On the Road - Smith Street Funday Sunday

Once a year Smith Street comes alive with eight blocks-worth of handmade wares, unique merchandise, street food, and live music during Smith Street Funday Sunday. Twitch and Whiskers was thrilled to be a part of this street fair for the third year in a row. 

Smith Street Sunday Funday 2013

Bustlin' BOCOCA

I was a lucky duck to be next to the clever Courtney Church of Periodically Inspired. This Rhode Island native treats the periodic table like her personal Scrabble board and turns out geek-chic clothing and housewares with sly phrases using letters from each element. At the show, her "Baby Genius" onesies were big crowd-pleasers with the new parents and folks looking for the perfect, unique baby gift. My favorite Periodically Inspired items were the "Talk Nerdy to Me" pint glasses and t-shirts. Speaking of t-shirts, here's some very exciting news: Periodically Inspired t-shirts are now offered on the Big Bang Theory Web Store! How's that for the ultimate geek stamp of approval? Visit Periodically Inspired's website, Etsy shop, and Facebook page to see Courtney's fabulous wares and events calendar.

Courtney Church of Periodically Inspired

Oh baby, you're lookin' smart.

I'll drink to that!

I love it when life puts new and interesting people in your path. Midway through the day, a creative gal named Suzanne Bagdade visited my booth. She was really interested in my jewelry and the materials I used to make them. Suzanne also makes handmade wares and has a shop on Smith Street just a few steps away. I dashed over and the moment I stepped into Refinery, I was absolutely enamored with the place. Suzanne started creating durable and artful handmade bags in 1997. This evolved into her shop on Smith Street, which now carries her line of gorgeous bags and pillows, work from local artists, fabulous footwear, and treasures from around the world. On August 1st, Suzanne will be opening a second Refinery shop in Northampton, MA at Thornes Marketplace. And guess which jewelry she'll be carrying...Twitch and Whiskers! Suzanne left with a bunch of necklaces for her new shop and I took home an adorable reused wire ring and happy red Salt Water sandals from her shop. How's that for a win-win situation? Visit Refinery online and swing by one of their two shops for an unforgettable shopping experience.

Ava and Suzanne of Refinery in Brooklyn

Suzanne's

Reused wire rings

Recently, my dime store dreams came true when I acquired a whole fleet of vintage tin cars. After much tinkering and experimenting, I created eight new colorful necklaces. I was excited to debut the new pieces on Smith Street.

Pride Ride - tin car necklace

fun tin car necklaces

I got not one, not one, not two, not three, but four surprise visitors 'neath my tent on Sunday. My friend Mary (who interned/student taught at my school) swung by with the adorable Sean - a boy she nannies. He's moving with his family back to France very soon so they picked out a special celebratory gift for his mom. Sean chose a pretty pink locket necklace made out of a vintage Photo Finish rouge compact. Word on the street was that the gift was a big hit! Local CT legend Wendy (yes, THE Wendy of Molten Java) came by with Lauren to brighten up my day. They had the brilliant suggestion of installing a disco ball in my tent. Break out the mirrors!

Mary and Sean find the perfect gift.

rouge lockets

Wendy and Lauren - oh the cuteness!

The "Fun 'n' Games" rings made from wooden nickels and vintage game pieces were a big hit on Smith Street. Customers walked away with pawns, dice, and tiny plastic houses on their fingers.

Fun 'n' Games rings

Three little houses = one cute look!

By the end of the show, a fun variety of necklaces went home with folks including some tin car necklaces and vintage pinback button necklaces.

Taxi! She's ready to stop traffic.

Lookin' pretty in a vintage pinback button necklace with bead chain.

I had a wonderful time at Smith Street Sunday Funday and thank everyone who came out to show their support.

Here is where you can find me this summer:

July 13, July 27, August 3 - Greenway Open Market - Boston, MA
August 24 - Picnic Music and Arts Festival - Portland, ME 

Swing by a show, visit my Etsy shop, and like Twitch and Whiskers on Facebook for updates.