
If you attended the 2014 Porter Flea Holiday Market last December, you likely saw the stunning geometric baubles displayed throughout the event. I actually stopped dead in my tracks and just stared for a solid ten minutes in the entryway. Who made these gigantic gems?! How did they make them?! And where can I buy them?! I was in serious awe and could not wait to find out more.
I quickly found out it was the dynamic duo, Mandy Pellegrin and Emily Edwards of Craftcourse Nashville . If you haven’t heard about these lovely ladies and their crafting magic, you are missing out. A pair of high energy, charmingly neurotic creatives who are mad about color, retro vibes and modern design. They specialize in making ‘cool things’. Because as they often say, cool things don’t make themselves. Over the top displays to the tiniest of details, these ladies are rocking the party, wedding, workshop and retail scene.
When asked to create a fun display for Porter Flea, the concept was like any of their other events – temporary design. But after Instagram blew up with photos of these geometric baubles and a bidding war began between local retailers over who gets to buy this one set, the ladies knew that they had something special. The geometric baubles had no choice but to go to the marketplace.

Overnight, they re-branded their company and created an online store for their own creations, starting with the geometric baubles. The mobiles are now available for purchase and come in singles, sets and a variety of colors and sizes. They range from $25-70 and can be shipped anywhere in the U.S.
Often asked “what in the world are these baubles good for?!”Their response “Um…what AREN’T they good for?” And I tend to agree. These mobiles would look amazing in modern, retro and even bohemian home décor. For interior design, pair multiple baubles with Edison bulb lights and hang over a dining room table for a beautiful light or create a focal point in your living room with a single strand. I would love to see the ladies at A Beautiful Mess pick up a few and place in their studio. Wouldn’t they look fantastic?!

Photo’s via A Beautiful Mess and Craftcourse Nashville
For parties and weddings, they would look gorgeous as a backdrop to a photo-booth or a little bling to a buffet table or entryway. I love the idea of a black and gold party with the pink or gold mobiles. So flirty and fun.

Photo’s via Collin Cowie Weddings and Bajan Wed
And don’t get me started on retail displays. My first thought when I saw these mobiles was Kate Spade needs these in her flagship store (see below photos). Or how about Anthropologie? Couldn’t you see them dazzling customers in one of their window displays? The designs, colors and construction are so fresh, and right in line with the 2015 home décor trends. The possibilities are endless, and I am really excited to see how people display them.
Kate Spade via Daily Mail UK and Lonny
So, forget the depressing winter weather and feast your eyes on these bold beauties. Get inspired, throw a party and have fun trying something new in your décor scheme.
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So this week has been a bit crazy with work and life. And to make things a bit more interesting, I wrote three gift guides for the blog and another publication. I cannot tell you how happy I am that it is the weekend! Starting a blog during the holidays was kind of an insane move. But I’m hoping that come January, things will be smooth sailing. Fingers crossed.
I had full intention to write about all the wonderful local events I was attending in early December. But,um…that didn’t happen. Life buzzed by and all these goodies just stood in the blog queue. So today’s post is quite simple. Here’s where I have been as of late.

My first December event was the Porter Flea Holiday Market and preview party. Porter Flea Holiday Market is an annual modern handmade market that happens the first weekend of December. It’s a much anticipated event for most Nashvillian’s. All of your favorite locally made items in one place for the holidays. Such a great concept!
This year, Madewell Nashville hosted a preview party featuring Handmade Studio TN and Consider the Wldfwrs. I love preview parties. They are intimate and a slower pace, allowing you to take your time.
Handmade Studio TN is dear to my heart, as I was the first to carry her beautiful pottery line. All her new wares are gorgeous and stunningly simplistic. Consider the Wldfwrs is the newest jewelry kid on the block and on everyone’s must-have list. Beautiful, delicate designs that just make your heart swell.
My favorite thing at Porter Flea was the fantastic props! The first thing you saw as you entered the market were the 3-D prism shapes designed and created by the Craftcourse Nashville duo. Over-sized paper prisms hanging in the entry, exit, on tables, in corners and the backdrop for the most fabulous photo booth. Impressive ladies!
And a big shout out to my dear friends at Bright Event Productions for the handmade Porter Flea light sign. Well done!

Every year, my husband and I attend the 12 South Winter Warmer. Also on the first weekend of December. Tickets go on sale in October and sell out in minutes. Yes, minutes. It’s hands down, the best beer festival of the year. You bundle up in your finest winter attire and drink the whole day. It’s kind of awesome.
Oh! And I finally chose boots for my Montreal trip. After trying on a million boots, the Sorel Conquest Carly won me over. They made their debut at the 12 South Winter Warmer. My toes were toasty, and I received so many compliments on how stylish they were. Definitely chose the right ones.
Finally, the annual gingerbread house (okay, graham cracker house) evening. For the last few years, my dear friend Kristin has hosted a gingerbread house night. It’s pretty much an excuse to shut our brains off, drink wine and build ridiculous structures made of sugar. There’s only one rule, leave your crazy life and perfectionism at the door. This night is not about creating beautiful things, it’s about enjoying each others company. And laughing a lot! As you can see, there is nothing perfect about my crooked house that has no door and a weird open loft on top. But it’s full of memories, and that’s all that matters. If you haven’t created something without giving a shit, you should try it sometime. It’s very freeing.
How are you spending your December days?
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