SIU Holiday Craft Sale

Here it comes, the last show of the season, and it's a beaut!  The Holiday Craft Sale at the SIU Student Center was our first big show, many years ago, and we've enjoyed coming back to it ever since.  We've been hard at work making lots of new products, and we're eager to share them with you.  We will be at our usual spot at the bottom of the escalators.  Stop on by, visit for a spell, and see what we can do to help you with your holiday shopping.  There is nothing like giving local, handmade gifts, and we have unique items you won't find anywhere else.  So come on out, say hello, and share the warmth of the season.  We'll be looking for you!

AutumnFest - 2017

We're very much looking forward to this weekend when we return to John A. Logan College for their 42nd annual AutumnFest Arts and Crafts Show.  This is a great show, one of the best in the area, and we always have a good time there.  We will be in our usual place in the cafeteria with lots of goodies for the people on your Christmas gift list.  Ruth has all your favorite soaps, lotions, and lip balms, and John has some great wine racks and accessories for your favorite wine lover.  So stop by and see use this weekend.  We'll be looking for you.

Squash Soup

With the coming of colder weather comes a time for hot, hearty soups.  We recently came across this recipe from Alton Brown, and thought you might like to try it as well.   Let us know what you think.

Squash Soup

Ingredients

• 3 to 3 1/2 pounds butternut squash, approximately 2, seeded and quartered
• Unsalted butter, melted, for brushing
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus 1 teaspoon
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper, plus 1/2 teaspoon
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

 Directions

 Heat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Place the quartered squash onto a half sheet pan, brush the flesh of the squash with a little butter and season with 1 tablespoon of the salt and 1 teaspoon of the white pepper. Place in the oven and roast for 30 to 35 minutes or until the flesh is soft and tender.

Scoop the flesh from the skin into a 6-quart pot. Add the broth, honey and ginger. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Using a stick blender, puree the mixture until smooth*. Stir in the heavy cream and return to a low simmer. Season with the remaining salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

*When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.

Heritage Festival

We return to Harrisburg this weekend for the 40th annual Heritage Festival at Southeastern Illinois College.  We will be in our usual spot in the corner of the gym.  We've got lots of great stuff to help you get a jump on your holiday shopping, so come on out and see us. 

Vulture Fest 21017

We're excited to be returning to Makanda, IL, for this year's Vulture Fest.  Nestled deep in a hollow of the Shawnee Hills, Makanda is probably the funkiest of small towns in Southern Illinois.  This show offers a great variety of art, and an even greater variety of people. 

We've got new work to show you, and lots of fun pieces for you to look at. Ruth has been busy making soaps and lotions just for this event (Have you tried our Arabian Nights?  A blend of sandalwood and patchouli, perfect for your inner hippie), and John has new racks to hold your favorite Southern Illinois wines. 

Drop by and say hello.  We'll be looking for you.

Fall 2017 Upcoming Shows

We have another exciting season coming up.  Below is a list of our scheduled shows for 2017.  Check back here and on our Facebook page for more information.  We are looking forward to another great year, and a chance to see all our old friends again.

Sept. 23-24                        Illinois Wine and Art Festival, Whittington, IL

Oct. 7-8                              Southern Illinois Irish Festival, Walker’s Bluff

Oct. 21-22                          Vulture Festival, Makanda, IL

Nov. 4-5                             Heritage Festival, Southeastern Illinois College, Harrisburg, IL

Nov. 11-12                         AutumnFest, John A. Logan College, Carterville, IL

Nov. 18-19                         Christmas Arts and Crafts Extravaganza, Show-Me Center, 

                                                       Cape Girardeau, MO

Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 2             Holiday Craft Sale, SIU Student Center, Carbondale, IL

Eclipse Soap

The eclipse is coming!  Surely by now you know that Carbondale is the place to be on August 21.  If you just can't wait till then, or you need a great gift for your friends coming in from out of town, these eclipse soaps are perfect for you.  They are available locally at

- E. Claire Salon, 212 S University Ave.
- Town Square Market, 106 E Jackson St.
- NEST Arts, 101 W Monroe St.

We'll try to keep up with the demand, but you might want to get yours now, just to be safe.














Aren't these neat?!