Dreaming

Sorry, No New Posts Today = Come Back Wednesday June 17th for New Newer News :D

Few Crafty Crafters

The 5th Annual Renegade Craft Fair was last weekend at McCarren Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I went on Sunday with no intention of blogging about it, but I have to mention 3 crafters whose work I found particularly cute or charming!

The 1st is Zooguu handmade plush toys. I met Jen Gubicza, the owner and creator of these adorable round puffy animals. She began selling her stuffed toys on Etsy in 2006 under the name Sweetestpea. Her husband, Brian Gubicza, a freelance illustrator, is involved with developing character ideas & some of production.




Love this hedgehog! I noticed hedgehogs are giving birds, owls & cupcakes a run for their money ;) Actually, they may have already taken over as most popular character this year!

I find the roundness of these animals to be extremely appealing :D Take a look at Zooguu to see so much more, plus free downloads, games & more! Jen and Brian currently live & work in Brooklyn. She is also a freelance designer for Big Blue Dot specializing in "design & strategy for companies that care about kids."

Below is a sweet necklace by The Intuitive Garden Every piece is made by Candace, who I did not have a chance to talk to since she was quite busy with her customers. You can see her profile and read a fun interview with Candace on her Etsy shop. I was drawn to her jewelry for the color and careful, yet casual line work on pieces like this one called "Space Garden". I also like her photographic pieces. They are all wearable art!

Space Garden Necklace

Spring Fling Ring

Little Bloom Pendant

Tangled Bliss Pendant

Red Fiesta Earrings

Vibrant Pendant-- I love this pendant! It's quietly festive & fun!! Candace lives & works in Northern Massachusettes and you can view a full line of her jewelry at The Intuitive Garden shop on Etsy.


Astulabee is Nicole Licht, she stiches unique limited edition and one-of-a-kind soft sculptures. I found these animals incredibly charming and sweet. Wish I had purchased the bunny I saw. Luckily she sells her pieces on Etsy , but make sure to browse her gallery on Astulabee and also view press, interviews & awards she has received.

Sweetheart Pony (reduced price through Thursday 6/11 midnight)

Mr. Golden Cape Woodlander (reduced price)

Custom Pony

Wintry White Woodsy Ghost (reduced price through Thursday 6/11 midnight)

Nicole lives & works in Brooklyn, NY. Her handsewn creations are carefully crafted and sturdy, too!

This building below is off of McCarren Park and I love the design, even though I usually prefer old townhouses & brownstones. The windows, alone, on this are fantastic! Can easily imagine painting masterpieces in one of these well lit rooms ;)

Can't pass up a cute little doggie!

Full trash cans are a good indicator the fair was popular. Hope it was all successfully cleaned up!

Visit the Renegade Craft website for upcoming shows. There are several coming up-- one in Los Angeles, San Francisco & Chicago, where it originated.

*ps I neglected to mention that I attended the fair with my wonderfully talented friend, Kristine Lombardi known for her colorful whimsical style and splendid hand lettering. I will be profiling her work here at a later date, but feel free to check out her fabulous illustrations on her website anytime :)

Provence en Boite

It's French with a delicate hint of Brooklyn!

This dog knows a good croissant when he sees or rather, smells one! This is Provence en Boite a quaint & quintessentially French Patisserie & Bistro owned and operated by Leslie & Jean Jaques Bernat. Here you will find an authentic French atmosphere & delicious food and wine to match. They serve breakfast, brunch, lunch & dinner with some wonderful dinner specials Mon-Thurs. In this post, I have focused on their style and beautiful little pastries, since that is what I have come here to enjoy most often. It's also worth noting that they offer an extensive wine list and have a full bar. Friendly waitstaff, as well!

*By the way, Stinky cheese (above) has some fabulous cheeses, if you're fortunate enough to tolerate lactose and a strong aroma, that is!

I've enjoyed many terrific brunches here and I am a big fan of their sweet crepes, chocolate croissants & numerous pastries. I do occasionally eat more substantial meals with protein, but my tendency has been to stick, figuratively speaking, to sweets when I'm here. Too hard to resist. Wait til you see the desserts below!

Love all the little tin cans, pictures and bottles :)

This is Leslie above on the phone-- wish I had taken a nicer photo because she could not be more charming or engaging. She stays quite busy and takes great care to see that Provence maintains it's tidy and enticing appearance.

Sparkling drinks by Rieme and their line of syrups below.

I sometimes think I should have become a pastry chef. Have no idea if I'd be any good at it, but I adore the bright colors, luscious icings, beautiful chocolates, sweet creams and the overall sugary appeal of it all!! I know it influences my artwork & I love a painting that looks good enough to eat! *Side note-- if you feel the same about the visual appeal of such sweets then you must rent Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette ;D

Pastry chef had just brought these triangular treats out on Saturday while I was there. I neglected to ask what these are called, but what a superb yellow!

Tasty macaroons above in an assortment of colors, plus the candy below isn't bad either. Provence will make any kid swoon and just so happens this is a kid-friendly bistro. I've been several times with a variety of friends, little ones in tow, and it's always been a pleasant experience. Dogs are allowed too of course!

Malabar Bubble Gum with tattoos! Plus, mascot total dreamboat, why not buy the whole box?

As you can see, they also have sidewalk seating. Oh yea, there is a TV in back near kitchen, seems bit outta place here, but I was happy to find it one night several years ago. Caught a tennis match I'd wanted to see. Don't worry the tele is pretty conspicuous in general.

Provence en Boite is located at 263 Smith Street between DeGraw & Douglass Street
F or G Train to Bergen or Carroll Stop / Hours: M-Sun 8am-10pm phone 718.797.0707

Santo's Farm

Thought I would start the week with a quick shout out to my favorite organic bodega! Santo's Farm is jam packed with an impressive selection of groceries, especially considering it's small size, organic fruits & vegetables, healthy snacks and some very beautiful fresh flowers.

Here are the owners-- Sue at her counter and Joe walking the aisle below. My friends and I actually refer to the store as Sue's. Everyone seems to know her and people in line tend to be unusually polite waiting their turn as others have a chat. Sue is a lovely and friendly person. My mom makes it a point to stop in on each visit (from Virginia) just to talk with her. She and Joe work very hard to keep this store clean and organized and it is much appreciated by the neighborhood!

Just some of the fresh cut flowers...

Santo's Farm is located at 429 Court Street between 2nd & 3rd Place. A convenient stop walking from the F or G train / Carroll Street Station.