On the Road - The Grand Finale Greenway Open Market - Boston, MA

Six trips up to Boston in one summer. It has been a great opportunity to share my jewelry, visit with wonderful friends, and meet new people. I definitely have the Greenway Open Market to thank for that. My last summer trip up to Boston started with an overnight stay at Jen Gubicza's home (of Zooguu). It was wonderful hearing about her recent experiences at Boston Comicon and seeing new works in progress. The Greenway Open Market on Saturday offered up lots o' sunshine and plenty of foot traffic. Though I was excited to start the day, it was also bittersweet because I knew it would be my last Greenway show of the season.

The Greenway Open Market - Boston, MA

A beautiful day at the Greenway!

You know it's going to be a great day when you start it off with a gift. "Captain Neon" came by and lit up my day with a squishy, flashing, starfish ring. It turns out, he volunteers a good amount of time in children's hospitals spreading joy with his visits and by handing out his trademark rings. Lisa DiMeo of Red Staggerwing was also thrilled to get one. We proudly sported our dazzling stars all day.

Captain Neon and my new flashing starfish ring

Lisa DeMio of Red Staggerwing and I were ring buddies at the Greenway.

My eyes kept getting drawn to a nearby booth where a gorgeous print with vibrant turquoise waves crashing against a slate grey and russet brown rocky shore caught my eye. I just had to walk over and meet the artist behind the seaside scene and I was so glad that I did! Hannah Phelps of Hannah Phelps Fine Art warmly greeted me and shared her artwork and fascinating work process. Hannah is inspired by working outside in the open air. Her landscape paintings, brushworks, and prints use a variety of techniques and reflect her deep appreciation of nature. I learned that the piece that caught my eye is called Private Wave and it was created out of carefully carved wooden pieces that jigsaw together. The carvings are meticulously inked and printed one piece at a time. How's that for skill, artistry, and a great understanding of composition? Learn more about her incredible techniques and see a great sampling of her work by visiting Hannah Phelps' website, blog, and Facebook page. 

Hannah Phelps of Hannah Phelps Fine Art

Private Wave - jigsaw reduction relief, oil on paper

The intricately carved pieces from Private Wave and Maine Wave

Over the past two weeks, I had been working non-stop to create new lockets, blinking doll eye necklaces, and new Fun 'n' Games rings for the Greenway. It was exciting filling my booth with an exciting selection of new jewelry.

lockets galore

blinking doll eye necklaces

Fun 'n' Games rings

I recently started incorporating vintage pinback buttons into my rings and they were a big hit at the show. It was fun seeing people carefully pick through and read each ring until they found their favorite.

Two rings are on their way to Copenhagen.

Fun 'n' Games and good friends

One customer was especially drawn to a necklace that featured a sweet 1940's novelty pin. I came to find out that she had a 1940's USO-style wedding. I got to hear all about all the special touches she included to make her guests feel like they stepped back in time, from vintage clothes and accessories to 1940's music and a reception in an old dance hall. I love it when the right piece finds the perfect person!

Pretty 1940's flair

In the Mood - pinback button necklace

It's a real treat to meet local creative people in Boston. Kathy Weller of WellerWishes visited my booth wearing the most adorable vintage necklace with baby blue plastic beads. Once we got to chatting, I learned that she is an illustrator who is starting one seriously cute revolution. When I got home and visited The WellerWishes World of Cute website, I was overcome with smiles. Kathy's whimsical world is filled with colorful dancing chicks in tutus, cats and dogs raining from the sky with umbrellas, and frosted cakes on pedestals in every color of the rainbow. Her adorable imagery adorns greeting cards, prints, phone cases, puzzles, and books. Since we loved each others work so much we decided to do a swap-a-roo. My favorite pieces (so far) are her Be the Change Ghandi art print and her Jive Cats Wall of Cats print. Before Kathy left, she snapped a few pics in my booth and featured me in her blog. How kind! Visit Wellerwishes' blog, website, and shop and be swept away in happiness!

Be the Change Ghandi art print

close up of Jive Cats Wall of Cats big art print

I would love to send a huge thanks to the organizers of the Greenway Open Market, the wonderful fellow artists at the show, and of course the incredible visitors for a summer filled with summer adventure and new connections. My very last show of the season is coming up this weekend:

Picnic Music and Arts Festival - August 24 - Portland, ME

Twitch and Whiskers has one INCREDIBLE line up for the fall and winter. Drum roll please...

Jamaica Plain Open Studios - September 21 & 22 - Jamaica Plain, MA

Crafty Bastards - September 28 & 29 - Washington DC

Craftopia - November 10 - Pawtucket, RI

Wellesley Marketplace - November 23  - Wellesley, MA

Craftland Holiday Show - November 27 through December 31 - Providence, RI

SoWa Holiday Market - December 14 & 15 - Boston, MA

Check back. More dates may be added! Visit Twitch and Whiskers on Facebook and Etsy for new items and updates. See you in Maine at Picnic this Saturday!

On the Road - The Greenway Open Market - Boston, MA

Zooming lines of helmeted tourists on Segways. Squealing children dashing through the sprays of the Rings Fountain. Teams of costumed scavenger hunters rushing by with lists in hand. The Greenway is rich with the sights and sounds of Boston and there's always something different going on. The Rose Kennedy Greenway hosted Figment on July 27th. It is a free participatory arts festival. Dancers, musicians, and visual artists provided a day filled with family activities and entertainment. It was an extra special treat to be vending at the Greenway Open Market on that day. The weather was gorgeous and sidewalks were filled with visitors.

Dancers from Traveni Dance Studio in Brookline at Figment

Greenway Open Market - Boston

Style. Originality. Love. Education. That is the heart and soul of Solefull Lounge, a lifestyle brand that reflects the shared interests of co-founders Diderot Jean Phillipe and PJ Jules. These friends have been producing hats and t-shirts with a wink to pop culture and music since 2008. At the Greenway, their clever Jaws-inspired sneaker shirt, reminiscent of the iconic movie poster, was a real standout. Shoe laces are a repeated theme in their designs and can be found on their logo tees, fitted caps, and even wrapped around tape reels on their cassette tape packaging. Diderot and PJ not only design clothes, but also present music and art events. On August 23rd, they will be sponsoring the Soul Spotlight Live Concert Series at Cafe 939. Visit Solefull Lounge's website, blog, shop, and Facebook page to find out more about their fashion and upcoming events.

Pj and Diderot of The Solefull Lounge

clever Jaws-inspired shirt and logo hats

Ten points if you can name that movie!

I've been busy all summer making new pieces for the Greenway and my upcoming fall/winter show season. I brought with me a new batch on pinback button necklaces and brass drawer pull necklaces.

pinback buttons, toy magnets, and wooden nickels

give a hoot

I met many friendly tourists and locals at the Greenway. I was happy to send some of my favorite necklaces home with some lovely ladies including blinking doll eye necklaces and rouge compact lockets.

An eye-catching beauty!

 Looking lovely in a rouge tin locket

Two gorgeous gals at the Greenway

La Jaynees - vintage powder tin locket with butterfly

With a steady flow of foot traffic all day, you just never know who will show up. I got two lovely surprises. First, I was beyond thrilled when a past customer came by wearing her blinking doll eye necklace. She looked dazzling! At the end of the day, a friendly woman walked by with an Envirosax bag, just like one I had with me. I learned her name was Aimee and we ended up talking about reusable bags for a bit. Before Aimee went on her way, she handed me a beautifully stamped, handmade card. She told me she was handing out random acts of kindness cards in honor of her late husband Tony. It was her touching way of paying tribute to him and focusing on the positive in her life. She also shared with me a link to her Six Words Blog which chronicles her life experiences. It was certainly a tender way to end my day at the Greenway.

I spy a Twitch and Whiskers eye!

A much-appreciated random act of kindness!

I packed up after the Greenway, grabbed a yummy bite to eat with Jen Gubicza of Zooguu, and drove home with a delectable chocolate mint brownie (that didn't quite make it home). How's that for a fabulous and full day? My first day of school is just around the corner but I have one more BIG show before then. It will be my first time doing a craft show in Maine and I couldn't be more excited!

Saturday, August 24th - Picnic Music and Arts Festival - Portland, Maine

Stay tuned for one VERY exciting fall/winter schedule. In the meantime, visit Twitch and Whiskers on Facebook and on Etsy for upcycled jewelry galore!

On the Road - The Greenway Open Market - Boston, MA

Bee-you-tee-full. You really couldn't have asked for better weather this past Saturday at the Greenway Open Market. The temps lingered in the 80's and there was the perfect amount of sun. It welcomed in waves of tourists and locals who were out for a full day of artisan shopping, local food trucks, and site seeing.

Roxy's Gourmet Grilled Cheese and Kickass Cupcakes at the Greenway Open Market

The Greenway Open Market

Walk into Tracy Levesque's tent and you will be transported into a world of rich color, bold lines, and vibrant landscapes. This Greenway and SoWa regular offers beautiful original paintings, prints, and cards. Tracy grew up surrounded by the rural landscapes of the Berkshires and her passion for nature is reflected in her paintings. The stunning colors and well-defined lines of her moon paintings, and gnarled tree landscapes are reminiscent of stained glass. We chatted about our love of birch trees and I was happy to see that they are a repeated theme in Tracy's work. One of my favorite pieces of hers was Poppies in Field. The rolling flowered fields with vivid reds and greens was inspired by a friend's photo taken on a European vacation. To find the perfect painting for your home, swing by Tracy's website or visit her studio in Lowell. Make sure to like Tracy Levesque Fine Arts on Facebook to get updates and see new work.

Tracy Levesque Fine Art - Landscape, Botanical, and Portrait Paintings

Poppies in Field by Tracy Levesque

smaller format original paintings

gorgeous original landscape paintings by Tracy Levesque

I've been a busy bee since school has let out and have turned out dozens of new pieces, including  brass drawer pull necklaces, protractor necklaces, and tin car necklaces. It's always a pleasure sharing them for the first time at a show.

new figural brooch and brass drawer pull necklaces

new protractor necklaces

tin car necklaces

There were many fabulous visitors to the Greenway and some lucky customers went home with new Twitch and Whiskers pieces, including vintage magnet necklaces, blinking doll eye necklaces, Fun 'n' Games rings, and pinback button necklaces.

A beauty in a bee magnet necklace

Eye-catching in a blinking doll eye and rhinestone necklace

I will be back at the Greenway for two more shows. I'm already making new gems for the upcoming dates. Follow Twitch and Whiskers on Facebook to get sneak peeks and visit my Etsy shop for new pieces. 

Here is where you can find me the rest of the summer. The fall/winter calendar is starting to take shape. Stay tuned!


July 27, August 3 - Greenway Open Market - Boston, MA
August 24 - Picnic Music and Arts Festival - Portland, ME 


Twitch and Whiskers is now offered at these fine shops:
Copper and Birch - South Windsor, CT
Save Your Scissors Salon - Bethel, CT
Refinery - Northampton, MA - Opening on August 1st!

On the Road - The Greenway Open Market and a Special Visitor - Boston, MA

School is out, the sun is shinin', and it's officially summer. What better way to celebrate the season than to be at the Greenway Open Market in Boston? This past Saturday, Twitch and Whiskers was set up in the bustling Wharf District where tourists and locals were out in full force. It was the perfect day to shop handmade.

The Greenway Open Market - Boston, MA

When elegant shapes blend effortlessly with beautiful color, the results can be absolutely stunning.  Heather Wang of Heather Wang Jewelry has found a way to combine these elements into her line of nature-inspired jewelry. I really enjoyed spending the day next to her at the Greenway. This highly-skilled graduate of RISD and the Royal College of Art in London worked in costume jewelry and flute design before striking out on her own. You can't help but smile when you see Heather's Cherry Blossom earrings with delicate petals and vibrant enameled detail. It's Heather's lovely color combinations that make her flowers stand out from others. I was really drawn to her new Cherry Blossom pendants adorned with gracefully swaying buds. Heather is also known for her custom work. You should really check out her online gallery of engagement and wedding rings, including a unique custom pine cone engagement ring. Visit Heather Wang Jewelry online and on Facebook to explore her beautiful world.

Heather Wang of Heather Wang Jewelry

New Cherry Blossom necklace collection

Cherry Blossom earrings

Blooming Branches

On display at the Twitch and Whiskers tent were piles of Fun 'n' Games rings. It's always fun to have visitors guess which games the pieces were sourced from. I also offered a fresh new batch of new protractor necklaces.  

Fun 'n' Games rings

new protractor necklaces

I met so many lovely people from all over. Many necklaces went home with happy customers. One gal loved the hot dog Thimblism necklaces so much that she bought my last two. When she got home, she converted them into whimsical earrings. Hot diggity!

A bicycle headbadge built for one (on a bike!).

The Queen's Guard - bicycle head badge necklace

Looking savvy in a salve tin!

You Have Got Some Gall - vintage salve tin locket

Thimblism earrings - doggone cute!

A few other favorites also went to good homes.

Honey and Sonny Bread - pinback button necklace

An Original - pinback button necklace

Horse Feathers - powder tin locket

I've saved the absolute best for last. Last September, I was set up at Jamaica Plain Open Studios in Massachusetts. A wonderful mom named Erin and her son Jack came to visit my booth and spent a while exploring my jewelry. I learned Jack also loved to repurpose things and had an interest in jewelry making. Many months, later Jack had saved up for a rouge compact locket in my Etsy shop. I sent him a special care package filled with some of my favorite supplies along with his the necklace. When this dynamic duo visited me at the Greenway, Jack shared with me the necklace he made with the bag o' parts I sent him. I was so impressed by his clever compass locket!

 Erin and Jack

Jack's two-in-one necklace with removable lid and compass.

Jack also shared with me his autobiography that he wrote at the end of the school year. I was so touched to see that he wrote a chapter about our meet up and the care package. It absolutely made my day!

Kickin' up my heels!

Lovely words...and handwriting!

Something tells me that Jack and I are going to be friends for a good long time. I can't wait to see what he makes next. Who knows...maybe in the not to distant future, you will see Jack's creations at a show!

My new jewelry buddy Jack.

Thanks to a lot of great customers, and some very special visitors, this was a very memorable day at the Greenway.

I'll be back at the Greenway again soon:

July 13, July 27, August 3 - Greenway Open Market - Boston, MA
August 24 - Picnic Music and Arts Festival - Portland, ME 


Pop over to my shop on Etsy and like Twitch and Whiskers on Facebook for fun updates.