Before I worked here at betsy & iya I remember reading post after post, on this very blog, about Betsy and Will's most excellent road trip adventures. Reading about their trips, I loved being a part of the excitement; the pictures told a story that I wanted to be a part of -- the rows upon rows of jewelry that were just waiting to be worn and the quiet, moving landscapes that passed them by as they traveled with a joyful spirit that is often required to conquer the unexpected. Little did I know that I would one day be asked to go on my first solo road trip representing betsy & iya at the Urban Craft Uprising in Seattle, Washington. (Little did they know that I never say "no" to a road trip. Road trip, baby! Heck yes!) It was such an honor to follow in the footsteps of Will and Betsy and now, I will endeavor to report back in word and picture what I encountered along the way.
Worn with the utmost pride.
Early morning setup. Excitement, palpable.
Car stuffed full and stomach fluttering I drove up to Seattle, unpacked mounds of betsy & iya treasures, and awaited the 100+ people that were waiting at the door to come in and discover their new favorite handmade gem. I can't tell you how many smiling, beautiful men and women told me stories of b&i purchases they had made at the last fair and how excited they were to buy their new favorite pieces. I came. I saw. I also, in my own way, conquered the inevitable unexpected twists and turns that make any road trip a memorable adventure (such as Seattle traffic jams and the joys of double parking). I return home with deep appreciation for our loyal customers and the special jewelry we offer to those who savor such things. Oh, and most of all, I had a great time.
50% Attempted Wave Hello + 50% Looks like a High Five = 100% Dork
New b&i rings and the Bridge Collection make their debut @ the Urban Craft Uprising.
Uhhhh have you ever heard of a Cupcake Happy Hour?! Sheer insanity / No restraint / Completely dangerous.
Although this year's Urban Craft Uprising is here and gone, I wanted to share these pictures with you that capture the spirit of the event. (I wish I was able to share the celebratory cupcakes I bought at Cupcake Royale too, but no one has invented a way for you to grab a cupcake out of your computer screen... yet... so here's to hoping!) Look forward to more "Oh, the places we go" posts in the future of all the on-the-road/at-the-show moments -- because we wanna pack you in our suitcase and take ya with us everywhere. X's and O's, -- Kelly ***Song of the Moment: Search Party, by Small Black***