I make stuff. I loved the video on the Makers Movement. One of the guys said "I make stuff". Whilst I might not make technically inspired products, I have been crafting as long as I can remember. Family friendly parties make a house a home with
rustic and traditional favors, supplies, and decorations made with love.
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I make decorations as well as sell supplies to use for parties. I make my own jams, jellies, extracts and tinctures. I cook from scratch and have a small garden with which to supplement the food budget. The name of my shop is il Piccolo Giardino which means little garden.
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Years ago, at a local shop in town, I hand painted greeting cards and sold on consignment. My area was called Royal Presence. That led to having a small space in the shop and selling my cards and I sold religious and inspirational books and gifts. I made some craft kits for children and sold on consignment in another local store. Royal Presence then sold online in various venues and still continues to this day, but with a focus on party supplies now on Etsy as ilPiccoloGiardino.

I love the beach and for most of my life vacationed on Cape Cod every summer. Much of my beach crafts and decorations are inspired by our vacations.

My Mom made a big deal out of every holiday and on 4th of July would make steamers, clam fritters, steaks, chicken and everyone's favorite, home made ice cream using at first a hand crank machine, then later an electric one. She made a custard base and as kids we took turns turning the crank or adding ice and rock salt. Sweet summer memories. Just thinking about people hanging out with great decor, good food and terrific people makes me smile. She taught me how to make candies, jams and jellies. I make seasonal treats like hand roasted pecans and salted caramels, as well as tomato chili sauce, pickles, jams and jellies.

I work full time and craft at nights and on weekends.
Nowadays, my son inspires me, because he is so authentic, filled with love and he's smarter than me!

I have a recipe blog that is inspired by my mother's legacy of recipes. She was a fantastic cook and baker. The link is over at the right under Related Links.

ilPiccoloGiardino is a natural evolution. ilPiccoloGiardino the name began from an inspired trip to Italy where we stayed at different hotels. One had the name Piccolo in it and another Giardino. Together, they mean 'little garden'. In season, I will put up a picture of the little garden at home.

For crafts, I love to work with diverse media, paper collage is so much fun, and want to experiment with painting again. I make a lot of one of a kind items with found materials. The most joyful time with crafting and the reward is when someone who received one of my products shares a happy moment of their pleasure and delight. I really like to make families have a joyful time in their events and gatherings.

Ciao!