Papaya Cottage

09/03/2026

Think rope sewing is just about making baskets? Not quite.

Rope can be wrapped, shaped, stitched with fabric and transformed in ways that go far beyond the traditional rope basket. This one-of-a-kind wall pocket cone is one of those pieces — designed simply by seeing where the rope could go next.

This one has already gone home with a customer (seen here) who discovered it at one of my past markets.

Discover more one-of-a-kind Papaya Cottage pieces online and at upcoming markets.

09/01/2026

Mark your calendars! We’ll see you there!

We’re so back! 🛍️✨ The summer wait is almost over—our upcoming fall market season schedule is officially locked in.

Mark your calendars, save this post to reference, and drop a comment below letting us know what you’re most excited to shop for! 👇

Lakewood Ranch, boutique shopping, market, local events, Bradenton, Sarasota, Manatee, vendor, sponsorship

09/01/2026

A little behind the scenes today… apparently sharing a creative journey through rope sewing for a trunk show requires packing a lot of rope baskets! (The back seat was full too!)

Thank you to Manatee Patchworkers Quilt Guild for such a warm welcome. I enjoyed sharing my creative journey through rope sewing — from simple beginnings to market pieces, teaching and all the possibilities that have unfolded along the way.

And tomorrow, I get to introduce a new group to the craft of rope sewing and help them create something of their own.

08/31/2026

My September schedule is below — lots of rope sewing this month, with market season just around the corner. The online shop is always open, too!

08/29/2026

Look a little closer at Sorrento. Layers of natural cotton rope and jute, subtle variegated stitch work, and a dimensional fold-over detail all work together to give this piece its character.

Even knowing when to stop adding is part of the design.

That’s what I want a Papaya Cottage piece to be—not simply a rope basket, but something thoughtfully designed from the first stitch to the finishing detail.

And now Sorrento is ready to find its place in someone’s home. You’ll find this one-of-a-kind piece on the Papaya Cottage website, or look for it at one of my upcoming markets if it’s still available.

08/28/2026

Sometimes you have to audition the finishing touches until it feels just right.

For Sorrento, I tried the sea biscuit, then a starfish, and finally a simple jute coil. The starfish would have been the natural choice for much of my coastal-inspired work, but something about this piece kept telling me to keep it simple.

The natural jute coil won.

Which one would you choose — sea biscuit, starfish, or jute?

08/21/2026

I'm so happy to share the news — Papaya Cottage is returning to Main Street Market in Lakewood Ranch this season! 💙

I’m selective about the markets Papaya Cottage participates in, and Main Street Market is one I truly look forward to each season. Their thoughtfully curated mix of quality vendors and boutique feel make it a wonderful fit for the work I create.

I'm so grateful to the Main Street Market LWR team for welcoming Papaya Cottage back for another season.

And a heartfelt thank you to all of you who saw my recent post and took the time to respond to the market’s request for the vendors you wanted to see return. Whether you left a comment, shared a kind word, or simply continue to support my work — I appreciate you more than you know.

Now I can officially say it: market preparations are underway, new baskets are coming out of the studio, and I’ll be back on Main Street this fall!

I can’t wait to see familiar faces — and meet some new ones — this season. 💙

08/21/2026

There’s something about working with natural tones and texture that always draws me in. I especially enjoy letting the details develop as the piece takes shape.

Sorrento is now finished, and I’ll be sharing the final piece soon.

08/16/2026

Misty Blue — soft blue fibers woven through natural rope, bringing layers of texture and a quiet coastal feel.

One of those pieces where the details make all the difference. I love revisiting a design and seeing how each one develops its own character.

08/16/2026

A little burst of color from the studio. ☀️

Sun Splash brings together bands of aqua, pink and sunny yellow, finished with a colorful rope knot that gives this one-of-a-kind basket its own personality.

A brighter departure from some of my quieter coastal pieces—and a little Florida color as I continue getting ready for the upcoming market season.