This shop has an amazing selection. The staff is helpful. The atmosphere is fun. I love buying…read morelocal.

Initially, I wasn't sure if making the voyage to Dallas for Eat Sleep Knit was worth it but let me…read moretell you, it sure was. Yarn paradise! Eat Sleep Knit is home to a mammoth selection of quality, hand-dyed yarns and knitting/crocheting supplies. They do most of their business online but their bricks and mortar shop/warehouse is currently open from 12-3 PM Tuesdays through Saturdays.  Regarding COVID-19 precautions, they only allow 10 customers inside at a time (a sign outside instructs you to take a number), and masks are required. There's plenty of room to maneuver away from other shoppers since the floor is spacious. The skein shopping is unparalleled, with cubbies upon cubbies of favorites like Malabrigo, Madelinetosh, Manos del Uruguay, and Cascade. I had to refrain from prancing and twirling around in the aisles all giddy. The quantities and colorways are eye-popping! ESK has a Yarnathon rewards program where you can get bonuses for reaching yardage milestones. You also receive a scratch-off lotto ticket each time you buy something; you can score prizes like store credit and extra yardage. The employees are nice and helpful so don't hesitate to ask for assistance. And there's more yarn in the back in case you don't see what you need. I've also ordered online; purchases are shipped the next day or so, packed in bright tissue paper. The Black Friday sale is cool; you check out and then see what surprise discount you get, ranging from 10 to 100% off. Look at ESK's social media for details on this.

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.

CRAFTY INDEED! The…read moreCrafty Reader, (Danica Fowler), makes very intricate designs out of musical paper. She has little pandas, Christmas trees wreaths and ornaments. The amount of work that went into making these creations is incredible. We fell in love with, (and eventually purchased a paper orb), which we will either display in a glass bottle or hang in place of mistletoe. It is so cool and the design is flawless. If you like unique holiday items for your home, head on over to her Facebook page and check out her selection. She is based in Woodstock and has a permanent booth at Woodstock Market.

ADD A LITTLE PIZZAZZ!…read more Mary Lou is a painter but also does origami art. She makes very detailed and unique gift card holders. Although gift cards are wonderful gifts (because you are essentially giving the gift of choice), they can be a bit boring. To add a bit of pizzazz, you can add one of these decorative holders. They are very cute and very creative, (see the photos). As I stated, Mary Lou is also a painter so you may want to hop on over to her website and take a look and see what more she has to offer.

Really a nice place. I just wish the menu was a little bigger. The drinks are great. The staff was…read morevery friendly. Very easy to get to if your at the Mart.

Atlanta MADE does what I wish so many more businesses would do : support local artisans and their…read morework. As a furniture designer myself, it's frustrating to see so much imported from overseas while there are there are so many talented people doing quality work right here in America who go largely unnoticed. Atlanta MADE is a showroom dedicated exclusively to Atlanta-created furniture, art, and decor pieces with a rotating selection of truly high quality items. I saw so many great things while I was there that it's hard to re-cap and I know that on my next visit there will be plenty of new offerings. The layout is open, everyone is very friendly, and the artists are promoted both in the store and on their website. Before you go to a chain store or commit to your next furniture, art, or home decor purchase, stop in at Atlanta MADE and give them a look. Why not own something awesome that was created by hand and support local business and artists all at the same time?

House of Frames has moved to a new location in Douglasville…read more I only realized this after driving over to them to have some mats cut for inexpensive client Christmas gifts. I've been naughty - because I used them several times this year - and failed to review them previously. They don't seem to have much of a web presence - so I made it mental note to make sure I reviewed them after I discovered they'd moved. Custom framing can be a little pricey and now that more and more people don't even bother to print photos - much less have them framed - so I have to show some love for the folks who do. The owners are friendly and sweet - and they are always willing to suggest ways you can save money. If you're in the area - be sure to give them a try!

I go to John's Alterations for all my tailoring needs! Every formal dress John has done a…read morephenomenal making the dress my own. The fits were noticeable sharper yet still comfortable. John is super professional and fast. Every time I need them, they always pull through!

John's is my go-to for alterations. I get the most compliments on pants he has tailoredread more

Myott is THE best framing company in Atlanta. Perhaps because they frame pieces for the High…read moreMuseum and for huge corporations in Atlanta people think their prices are unobtainable. However, I find this quite the opposite. Due to Myott's attention to detail and large operation in Atlanta, Myott is able to offer me the least expensive price in Atlanta. Although I have used Myott before, I decided to venture out and see what other framing companies in Atlanta offered. I recently visited three other framing shops for a Stephen Huneck print I recently purchased. Due to the irregular size of the print, custom framing and glass was the only way to go. I received quotes from The Framers in Collier Hills, Buckhead Custom Frames in Peachtree Battle and Michael's off Lindbergh. Not only did Myott beat everyone's price, but significantly so (by $75). That said, I felt the need to not only express the professionalism, attention to detail and quality of work they produce, but their reputation far exceeds expectations regarding quality and cost. Myott will always have my loyalty.

Beautiful framing - extremely helpful to find what works for each individual print! Wearing masks…read moreto keep everyone safe'