On the Road - The Brooklyn Flea at Hanson Place

It was so refreshing to pack up the car again after a two month break from doing shows. Having time to create at home is wonderful, but I couldn't wait to get out into the world again. Grace Napoleon of Folk Couture and I tightly squeezed our gear into her car and headed off to the Brooklyn Flea last weekend. It's always fun to do shows as each others' stuff-made-out-of-stuff sidekicks.

The Brooklyn Flea

Folk Couture & Twitch and Whiskers

A menagerie of chipmunks, pelicans, frogs, and other critters greeted me at the SKT Ceramics table. I have always been fond of Susannah Tisue's lovely, wheel-thrown ceramic designs with delicately drawn animals.  Her large-sized mugs were one of my favorite items at the flea. They have a great weight and feel to them that makes you want to sit back and sip on something warm all day. Those of us lucky enough to see her on Sunday also got first dibs on her seconds sale. I not only brought home a fabulous little bear bowl for Thom, but I also got the gears turning on a custom made creation for an upcoming event. Susannah's ceramics combine the beauty and simplicity of nature and make the perfect handmade gift. Visit SKT Ceramics next time you're at the flea or check out her wares online.

Susannah of SKT Designs

mugs, bowls, and tumblers

Ryan Green of Flux Productions was my neighbor at the flea. He offered amazingly designed and crafted leather goods, including bags, wallets, and cuffs. I really enjoyed his cork bags with their unique texture, lightweight design, and arrow print lining. You can tell that every piece is made with great care and attention to detail. I was really drawn to his leather cuffs with solid brass links but ended up leaving with a screen printed long sleeved t-shirts. I have already worn this floral beauty a few times since last week and know that it will be my go-to shirt this spring. See Ryan at the flea or visit his Etsy shop to see his whole line of clothing and accessories.

Ryan of Flux Productions

leather and brass chain cuffs

Saturday welcomed in visitors from near and far. It was such a wonderful surprise to have the Harvey Family visit from Fairfield, CT (where I teach). Seeing students outside of school is always a treat. I met Dana Ferguson of Dana Made last year at the Prospect Heights Fair and she was kind enough to come by to spread some joy. Saturday ended with Karen Seiger of Markets of New York and her husband James. The night was filled with fabulous food and laughter.

Hello Harveys!

Dana Made - an appearance

Grace had many happy ladies coming in and out of her dressing room with new frocks for the spring. Dresses were her hot sellers for the weekend. No two "clothes out of clothes" creations are ever alike. Her unique mixes of patterns, colors, and textures gave each of her customers an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind piece to welcome in the new season. Like Folk Couture on Facebook to see where you can find her next.

Grace has a bright idea

ready for the sun

a new dress

Some of my favorite pieces went to happy homes including a rouge locket with cameo hidden inside. A necklace with a wooden nickel from Sambo's found its way back to the west coast via a gal from California and my Little Birdy flew the coop.

Kiss on the Chic

Coffee Tea or Me

A Little Birdy Told Me

The weekend provided a much needed awakening from my winter slumber. I left the flea feeling energized for the spring and summer show seasons ahead. I also walked out with a few treats for the road.

Kumquat Cupcakery - got two bites for the road

new favorites: shirt by Flux Productions and bowl by SKT Ceramics

I'll be out and about every weekend in March. Here is my schedule for the month. A full spring/summer schedule will be posted soon.

On the Road - BKCC's Shop the Archway

May 21, 2011 was a rapturous day. I was prepped and ready to go for Brooklyn Craft Central's Shop the Archway market in DUMBO 'neath the glorious Manhattan Bridge.

It was my birthday (and Mr. T's by the way), plus a little thing called "Judgement Day" was supposed to happen, say - around 6:00ish. After hearing that cataclysmic earthquakes were predicted, I felt great relief in knowing that I was underneath one of the world's strongest structures and if all were to end, I would go out surrounded by handmade crafts and delicious food.

Manhattan Bridge

pre-show arch

Thom and I drove out early and met Grace Napoleon at the Archway. Grace's Folk Couture booth was set up next to mine. This was my first time seeing her amazing new clothing display in use. When she did Craft Boston back in March, she commissioned her friend Steve Thompson of Junk Lab Design to create a fanciful, fully functional combination clothing display and dressing room constructed out of pipes. Steve created a jungle gym of curiosities that surprisingly sets up and breaks down in a breeze. I was quite impressed. I also loved seeing Grace's new chairs-out-of-clothes. She found the cutest little chairs and worked her "Grace magic" on them by sewing on fabulous patterned fabrics, vintage buttons, bold images, and fun trim. They definitely caught many eyes at the show.

Folk Couture by Grace Napoleon and display by Junk Lab Design

three cheers for two chairs

ready to go

In honor of Judgement Day, Grace proudly displayed her rapturous Blondie dress and I put a special ring out, front and center.

Thom caught up in a rapture...and Grace's new chair

don't leave earth without one

I enjoyed walking around before the crowd arrived to meet new people and say hello to familiar faces. It was great to see Julie from Bugsella and Rocks and Salt, who were just at Twist several weeks ago. I dropped off one of my thimbilism necklaces at the raffle table. All proceeds from the tickets went to a great pet adoption organization called Ready for Rescue. They had a mobile adoption truck set up by the archway filled with furry friends.

just some of the fabulous prizes

My breaks screeched to a halt when I came to SepiaLepus' table. Bunnies, bears, and other wildlife with whimsy abounded in Carrie's work. She offered a great variety of original whimsical illustrations, prints, cards, and magnets. My favorite of all were her OOAK wooden brooches with animals. It was hard for me to decide which brooch to take home, but in the end, I think I made a great choice. I asked Carrie if she had ever illustrated a children's book and she said she had one in the works that was being shopped around to publishers. I am hoping to see more of her soon on the shelves of my local bookstore.

Carrie of SepiaLepus Illustrations

I loved every brooch. I ended up getting the apple shaped brooch with the bear and squirrel (at 9:00).

Next to Carrie was Liz of Liz Rodriguez Ceramics. She presented  hand crafted mugs, chopstick/bowl sets, and plates, which swam in lovely shades of blue with floral designs and bird accents. Her flower vessels really caught my eye because of their unique bulbous design and scalloped openings. Her use of color, texture, and pattern really made her pieces stand out and gave a perfect burst of brightness in the archway.

Liz of Liz Rodriguez Ceramics

beauty in blue

With a name like McFlashpants, I had to check out the booth and the person behind it. I got a warm and wacky welcome from Jen who creates jewelry and accessories out of spoons, forks, knives, and other tableware. Jen does things with silverware that I have never seen done before. She fashions rings, belts, hair picks, necklaces, bracelets, and you-name-it out of every, and I mean every part of the utensil. My favorite pieces were her Inro Box Pendants, made from the hollow ends of knives. With a 90 plus acre farm, a 4 year old, a husband, and goats on the way; I am amazed she musters the creative energy to do what she does. Phew!

Jen of McFlashPants

so forkin' amazing

I got sweet birthday wishes from two fabulous NY friends. Dana of Danamade swung by to spread joy to me and her other vendor friends at the show. I loved her handmade ring and smile to match! It's always pure joy to see Karen Seiger of Markets of New York. There was so much going on that she and her husband James divided to conquer and cover all of the fabulous weekend markets. Check out her great slideshow of the archway below and definitely visit her blog if you are a fan of NYC markets. 

Want the ring dontcha? Well DanaMade it!

Thom worked up a major appetite by going for a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and looping back around the Manhattan Bridge. When he returned, we enjoyed Pollo Tingo tostadas from our neighbors Hermelinda and shared a big ol' bottle of fresh lemon brew from Kombucha Brooklyn. I met so many nice customers who showed enthusiasm for upcycling and sold a variety of pieces, including my favorite springtime necklace called "Blossom Bliss." 

yum!

Blossom Bliss

At the end of the day, somehow we managed to load up the car just seconds before it started to downpour (just good old fashioned rain - no fire, brimstone, or toads). Grace, Thom, and I headed to Chez Oskar in Greenpoint for a post-show, non-apocalyptic, birthday dinner. From fresh strawberry mimosas to a mouth-watering cod dinner, everything was delicious and just right after a busy day. The grand finale was a trio of desserts delivered with a champagne glass that sprayed a plume of sparks. Thankfully, that was the only explosive thing to happen on this memorable day. 

graced with Grace on my b-day

a toast to my love

May 21st did end with a bang!

I was surrounded by the people and things that I love on my birthday. Now that's what I call rapture!

On the Road - Propect Heights Craft Fair

Last Saturday and Sunday I was out and about at two fun shows. The weekend extravaganza started with the Prospect Heights Craft Fair.  I headed off early to Brooklyn with my new set up and a few new items:

 

Fun 'n' Games Rings - The tops are created out of old wooden nickels and vintage game pieces.

I left bright and early, and made good time to the school. I was welcomed by a warm, friendly parents, fresh baked goods, and coffee. Who could beat that? This was the third year of the event, which was organized to raise funds for an amazing variety of arts programs at PS 9. In addition to vendors, there were student-created crafts, kid events, a raffle with items donated from vendors, and great local food.

I was excited to try out my new display created out of a vintage pink plastic suitcase and some cork boards.

Pink suitcase display

Final Display - Tada!

There was an upbeat crowd of parents, kids from the school, and lots of locals. I was pleasantly surprised to see one of my favorite vendors, Katie of Lily Rain. You know how everyone has a certain something that they wear, that always gets compliments? Well, that always happens when I wear my handmade, free trade bracelets from Katie!

Speaking of bracelets, I got a lot of love for my REcap bracelets (made from Crayola Marker caps). Here is one of my biggest fans. He discovered that my bracelets also make great building materials.

Both fashionable and stackable!

One of my favorite parts of doing a show is meeting new people. To each side of me were fabulously creative and kind gals who made the day fly by. My inner Edie Beale squealed when I saw Deborah Julian's cat photographs. Taking inspiration from the felines in her own life, she incorporates photos of her kitties into classic art compositions. Julie Peng of Bugsella creates a onesie-wonderland with whimsical clothes and accessories for little ones. She hand sews and screen prints her book and nursery rhyme themed wares for many worthy charities. Dana, of DanaMade was one of the first vendors I met in the morning. One look at her rings and I knew she was my kinda crafter! She too makes jewelry out of cool vintage finds. I added her to my Etsy "favorites" list as soon as I got home. 

Ring by DanaMade

Being a teacher, I always get excited when I meet an author. At the show they had a variety of events planned throughout the day for kids, including a visit from local author Ellen Bari. She wrote a book called "Jumping Jenny" about a girl with tons of energy and no place to direct it, until she thinks of having a jumpathon to raise funds for a sister school in Africa. This year the second graders at my school raised over $2,000 for Guiding Eyes for the Blind through a hoopathon. I was so excited to see that there is finally a great picture book out there about kids making a difference through outreach (and believe me...I've been looking!). I was so thankful to meet Ellen, get a signed copy of her book, and hear all about her publishing process. Hopefully my kiddos will be able to Skype with her soon!

Jumping into Action!

The Prospect Heights Craft Fair was the perfect show to start off my spring/summer season. I felt right at home at the school and met many wonderful folks there. Can't wait for the show next year!