On the Road - Opening Week of the SoWa Winter Market and SoWa Wearables Market- Boston, MA

Winter. It's usually a time for me to hunker down in a pile of blankets, stay indoors with projects, and count down the days until outdoor craft show season. This year, something quite wonderful pulled me out of crafty hibernation - the SoWa Winter Market. This much-loved Boston show is keeping the market momentum going from February through April. It's giving everyone a good reason to get outta the house and shop handmade.

SoWa Winter Market - Boston, MA

The smiles 'n' smarts behind Zooguu, Stonehouse Studio, and 9000things

Over 50 New England designers and artists filled a spacious gym with handmade and vintage goodness. Just in time for Valentine's Day, I featured necklaces made out of 1940's novelty pins with smooches and sass.

Twitch and Whiskers - SoWa Winter Market Opening Week

Will you be mine?

Ali Horeanopolis' mind is swimming with ideas - ideas that involve wallpaper samples, repurposed leather, recycled colorful wire, and upcycled jewelry. It's no wonder this designer has named her business 9000things. Ali offered a great array of unique designs at SoWa Winter Market, including her laser cut Boston Skylines with contrasting wallpaper patterns. These one of a kind wall hangings are a perfect gift for locals and come in endless, colorful combinations. As a fellow upcycler, I really enjoyed Ali's use of vibrant vintage beads in her whimsical earrings and baubly necklaces with mixed metal chains. My favorite pieces from 9000things came from Ali's Fringe line. Ali collected leather donated from other crafters, cut them into fine strips, and fashioned them into chevron-shaped pendants. One can only guess what Ali will come up with next. Visit 9000things' shop, blog, and Facebook page to see what's cookin' and to get your hands on on Ali's creations.

Ali Horeanopolis of 9000things

colorful vintage bead earrings

on the fringe

bright upcycled baubles

I always enjoy meeting folks in my booth who love vintage treasures as much as I do. Necklaces and rings made from kitschy pinback buttons, tin cars, and blinking doll eyes went home with happy customers. The first week of SoWa Winter Market brightened up Boston with a good dose of handmade and I couldn't wait to see what week two would bring.

Looking adorable in a Tonsils Out Club duck necklace

An eye-catchin' beauty

U-Turn necklaces - beep beep!

Fun 'n' Games rings

SoWa's second week featured a fashion-friendly themed Wearables Market. The space was packed with fabulous clothing, jewelry, accessories, and vintage wares including dazzling dresses from Folk Couture. I brought a quirky cast of characters on statement necklaces made out of bold brass drawer pulls, rhinestones, and vintage brooches.

SoWa Wearables Market - Boston, MA

Grace Napoleon of Folk Couture

Gumby, Ice Capades, and Bears...oh my!

Brooklyn based Rocks and Salt is a well-known favorite in the northeast for hats, skirts, and bags. Sarah Hull and Phil Miner are the creative power duo behind the name. Since 2005, they have been designing their wearables using high quality wool, cashmere, cotton, linen, and bamboo. I love their clever twists on classic shapes and unique fabric selections. It's the thoughtful details, like the faux leather tab adorned with metal snap on their knit slouchy hat, that make their accessories memorable. A real stand out at the market was the Rocks and Salt belt bag. Forget everything you know about the traditional, bulky fanny pack. This bag gracefully hangs off the hip, contours to the body, and has the perfect amount of space to hold your phone and other necessities. Visit Rocks and Salt's website, Etsy shop, and Facebook page to see their amazing selection of goods for all seasons. I'm sure you'll find the perfect piece for your wardrobe!

Phil Miner and Sara Hull of Rocks and Salt

caps for sale!

little details = big impact

belt bags packed with style and functionality

Nothing makes me happier than sending lovely ladies on their way donning Twitch and Whiskers pieces and smiles. These gorgeous gals looked amazing in their upcycled jewelry, including Fun 'n Games rings, a rouge compact locket, and a protractor necklace.

hot stuff!

picture perfect in a protractor

so pretty in a rouge compact locket

bewitching in a boogie man ring

My two Saturdays in Boston officially shook off the winter cold and filled my weekends with handmade goodness. SoWa Winter Market is well worth visiting if you're in the Boston area. Each Saturday brings a new lineup of fabulous designers and vintage vendors. I'm counting down the days 'til my next market. 

I will see you at SoWa Winter Market on March 1st and April 12th. My spring and summer craft show schedule is starting to shape up. Stay tuned for dates. Until then, visit Twitch and Whiskers on Facebook and Etsy for new creations and updates.