While we were at the Chestertown Farmers’ Market, we picked up a couple of items made by local artists and crafters.  The first is a lovely vanilla soap from Shore Natural Gifts.  We wound up buying a few of these because they smelled so good… like actual vanilla, which is because the women at Shore Natural make their vanilla soap by hand-grating vanilla beans.  It looks like they sell their soap at markets and fairs in Maryland and DC, so local folks might want to keep an eye out for them.

I also picked up this handmade book, created by talented artist Stephanie Somers, who in addition to blank books, makes beautiful woodcut prints, photographs, etc.  I especially liked her “Loon with a View” woodcuts.

And while I’m talking about local purchases, I also had to mention this amazing crème brûlée candle from Rockville-based Chesapeake Bay Candle Company, which now makes candles from a facility right in Anne Arundel County.

I’m pretty selective when it comes to scented candles (a lot of them give me a headache), but this one has such a warm, inviting smell.  And unlike some scented candles which smell great when you stick your nose in them, but don’t have any impact when you light them, the crème brûlée smell really permeates our house.  It’s our current favorite.

{Note: I don’t have any affiliation with these companies or artists.  All opinions are my own.}