A few months ago I got contacted by They So Loved Events asking if they could use a couple of my wooden pins for a photo shoot they were putting together. It sounded super fun so I agreed, of course. Come to find out the shoot was posted on Green Wedding shoes! How cool is that! I posted a few photos with the CA pins but be sure to check out the link above for more beautiful photos of the styled shoot they put together. I’m so glad I got asked to be a part of this!
(P.S. I don’t currently sell the wooden pins but if you have any interest in purchasing some please contact me. I cut them each by hand and can add a wood burned heart. )
Earlier this summer we finally made it some hot springs! This was back in June when getting in hot water sounded really nice on a cool evening. This was also right after I got back from ALT summit and stayed up way to too and got way too little sleep. About an hour after I got back to Seattle we headed off with our friends to the trail head. I napped on the way and was mostly refreshed for the hike-although I was really glad it was a flat and easy 4 miles.
We stopped at a few places along the way to take a breather and look at beautiful things like the river we crossed and a waterfall near the beginning of the hike.
Once we set up camp we hiked the remaining 1/4 mile to the hot springs and got in! There were 3 areas you could sit in. The one above was my favorite. It was warm but not hot and it was exposed to the air so it was refreshing too. Up above was a smaller pool that was a little warmer and just outside of the cave area that was the third spot. In the cave it was pretty hot and pretty dark. If you could brave the low ceiling and not seeing that well in the far back was a wooden bench that allowed you so sit out of the water. It was like a wonderful sauna. I’m glad I finally braved it and tried it out.
We spent 1 night and visited the pools 3 times, once upon arrival, once after dark (that was pretty fun), and once in the morning before we packed up to head out. On the way back home we stopped for some food and a beer-I look forward to that after each hiking/camping trip we go on. Oh the sweet rewards!
A couple of months ago I got contacted by a company called State Traditions. They have been in business for 7 years selling state shape apparel and they were putting together an artists market of sellers who make other state shaped items in an effort to be the “go to” place for state shaped items. They came across my necklaces on etsy and wanted me to be a part of it. I was thrilled that they found me and they thought that I represented their brand enough to reach out to me.
During our phone conversation I discovered they were based in Birmingham, AL and I would be traveling there for the first time ever a few weeks later to visit Walker’s sister and family. It felt a little meant to be. So while I was in Birmingham we made plans for me to stop by their offices and warehouse to get a tour and meet the team.
I got to see all of the products sent in by other artists chosen to be a part of the market and it was so cool seeing all of those state shaped items. Then I got a tour of the warehouse where they store all of the State Traditions lines of products and where the shipping and receiving happens. For me it was just so cool to see a company doing so well selling state inspired designs and to hear a little bit about their plans for the future and where they started.
It’s always a great experience to be able to meet the people behind the business and for me to have a personal interaction with a company I am now working with. I wish them the best and I’m very excited to be working with them.
Oh and they didn’t let me leave without making sure I was fully stocked for the 4th of July with USA koozies, stickers, a State Traditions t-shirt, and hat! It was very sweet of them.
(all photos by Allyson Wiley)
