On the Road - A Big Goodbye Kiss to Twist

This past weekend was a bitter sweet one. I headed up to Northampton to participate in the last Twist. It has always been a show filled with great artists, music, food, drink, and an overall festive vibe. With a week's worth of new necklaces to share and excitement built up about reuniting with my favorite Twist vendors, I knew it was going to be a memorable show.

Twitch and Whiskers at Twist

Twist - Northampton, MA

Among my many new pieces were several blinking doll eye necklaces. Last year, I sold one to a sparkling gal, Chelsea (she was already quite radiant without the necklace by the way). I was thrilled when she returned with her husband Greg wearing the necklace. She looked as gorgeous as ever!

blinking doll eye necklaces

Chelsea and Greg

Back at my first Twist in the spring of 2011, my husband picked out the sweetest gift for me. It was a vibrant purple fused glass necklace with a jack rabbit from Happy Owl Glassworks. Every time I wear it to school, my students ask if it's made out of candy. That's precisely what I love about their pieces - they are deliciously bright! I was happy to see Tracy at Twist again with their lovely array of jewelry, nightlights, and ornaments. Happy Owl Glassworks offer a whole menagerie of hand screen printed animals on their colorful pieces. I was especially impressed by their one of a kind owl ornaments. Each glass shape is carefully ground down by hand, screen printed, and fired at a high temp to perfection. Visit Happy Owl Glassworks' website, Etsy shop, and blog to explore dozens of clever creatures to find the perfect gift!

Tracy Bull of Happy Owl Glassworks

animals on parade

glowing results

owls made with love

If I had my way, every child would be surrounded by cozy, handmade creations. When you visit Little Piece of Moon's table, you just want to cuddle up to Vicky Vitello's sewn treasures. Made out of natural fabrics, her handmade wares appeal to both the young - and young at heart. Vicky's toys, pouches/bags, table linens, and home decor dance with whimsical patterns, modern touches, and vintage flare. I enjoyed playing with her mixed pattern beanbag toys and getting an up close look at a darling Christmas tree with tiny sewn pinwheel ornaments. With two adorable boys at home, it's no wonder that you can feel the magic of childhood woven into every Little Piece of Moon creation. Visit Vicky's Etsy shop and Facebook page to experience the wonderment yourself and to find the perfect holiday gift. 

Vicky Vitello of Little Piece of Moon

holiday merriment

bean bags

a tote for your tot

I adored the Northampton customers and happily sent necklaces home with many of them. One local gal had fun picking through each and every thimblism necklace until she found the perfect one with a heart-covered thimble and key charm. A great variety of lockets also left the building, including a floral piece with a vintage Chapstick tin, and a new large locket filled with butterflies, and my favorite bird locket with an ephemeral photo and a little parcel hidden inside.

a heart and key thimblism necklace

locket with a vintage curtain tie back and Chapstick tin

butterfly locket made out of a vintage powder tin

locket - Open Upon Arrival

insides

One dangerous thing about Twist is that I always find something to buy. This year was no different. My first find was Popko Shop's Glitter Pop Party ring in iridescent blue-green (It's my 3rd Popko ring). I also purchased kitschy vintage Christmas ornament cards from Popko Studio(Crystal's sister, Ann Marie). I couldn't leave without a fresh citrus scented bar of "Sunshine Shea" soap from Steve Nart of Little Birch Farm. I adore their letter pressed labels on tree bark.  And last but not least, I got a much coveted View Master pouch from A Little Piece of Moon. Vicky Vitello did an even-Steven trade for my green bunny and wooden nickel necklace. SCORE!

Twist goodies

The best part of Twist has been the friendships that have formed at each show. From a fun sleepover with Abby Berkson (Abby Berkson Ceramics) and Carrie Wagner (SepiaLepus) to goofin' around in Left Click's photo booth with Chrissy Feiteira (Chrissy Ann Ceramics), Lisa Feiteira (Lisa Marie Style) and Thea Katon (Oh How Cute! Coaster Co.) we definately ended Twist with a bang!

Twist will be missed - especially by these gals

Left Click loonies

Much love goes out to Lexie Barnes and her Twist crew for making the magic happen year after year and especially for all the little touches that made the artists feel so loved and appreciated. I wish Lexie and her team luck in their new adventures ahead and leave by planting a big wet one the iconic Twist lips. *smooch*

pucker up

Here are my upcoming fall/winter shows. Visit my Etsy shop for a small sampling of my pieces. Feel free to contact me if you would like a custom piece.

November 10 - The Park School - Brookline Marketplace -  Brookline, MA
November 11 - Craftopia - Providence, RI
December 8 & 9 - SoWa Holiday Market - Boston, MA

You can find Twitch and Whiskers baubles at the following stores:

Craftland (Nov. and Dec. holiday show) - Providence, RI
Peter Lawrence Gallery (Nov. to early Jan show) - Gaylordsville, CT
Vudu Micia - New Milford, CT
English Apothecary - Bethel, CT
Aquvii - Tokyo, Japan (if you're in the area!)

Follow Twitch and Whiskers on Facebook for updates.

On the Road - Dogwatch Artisan Market

It was an easy breezy kind of day last Thursday as I drove from Connecticut to Fairhaven, MA. I was excited to be participating in the Dogwatch Artisan Market because it was my first time in that neck of the woods and two of my crafty pals were going to be there: Chrissy of Chrissy Ann Ceramics and Carrie of SepiaLepus. 

Chrissy Ann Ceramics

SepiaLepus

The cozy 6 artist show was set up across the street from the “Music in the Center” concert at the town hall. That night Captain Malibu played a variety of rock and reggae cover songs to the locals on the green. 

Captain Malibu

In addition to seeing old friends, I got to meet a sweet group of gals at the show:

Thea Katon of Oh How Cute Coaster Co. combines her love of photography with nifty coasters, magnets, and trivets. I was especially drawn to her Nautical Lines set of coasters with bold, textured, coiled ropes. I could have spent hours pouring over her amazing images. Who doesn't love gifts that are useful, handmade, and beautiful? Thea definitely gets the award for all three!

Oh How Cute Coaster Co.

Ecaruso.handmade was set up next to me at the show and every time I looked over at her booth, I discovered a different, wonderful handmade treat. From tea towels with bright yellow 45 adapters and patterned bow ties to wrist warmers repurposed from sweaters and sculptural assemblages, she had a little something for everyone. Thank goodness Elizabeth Caruso has so many interests and talents. It makes shopping at her booth an exciting experience!

Ecaruso.handmade

When I walked into the Dragonfly Handmade Soap booth, I was taken away on a fragrant journey. Robin Schmidt crafts luxurious soaps with fresh scents such as lemongrass, bay rum, and sandalwood vanilla. I had to pick up and smell every bar of soap and it gave me the evening pick me up I needed. Robin changes up her offerings seasonally, so that's a great reason to seek her out different times of year. Lather up!

Dragonfly Handmade Soap

Before I left, I got to send a few gems home with locals including some Thimblism Necklaces. One of the best parts of doing shows is being able to trade with other artists. I swapped my circus-themed necklace for a Sepialepus parrot brooch and flying squirrel print. Win-win! At the end of the night, I was treated to a lovely dinner from Chrissy and her husband Rocky. They even took this crafty foster child in for the night. I went to bed happy, full, and well-rested for the next day's adventures.

Thimblism Necklaces

sweet swap

Chrissy and Rocky - the hosts with the most

To be continued...

On the Road - Twist

Every time I do Twist, I feel like I'm going off to crafty summer camp because I get to reunite with so many of my favorite makers after a winter's break from shows. Starting off the day with hugs, hellos, and updates is always a great way to launch a show. Stir in music, a spinning disco ball, delish food, the Noho Pride Parade and Rally, and the creative vibe of Northampton and you have one exciting show. This year it was sleep-away camp for me because I got to stay with Abby Berkson of Abby Berkson Ceramics and her husband Erik. One of the highlights of the weekend was seeing her in-home studio and getting a peek into her creative process.

Twitch and Whiskers at Twist - spring 2012

There's pure magic behind Abby Berkson Ceramics

It was truly a family affair at Twist this year. Chrissy Feiteira of Chrissy Ann Ceramics and Lisa Feiteira of Lisa Marie Style were displaying their gorgeous wares. Chrissy added new vases to her lovely array of ceramics, and Lisa had an exciting variety of jewelry, housewares, and other clever accessories. Crystal Popko's Popkoshop and Ann-Marie Popko of Popko Studio were there in full force. Crystal had everyone aflutter with her vibrant butterfly wing jewelry and shiny Glitter Pop Party Rings. Ann-Marie offered gorgeous photo prints and encaustics at Twist. My favorites items of hers had to be the ones that incorporated old family photographs. She also creates fanciful hair accessories that can be found in her online shop. Behold the Twist'd Sisters!

Chrissy and Lisa of Chrissy Ann Ceramics and Lisa Marie Style

Ann-Marie and Crystal of Ann-Marie Popko Studio and Popkoshop

Twist family members also included fur and feathers. Nicole Monforti of Headcase Press not only brought bold letter press jewelry and clever paper goods, but also had a very special visitor. Her mom had recently found an abandoned kitten in her yard and the four-week-old gray puff ball of joy made a cameo appearance and left with many hearts. And speaking of critters, Steve Nart of Little Birch Farm wins the "Wild Kingdom Award" for pre-show antics.  Steve had to contend with a hungry bear trashing his chicken yard, and ducklings hatching in their incubator just moments from the show. Thankfully he made it to Twist on time and had the relaxing scent of his skin care products to ease away the stress of the morning.

Smitten with Twist's new unofficial mascot

Pre-Twist duck at Little Birch Farm

One of the first things that caught my eye during set up was an acornman pillow. How can you not love an acornman pillow? I'm so glad I got to meet the genius behind the cushion. Heidi Stevens of HaHa Studio spreads cheerful design on all things linen. Springtime sassy tea towels, pillows, and aprons were adorned with flowers, birds, hints of rick rack, and bright embroidered embellishments. Heidi's loving handmade touches make her wares the perfect housewarming, birthday, or whenever gift. Check out her Etsy shop for a fresh selection of natural fiber goods.

Heidi Stevens of HaHa Studio

I dare you not to smile.

There was a monster invasion at Twist. Did you not hear about it? Yumyo! It was Leah Moses and Dave's Twist premiere and they had kids of all ages smiling at their one-eyed Yumyo friends. These brightly hued, squishy fleece creatures came in a variety of sizes. They had weighted bean bottoms that made you wanna both hug 'em and toss 'em. Once you gaze into their hypnotic eye(s) and feel the love of their outstretched arms/flippers, there's no turning back! Get your very own Yumyo on Etsy today!

Leah and Dave of Yumyo

The eyes have it.

The next generation of makers represented at the Crafty Endeavors table. These young craftanistas shared their handmade jewelry, plush creations, and creative wares at Twist. Sponsored by WEBS - America's Yarn Store and mentored by Twist staff members the talented youngsters created and marketed their own wares, sans parents. And to top it off, they donated a portion of their earnings to the Arthritis Foundation in support of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis research. Now that's art with a heart!

Craft Endeavors

Oh so crafty!

A nice variety of Twitch and Whiskers pieces went home with happy customers, including Aurora - a blinking doll eye necklace, and Princess Pat - made from a 1920's rouge compact lid. As always, it was a pleasure meeting so many enthusiastic attendees and hanging out with dozens of creative people for the weekend. Twist happens only twice a year, so definitely make it a destination on your crafty itinerary. It's back in November. Let the countdown begin!

A Mother's Day gift for a very stylish mom!

Aurora - left

Lookin' pretty in Princess Pat

Princess Pat (right)

This weekend you can catch me at Spring Crafts in Chelsea, hosted by the New York Etsy Team and PS11. Find info on their FB event page and the New York Etsy Team page. Click here to see my full spring/summer schedule (more dates may be added).

Psst...."hooraymay" will getcha 15% off my Etsy shop or in person at the show.

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.