Vendor Feature: Cynla, KnitSquid Fiber Arts, Pterodactyl Pottery, and Fleurs Jolies

These vendors know that “what’s old is new again,” that traditional processes and simpler times have a place in our speed-of-light world, and that…well, dinosaurs are cool! Meet a stationer whose cards remind us to slow down, a fiber artist creating critters using some of the world’s oldest crafting techniques, a jewelry maker with an appreciation for history and its remnants, and a potter of vessels with timeless appeal (and a kick-butt name!).

Cynla, Newburgh, NY

Cindy’s noble mission is to inspire her customers and the recipients of her hand-illustrated greeting cards to keep in touch, celebrate ALL the special moments in life (big and small), and to stress less! Her casual invites are the perfect way to prompt a brunch date, suggest going out for cheeseburgers, schedule a stitch and bitch, or even get together to brag about your pets!  She’s also expanded her offering of get well, sympathy, new baby, and birthday cards, added new holiday cards, and created new paper products like gift tags, enclosure cards, and a calendar! We’re so glad to have Cindy of Cynla returning for her third Hullabaloo…Her detailed, whimsical, playful cards just make us happy (and, actually, a little less stressed!)!

KnitSquid Fiber Arts, Pittsfield, MA

Stop whatever you’re doing and take a look at this magnificent dragon Eliza from KnitSquid Fiber Arts made! Since last year, Eliza has added some new hand-knit animals to her herd and she’s also experimenting with needle felting to add unique features to her critters (take a closer look at that dragon).  Whether you’re looking to take home a pink elephant, a wooly mammoth, a big-earred fox, a purple octopuses, a lazy sloth, a long-necked giraffe, or something even more exotic (like the dragon), Eliza’s creatures have character and craftsmanship that will ensure you’ve got a friend for life! She’s also launching a new line of small cat toys, inspired by her cat, Clyde!  We’re so happy to have Eliza and her critters back for their second Hullabaloo—say hello, but be prepared to never say goodbye, because we KNOW you’ll be bringing a KnitSquid critter home for the holidays! 

Fleurs Jolies, Olivebridge, NY

Maya’s unique earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, pins, and bobby pins use elements of bygone eras—(think buttons from the 40s, hand-dyed acetate pieces from the 50s, vintage brass stampings, antique beads, old license plates and more) as well as modern elements (like Swarovski crystals, African beads, semi-precious stones, and metal chain and findings) to create a collision between modern and classic styles.  Maya takes her inspiration from the colors of nature, and from the periods of history in which her materials were created—but she celebrates her luck that she gets to wear pretty clothes, make her elegant jewelry, AND vote! This is Maya’s first Hullabaloo and we’re glad we voted HER in, so that she can offer you her handmade jewelry with its classic beauty and modern attitude!

Pterodactyl Pottery, Manchester, CT

George Hakkila is an award-winning ceramic sculptor who decided to work on some ideas he had for pottery, and started Pterodactyl Pottery as a way of pushing himself further. As he says “So far, so good,” and we agree wholeheartedly! The name implies a certain primitive and ancient aesthetic—and we would say that’s accurate…if by “primitive” you mean simple, earthy elegance and by “ancient” you mean timeless and traditional. George’s pots, plates, jugs, bowls, vases, and jars are beautiful and expertly constructed, and the way he uses texture and glazes would blow the mind of any caveman. We love his masculine-yet-sophisticated lidded jars to keep desks neat (perfect gifts for messy guys), the saki-sized cups, and the gorgeous oversized salt-fired serving plates. Check them out and say hello to George at his first Hullabaloo!

Vendor Feature: Andrew Molleur Studio, Upstate Diary, Aubry, and Rebecca Peacock Jewelry

“New” is the common theme among today’s featured vendors…Here, we’ll tell you more abouttwo returning vendors bringing new products and expanded lines to this year’s event, a new-to-Hullabaloo woodcarving couple practicing a traditional craft, and a brand new publication joining us this year to introduce their gorgeous first issue! 

Andrew Molleur Studio, Kingston, NY

Andrew utilizes traditional and modern techniques to design and construct his low-production functional inlaid ceramic pieces. His vases, trays, planters, mugs, bowls, and other vessels reflect Andrew’s influences from architecture and design, resulting in distinct pieces that combine clean lines, geometric fragments, and textural experiences. This is Andrew’s second Hullabaloo and this year he’s bringing new forms and colors that he’s been integrating to his cohesive collection. Got someone on your holiday shopping list who appreciates minimalist design? Andrew’s work is a sure bet to be their favorite gift all season! 

Upstate Diary, Hudson Valley, NY

Upstate Diary is a new publication that focuses on the creators that call the area home, and the lifestyles they cultivate. UD celebrates “the creative possibilities that thrive in communities outside of city limits” and explores the ways the region’s natural beauty and rural ways of life inform and influence the artists they feature. Issue One of this beautiful 9x12 format magazine features interviews and intimate photo essays featuring visual artist Carrie Mae Weems (on race and inequality in art), filmmaker Marianna Rothen (on farm life and distress), and architect Angela Patterson (on Calvin Klein signature shops and barn design). Get your copy of the inaugural issue of Upstate Diary at Hullabaloo—and start off a collection for someone with an appreciation for beautiful photography and insightful interviews. So much more than a magazine, Upstate Diary makes a great gift!

Aubry, Lenox, MA

Inspired by a random book read during some down-time from their farm, Matthew and Kyra Hart began to create hand-carved wooden spoons, lathed-turned bowls, and other wooden pots and vessels. In this “throwaway” culture, they set out to make pieces that would become family heirlooms and carry with them the stories of family gatherings and memories of good company.  As is immediately apparent when you see—and touch (you won’t be able to restrain yourself!)—their gorgeous handcrafted pieces, they’ve succeeded. Their work makes a beautiful, thoughtful gift for anyone who loves to cook, or loves to eat. We love their beautiful stirring spoons as hostess gifts (that spoon will be stirring pots for generations to come!) and their gorgeous bowls for newlyweds (to serve them as they grow old together!). This is Aubry’s first Hullabaloo so give them a warm welcome! 

Rebecca Peacock Jewelry, Kingston, NY

Rebecca’s geometrically-inspired designs combine understated elegance with socially-responsible luxury. Rebecca uses repurposed materials and materials sourced with ethical, sustainable, and fair work practices in mind. She expertly transforms 14- and 18- karat gold, diamonds, and semi-precious gemstones into rings, earrings, and necklaces that are simple and casual, yet indulgent. In addition to her delicately edgy, classically modern jewelry, Rebecca makes metal spoons and other tablewear, and has increased her offering just in time for her third Hullabaloo! You know that last gift under the tree that you’ve been saving to the very end because it’s a small box that will make a huge impression? THAT’S the kind of gift Rebecca’s jewelry is! 

Sponsor Shout-Out: Bailey Pottery Equipment and Ceramic Supplies Makes Gift-Giving Artier

Know what makes a great gift for just about anyone on your list? No matter what their style and preferences, we’ve got a potter or ceramists at Hullabaloo that has the perfect mug, vase, bowl, or cup for them! But what’s on your favorite potter or ceramicist’s wish list? Bailey Pottery Equipment and Ceramic Supplies can help you there!

Located on TenbroeckAvenue in Kingston, Bailey has been manufacturing innovative pottery and ceramics equipment for 36 years. They carry everything from the smallest tools to the biggest kilns, and all the materials and accessories to go with them… so whether the artist on your holiday list is just beginning or has been doing this for as long as the Bailey folks have, Bailey’s customer service staff can give you expert gift-buying advice and set them up with everything they need (that’s what they’ve been doing for studios and schools since the 70s!) Still can’t decide?  A Bailey gift certificate will be just right!

Maybe you don’t know any potters or ceramists—but you’d like to be one. At Bailey, they can help you select the right equipment, tools, and medium to nurture your creative endeavor.  They’ve also got a fantastic selection of books and DVD’s to help you advance your skills and explore your chosen medium, and can recommend the right ones to get you throwing pots and firing ceramics in no time. They even offer lectures and workshops for a range of interests and skill levels.

Their prices are competitive and they offer super-fast shipping, with many of even the largest items shipping for free.  Want to get a jump on your holiday shopping? Get on it: their Fall Sale ends on October 31st. Shop online at https://www.baileypottery.com/index.htm.

This community of creatives is so lucky to have Bailey Pottery Equipment and Ceramic Supplies right here in the Hudson Valley, and Hullabaloo is so thankful to have their support! Anne and her company are active in many local initiatives, including the Midtown Arts District, and we’re thrilled to make them part of Hullabaloo this year!

So, if you know an artist, make their holiday a little artier with a gift from Bailey; if you ARE an artist, treat yourself! For those less artistically inclined, buy an awesome handmade bowl—that may likely have been made with something from Bailey’s…you’ll be shopping local twice over!