Fun and Games - Upcycled Jewelry Workshop at The Toy Room

Yesterday was the annual Bethel Blooms Festival and Art Walk. Though the weather wasn't the most cooperative for an outdoor festival, it was perfect for a rainy day activity with five enthusiastic girls at The Toy Room. I brought bags and boxes full of game pieces, marker caps, scraps of paper, and other discarded treasures for an upcycled jewelry workshop. The girls got to work right away making rings, bracelets, earrings, pins, and necklaces out of items like Trivial Pursuit pieces, BINGO chips, magnetic fridge letters, and old toys. By the end of the hour and a half workshop, these trashionistas left with many one-of-a-kind accessories. Going green has never been more colorful and creative!

Why yes,those are Trivial Pursuit earrings!

Looking marvelous in marker caps.

Cousins with dozens of clever ideas.

Ahoy ladies! Uncover treasures at The Toy Room.

The Toy Room is always brimming full of new, fabulous toys. Swing by to pick up the perfect gift or like them on Facebook to find out about other great events coming up. 

I'll be back in Bethel on Tuesday, April 17th. Hot Cup o' Handmade 3 will be happenin' at Molten Java from 2-9 pm. Spread the word!

What should I make with these amoeba-like shapes? Enter April's Facebook contest to win a $20 gift certificate!

Follow Twitch and Whiskers on Facebook for updates (new contest JUST posted for April) and visit my Etsy shop for new finds.

Kimblism Thimblism at the Toy Room

I got a visit from my pal Kim Ramsey at Hot Cup o' Handmade 1 back in November. She brought with her a pretty silver thimble inscribed with "Kate" (her grandma's name) and asked if I could custom make a thimblism necklace for her. Of course I was more than happy to! I swung by her shop, The Toy Room after school one day. I love any opportunity to visit her shop because it's chock full of wonderment and the coolest toys around. I brought with me containers full of kitschy charms, bead caps, and beads. Kim chose a bright plastic apple charm to dangle below her thimble. It came off a vintage Carmen Miranda/ fruit salad type necklace.

The Toy Room on Greenwood Ave in Bethel, CT

After making the necklace, Thom and I returned to her shop last Saturday to drop off the piece and to do a little holiday shopping. Kim looked absolutely radiant in her new necklace! To honor Kim, I named it the "Kimblism Thimblism" necklace. I just couldn't resist! I love it when I get the chance to work with items that hold meaning and sentiment and I especially enjoy making things for friends.

an apple a day

Kim in her "Kimblism" Thimblism necklace

There was so much to look at in the store. Last year, I purchased a bunch of realistic looking chocolate chip cookie purses from Kim and they were a big hit during the holidays. Imagine my excitement when I saw a whole new line of products from the same company, including big ol' pizza and cupcake pillows! The Toy Room was filled to the brim with all sorts of cute stocking stuffers like goofy rubber faced hand puppets (I remember having these when I was a kid), colorful marbles and glass critter figurines, and mysterious socks that expand to full size in water. I asked Kim what was one of the hottest items in her shop right now and she said it was the "Loopdedoo" friendship bracelet maker. This jewelry maker gives this crafty kit a big thumbs up!

good enough to eat

faces only a mother could love

hypnotizing colors

a friendship bracelet maker's friend

And then of course, there is the toy that I want (hint, hint). I almost forgot to mention that one of my favorite parts of visiting Kim, is the fact that we both have an extremely immature sense of humor. Knowing this, she pointed out the GAME OF ALL GAMES a few weeks ago while I was visiting: Doggie Doo. Let's just say that it features a dog, goopy green dog treats, a leash that you squeeze, and gaseous noises. I hope the man in the big red suit is taking note.

I really doo want this.

Every time I visit Kim, my day is filled with toys and laughter. What else could you possibly want? The Toy Room has perfect gifts for kids of all ages. Support a great local business this holiday season and if you swing by, please bring a hat or pair of gloves. Kim will be collecting these items for the Dorothy Day House in Danbury until December 15th. Happy Holidays!

Princess Charming - Upcycled Rouge Locket Necklace

Looking for a memorable holiday gift? Swing by my Etsy shop for unique upcycled rings, bracelets, and necklaces.