gathering spriggs

Blogging on the Road: Chicago Artists

Today, I am pleased to feature two artists whom I have followed for some time now and are both Chicago residents. So, in keeping with the Chicago theme this week, here is the work of Caitlin Holcomb of Nice and Liz Aldag. Along with their artwork I am also adding pics of their homes/work spaces to show you a little slice of their creative worlds.

Caitlin Holcomb - Nice, Etc...

Caitlin has been featured on numerous design blogs and shows regularly at Renegade Craft Shows. For more of her artwork, visit her etsy shop.

LIz Aldag

Liz's home was recently featured on Apartment Therapy. You can view more images of her home here.

BOtR: Shops Around the Corner, Chicago

Better late than never, here is your weekly "Shop Around the Corner" segment, Chicago style. I have a long list of Chicago favorites, but here are a few faves from the Windy City.

First stop, North Broadway, " Haystack Vintage.

This shop features a wonderfully quirky array of apparel, jewelry and vintage furniture (even bikes.)

Check out their online store Haystack Vintage.

Next stop Andersonville. Our favorite neighborhood that we have watched blossom over the last few years with a variety of antique stores, design, art galleries, restaurants, etc..

Room Service is a vintage home goods store with a modern twist.

White Attic, also a must for the vintage home decor shopper. This shop refurbishes or upcycles vintage furniture and makes them new and fresh. They also feature a lamp gallery of new and remade vintage lamps.

And then there is Two-Sided, a fun little stationary shop with a vintage vibe and fun little bits of decor for home too.

Thanks for your patience with me this week as I hunt for free Wi-Fi across the city. Signing off from the Windy City, Heather.

Blogging on the Road: Chicago, Day 1

Its been a full day and we still have dinner and a live jazz show on the schedule for tonight, so here is a a little sampling in photos of Day 1 , Chicago.

Brunch at a wonderful Austrian coffee shop, Julius Mienl

Inside Anthropologie on Southport.

Me and my Hellcat Vintage handbag waiting for my husband at Dusty Groove.

The Mexican Shop in Evanston

Secret Treasures Antique store in Evanston. Notice the Aqua coffee pot. Its no longer there and is residing in my suitcase. If I can part with it, it will be listed in Gathering Vintage.

Blogging On The Road: First stop, Louisville! (The Makery)

If you have not already heard of this famed handmade goods shop (via Domino magazine)in the heart of Louisville, KY, then allow me to introduce you.  Meet The Makery! -the creative brainchild of Melissa Liptrap. 

Melissa has nurtured this two and half year old store from its meager beginnings of only 30 artists represented to its now 120+ . I had the pleasure of meeting Melissa this week on our sojourn from Nashville to Chicago and she is passionate about her work at the Makery.  An artist herself, Melissa is the sole force working endlessly to maintain, promote and merchandise her indie handgoods store. (She creates her own line of products under the name Dearest Inez)

The artists represented range from famed Kathleen Lolley and Pinecone+Chickadee to up and coming artists from the surrounding area.  The Makery features a broad spectrum of handmade products including stationary, body care, t shirts, a children's section, jewelry, original art, and altered vintage clothing. And Melissa can tell you something about everyone of them! 

So if you are ever in Louisville,KY , I highly recommend a stop in to say hi to Melissa at the Makery. But even if you can't see her in person, check The Makery website which will also take you to the represented artists etsy shops or homepage.

Next stop, Chi-town!

Blogging On The Road

Friends, my husband and I are on our way to Chicago this week and in turn I will feature Chicago themed posts from the Windy City.  If you haven't noticed before now, Chicago is our favorite US city and is an easy drive from Nashville so we travel several times a year.  For now, here is a little archive...

Twigs and Honey

I'm amazed at the beautiful offerings for brides today. I so wish I had one of these when we were married (6 years ago this week). So in honor of our anniversary, some loveliness for brides today from Twigs and Honey.

Myra also authors a blog just as beautiful as her creations.

Rooms in Bloom

Do you ever have a rainy day to go through old books on your bookshelf? Its one of my favorite things to do with a cup of tea in hand. My collection includes used book store decorating books even if a few years old. There were some books I originally missed out on when published. But with timeless rooms decorated with floral themes, you can always find inspiration. Its worth a second look. So,here are my picks. 

Grand Opening Gathering Vintage

Hope you are having an enjoyable and relaxing weekend! You may have noticed a new Etsy shop in the sidebar, so officially let me introduce Gathering Vintage. This is an extension of Gathering Spriggs etsy shop but reserved exclusively for our vintage treasures. Along with making art, Eve and I love to gather vintage items for our personal collections and now we have a special place to share them with you.

Be on the lookout for new items in the next week or two as we have a flea market and Chicago buying trip coming up this week.

Shop Around the Corner: "Enid"

You are in for a treat today! So travel to historic Frecericksburg, TX with me to visit Enid, lifestyle shop of founder Lara Collins Bobo and her husband Tim Bobo.  This artistic duo have created a colorful, eclectic emporium of handmade creations (including their own).  Upon visiting Enid you will find everything from throw pillows, to beauty balms and nearly everything in between for home and body. 

Lara comes from a long history of creative talent. As daughter of notable Texas jewelry designer, Jeep Collins, and granddaughter of handbag designer, Enid Collins,(namesake of the store), Lara creates her own jewelry line.  For more on the story of this legendary family, read about it here.

Lara and Tim support up and coming artisans, offer refurbished vintage housewares and support a local handmade eco friendly shopping experience. 

Visit the online shop which offers a huge array of featured items. Right now, Enid has a shipping special.  For a limited time they are  offering a flat rate of $8 for anything, shipped anywhere in the contiguous United States! What a steal!

 

Bringing the Outdoors In

Don't you love this time of year? Spring is in full bloom. Plush peonies, fragrant roses, and lush hydrangeas...

So I've been brainstorming ways to bring some of this beauty indoors for someone like me without a green thumb of her own. Here is a smattering of artful photography of all the blooms I would love in my home.

Elle Moss (Shop and Blog)

Hello Lolla

Shaded Memories

Le Petite Alice

Blissful Images (shop and blog)