On the Road - Craftopia - Pawtucket, RI

Two weekends ago, I packed up my car and drove to my favorite Rhode Island craft show: Craftopia in Pawtucket. The halls of the Hope Artiste Village were filled with talented artists and a warm, festive mood. This annual show is run by the lovely folks at Rhody Craft; a special handmade gift shop that showcases Rhode Island's best makers and artists. The show featured a selection of these artists as well as great works from the surrounding states. 

Craftopia 2015

The packed hallways of Hope Artist Village for Craftopia.

Every year, Craftopia issues a a fun commemorative pin. This year's adorable design was made by pyrographer Meg Walsh of Big Han Little Pep. Love the little hedgehog!

2015 Craftopia button by Meg Walsh

Twitch and Whiskers was set up and ready to go with a bunch of new pieces, including some holiday-themed necklaces. 

Twitch and Whiskers at Craftopia 2015

In the Christmas spirit

Bold and bright

Throughout the day, I had surprise visits by fellow friends/artists, which is always a treat!

Amazing husband and wife artists Alycia Matthews and Buddy Pritchett

Vicky Vitello of Little Piece of Moon with husband Charlie and their love Birdie.

At the show was local Cranston soap maker Kim Gozonga of Stella Marie Soap Company. Kim's booth was abuzz with excitement during the whole show because she is known for her high-quality, unique line of soaps and body products. Stella Marie goods are lovingly created using green practices and contain no palm oil. Kim has been crafting soaps since 2007 and has named her company in honor of her two grandmothers. Kim also pays tribute to her favorite movies and music. With soap names like The Bad Seed, De La Soap, and La-TEA-fa, you can't help but smile while perusing her products. The holiday-themed Stella Marie soaps flew off the shelves at Craftopia. I especially enjoyed the rich Frankincense scent and sparkle of her Three Kings soap. I brought home a few bars of my personal favorites: Rockaway Beach with it's creamy coconut scent and the bright and refreshing Rosemary's Baby. In addition to soaps, Kim makes lovely body scrubs, bath fizzies, body butter, and a lip care line. Kim also has gift sets and offers soap making classes. How cool would it be to receive a certificate for a class for the holidays? For the perfect gift or personal treat, visit Stella Marie Soap Company online. You deserve to be pampered by Rhode Island's best soaps!

Kim Gonzaga of Stella Marie Soap Company

Stella Marie Soaps

body and lip scrubs

 Festive holiday soaps

I enjoyed being visited by both old and new customers at the show. Throughout the day, ladies tried on pieces and many walked off wearing new Twitch and Whiskers creations. My favorite material to work with lately had been vintage tin whistles, clickers, and toys. I was happy to see many of my favorites leave with happy customers! 

tin whistle, clicker, and car necklaces

Photographer Deb Hickey found the perfect necklace with a tin camera whistle

fish whistle necklace

colorful bird whistle necklace

Rings are always a popular item at craft shows. You get one-of-a-kind vintage appeal at stocking stuffer prices. Folks enjoyed picking through rings made out of old pinback buttons, game pieces, and guitar knobs. 

Fun 'n' Games rings made from vintage pinback buttons and other doodads

Having fun with Fun 'n' Games rings

A sparkly Christmas ring and bright smile to match

Hob Knob rings make from electric guitar knobs

A nice mix of other Twitch and Whiskers necklaces left Craftopia including ones made out of protractors, old rouge compacts, and pinback buttons.

Looking lovely in a vintage protractor and floral brooch necklace.

Kim treated herself to a vintage cherry compact locket

Pinback button necklaces

Thank you to the Craftopia organizers and volunteers, the incredible artists, and enthusiastic customers for making the event a great success! If you're ever in Providence, make sure to swing by Rhody Craft to see work by many of the artists featured at Craftopia and other handmade goods made by talented Rhode Island hands.

Rhody Craft - Providence, RI

Twitch and Whiskers' final holiday show of the season will be SoWa Holiday Market on December 12th and 13th in Boston. See you in two weeks!

SoWa Holiday Market - Boston

You can also find us at Cari Cucksey's RePurpose Shop in Holly, Michigan for their Artisan Holiday Market. If you know of anyone in eastern Michigan, send them over!

RePurpose Artisan Holiday Market

Purchase Twitch and Whiskers pieces online for the holiday season by visitng our Instagram account and Facebook page. See a piece you like? Contact us at mluliasz@gmail.com for purchasing and shipping details.

Happy Holidays!