On the Road - Craftopia

Since I've been doing craft shows, I've heard from artist after artist, "You just HAVE TO do Craftopia. It's a great show!" Imagine how excited I was when I got accepted into their holiday show this year! Located at the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket, RI, this seasonal favorite had a very festive vibe. The event is organized twice a year by masterminds Kim, Kim, and Darlene, fellow artists who run the fabulous shop Rhody Craft 100 in the Hope Artiste Village. The long brick hallways and greenhouse room were lined with talented artists from all over the northeast. Once the doors opened, there was a steady crowd and a buzz all day.

Carrie of SepiaLepus, Kim of Lucky Bird Studio, and Voz of Fishcakes inside of Rhody Craft 100

Rhody Craft 100

Hustle and bustle in the halls of Craftopia

Melissa Gruntkosky of Pressbound offered the most charming old world meets new style stationery and prints at Craftopia. Having a shared Polish and Russian background with Melissa, I instantly made a connection with her images of matryoshka nesting dolls and Polish wycinank woodblock prints. Melissa combines the computer with traditional handcrafting techniques to create her cards, calendars, prints, journals, and magnets. I loved her letterpress journals adorned with art deco images and printed from antique plates. Melissa's folk art freshness, bold geometric designs, and playful colors make her work a welcome escape from the clutter of the modern world. Visit Pressbound's Etsy shop, blog, and website to learn more about this talented graphic designer/teacher and to experience the joy of Pressbound for yourself.

Melissa Gruntkosky of Pressbound

very merry matryoshkas

vintage charm

It only took a brief moment at the Gypsy Girl's booth to figure out that Nancy Rafi and I are cut from the same cloth (that was found in a junk box at a yard sale). Nancy has been creating since she could get her hands on supplies and named her shop in honor of her Hungarian great grandfather who encouraged her to get messy and create. Nancy's journals, shrines, jewelry, and other assemblages are layered with found objects, mysterious ephemera, and a touch of dazzle. She recently upcycled a box chock full of antique door handles into clever place card/photo holders. Her Sassy Saint Shrines are a hoot! Will you pray to Our Lady of Immeasurable Patience or The Patron Saint of Folded Fitted Sheets? With so many gems to be found at Gypsy Girl, you just can't go wrong. Visit Nancy's website and Etsy shop to go on the ultimate treasure hunt. 

Nancy Rafi of Gypsy Girl

Sassy Saint Shrines

knobs with know how

The customers at Craftopia were fabulous and asked a lot of great questions about the materials I used. I really enjoyed talking about the vintage rouge compacts from the 20's, 30's, & 40's, the pinback buttons, and other miscellaneous supplies found on my treasure hunts. Many lockets, blinking doll eye necklaces, pinback button necklaces, and other fun pieces walked out the door with happy folks. My favorite send off of the day was the "Whoopie" necklace, made from a 1940's novelty pinback button. I swapped it with Heather of heatherjeanny for some incredible stationery, including a pack of hilarious Christmas cards.

One adorable girl wearing the "Outdoor Girl" locket

Magnificent in Mickey Mouse

You Nasty Man You - off to a happy home

Heather of heatherjeany- the ONLY one worthy of the Whoopie Necklace!

Whoopie!

I LOVE my new Heatherjeany cards!

Can you believe I only have one holiday show left this season? My inner elves are working overtime to bring you some very unique pieces for the grand finale - SoWa Holiday Market in Boston. 

SoWa Holiday Market - December 8th & 9th - Boston, MA

I do hope to see you there but if you cannot make it, fear not! You can find Twitch and Whiskers gems at the following shops/galleries:

Craftland (Nov. and Dec. holiday show) - Providence, RI
Peter Lawrence Gallery (now thru early Jan.) - Gaylordsville, CT
Vudu Micia - New Milford, CT
English Apothecary - Bethel, CT
Aquvii - Tokyo, Japan - I just sent a bunch of new pieces there!

Find a small sampling of my work on Etsy and please contact me if you're lookin' for something special. I love doing custom orders. Cheers!

On the Road - Brookline Marketplace at the Park School

As a jewelry designer and second grade teacher, nothing makes me happier than when my two worlds meet. On November 10th, I got to share my handmade goods at a school event. It was proud to be a part of 12th Annual Brookline Marketplace at the Park School. This family-friendly event had 90 artists and vendors, great food and baked goods, and a raffle to help support enrichment programs and community service at this pre-K through 9th grade school.

While setting up in the morning, I caught a quick glimpse of a booth filled with beautiful color, textures, and patterns and I was instantly intrigued. Elizabeth Cronin of Abeille Occupee (that's "busy bee" in French) came over and introduced herself and we quickly discovered that we loved each others' goods! Elizabeth is a frequent traveler to France and finds unique textiles and treasures for her interior designs, clothing, and accessories business. Elizabeth carries unique tunics, dresses, scarves, and other wearables with lush colors and patterns. She traded me a gorgeous orange patterned scarf and floral fuchsia tunic for one of my vintage green and pink rouge compact lockets. I've already received tons of compliments on the tunic! Visit Abeille Occupee's international bazaar of goods for the perfect gift or a treat for yourself.

Elizabeth Cronin of Abeille Occupee

scarves galore

gorgeous prints

One of the best parts of doing markets is meeting wonderful people. I enjoyed every moment of being next to Ashlee Wiest-Laird of Signs of Life Photography. In between customers, I got to learn about Ashlee's unique life journey which is reflected in her stunning photography. This Kentucky native is the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain and has been an avid photographer for 20 years. Each photo had a special story behind it, from Ashlee's hidden reflection in a horse's eye to the heartbreaking image of her beloved church after a fire in 2005. Ashlee offers vivid prints of all sizes and greeting cards. I adore her "Global Village" series which chronicles her world travels and the beautiful faces she has encountered along the way. Find out more about Ashlee and her photography by visiting Signs of Life Photography and First Baptist Church online.

Ashlee Wiest-Laird of Signs of Life Photography

take a journey

First Baptist Church 2005

There was a nice steady crowd at the Brookline Marketplace and I got to meet many enthusiastic members of the Park School community, holiday shoppers, and local artists. Many of my one of a kind statement pieces left with happy customers, including a necklace embellished with a vintage Ice Capades brooch, a mid-century modern-inspired bib necklace called "Barbarella", and several blinking doll eye necklaces.

Ice Capades Necklace

Barbarella

blinking doll eye necklaces

This holiday season please support local small businesses and artists. I encourage you to peep down the right side of this blog. There is quite the list of talented artists from the northeast. Check 'em out and give a gift filled with heart!

There's one last chance to catch me in person for 2012:

SoWa Holiday Market - December 8th & 9th - Boston, MA

Shop these fine shops and galleries for Twitch and Whiskers jewelry:

Craftland (Nov. and Dec. holiday show) - Providence, RI
Peter Lawrence Gallery (Now thru early Jan.) - Gaylordsville, CT
Vudu Micia - New Milford, CT
English Apothecary - Bethel, CT
Aquvii - Tokyo, Japan - I just sent a bunch of new pieces there!

On the Road - A Big Goodbye Kiss to Twist

This past weekend was a bitter sweet one. I headed up to Northampton to participate in the last Twist. It has always been a show filled with great artists, music, food, drink, and an overall festive vibe. With a week's worth of new necklaces to share and excitement built up about reuniting with my favorite Twist vendors, I knew it was going to be a memorable show.

Twitch and Whiskers at Twist

Twist - Northampton, MA

Among my many new pieces were several blinking doll eye necklaces. Last year, I sold one to a sparkling gal, Chelsea (she was already quite radiant without the necklace by the way). I was thrilled when she returned with her husband Greg wearing the necklace. She looked as gorgeous as ever!

blinking doll eye necklaces

Chelsea and Greg

Back at my first Twist in the spring of 2011, my husband picked out the sweetest gift for me. It was a vibrant purple fused glass necklace with a jack rabbit from Happy Owl Glassworks. Every time I wear it to school, my students ask if it's made out of candy. That's precisely what I love about their pieces - they are deliciously bright! I was happy to see Tracy at Twist again with their lovely array of jewelry, nightlights, and ornaments. Happy Owl Glassworks offer a whole menagerie of hand screen printed animals on their colorful pieces. I was especially impressed by their one of a kind owl ornaments. Each glass shape is carefully ground down by hand, screen printed, and fired at a high temp to perfection. Visit Happy Owl Glassworks' website, Etsy shop, and blog to explore dozens of clever creatures to find the perfect gift!

Tracy Bull of Happy Owl Glassworks

animals on parade

glowing results

owls made with love

If I had my way, every child would be surrounded by cozy, handmade creations. When you visit Little Piece of Moon's table, you just want to cuddle up to Vicky Vitello's sewn treasures. Made out of natural fabrics, her handmade wares appeal to both the young - and young at heart. Vicky's toys, pouches/bags, table linens, and home decor dance with whimsical patterns, modern touches, and vintage flare. I enjoyed playing with her mixed pattern beanbag toys and getting an up close look at a darling Christmas tree with tiny sewn pinwheel ornaments. With two adorable boys at home, it's no wonder that you can feel the magic of childhood woven into every Little Piece of Moon creation. Visit Vicky's Etsy shop and Facebook page to experience the wonderment yourself and to find the perfect holiday gift. 

Vicky Vitello of Little Piece of Moon

holiday merriment

bean bags

a tote for your tot

I adored the Northampton customers and happily sent necklaces home with many of them. One local gal had fun picking through each and every thimblism necklace until she found the perfect one with a heart-covered thimble and key charm. A great variety of lockets also left the building, including a floral piece with a vintage Chapstick tin, and a new large locket filled with butterflies, and my favorite bird locket with an ephemeral photo and a little parcel hidden inside.

a heart and key thimblism necklace

locket with a vintage curtain tie back and Chapstick tin

butterfly locket made out of a vintage powder tin

locket - Open Upon Arrival

insides

One dangerous thing about Twist is that I always find something to buy. This year was no different. My first find was Popko Shop's Glitter Pop Party ring in iridescent blue-green (It's my 3rd Popko ring). I also purchased kitschy vintage Christmas ornament cards from Popko Studio(Crystal's sister, Ann Marie). I couldn't leave without a fresh citrus scented bar of "Sunshine Shea" soap from Steve Nart of Little Birch Farm. I adore their letter pressed labels on tree bark.  And last but not least, I got a much coveted View Master pouch from A Little Piece of Moon. Vicky Vitello did an even-Steven trade for my green bunny and wooden nickel necklace. SCORE!

Twist goodies

The best part of Twist has been the friendships that have formed at each show. From a fun sleepover with Abby Berkson (Abby Berkson Ceramics) and Carrie Wagner (SepiaLepus) to goofin' around in Left Click's photo booth with Chrissy Feiteira (Chrissy Ann Ceramics), Lisa Feiteira (Lisa Marie Style) and Thea Katon (Oh How Cute! Coaster Co.) we definately ended Twist with a bang!

Twist will be missed - especially by these gals

Left Click loonies

Much love goes out to Lexie Barnes and her Twist crew for making the magic happen year after year and especially for all the little touches that made the artists feel so loved and appreciated. I wish Lexie and her team luck in their new adventures ahead and leave by planting a big wet one the iconic Twist lips. *smooch*

pucker up

Here are my upcoming fall/winter shows. Visit my Etsy shop for a small sampling of my pieces. Feel free to contact me if you would like a custom piece.

November 10 - The Park School - Brookline Marketplace -  Brookline, MA
November 11 - Craftopia - Providence, RI
December 8 & 9 - SoWa Holiday Market - Boston, MA

You can find Twitch and Whiskers baubles at the following stores:

Craftland (Nov. and Dec. holiday show) - Providence, RI
Peter Lawrence Gallery (Nov. to early Jan show) - Gaylordsville, CT
Vudu Micia - New Milford, CT
English Apothecary - Bethel, CT
Aquvii - Tokyo, Japan (if you're in the area!)

Follow Twitch and Whiskers on Facebook for updates.

Twist and Holiday Season Sneak Peek

This weekend I say hello and a very sad goodbye to one of my favorite shows, Twist. The curtain is closing on this long running, much loved show. This Northampton event is known for amazing artists, great food, a dj spinning tunes under a disco ball, and an overall fun vibe. All week I've been home from school because of Hurricane Sandy and camped out on my kitchen table making pieces for the show. This has resulted in a oodles of new necklaces (and a big sparkling mess in the kitchen). Here is a sneak peak.

You asked for them! Here are more blinking doll eye necklaces.

 Vintage pinback button necklaces.

 

 Rouge compact and tin lockets.

And for good measure...a big, dazzling Ice Capades necklace!

Come out and show your love for Twist. Let's make this last one the best one yet! I hope to see you in Northampton on Friday and Saturday.

Here are my upcoming fall/winter shows. Visit my Etsy shop for a small sampling of my pieces. Feel free to contact me if you would like a custom piece.

November 10 - The Park School - Brookline Marketplace -  Brookline, MA
November 11 - Craftopia - Providence, RI
December 8 & 9 - SoWa Holiday Market - Boston, MA

You can find Twitch and Whiskers baubles at the following stores:

Craftland (Nov. and Dec. holiday show) - Providence, RI
Peter Lawrence Gallery (Nov. to early Jan show) - Gaylordsville, CT
Vudu Micia - New Milford, CT
English Apothecary - Bethel, CT
Aquvii - Tokyo, Japan (if you're in the area!)

Follow Twitch and Whiskers on Facebook for updates.