Every time I do
Twist, I feel like I'm going off to crafty summer camp because I get to reunite with so many of my favorite makers after a winter's break from shows. Starting off the day with hugs, hellos, and updates is always a great way to launch a show. Stir in music, a spinning disco ball, delish food, the
Noho Pride Parade and Rally, and the creative vibe of Northampton and you have one exciting show. This year it was sleep-away camp for me because I got to stay with
Abby Berkson of
Abby Berkson Ceramics and her husband Erik. One of the highlights of the weekend was seeing her in-home studio and getting a peek into her creative process.
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| Twitch and Whiskers at Twist - spring 2012 |
It was truly a family affair at Twist this year. Chrissy Feiteira of
Chrissy Ann Ceramics and Lisa Feiteira of
Lisa Marie Style were displaying their gorgeous wares. Chrissy added new vases to her lovely array of ceramics, and Lisa had an exciting variety of jewelry, housewares, and other clever accessories. Crystal Popko's
Popkoshop and Ann-Marie Popko of
Popko Studio were there in full force. Crystal had everyone aflutter with her vibrant butterfly wing jewelry and shiny Glitter Pop Party Rings. Ann-Marie offered gorgeous photo prints and encaustics at Twist. My favorites items of hers had to be the ones that incorporated old family photographs. She also creates fanciful hair accessories that can be found in her
online shop. Behold the Twist'd Sisters!
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| Chrissy and Lisa of Chrissy Ann Ceramics and Lisa Marie Style |
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| Ann-Marie and Crystal of Ann-Marie Popko Studio and Popkoshop |
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Twist family members also included fur and feathers. Nicole Monforti of
Headcase Press not only brought bold letter press jewelry and clever paper goods, but also had a very special visitor. Her
mom had recently found an abandoned kitten in her yard and the four-week-old gray puff ball of joy made a cameo appearance and left with
many hearts. And speaking of critters, Steve Nart of
Little Birch Farm
wins the "Wild Kingdom Award" for pre-show antics. Steve had to contend
with a hungry bear trashing his chicken yard, and ducklings hatching in their incubator just moments from the show. Thankfully he made it to
Twist on time and had the relaxing scent of his skin care products to ease away the stress of the morning.
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| Smitten with Twist's new unofficial mascot |
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| Pre-Twist duck at Little Birch Farm |
One of the first things that caught my eye during set up was an
acornman pillow. How can you not love an acornman pillow? I'm so glad I got to meet the genius behind the cushion. Heidi Stevens of
HaHa Studio spreads cheerful design on all things linen. Springtime sassy
tea towels,
pillows, and
aprons were adorned with flowers, birds, hints of rick rack, and bright embroidered embellishments. Heidi's loving handmade touches make her wares the perfect housewarming, birthday, or whenever gift. Check out her
Etsy shop for a fresh selection of natural fiber goods.
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| Heidi Stevens of HaHa Studio |
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| I dare you not to smile. |
There was a monster invasion at Twist. Did you not hear about it?
Yumyo! It was Leah Moses and Dave's Twist premiere and they had kids of all ages smiling at their one-eyed
Yumyo friends. These brightly hued, squishy fleece creatures came in a variety of sizes. They had weighted bean bottoms that made you wanna both hug 'em and toss 'em. Once you gaze into their hypnotic eye(s) and feel the love of their outstretched arms/flippers, there's no turning back! Get your very own
Yumyo on Etsy today!
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| Leah and Dave of Yumyo |
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| The eyes have it. |
The next generation of makers represented at the
Crafty Endeavors table. These young craftanistas shared their handmade jewelry, plush creations, and creative wares at Twist. Sponsored by WEBS - America's Yarn Store and mentored by Twist staff members the talented youngsters created and marketed their own wares, sans parents. And to top it off, they donated a portion of their earnings to the
Arthritis Foundation in support of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis research. Now that's art with a heart!
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| Craft Endeavors |
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| Oh so crafty! |
A nice variety of
Twitch and Whiskers pieces went home with happy customers, including Aurora - a blinking doll eye necklace, and Princess Pat - made from a 1920's rouge compact lid. As always, it was a pleasure meeting so many enthusiastic attendees and hanging out with dozens of creative people for the weekend. Twist happens only twice a year, so definitely make it a destination on your crafty itinerary. It's back in November. Let the countdown begin!
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| A Mother's Day gift for a very stylish mom! |
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| Aurora - left |
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| Lookin' pretty in Princess Pat |
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| Princess Pat (right) |
This weekend you can catch me at Spring Crafts in Chelsea, hosted by the New York Etsy Team and PS11. Find info on their
FB event page and the
New York Etsy Team page. Click
here to see my full spring/summer schedule (more dates may be added).
Psst...."hooraymay" will getcha 15% off my
Etsy shop or in person at the show.
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