Unique LA

Me snapping pics @ Unique LA

 Yesterday I went to check out Unique LA, which is a great event to check out and shop local, independent designers, original artwork and handmade goods. I wanted to share some of the goodies I found here:

Free "swag" bag from Unique LA

Jane Ragasa of Janie xy sells these adorable softies and I just had to get one for my son, who is obsessed with whales right now! (*update 8/1: while this post was unsolicited, Jane wants to offer a discount to my blog readers as a "thank you" - enter "summer20" during checkout at her online shop for 20% off in the month of August.)

Heather Jacobs of Graze Organic has a wonderful line of reusable lunch and snack bags. I have seen a lot of these for sale recently and what I like about hers is that they are just organic cotton canvas, no plastic-y coated lining, so they are food safe.

Becky Johnson of Sweetie Pie Press had some cute buttons and magnets for sale. I especially like the craft-y ones that referenced sewing, like: "Enjoy Irony"

Jodie of Petals had some really awesome handsewn wallets, bags and accessories. My best friend Anita got me this wonderful mini-wallet for my business cards!

Xochilt Figueroa of Bijoux B had some lovely jewelery. Anita got herself this "Love" ring, so pretty!

One thing that surprised me about Unique LA was the number of artisan foods being showcased. Carmen Linder of Gotta Have Smore  makes these mini smores (aka s'muffins) that are delish! Imagine a cupcake made from graham cracker, with the bottom dipped in chocolate and topped with marshmellow frosting. It's even got that bit of burnt sugar finish to give that authentic s'more taste. I had to swing by for seconds.

Lastly, Tifanie White is a make-up artist (ahem, with three Emmy nominations for best make-up on "Dancing with the Stars"...one of my favorite shows!) who also sews/quilts/crafts and got the idea to start to make her own rolls for storing her make-up brushes. I fell in love with (and bought) this one that showcases these awesome scrappy spiderweb blocks! The inside is lined with nylon which makes it easy to wipe clean if you're storing make-up brushes, but wouldn't it also be great for storing paint brushes, knitting needles, art markers/pencils, scissors and rotary cutters...