Yesterday I had the pleasure of photo-styling one of a series of upcoming photoshoots for my good friends Tanya & Matt of Yellow Dog Bread. It was terribly hot, but so fun. I enjoyed every moment and really wish I could do this all the time.

Tanya is one of my very best friends and it has been a real joy watching her business evolve from our giggly, dreamy brainstorms, to now, an actual thriving bakery.

All these photos were taken behind the scenes by me but the official photographer is another talented friend, Geoff Wood.

Want to get a feel for the upcoming market on Saturday? Check out this video:

Oven mitt tutorial from The Idea Room.

Photo gift tag tutorial from Nice Package

Rose Petal Tee tutorial from Applique Your Way.

One of the things I hear a lot is that there is a void when it comes to guy stuff at craft shows like the Rock & Shop Market. We try our best to create a shopping environment that both guys and girls will appreciate, but to be fair most of the vendors that apply are women. That said, I’ve rounded up some of my top male-centric gift picks that will be at the Rock & Shop Market on December 19th. And guys, if you are reading and have a great product, do apply to a future event, there is a niche to be filled.

From left to right: T-shirt by Flytrap Studios (Carrboro), Wooden Planter by Erde Designs (Cary), Note Card by Bigwig & Silver (Durham), Belt Buckle by Buncombe Buckles (Asheville), Bearded Guys Magnets by Jordan Grace Owens (Greensboro), Merge Records Companion Book from Merge Records (Durham), Squid Bowl by Designs by Takemoto (Virginia Beach, VA)

In addition to these great products, there will be hand crafted guitars made from cigar boxes, art posters & prints, and of course beer from Aviator Brewing Company.

Pine cone garland tutorial from Twig & Thistle.

Linen drawstring gift bag tutorial from A Little Red Ribbon.

I love making things by hand as gifts for the Holidays. Traditionally, we always make homemade Peppermint Bark to give to our friends and family, in years past I’ve also made personalized stationary, button rings, and teacup candles. I’ve rounded up some great project tutorials for handmade gift ideas and decorations that I’ll be posting through December. Hope you enjoy!

Fancy fabric headband tutorial from Project Wedding

I am happy to announce that The Rock & Shop Market is moving to a bigger venue in downtown Raleigh, The All Saints Chapel. There will still be a bar, live bands & designer shopping but the space is bigger, beautiful, and has it’s own parking lot. AND in addition to that we are bringing a vintage-themed market to Durham’s Cotton Room at the Golden Belt, again, there will still be a bar, live bands, and designers but this event will have a twist, the designers will be selling upcycled, repurposed and vintage fashions and furniture, like a hip indoor flea market. We are now accepting applications for both events. Click here to submit yours!