I can’t help myself sometimes. I just have to see how things go together.

I buy makeup when there’s some free swag in the deal, and one day I got samples in a little zipper case. I wanted to see how hard these are to make, so I ripped apart one and recreated it into this version. I have to say, though, it wasn’t all that easy working vinyl in this way. I used clear thread and tried to get the fabric to run smoothly under the foot on my sewing machine. It didn’t go all that well. This is my first and last make up bag in using this type of pattern. Regardless, I am happy with the result and carry my on-the-go makup in this bag instead of the one I got at the counter.

On a recent trip to New York I was surprised to discover… not much. Now let me say before y’all get on me about not looking hard enough, that I go to New York to discover indie brands and crafters gone start-up. In Manhattan I was hard pressed to find the usual funky shops filled with hand-made goodies found nowhere else in the country. I wanted to see what the hipsters were up to, and while there were plenty of them hanging out and walking around, none seemed to be keeping shop in the city. After three days of scouring Soho, the Warehouse district, Chelsea, the West Village and everything in-between, I stopped a totally adorable 20-something who I secretly wanted to be and asked her where she shops. After explaining to me that no one can afford the rent in the city anymore, the place to find the goods is now out Brooklyn way. So, I hopped the next train under the East River to Brooklyn Flea, this awesome craft fair (pictured above and below) is held every Saturday at the corner of Lafayette and Vanderbilt Avenues.

I bought a bracelet made out of a old record album that was spraypainted and screenprinted (pic to come!), a few ceramics and a woven blanket. I was able to get most of my Christmas shopping done in one day too. After stocking up on crafts, I ran over to Grand Street (in Williamsburg, Brooklyn) to a shop called Bird.

Now we’re talking! This is what I came across the country to find: Groovy clothing, sweet shoes (check out that one on the table!) and great design everywhere you turn. I was charmed by the sign overhead, the little details including fun paper masks and scarves I couldn’t live without. Inside and out, this place is my new fav. Walking around more I discovered life:curated (another favorite!) where I bought the coolest tea towels, a fine cashmere wrap on sale, and several gorgeous letterpress cards. By this time we were hungry and thristy ~ time for dinner…

Friends who recently moved to Brooklyn met us out at Calexico, a quick cab ride from Grand Street. The place was packed and for good reason. This modern taqueria serves fresh food, tasty margs and stocks a cool bunch of peeps. We sat at a large table near the window and enjoyed the last few hours of a great day of discovery.

It has been a dream of mine for ages to hold weekly workshops in the Airstream. Finally all the planets are aligned and the season is here ~ Visit my Classes Page or email me for more information or to sign up ~ sarah@26-letters.com. See you Tuesday!

pictured above, felt wallets that will be on sale this Season

I was recently invited to sell my work at “Fall Fling In the Garden”, an exclusive arts and crafts sale at a private home in the Pointe Hilton Community. This garden has been featured in Phoenix Home & Garden Magazine and this time of year it will be stunningly beautiful.

I am please to be included in this event and I hope all of you in the Phoenix area will come by. Here is the information:
When: Saturday October 30th, 9am-4pm
Where: The Pemberton Garden, 7846 N. Dreamy Draw Ln. Phoenix, AZ 85020

Read more about it here >>

ceramic vessels ~ flowers, of course

Not your typical Halloween decoration, I like this for its subtle reference to Edgar Allen Poe’s poem “The Raven.” I bought an old book and cut butterflies to add interest. Download a PDF of the the pattern for the Raven >>