Online:

Among my favorite design blogs is the Canadian based Poppytalk written by the lovely Jan Halvarson - and the sister site Poppytalk Handmade which operates like an online street market featuring the “handmade goods of emerging design talent from around the world.” The beautifully curated mix of goods is addictive and I want to make certain you know about their summer-themed market “Here Comes the Sun!” which launches today and runs through July 4th.

Brick & Mortar:

Friday evening marked the grand opening of Sweetpeas new location on Abbott Kinney Blvd. in Venice, CA - an amazing and eclectic street with great shops, restaurants, books stores, design studios and coffee shops. Owner Mary Smilove scored one of the few remaining arts and crafts style bungalows for her craft and paper emporium, that now architecturally echoes her vintage flair and thoughtfully curated selection of goods.

And something for you Southern California locals to keep in mind - Mary throws a brilliant party and part of her business is hosting events, so if you’re scouting an über charming location for a baby/wedding shower, afternoon tea or crafty birthday party treat yourself to a Venice pilgrimage and pay a visit. 1507 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291, 310/490-0434.

And I’m exceptionally excited about Sweetpeas’ new home as it will also serve as the location for my upcoming craft workshops! The bungalow dining room has been designated the official classroom and is the perfect scale for family style crafting around a big table.

My first class is this coming Saturday, June 14th and I’ve been hard at working compiling really beautiful class kits for our hands-on tutorial reworking the vintage craft of clothespin dolls. There are a few remaining spots available, so if you’d like to join us from 11 - 2 for crafting and cupcakes, please call the store at 310/490-0434 to register. Upcoming workshops will be announced shortly.

Below are examples of dolls I’ve created and that attendees with be learning to make.

This post contains essential information towards obtaining your Club Meeting merit badge. Leave a comment on this post or a question for the Grand Poobah below, or trackback from your own site.