New Market Event

 On Saturday, we were invited to participate in an artisan market, called the Shop and Sip.

It was hosted by Ghostface Brewing

in downtown Mooresville.

 This market showcased local crafters and artisans

from within the Mooresville area.

Sue's Soaps featured a lovely array of handmade soaps, lotions 

and other "pamper me" items.

Her display reminds me of an exclusive boutique.

Brad Hartle at Ole School Craftsmanship

showed off his amazing woodworking offerings. 

What I love about this event

is that all the items are actually made by the folks selling them.

The Handmade by Erin booth highlighted a variety of knitted pieces.

 She has been knitting for a while

and even offers lessons to those who want to learn this skill.

A flourish of paper crafted samplings were found in this booth.

Sometimes I marvel at the creativity of fellow crafters.

I adored this chicken coop display.

Wouldn't this make a great bookshelf or yarn holder in a craft room?

The owner actually found this on her property and decided to repurpose it.

 I set up my daisy tote booth next to Bug's Bees Honey

and Toby Chapin Pottery.

The three of us attended the Mooresville Farmers' Market in the morning,

and then set up our wares in the afternoon at the Brewery parking lot.

With each experience, I feel more a bit more comfortable.

It feels good knowing that I am creating a purposeful product

that is made from something recycled.

It is a blessing to be able to spend time with other crafters

who are following their chosen path.

I meet the nicest people and feel an instant connection

to those who work with their hands.

Spreadin' my wings.

Race City Festival

Last weekend, we went to an event known around here as
"Race City Festival".
It is held in downtown Mooresville the weekend of Race Week,
which marks the onset of motor racing in Charlotte.
Mooresville is about 20 minutes north of Charlotte,
and is known as "Race City USA".

A fine selection of arts and crafts could be found.

Artists and crafters using various materials
displayed their wonderful works.

This retired veteran showcased his walking sticks and other wooden pieces.
They were truly stunning!

On another table,
unique light switch covers were featured.
What a way to add a charming touch to any room.

These fabulous duck push toys made me wish my boy was a bit younger.

This same booth had many other whimsical treasures for sale.

The local police department was found greeting attendees
and handing out badges for the kiddos.

C enjoyed telling me about all of the parts of the fire truck.
The local firefighters were mighty impressed with his knowledge.

The band on the roof provided music for the event.

The old brick buildings of downtown Mooresville
are a testament to how life in a small town used to be.

While strolling along the tents,
we came upon a shop called Lost n Found.
The sidewalk displays lured us in for a closer look.

I was picturing this old Coleman cooler being repurposed
as the base for a coffee table or simple pantry storage.
It's a blast combing through these places
to see where your imagination will lead you
with the possibilities for vintage items.

These vintage seed packages were quite a find.
I wonder if they would still germinate?

The day was warm,
but we were glad we attended.
Another fun family outing getting to know the area.

What kind of festivals do you see in your community?

The Maple Hill Hop 157 (Finale)

Welcome to 

The Maple Hill Hop.

This is a hop for folks who love the outdoors.

Feel free to post about anything that's going on

OUTSIDE

in your neck of the woods,
no matter the season.

(Please share only outdoor posts.)

*Grab the button above to link back to Maple Hill 101.*

Another gorgeous fall weekend,
another outdoor festival to attend.
This past weekend found us at Pioneer Days
in Lake Wales, Florida.

This event serves as an entertaining way to
educate visitors about old-fashioned skills 
in a time not so long ago.

The Florida Flywheelers displayed how their engines worked
to run all sorts of machines
to make life just a bit easier for settlers.

A handsome exhibit of tractors is always a favorite.

There were drum ceremonies performed by native peoples,

as well as local artisans like Utah Farris,
who not only hand carves his flutes,

but favors us with beautiful music to demonstrate his wares.

Our friends, Faye & Lynn were on hand,
to showcase their wonderful pesticide-free, locally grown produce.
This year their home-spun booth featured avocado, okra, papaya,
and starfruit.

We took the annual hayride to learn more about
the architecture and history of this sleepy lil' town.

There is always something new to learn.

It was a beautiful day for a ride,
and we are thankful for all of the hard work
that goes into an event like this.
And even more grateful to the pioneers
who started it all.

That's what's happening where we are.
What's going on outside in your town?
Let's HOP!

***Thank you for being a part of The Maple Hill Hop
over the past three years.
We have enjoyed sharing your outdoor posts.   

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The Maple Hill Hop 156

Welcome to 

The Maple Hill Hop.

This is a hop for folks who love the outdoors.

Feel free to post about anything that's going on

OUTSIDE

in your neck of the woods,
no matter the season.

(Please share only outdoor posts.)

*Grab the button above to link back to Maple Hill 101.*

On Saturday,
the weather was perfect for a field trip.
I ventured to downtown Winter Haven
to take a gander at the Saturday market. 

Although there were a couple of vendors selling produce,
most of the folks were showcasing their homemade crafts,
jewelry, soap and other treasures.

 There was even live music by the fountain,
which featured pink water to promote breast cancer awareness.

This booth caught my eye right away.
This gentleman fashions biplanes made from recycled cans
that sway in the breeze.

An array of unusual homemade soaps were for sale.

At The Button Sisters' booth,
I found a number of wonderful upcycled creations.

 Can't you just imagine giving these jars as gifts
with homemade candy or trinkets in them?

Whimsical artwork was displayed.

This was one of my favorite pieces from their booth.
I might have to start looking for buttons
the next time we go thrifting.

Autumn is being celebrated
by spending as much time outdoors as possible.
This market was a great way to discover what 
the most creative folks in Winter Haven are concocting.

That's what we've been up to.
What's going on outside where you are?
HOP to it!

   

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