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
~
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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| source |
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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| source |
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
 |
| 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
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Red, White and Blue for Independence Day
Feeling patriotic? Our members share some red, white, and blue for the 4th of July!
 |
| Brimmer Boys American Flag Belt for Boys and Adults |
 |
| Oscar & Ollie Star Hook |
 |
| Made by Jane Americana Handblown Glass Bead Necklace |
 |
| Doug Hockman Photography Lighthouse 5x7 Print on 8x10 Mat |
 |
| RiverDog Prints' You're My Jam Greeting Card |
 |
| Hickster Tees' Mary Chicken Tea Towel |
 |
| fallen peach Sammy the Cat Fireworks Bookmark |
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Summer Cucumber Salad
Summer calls for cold drinks, cook outs and crisp salads. This cucumber dish has simple ingredients and whips up in minutes.
Want this cutting board? You can find it here.
What you need:
3 english cucumbers (or 4 peeled garden cucumbers)
Handful of cherry tomatoes
4 strips of bacon (plus extra for snacking - I'm not here to judge)
1/4 cup mayo
Dash of onion powder
Salt & pepper to taste
1. Spiralize (or dice!) your cucumbers. If using garden cucumbers, place in colander and lightly salt to drain. 10 minutes should do the trick.
2. Cook up that bacon nice and crispy, then crumble.
3. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
4. Place your cucumbers in a bowl and stir in the mayo and seasoning.
5. Fold in your tomatoes and bacon.
5. ENJOY! Best served while bacon is still crispy.
This is a flexible salad - you can pop in some fun additions. Try grilled chicken, avocado, corn or olives. Let us know what you add!
Written by Alonda Baird-Juhasz, owner of Designer Dwellings, who believes in adding color to life. An avid DIYer, sparkle-loving, all things fabulous addict, her shop features bright and fun home decor accessories and gifts. When not in the shop you can find her interior decorating or visual styling events and photo shoots.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Connecticut Food & Farm Magazine Summer Issue
You do not want to miss the newest issue of Connecticut Food and Farm Magazine! With its beautiful images and stories from all over the state, it is a must-read for anyone interested in local food. You can read the Summer issue online here: Connecticut Food and Farm Magazine
You can also have it sent to your Inbox by signing up here!
Cover photo by Anna Sawin Photography at SIFT Bake Shop Mystic.
Cover designed by Rita Rivera at Love & Pop.
Monday, June 27, 2016
Chemistry Rhymes with Ken Fredette Illustrations
From the About Page of the site: "The goal of this website is to have some fun with chemistry and learn about the elements of the periodic table at the same time. When you click on an element, you will find a verse or song about the element, based on a common nursery rhyme or song. Each verse is illustrated, and you can listen to the rhyme being sung or read. Explanations of the chemical principles used in each verse are explained by clicking on the link below the verse called 'learn more about…' If you need a refresher on the nursery rhymes that are used, just click on the name of the nursery rhyme or song."
Visit ChemistryRhymes.com to view Ken's work and learn about the elements in an entertaining way!
Friday, June 24, 2016
Nutmeg Collective Markets and Events for June 24, 25, and 26
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
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Arbor Park, Main Street, Ellington, Connecticut
~
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
15 Rope Ferry Rd., Waterford, Connecticut
~
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
481 Brewster St., Bridgeport, Connecticut
~
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Corner of Main and Hubbard Streets, Glastonbury, Connecticut
~
11:30 pm to 3:00 pm
35 Main Street, Westport, Connecticut
~~~
SUNDAY
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
375 Harrison Ave., Boston, Massachussettes
~
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Town Green, 97 Hayward Ave., Colchester, Connecticut
~
Coventry Farmers Market
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
2299 South Street, Coventry, Connecticut
~~~
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Dutchess County Fair, 6550 Spring Brook Ave., Rhinebeck, New York
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Eat Local: Sauteed Summer Greens
This week my CSA share from Sub Edge Farm in Farmington/Avon was filled with greens of all kinds - Tokyo Benaka lettuce, escarole, rainbow chard, kale, collards, and broccolini, along with some sugar snap peas and garlic. I did not grow up eating greens outside of a few varieties of lettuce. Until I met my Texas-born husband I don't know if I had even heard the term "greens", let alone laid eyes on these large-leafed plants. In the almost-16 years I've known him, I've learned how to cook them properly through some definite trial and error. My favorite is an easy recipe requiring just a few ingredients, and I used a mix of collards and rainbow chard, plus fresh garlic and garlic scapes (the green stem portion of the garlic plant) that were in my share this week.
Sauteed Summer Greens
10 leaves of collards and chard, ribs removed and sliced into ribbons
2 T olive oil
1 shallot, diced
2 cloves garlic, diced
3 garlic scapes, diced (if you don't have these, use another clove of garlic instead)
salt and pepper to taste
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add your raw greens to the pot and let them cook for about 5 minutes to soften them. Transfer to a colander and allow the excess liquid to run off. In the meantime, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and saute for 2 minutes, then add the garlic and scapes, stirring them frequently to prevent them from burning. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the mixure is soft and fragrant. Add drained greens to the skillet and toss with the shallot mixture, adding salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 15 minutes, turning and mixing occasionally, allowing the greens to soften more and brown slightly. The greens are done when they are the consistency of cooked spinach - I always take a bite to taste test for done-ness.
What started as a bunch of thick, tough and somewhat bitter raw leaves will be wittled down to an enjoyable, mellow, completely flavorful side dish. Serve them with grilled chicken or steak for a nice round meal. If you are not part of a CSA this year, most local farm shops will have greens available right now, as well as at the weekly farmers markets held around the state.
Written by Kristen Skelton of Milo and Molly. Kristen 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.Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
One Thing: Facebook Groups to Grow Your Business
Our One Thing series is all about fitting an action into your day that is fast, efficient, and hopefully, effective for your business. Last time, we connected your personal profile and your Business Page on Facebook. Let's go one step (or One Thing) further and join a relevant group on Facebook.
From your Facebook homepage, you'll find a column to the left listing Favorites, Pages, Groups, and more. If you click on Discover under the Groups heading, you'll be taken to a page of suggested Groups in many categories that may be relevant to your business.
As you search for a group that suits your business, read the descriptions provided on the individual Group page in the right-hand column. You may need approval from the Administrator of a Closed Group, but if you are selecting a relevant group, approval usually happens quickly.
Facebook Groups are about participation, conversations, and sharing of ideas and resources. Linking to your own content is usually a no-no. Bringing value to a group through real engagement via comments should be your goal. If members of the group are curious about who you are and what you do, they can hover on your name, see your business link, and click through to your business page.
There are so many groups to choose from that could help your business grow. It's exciting to find business peers, potential customers, or a wealth of business knowledge right at your fingertips. Good luck and happy searching!
Monday, June 20, 2016
Nutmeg Collective Fundraiser: Love Local Connecticut Tote and Tank
Our second EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION is now live!
Friday, June 17, 2016
Nutmeg Collective Markets and Events for June 17, 18 and 19
You can visit some of our members at these events this weekend!
FRIDAY
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
800 Main St., Hartford, Connecticut
~
4:00 to 7:30 pm
1 River Rd., Cromwell, Connecticut
~~~
SATURDAY
1:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Veteran's Park, 253 West Street, Shelton, Connecticut
~
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
481 Brewster St., Bridgeport, Connecticut
~
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Heritage Park, 3 Stafford St., Stafford Springs, Connecticut
~
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
15 Rope Ferry Rd., Waterford, Connecticut
~~~
SUNDAY
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Town Green, 97 Hayward Ave., Colchester, Connecticut
~
Coventry Farmers Market
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
2299 South Street, Coventry, Connecticut
~
11:00 am to 4:00 pm
100 Whiting St., Winsted, Connecticut
~~~
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday 11:30 am to 5:00 pm
Town Green, 12 Main St., Essex, Connecticut