I've been meaning to write this post a little earlier, but completely forgot about it until now. Earlier this month, I attended what I call an "Etsy Live" show, really known as ICE, or Indie Craft Exchange. I first heard about the event through various friends and family and was dying to attend the winter event, but had some family emergencies that had to be taken care of. Lo & behold, as I was catching up with some old friends, my friend invited me to go with her to the summer event that was happening that weekend. Of course I had to go-1. I didn't have any other plans and 2. I've been wanting to attend one of their events for quite some time now.
Why do I call it "Etsy Live?" Well, simply put-it's like some of the most talented artists/crafters from Etsy gathered together in one large showroom. Seriously, the entire showroom (Ambient Plus Studio in Atlanta) had aisles and aisles, booths among booths lined up with various Etsy and local vendors, selling their handmade, homecrafted goods. I for one, am OBSESSED with Etsy. I've purchased more on there than my fingers can count-mostly jewelry, but also paintings, hair & purse accessories and even food products. Like I've always said, support small businesses! :) Everything made and sold is by the crafter/artist themselves-they love what they do and their products clearly show it. In addition to the 70+ vendors that were there, some of ATL's premiere food trucks were on the scene-and being the foodie I am, I of course, was super excited for that as well. Also, if you were the first 250 in line either Saturday or Sunday, you received an exclusive swag bag.
Here're some pictures I snapped at the event:
I totally forgot to take pictures while I was INSIDE of the event-I was too excited and was pushing my way through to purchase these handmade goods, that I couldn't think of anything else.
❀Swag Bag! Truthfully, I'm not a big fan of the design as compared to the design of the swag bag from previous events. It's kind of weird.....but hey, I can't complain!
❀Swag Bag Contents: I'm a little disappointed in the contents of the swag, especially considering I waited in line at 9:45AM to be one of the 1st 250 people to get one. It was filled with a bunch of business cards, while some vendors gave a little handmade goodie, and of course the mail chimp doll, which was probably the cutest thing inside here.
❀Bookie Macarons: one of the food vendors inside the event showcase. I got one of each of the flavors they were offering that day, $2 a piece. Peach, Spicy Choco Passion and Earl Grey+Peach. The macarons were pretty amazing-I loved the peach buttercream, and the little kick in the chocolate one. Not to mention, their logo is one of the CUTEST logos I've ever seen, I can't get over it!
❀Ursa Minor Coffee: one of the 2 food vendors outside of the event. For those of you who don't know what ursa minor is, it's the little bear constellation, while ursa major is the large bear constellation. Super adorable logo, love the blue truck with stars, too. I ordered the Tom Kha drink which was a blend of coconut milk, lemongrass, and various delicate ingredients. It was delicious on a sunny day.
❀Good Food Truck: I've been hearing so much about this food truck, but had yet to try it out, until I was at the event that is. Their known for their savory cones filled with delicious salads/combos and for their poodles. Obviously, I had to get a poodle: a hot dog stuck in between a french toast bun, topped with an apple slaw and with spicy mustard and maple syrup. Sound gross? WRONG-O! Definitely one of the BEST things I've ever tasted-I need to stalk them down more often, yes, STALK.
❀King of Pops: You all already know how much I love my gourmet and handmade KOP popsicles, that's no surprise! So of course, being on a mission to get something from every food vendor at the event, I had to get a peaches and cream. I'm definitely a true Southern peach ;).
Overall, I had a fantastic time with my girlfriends at the ICE event! I'm sad I've been missing out on their events for the past few years, but I know better now! Now, even my wallet is sad that I'm going to be attending these events more often! :) It's great to support local artists/crafters, and they really create something unique. Whether you go alone or with a group of friends, you'll have fun regardless because you'll be too preoccupied to even talk to one another.
I hope to see you all at ICE Winter 2012!
Have a great Saturday,
-Sandy
FTC: I was not paid or compensated for this review, all reviews and opinions are my own.
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