Well! I had quite an adventure today! I ended up in Brooklin Maine, attempting to visit family, but I got there five hours before her shift ended so I did what I always do, I grabbed a few unsuspecting passengers and went on an adventure!

I had heard several people say I had to go to Nervous Nellie’s Jams and Jellies, no one said why, but I knew it was in the area so I was heading out in that direction when I noticed an Artisan’s Market aside the road in the town of Deer Isle. I’d never heard of such a thing so of course I had to stop. What a lovely little detour it was!

I guess this is a common thing, happening once a week on Thursdays during the warmer months from 10-2. I was very happily surprised with the quality of vendors. They were all super sweet people, super excited to share their gorgeous little island. I have so many tips of new places to go that I know damn well I will be back! And the art these people were selling was varied and beautiful, all of it. There wasn’t a stray stitch or the slightest shoddy thing to be found. And since this was a small affair, only a handful of vendors, I took the time to take photos of each booth, a few snaps of products, and their information in case anyone might be interested.

The first two vendors were quilters with exquisitely sewn pieces. The first of which had a variety of aprons and miscellany. She was from the Forget-Me-Not Shop. which has a brick and mortar shop just down the street.

Not to be outdone The Dockside Quilt Gallery had a few full size quilts, made by someone with an innate sense of color, just absolutely stunning as well as some bags and other little things.

Maine Island Soap I stopped to talk to. They had a wonderful assortment, all sorts of delicious scents, at very reasonable prices! They must have been doing this a while because their soaps were all very uniform, something I find is uncommon among the other soapers I have come across. Anyway, they were very nice, asked if I was a photographer and I told them about the blog… and then we all took a few photos of each other which is always fun!

Next up was Nature’s Filigree Quilling, run by a another very talented and friendly woman who said she can spend up to three days working on piece. Quilling is apparently an art form where colorful paper is rolled and places together to make designs, her specialty seemed to be mostly native Maine birds and wow, they were gorgeous. If I didn’t know any better I would have never guessed they were made of paper.

From here I ended up really admiring the workmanship in Bagaduce Woodturning. There were very steam-punky looking pepper grinders, a phenomenal goblet made from an apple tree, and a bunch of wooden bowls, anything and everything that’d fit someone’s rustic lifestyle. She didn’t have a website but if something in the photos catches your eye here e-mail is cmsnow1939@icloud.com 

Bluemoon Market Arts was another brilliant surprise. This was run by another very friendly and very chatty woman who told me all sorts of cool things about nearby places to go – which sadly I didn’t get to hit today but I will be back! She was “inspired by” my orange hair and insisted on finding a piece of glass to match which she did really precisely. She doesn’t have a website but she asked me to share her Instagram… which I can’t seem to find so I have e-mailed her to ask and will link it as soon as I get it. If anything strikes your fancy her e-mail is blumn@hotmail.com 

The next few vendors didn’t have cards so I didn’t get their info but they had a wonderful mix of quilted things, more jewelry, some knitting, really nice sewing, some baskets and rugs made of recycled lobster trap rope (how Maine can you get??) and some quirky painted wooden pieces (including some flamboyantly neon pink roosters which were quite adorable.)

If you have enjoyed today’s adventure, or any of this blog, please feel free to donate to the gas money fund! Otherwise stay tuned as I write about Nervous Nellie’s Jams and Jellies and the Turtle Gallery, also on Deer Isle.