Friday, February 12, 2010

Back in Time at Schimpff's Confectionery

For the past two years my husband has indulged me with a trip across the river to Jeffersonville, Indiana. Here we take a trip back in time to visit Schimpff's Confectionery. I always like to go around Valentine's Day as it's my favorite day of the year.


You may not be able to read the date on the door, but it says "since 1891." Yes, it's been around 119 years. Check out the markings on the door that show the water level when the Ohio River flooded in years past.


This is what you see when you enter the front door and it takes my breath away, having a major sweet tooth. Yes, I turn into a "kid in a candy shop."


While there you can see a demonstration of candy making using crank style equipment and antique metal candy molds. As the cinnamon candy cools, it is broken apart and everyone gets samples that are still warm to the touch.




They also have a very impressive museum dedicated to the history of candy. There are vintage candy boxes, jars, containers and other forms of packaging.



Here are a few of the goodies I purchased! My favorites are the Oreos dipped in dark chocolate with candy hearts on top.


To learn more about this historic shop, check out the Schimpff's website. Be sure to click on HISTORY to see more photos and interesting info. If you are in the Louisville/Southern Indiana area, you should take the time to visit!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

My Latest Designs


While everyone else in the world was watching the Super Bowl, I was in the basement working in my studio. This is a custom order for a friend who wanted to surprise his wife after their daughter was born. And the colors are nice for Valentine's Day too.


The chocolate brown jasper "chicklets" work well with the link pink Rhodonite nuggets and light rose Swarovski crystals. I hope she loves it!


And since Valentine's day is right around the corner here is the "My Michele" necklace inspired by a friend that spotted these cool hearts at a bead show in Louisville. I made the heart into a pendant and used faceted garnet rondelles and onyx. I made a similar version for myself, as she bought me a heart too.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Kellibeans Hat Giveaway!

If you haven't entered our Bluegrass Etsy contest for the month of February, you will want to enter now! This month's giveaway is our biggest yet - valued at $30. Team member Kellibeans is giving away a crocheted hat and an art card (of your choice) from her etsy and artfire shops. Be sure to visit our Kentucky Handmade blog for the details. The prize will be awarded on Feb 28. Remember, you can't win if you don't enter!