On the Road - Opening Week of the South End Open Market at SoWa - Boston, MA

An absolutely beautiful day! That's exactly what the market gods served up last weekend at the opening of the South End Open Market at SoWa. All day, sun shone down on the aisles filled with the northeast's most unique variety of handmade goods. Boston came out in droves to check out the open market, farmer's market, food trucks, vintage market, and open studios. With so much to do, it's no surprise that thousands of visitors kept this Boston hot spot packed from beginning to end. 

South End Open Market at SoWa - Opening Weekend!

South End Open Market at SoWa was packed to the brim!

South End Farmers Market at SoWa - feel the freshness

I was lucky to have my husband Thom with me for the opening weekend. An extra set of hands and his cute smile made the day go quite smoothly. He recently built me a few new displays for the show, so I was doubly thankful for all his support.

Partners in craft

Twitch and Whiskers - representin' in Boston

As soon as we arrived, we were visited by a great friend/artist for a highly anticipated treat. Illustrator and market regular, Brian Gubicza came with a specially commissioned paper cut piece. I could barely contain my excitement when he unveiled my very own Jambi! The vibrant colors and skillfully cut portrait perfectly captured the essence of my favorite Pee Wee's Playhouse character. The details were unbelievable and I cannot wait to hang the one of a kind piece in my home. You don't have to say "Mecka lecka hi, mecka hiney ho" to get your hands on Brian's work. Simply visit him at the market to see a variety of his prints and originals inspired by science fiction, comic book characters, mythology, and pop culture. While you're there, also check Zooguu; his wife Jen's adorable plush creations. You too can commission a dream piece from Brian. Visit his website for more info. 

Wish...did someone say wish? Thank you Brian for making mine come true!

If I had my way, I would have vikings, foxes, and turtles on my shoes. That's what I think every time I visit the Edie & Fin booth. But alas, these soft soled shoes are not meant for my feet, but for little ones. Meghan Bergstrom is the clever maker and mom behind this whimsical line of baby items. She takes inspiration from Edie and Fin, her two sweet kiddos at home. In addition to shoes, Meghan offers bibs, burp cloths, onesies, blankets, and other accessories to keep your baby comfy and cute. What makes her line stand out from the rest and keeps customers returning are her finely crafted items and wide range of unique prints. Seashore critters, ninjas, dinosaurs, bright eyed owls, robots, and happy elephants are just some of the creatures she has on parade. Keep Edie and Finn in mind for your own kids at home or for that perfect, handcrafted baby gift. Visit Edie and Finn on Facebook and Etsy for more information. 

Meghan Bergstrom of Edie & Finn

Smile-worthy bibs and burp cloths

Your little one will have the happiest feet around!

Wrap your baby in a whole lotta cute!

I was busy all winter making new pieces for the market. Lately, my biggest inspiration has been vintage tin whistles from the 1940's and 1950's. Their vibrant lithographed images make a perfect pairing with candy-colored beads and vintage chain. They were my biggest sellers at the market and I can't wait to make more in the weeks to come.

Just whistle!

Fanciful fish whistles

A kitschy vintage sports whistle is music to her ears.

It's always fun to seek out vintage pinback buttons with sassy sayings and unique images. Most of the buttons I use in my necklaces and rings come from the 1930's to the 1960's. I get the biggest joy when visitors find the perfect piece that makes them smile. 

Hi Ho Silver! Away!

"I Told You So" pinback button necklace from the 1940's. She's giving the piece to her boss!

"Get More Fun Out of Life" necklace with aurora borealis rhinestones.

A unique pendent made out of a promotional measuring tool for bourbon.

Protractor necklaces of all sorts also left the market with stylish gals.

Hello!

A Little Birdy Told Me...

A whole fleet of tin car necklaces drove off with happy customers. These lighter-than-air pieces pack a lot of color and drama for their size.  

Ready to stop traffic in a bib necklace made from police cars and ambulances.

A brightly colored U-Turn car necklace.

I always have new rings in the works because they are so much fun to make. 

Fun 'n' Games rings

I'll drink to that!

Bold color and a bright smile!

If you frequent the market, you know it's THE place to spot every variety of dog under the sun. Towards the end of the show, I got the sweetest visitor. A couple came into the booth with their adorable dog Whiskers. Of course he had to pose next to our sign. I think he's officially our new mascot! 

Meet Whiskers - Twitch and Whiskers new mascot!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to the droves of customers who came out to the South End Open Market for opening week. Hugs to the organizers, artisans, farmers, vintage vendors, and food trucks who filled the weekend with excitement. I encourage you to check out this market each week because there's always something new and exciting going on in the South End of Boston. Visit New England Open Markets on Facebook, Instagram, and their website for more information and to see a wonderful photo album from the opening week. 

Twitch and Whiskers will be back at the South End Open Market at least three more times this season. Check out my summer schedule below.

The Vintage Bazaar - Salisbury, MA - June 20 & 21

South End Open Market at SoWa - June 28, July 12, July 26

Visit Twitch and Whiskers on Instagram, Facebook, and Etsy for promos, schedule updates, and new items. I hope to see you out and about this summer!