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Cool stuff from StemsVases in Seattle, Wa: Containers in various sizes are made out of heavy aluminum and glass, as well as easily removable acrylic insert.
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We were told that blossoms often last longer underwater than they do above.
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No flowers readily available? Then use what is.
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Who needs green peppers, anyway?
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Whimsical bird houses by E. J. Taylor, a local artist.
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When needed, access is easy.
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No two are the same
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and each one has a story to tell.
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"Repurposed cashmere" goods from angelinaaccoutrements.com, another first-time vendor. Local artisan Jen Sertl reworks cashmere into wraps, scarves, fingerless gloves, and hats.
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The pride of Kimmswick and long-time staple at the Best of show, The Blue Owl now has a location in House Springs.
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In 2011, The Blue Owl's "Caramel Pecan Levee High Apple Pie" was chosen as one of "Oprah's Favorite Things" by O Magazine.
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Honeysuckle Acres, another first-time vendor, featured both pure, organic honey as well as healthy bath and body products. We picked up some super-silky creamed honey, in cinnamon and jalapeno flavors.
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and bowls to match.
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Sandra Zak's clay pottery appears to have a Scandanavian influence.
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Plate or platter? It's both.
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A pair of salt and pepper shakers. We were amazed that all woods are their natural colors—no paints, stains, or dyes are used.
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Co-owner Kevin Cragg explained how each piece of wood for this miniature bird house (some of it Missouri hardwood) was cut and bonded together.
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... in this case, 38 different pieces.
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From 3 Feathers Inspirations: Hand-carved feathers of "game birds, ducks, all the species of turkeys, song birds, hawks, owls..." Owner Steven C. Moore creates earrings, pendants, pins, butterflies, and custom pieces.
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The line of hand-poured soy wax and essential oil candles from local candlemaker Tinker, Dicker & Doc is even larger this year...
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including their trademarked "Unusually Large Candle," available in 10 different scents.
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Papa Hart's Pickles calls them "a sweet dill pickle with an attitude." Or a kick in the pants. We loved the sweet heat.
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Not as sweet and quite a bit hotter. The perfect antidote for a cold, winter day.
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Let co-owner Carol Meckfessel show you around...
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We guarantee something will strike a chord.
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one of several flavors of spoonable ganache.
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The perfect gift is something you may not buy for yourself, such as a custom pen from Chesterfield-based J&S Turnings.
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They work indoors, too.
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Founder Laurie Moore Skinner makes planter boxes from small to large (up to 12 feet).
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Besides having the world's largest selection of gooey butter cakes (73 varieties), Park Avenue Coffee's Ann & Allen Baking Company also sells three types of boxed mixes.
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A carved and painted recycled wood ornament, from first-time vendor Jeffrey Tope of Florissant-based JTOPART.
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Tope creates larger-scale items as well, like this sycamore and driftwood table.
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Brentwood-based SeedGeeks, another first-timer, sells non-GMO, open-pollinated, heirloom seeds several different ways.
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including several seed collections, like Fall Garden Seeds and Beautiful Bouquets, as well as culinary collections like Greek Kitchen Garden and Indian Kitchen Garden.
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And also honey and creamed honey, from hives in Brentwood and West County.
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Ozark Forest Mushroom Company dabbles in a lot more than shittakes, oysters, and chanterelles. Like cordials made from elderflowers gathered in their Ozark forest.
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A collaboration of Ozark Forest Mushroom and forager/chef Ryan Maher, Mushroom Miso Paste can be used "in place of salt for an extra umami kick," says the chef.
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Cherry-wood spoons for every need.
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A double-condiment bowl from Jo Smith of Treenware & Pottery.
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A lead-free, microwave/oven/dishwasher safe stoneware platter made by Jo Smith. When husband Marvin was asked if he made any of the pottery, he smiled and replied, "no, my wife only lets me carry it."
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A first-time vendor, "thin" toffee from Tiddleywink Toffee was featured in the 2103 Grammy and MTV Movie Award gift bags.
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It comes in milk and dark chocolate with pretzels or walnuts.
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It sharpens gardening shears, bypass pruners, ratchet pruners, as well as every kind of scissors and knife. Forgive the Ron Popeil pitch...the handmade, solid ceramic sharpening stone does work. From St. Louis-based Porcelain Touch.
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In past years at the Copper Turtles booth, it was the copper and stone sculpture that caught our eye. This year, it was the new "dragon skin and copper" bowls.
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"The last bird feeder you'll ever buy," claims maker Andre Tourrette of Studio Andre. The heavy gauge aluminum needs no maintenance and develops an anodized look over time.
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Landscape paintings of St. Louis from Lafayette Square-based Forrest Gallery can be purchased singly or combined, like on this triptych.
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Every year, we stop at Around Town Designs to see what's new. The product is 4 X 4 Italian white marble coasters featuring original photography taken in and around St. Louis. Choose from local attractions, bars, restaurants, high schools, universities, or go custom with a company logo, special photograph, or selfie.
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This weekend's menu from first-time food vendor and highly-acclaimed The Blue Duck, located on Front St. in Washington, Mo.
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It's farm-to-table and more: Soulard-based Capitalist Pig is the only metro BBQ joint that literally goes "whole hog," and the difference is noticeable.
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To elaborate, the menu from Juan More Tamale includes the following: Chicken Tinga Tamale with tomato and spices; Pork Chile Verde Tamale with tomatillo and spices; and two types of Cheese & Jalapeno Tamale, with either queso fresco or Feta cheese. (We also overheard rumors of a Thanksgiving Tamale with turkey, dressing, and cranberry. Look for that delicacy soon at Juan's stall, Saturdays at the Soulard Farmers Market.)
Today and tomorrow, the Best of Missouri Market & More will take place as it always does, under tents at the Missouri Botanical Garden. This year’s event will feature over 20 new vendors, plus more than 100 returning food producers and artisans, in what has become known as "the city’s largest sustainable, local shopping event." The 24rd Best of Missouri Market also welcomes select vendors from neighboring states, like StemsVases, a first time vendor from Seattle, Wa. His aluminum/glass/acrylic vases (above) are as beautiful as they are functional.
We toured all four tents Friday evening. Check out the gallery above to see what else caught our eye, from unusual edibles and stocking stuffers to hostess gifts and hand-crafted furniture. We found it all.
So bring a sturdy bag and "the big car," just in case...
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Admission to the Best of Missouri Market & More is $12 for adults and $5 for Garden members and children 3-12 years. Children two and under are free. Admission prices cover both general Garden and Market admission. Join or renew your Garden membership and receive free admission.
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Best of Missouri Market & More
Shaw’s Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw
October 3 - 4, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
