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

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

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

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

Our first list was written by Kirsten Hardy. Kirsten has lived in Maine for the majority of her life, and on MDI for the past ten years. She got her BFA in ceramics but has since started a small sewing business, making clothing and accessories for babies, kids, adults and an eco-friendly home. She lives with her husband and two daughters in a house they built here in Bar Harbor. Here at Spruce & Gussy we carry a number of Kirsten's products; her colorful and festive picnic napkins are one of our most popular items. Here are some of Kirsten's favorite things:

Justin Rothshank's Poppy Mug

Photo by Jennifer Booher

"Having received my BFA in ceramics, I still always have my eyes open for amazing handmade pottery. I love the fluid lines of the mug as well as the bold image of the poppy. And it would hold plenty of coffee. I'd probably have to keep this for myself. "

Birthstone & Initial Charm Necklaces by posy studio

"This is a gorgeous gift for any woman on your list. There are so many ways to customize this with spouse's initials, children's birthstones, and your choice of chain."

Canvas & Organic Cotton Storage Totes by 3 Sprouts

"My kids need these. We never seem to have enough storage containers for doll clothes, tights, Legos, laundry, etc. These would be totally functional and still look really cute."

Fringed Mohair Throw by Merben

"These are simple, beautiful, and versatile. One of these would be beautiful on the foot of a bed or hung on the back of a favorite chair. Super snuggly and cozy, with amazing colors. I would love to get this for a sister or close friend. Someone who would appreciate the softness and warmth."

Business Card Holder by InBlue

Photo by Jennifer Booher

"This one is for my hubby the architect. I like the simplicity of the stitched leather and monochromatic stamped image. My husband always has business cards with him and this is an easy way to keep them separate and intact."

Isla Leaf Jewelry by Tegan Curry

"I have a few pairs of Tegan's earrings that I wear all the time. I need a necklace to wear with scoopy tanks in the summer, or a ring to wear in the winter. Her elegant designs instantly dress up a simple outfit."

"Early Morning" framed print by Jennifer Judd-Mcgee

"Any Mainer would appreciate the quaintness of this image. The frame adds rustic charm and makes it ready to be hung. I love the way the sky, ocean, and land all have their own pattern details." 

Many thanks to Kirsten for taking the time to make this list for us. Stay tuned for more gift lists by local friends of Spruce & Gussy.

In the meantime, don't forget to head downtown for the Village Holiday Celebration & Midnight Madness, which happens this Friday night, December 2, beginning at 5 p.m. when Santa arrives at the Village Green to light the tree in the gazebo. From 5:30 until 7 at the YMCA there will be lots of fun activities for kids, including horse & carriage rides, pictures with Santa, and craft projects. We'll be there with a Spruce & Gussy table, making gift tag bookmarks with the kids, so stop by and have some cocoa and say hi! From 8 p.m. until midnight is the town-wide Midnight Madness sale for those of us who might think 6 a.m. an uncivilized time for a sale. Here at Spruce & Gussy we'll be offering 10-50% off most of the store, festive Champagne punch, and snacks both sweet and savory, including Michelle's fantastic smoked salmon dip and Patti's homemade gluten free brownies. Very civilized, indeed.

We've got most of the plans in place for the Bizarre Bazaar, which we'll tell you about this weekend. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more info about the event. 

Happy Holiday season!

–Patti

We had coffee and homemade breakfast treats, and a storewide sale of 25% off. Michelle, Abby and I were all in our pjs, and so were most of the people who came through the door, such as these lovely ladies in their bright and cheerful robes. 

So cheerful! They must be morning people…

The bed races were exceptionally spirited this year. Though our next-door neighbor Leary's Landing didn't win, I admired the their no-nonsense bed. 

The practical Irish approach to a bed race

Michelle hadn't really slept the night before, so by 10 a.m. she was a little goofy. Well, actually, she was pretty goofy at 5 a.m., too. Here she is modeling one of our new Christmas decorations.

Our own Spruce & Gussy holiday gnome

If you missed all the fun this time around, be sure to join us for one of our other events in the next few weeks that will be both fun and economical. The first is Small Business Saturday, which happens on November 26, Thanksgiving weekend. If you are an American Express cardholder, register on their site, and spend $25 at a small business on that Saturday, they will give you a $25 statement credit. Free money! We accept Amex at Spruce & Gussy, so a purchase of at least $25 here on that day will get you that $25 back. In addition, the Bar Harbor Merchant Association is doing a drawing for another $25, this one a gift certificate that can be used at any participating BHMA member business, which is most of the town at this point in the year. All you have to do is stop by a participating business and make a purchase on Small Business Saturday, and you'll be entered in the drawing. Another chance at free money! We'll have an in-store giveaway that day, too, so make a point of stopping by to enter for your chance to win something fun.

Soon after Small Business Saturday is the Annual Village Holidays and Midnight Madness celebration in Bar Harbor. Santa arrives around 5 p.m. on Friday, December 2nd to light the tree in the Village Green, and then there are bunches of fun events for kids down at the YMCA starting at 5:30. At 8 p.m., Midnight Madness starts, another town-wide sale event where you can get great deals on gifts and holiday accessories. Here at Spruce & Gussy we'll have 10-50% off, with most of the store discounted by 25%. Add in our holiday Champagne punch and some tasty snacks, and you really can't beat it. 

Stay tuned for information about the Bizarre Bazaar, our own in-store artisan fair that we host with Danielle over at Macey's. For more info about any of these events, please give us a call at 288.2454. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

–Patti

Autumn in Bar Harbor through the window at Spruce & Gussy

I remember writing a bit about this phenomenon last year. Michelle and I weren't really prepared for just how drastic the change would be in our little shop, nor for how abrupt. So we spent a good deal of time in late October and early November staring out the window, twiddling our thumbs, and worrying. This year we vowed to cut that time down to two days each, tops. I don't know about Michelle, but I'm going to spread my allotment out over the next few days, focus in the morning and stare vacantly into space in the afternoon. Or vice versa. Take my sweet time getting out of my own way.

To that end, I have spent a fair number of hours clicking mindlessly around Facebook. Nobody seems to be up to much of anything at all, or perhaps I'm just projecting. And then I've made myself step away from the computer, and I have gotten busy. I've knit a scarf using a pattern I wrote to give out with the purchase of a skein of Manos yarn, and I've started knitting another that will be for sale. I've finished setting a couple of stones, including an opal in a pendant and an amazonite in a ring. And I've started the metalwork for an order I'll be shipping off to the Portland Museum of Art gift shop. Yep, I've got to admit that this last one is pretty exciting. 

Scarf, opal pendant, and amazonite ring, a few of my fall projects

So we've got a couple weeks of down time, but we both have projects to work on. And before we know it, the holiday season will be upon us. The date for the town-wide Early Bird Sale has been moved up a week, so it will be on November 12 this year. That's less than 2 weeks away! We'll have plenty to do to get ready for the sale, and for Midnight Madness and the Bizarre Bazaar shortly afterward. You know we don't like to go too long without a party, so thank goodness for these events and the chance they give us to bring out the yummy and festive Champagne punch we debuted on Fashion Night Out. 

A little less craziness in the day to day operation of the store means that I should have a little more time to write and let you know what's going on in the world of Spruce & Gussy. But I've said that before and been wrong, so I won't make any promises.

Oh, by the way, we're closed Mondays now. We'll be open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm from now until Christmas. 

–Patti

Life has been so full of events like these, and the beginning of school with the mayhem that tends to bring, that I haven't been farther from the shop than Cottage Street in weeks. So imagine my surprise when I found myself with a free half hour one afternoon this week and wandered down Main to see this. 

Like everyone in town, I knew this was happening. But there is something about actually seeing it that makes it much more real. Bye bye Quarterdeck, hello hotel. Odd. And then I turned from that spectacle and walked the shore path to see this one. Again, I am well aware that there are cruise ships in our harbor almost every day in September and October. And I know that they are big. But holy moly! That thing is the same size as the Porcupine Islands! Wow.

Well, back to Spruce & Gussy. We are gearing up for another event, this time starring the incomparable Susan Fleming. As you probably know, we've been carrying Sue's work since we opened. Primarily her chiyogami work, which is her simple and elegant silver settings with Japanese silk-screened paper and resin. Colorful and classic, it is a very popular line.

We also carry her newer work, which features fine silver, sterling and gold, mixed together and sometimes sprinkled with tiny diamonds. Like Sue's other work, the effect is modern yet classic. Sue was an MDI resident for many years. She and I worked together slinging drinks til all hours of the night (and into the morning) at the Lompoc, and she also worked for Sam Shaw in Northeast Harbor. She moved her sweet self and her talent out to Jackson, Wyoming a while ago now, and those of us on the island who know her have been missing her ever since. So this show is extra special for Spruce & Gussy, because it will be a reunion of sorts as well. And this might be a secret, so shhhh! But Sue will also celebrate a special birthday here this week, so stop by to wish her a happy one. 

As always, there will be beverages, sparkly and non, alcoholic and non. There will be snacks and fun music and lots of wonderful people. It all happens Saturday, September 17, from 3-9 pm. Please stop by and join us. 

–Patti

Yes, here we are. August. For most of the US population it is a month of downtime; closed schools and offices, barbeque parties and beaches to attend, the lazy hazy days of summer. For those of us who live in Bar Harbor, it is a time of heightened chaos. Even those of us who don't rely on the tourist trade for our income cannot avoid the long lines on the roads and in the grocery store, the crowded sidewalks and the slightly frantic feeling that pervades the air.

Ah, August. Operating on the principle that if you can't beat it, you should join it, we've decided to throw a party! Shocking, I know. Seems like I'm always telling you about another reason we've come up with to eat, drink and make merry. This time we've invited a couple of our favorite artists here for a special show. One of the wonderful things about living in Maine is that it is a state full of talented artisans. Two of them will be here at Spruce & Gussy this weekend.

Autumn Soares of Four Little Owls sews up the prettiest handbags, totes and messenger bags you ever did see. With inspired combinations of silky, soft leather and fun, bright fabrics, every bag is one-of-a-kind, which to me seems priceless in this cookie-cutter world. And you can have one of your own at a very reasonable price. Autumn lives right here on MDI with her four little owls, aged 1 to 8, and her husband.

Jennifer Atkins Lisa of Quench Metalworks is an extremely talented jeweler. She works with sterling silver, gold, gemstones and vintage buttons to create unique and extraordinary heirloom quality pieces. She is sure to be bringing a fabulous selection from her multi-faceted collection. Jen lives near Augusta with her daughter, husband, dog and chickens.

This month's party happens Saturday, August 20^th, between 3 and 9 pm. Please stop by to say hi, have a sip and a snack, and to support your local artisans. Fabulous personal accessories that support your local economy and free wine. What could be better?

–Patti

We have a good time redoing the windows, but it can definitely be a lengthy process. Just taking the last display apart takes a lot of time and energy, and then there is putting it back together. The 4th of July is a slightly challenging holiday for us, because we don't have a lot of red, white or blue in our store, being more orange, green and purple kinda girls. But we're always up for a decorating challenge.

Our window will feature American made goods, one thing we have in ample supply here at Spruce & Gussy. I remember taking my son to buy a little flag to wave during the parade a few years back, and finding only Chinese-made American flags. The irony was too much for me, and we skipped the flag that year. This time around we'll have American made flags and our own tribute to the flag, a banner stitched by us right here Spruce & Gussy. 

You probably know all about the plethora of fun things there are to do in Bar Harbor on the 4th; if you don't, check out the schedule at the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce. One special addition this year is a raffle sponsored by the Bar Harbor Merchant's Association.  Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Maine Seacoast Mission, and the BHMA's Community Service Events. The grand prize is a beautiful bike, a Raleigh SC2000 Ladies Comfort. The two other prizes are no less grand, if you ask us, gift certificate packages for area merchants worth almost $500 each. We'll both be entering for sure. You can get more info at the above link, or stop by the booth down at the ballfield on the 4th. 

Happy Independence Day from festive downtown Bar Harbor. Hope to see you at the fireworks! 

–Patti