See that space beyond the curtains?  That space is now more Made Local Marketplace!  There is just so much good stuff made in Sonoma County that our shop has to expand again to attempt to contain a sampling of it all.  Our first expansion, last October made such a huge difference to our artists and our shoppers.  We got to carry more fabulous items and you could walk around the shop more easily, bring in a stroller without worrying about knocking something over, and really step back to see everything.  

It's our goal to make more practical items available to you, the customer.  We have more and more every day items.  I know we aren't going to put Target out of business, but you can shop local first.  We have laundry soap, bath soap, clocks, dish towels, BBQ sauce, wash cloths, aprons, t-shirts, re-useable snack bags, just to name a few of the more useful (not just gorgeous) items we carry.  

This expansion let's us fulfill this aspiration. 

Stay tuned for info on our expansion party!  I think it's totally worth celebrating. 

Pirate Hygiene Kit perfect for dads and grads

Santa Rosa, CA - Argh matey: If you’re still searching for that fun gift for dad or a recent graduate, the “Pirate Hygiene Kit” might fit the bill. Sonoma County entrepreneur, Rebecca  Valentine, who calls herself “an herbalist with a sense of humor”,  has developed natural potions that will appeal to wannabe buccaneers.

The pirate kit includes “Pegleg Aftershave”- made with soothing herbs- that leave a pirate’s face “ready for the plank, the boardroom, a jogging trail or a night of shore leave.” Other items in the kit include “Pirate Pits Deodorant” (to be used before, during and after “swabbin’ the deck”) and “Bottle O’ Rum” pirate toothpicks.  The witty product labels are burnt and weathered, like a lost treasure map, and tied around the bottles with twine for that “living on the high seas” effect.  The kit comes packaged in reused plastic boxes, adding a nice eco-friendly touch to this gift set. The kit is sure to help all pirates be more respectable in polite company; the barmaids like it, too. The Pirate Hygiene Kit is available exclusively at The Made Local Marketplace (the retail space at the Share Exchange).

This is for all you talented Made Local Marketplace vendors -- there are over 250 of you plus a long waiting list! We have just added a new section to our website called "Maker News". Under this tab you will find important events, updates and opportunities both in the store and in the community. Please check it out on a regular basis for important news. 

Also, huge thanks to Laura Gonzalez (#193) for helping put together wonderful blog posts to keep our information flow nice and fresh.

Also, huge thanks to Jessica Buickerood (#160) for designing and implementing our new Artist of the Week posting. They are a fabulous way to feature you and your products.