I would love love love a place where I can share this with the students when they are registering to take a class. I have found that people are a million times more likely to go out of their way to bring a item if they know this sort of story beforehand and feel like they have a better understanding of their instructor.
handmade wooden toys for my kids (son is 4, daughter is 2) - I try to find things that inspire my kids creativity and do not use batteries. Handcrafted is always better, and I like the look and feel of wood.
artisanal bath items - gardening is hard work...soaking in the tub afterwards makes everything better
anything from Traders Point Creamery - my kids (and I) love the TPC yogurt, cheese, ice cream, etc. I like that they are exposed to less commercial yogurt, and that they learn to appreciate the taste of quality over quantity.
anything from the Smoking Goose - I love the idea and products of Smoking Goose. They are providing locally produced world-class artisanal meat in a responsible and approachable way. I'm going to take a tour/class there someday when I have time.
2 jars of diced tomatoes from Local Folks Foods - when I'm up against the clock and dinner is past due, the jars of Local Folks tomatoes often save the day. Since they are in glass, there is no BPA or other nasty chemicals to mitigate.
a bottle of balsamic vinegar or olive oil from Artisano's (a local company) - I got to know the owner of Artisano's a few years back when I was managing and running a local wine and food group. He brings in stellar and unique vinegars and oils from around the world, and I've found endless uses for his products when dressing final dishes, salads, etc.
upcycled/recycled iron art for a garden - I love found art. I love iron. My garden needs trellising...It's been my mission to combine all of these into interesting upcycled iron art in my garden. To date, I have a bike wheel trellis, pea supports made from old grating, an orb-shaped trellis that I let rust on purpose, and a support made out of old iron fittings with a TBD original use.
I would love love love a place where I can share this with the students when they are registering to take a class. I have found that people are a million times more likely to go out of their way to bring a item if they know this sort of story beforehand and feel like they have a better understanding of their instructor.
handmade wooden toys for my kids (son is 4, daughter is 2) - I try to find things that inspire my kids creativity and do not use batteries. Handcrafted is always better, and I like the look and feel of wood.
artisanal bath items - gardening is hard work...soaking in the tub afterwards makes everything better
anything from Traders Point Creamery - my kids (and I) love the TPC yogurt, cheese, ice cream, etc. I like that they are exposed to less commercial yogurt, and that they learn to appreciate the taste of quality over quantity.
anything from the Smoking Goose - I love the idea and products of Smoking Goose. They are providing locally produced world-class artisanal meat in a responsible and approachable way. I'm going to take a tour/class there someday when I have time.
2 jars of diced tomatoes from Local Folks Foods - when I'm up against the clock and dinner is past due, the jars of Local Folks tomatoes often save the day. Since they are in glass, there is no BPA or other nasty chemicals to mitigate.
a bottle of balsamic vinegar or olive oil from Artisano's (a local company) - I got to know the owner of Artisano's a few years back when I was managing and running a local wine and food group. He brings in stellar and unique vinegars and oils from around the world, and I've found endless uses for his products when dressing final dishes, salads, etc. upcycled/recycled iron art for a garden - I love found art. I love iron. My garden needs trellising...It's been my mission to combine all of these into interesting upcycled iron art in my garden. To date, I have a bike wheel trellis, pea supports made from old grating, an orb-shaped trellis that I let rust on purpose, and a support made out of old iron fittings with a TBD original use.