On a regular basis, we'll feature some of our favorite photos here!
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Nutmeg Collective Instagram: Nutmeg Naturals
We have some great photos in our #nutmegcollective Instagram feed.
On a regular basis, we'll feature some of our favorite photos here!
On a regular basis, we'll feature some of our favorite photos here!
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Craft Show Etiquette: Buyers Edition
photo by Treefort Naturals
Summer is the start of the market season, where artisans, makers, farmers, and food vendors make their way out into public spaces to share their goods. Visiting markets is a great way to spend a day out: the food is good, the sights are different, and there is usually a great community vibe.
However, there are market visitors that can drag the experience down for those who are vending at these events. Customers' actions and dialogue can be hurtful to a vendor's experience. Our Nutmeg Collective members and friends have come up with a list of their biggest pet peeves while at events. (And yes, all of these things really did happen.)
1. Please do not smoke in a vendor's space. You may unwittingly do damage to the products, plus no one appreciates the smell.
2. Don't make comments about the price. Keep in mind that the goods you are looking at are likely made or grown by one person or a very small group of people. There is value in the small, the local, the handmade. You are not shopping a big box store so don't expect the prices of one.
3. Do not utter the words, "Oh, I can make that." Maybe you can, but don't insult the person who is standing there that did make that. It may actually be harder than you think.
4. Don't block a booth while catching up with your long lost friend/neighbor/former teacher. While it's great that we get to see people we know out in the community, by blocking a display you are stopping potential buyers from buying things. Step into an aisleway for your conversation.
5. Please watch food and drinks while in a vendor's booth. One small spill to you may be expensive damage to a vendor's products or display.
6. Repeating the words, "This is so cute!" multiple times then walking out of the booth with nothing. Consider buying one of the cute items.
7. Touching everything you see is a no-no. Pick up an item if you'd like to inspect it further or if you plan to purchase it, but otherwise, there is no reason to put your hands on every item on a table.
8. Please keep an eye on your children. While they don't mean to, children are often the cause of a dropped, dirty product or a busted display. Also, please keep them from touching everything.
9. Grilling the vendor for information on how they make their product or where they buy their supplies is frowned upon. This probably has taken them much time and research and they do not want to share it with you.
10. You are not at a tag sale- please do not try to make a deal or ask if you get a discount if you buy more than one. You would not walk into Macy's and ask them for a discount. Similarly, the prices will not be reduced at the end of the day; that merchandise is going on to the next show.
11. Please do not photograph items without asking permission. Many vendors have had people text photos of their products- like greeting cards- to friends in lieu of actually purchasing them.
12. Put things back the way you found them, or at least as best as you can. It takes a long time for a vendor to set up a nice display.
13. Don't put your shopping bag/pocketbook/food on top of products out for display while you are looking and/or paying.
14. Just because you are outside does not mean you can spit in someone's booth.
Overall, vendors want you to have fun, be courteous, and enjoy their products. It makes for a more satisfying day for all involved. Stay tuned for our upcoming etiquette tips for vendors.
What other craft show pet peeves would you like to share? Tell us in the comments!
Kristen Skelton of Milo and Molly is a self-taught sewist, Kristen who runs her business while staying at home with her two small children. Fueled by an endless supply of tea, she sews late into the night when the house is quiet, most often accompanied by her faithful poodle, Casey. Stop by and see her collection of bold modern accessories and home goods.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | miloandmollyshop@gmail.com Monday, July 18, 2016
Introducing: Workshops
One of our favorite things is the community environment we are building within the Collective as well as with our local small businesses and the maker community. It is important to us as a group to be able to help each other when questions arise in order to make running our businesses go as smoothly as possible. We know that being a really small business can be tough and it can be hard to invest in business-related education. For months we have been working on rolling out a series of workshops based on the needs of the maker community that can also be affordable, and we're excited to announce that our first topic is out!
Instagram Basics for Makers and Small Business is designed for for those looking to use Instagram for their handmade or small business who are just beginning to use the platform or those who are not yet signed up. We will cover the following topics:
Instagram Basics for Makers and Small Business is designed for for those looking to use Instagram for their handmade or small business who are just beginning to use the platform or those who are not yet signed up. We will cover the following topics:
- Why Instagram is important to use for business
- Signing up and picking a username
- What makes a good post
- What's a hashtag
- Basic camera suggestions
Friday, July 15, 2016
Markets and Events - July 16 and 17
You can visit some of our members at these events this weekend!
FRIDAY
4:00 to 7:30 pm
1 River Rd., Cromwell, Connecticut
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SATURDAY
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Flatland Alpacas
Pottery Barn Pop-Up Shop
10:00 to 2:00 pm
The Shops at Evergreen Walk, South Windsor, Connecticut
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Flatland Alpacas
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
15 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford, Connecticut
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
3998 Main Road, Tiverton, Rhode Island
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10:00 am
Mill Pond Park, 123 Garfield St, Newington, Connecticut
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Hickster Tees
Ellington Farmers Market
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Arbor Park, Main Street
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Hickster Tees
Ellington Farmers Market
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Arbor Park, Main Street
~~~
SUNDAY
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Town Green, 97 Hayward Ave., Colchester, Connecticut
~
Flatland Alpacas
Lyric Hill Farm
Coventry Farmers Market
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
2299 South Street, Coventry, Connecticut
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Lyric Hill Farm
Coventry Farmers Market
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
2299 South Street, Coventry, Connecticut
~
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
345 S. Water Street, Providence, Rhode Island
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Nutmeg Collective Instagram: MSD Design
We have some great photos in our #nutmegcollective Instagram feed.
On a regular basis, we'll feature some of our favorite photos here!
On a regular basis, we'll feature some of our favorite photos here!
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Berry Season: Blueberry Muffins and Berry Picking
Here in Connecticut, we are in the middle of berry picking season. This is a fun activity to do with your kids, or it can just be a nice outing for those who want to take home some super-fresh fruit. One of my favorite things to make with super fresh berries are blueberry muffins, so I thought I'd share a quick and simple recipe for the best blueberry muffins ever. Yes, ever.
Gather:
1 3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup oil
1 egg
1 cup fresh blueberries
Do:
Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well for even distribution. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients (aka make a bowl-shaped pit in the flour but don't get all the way down to the bottom of the bowl). In a small bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the flour well and mix until just combined. Add the blueberries to the batter and fold in carefully as to not break the berries.
In a standard sized 12-muffin tin, fill each well 2/3 of the way with batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes at 400 degrees until the edges start to brown lightly. Cool for a few minutes and then move the muffins to a wire cooking rack.
(Or, do what we do and take them out of the pan piping hot and eat them. Either way. (Just don't get burned!))
On a berry hunt and need to know where can you find berry farms in Connecticut? Our members and friends have some great suggestions. Check in with each farm before you go to see what they are currently picking so you don't waste a trip:
Gather:
1 3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup oil
1 egg
1 cup fresh blueberries
Do:
Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well for even distribution. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients (aka make a bowl-shaped pit in the flour but don't get all the way down to the bottom of the bowl). In a small bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the flour well and mix until just combined. Add the blueberries to the batter and fold in carefully as to not break the berries.
In a standard sized 12-muffin tin, fill each well 2/3 of the way with batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes at 400 degrees until the edges start to brown lightly. Cool for a few minutes and then move the muffins to a wire cooking rack.
(Or, do what we do and take them out of the pan piping hot and eat them. Either way. (Just don't get burned!))
On a berry hunt and need to know where can you find berry farms in Connecticut? Our members and friends have some great suggestions. Check in with each farm before you go to see what they are currently picking so you don't waste a trip:
- Tracy from Lilypad Prints: Belltown Hill Orchard in Glastonbury
- Lindsey from fallenpeach and Charlette from 24 Peace: Lyman Orchards in Middlefield
- Andrea from Whimsy Ones: Dzen Tree Farm in South Windsor
- Kaci from tinymack: Dondero Orchards or Carini's Berry Farm in Glastonbury
- Cyn from RiverDog Prints: Deeply Rooted Farms in Harwinton
- Alonda from Designer Dwellings: Silverman's Farm in Easton
Friday, July 8, 2016
Nutmeg Collective Markets and Events for July 8, 9, and 10
You can visit some of our members at these events this weekend!
FRIDAY
4:00 to 7:30 pm
1 River Rd., Cromwell, Connecticut
~~~
SATURDAY
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
465 Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut
~
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Bicentennial Park, opposite the Marion Art Center,
at the corner of Main and Spring Streets, Marion, MA
~
5:00 to 8:00 pm
1 Jillson Square, Willimantic, Connecticut
~~~
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Sat. 11:00 am to 10:00pm
Sun. 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Veterans Memorial Park, Shelton, Connecticut
~~~
SUNDAY
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Town Green, 97 Hayward Ave., Colchester, Connecticut
~
Thursday, July 7, 2016
A Day In Middlebury
Welcome to the next installment in our series, A Day In, where one of our Nutmeg Collective members takes us on a tour of their hometown and gives us the scoop on some of the must-see local spots. Today, ShawnaLee of Portraits by ShawnaLee, shares Middlebury with us.
This park boasts views of Lake Quassapaug and has a lot to offer for a small town feel. New rides are always being added and they are always hosting local events.
A great hike for any aged hiker with trail loops for your convenience. Trails are marked well, but do have a map and compass on you for the fun of it. The local scouts hike this often and it is well groomed. Beautiful trails and great sites abound throughout, and it is right down the road from Quassy Amusement Park. When you're done hiking, pick up a Pizza in town. Middlebury has copious pizza restaurants!
Lake Elise
Got tots? Less inclined hikers? A Scout troop that needs a *first time* outing? This is the trail loop for you! This loop is short enough for the tots and long enough that it is worth the outing with gorgeous lake views, a few scattered benches and a healthy song bird population. When you are done, head over the field across the street to play at Middlebury's Meadowview Park with a small playground, and some trails around a small pond behind the police station.
OK - this isn't in Middlebury, but this is where we all go for the creamiest Ice Cream around. Be sure to bring cash. Riches Farm Ice cream is fresh made, has a GORGEOUS patio to enjoy your ice cream while you gaze upon real cow barns and cow fields, and the occasional barn swallow.
ShawnaLee Kwashnak loves animals, a warm cup of coffee, and bringing joy to others by creating portraits of pets and people. Her cats provide constant critique and companionship to ensure each portrait comes out great. She supports animal welfare and has been featured on Pound Posse Presents and Pet Talk TV programs. ShawnaLee is a mother of three, leader of two Girl Scout Troop.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | artist@shawnalee.com
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Got tots? Less inclined hikers? A Scout troop that needs a *first time* outing? This is the trail loop for you! This loop is short enough for the tots and long enough that it is worth the outing with gorgeous lake views, a few scattered benches and a healthy song bird population. When you are done, head over the field across the street to play at Middlebury's Meadowview Park with a small playground, and some trails around a small pond behind the police station.
~~~
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OK - this isn't in Middlebury, but this is where we all go for the creamiest Ice Cream around. Be sure to bring cash. Riches Farm Ice cream is fresh made, has a GORGEOUS patio to enjoy your ice cream while you gaze upon real cow barns and cow fields, and the occasional barn swallow.
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When you are done, go for a hike along the Larkin State
Bridle Trail. Be sure to park your car
so that horse trailers can also park. If
you see a horse, please be sure to communicate with the rider in a way that
doesn't startle the horse. The trail
runs from Hop Brook all the way to Southbury and is enjoyed by walkers,
joggers, and horses!
~~~
Website | Facebook | Twitter | artist@shawnalee.com
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Nutmeg Collective Instagram: Erin DeLuca Jewelry
We have some great photos in our #nutmegcollective Instagram feed.
On a regular basis, we'll feature some of our favorite photos here!
On a regular basis, we'll feature some of our favorite photos here!
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Nutmeg Collective Critters: Custom Pet Portrait Wine Stoppers by ArtSmith
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| Custom Pet Portrait Wine Stopper |
Beautiful and functional, this one-of-a-kind piece is perfect for all critter lovers!
The stopper is hand-painted by the artist, Ruthie Sutter, and is ready for gifting.
You can find more information here: Custom Pet Portrait Wine Stopper
Monday, July 4, 2016
Happy Independence Day!
Happy July 4th from the Nutmeg Collective! |
| Flag garland to download and print from MSD Design |
Friday, July 1, 2016
Nutmeg Collective Markets and Events for July 1 - 3
You can visit some of our members at these events this weekend!
FRIDAY
4:00 to 7:30 pm
1 River Rd., Cromwell, Connecticut
~~~
SATURDAY
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Lippitt Memorial Park, 1015 Hope St., Providence, Rhode Island
~
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
15 Rope Ferry Rd., Waterford, Connecticut
~
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
209 Hillstown Road, Manchester, Connecticut
~
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Heritage Park, 3 Stafford St., Stafford Springs, Connecticut
~~~
SUNDAY
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Town Green, 97 Hayward Ave., Colchester, Connecticut
~
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Providence River Greenway
Across from 345 South Water Street, Providence, Rhode Island
Across from 345 South Water Street, Providence, Rhode Island