The Renegade Craft Fair: Los Angeles

I caught a glimpse of heaven yesterday. Heaven, to me, comes in the form of over 200 incredibly talented and undeniably creative crafters, apparently. Los Angeles was happily invaded by the Renegade Craft Fair, and sponsored by my other true love, Etsy, I had to attend! In short... it knocked. my. socks. off. I was able to meet a few faces behind some very familiar names and I was introduced to a TON of new Etsy vendors that will probably be popping up in my upcoming As Seen on Etsy & Etsy Wedding posts. Luckily I had my resident photographer along with me to capture a few of my favorite {and wedding perfect} booths.

I made my first purchase at by belinda, who makes the sweetest hand embroidered cards for her Etsy shop (Perfect for thank you notes and bridesmaid gifts!). At the craft fair she was also selling scrap packs, which is what I purchased with all sorts of little scrapbooking goodies like ticket stubs, paper swatches and ribbon trimming. How could I resist?

Chandra Abel Designs had a booth that caught my eye. She was showcasing her sustainable terrariums, in all shapes and sizes, and all I could think about was a Palm Springs wedding with these as centerpieces. That is, centerpieces that don't get tossed in the trash after the wedding. Bonus!

These next few pictures are a little blurry (I pulled them from my Flip cam) but I just couldn't leave this booth out! I was so surprised and ecstatic to see Oh, Hello Friend, a blog I have long been following, with a booth of their own! I found these buttons and pocket mirrors and would love to see them used as placecards turned favors or goodies in a bridesmaid gift basket. 

I flipped over these place mats from i am dorkas! Hello outdoor picnic wedding! 

Ticings was a product I was longing to see in person. They are essentially edible stickers that you can slap on top of cupcakes, cookies and other confections for the perfect finishing touch. Guess what? They are even customizable!

The Poster List has been popping up at many events I've gone to this summer and I finally got the chance to purchase something! The prints are so original, one of the large ones would make a great guest book alternative, or buy several small ones to incorporate into your table numbers!

Yup, I had to include that Frenchie! But seriously, you have to, have to, have to see the rest of Sycamore Street Press's products, it was hard to resist all the letterpress awesomeness!

If you are so upset you missed it after seeing this post (or, if your so sad its over, like me), have no fear! The Renegade Craft Fair will be continuing its tour this summer and fall in San Francisco and Chicago! If you don't live in or near those cities, get those tickets booked or that road trip planned because you really cannot miss this!

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Wanna Know Why I Just Drove Across The Country?

I've been a little vague about the reasons for my cross-country trek last week, and I figured it was about time to fill all you in! I made the {temporary-for-now} move across the country for the opportunity to work with one of the people who I consider to be the best-of-the-best in the wedding biz-- Harmony Walton of The Bridal Bar! Yep, for the next couple of months I will be spending a good part of my time helping out and learning all I can at The Bridal Bar Los Angeles and I couldn't be more excited! Hopefully I'll get to share a few bits and pieces of my summer with you here but {in case I haven't convinced you yet}, follow me on Twitter for more updates from my LA wedding industry experiences!

P.S. Remember when I announced I would be launching a new inspirational Tumblr blog? Well, keep a look out as it should be debuting it's pretty self next week!

Have a fantastic long weekend, eat some delicious food and enjoy your Memorial Day!

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Notables: Food Trucks!

I'm back and now coming to you from beautiful, sunny Los Angeles for the next few months! If you followed my journey across the country via Twitter, you'll know that there was one thing I was more excited for than returning to my favorite city on the planet.... my favorite food on the planet: In-N-Out Burger! So for today, as I settle back in to my LA dwellings for awhile, I decided to incorporate my favorite burger (and a few other favorites) in a post about food trucks! Is there a better way to say farewell to your guests than with a scrumptious food truck parked outside? Everything from burgers and tacos to cupcakes and crepes, you can really customize this delicious treat to your liking and you'll be sure to find your guests thanking you too!

{The Best Burgers on Earth at Your Affair via Wedding Chicks}

{Treat Your Guests to Mobile Mexican Fare via Oh Joy Eats!}

{Strawberry & Nutella Crepes Anyone? from Crepes Bonaparte}

{Fro-Yo on the Go from Sweet Green}

{The Original Cupcake Bakery Comes to You}

{A Cupcake Trailer? Life Doesn't Get Much Better from Enjoy Cupcakes}

{A Perfectly Classic Ice Cream Truck via Green Wedding Shoes}

For those of you who aren't getting married, a lot of these trucks roam their hometowns when they aren't catering events! Be sure to check them out and see if they're in your city!

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly