On the Road - Art is...You - Stamford, CT

A superhero donning a cape made of dozens of CD's. Tables piled high with vintage ephemera, doll parts, and colorful buttons. A festive atmosphere swirling with talented and enthusiastic artists. Though it was my very first time participating in the Art is...You "Art Trunk", it made quite an impact on me the moment I walked into the event!

Sallianne Superstar - One of the original creators of Art is...You.

Dazzling dahling!

Wonder Woman! Fighting for your rights, in her satin tights...

Enthusiasm swirling around Suze Miller Weinberg.

Fairy Vintage Rose's bits and pieces.

The Art Trunk was part of the five-day mixed media art retreat at the Stamford Sheraton. The Art Is...You Mixed Media Retreats have been around for nearly ten years and stretch far and wide to California, Australia, and of course Connecticut. It was great to have one in my neck of the woods. The Atrium at the Sheraton was packed with displays from artists who were teaching at the retreat, mixed media suppliers, and a nice mix of artists from the surrounding states. I was excited to be in the artful mix.

Art is You 2014 - Sheraton Stamford

Twitch and Whiskers at Art is...You

upcycled rings and necklaces

It was so nice to see a friendly and familiar face at the event. Janice Kissinger is the creative force and talented hands behind Felt Sutra. I originally met this Rhode Island native while vending at SoWa Open Market in Boston. Janice is known far and wide for her one of a kind, hand felted creations. Janice is a sculptor of fabric. She starts with natural, loose wool fibers as a base and builds with other textile elements such as Merino wool, reclaimed vintage silk saris, and hand dyed silks. Her process involves soap, water, a careful eye, and a lot of elbow grease. The results are pure magic. Janice's shawls, scarves, and stoles wrap you in elegance and ease. Look closely and you will see interesting folds, bold shapes, and gorgeously blended colors. Her sculptural hats and purses are full of personality and whimsy. Janice's customers love the versatility of her artful pieces. I have seen pictures of happy customers wearing her designs both with casual jeans and at red carpet events. You really must see her work in person. Visit Felt Sutra's webpage and Facebook page to see a fine sampling of Janice's wearables and to view her upcoming shows and events. Janice is also happy to do custom work, so keep her in mind for that perfect, unique gift.

Janice Kissinger of Felt Sutra

vibrant sculptural hats

beautifully hand felted wraps, stoles, coats, and dresses

accessories with interesting textures and vibrant colors

The best part about vending at a show for the first time is meeting a whole new group of wonderful people. This show proved to be the perfect place to meet a fun array of mixed media artists and suppliers. In addition to being a creative lot, these folks were very welcoming, oodles of fun, and great to chat with throughout the day! Click on the links below to learn more about this clever bunch.

Cheri Moyer (hard at work) - Fairy Rose Vintage

Jenny Holiday, Aaron Nieradka, and Lieutenant Dan - Every Day is a Holiday

Vanessa Kiki Johanning - The Rhinestone Contessa
and the wonderful work of Persimmons Studio

Doreen Gay-Kassel - Doreen Gay-Kassel's Uncommon Creatures and Beasts

Brittany and Debbie Gabel - 413 Glassworks

Carol Boden Mania of Lodestar Wovens

Throughout the day, I got to mix and mingle with both Art is...You attendees and teachers. The folks at the event were very kind to this newbie and left with a nice variety of Twitch and Whiskers pieces.

Hob Knob Rings

Lookin' fab in her Fun 'n' Games rings!

Wet Paint and Tell It to the Marines

Turn up the volume with Hob Knob Rings.

Some of my favorite playful and interactive necklaces went home with happy customers.

U-Turn vintage tin car necklace

Looking dazzling in her new dexterity game necklace!

Tickle Your Prince - interactive dexterity game necklace

vintage 1940's rouge compact necklace

floral surprise inside

I cannot thank the organizers, artists, and attendees enough for making my first experience at Art is...You a stellar one! I am counting down the days 'til next year's event. I look forward to taking some classes myself and meeting even more fabulous people!

Psst...the secret is out! I was featured on NPR's Education Blog series called "The Secret Lives of Teachers" Check it out!

There are three chances to catch Twitch and Whiskers during the holiday season:

November 16 - Craftopia - Pawtucket, RI
November 28 through December 31 -Craftland Holiday Show - Providence, RI
December 13 & 14 - New England Open Markets - SoWa Holiday Market - Boston, MA

You can also find my pieces all year round at the oh-so-fabulous PURE.original in Rutland, VT. 


Follow Twitch and Whiskers on Instagram and Facebook for new pics, promos, and updates. Swing by our Etsy shop for the goods.