On the Road - SoWa Holiday Market 2015 - Boston, MA

Happy New Year! I'm starting off 2016 looking back to my last (and one of my best) shows of 2015: SoWa Holiday Market in Boston. It was my fourth year participating in this annual arts event. Like all years, the fine array of vendors and beautiful location attracted droves of people Boston and surrounding areas. The halls of the Benjamin Franklin Institute were decked with trees, wreaths, and even Santa sat on stage with a very special guest. On the first day, there were a lot of shoppers coming in from Boston's Ugly Sweater Run donning some amazingly gaudy tops (for a great cause). As always, SoWa Holiday Market was filled with excitement as soon as the doors opened.

12th Annual SoWa Holiday Market

SoWa Holiday Market at the Benjamin Franklin Institute 

Deck the halls!

The sweaters were impressive from all angles!

I was visited by some wonderful friends during the weekend. Judy, a friend from school, came by with her husband and daughter to spread some cheer. I also got a visit from my friend Jack, who shares a passion for jewelry design with me. It's always a pleasure to see him and his family. A really sweet return customer popped by with a surprise: a vintage-inspired kitty tea towel. The weekend was filled with smiles, kindness, and holiday spirit!

Judy and family

One of my favorite jewelry designers - Jack

smitten with this kitten

Twitch and Whiskers was set up in the auditorium with dozens of amazing artists. I proudly displayed all of my holiday themed necklaces on one of my vintage game boards and put out some newly packaged pinback button necklace on vintage children's playing cards.

Twitch and Whiskers at SoWa Holiday Market 2015

holiday necklaces

Jenn and Damian Liddiard strike a lovely balance. This husband and wife team are the creative force behind Joyo handmade jewelry. I always adore seeing their wares in the Boston area and was thrilled that they were diagonally across from me at SoWa Holiday Market. Their work fuses handcrafted technique with modern technology. They combine their skills in jewelry fabrication, graphic design, and architecture to create modern, nature-inspired pieces. I am a big fan of their cuff bracelets with elegant lines and intricate laser cut patterns. Some designs are reminiscent of stained glass windows while others have more organic curves and shapes. They make a strong statement while feeling lightweight and airy. These traits carry over into their necklaces and earrings as well. It's the thoughtful touches, like whimsical pops of color in their pendents and geometric accents in their earrings, that make their jewelry quite unique. They have their own special style that appeals easily to many kinds of people. You really must visit Joyo in person and online to experience Jenn and Damien's beautiful wares. I'm sure you'll find the perfect, cherished piece for yourself or to give as a gift. 

Jenn and Damian Liddiard of Joyo

Joyo earrings

Joyo unique necklaces, earrings, and cuffs

Joyo necklaces with whimsical color

Customers, both old and new popped by to shop for themselves and others for the holidays. I was excited to see a little of this and a little of that go home with happy folks all weekend. Protractor necklaces were a big hit, including a few holiday-themed pieces.

floral protractor necklace

Santa protractor necklace

on the good list

Our Fun 'n' Games rings flew off the table and went home as gifts, stocking stuffers, and special treats.

Fun 'n' Games rings at SoWa Holiday Market

United We Shall Overcome pinback button ring

I'm Hep and Happy New Year pinback button rings

Pinback button necklaces had many customers smiling with their sassy slogans and vintage appeal. Many of my favorites left the building.

sassy pinback button necklaces

first prize kibitzer necklace

Smokey the Bear necklace

Billie the Brownie necklace

So's Your Old Man necklace

kitten necklace

Folks enjoyed opening the lids to our vintage rouge compact and tin container lockets. Each one has a unique surprise hidden inside and are great conversation starters.

A woman named Heather took home the middle necklace. How perfect!

Outdoor Girl powder compact necklace

vintage rouge and powder compact necklaces

The best sellers at SoWa Holiday Market this year were the vintage toy necklaces made out of tiny cars, whistles, and games. 

vintage tin race car necklaces

vintage ambulance necklace

colorful tin motorcycle necklace

west wagon whistle necklace

cat? pig? bear? whistle necklace

animal boat whistle necklace

Olympic motorcycle necklace

vintage pinball bunny necklace

I couldn't have been happier with my final show of the 2016 season. It was my best SoWa Holiday Market to date and I went home with a lighter sleigh. Thank you to all the customers who came by and shopped handmade for the holiday season. You certainly made my season merry and bright. I hope all the gifts you bought at Boston's best holiday market were a big hit. Huge thanks to all the talented artists, makers, and organizers who filled the halls with spirit and amazing wares. What a wonderful show!

I hope your 2016 is off to a great start! Mine certainly is. I'm in the process of booking my 2016 show season. Stay tuned for a schedule. 

To see our newest creations and hear our latest news, follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Interested in a piece you see online? PM me or contact me via email. A new website is in the works!