

Verse-A-Tile

From the site: "At Verse~A~Tile, we take what you desire to say, and put it into words on tile.  We will put your favorite verse, picture, quote, or saying on tile."  Stop by for a great collection of goods or a custom piece for the perfect gift.

A Pocketful of Posies

The next stop was A Pocketful of Posies, a gorgeous space filled with many lovely things,  run by Dottie and Jim.

A Pocketful of Posies

Until recently, the original shop was located in Essex, and a second shop was opened in Middletown. The original location is closed now.  The couple's daughter also has a shop in Lexington, Massachusetts, with the same name inspired by the original A Pocketful of Posies.

A Pocketful of Posies

The third stop on the trip was to Tesoro Artisan Gift Boutique and Gallery, run by  , with a great mix of fashion, jewelry, art and artisan goods.

Tesoro Artisan Gift Boutique and Gallery

From the site: "Our name Tesoro translates to "treasure" in two languages. It was a nickname given to the owner as a child and we couldn't think of a better name to signify the concept of the store."

Tesoro Artisan Gift Boutique and Gallery

The shop has been open since 2005 and is a landmark in its neighborhood,  There is also a resident puppy at the moment, so be sure to stop in to see the shop dog, as well as the beautiful collection of goods.

Tesoro Artisan Gift Boutique and Gallery

The next stop on the field trip took the members to Chester. Stay tuned for those trip details!


Please support the lovely shops that hosted the Nutmeg Collective on the third leg of the field trip.

Verse-A-Tile, 386 Main Street~Main St Market Mall, Middletown, Connecticut  

Phone: (860) 894-2880

A Pocketful of Posies, 386 Main Street~Main St Market Mall, Middletown, Connecticut
Phone: (860) 343-0123

Tesoro Artisan Gift Boutique and Gallery, 680 Main St., Middletown, Connecticut
Phone: (860) 704-0607

Cyn Thomas is the illustrator, designer and pattern maker of RiverDog Prints. Her paper goods and gifts are guided by earth, animals, function, food and cocktails. You can also find Cyn canning in her kitchen, walking her dog, being outnumbered by her boys and husband or reading herself to sleep.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | woof@riverdogprints.com

Wednesday Words

Art Print by Vanessa Pixel Studio

Easter Treat: Chocolate Coconut Nests

One of the most fun parts of Easter is the candy and other traditional holiday treats.  Jelly beans, Cadbury Creme Eggs and Mini Eggs, and Peeps, just to name a few, have found their way into a myriad of recipes.  Our own resident baker, Emily Tracy of Get Baked, shares one of her popular items with us:

Chocolate Coconut Nests

1 1.2 c. chocolate chips
3/4 c. coconut 7 oz.
desired eggs for garnish (Cadbury Mini or Jelly Beans)

Melt the chocolate for 30 seconds at a time in microwave safe bowl, or using a double boiler over the stovetop.  Once melted, mix in the coconut.  Drop the mixture 1 tablespoon at a time onto a lined cookie sheet.  Make a divet in the center with the back of a spoon, and fill with your chosen eggs.  Chill until firm.  (Super fun idea: use white chocolate and color it green.)

No time to make your own?  Stop by Get Baked at 25 Central Street in Windsor at pick up any of these delicious treats:

Rice Krispies Easter Eggs

Peeps cucakes

Babka

Hot cross buns

No matter your taste, Get Baked will have something for you to enjoy this weekend, or anytime!

Easter Finds

Easter is heading our way this Sunday, so we scoured the Nutmeg Collective membership to find you some unique finds perfect for the upcoming holiday:

Get a unique Easter "basket" from The Toy Box by Vinny (choice of toy included!!), $40

Gorgeous adventurine + mother of pearl cross bracelet from bba bracelets, $25

New baby?  Gift this adorable Easter basket from baby blossom company, $65

Cute as a bunny outfit crocheted by Everything Glitzy, $20

Need a card?  Laura's Paper Creations has you covered! $4

Don't forget the chicks! Lucky will make everyone smile. by Hickster Tees, $16

Personalized Easter egg treat holder!  Contact QueenVanna Creations, starting at $5

We hope you have a lovely holiday with friends and family this weekend.

Seasonal Spotlight: Spring Flowers

Lily Pad Prints

The weather predicted may cover any early blooms on the first day of Spring, but our makers and curators have you covered with beautiful flowers of their own.

Baby Blossom Company

Queenvanna Creations

Doug Hockman Photography

Sprinkles of Color

Wren in a Willow

Nutmeg Collective Gift Shop Field Trip: Wethersfield

Old Wethersfield Country Store

Denise of The Burnt Shop came up with the idea for a member field trip to several gift shops in Connecticut. Over ten members participated and each shop received a basket of Nutmeg Collective samples. This is a look at the second stop in Wethersfield.

Old Wethersfield Country Store

First stop on the trip was Old Wethersfield Country Store, a mix of delicious local foods, products from local makers, and the famous wall of candy, run by Megan and John.

Old Wethersfield Country Store

From the site:  "We carry cupcakes, pies, fresh bread, gluten free/vegan items, prepared meals, grass-fed meat, yogurt, milk, eggs, fine grocery items, frozen foods, cheese, kombucha on tap, and gifts."  Every turn reveals something sumptuous and local - an amazing place that cannot be missed.

Heirloom Market

Our next stop was Heirloom Market, at the Historic Comstock Ferre Property, run by Spiro and Julia, a couple with many years in the local Hartford area restaurant scene.
.

Heirloom Market

From the site: "The natural foods grocery store and café will take the 'farm to table' concept a step further and deeper into 'seed to plate'."  The market and café is filled with natural goods and the selection of seeds and garden supplies is incredible. A beautiful and historic place to visit.

Heirloom Market

The next stop on the field trip took the members to Middletown. Stay tuned for those trip details!

Please support the lovely shops that hosted the Nutmeg Collective on the second leg of the field trip.

Old Wethersfield Country Store, 221 Main St, Wethersfield, CT
Phone: (860) 436-3782

Heirloom Market, at the Historic Comstock Ferre, 263 Main Street, Wethersfield, CT

Phone: (860) 257-2790

Cyn Thomas is the illustrator, designer and pattern maker of RiverDog Prints. Her paper goods and gifts are guided by earth, animals, function, food and cocktails. You can also find Cyn canning in her kitchen, walking her dog, being outnumbered by her boys and husband or reading herself to sleep.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | woof@riverdogprints.com

Nutmeg Collective Instagram: &Morgan

We have some great photos in our #nutmegcollective Instagram feed.
On a regular basis, we'll feature some of our favorite photos here! 

#etsy #etsyshop #etsyfinds #etsygifts #etsywholesale #screenprint #kale #shopsmall #shoplocal #nutmegcollective #ctmade

A photo posted by jillian (@and.morgan) on Mar 6, 2016 at 7:59am PST

The Brothers Crisp Turned 3

The Brothers Crisp, local makers of artisan hand-sewn shoes and boots, turned 3 on March 3rd. Joey Batts helped with the celebration by making a video, Sole for Your Soul, produced by The Eightsix of Supa D. The celebration continues with The Brothers Crisp offering 33% off custom orders for the entire month of March.



Soul For Your Sole (The Brothers Crisp) from 86HourPhoto on Vimeo.