Modish Guest Blog

a super handmade collection - portland's edith and edna

i'm wrapping my guest blogging stint up today with a final post about one of my favorite places in portland to find handmade goodies.

edith and edna on exchange street in the old port is a bright and cheerful space full of local and web-favorite handmade items.

local favorites include bobbin bags and clothing by betsy scheintaub, milo in maine adult + kids shirts, lulubeans yarns, buttons by pixiegenne, handmade baby clothes + bags by soulemama, pinecone + chickadee shirts and papergoods, sewn goodies and mixed media collage by betsy thompson, and much more.

they also carry  dovetail ceramics (a personal favorite of mine - i love the square mugs,) collages and owls by leya at curious bird, nikki mcclure prints and calendars, walter and veronica scarves (i got one for christmas and haven't taken it off since. really) and cd cases, lovely stuff from alena hennessy, wonderful books from if'n books + marks, a wide selection of craft books, and tons more.

my pictures are a bit dark because it was a rainy day when i visited, but i bet you can get a sense of how wonderful the shop is. most definitely worth a visit next time you're in portland!  thanks to shop owners brandie and julie for letting me come by and snap some pictures.

i've had a great time guest blogging this week, and i hope i've given you all a good sense of what a great town the east coast portland is. i didn't come close to covering everything here, but i've tried to show you a good smattering!
thanks so much to jena for inviting me to make these posts this week.
cheers, jen

Five under Ten

Tis the season for holiday parties, a little too much imbibing and the need for quick and easy gifts, no?  So here you go: My top 5 under $10.  The best part about all of these?  Their affordable enough you can buy one for them and one for you!

Jaime Zollars is a-okay in my book, her silkscreens are amazing in person and her subjects are a smidgen of fantasy and a hefty emphasis on beauty.  Ask for Underwater Circus for yourself, and load up on the Sampler's collaborative print, perfect for a hostess gifts on the fly.  A mere $7!!

The Small Object's Mighty Tin Can comes in right at $10, but I don't think you could find a cuter way to package up an assortment of holiday sweets.  Much cuter than a paper plate, this tin is a sure fire holiday keeper.

 

Heyday Fashion paired up with Crafters for Critters to make a DIY knitting needle kit. $10! And, even better, you support handmade, while the proceeds go to a variety of organizations that help animals in need!  After you buy, you're more than welcome to pat yourself on the back for a long long time with all the good you'll be doing by supporting this shop!

Paula Weigel of Plays With Mud (NC Crafty ladies represent!!) makes affordable ceramics intended for everyday use.  The pictures on her site are beautiful, but let me tell you, you can't appreciate her work until you hold it.  Delicate in appearance but durable, she offers Wee Bowls individually or as a set ($8 for 1, $22 for 4) BUT the Hand stamped Wee Tray just might be the best bargain you'll find this year for a mere $6!

There is nothing hotter on the design scene right now with typography.  A little something for the designer on your list?  $5 CAD, this little notepad is made up of print job offcuts and found sign pieces and absolutely eco-awesome! Available from Uppercase Gallery.