Despite the fact that it is winter, and very quiet here on Mount Desert Island, the past few weeks have been pretty full for us. The busiest and most eventful few days were spent in New York City. This was the third year that Michelle and I have attended the New York International Gift Fair in January.

The lobby of the Javits Center. Too bad they couldn't put a few of these windows in the showrooms.

This is a huge trade show, held at the Javits Center. There is a big section of handmade goods, with booths often manned by the actual makers of the products. This is our favorite section, of course. We also enjoy the sections that highlight design and studio work. And then there are miles of junk. I'm not exaggerating. Much. It definitely feels like miles.

We're excited to get some new styles from Whimsy Lighting, including these pendant lights.

We love Cate & Levi's upcycled style, and can't wait to get in their new people puppets.

While both Michelle and I very much enjoy this trip, it tends to be completely exhausting. Working in this man-made environment (dry air, no windows, intense artificial light) is draining. After spending four 8 hour days walking, appraising, making decisions, and carrying heavy bags, we are pretty done for.

Meet Adam. He's a cool little metal man that you can find at Spruce & Gussy come summer.

But it is very exciting to find great new products for the store, to meet some of the people that make the fun items we sell, and to be in the city. It is exhilarating to walk the city streets after months in our remote island home.

Nighttime in the city.

This year we had a fabulously unstressful dinner at Cookshop with our friend, Susan Fleming, and an equally lovely dinner with our hosts, my brother-in-law and his fiancée, at Chez Lucienne. Unfortunately, our other meals aren't usually so delightful, as we tend to eat energy bars and coffee for breakfast while walking to or from the subway, and lunch in the uninspired Javits Center food court. But the dinners, and accompanying cocktails, definitely alleviate most of our pain.

It took us both a few days to recover after we returned home, which happily coincided with finally getting some great skating ice on the ponds.

Ice fishing palace. 

I absolutely love to skate. I've been skating on Maine pond ice since I was about 5 years old, and nothing makes me feel so young again as gliding over the ice in cold, clear air. And as you can imagine, Mount Desert Island makes a lovely setting.

Now that's some fantastic skating ice.

These photos were taken one afternoon on Eagle Lake, and I also skated there the next morning. And one day after school until the moon rose on Hamilton Pond. And a few times on our own little tiny pond. It hasn't been a very wintry winter here this year, so I feel very grateful to have had these few days on the ice. 

One of the other things keeping us busy this winter are instructional workshops here at the shop. We're halfway through the first, a beginning knitting workshop for kids, and have another beginning soon for adults. I'll tell you more about this bit of winter fun in the next post.

–Patti

A very common question from folks visiting MDI in the summer ask is "What do you DO here in the winter?" The answer, of course, is different for everyone who chooses to make this island their year-round home. For Michelle and I, winter gives us a chance to pick up the pieces that get scattered over the summer and to prepare for the next. It also gives us a chance to rest and relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. We spend a lot of time knitting and soldering and sewing. We have a knitting group that meets once a week and a book club that meets once a month. We have small dinner parties and walks in Acadia. And we get to go on field trips!

We went on one of these field trips this past Monday. The two of us together with our friend Jen (who owns ImprovAcadia with her husband Larrance) drove down the coast a little over an hour to Belfast. We've made this trip at least once a winter for years now, in part because we love to visit Heavenly Socks, which is a lovely little yarn store right on Main Street.

Helen, the owner, is energetic and enthusiastic and very, very good at stocking her store with yarns you simply must have. It is not a very large space, but every inch is put to good use. Unfortunately, I'm not much of a photographer, and all the photos I took of it came out blurry, but you can find out more here. Well worth a stop if you are passing through and love to knit or crochet.

On this trip, we found another reason to love Belfast: Fiddlehead Artisan Supply, located on High Street, just a couple doors down from the movie theater and next door to Darby's restaurant. What a gorgeous shop!

Fiddlehead offers loads of fabric, much of which we hadn't seen before. We were particularly drawn to these Lotta Jansdotter prints. 

But it isn't just fabric. There are paints and pencils and calligraphy sets. There are felting needles and fiber. There is embroidery floss and embroidery patterns. And books. Many, many lovely and informative books. I could not resist one with directions for needle felting an entire barnyard full of animals, complete with the farmers. 

The space itself is beautiful, and everywhere you look there is another source of inspiration. Cute little skirts! Intricate quilts! Bright, bold blocks of color! It is a crafter's dream store. 

As if those two shops aren't enough, Belfast also has a really great co-op, and a number of other cute shops. Another favorite stop of ours is Chase's Daily, for lunch.

This photo doesn't do it justice. It is a vegetarian restaurant, though I never notice the lack of meat. There are too many tasty options to feel like I'm missing anything. A plate of sauteed greens with a glass of French wine, a sandwich on hearty bread baked on premise and a chocolate chunk cherry cookie with coffee to finish. Heaven. 

We met Jen of Quench Metalworks at Chase's, and picked up some more of her gorgeous work, so be sure to stop by the shop and see what we brought home. We're open Wednesday through Saturday these days, from 10 am til 5 pm. Our next scheduled field trip is NYC. It's a lot more work than the Belfast trip, because we'll be at a trade show for days. But it's also lots of fun, and we'll be sure to take plenty of photos and tell you about all of the fun new things we find to bring home to Maine. 

–Patti

Our final installment of our favorite things comes from Cali Sauer. Cali calls both Philly and Maine home, and loves anything that combines the cultures and styles of both. When she's not serving coffee or yummy pastries at the Morning Glory, you can find her at home with her baby farm of 2 rabbits and 5 cats, occasionally fixing her old Dodge, or in the woods hunting deer. We love Cali's independent and youthful style. Here are a few of her favorite things here at Spruce & Gussy.

Notecards by various artists

"Any set of notecards, there are so many to choose from. They are a great way to keep in touch with friends from away. Who doesn't love a random 'hello, how are you?' via the good old-fashioned way?"

Leatherbound notebooks or wallets by In Blue

"You can pretty much find one with the right print for just about anyone you love."

Earrings by Susan Fleming

"Simple and elegant."

Yarn by Manos del Uruguay

"Beautiful, intense colors with a good feel. A great gift for any of my knitter ladyfriends so they can make wonderful gifts for others. And your gift keeps giving."

Books by various authors

"Whether its topic is homesteading or cooking or a different kind of childrens' book like those by Edward Gorey, they are all the style of book I'd like on my shelf."

Felted Mushrooms by Roost

"Just a fun decoration for your couch or to hang up."

Jewelry by Quench Metalworks

"Some of the most beautiful jewelry around. Using gorgeous vintage buttons, colored thread and old glass watch covers, the perfect blend of old and new."

Thanks to Cali for sharing some of her favorite things with us. We are open every day except Monday, 10 am til 6 pm. We'll be closing at 4 pm on Christmas and New Year's Eves, and will be closed both Christmas and New Year's Day. After the beginning of the year we'll be open four days a week, Wednesday through Saturday. 

Oh, and by the way, Christmas is one week from today. In case you'd forgotten. As if. 

–Patti

As promised, here is a special edition of our Favorite Things feature. Here you'll find some of our favorite picks from the artists that you will find at the Bizarre Bazaar this weekend at Macey's and Spruce & Gussy. 

Button Pendants by Quench Metalworks

Sweet and adorable little button pendants by Maine jeweler Jennifer Atkins Lisa. She offers matching earrings, as well, and the prices are equally fabulous. I can't think of a woman or girl on my list for whom these wouldn't be the perfect gift. Jen will have a wide array of her jewelry, including more vintage button pieces, embroidery under watch crystals, and gemstones. Jen will be at Spruce & Gussy.

Photographs & Cards by Quercus Design

Jennifer Booher creates the most beautiful arrangements of found objects, crystal clear photos of beach debris, autumn leaves, and toys, amongst other things. She'll have prints of various sizes, some framed and some not, as well as her cards. Jenn will be at Spruce & Gussy.

Rumi Necklace by Heather Murray

This simple and lovely piece is sterling silver and 22kt gold and has a quote from the poet Rumi engraved on the front that reads:  "Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do". Heather's handcrafted jewelry is inspired by her passion for yoga and the natural world.  Heather will be at Macey's.

"Unwavering" Print by Swallowfield

Jennifer Judd Mcgee works in many mediums to create her delicate and intricate art. This is an 8×8 giclee print of an original papercut. She'll have original papercuts, drawings, and collages here this weekend, as well as cards, tea towels and the cutest little gift tags. Jen will be at Spruce & Gussy.

Isla Leaf Necklace by Tegan Curry

This necklace is from Tegan's latest line of jewelry. This line features the textured leaf patterns set with sparkly cubic zirconia. She offers a wide array of beautiful handmade pieces in other styles as well. Tegan will be at Macey's.

Bubble Earrings by Red Hammer Metalworks

These earrings are simple and fun, like most of Carrie's work. She also offers elegant designs with pearls and other gemstones. Carrie will be at Spruce & Gussy.

Bar Harbor Boa by Baby Bear Fleece

Erin Leonardi stitches up these funky, fashionable and fun scarves out of cozy warm fleece. She'll have a wide array of colors, as well as hand-made doll clothes. Erin will be at Macey's.

Felted Trees & Gnomes by Eden Fiber Arts and posy studio

Michelle and I have been working on these little holiday decorations, all made from wool felt. In addition to these, we'll have cards, caramels and toffee, soap, felt ornaments and just a few of Michelle's awesome animals. You can find these at Spruce & Gussy.

In addition to work by these artists, you will find jewelry by Nancy D'Agostino & Scott Halstine, handbags & accessories by Kathy Johnson, and handbags, hats and jewelry by Julie Havener. All three of these artists will be at Macey's. All this plus snacks, beverages and storewide sales at both locations. Come by Friday from 11 to 6, or Saturday from 10 to 6. 

See you then!

–Patti

Thanks to everyone who came out despite the nasty weather to enjoy a festive evening and great deals in Bar Harbor this past Friday. Now that we have recovered from Midnight Madness (mostly), it's time to focus our attention on the Bizarre Bazaar and the rest of the holiday season.

Let's start with a few more favorite things, this time those of Linda Rowell-Kelley, a local artist, mother of three and grandmother of 5. Linda paints a wide array of subjects, from flowers to scenes on Monhegan Island to funky people. You can find out more about her art here. Of Spruce & Gussy, she says "The thing I like most is that there's always something new to look at. It's fun to bring in a friend who hasn't been before and get gift ideas. I find myself coming back to pick up that special something that will be just the right gift."

Le Groovy Art Scarf by Caron Miller

"I have several, and love the way they wrap around and dress up an outfit."

Pink Felted Pig by Merben

Photo by Jennifer Booher

"Who wouldn't want this?"

Custom Family Pillow by K Studio

Photo by Jennifer Booher

"I love all the pillows at Spruce & Gussy, especially these with family and pets that are made to order with your choice of embroidered figures."

Tote Bag by Four Little Owls

Photo by Jennifer Booher

"So soft and smells good, too. This one's for me."

Zipper Pull Necklace by Rosemary Matchak

"Very cool and fun, a great gift for someone."

Mother & Daughter Necklaces by Mark Poulin

"My daughter told me she'd like one of these."

A big thank you to Linda for coming by to make her list. By the way, it's a great time to come by and start your own wish list, or to update the one you already have. 

Next up for us is the Bizarre Bazaar, our in-store artisan fair that we host along with Danielle over at Macey's. Here at Spruce & Gussy you'll find five very talented artists. Jennifer Judd-Mcgee of Swallowfield will be here with her original art, prints, cards and tea towels. Caroline Cross of Red Hammer Metalworks will be here with her bubbly sterling and gemstone jewelry. Jennifer Booher of Quercus Design will have her stunning photographic prints and cards. Jennifer Atkins Lisa of Quench Metalworks will have her lovely sterling and gold jewelry, set with vintage buttons, embroidery, and gemstones. And Jenny Nelson of Wylde Photography will have her unique photo cards and handmade body care products. In addition, Sassafrass Truffles are returning, a very tasty and pretty treat for any stocking. Michelle and I are also going to have a small table, since we've been missing being on the craft fair circuit. Michelle is making the most adorable felted trees, and will have a few of her stuffed animals, and I'll be making sea salt caramels and toffee, and goat's milk soap. Stay tuned for an update on the artists that you can find over at Macey's this Friday and Saturday, December 9 and 10. We'll open at 11 on Friday, 10 on Saturday, and be open until 6 p.m. both days. Did we mention that there will be storewide sales at both locations? And, as always, there will be hors d'oeuvres and wine. Of course. 

–Patti