Working!!!

Oh, friends, how the time flies. Tonight, I find myself here in my workshop on the cusp of August, wondering where my sweet summer went. Soon September will be here, and the madness of the fall schedule will begin.

I start off on Saturday September 8  at the Sewickley Harvest Festival, where I'll set up along with over 100 vendors to sell handmade wares in the streets of Sewickley.

Sunday September 9 is one of my favorite days of the year: the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition's (NOCC) Walk to Break the Silence. This year's event takes place at North Park bright and early in the morning. I will be there wearing several hats: I am the tee shirt distribution chairperson as well as a vendor with the I Made It! Market. Last year was a great success, and this year you'll find LOTS of teal items from bel monili.

I've got a little over 6 weeks until I'm off to the Country Living Fair in Columbus, Ohio. As far as national shows go, this is definitely the big tamale. To be honest, I can't really even think too much farther than that! So, for now, here's what I am doing with my time:

I have a few extra earrings to craft with,

 And I am LOVING vintage feathers this year.

Rhinestones are a perennial favorite,

but I know I can never go wrong with enameled flowers.

So, wish me luck, keep your fingers crossed, and make sure you come out to see bel monili this fall!

South Side Works Exposed!

South Side Works Exposed June 13-15, 2012

Well, it's that time of year again! The I Made It! Market returns to the South Side Works for the 8th annual South Side Works Exposed, beginning on Friday July 13th (5pm-10pm, continuing on Saturday July 14th (12pm-10pm) and concluding on Sunday July 15th (12pm-5pm). This is the major event of the summer, with 70 regional artists (including bel monili) lining the streets to sell beautiful handcrafted wares. The fun doesn't stop there, though: you will find performances including Polynesian fire dancers, musical guests, food, and entertainment for children. It's a great time to be had by all. Hope to see you there!

Summer Shows!

Well folks, it's official. Summer is here, and along with the heat (and coveted beach vacations) comes something truly special: outdoor festivals and shows! bel monili has been exceptionally busy this season, beginning with the I Made It! Market at the Carrie Blast Furnace on June 16, 2012. 

bel monili at the Carrie Blast Furnace, 6/16/12

June continued on with one of the most major musical events in the area, the 15th Annual WYEP Summer Music Festival on June 22, 2012. Again, the I Made It! Market popped in with over 30 fantastic artists to join the many talented performers for a beautiful and entertaining evening. The first weekend of summer proved to be a huge amount of fun, with another awesome market at Bakery Square for the first of this year's Sunday Marketplace series.

bel monili rounded out the month of June at the 32nd annual Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, and Food Festival, a three-day festival of fun, food, and fabulous shopping.

bel monili's fun new display

bel monili has expanded to include fun, funky, hand-crafted home accessories

July is looking like another amazing month, with two of the summer's most eagerly awaited indie markets: Bazaar Bizarre Cleveland (at the Larchmere Festival) on Saturday July 7, and South Side Works Exposed Friday July 13-Sunday July 15. Both of these events looks to be the best yet, with an amazing lineup of the area's most talented artists and crafters. Take note folks: this is NOT your grandma's craft show!!

bel monili is especially excited to announce that we have been invited to participate in the 2012 Country Living Fairs in Columbus, Ohio (September 14-16, 2012) and in Atlanta, Georgia (October 26-28, 2012). These prestigious events are looking like the highlight of bel monili's extensive fall schedule.

In case you haven't already, make sure you sign up to receive emails from bel monili so that you can be sure to catch some of these fantastic fun events!