On the Road - Craftland Opening

On a crisp night back in late November, Thom and I took a trek over to Providence for the 11th Annual Craftland Holiday Show Super Celebration Bash. This was my first year participating in the holiday show and I was beyond thrilled to be a part of it!

Craftland in Providence, RI

opening party

bright night

The gorgeous window displays and colorful lights lit up the night and the shop was abuzz with people. A live dj, refreshments, and photo booth added to the festive feel of the evening. Every corner of Craftland was jam packed with handmade goods from near and far. From plush creations and a stunning wall o' art to ceramics and jewelry, at Craftland, you could find the perfect gift for nearly anyone.

wall o' art

warm and fuzzy

it's in the bag

It's beginning to look a lot like breakfast.

Thom and I went to the event with friends Carrie of SepiaLepus and her hubby Jim. Thanks to their warm hospitality, we got to hang out in Providence for the weekend. It was great to see many familiar creative faces at Craftland, including Kristin Crane (love her Etsy shop with travel journals), Kath Connolly (read her Craftland interview here) and Devienna Anggraini (jewelry designer extrordinaire of DA Metals). 

Carrie Wagner and Jim Ciancaglini

 Kristin Crane and Kath Connolly

Devienna Anggraini of DA Metals

There was so much to love at Craftland but I was definitely kitten smitten. I instantly gravitated toward Meredith Stern's original collages and prints. Meredith uses a variety of techniques (woodblock, linoleum, spray paint, collage) to create her mysterious masterpieces. Her bold colors, fantastical felines, and textured works were a feast for the eyes. Thanks to a trade with Meredith and a generous Christmas gift from my friend Grace, I am the proud owner of two of her pieces including Mutual Aid. Learn more about Meredith's creations and her many talents by visiting her website and Justseeds.

Meredith Stern's Paradise Lain collage

Another favorite of mine at the shop was a cat bowl from ceramicist Maddy Macedo. Can you say adorable? One part whimsical drawing plus one part brightly glazed stoneware equals the perfect combo. Maddy's shop Lucky Monkey also offers monkey pots (of course), fascinating heart sculptures, and ornaments. Lucky for you, you can find her work at Craftland and on Etsy! 

cat bowls by Lucky Monkey

While mixin' and minglin', my eyes instantly gravitted toward Jenine Bressner because of her stunning lampwork bead necklace. She was kind enough to let me hold the colorful piece and admire it up close. The mixed patterns, textures, and shapes were other-worldly and the construction was beautiful. In addition to glasswork, Jenine works in textiles and is starting to delve into chandelier making. Visit Janine's blog, Fireworks page, and Flickr page to see what she's up to next. Click here to see a cool clip of her showing Martha Stewart a thing or two about bead makin'.

Jenine Bressner 

You just cannot ignore a bear head walking around the room, especially if it's a crocheted head with handmade polymer teeth. Last summer, Thom and I were mesmerized by Huckleberry Desingore's handmade heads when we saw them at the MassMOCA gift shop. Once we spotted her at Craftland, we just knew she had to be the mastermind behind those beasts. Huckleberry makes wearable art that has been seen in print, on stage, and on happy customers. Her most exciting one yet? She got to present a crocheted Stan Lee head to Stan Lee himself! It doesn't get much cooler than that. Enter Huckleberry's world by visiting her Huck and Stuff website.

Huckleberry Designore

I was so excited to see my pieces set up at Craftland. Everything was beautifully displayed. At the show, I offered a variety of Thimblism necklaces and one of a kind pieces made from protractors, vintage toys, pinback buttons, buckles, and other found objects. I just found out that my jewelry will be offered at Craftland year round, so definitely swing by the next time you're in Providence. Check out their website and Facebook page for upcoming events, showings, and classes. It's really a magical place!

Twitch and Whiskers display at Craftland

pinback button necklaces

thimblism necklaces

What's new for Twitch and Whiskers in 2013? 

Saturday, February 9th - 4:00 - 7:00 pm - CT ArtList Pop-Up Exhibition - I'm excited to announce that my husband and I will be doing a show together for the first time! The opening will feature 14 local Connecticut artists, Thom's band Burnkit2600, and jewelry from Twitch and Whiskers. We hope to see you there!

I am in the process of applying to spring and summer shows and will post dates as soon as I have them. 

In the meantime, please contact me if you would like a custom order and visit my Etsy shop for new pieces each month.

On the Road - Twist

I was kid-in-a-candy-shop excited to be in the Twist show on May 6th and 7th this year. The show is known far and wide for finely curated wares and a friendly community. Thom and I had a calm drive up to Northampton, stopped for lunch in town, checked into our hotel, and headed off to the Northampton Center for the Arts. The building was spacious and had lots of sunlight streaming in through the big windows. The picturesque ceiling had a stained glass design, decorative molding, and a rotating disco ball. The whole space had a great vibe.

Twist at the Northampton Center for the Arts

lookin' up

When met a ton of nice people while setting up. When we arrived at our table, I noticed an amazing lavender and mint scent. It was a refreshing welcome from Steve and Karen of Little Birch Farm. They hand craft a nice array of soaps, lip balms, bath salts, and other lovely body care products. Their letter pressed birch bark packaging had an incredible feel and it was great to hear about how Steve and Karen collaborate together on their products. I was lucky enough to go home with a bar of their Marian's Mint soap and it gave me a nice pick me up after a long weekend.

Little Birch Farm

Ahhhh....

To our right, was local ceramic artist Abby Berkson. I instantly fell in love with her hand painted details, inspired by children's book illustrations. I especially enjoyed her crowned elephants and cats with scarves. The cat reminded me a little of my favorite children's chapter book, "Jenny and the Cat Club." She offered lovely plates, mugs, sugar/creamer sets, and small bowls that were the perfect compact size for salsas and sauces. I was most impressed by the craftsmanship of her lidded pouring pots with straining spouts. She was a friendly neighbor and I enjoyed hearing all about her work in the studio.

Abby Berkson Ceramics

elephants and birds and cats...oh my!

I also got a warm welcome from realistic painter Julie Beck. The first thing that caught my eye at her table was a painting of a quarter on a vibrant orange background. Made me wanna go to the nearest arcade and play some pinball. I also loved her buttons, which she offered as paintings and on magnets. It was great chatting with someone who has been a participant of Twist for several years. She introduced me to some of her friends from Rhode Island including Kristin Crane who made clever journals, cards, and bookmarks out of old maps and other interesting ephemera. Her journals would make a perfect gift for anyone about to embark on a special journey.

Julie Beck

quarter envy

Kristin Cane

Chrissy Ann Ceramics was my neighbor right behind me. Her custom blended glazes gave each piece of pottery a warm and unique finish. Chrissy made a whole variety of plates, bowls, and decorative pieces that could be personalized for weddings and other special occasions. She also sold stacks of four small scalloped edged dipping bowls, glazed in a way that made me think of delicious cookies. I enjoyed hearing about her studio space and hanging out with her for two days.

Chrissy Ann Ceramics

See that floral shaped bundle of tiny plates with a bow? Delish!

Heather Jean Toupin is a busy bee. Not only does she make a cool array of stationery and wearables for heatherjeany, but she also runs White Electric coffee shop in Providence, RI. We both spied something we loved from each others tables and treated ourselves. I have always been a fan of the old fashioned button candy. She created note cards that looked just like the candy, down to the bleeding of colors between rows of dots. I am considering framing one...that's how much I love it! Heather took home one of my thimbilism necklaces that had two elements that suited her to a T. It had a lightning bolt (for her coffee shop) and "SINGER" printed on thimble (she loves to sew). I hope to swing by her coffee shop next time I'm in the Providence area. 

heatherjeanny

Just dotty for this note card set!

thimbilism necklace - ZAP!

At Twist, I got to premiere some new OOAK necklaces, including ones made out of bicycle head badges and an Esther Williams inspired piece. Some of my REcap bracelets, Fun 'n' Games rings, and thimbilism necklaces went to happy homes by the end of the show. Besides the soap and stationery, I also grabbed an upcycled skateboard bracelet from COOB Originals.I have gotten tons of compliments while wearing it already and folks are always surprised to find out it was made from a re-loved skateboard.

some new OOAK pieces

Fun 'n' Games rings

COOB Originals - bangle bracelet - LOVE!

Everyone at Twist, from the artisans to the customers, were so friendly and supportive. I ended the day on Saturday with new friends, lots of new connections, and a heavenly free chair massage from Mary Hunt O'Conner. What's not to love? I can't wait for the next Twist and highly suggest swinging by next time if you're in the area!

Come visit me on my birthday next week:
Saturday, May 21st – Shop the Archway – DUMBO – Brooklyn, NY