My long weekend at Squam was wonderfully relaxing. Starting with the car ride up with Cal I spent my days talking and laughing and playing, experimenting, learning, making messes, trying new techniques, sharing stories, hearing stories.  Being in that environment made me feel so carefree and light, as if I was a child again, my “adult” responsibilities and worries nothing but a memory.

I adored all three of my classes with my fantastic teachers Diana Fayt, Alena Hennessey and Shari Altman (who also happened to be one of my cabin mates).

And now, a week after I have been back, I still hold a bit of Squam with me, the peace and quiet of my mornings on the dock drinking coffee, the warmth and fun of my nights spent huddled around the fire with the two best cabinmates I could ask for, a small feeling of tranquility and peace that I owe in part to my experiences there.  I can’t wait to go back next year.

This Wednesday morning I’ll be getting up early and heading up north for three days of classes at Squam Art Workshops.  I’m excited and nervous and thrilled and curious.

My friend Cal and I are carpooling.  It’s a five hour drive and I think we’re both grateful for the company.  She’ll be teaching a class at Squam called Unconventional Embroidery.  Doesn’t that sound fun?

I will be back next week with photos and stories to share.

image by Jen Gray via Squam

This was totally one of those “how have I not seen your work before” moments when I came across the shop of Yellena James. Honestly, stop reading this post and go take a look for yourself. Amazing!

Yellena is an artist and illustrator from Portland, OR. Her work is filled with color and movement. I love the organic shapes and how each piece has a real sense of depth.I had a hard time picking out just a few to show here. You can see more in her shop.

Giardino makes lovely handprinted items – tea towels, pillows, art prints, table cloths and more.  It was hard to choose just a few items to show here, you should really go over and take a look at her shop.

I just love that little “Suggest Shops” tab in the favorites section of Etsy.

More often than not I’ll come across a shop and think to myself “how have I not seen your work before?”

Given that Etsy is so large I think that even if I spent a few hours every day browsing I’d still miss tons and tons of amazing artists! So I’ve decided I’m going to take time once a week to write about a new shop that I’ve stumbled upon from my Suggested Shops.  Hopefully it will help you to find some new favorites as well :)

The first shop I’m spotlighting is Wapa, the work of Ady Shapira in Israel. Really beautiful ceramics, including vases, candle holders and even some gorgeous pendants.  I’m especially fond of the porcelain baskets, seen in the first and last photos below.

Let’s start with this gorgeous white linen dress by Larimeloom. So perfect for warm weather.

Then let’s add this adorable (and reversible!) gingham hat by the talented Cal Patch.

And then, to carry your snacks and a blanket this great woven tote by Tipico.

I’m loving these tie dyed pouches from Scout and Catalogue, particularly the dark inky coloring of the top one.

I’m excited to finally be offering up some of my fabrics at Spoonflower.

They’re a great company and I love how they’ve allowed anyone to be able to print their own fabric, something that would have been unheard of just a few years ago.

Love the Caldera bracelet from Stone & Honey.

Clockwise from top left: leather rope necklace, circle wrap bracelet, leather knot earrings, suede wrapped earrings, bronze sapphire choker, feather and stones necklace, rope and leather bracelet.