As a jewelry designer and second grade teacher, nothing makes me happier than when my two worlds meet. On November 10th, I got to share my handmade goods at a school event. It was proud to be a part of 12th Annual Brookline Marketplace at the Park School. This family-friendly event had 90 artists and vendors, great food and baked goods, and a raffle to help support enrichment programs and community service at this pre-K through 9th grade school.
While setting up in the morning, I caught a quick glimpse of a booth filled with beautiful color, textures, and patterns and I was instantly intrigued. Elizabeth Cronin of Abeille Occupee (that's "busy bee" in French) came over and introduced herself and we quickly discovered that we loved each others' goods! Elizabeth is a frequent traveler to France and finds unique textiles and treasures for her interior designs, clothing, and accessories business. Elizabeth carries unique tunics, dresses, scarves, and other wearables with lush colors and patterns. She traded me a gorgeous orange patterned scarf and floral fuchsia tunic for one of my vintage green and pink rouge compact lockets. I've already received tons of compliments on the tunic! Visit Abeille Occupee's international bazaar of goods for the perfect gift or a treat for yourself.
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| Elizabeth Cronin of Abeille Occupee |
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| scarves galore |
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| gorgeous prints |
One of the best parts of doing markets is meeting wonderful people. I enjoyed every moment of being next to Ashlee Wiest-Laird of Signs of Life Photography. In between customers, I got to learn about Ashlee's unique life journey which is reflected in her stunning photography. This Kentucky native is the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain and has been an avid photographer for 20 years. Each photo had a special story behind it, from Ashlee's hidden reflection in a horse's eye to the heartbreaking image of her beloved church after a fire in 2005. Ashlee offers vivid prints of all sizes and greeting cards. I adore her "Global Village" series which chronicles her world travels and the beautiful faces she has encountered along the way. Find out more about Ashlee and her photography by visiting Signs of Life Photography and First Baptist Church online.
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| Ashlee Wiest-Laird of Signs of Life Photography |
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| take a journey |
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| First Baptist Church 2005 |
There was a nice steady crowd at the Brookline Marketplace and I got to meet many enthusiastic members of the Park School community, holiday shoppers, and local artists. Many of my one of a kind statement pieces left with happy customers, including a necklace embellished with a vintage Ice Capades brooch, a mid-century modern-inspired bib necklace called "Barbarella", and several blinking doll eye necklaces.
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| Ice Capades Necklace |
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| Barbarella |
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| blinking doll eye necklaces |
This holiday season please support local small businesses and artists. I encourage you to peep down the right side of this blog. There is quite the list of talented artists from the northeast. Check 'em out and give a gift filled with heart!
There's one last chance to catch me in person for 2012:
Shop these fine shops and galleries for Twitch and Whiskers jewelry:
Craftland
(Nov. and Dec. holiday show) - Providence, RI
Peter Lawrence Gallery
(Now thru early Jan.) - Gaylordsville, CT
Vudu Micia
- New Milford, CT
English Apothecary
- Bethel, CT
Aquvii
- Tokyo, Japan - I just sent a bunch of new pieces there!
