Love, love, love: EcoWorks in New Haven, CT

Nothing gets me more motivated to create than a room filled with raw material and colorful junk. When you walk through the doors of EcoWorks in New Haven, Connecticut, you cannot help but be inspired by the shelves, drawers, bins,and tables filled to the brim with fabric, string, scraps, plastic bits, and sparkle. It really is an art supply wonderland! 

EcoWorks in New Haven, Connecticut

EcoWorks is the only creative reuse center in Connecticut and it was founded by two dynamic, creative, and eco-minded women: Sherill Baldwin and Lisa Spetrini. Sherill and Lisa developed a very special space that provides low cost materials to artists, educators, and creative-minded people in the community. The materials are donated from both individuals and industry. Each brought to the table their own talents and experiences in environmental protection and the arts that made for a perfect team. Together, they lead the charge to divert materials from the waste stream through creative reuse. 

Lisa Spetrini and Sherill Baldwin of EcoWorks

supplies galore

I can tell you from first hand digging that there really is something for everyone there. Whether you knit, sew, collage, paint, design jewelry, sculpt, or dabble in any kind of art, you'll likely uncover some useful materials in their ever changing stock of supplies. 

thread count

games and paper by the stack

laminate samples

buckets o' wood

grab 'n' go ecotubes

twine for days

rocks and shells

a little bit of everything

much to explore

I didn't come looking for anything in particular, but left with a big box of inspirational treasures.  

defiance components 

flip off

glass beads

Busy Blocks

insides

synthetic leather samples

I already put many of my purchases to use. I used the synthetic leather samples as backing material for a new line of brooches and some of the beads have found their way into my necklaces. 

I used the synthetic leather scraps to back my new brooches.

upcycled brooches (backed in synthetic leather samples)

In addition to offering supplies, EcoWorks also showcases local Connecticut artists in their reBoutique. You can find a little bit of everything there: clothing, jewelry, decorative arts, and furniture. All items sold at the reBoutique are made up of at least 85% reclaimed or scrap material. Stay tuned! Soon you will be able to find Twitch and Whiskers in the reBoutique!

reBoutique 

ornaments and hats

beautiful embellishments

collage - multimedia work

game board journal

EcoWorks also has a calendar of fun events that are open to the public. Upcoming events include workshops on knitting, t-shirt design and paper making basics. In the future, Sherill and Lisa hope to expand store hours and the kinds of events they offer. 

Make something at EcoWorks.

Want in on the fun? Swing by EcoWorks at 262 State Street in New Haven, Connecticut. They are open on Thursdays from 1 PM to 7 PM and on Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM. EcoWorks is funded thanks to several community grants but depend heavily on public support. Every donation and purchase you make helps to contribute to a greener and more creative Connecticut. 

EcoWorks hours

Go. Shop. Be inspired and spread the word. For more information, visit EcoWorks' website, Twitter feed, and Facebook page. It is bound to become one of your favorite local spots!

You never know what you'll find at EcoWorks!

Twitch and Whiskers is in the process of booking shows for our spring/summer calendar. Stay tuned! For updates, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

lenticular necklaces mounted on vintage playing cards

protractor necklace

Fun 'n' Games rings

Love, Love, Love: Philadelphia Independents

If you're visiting Philadelphia for a stretch of time, at some point you will find yourself meandering through the lovely streets of Old City to see the well known historic sites, such as Independence Hall or the Betsy Ross House. While in the area, you will experience some of the best shopping that Philly has to offer. On a drive home from DC to Connecticut, my sister Shana and I stopped by Philadelphia to say hello to my long time friend Ashley Peel Pinkham. It had been 11 years since I've seen my dear friend in person, but she's one of those warm people that make you feel like no time has passed at all with a smile and hug. On the drive up, I'd been eagerly anticipating visiting Philadelphia Independents; a shop that Ashley and two of her friends had opened last spring in Old City. 

Ashley and me - So happy together!

Upon entering the space, the first thing you notice are the beautifully displayed, well-curated goods. The shop is chock full of jewelry, handbags, ceramics, baby gifts, items for the home, prints, t-shirts, greeting cards, and much more. The open layout is very shopper friendly and encourages you to browse. On that day, Ashley and co-owner Jennifer Provost were there and filled the shop with smiles and laughter. What I appreciated most about Jennifer and Ashley was how knowledgeable they were about their goods and makers. As any artist can tell you, being represented by a shop that says glowing things about you is a wonderful thing!

Philadelphia Independents welcomes you!

Jennifer Provost and Ashley Peel Pinkham

Philadelphia Independents got its start when the stars aligned for three friends. Ashley, Jennifer, and Tiffica Benza were separately seeking out the opportunity to open a handmade shop. Jennifer and Ashley struck up a conversation at a local market, where Ashley was selling her jewelry. When Jennifer shared that she and Tiffica were thinking about opening a store, Ashley jumped on board and the rest was history. The shop just celebrated its one year anniversary in May. Way to go ladies!

Show some Philly love!

What works so well for these three entrepreneurial gals is that their diverse backgrounds, schooling, and work experience lend themselves so well to starting a shop. Ashley has a BFA in photography and vast gallery experience, Jennifer has a BS in fashion apparel management and strong background in retail, and Tiffica has a BBA in marketing and a lot of business know-how. When you combine their super powers, you get the perfect recipe for a successful, unique, Philly-centric shop.

pillows for home and gifts for baby

a little bit of something for everyone

paper, ceramic, wood, and much more

You can find Ashley's gorgeous jewelry line, INDICAN, at Philadelphia Independents. Ashley got her start in jewelry design back in 2012, when she couldn't find exactly what she wanted in a necklace available in stores. Ashley studied jewelry in art school and always had a special place for it in her heart. INDICAN takes inspiration from many diverse cultures including African, Indian, Native American, Mayan, Incan, and Hmong. Her pieces are bold, chunky, and colorful and include many natural elements such as wood, bone, horn, coral, stone, and glass. My favorite part of her design is her signature coin that dangles off an extender chain in the back. The coins are from different parts of the globe and pay tribute to her worldly inspirations. Ashley's necklaces make a powerful statement with simplicity and elegance. Her classic shapes lend themselves to both casual and formal attire, which offers the wearer many options. Make sure to look for INDICAN necklaces when you swing by the shop. You may even catch Ashley making pieces on site if you're lucky.

Philadelphia Independents offers unique local jewelry, including INDICAN by Ashley Peel Pinkham.

Love the INDICAN signature coin.

bold color and strong shapes

One of the spaces at Philadelphia Independents is dedicated to their 5 X 5 Gallery. Currently on view is Monica O: They Came in Gold. Monica's wood burned images of historic Philadelphia buildings and themes are intricately detailed and have an enchanting quality. The 5 X 5 Gallery features a new artist every 2 months. View the gallery schedule here. In addition to this special exhibition space, Philadelphia Independents participates in First Fridays and will be sponsoring the Old City Festival on October 11th. You can also find them set up at the Franklin Flea. If you're in the area, keep a lookout for their events.

Monica O: They Came in Gold

Before my sister and I headed home, I just had to treat myself to these Philadelphia Independents goods:

• Philadelphia Independents logo magnet
• PB & Jams Hot or Not peanut butter 
• James Olstein's cat in a fishbowl print 
• Sarah Draws Things fox brooch 
• Exit 343 Design's loaf life onesie 

My much-loved purchases from Philadelphia Independents

Next time you're in Philadelphia, be sure to take a little piece of The City of Brotherly Love home with you made by local, talented hands. You will be charmed by this new shop in Old City and by the sweetest shop owners around. 

Philadelphia Independents
35 North 3rd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(between Market and Arch Street)

Shop and view online: Website, Facebook, Instagram

Did you hear the big news? Twitch and Whiskers will be moving! We're opening a new website by the end of summer. For the month of July, we'll be offering sales, contests, and giveaways. Come celebrate with us and take part in the fun on Facebook and Instagram. 

All items in our Etsy shop are currently on sale. Use code: movingsale for 25% off your purchase between now and July 21st.

July is a time to celebrate!

There is one more chance to catch us in person this summer. Swing by the South End Open Market at SoWa in Boston on Sunday, July 26th. We will be bringing in special sale items to the show. Hope to see ya there!

Twitch and Whiskers will see you on July 26th!

Love, Love, Love: Surprises in the Mail

Last spring, I was set up next to Karen and Steve of Little Birch Farm at Twist in Northampton, MA. They offer a great line of skin care products with unique birch bark packaging, and on top of that they were super friendly neighbors who were a joy to hang out with. When Karen noticed that I used thimbles in my thimbilism necklaces she mentioned that she had a box of sewing notions at home that she could pass on to me. Recently, when a mysterious package arrived in the mail, I ripped it open and jumped for joy. Here's what I saw when I opened the box:

Little Birch Farms sent a BIG surprise!

A sweet note on birch bark paper and a smiling straw kitty face greeted me. As I dug deeper into the box, more treasures revealed themselves: wooden spools of old thread, cloth tape measures, bobbins, a strand of decorative pearls, fasteners, needles, a beaded necklace, tiny plastic clothes pins, silver sequins, vintage buttons & buckles, and of course the coveted thimble! 

I've got the notion(s)!

One of the biggest questions I get as a person who upcycles is, "Where do you get all your materials?" The best way to answer that is "everywhere" and that's what makes the process so much fun. Whether I discover things on treasure hunts or pull items out of the recycling bin I can find ideas practically anywhere. Though I have to say, the most inspiring thing to me is the kindness and generosity of others. I can't wait to dig into my new materials!

You can visit Little Birch Farm and Twitch & Whiskers again at Twist this November. See below for info. More show dates to follow.

November 11 & 12 -  Twist 7 - Holiday Fair - Northampton, MA

November 19 - The Wellesley Marketplace - Holiday Craft Festival - Wellesley, MA

Love, Love, Love: Pocket Sized Protractors

My first experience with a protractor was less than mathematical. Clear, plastic ones were handed out during math class the day angles were introduced. I did what most kids do when handed the foreign instrument for the first time. I stuck the tip of my pencil in the tiny hole along the bottom and flicked it around until it went flying across the classroom. Being a teacher now, I can only imagine that my poor math teacher did the "not again" eye roll.

flying hazards

I really hadn't thought much about protractors until last year. I was at the Elephants Trunk Flea Market with Thom. We passed by a table that was covered in rusty tools and I noticed something bright sticking out of the pile. I paused and wriggled out a  white, metal, pocket-sized protractor with blue numbers on it. The tool was way too bent out of shape and rusted to use but the instrument intrigued me. The shape and size seemed like they would lend themselves well to making a necklace. I filed the idea away and decided to actively seek out small protractors during my treasure hunts.

a great shape from any angle

Before long, I found the identical protractor in much better condition. It paired up perfectly with a vintage diving girl pin reminiscent of Esther Williams. Once I added a chain and a few charms "Estheronomy" was born.

Estheronomy

Then I discovered pocket sized brass protractors. I created "Steeplechase" using a brass horse, some rhinestones, and a tassel.

Steeplechase

Last month I made pieces on the more whimsical and colorful side, using animals and flowers.

Birds of a Feather and Hopping Down the Bunny Trail

Upcycling allows me to make my own rules and use items in non-traditional ways. Protractors are a great example of how you don't have to go "by the numbers" when creating jewelry.

Come visit me in Boston this summer to see these necklaces in person. Fall and winter dates to be added soon!


Saturday, August 6 - The Greenway Open Market - Boston, MA

Sunday, August 7 - SOWA Open Market - Boston, MA

Saturday, August 13 - The Greenway Open Market - Boston, MA

Sunday, August 14 - SOWA Open Market - Boston, MA