New supplies...

In Kansas City on the first Friday night of each month, downtown comes alive with art! It is such a creative person's dream...just strolling from one gallery to the next checking out every nook of the Crossroad's District from the street performers to the food trucks and aart, art, art inbetween.

On of my most favorite places to visit is Hammerpress. I remember the first I stepped foot into that place, and I fell in love with letterpress printing. (This was way before Letterpress was cool. Not that there was really a time it wasn't cool, but you know what I mean.) I was a graphic design student on a field trip...and I thought I'd hit the big time! I was so happy to be in a creative field and visiting this printshop downtown was a big deal for me.

It has since moved on to a much bigger building, and a great gift shop filled with my favorite things: baker's string and kitschy potcards, not to mention a great selection of washi tape and darling wrapping paper. So I picked up a few gems and can't wait to get back to creating this week! Thanks KC for a great Friday night spot for inspiration!

Our visit to the West Bottoms today

It was a gorgeous Sat. morning and I just couldn't resist. I know the West Bottoms it more my hangout than my husband's or certainly the girls, but it has been a long hot summer and on a day like today I just couldn't resist! Besides, my friend Julie was debuing her new biz, the Painted Poppy, at Restoration Emporium, and I couldn't resist a little lookie-loo!

I didn't even think of the endless fantastic photo opportunities for taking pictures of the girls, and I just couldn't get over how much I loved the girls flower dresses up against the painted brick wall of the large warehouse buildings of the West Bottoms. I could've done an hour-long photo shoot, but again, more my thing than anyone else in the family!

I love how you can actually just see how much Gracie loves her big sister in these photos.

Then, we finally arrived at Restoration Emporium (after a few side trips to some other really great shops). One I loved was Hickory Dickory. There were some really great finds, and it seemed extra-reasonable prices.

We had to stop briefly outside of the shop for a quick tea party. How much do you love that little chair and table set. Now I am wondering why on earth I didn't get it?!

Then we found Julie in her absolutely darling little corner downstairs. She had tons of colorful pillows dangling from the ceiling, and lots of droolworthy furniture all around. And just look at her darling apron! If that doesn't say "I am the cutest creative girl ever" then maybe her tennies (sorry, not pcitured!) would. She said they were her lucky shoes and given her booming biz I think they are working! I have always loved visiting the West Bottoms for shopping but with Julie there it is just extra fun!

Sadly, the girls were pretty "done" and we scooted home without visit Good Juju, Bella Patina, or some other fun favorites. But, we'll be back!