I love shopping at Indie Craft Experience - not only b/c it supports local businesses and…read moreindividuals, but also the great selection of creative handcrafted goods. I overheard a guy say "it's like Pinterest except not on the computer screen." The event is held over a weekend at the Ambient + Studio warehouse, and there were probably close to 100 different booths -- plus they had a few food vendors like King of Pops and Good Food Truck, and the fabulous LeahandMark.com photo booth :) I think this was the 3rd time I've gone to ICE. I got a few things this year: - Magic Unicorn Sea Salt from "Beautiful Briny Sea Salt" - after taste testing a few different flavors (e.g., Lavender, Rosemary, and Truffle), my favorite was Magic Unicorn. Haha, suspicious name but honest ingredients - pure ocean salt, celery seed, rosemary, granulated garlic, smoked paprika, and lemon juice powder. I also liked their Truffle Sea Salt. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beautiful-Briny-Sea/157240431005788 - Port Wine Caramel from "Sweeteeth" - I'd never tasted such good caramel like theirs ... I went w/ the port wine b/c I liked the the smoky "brulee" type flavor and it also tasted kinda chocolately even though there's no chocolate. Can't wait to use the sauce on apples, ice cream, pies, cakes, and more ... just don't tell my doctor. http://www.sweeteethchocolate.com - Cute bonnet and bib from "Owlette Collective" - some lucky baby's going to get this super cute set. I couldn't resist. http://www.etsy.com/shop/owlettecollective - Goat Milk and Lavender Oatmeal Soap from "Belle Terre" - smelled several of their soaps and this one was my favorite. First I love anything lavender, I'd never heard of goat milk used in soap (and the lady said they are sourced from happy goats who are well-treated), plus the oatmeal is supposed to be a good exfoliator :) I need to hurry and finish up my Ivory. http://belleterrenc.com/home/welcome/ What I didn't get but really liked (and may get later): - Red Fascinator Hat from "LaCocoRouge" - they had a great selection of fun mini-hats that looked like something Carrie Bradshaw would wear ... or anyone attending a Royal Wedding. I just need to find an occasion to wear them :) http://www.etsy.com/shop/lacocorouge Definitely worth a visit, esp. if you love "unique" items :) Oh and they always have great jewelry. Last year, I got one of my favorite necklaces from "Katherine Smith Jewelry" that always gets many compliments. http://www.etsy.com/shop/ksmithjewelry FYI - there's $5 admission to get in.

Looking for some spectacular handmade merchandise or gifts? Maybe wanting to start up an art…read morecollection of originals or find new artists? I.C.E. seems to have it covered. Walking around and getting my brief looksie at all the vendors for I.C.E. shopping spectacular 2015 I was barely able to hold onto my money... First off, I wanted all the succulents and plants and cool looking tapestries, and don't get me started on unique art pieces. But yeah, gorgeous terrariums. Ugh. The overall atmosphere of this place is indie and has a flair of nature, nostalgia, and bohemian dashed with pop and magic. At least that was what this Nov's collection of artists brought to the front. Couldn't get enough of that rustic look, and I'm not complaining. It was first time ever being able to attend. I actually went as a vendor, so I'll kinda mention my experience on being both vendor and just looking around. Vending at this show was really fun. The people, the vendors, they all were generally very friendly. Staff had free coffee for vendors setting up Sat. morning, and free cocoa to vendors and attendees (til it ran out.) The coffee was okay. It was brought in by a small coffee shop, but by far, I enjoyed the free sampling of cocoa. Haha. It's the small things, no? Food wise, they had Yumbii, Doggy Dogg, falafels & gyros, and then there were cookies from Dough Re Mi, and caramel cotton candy. My biggest grip is all these events don't really have much for the non-alcoholic beverage lover. Sunday, was a bit desperate as the coffee vendor from before was not there and replaced with something more Spartan. There was a Kombucha vendor which was nice, but it'd have been nicer to have some specialty teas or drinks that were non-alcoholic at the event. The organizers really out do themselves with all the attention to detail. I originally was a little worried about the layout of the venue since the floor is split in two where a small group of vendors are placed in the garden room and then the majority of vendors are in the more industrial room. I was really worried everyone would flock to the larger room upon entering, but thought it was really cool how they have the ticket booth set in an "L" shape to funnel visitors into the garden room. It's these little things. Been to a lot of shows that just seem to throw you to the wolves -- i.e. selling you a table at the back of the show floor facing a fire exit. What? So yes, big kudos to just how organized everything was.The venue, Georgia Freight Depot, was really nice too! I did end up purchasing a thing or two, and extremely happy with them. Met some amazing artists and crafters and in general had a great time. I highly recommend a visit to I.C.E. if you're looking for any gifts or handcrafted goodies & art. The entry is $5 and as long as it's at the GA. Freight Depot you can find parking at The Underground parking garage for $3 All Day.