Memorial Day weekend was meant for adventure. On Friday night, Grace Napoleon of
Folk Couture and I hit the road in her new-used Volvo. Miraculously our two craft show set ups fit into her new vehicle better than her older, bigger car. You gotta love Volvos! We took off for Boston the night before the opening of the
Greenway Open Market and had a smooth ride in. On Saturday, we were happy to be back at one of our favorite weekly Boston shows. It was a hot day but it didn't stop both locals and tourists from coming out in full force. The spray of the Rings Fountain and the shade of our tents kept visitors happy as they walked the green promenade.
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| The Greenway Open Market |
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| Twitch and Whiskers at the Greenway |
Often the best ideas come from utilizing materials in unconventional ways and
Hoist Away Bags is the perfect example of this. The very clever Laura Cleminson gives a "second wind" to old and abandoned sails by turning them into one-of-a-kind, tote bags, handbags, and wristlets. These incredibly sturdy and unique bags use the original sail grommets, lettering/numbering, and trim to add to the nautical flair of each piece. The bags feature draw string tops, bottle openers, pockets, and key chains to add further function to the beautiful form. My favorite part of each bag has to be the tag on the inside that gives a snippet of the sail's history. Laura's business is steeped in kindness and generosity. All the sails she uses are donated by others and she in turn contributes to the non-profit "
Rocking the Boat." Visit
Hoist Away Bags online and sail away with the perfect gift.
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| Laura Cleminson of Hoist Away Bags |
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| stow away with a tote bag |
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| get drawn in |
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| the story behind the sail |
Lately, when I've been complimenting fellow vendors on their lovely floral earrings and brooches, they've all responded the same thing: "
Wendy Baker made these. You will love her jewelry and her!" Well, when you're right, you're right. When I came upon her
Bendywho booth, I was in color wonderland. Wendy hand paints vintage metal flower components to make the most whimsical and joyful pieces you will ever see. Her layered petals, brightly hued beads, and mish mosh of baubles spoke to me on so many levels. After chatting with Wendy for a few minutes, I also loved the artist behind the pieces. Within a few short moments we were cracking up and chatting like old friends. I cannot wait to see her again at the
Festival Fete Garden City show. You better go check her out too before I hoard all her pieces to myself.
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| Wendy Baker of Bendywho |
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| not your garden variety necklace |
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| earrings |
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| I treated myself to a ring. How could I resist? |
Midway through the steamy day, I took a quick gander to find some eats. Through the heat, I thought I saw a mirage. Was that really a food truck called "
Mei Mei" (a childhood family nickname of mine) and did they really offer Chinese-American cuisine? Was this food truck plopped down at the Greenway just for me? I think it was because when I saw the menu, I found the perfect fusion of foods from both of my cultures. It was a hard choice but I finally ordered the savory bread pudding with scallions and cheddar. I could have sat down with a whole tray of the bread pudding - it was THAT good! Visit
Mei Mei Street Kitchen's website to take a look at their other delish offerings and to learn more about the
cool family behind the name.
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| Irene of Mei Mei Street Kitchen |
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| Mei Mei Street Kitchen |
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| well hello! |
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| savory bread pudding with scallions and cheddar - bliss! |
Now that outdoor show season is in full swing, I get to see so many of my favorite friends/artists. Carrie Wager of
SepiaLepus was at the Greenway with her adorably illustrated, creature-featured art, prints, cards, pins, magnets, and new local maps. I have always admired her stuffed bunnies that dangle from tent and when I mentioned that my students would appreciate it, she donated one to the class. I cannot wait to share my new balloony bunny with my 2nd graders. Grace and I always enjoy each others' company on the road and we had fun chatting the day away. I loved her new red, black, and white
Folk Couture dress with pugs and tear drop patterned skirt. Lots of lovely frocks went home to happy ladies, including a dress with a mama and baby polar bear. It made one mama very happy!
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| Carrie Wagner of Sepia Lepus |
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| new Sepia Lepus Boston map |
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| new Folk Couture pug dress |
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| bear essentials |
The big hit of the Greenway for me had to be the
REcap bracelets, upcycled out of Crayola marker caps. A bunch went home to the young and young at heart. A nice variety of
compact necklaces, a French
bicycle head badge necklace, and some
Thimblism necklaces also left with vistors from all over. I will be making more metal thimble necklaces this week with nautical charms (whale tails, steering wheels, and anchors)for my upcoming shows. I love this busy time of year!
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| REcap bracelets |
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| Magic Garden - right |
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| Dennebouy - bicycle head badge necklace |
After a sunny day on the Greenway, Grace and I squeezed everything back into her car, cleaned up, and headed off to dinner with Jen of
Zooguu plush handmade toys. There's nothing better than unwinding with friends, dinner, and ice cream after a full day. The following Sunday, Grace and I went off on a thriftavaganza before heading back to Danbury. It was her special treat to me for my birthday. It started with a scrumptious breakfast at
Sofra Bakery and Cafe and continued on to a string of local thrift shops. My big find of the day was a vintage polka dotted Victor Costa dress with ruffles for miles. Grace also surprised me with a popcorn box full of birthday treats, including a ceramic "stinky stuff" jar with skunk. Oh the things I can put in there!
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| Volvo = volume |
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| Sofra - so good |
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| Olive Oyl chic |
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| warning: jarring scents |
It was a fun-filled weekend in Boston. In just a few days (6/3), you can catch me at
stART on the Street in Worcester, MA.
Click
here for my full spring/summer schedule. Hope to see you out and about!
