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...