12 Dec 10 - Urban Folk Circuit

"...bring[ing] an old-fashioned awareness to a hip, urban market..."


Hey, blogspot readers, not even a blustery winter afternoon could stop this rare On The Town outting. SouthSide's latest adventure had her at Elbo Room earlier than usual for the Urban Folk Circuit. This free series of craft market-style vending was created as a way to promote local artisans as well as the neighborhood bar venues. Besides browsing the many vendors on tap with their handmade crafts and art, there was also live acoustic entertainment rockin' the stage by Rachel Katzman, Sleepy Lou, Steve Sebby and The Jonas Friddleman.

The central themes of "recycle, reuse and renew" and natural products were the main focus with many of the items on display for purchase. For instance, Rachel Wiandt's booth had a lovely array of fragrant (natural) soy candles (which burns cleaner than paraffin-waxed candles) and soaps (try the gingerbread man) while another booth had VHS and album art (used/old videotapes and vinyl records turned into decoratively painted piece of art). SouthSide's good friend, Madame Platypus (http://www.madameplatyplus.com) had a booth full of elaborately designed cards and screenings to vintage-like jewelry with whimsical sayings or quotes. One booth during this event caught this reviewer's eye was the handmade cords (for guitars) by Cordinated. Owner Juli Sherry explained how she used 100% wool yarn to wrap around the cables which will tangle and/or twist less while rockin' the stage. Visit http://www.cordinated.etsy.com for more product information.

Across from the Cordinated booth, there were vendors selling knitted bottle warmers (out of Peruvian wool) and handmade items (dish towels, aprons etc) for the kitchen as well as Corinne Niessner and her display of doggie knitwear. The author of the book, Doggie Knits, Sweaters and Accessories for Your Best Friend, had samples of her custom work which would would your beloved pooch stylishly warm this winter. Each doggie knitwear is custom measured and fit to the shape and size of your dog and her items can be found locally at select retail shops. On certain weeknights, Corinne also holds knitting classes at a local shop - email her at luckypennyknits@att.net or visit http://www.luckypennyhandmade.com for more information. SouthSide also recommends checking out the cute handmade Smonster softies (toys) and hats by Shady Sparks. You can even decorate your holiday tree with wee ones too! Visit http://www.shadysparks.etsy.com for more product information.

Besides handmade craft items, there were unique pieces of handcrafted jewelry - rings, pendants, earrings etc - to spice up any wardrobe look. One booth, Something Beautiful, had a display of two-sided bracelets and pendants (as an example). Other pieces included intricately designed patterns and symbols as well as sports insignias to show support for your favorite teams. Visit http://www.somethingbeautiful4u.etsy.com for more product information as well as http://www.ecram1.etsy.com to check out the handmade soy teacup candles and soap. SouthSide also recommends checking out the beautiful handcrafted jewelry items by Jasmin Mitchell. Her pieces were mostly done in semi-precious stones, wood, shells (and other natural materials) as well as recycled leather for cuffs and silverplated. Currently she's trying her hand and design skills with metal for her latest line of jewelry wear. When asking this artisan what's the inspiration behind her designs, Jasmin stated the inspirations come from the materials, stones and whatever moves her to create. Visit http://www.jazjewelz.etsy.com for more product information.

Don't worry, blogspot readers, if you missed this edition of the Urban Folk Circuit ...another one will be happening again in January 2011 at Reggie's with more live local music to accompany your shopping experience. Visit http://www.urbanfolkcircuit.com or email urbanfolkcircuit@gmail.com for more information.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide