Maine Rope Mats

We’ve been long-time fans and customers of Maine Rope Mats - they are rugged, functional, and add some New England nautical flair to your home. Our mats have held up beautifully to years of harsh New England weather - sun, snow, and mud. Maine Rope Mats was kind enough to send us a few of their new products for us to style and share about.
| This post contains an honest review of product provided by Maine Rope Mats |

At Home in the Woods as well as on the Seacoast

Maine Rope Mats definitely have a nautical vibe to them (they are made from lobster-style ropes after all), but nevertheless they fit right in at a cabin in the woods as well as at a cape on the cape.

We love mixing and matching the mats with other accessories too - like their Maine Rope Baskets. These rugged baskets would be perfect for holding a potted plant, gardening tools, or flip flops and towels for a walk down to the lake.

Wipe Your Paws

These mats also hold up well to our four-legged friends too - just make sure to wipe your paws before coming in the cabin! (PS - Maine Rope Mats also makes awesome dog leashes from soft but strong yacht braid rope. Those are definitely next on our wishlist.)

Perfect for Play Too

Maine Rope Mats are also the perfect addition to a child’s play house - or a Hobbit’s house ;)
They add the perfect touch of whimsy and help keep sand and mud from getting tracked inside.

Here’s a pro-tip for all you campers out there: pack a Maine Rope Mat to put in front of your tent door. It really makes a huge difference in reducing the amount of mud and wood chips that get tracked into the tent. It also makes a great spot for the pup to hang out too.

We’re long-time fans of Maine Rope Mats are looking forward to many more years enjoying our rugged and stylish mats!

KEEP UP WITH MAINE ROPE MATS

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- I received these items for review from Maine Rope Mats but all opinions expressed are my own.  Please see our full Disclosure Policy for more information -   

Taking a Leap with our New England Lakeside Baseball Cap

For a long time I’ve wanted to expand my shop offerings to items beyond handmade ornaments and occasional vintage finds but I just kept putting it off, instead watching other small entrepreneurs take risks and continue to expand while I stayed behind. Lately I’ve realized that I just need to take the leap and give my ideas a try, rather than just think about them and not take the risk. And so here we are… the New England Lakeside Baseball Cap is my first step into expanding my offerings and trying something new. I have more ideas I’m excited to bring to life too and will work towards them step-by step.

The New England Lakeside Baseball Cap was designed by me and embroidered locally by a small shop here in New Hampshire, in an effort to help support other New England-based businesses.

I was much too excited about these hats to wait and take proper pictures, so I just took some quick listing photos this morning to get it up on Etsy ASAP. Within the next week or so we’ll take proper pictures of this hat at the lake and will update the listing with photos that do this hat justice ;)

New England Maker: Early American Painter, Suzanne Carroll Korn

As you know by now, I love sharing about companies and products we love on the blog and our Instagram - and most especially those made right here in New England. It’s been a little while since I’ve done an interview on the blog in our New England Maker Series, but I’m excited to get back into it with Early American Painter, Suzanne Carroll Korn! I first came across Suzanne’s work in my friend Marie’s shop (Here Today Emporium). I loved Suzanne’s colorful and whimsical house portraits, so I bought one of them for our daughter’s room and have been a fan ever since.

Tell me a little about yourself and your business.

My name is Suzanne Carroll Korn and I am an early American painter and folk artist. My inspiration springs from the folk art landscapes, designs, and motifs found on New England’s historic paint-decorated walls. Over 20 years ago, I began researching, studying, and writing about these large and amazing remnants of American folk art… painted in New England between the years 1800-1860. This research allowed me to view and document both landscape muraled and stenciled walls, many of which were the original works of itinerant folk artists like Rufus Porter, Jonathan D. Poor, and Moses Eaton. Through this research, I became a “student” of these iconic American folk artists, and eventually, I began to paint landscapes in the style of Rufus Porter.

Creating scenic and colorful folk art landscapes has given me great joy over the years. When I borrow and blend the early American designs and motifs found on the walls I studied, I like to think that each painting pays tribute to life in the small colonial villages and coastal towns of 19th century New England.

Although I do a lot of painting on canvas, one of my favorite things is to paint on vintage salvage pieces from New England’s past. Old sap buckets, vintage bead board, old cupboard doors, rustic tables, and breadboards from days gone by, all make exquisite “canvases!” There is nothing quite like painting on something wonderfully worn!

In addition to my early American painting, I also enjoy painting in a slightly more modern style that features a bright color palette, minimal landscapes, expressive skies, small cottages, stone churches, farms, and fields of flowers. I love the peaceful spirit of these simple vignettes of rural American life. I am actually looking forward to focusing more on this style in the near future! Who doesn’t need more peace? :)

I just started adding favorite scripture verses to these paintings with the intent of offering scripture cards, note cards, and prints. Hoping such prints and cards will be a source of peace and encouragement for others.

How did you start Early American Painter? Had you been making folk art for a while or was this a new leap for you?

My folk art definitely had it’s genesis in my research and study of early American paint-decorated walls… but the really interesting thing is that up until 11 years ago, I had never painted anything freehand in my life! I had no painting talent at all! - Or so I thought. In 2010, on a whim, I decided to take a class at the Rufus Porter Museum in Bridgton, Maine... “Painting in the style of Rufus Porter.” Never in my wildest dreams did I suspect that my life would change forever from that one experience! With lots of follow up study of Porter’s methodologies, formulas, and designs, and by studying his original murals in homes all over New England, I somehow got to this place of creativity!

It wasn’t until 2015, when I took an early retirement package, did I have the opportunity to really focus on my folk art. A couple of years after retiring, I was able to rent some space at While Home Collections in Wilton, NH. That gave me so much great experience and I learned so much about running my business. I had my “shop” at White Home for 1.5 years, right up until they sadly closed their doors in December of 2018. It was such a privilege displaying and selling my folk art creations at this beautiful landmark shop. I loved meeting many of my clients and becoming friends with them.

These days, I sell a few select pieces at Marie Fortier’s delightful shop Here Today Emporium in Wilton, NH. I also obtain commission work from Instagram and Facebook. Mostly custom landscapes, folk art house portraits, and some painted salvage. Alas, I’m a little behind the times as far as setting up an efficient payment process - so if anyone sees a piece of folk art on my Facebook and/or on Instagram feed, and they are interested in purchasing, I still require a snail-mailed check! I know… I need to get with the times!

What is your favorite part about owning your own company? And least favorite part?

Creativity is my favorite aspect of the business. When painting a folk art landscape, there is a step-by-step methodology that I use... the same methodology that Rufus Porter documented 200 year ago when he was painting huge landscapes on walls! It’s like putting a puzzle together. After backgrounds are done, the super fun part for me is the “decorating!” This is where I get to build out the painting with all the detail… the colonial houses, the trees, the boats, the flowers, the animals, etc. No two paintings are ever alike!

Something else that I love doing is hand-painting colorful tags for all of my folk art. I’ve always said that if the only thing I had to do each day was sit at my drafting table or porch, and paint little tags, I would be content! I can’t tell you how fun and relaxing it is creating these little works of art!

And if inquiring minds need to know - my least favorite aspect of running the business is determining pricing!

What have been some of the most rewarding moments for Early American Painter since you started?

I have been led to many wonderful opportunities, where I could bless others through my folk art. In 2018 and 2019 I was honored to donate landscape paintings in the style of Rufus Porter to the annual Fall Gala events at the American Folk Art Museum in New York City. My pieces were entered in to a silent auction, with all proceeds going towards the continuation of AFAM’s mission to educate and generate enthusiasm about American folk art.

Right here in my town of North Reading, MA, I’ve had several really nice opportunities to give back. At the historic c.1817 David Damon Tavern, I am the “resident” tour guide and Rufus Porter “expert.” When we have Open House at the Damon Tavern, I conduct tours of the amazing second floor ballroom where Rufus Porter, around 1830, painted stunning landscape murals. Also in the Rufus Porter ballroom, I host “Paint Like Porter” fundraising workshops sponsored by the North Reading Historical and Antiquarian Society. Surrounded by the historic landscape murals painted by Porter almost 200 years ago, adult students of all painting abilities learn about the life and times of Rufus Porter and the basic methodologies and techniques he employed to create folk art landscape murals. Each workshop is so much fun… students love this “getaway” day to do something relaxing and creative, and the paintings they each go home with are truly amazing! Students come from all over New England to attend the workshops. With the proceeds from just two of the workshops, the Historical Society had enough money to refinish the incredible 200-year-old wide pine floors in the ballroom!

Over the years, it has also been a great pleasure working with The Center for Painted Wall Preservation, a 501c3 organization dedicated to the research and preservation of 18th and early 19th century American paint-decorated plaster walls. I currently serve on CPWP’s Board of Advisors, and under their auspices, I will occasionally continue my journeys around New England, visiting homes/inns/taverns in order to document historic paint-decorated walls therein. Often we are called in by homeowners to document painted walls that have recently been discovered under layers and layers of wallpaper! I’m so happy that my field research done over the years has been entered into the SPWP’s Digital Archive of Painted Walls. This is a growing database of hundreds of walls, that at some point in the near future will be accessible to anyone interested in these amazing 19th century walls of folk art. The database will ensure that no matter what happens to these precious walls in the field, there will always be a permanent record of the historic folk art found on them.

Last but not least, I’ve always felt blessed to have the best customers ever. It has been so rewarding creating for lots of clients all across the country. Hearing the excitement and gratitude in their voices after they have received their new piece is priceless!

What advice do you have for people just starting out?

Never stop looking for ways to use your gifts and talents to brighten and enhance the lives of others. God will use your abilities and talents in astonishing ways! Find something that you are passionate about… something that you love… something that makes your heart sing… and the rest will come. You will know when you have found your “calling,” because your “work” will never feel like work, and you will see and experience the satisfaction and happiness it brings to others! If what you do brings a smile to your face, plus enriches the life of someone else, what could be better?

What does the future hold for “Early American Painter?”

I see myself continuing to create custom folk art pieces for my clients. However, I also want to focus on painting more of my “minimal” landscapes, and working on ways to incorporate inspiring scripture verses and messages into them. I’m not quite sure what that will end up looking like, but I do feel a leading in this direction. I see an Etsy shop in my future, and have even started designing it. Time will tell! In the meantime, I will be enjoying the creative life in North Reading with my husband Rich, and canine sidekick, Alice.

Who’s one of your favorite New England Makers?

One of my favorite New England Makers is Raffaella Gutermann, from Dolce Amar Bakery and Cafe in Groton, MA. Raffaella is an artist in the truest sense of the word - only her stunning “paintings” are on canvases of cake and other sweet confections! European designer cakes for weddings and other special events are her specialty. Raffaella’s creations are always the embodiment of elegance, beauty, and exquisite taste!

Keep Up with Early American Painter, Suzanne Carroll Korn

| Website | Facebook | Instagram | Shop a selection of items in person at Here Today Emporium in Wilton, NH |

All photos courtsey of Early American Painter, Suzanne Carroll Korn

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Birch Landing Home Sticker GIVEAWAY!

In preparation of re-opening my Etsy Shop next month, I am giving away FIVE Birch Landing Home Stickers between Instagram and Facebook. Just hop over to one (or both!) of those platforms and look for this photo to enter - Good Luck!

Giveaway ends 7/23/21

When I reopen my Etsy Shop I’m planning on having this logo sticker available, along with another New England-themed sticker design, some unique vintage pieces, and of course my handmade crafts. Thank you all for being so patient these last few months.

New England Maker: Mermaids + Madeleines

As you know by now, I love sharing about companies and products we love on the blog and our Instagram - and most especially those made right here in New England. It’s been a little while since I’ve done an interview on the blog in our New England Maker Series, but I’m excited to get back into it with Heather of Mermaids + Madeleines!

Heather Auclair of Mermaids + Madeleines is best known for her coastal-inspired handmade jewelry and fun watercolors. 5% of each purchase is donated to aid in sea life rescue and rehabilitation efforts - I just love a company that gives back!

Tell me a little bit about yourself and your business.

I’m Heather, a native of Maine, currently living life in Massachusetts with my husband and two rescue kitties. I’ve always enjoyed creating art. Whether it’s drawing, painting, crafting, or designing jewelry. I’m happiest when I’m making something,. I was lucky to grow up in a creative family and community by the ocean. I don’t think I realized how special it was until moving away. Mermaids + Madeleines is inspired by the ever-changing color and light of the coast. We’re so lucky in New England to have such a fascinating coastline. From place-to-place, no location is exactly alike in looks or atmosphere. Each spot has its own little charm and I find that totally uplifting. I try to capture this mix of joy and sense of ease in my works.

How did you start Mermaids + Madeleines? Had you been making jewelry for awhile or was this a new leap for you?

Mermaids + Madeleines started at a friend’s kitchen table (Hi Dana). We were both working at our own full-time jobs and not necessarily feeling completely fulfilled by them. What started as a creative/craft night once a week slowly bloomed into our own side businesses. I had always made some kind of jewelry, I think it started with embroidery floss bracelets at recess in grade school, and slowly morphed into beaded things. I kind of ebbed and flowed back into it after I started a program for advertising design at RISD. I took an elective in jewelry design and light metals and fell in love with it all over again. I quickly changed my concentration and began learning some benchwork skills, design, and technical drawing. I was lucky enough to land a job in commercial jewelry before graduating. First, starting out in costume jewelry and working my way over to find jewelry. While it’s great being able to pursue an interest and find a job that will pay you for it, to me, it just doesn’t come with the same creative freedom, or feel as rewarding as doing your own thing.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I try my best to start each day with some kind of movement, even if it’s only for 15-20 minutes, a barre class, a quick yoga, tabata, - something to get my mind and body moving first thing helps me to be more present and engaged the rest of the day. After having way too many nearly all-nighters for someone that is no longer in their 20’s I’ve started to try to be better about balancing work days and using the time I have. Mondays I do the (for me) dreaded stuff - like filling out inventory sheets, entering receipts, and ordering materials if needed. Tuesday and Wednesday, I like to use as creative days to design and fulfill orders, Thursday is usually a catch-up day for anything that can’t wait until the next week and straightening out the usual creative explosion I’ve created Tuesday and Wednesday. I run my little micro-business out of our (still functional) spare bedroom in our apartment so Friday-Sunday I try to keep my artsplosions to a minimum so it’s presentable for guests.

What is your favorite part about owning your own company? And least favorite part?

My very favorite part is when a customer reaches out, tags me in a post, or leaves a sweet review or message that the piece they received was exactly what they had been looking for, either as a gift or a treat for themselves. Being able to bring joy and happiness to someone through something you’ve made is one of the best feelings. In general, so far, I’ve loved owning my own business a little more than I expected to. It challenges me in ways I didn’t expect, and has forced me to learn and begin developing skills in areas I would have naturally been able to avoid, continuing to only work for someone else. Having said that, there are definitely aspects that aren’t my favorite. Logging inventory, dealing with accounting, and staring at spreadsheets isn’t really my cup of tea. If that were someone else’s job it would be way more fun, but I do think there’s a lot of value in gaining understanding about these less enjoyable parts of owning a business.

What has been the most exciting moment for Mermaids + Madeleines since you started?

I don’t know if I can pick just one exciting moment. I feel like there have been several. The first sale on Etsy, first show, first wholesale order. Finally receiving official paperwork in the mail - making things seem a little more real. There really is a moment or something to be excited about every day, even when it’s something small.

What advice do you have for people just starting out?

My advice is something that everyone says, and it’s the hardest advice to take: “Just start.” It’s so intimidating to put yourself out there. You’ll want everything to be perfect before it’s in front of people, and you can live forever in the phase of “it’s almost ready,” if you’re not careful. It’s easy to hide behind “not yet” but it won’t help you or your business grow. Plus, if you launch while you’re still building it gives you space and room to iterate, and alter without being too deeply invested in something that the market may not have interest in.

What is your long-term goal? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I would love to continue building the brand and create an independent website, not just relying on Etsy for sales (though I’m very grateful to that platform). I’d also like to branch into more art and accessories and eventually expand into more wholesale as well - working with small boutiques up and down the coast.

Who’s one of your favorite New England Makers?

I have so many favorite makers... all for different reasons, it's hard to pick just one, so I'll have to share the two that helped my business get started. Dana of Dana Kristen Creates was instrumental in the start of my maker journey with our Thursday night hangouts and continues to be an awesome friend and creative! Alana, of A&E Stoneworks was also pivotal in getting me to make that Etsy shop go live! I met her at an event and she encouraged me to just go for it. There have been, and continue to be so many I'm grateful for, including: Mary of On The Road Again, Lynn from Love Lissy Lou, Rachel from Little Lavender Lobster, Christine from Sea Crow Company, and Marie from Pieces of Maine Jewelry, and so many more... I could probably fill your entire blog post with names!

Keep Up with Mermaids + Madeleines

| Website | Etsy Shop | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest |

All photos courtesy of Mermaids + Madeleines

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DO YOU OWN A NEW ENGLAND-BASED BUSINESS AND WOULD LIKE TO BE FEATURED IN AN UPCOMING INTERVIEW?  OR WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN HAVING ME STYLE, REVIEW, AND FEATURE ONE OF YOUR PRODUCTS?  
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Now Included in Wolfeboro Candle Company's Gift Boxes!

Wolfeboro Candle Company has put together some wonderfully curated Gift Boxes for the holiday season. These are full of great New England-made products and I am so honored to have my Hand-Etched Birch Snowflake Ornaments included among them.

You can shop these curated Gift Boxes online from Wolfeboro Candle Company's Etsy Shop.

New England Maker: ReclaiMEd Maine Co.

As you know by now, I love sharing about companies and products we love on the blog and our Instagram - and most especially those made right here in New England.  It’s been a little while since I’ve done an interview on the blog in our New England Maker Series, but I’m excited to get back into it with Mary Zambello of ReclaiMEd Maine Co.!   

ReclaiMEd Maine Co. (formerly known as ReclaiMEd Sign Co.) started as a sign buisness but has branched out into much more - including apparel, drinkware, and stickers. They are probably best known for their iconic "Pine Tree Coast" design, sales of which help support Natural Resources Council of Maine - I just love a company that gives back!

Tell me a little bit about yourself and your business.

ReclaiMEd Sign Co. started as a way to show love for Maine and its environment.  Will and I both grew up in Maine with a love for the outdoors. I have a creative background in design and Will has an extensive background in building and craftsmanship, so we knew there were endless possibilities. In hopes of giving back to the environment, we chose to use all reclaimed wood for our projects. This helps to prevent deforestation, which in turn helps sustain habitats and decrease expended energy needed to extract and process new materials. Less wood ends up in landfills and carbon remains in our projects instead of being released as fossil fuels. There are a lot of sign companies out there, but we pride ourselves in the fact that all of our items are custom designed and handmade. Each wood sign is hand cut with a jigsaw or scroll saw, crafted and painted. Our glassware is custom designed and hand-etched.  We choose to source USA-Made items and work with local small businesses when we can, and give back to Maine environmental organizations. These pieces were all incredibly important to us and are what we've built our brand on.

How did you start ReclaiMEd Sign Co.?

Honestly it all started in our backyard in Portland. We liked to have fires during the summer time and occasionally picked up pallets for fire food. Will had this idea that we could cut out the shape of Maine, "If only I had a jigsaw, I could..." So, when his birthday came around, I went out and bought him one. No longer were there any excuses as to why we couldn't make these things. With an abundance of unused pallets in the area, and with my design background, ReclaiMEd Sign Co. was born.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day begins with our actual day jobs. ReclaiMEd Sign Co. is just a side business. I'm the Marketing Coordinator for Sea Bags and Will owns his own property services company, so we generally both work long days. I often wake up early to work on packaging and shipping, and spend my evenings working on online orders or trying to restock items for local stores. Most of ReclaiMEd work happens late nights and on the weekends. Due to the lack of free-time we have, I often have to take items down from our site in order to find a little extra time to work on new ideas. Never enough hours in the day!

What is your favorite part about owning your own company? And least favorite part?

I love that ReclaiMEd gives me a constant creative outlet. There is always room for new designs or ways to perfect your craft. I'm able to create these incredibly personal designs and gifts that I know people are opening up and putting in their homes. Least favorite part is definitely never having enough time. I am full of ideas and am really constrained on the amount of time I have to experiment and work on projects. I'm often conflicted when I have a free moment, whether I should be working on ReclaiMEd or getting out to enjoy the outdoors myself.

What has been the most exciting moment for ReclaiMEd Maine since you started?

The creation of our Pine Tree Coast design has been my absolute favorite. I loved creating the design and being able to translate it to apparel, glassware, and stickers has been so much fun. We're not only able to support another local screen printing company, but now have a complete collection that is giving back to a local Maine environmental organization. The end of last year, we raised $350 dollars and this year we have a goal to raise $1,000 for the Natural Resource Council of Maine. These products embody our love for this state, the outdoors, and our desire to protect the Maine woods and coast. I love being able to give back 10% of all sales with this design to help protect, restore, and conserve Maine’s environment.

What advice do you have for people just starting out?

Build a brand that you love and stay true to it. Stay creative and push the boundaries. Try new things. Love your work but remember that work-life balance is important. This continues to be my biggest struggle! Will has recently taken a step back from ReclaiMEd, realizing that he needed some time back to fish and relax. I still struggle giving myself a break when there's always so much I want to do and accomplish. It's important to take time for yourself and refresh before diving back in to work.

What is your long-term goal? Where do you see yourself in five years?

That's a difficult question for me! I love this company. As I mentioned before, it's tough when I have so many aspirations to grow but am somewhat at capacity with how much I can handle. In 5 years I hope that I have brought in some extra hands in order to be able to expand our wholesale business. We love being in select stores throughout Maine, but often find that we're turning down opportunities just so we can stay on top of our current projects. I'd like to have a little more time to perfect my scroll saw skills and continue to put out more intricate designs.

Who’s one of your favorite New England Makers?

I love La Marée Art and A&E Stoneworks, who are both fellow Maine makers. I have been such a big fan of their beautiful work and they have both shown me so much support over the years!

Keep up with ReclaiMEd Maine Co.

Website | Instagram (@reclaimedmaineco) | Facebook

All Photos Courtesy of ReclaiMEd Maine Co.

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DO YOU OWN A NEW ENGLAND-BASED BUSINESS AND WOULD LIKE TO BE FEATURED IN AN UPCOMING INTERVIEW?  OR WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN HAVING ME STYLE, REVIEW, AND FEATURE ONE OF YOUR PRODUCTS?  
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New England Maker: Away Up North

As you know by now, I love sharing about companies and products we love on the blog and our Instagram - and most especially those made right here in New England.  Next in our series of interviews from New England Makers, we have Glenna Oliver of Away Up North!
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Tell me a little bit about yourself and your business.

My name is Glenna Oliver and I am married with two grown children, living in the western mountains of Maine. I am the owner and creator of Away up North and enjoy hiking, skiing, camping, and many other outdoor activities that Maine has to offer! At Away Up North I create handmade wool fabric Christmas stockings, decorative pillows, and balsam pillows.

How did you start Away Up North? Had you been making stockings and pillows for awhile or was this a new leap for you?

To me it seems I have always known how to sew and create. When I had children, I made clothes, doll clothing, and quilts. Christmas has always been my favorite time of year to make gifts for family and friends, including Christmas stockings for my family and then stockings for a friend’s antique shop where she started to sell them.
After being a stay-at-home Mom for twenty-plus years, I was looking for work when my daughter suggested making and selling Christmas stockings on Etsy - that was seven years ago.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I am an early riser and do have an exercise routine that helps me keep up with all my outdoor interests and also helps me mentally jumpstart my day. I begin with my work day about 9AM and depending on the time of year, I am either prepping and preparing for my busy season (September through early January) or sewing and making inventory.
During the busy holiday season I am personalizing and completing stockings as the orders come in. Many days you can also find me working on orders well into the evening hours. During the slower times of the year for my business you can find me enjoying the outdoors where I find the inspiration for so many of my designs.

What is your favorite part about owning your own company? And least favorite part?

I enjoy the flexibility it gives me - I enjoy using my passion to create and also to spend time pursuing my outdoor passions. An unexpected pleasure I have found with the business is watching families grow as returning customers request new stockings to celebrate the new additions in their families (babies, adult children getting married, grandchildren).
My least favorite part is the administrative side of the business - keeping the books and keeping track of numbers. I much prefer creating over numbers!

What has been the most exciting moment for Away Up North since you started?

In 2013 I was asked to submit a stocking to Downeast Magazine for their Maine Made Gift Guide. When I received the magazine, I saw my Woodland Bear Christmas Stocking on the front cover! I had no idea it would be on the cover! It was a very exciting moment for me. Since then Away Up North has been in other publications and newspapers, but the Downeast Magazine feature was definitely a highlight for me.

What advice do you have for people just starting out?

Do your research before your begin, but don’t hesitate to take the leap. Surround yourself with resources, not only reading information but good people resources. And always be ready for the “big moment!” No matter how slow it’s going, always create product, always be prepared with photos, samples, and new ideas because you never know when your “big moment” is going to happen.

What is your long-term goal? Where do you see yourself in five years?

To develop year-round pillow designs and possibly DIY kits for the stockings. Eventually I would also like to develop patterns for all my stocking designs.

Who’s one of your favorite New England Makers?

Alana from A&E Stoneworks! She and her husband Evan make a great product. They make stone cheese boards, coasters, and other products from stone. I love her cheeseboards and her energy! I personally love prodcuts made from stone and natural materials, they compliment the outdoor environment I love and how I enjoy deocrating my own home.

A note from Away Up North: Items ordered after November 29th will ship in early January, 2019 - but there are currently three designs ready-to-ship available on Amazon with Prime Shipping: Woodland Bear, Woodland Bunny, and Wolf in the Pines.

| Website | Etsy | Instagram | Facebook |

- All photos courtesy of Away Up North -

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DO YOU OWN A NEW ENGLAND-BASED BUSINESS AND WOULD LIKE TO BE FEATURED IN AN UPCOMING INTERVIEW?  OR WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN HAVING ME STYLE, REVIEW, AND FEATURE ONE OF YOUR PRODUCTS?  
Please drop me a note.  

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