Coffee Loving Papercrafters

It’s time for another edition of Coffee Buzz and today I’m featuring lots of goodies, starting with my own hand designed plaid background.  I’m also featuring stamps from our super sponsor TopFlight Stamps and rounding out this post with some yummy pastries with the spotlight on Artisanal Baked Goods, a local shop that serves the community.

First off, a few details on my card…… I had the inclination to make my own background paper with a plaid design and I love how it turned out.  I used Ranger Oxides, Kaisercraft glitter pens and Strathmore watercolor paper.  Some crafty friends urged me to make a tutorial.  If you’d like to see how I make the plaid paper (in another color as well), then view my Youtube video here.  There are product links available in the description for those of you who like to shop!

The stamps that I’m using today are from TopFlight Stamps, a wonderful online shop that procures International stamps from all over the world.  This set is from the stamp line “For The Love of Stamps” by Hunkydory Crafts.  It’s the Coffee Time set and not only have I used the cup but I’ve also stamped a faded background behind the vellum, using another stamp in the set.  To achieve that faded look, I also used Mama Elephant gray pigment ink.  For my cups coozie, or coffee wrap, I stamped and fussy cut the pretty border wrap and smooshed it into the same ink that I used for my plaid background, also outlining it with my black glitter pen.  The “Thank You” foam stickers are Thickers from American Crafts.

Now, on to the REALLY good stuff!  As part of my Coffee Buzz feature, I like to share coffee industry news, related products and things that go good with coffee, whether it be spotlighting a national product or local industry.  Today, my spotlight hits a little closer to home with the Artisanal Baked Goods Pastry Shop.  Started by a couple of guys known as “The Bread Brothers”, these two brothers first began perusing Farmer’s Markets with their wares.  The demand grew so great, that before long, they opened up shop, making more than just bread.

The demand for their bread is so great, that all week long they make bread for numerous local restaurants.  They open to the public on Friday and Saturday where you can stop by and pick up not just bread, but the most amazing pastries, cakes and (my fave) macarons!

I look forward to their Friday Facebook postings with photos of their specialties that are currently available.  On Friday, I swung by with 15 minutes left until closing to stock up for the weekend.  The atmosphere is warm and friendly and even local customers in the shop were advising me on getting the Amaretti cookies.  I can tell you with the utmost truth….they did not disappoint!  Heavenly!  I also grabbed a Boston Cream Pie which is actually a buttery, brown croissant drizzled with chocolate and filled with pastry filling, which I liken to Bavarian Cream.  I’m sorry that I didn’t get photos of the Boston Creme Pie but I took one bite and there was no going back.  Currently, shipping is not available but that will hopefully be something that happens down the road.  For now, Artisanal Baked Goods remains a cornerstone of Americana baked goodness, here in the Deep South.

Thanks for stopping by for today’s Coffee Buzz.  Have a strong brewed and “sweet” Monday!