Springtime in the Market

Today, I'm taking you to a popular spot in New York City.

Friends, welcome to Union Square! It's a park, a gathering place, an area where events and even protests are staged, and on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the Union Square Farmer's Market is open. 

The tents are filled with locally grown produce. 

There's also artwork for sale.

There are more vendors in the summer offering vibrant fruits and vegetables.

In autumn, the abundant goods match the colors of the season. 

During winter, leafy greens perfect for a stew, juicy red apples and cups of warm cider chase the frost away.

But in the spring, fragrant blooms are the star:

Don't these flowers instantly brighten your mood?

Have a lovely day!

Spring Fashion

Excuse me if we're not crafting this week. I've decided to spend my days outdoors and welcome spring with outstretched arms! But I'm sharing what I'm currently loving like fresh, spring fashion.

Uniqlo is one of my favorite shops. It's a Japanese brand boasting wardrobe classics like crisp white shirts, blue jeans, black trousers and trench coats. This spring, they've collaborated with Orla Kiely.

Yes, Orla Kiely! She's the Irish, London-based designer known for her use of bright colors and graphic patterns on clothes, bags, and paper goods. Miss Kiely has splattered her happy prints on Uniqlo's comfortable tops, dresses, and scarves. That means wardrobe additions that are cute and affordable. I'm like a screaming fan girl right now!

If you'll recall, she did a line with Target a few years ago. Groupies lapped up the merchandise. These are the only things I got:

         

A ceramic mug and plastic beverage glass in Miss Kiely's apples and pears print. 

Here are more items from the collection for Uniqlo, beautifully styled of course:

And on the racks: 

 Here's what I bought:

 The perfect spring scarf

I chose her beloved stem design.

It's archetypal Orla Kiely.

I love my new accessory and I love spring!

Spring's Arrival

Happy new week friends! It's officially spring (it arrived on the 20th) and I'm really basking in the lovely weather. Sure we had a mild winter, but the idea of shedding off the winter coat and boots thrills me to no end. A light cardigan and sandals now suffice. Yipee!

This week, I'll step out of the craft room and spend it outdoors. Don't worry, I'll leave a few early spring pictures. I hope they inspire you today.

Winter gloom... what a blah.

Spring awakenings are TADA!...

 

 

 

 

Have a nice day!

Sweets on Display

Hooray it's Friday! I hope you picked up a few ideas on how to set-up a bake sale. It's a wonderful community and fund raising activity. Here are a few more notes on displaying your baked goodies:

 

Bring out the cake stands from your cupboards to show off the yummy cookies you made.

 

If you don't own one, you can easily get them at department stores, but scoring it at a flea market is way more fun. Or you can do some blah-toTADA! by making your own.

It's nice to have one that's got a cloche cover. So nostalgic and keeps food fresh and protected.

Don't these cake stands remind you of desserts in a diner?

Baskets are also a great way to display your goods. Line them with parchment paper and group baked goods together. Don't forget to add some labels.

These provide a cohesive look but still has that homemade appeal.

A box made of plexiglass allows customers to see the products and the products in turn are kept safe from the elements. Large glass or plastic containers can work as an alternative.

You can even experiment on a fantasy set-up like this one. Just one of the many tables by Amy Atlas.

Oh by the way, it's TADA! if you prepare a master list that will include a few talking points (ex. who is the beneficiary of the bake sale and what are their thrusts) in case customers are curious about the cause. Also have a list of baked goods for sale, the ingredients of each (ex. do they have peanuts or eggs that allergy sufferers need to avoid?), and a price list. 

Now we're ready. I wish you a successful bake sale!

For more bake sale ideas, you make check out this site. Happy Weekend!

Bake Sale Packaging

Planning a bake sale is the week's topic and we've touched on items to sell, how to promote the event, and a few ideas on how to decorate the area.

Today, let's talk about packaging.

On the day of the sale, the baked goods are set out on trays, baskets or inside cookie jars as they wait to be purchased. I think it's always thoughtful to do a little blah-to-TADA!  For example: 

Re-use food packaging like fruit containers and plastic boxes (thoroughly clean them beforehand) to save you some cash.

Or if  buying brand new, consider the more eco-friendly option of paper boxes or reusable containers. 

Use paper bags or make some envelopes from tissue.

 

When people buy goodies by the piece, don't just hand them the truffle or cookie. Send them off with a paper napkin as well.

Or maybe you'd like to use fresh coffee filters?

Find inexpensive ones at the supermarket or dollar store.

Then tuck in the cookie or cupcake. TADA!

By the way, also have some paper bags in different sizes on hand...

...for those who want to buy multiple items and for clean-up later in the day.