
I had a wonderful weekend and although I spent a lot of time away from my family it was so nice to see old friends and finally meet friends I've conversed with online for years [or months...which can sometimes feel like years.]

If you follow me on twitter you saw sneak peeks of little winter market. Let me just say that more than a handmade market or show it really was an inspiring experience. Chelsea and Abby worked incredibly hard for months and it really showed in all the details. Not only were all the vendors incredibly talented individuals, they were master stylists. I'm talking about tables that made me ooh and ahh!

I was originally planning to be a vendor but had to bow out due to a scheduling conflict. But somehow plans changed again and I was able to be a greeter on Saturday. You can see me in action here. [I find it funny that no one recognizes me without my boys.] I'm not sure I did the best job as a greeter because I was quite distracted by all the lovely people I wanted to chat with and goodies I wanted to buy. I even suckered Amy into manning my post for a bit while I made a quick loop around the market. [Thanks, A, I owe you!] The turn out was amazing, I'm talking non stop flow of people.

I cannot get over all the little details that made the market a memorable one for me. From the gingham curtains to the holiday greens to the window decals, everything was just right.

I regret not being able to photograph of all the vendors work, but you can see loads of photographs at the little winter market flickr pool. I have to say I wanted to steal My House Party's front window set up. Although if I brought it home I'm sure there would be Lego men and dinosaurs and random things stuffed in all those homes. I cannot wait until they begin offering the house lamps.

I was so happy to finally meet Shanna in person. She is such an incredibly warm and kind person. I found myself just smiling at her all the time. And her work is amazing! I regret the self control I displayed at her table although I did leave with one of her Hello Friend cups, a collaboration with Pigeon Toe Ceramics.

I was bummed Nikole of Herriott Grace wasn't able to make it out to Portland but her table of handmade goods was beautiful. Samantha did a great job filling in for her [and kept me entertained with her wicked sense of humor].

One day I am going to hire Alyson of Mossiere to style something in my home. She has a wonderful aethestic and a lovely collection of goods.

I loved how Joke of Tokketok displayed her letterpressed cards in little paper bags. The ceramic tags were so elegant and reflected her simple yet sophisticated style. I think I'm going to nickname her the Belgian Beauty.

And last but definitely not least I was so happy to be reunited with Elly of Garment House. She is such a talented clothing designer, looks like a model and is one of the most down to earth people I know. I had so much fun hanging out with Elly + her sister Jenah [who is a talented photographer + baker extraordinaire].

There was so much talent and amazing goods in one room it was a bit overwhelming. I usually get shopping paralysis in those type of situations but I managed to bring home some sweet hair pins from Myra of Twigs & Honey, a boulder necklace from Monika of Favor Jewelry, letterpressed cards from Joke of Tokketok and a wool wrapped branch from Kenzie of Secret Pocket [I somehow managed to convince her to sell me the branch even though it really wasn't for sale].

A big thanks to Chelsea and Abby for making little winter market such an amazing experience. I'm already looking forward to next year! More of my little winter market photographs here.