While flipping through Mothering magazine, MP came across one of the loveliest wooden play kitchens she’s ever seen. Seriously. Not even the likes of Pottery Barn or Land of Nod could compete with Christina’s kitchen, made by Elves & Angels Wooden Toys in the tiny village of Wytopitlock Maine. Owner and toymaker David Smalley has been designing beautiful wooden toys …
Handmade Halloween
It’s no secret that we are big fans of the Maine Etsy Team. And we love what some of our favorite designers have such fun offerings for fall. First, MP was literally oohing and ahhing over the adorable knit hats at Three Kittens Knitting in Limington. Cathy Bernier’s hats are perfect for a quick costume. For a colorful table, Moon …
Bar Harbor’s Proper Topper
There’s something especially cute about a little boy in a cap. CP# 2 prefers his papa’s hat of choice—a wool flat cap DP wears around town. MP has been in search of a cap CP#2 can call his own. Thankfully, Dory Smith Graham of Bar Harbor’s Worthy Goods makes colorful, functional hats for kids and adults. We especially love the whimsical …
The Center for Maine Craft
MP can’t help herself. As the calendar approaches Halloween, she starts thinking about holiday shopping. Maybe it’s because she worked in retail advertising for so many years. Regardless, she was thrilled to discover the Center for Maine Crafts in West Gardiner. Don’t let the rest stop location fool you—this beautiful shop is the real deal. For adults, you’ll find stunning …
Sweet Fabrics
Note: Sweet Fabrics owner Jana Markow now lives in Vermont, but you can still find her beautiful work in stores throughout Maine. While we were shopping the Commons—a thoughtful gift shop in Eastport—we discovered these simple, fabric ukuleles from Calais-based designer Jana Markow. We love her whimsical fabric choices and details, especially the clever ukelele strap. Jana has been sewing …
Rock Star Party Favors by Olio Designs
CP #2 is about to celebrate his 3rd birthday and because he is our resident rocker, MP decided to throw him a rock and roll themed bash. To help, she enlisted the talents of Olio Designs in Rangeley. Shop owner/designer Meg Shelton is a dynamo when it comes to party favors. Even Martha Stewart Weddings noticed Meg’s talents and named …
The Coolest Kid’s Tee
CP#2’s birthday is fast approaching, and the team has been on the lookout for some things he can really use. MP was thrilled when she discovered a super cool, screen-printed truck tee at Ember Grove in Portland. The boy loves farm machinery of any kind—this t-shirt was perfect for him. Alas, the shop was sold out in his size, so …
No More Plastic Baggies
While visiting the New Gloucester Community Market on Sunday, MP met the lovely Jessica Proctor—a Portland-based mom with an Etsy shop called The Reuse Zone. Jessica sells a variety of green products, but our favorite is her reusable snack/lunch bag. Each washable bag is made of 100% cotton and lined with ripstop PVC nylon, so it’s easy to shake out …
Fancy Feet
While shopping at the WestFest last weekend, Mom Potato discovered Betsy Nelson’s lovely baby shoes. Nelson—a Portland-based textile designer—uses new and vintage fabrics to create these cute little kicks. Her 100% cotton shoes fit newborns-two months old, but Nelson plans on adding bigger sizes and elastic for babies on the move. The shoes are soft, washable and are only $10-15. …
The Cute Potato Frugal Find
Cute Potato #1 wasn’t feeling herself today, so half of our gang was housebound. Dad and CP #2 decided to check out the new Goodwill store in South Portland, and they came home with a surprise… a kids’ Radio Flyer wheelbarrow for $5 (we spotted it on Amazon for $29). It’s in great condition and the kids are excited to …