Since living in Orange County, I have to say that I mostly miss one thing: Walking in the street and going window-shopping or meeting up with friends in a street-corner café which is not a Starbucks. Don’t get me wrong: I do grab once in a while a coffee at Starbucks (because it is convenient), but there is no surprise. You’ll know what you’ll get no matter in which corner of the globe you will grab the coffee.

So coming back to the walking-in-the-street-missing, I was very happy when last week I was informed that in downtown Santa Ana, they were organising a craft fair and that some streets would be closed down. This reminds me of summer in Montréal. This fair was called “Patchwork – Modern Handmade Festival”. And they seem to organise quite a few across the country so go and check out the one closest to you!

So off we went with a few friends and had a look at what local artists had to offer.

There was a Magnolia Photo Booth to be used for free. We took advantage to be very goofy before the line became to long. You can book these booths for any sort of event. I found that it was a brilliant idea.

Sass & Peril was one off many stands offering lovely prints. This one being more oriented towards children designs… or simply animal lovers.

I personally love lights with old fashion round bulbs. Junk Art Gypsyz had really nice wall lights. I felt in love with the green seahorse who is now proudly handing over our (fake!) fireplace.

Santa Ana has this nice old looking architecture which is often missing in the OC.

Caitlin was tempted by a very yummy lemon and strawberry popsicle. Which makes me think. It is popsicle time again! I should soon do my own ones!

I didn’t get this mobile but being in my marine mood I found this one particularly original.

There was of course a lot of hand-made jewellery. One as pretty as the other. I love the wood jewellery made by Bird of Virtue, a San Francisco based artist. I kindly handed over the business card over to my husband. In case he’d like to make me a present.

Be sure that I’ll be back for the Patchwork Edible in October. My European heart felt a little bit at home at this fair. Thank you!