Tuesday, August 5, 2014

On the Road - SoWa Open Market - Boston, MA

How did my last SoWa Open Market of the summer sneak up so quickly? I had four wonderful shows in Boston's south end leading up to this final one and I couldn't wait to see what my season closer had in store. Though Mother Nature served us a "sun, rain, sun, rain, sun" club sandwich it didn't stop loyal customers, tourists, and market enthusiasts from coming out and shopping handmade.
SoWa sun
SoWa rain
Twitch and Whiskers was all set and ready to go with lots of new pieces and special rings to ward off wet weather. It didn't keep the sprinkles away but it did manage to keep spirits up as the rain came down.
Twitch and Whiskers at SoWa Open Market
Well, maybe just a little mo'.
One of a kind assemblages and a tin clicker pup
There's a lot of love, thought, and design wrapped into every one of Melissa Rocklen's creations. She's the clever hands behind RocklenDesigns Mobiles and Jewelry. I was set up diagonally to her at SoWa and got to gaze upon her gorgeous mobiles all day. Her elegant, sculptural pieces are adorned with vibrant beads, jeweled grape-like wisteria clusters, and sweet, petite birds that curiously perch upon swirled branches. As you watch them slowly turn and catch the light, you feel as though you're walking through a whimsical garden. Her skilled wire work can also be seen in her pretty earrings and necklaces. Her hammered necklace components are quite eye-catching and unique.  Melissa carefully selects beads from different parts of the world and eras, so there are special stories and cultural connections tucked into her work. Visit RocklenDesigns webpage, and on Etsy, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to see a nice sampling of Melissa's work and to find out where to catch her in person next.
Melissa Rocklen of RocklenDesigns Mobiles and Jewelry
Fine feathered friends
Earrings with beautiful beads
Vibrant rainbow arc mobile
Protractor necklaces were the big seller this weekend and ladies left the booth wearing their necklaces embellished with panthers, greyhounds, butterflies, birds, and flowers. 
On the prowl!
Looking beautiful in a butterfly.
Brass protractor necklaces
Shopping at SoWa is often a family affair. You could feel the love  when these mother-daughter and mother-foster pup duos visited.
A garden of beauties!
These two love clownin' around!
Whistling for a furry friend
The best part about working with vintage items is you never know when someone will make a personal connection to a piece. A fellow jewelry designer visited my booth and zeroed in on a lenticular necklace that said "Fancy Me in My Rona-Lee" and had a cute image of a girl primping herself in a mirror. It just so happened that her name was Rona, so she left with the piece around her neck. What a perfect match!
Rona wearing Rona!
Twitch and Whiskers lenticular and dexterity game necklaces
This market was the perfect end to my SoWa summer season. Thanks to all the supportive customers who came out and showed some Twitch and Whiskers love this spring and summer! I will be back in the area before you know it.

My fall/winter schedule is starting to shape up. Here are my event dates (so far):

September 20 & 21 - Jamaica Plain Open Studios - Jamaica Plain, MA

October 11 - Art is You - Mixed Media Art Retreats - Stamford, CT


December 13 & 14 - New England Open Markets - SoWa Holiday Market - Boston, MA


Also, swing by the fabulous new shop PURE.original in Rutland, VT to see a wide variety of Twitch and Whiskers jewelry.


Visit Twitch and Whiskers on Facebook, Instagram, and Etsy to see new pieces, get updates, and find out about sales. I recently added over 100 new pieces to my shop.

Hope you're enjoying the summer!

Cheers,
Mei-Ling