On the Road - Craftopia

Since I've been doing craft shows, I've heard from artist after artist, "You just HAVE TO do Craftopia. It's a great show!" Imagine how excited I was when I got accepted into their holiday show this year! Located at the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket, RI, this seasonal favorite had a very festive vibe. The event is organized twice a year by masterminds Kim, Kim, and Darlene, fellow artists who run the fabulous shop Rhody Craft 100 in the Hope Artiste Village. The long brick hallways and greenhouse room were lined with talented artists from all over the northeast. Once the doors opened, there was a steady crowd and a buzz all day.

Carrie of SepiaLepus, Kim of Lucky Bird Studio, and Voz of Fishcakes inside of Rhody Craft 100

Rhody Craft 100

Hustle and bustle in the halls of Craftopia

Melissa Gruntkosky of Pressbound offered the most charming old world meets new style stationery and prints at Craftopia. Having a shared Polish and Russian background with Melissa, I instantly made a connection with her images of matryoshka nesting dolls and Polish wycinank woodblock prints. Melissa combines the computer with traditional handcrafting techniques to create her cards, calendars, prints, journals, and magnets. I loved her letterpress journals adorned with art deco images and printed from antique plates. Melissa's folk art freshness, bold geometric designs, and playful colors make her work a welcome escape from the clutter of the modern world. Visit Pressbound's Etsy shop, blog, and website to learn more about this talented graphic designer/teacher and to experience the joy of Pressbound for yourself.

Melissa Gruntkosky of Pressbound

very merry matryoshkas

vintage charm

It only took a brief moment at the Gypsy Girl's booth to figure out that Nancy Rafi and I are cut from the same cloth (that was found in a junk box at a yard sale). Nancy has been creating since she could get her hands on supplies and named her shop in honor of her Hungarian great grandfather who encouraged her to get messy and create. Nancy's journals, shrines, jewelry, and other assemblages are layered with found objects, mysterious ephemera, and a touch of dazzle. She recently upcycled a box chock full of antique door handles into clever place card/photo holders. Her Sassy Saint Shrines are a hoot! Will you pray to Our Lady of Immeasurable Patience or The Patron Saint of Folded Fitted Sheets? With so many gems to be found at Gypsy Girl, you just can't go wrong. Visit Nancy's website and Etsy shop to go on the ultimate treasure hunt. 

Nancy Rafi of Gypsy Girl

Sassy Saint Shrines

knobs with know how

The customers at Craftopia were fabulous and asked a lot of great questions about the materials I used. I really enjoyed talking about the vintage rouge compacts from the 20's, 30's, & 40's, the pinback buttons, and other miscellaneous supplies found on my treasure hunts. Many lockets, blinking doll eye necklaces, pinback button necklaces, and other fun pieces walked out the door with happy folks. My favorite send off of the day was the "Whoopie" necklace, made from a 1940's novelty pinback button. I swapped it with Heather of heatherjeanny for some incredible stationery, including a pack of hilarious Christmas cards.

One adorable girl wearing the "Outdoor Girl" locket

Magnificent in Mickey Mouse

You Nasty Man You - off to a happy home

Heather of heatherjeany- the ONLY one worthy of the Whoopie Necklace!

Whoopie!

I LOVE my new Heatherjeany cards!

Can you believe I only have one holiday show left this season? My inner elves are working overtime to bring you some very unique pieces for the grand finale - SoWa Holiday Market in Boston. 

SoWa Holiday Market - December 8th & 9th - Boston, MA

I do hope to see you there but if you cannot make it, fear not! You can find Twitch and Whiskers gems at the following shops/galleries:

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!

Find a small sampling of my work on Etsy and please contact me if you're lookin' for something special. I love doing custom orders. Cheers!

On the Road - Twist in Northampton, MA

This past week was one of my favorite handmade show - Twist in Northampton, MA. Just the mere mention of it conjurers up images of amazingly curated wares, talented designers, fun customers, and a party-like atmosphere. There is really nothing else like it around! Thom and I headed up on Friday and couldn't wait for the show to begin!

Just moments before the doors opened on Friday. Ready to go!

The first night brought hellos from friendly neighbors. I was set up near two of my friends from last year: Chrissy of Chrissy Ann Ceramics and Abby of Abby Berkson Ceramics. It's always great to catch up and spend two days next to such creative and talented gals.

Crystal of Popko Shop, Abby of Abby Berkson Ceramics, Chrissy of Chrissy Ann Ceramics, and me!

Just diagonal to me was the very talented jewelry designer Crystal Popko of Popko Shop. I have always been in awe of her handcrafted necklaces and earrings with real butterfly wings. She wore a blue morpho pendant all day that looked breath-taking every time it caught the light. Crystal's designs combine a unique elegance with bursts of color and iridescent sheen. Her display stopped many people in their tracks at Twist. I betcha there are going to be a lot of happy gals this holiday season when they receive one of her pieces. I couldn't resist getting one of her Glitter Pop Party Rings in bright pink and I can't help but smile when I wear it. If you are looking for a radiant, nature-inspired gift then visit her online shop to find the perfect treasure.

Crystal Popko of Popko Shop

beauty takes flight

Couldn't fit an ounce more of bling in these rings!

One of the best parts of doing craft shows is meeting fabulous artists and designers. When husband Thom was walking about, he discovered the most clever necklaces carefully collaged and embedded with individual letterpress type. From above they reminded me of an aerial view of skyscrapers in a crowded city. When I had a chance to pop over to the table, not only did I discover the amazing jewelry, but I also met the incredible artist behind them. Nicole Monforti of Headcase Press works out of an 100-year old former textile mill in New Bedford, MA and I can only imagine how cool her space is. It was fascinating to hear how she moved her monster of a letterpress machine up an old freight elevator into her studio. In addition to jewelry, she creates wickedly funny cards and journals. Her offerings are well-crafted, and truly unique. Check out Headcase Press!

Nicole and her Dad

my type

Why yes that is a card with a hand knit square. BE impressed!

Back when I did my very first craft show, I remember seeing a colorful display that left a lasting impression - And that would be the honeycomb-like shelves from Jen Gubicza of Zooguu. This North Boston native makes whimsical plush toys to die for. Monkeys and foxes and penguins...oh my! Jen and her husband Brian make their huggable friends to order. You can choose from a wide variety of sizes, patterns, colors, and unique features so your squishy friend fits your every need. Zooguu has a loyal following of kids of all ages and adds several new critters to their collection each year. Most recently, a narwhal with twisty horn and beguiling black eyes joined the lot. This past October, when Jen did SoWa's Market of the Living Dead, she created a zombie narwhal costume to match. How could you not love that? Once you explore the world of Zooguu, there's not turning back!

Kara and Jen

a bunch of animals

there's no place like combs

It always puts a smile on my face when I see ladies donning my jewelry at shows. Lucy and Mel drove up to Twist from CT. I was so pleasantly surprised to see Lucy wearing my blinking doll eye necklace. She looked dazzling! I was also thrilled to see Julie of Bugsella. The last time I saw her was at Brooklyn Craft Central's Shop the Archway where she was displaying her joyful children's onesies, quilts, and accessories. This time she was shopping and I got the special treat of meeting her adorable daughter Ella. They both left with locket necklaces and couldn't have looked prettier.

Lucy and Mel

Ella and Julie

One of the many great things about Twist is its location.  Northampton brings in many supporters of the arts. My customers were all so enthusiastic and fun to chat with. Many of my favorite OOAK pieces went home with folks, including several rouge locket necklaces, a bicycle headbadge necklace, and my favorite protractor necklace called "No Peking."

Mums the Word (left) and Loves Me Loves Me Not (center) left the building.

A happy customer in "No Peking"

A vintage bicycle headbadge necklace called "Spring Carnival" pedaled off.

Twist gave me the perfect opportunity to pick up special holiday gifts for my friends and family.  I visited Chrissy Ann Ceramics and Abby Berkson Ceramics for some hand crafted ceramic treasures. Little Birch Farm provided me with a nice array of fragrant natural body care products that I know will be loved by all. Jar of Wonder had amazing handmade cloth play food and I went home with a dainty delight. Migration Goods was right across from me at Twist so I got to ogle at Eling Chang's colorful ornaments and hair accessories all day. It was hard to choose what to get from her table, but I think I made the perfect choice for my friends' kids. MB by Brigid knitted a special custom-made gift on the spot for me and it was finished in time before we left. How's that for dedication? I wish I could post pics, but that would ruin the surprise for a lucky few, wouldn't it?

Twist my arm. I still won't show ya what I bought as gifts!

OF COURSE I also treated myself at the show. How could I not? Last year I bought a pack of candy button stationary from Heather Jeanny and I bee lined straight to her booth for more. I love my bar of Marian's Mint soap at home from Little Birch Farm so, I decided to grab an orange/cinnamon ball of soap before heading home. This past summer I was set up next to Heather Wells of Bright Lights Little City at the Smith Street Sunday Funday Event in NYC. I regretted not buying her headband with a vintage fruit cluster on it so imagine my excitement when I found she had made another. Guess what I wore the whole second day of the show! My list was topped off with a blossom clip from Migration Goods, a cool card from Headcase Press, a skateboard bangle from Coob Originals (got one last year as well), and my pink Glitter Pop Party Ring from Popko. Oh joy!

Mine all mine! Bwa ha ha!

In a nutshell, Twist = bliss. I so enjoyed the show, the people, and Northampton. I can't wait for the next one!

Here is where you can find me next:

Wellesley Marketplace - Saturday, November 19 at the Wellesley Middle School in Wellesley, MA.

Hot Cup o' Handmade - Sunday, December 4 from 12-4 at Molten Java in Bethel, CT.

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