Independent Designer Pop Shop at Chelsea Market - Feb 2-29

Exciting Events in 2012

Pristine Slopes in Park City, Utah (Photo Source: TripAdvisor.com)

This year is getting off to an exciting start for Over the Moon Jewel. I’ve posted my schedule through March, 2012, and I am thrilled to be participating in new and innovative market events this quarter.

I was invited to participate in the very first Market Place on Main, a handmade designer market that is part of the Sundance Film Festival (January 20 - 22nd). I can’t wait to see the town of Park City.

As co-founder of the Independent Designer Pop Shop at Chelsea Market, I will be spending the month of February in the company of a group of outstanding fashion and accessories designers there. Our November event was a huge success, and we are looking forward to providing a boutique shopping experience for Chelsea neighbors, tourists, design lovers, and Food Network, Major League Baseball and Google employees!

SUPER!market is a wonderful initiative to provide a showcase where New York’s emerging designer community meets trend-spotters and fashion aficionados. I am very happy to be one of the core designers showing there on Saturdays. I look forward to being a part of SUPER!market as it develops during the year. (268 Mulberry Street in the Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Nolita)

And now I’m off to Park City! Please follow me on Facebook and Twitter for updates and special offers!

Thank You and Happy Holidays!

Over The Moon Jewel has had a fantastic year, thanks to all your support. The Columbus Circle Holiday Market was wonderful again this year. Meeting new and returning customers is always so rewarding for me. I’m taking a bit of a break through the holidays, and I will be back in January with new ideas and new designs.

I’m also happy to give you advanced notice that the Independent Designer Pop Shop (IDPopShop) will be returning to Chelsea Market in February! Details to come.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Barbara Wilkinson
Over The Moon Jewel

(Pboto courtesy of Joy-Ann Comiskey)

The Inspirational Lotus

I have always been drawn to the lotus flower, which is why I use it so often in my designs. It is a powerful and universal symbol for inner peace and serenity, and it's just such a beautiful shape. You may have seen the description that I use in my lotus jewelry postings on Etsy. I thought I would repost it here on the blog because we are approaching the last shopping weekend before Christmas, and we all need a little peace and serenity now.

Lotus flowers are amazing and have strong symbolism particularly in Buddhism and Hinduism but also in Egyptian and Christian cultures as well. The lotus flower starts as a small flower down at the bottom of a pond in the mud and muck. It slowly grows up towards the waters surface continually moving towards the light. Once it reaches the surface of the water, the lotus flower begins to blossom and turn into a beautiful flower. This flower has become a symbol for new beginnings, strength, purity, and an awakening to the spiritual reality of life.

Here's to a peaceful, enjoyable holiday season!

Why Shop at the Holiday Markets?

People come to New York City from all over the world to see the city during the holidays. It is such a great time of year to be here. And the holiday markets are a huge part of the holiday magic.

Unlike shopping in the malls or huge stores, you can stroll through the markets. The Columbus Circle Holiday Market, where I am selling my jewelry this season, is such a great place to wander, talk to the people who made the things they are selling, and find truly special gifts for every single person on your list. You can have lunch and dinner here too, and they have long tables in the middle of the market, like a German beer hall. It's just a great place to hang out.

As a member of the independent design community myself, these markets offer designers like me the opportunity to sell my handmade jewelry to people who appreciate the quality and craftsmanship that go into the things I make. There are many New York designers in the Columbus Circle Holiday Market. I invite you to come meet us all!

Which is your favorite holiday market?

Columbus Circle Holiday Market - Nov 30 - Dec 24!

I'm so excited to be participating in the Columbus Circle Holiday Market again this year!

Columbus Circle Holiday Market is open every day through December 24th! Hours: Monday – Saturday 10am – 8pm. Sunday 10am - 7pm. Located in one of the most central and convenient and beautiful parts of the City—right off of Central Park and Columbus Circle, this seventh annual holiday market is already becoming one of the most elegant and beautiful in the City.

Come by and say hello!

ID Pop Shop at Chelsea Market Thru Nov 27!

The Independent Designer Pop Shop just keeps on going! After three amazing events last summer in the event space at Chelsea Market, the ID has moved into a retail space at Chelsea Market for the entire month of November! Don’t worry, it'll still be at Chelsea Market but this time around, we’ll be in the space across from Posman Books and right across from L’Arte del Gelato (yum!). Come check out New York's most interesting and talented group of independent and local designers. Every day is a new day at the ID Pop Shop with its dazzling array of products, from apparel and accessories to jewelry and more!

Featuring:

Atlantis Jewelry
ATTITUDE by Jeanne
Australian Scent
Corrente Handbags
Iwona Ludyga Design
Kimberlin Brown Jewelry
Lauren Wimmer Jewelry
Lineposters
Michelle Han
N:F:P New Form Perspective
NatureVsFuture
Over the Moon Jewel
Rica Bath & Body
Sandra Baquero
Sohung Designs
Umsteigen
Vale Jewelry
Vernakular Photo Designs


75 Ninth Avenue, NYC
Tuesday, November 1st to Sunday, November 27th, 11am to 8pm. (11am to 7pm on Sundays). Closed on Thursday, November 24 for Thanksgiving

SUPER!Market

Over the Moon Jewel is excited to be back at 268 Mulberry in Nolita at the SUPER!market NYC is a curated boutique market of New York City's contemporary & vintage fashion, design objects, jewelry and culinary delights. OPEN to the public every SATURDAY, 11AM-7PM.

ID Pop Shop III -- October 3-10 - Chelsea Market

Over the Moon Jewel at Dekalb Market - August 20/21

About Dekalb Market:

Dekalb Market is a new community destination in Brooklyn. Dekalb Market, housed in a collection of salvaged shipping containers, brings together creative entrepreneurs in a community setting that will include an incubator farm, food market, events and performance venue, and a collection of eateries and work-sell spaces.

Dekalb Market is open seven days a week. The whole market is open to the public from 8am – 10pm daily. Resident shops and restaurants vary their hours according to what they offer. Weekend vendors trade in the market from 10am – 7pm, every Saturday and Sunday. Over the Moon Jewel will be at the weekend market.

Located at the intersection of Flatbush Avenue Extension and Willoughby in Brooklyn, Dekalb Market can be easily reached by public transportation. The Flatbush Avenue Extension frontage has the Dekalb Avenue subway entrance to the B, R and Q trains and the Fulton Mall has the Hoyt Street entrance to the 2 and 3 trains. Adjacent neighborhoods include Fort Greene, Dumbo and LIU across Flatbush, Metrotech and the downtown business district, and Fulton Street. The site is also a walk away from major attractions like the BAM, Brooklyn Bridge and New York Transit Museum. Parking available in the neighborhood.

Over the Moon Jewel at I.D. Pop Shop at Chelsea Market - Aug 3-8

On the heels last month's incredibly successful Independent Designer Pop Shop at Chelsea Market comes a second event, August 3rd to 8th. Once again we have assembled an excellent group of New York's most interesting and talented independent designers to showcase their products in the premier event space at Chelsea Market. Shop from a wide range products, from apparel and accessories to jewelry, t-shirts, and skin care products. Over 20 designers, including Over the Moon Jewel!

Featuring:
Atlantis Jewelry
ATTITUDE by Jeanne
Box 185
Ceola
Charm NYC
CLO intimo
Corrente
Iwona Ludyga Design
Kimberlin Brown Jewelry
Kizmet Yogawear
Lois Eastlund
NatureVsFuture
N:F:P New Form Perspective
Over the Moon Jewel
Paste
Rebecka Froberg
Reinerland
Rica Bath & Body
Sandra Baquero
Sohung Designs
Studio DuArte
Umsteigen
Vale Jewelry
Vernakular Photo Designs

75 Ninth Avenue. Wednesday, August 3rd to Monday, August 8th, 11am to 8pm. (11am to 7pm on Sunday, August 7th) Opening reception: August 3rd, 6pm-9pm

Over the Moon Jewel & Others Open SoHo NYC Store

I have exciting new event news for Spring! Over the Moon Jewel and 8 other designers have joined forces to create the Designer Collective Pop-Up Store in the heart of SoHo in New York City.

The store is open every day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and we will be at this location for at least the next two months. If you're in New York City, please join us on Friday, May 6th from 6pm – 9pm for the official grand opening of our store. Sip wine while you shop for exciting designs from independent New York designers and artists, as well as fashions from Europe and India.

Volang
Over the Moon Jewel
Vernakular Photo Designs
Umsteigen
Corrente Collection
Iwona Ludyga Designs
Fair Leia
Judy Kaye Jewelry
Tanjore

20% off all Over the Moon Jewel designs at opening party only!!!

Designer Collective Pop-Up Store
198 Spring Street (between Sullivan and Thompson)
New York, NY 10012

Ring of Love for Japan Project-Charity Jewelry Sale

Over the Moon Jewel is excited to be participating in the Ring of Love for Japan charity jewelry sale for Japan earthquake relief efforts at ABC Carpet & Home. Details as follows:

Dates: April 9-10th 2-6pm

Location: ABC Carpet & Home, 888 Broadway New York, NY 10003

25% to 50% off from retail prices only for this event. Over the Moon Jewel and other designers have donated their pieces to support children who have been displaced from their homes because of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Shop with us and show your love and support to Japan. ALL PROFITS are being donated to Save the Children’s Japan Earthquake Tsunami Relief.

The Ring of Love for Japan Project was established by New York based jewelry designers Satomi Kawakita, Yayoi Forest and Toyo Kurokawa in response to the devastating magnitude 9 earthquake in Japan on March 11th. Their mission is to help earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan to stand strong again. Ring of Love for Japan will achieve this by raising funds through jewelry related events and projects.

My Valentine Pick-of-the-Day: Love Your Hair with Sensé Products from USANA Health Sciences

My friend, Rebecca Spath, turned me on to this great line of hair care products called Sensé. They smell divine and you only need a smidge - it goes a long way! The Revitalizing Shampoo gently cleanses and balances your hair leaving it soft, shiny, and full of body. And it's ideal for color-treated or chemically processed hair.

The hair care line was developed by USANA Health Sciences. USANA produces quality nutritional and personal-care products. Whether it's a complete, balanced spectrum of nutrients and antioxidants to protect our bodies from free radicals or science-based personal-care products that replenish and rejuvenate skin and hair, USANA's premier products simply make you feel and look wonderful. The hair products are no exception!

For more information you can check out Rebecca's USANA Facebook page: Exhale with Usana

Valentine Fashion Pick-of-the-Day: Red Sale @ Jack Blue Handbags

What better way to dissolve Winter blues than to dress up your wardrobe with a splash of red leather? Gorgeous supple luxury leather handbags in red and other cool colors, plus wallets, cuff bracelets and more, are all handmade by my friend, designer Nancy Osborne under her Jack Blue label.

Right now, all red accessories in Nancy's Etsy shop are on sale for 40% off. Check them out - there are deep red leather clutches, red orange buckets bags - and lots more.

Nancy makes her unique handbags out of her Brooklyn, NY studio finding inspiration all over – magazines, travel, past and future designers, the leather houses, and thrift stores. She is not afraid to use colors, patterns or textures. Her one of a kind handbags and accessories have been sought after by men and women from all walks of life including Naomi Watts, Madonna, Paris Hilton, Jillian Barberry, Tyra Banks, Nick Cave and the late great Dennis Hopper. Whether musician, actor/actress, artist or everyday citizen, the Jack Blue Handbag client is a testament to the quality and uniqueness that sets Nancy's work apart from the ordinary. Join Jack Blue Handbags' FB page and Twitter to keep up with Nancy's work.

So come on....get Red at [Jack] Blue this Valentine's Day!

Valentine Pick-of-the-Day: Grace+Strength=Getting Back to Yoga

After years of being away from the practice, I took a yoga class yesterday with my friends Jon and Jen. What better way to say I Love You - either to yourself or your honey - than a yoga class series!

My friends and I went to Yoga to the People (YTTP) on St. Mark's Place in NYC's East Village. This studio, with branches in various cities nationally, has a specific philosophy. Yoga to the People is a unique "donation-based" yoga studio with the goal of recapturing the essence of yoga… simply put, yoga made available to everyone. Their intention is to create an environment and space that is non-competitive; a space where you are drawn into the depth and strength of your practice through inward awareness.

Yoga is an amazing form of exercise that helps strengthen, stretch and de-stress the body and focus the mind. So check out the yoga studios in your city - and also check GroupOn, LivingSocial or other deal sites, where for your particular city you can find offers that will give monthly access to various local classes.

So get your Downward Dog on and get back to yoga!

My Valentine Fashion Pick-of-the-Day: Mod Meets Modern @ Lois Eastlund

It's easy to lust after Lois Eastlund's designs....they're fashion-forward & at the same time, so comfortable and wearable! Check out this NYC designer's red-hot dresses below, both of which are 100% pre-washed and pre-shrunk cotton, and wash and dryable.

The Red Heart dress has a hand-painted heart, and a zipper front closure, and sells for $100. The Chains of Love dress is stenciled with silver paint and sells for $85. Both come in sizes XS-S-M-L.

All Lois Eastlund clothing (women's dresses and men's tops) is designed & made by Lois herself in NYC. After years of designing for multiple facets in New York’s garment industry, 2 years ago Lois took her versatile, mod designs to her own boutique on New York City's Lower East Side (That's LES, to us locals!)

Lois just secured her first runway spot for New York Fashion Week, where - on Valentine's Day, no less - she will show her Fall 2011 collection, pulling inspiration from 60s silhouettes, 80s attitudes, and indie rock music.

Check out Lois Eastlund's website at http://www.loiseastlund.com/. You can also follow on Twitter and Facebook. Or if you're local, stop by Ludlow Street on the "LES", say hi to Lois and shop in person. I love the Union Jack dress in her boutique window....speaking of lusting after!

Best of luck during Fashion Week, Lois!

My Valentine Pick of the Day - Art+Fashion @ Vernakular Photo Designs

With Valentine's Day a week away, there's still time to shop for your honey.
My Valentine shout-out of the day goes to Vernakular Photo Designs. Showcasing the work of independent photographers, Vernakular has created a line of apparel and accessories that fuses art and fashion. Check out these two heart designs which you can order on shirts, leather wallets, messenger bags and journals.
The photo above was taken in the Port Civitavecchia, in romantic Rome, Italy. The next photo is part of the 89119 series. That's Vegas, baby!
With its bold graphic images inspired by pop culture, urban landscape, and iconography, Vernakular takes a fresh, and often humorous approach to the ubiquitous scenes and subjects we see everyday. Vernakular is available online http://www.vernakular.com/, as well as many stores in the US, Canada, and Japan. You can also find Vernakular at The Young Designers Market (The Market NYC) at 268 Mulberry Street in NYC on Saturdays and Sunday, as well as other local markets and events.

December Birthstones - Blue Topaz and Turquoise

Blue Topaz is derived from the Sanskrit word "tapas," meaning fire. This is because Blue Topaz was considered by ancient civilizations to have cooling properties. Not only was it believed to cool boiling water when thrown into the pot, but to calm hot tempers as well! This gemstone was credited with many other healing powers, among them the ability to cure insanity, asthma, weak vision and insomnia. The Blue Topaz was even thought to have magical properties in its ability to make its wearer invisible in a threatening situation.

Blue Topaz is the hardest of the silicate minerals. While pure Topaz is colorless, minor changes of elements within the stone result in a variety of other colors, such as blue, pale green, red, yellow and pink.

The blue hue is created when Topaz is heated, whether the heat source is natural or engineered by man. The three shades of Blue Topaz with which I like to work are Sky, Swiss and London Blue. The latter is the deepest blue - and generally the most expensive blue topaz - and is often used as a less expensive substitute for Sapphire.

Topaz is found primarily in Brazil, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Pakistan, China, and the United States. A gift of Blue Topaz is symbolic of love and fidelity.


Alternate Birthstone - Turquoise

An alternate birthstone for December is the Turquoise. So named because it was initially brought to Europe by way of Turkey, this stone is one of the first gems to be used in jewelry. Turquoise was considered by ancients to be a sacred stone, protective against all manners of evil and ill health. This beautiful gemstone is mined in Iran and the southwestern United States. A gift of Turquoise represents friendship and luck.

Food Flavors at Columbus Circle Holiday Market

I simply cannot resist the sweet and savory flavors in the Pies n Thighs ham and cheddar biscuit and the chicken biscuit. A favorite of we vendors at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, we will have to visit them in Williamsburg, Brooklyn when the market ends on December 24. It's so difficult to choose between the two biscuit sandwiches - and the chicken dumpling soup - that I just alternate every day!

If you’re in the Columbus Circle area, the Holiday Market is a great option for lunch (or dinner). We are are open daily from 10am-9pm until December 24th at 4pm.

So come shop OvertheMoonJewel and then get a snack in the food section!

Columbus Circle Holiday Market is Just Around the Corner!

Columbus Circle Holiday Market

New York City

Dec 1 - 24, 2010

Over the Moon Jewel is so excited to be part of the Columbus Circle Holiday Market this year from December 1 - 24, everyday from 10 a.m. to 8 pm. Located right off Central Park and Columbus Circle, this seventh annual holiday market is already becoming one of the most elegant and beautiful in the City. In addition to your OTMJ fave designs with some new ones added for this holiday season....you will find some amazing gifts for yourself and others from these friends of mine:

Vernakular Photo Designs showcases the work of independent photographers by featuring their work on apparel and accessories....T-shirts, wallets, journals, shopping totes, metal prints! I love the journals which are refillable. Follow Vernakular Photo Designs on Facebook and stop by the market to see Raoul Calleja.

Jack Blue Handbags - Gorgeous supple luxury leather handbags in the coolest colors, plus wallets, cuff bracelets and more, all handmade by designer Nancy Osborne! I have a beautiful coin purse from Nancy but lust after all her designs. Join Jack Blue Handbags' FB page to see Nancy's work.

Madison Square Mark't is in Full Swing til October 23!

Over the Moon Jewel has been participating in our first ever month-long market which was the goal - or "stretch" objective as my former corporate colleagues would say - after leaving the day job in my dust! Come shop for beautiful wares offered by the designers, enjoy eats and drinks from the hottest restaurants and food trucks, and join in the fun activities sponsored by the Madison Square Park Conservancy. And don't forget to visit the Over the Moon Jewel booth to check out the latest sparkly baubles!

Located alongside the park, across the street from the iconic Flatiron Building, and the newly-opened Eataly, the fab food dining/shopping experience established by Chef Mario Batali and Chef Joe Bastianich (whom I saw riding his fancy bicycle down the block last week!)

My booth with Erica, my sales assistant, taking a shift!

The Mark't includes over 60 merchants selling local, hand-made and unique items and a central “Food Square” at Worth Square featuring a variety of multi-ethnic local food purveyors. Trust me, the food is dee-lish and I've been consuming it every day for lunch. Yum.

The Mark't is open every day from from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Saturday, October 23rd.

October's Birthstone...Tourmaline Dream....Finally!

Those of you who know me, know my love for the tourmaline palette. Give me a grade AAA strand of tourmaline and I'm a very happy camper. October is finally here and I can ramble on about my fave semi-precious gemstone.

The most common color of tourmaline is a dark green, but it also comes in bright green, blue, red, pink, orange, yellow, clear, brown, violet and black. Tourmaline also comes in mixed colors within one stone, which can consist of many different varieties of colour. Scientifically, tourmaline is not a single mineral, but a group of minerals related in physical and chemical properties. Tourmaline exhibits the interesting electrical properties of pyroelectricity and piezoelectricity. When heated or rubbed, it attracts dust and dirt particles.

Tourmaline helps increase flexibility, objectivity, compassion, happiness and serenity. It is a stone that is very helpful for channeling and enhances tolerance and understanding. Tourmaline is also known to be a very protecting stone.

September Birthstone = The Precious Sapphire

Sapphire is the traditional, as well as the modern birthstone of September. It is also the birthstone of Virgo, the sixth zodiac sign. Sapphire is also considered to be the anniversary gem for the 5th and the 45th years of marriage. Sapphire is one of the four precious gemstones (the others being the diamond, ruby and emerald). Sapphire exists in a myriad of colors, including pink, orange and lavender as demonstrated in the two Over the Moon Jewel designs above. However, blue sapphire is well-known and highly prized.

There was a notion in ancient times that the earth is set on sapphire, and hence, the sky is blue. Sapphire is associated with physical and emotional balance. Attributes like wisdom, purity and sympathy are linked with sapphire. Sapphire also stands for qualities required in a healthy relationship, like loyalty, faithfulness, truth, sincerity, constancy and reliability. Therefore, it signifies long term relationships. Sapphire also said to inspire clarity of thoughts and improve problem solving capacity. It is said to protect the possessor from evil thoughts. In ancient times, sapphire was used to perceive future. Hence, it is also believed, that sapphire strengthens the power of intuition

The name sapphire is believed to originate from 'sapphirus', the Greek word, meaning blue. Sapphire has been found in Sri Lanka, since the 7th century. It is also found in Australia, America, Myanmar, China, Thailand, Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria.

August's Birthstone - Scrumptious Bright Green Peridot!

Green is not my fave color, but I can say that I actually like Peridot more so than its green precious gem counterpart, the Emerald. Its brilliant lime green tone is perfectly refreshing for these steamy August days.

Peridot is the August birthstone and the gem designated for the 16th wedding anniversary. It ranges in color from light yellow-green to the intense bright green of new spring grass to olive. Because of the way peridot splits and bends the rays of light passing through it, it has a velvety appearance and a rich glow. Check out the brilliance of the Grade AAA peridot rondelles in my earrings. The purer green a peridot is the higher the value. Any tinges of brown or visible flaws greatly diminish the price.

Some of the properties with which the Peridot is associated - love, truth, faithfulness and loyalty. The Traditional Metaphysical Properties for the August Birthstone Peridot are fame, dignity, and protection. The healing properties of the August birthstone are reputed to be effective for health problems relating to the lungs, lymph, breast and sinuses. The Peridot is also used to enhance prosperity, growth, and openness.

July's Birthstone - The Gorgeous & Regal Ruby!

I love working with precious gemstones and the Ruby is no exception.

The vibrant and luminescent Ruby is known as the 'King of Gemstones', both for its rarity, as well as beauty. Due to its bright red color, it is held in high esteem as a symbol of love, strength, power, and luck. Ruby has been the gem of the brave and the royal throughout the ages. It was worn by kings to give them power and to protect them from evil. Rubies also have the property to turn deeper in color, and this was believed by some to indicate danger or misfortune.

The vibrant and luminescent Ruby is known as the 'King of Gemstones', both for its rarity, as well as beauty. Due to its bright red color, it is held in high esteem as a symbol of love, strength, power, and luck. Ruby has been the gem of the brave and the royal throughout the ages. It was worn by kings to give them power and to protect them from evil. Rubies also have the property to turn deeper in color, and this was believed by some to indicate danger or misfortune.

June's Birthstone - The Pearl

June's birthstone, the pearl, has long been a symbol of purity and love, and in ancient times were thought to be the tears of the gods. They are also linked to a happy and succcessful marriage. The pearl is created by oysters and mussels and come in a variety of colors and shapes.

May Birthday? Wear Emeralds and Your Friends will be Green with Envy

Spring is a time of new growth and rebirth. And the intense brilliant green of the emerald, May’s birthstone, is as refreshing to the eyes as a spring garden after a rain. The Egyptians were known to engrave emeralds with the symbol for foliage to represent eternal youth, and to bury these jewels with their dead. The ancient Romans associated this gemstone with fertility and rebirth, and dedicated it to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.

The emerald is a member of the beryl family of minerals. The green crystals grow slowly within metamorphic rocks and are restricted in size by the rock, making large emeralds rare and costly. Although this gemstone is relatively hard and durable, it must be protected from blows because the inclusions found within make it susceptible to breaking.

Some people believe that wearing an emerald brings wisdom, growth, and patience. And as any couple in a long-term relationship would agree, all of these qualities are essential for a successful and lasting love. This may explain why a gift of emeralds for an anniversary -- or anytime -- is considered symbolic of love and fidelity.

Check out my pale emerald necklace above with a 925 sterling lotus flower dipped in 24k gold. It sold last weekend at The Young Designers Market!

The Market NYC Designer Featured in NY Times Style Section

The Market NYC's very own Wendel Johnston in a NY Times article about Karen Seiger's new book, Markets of New York City.

Analyzing the Markets

By MARY BILLARD
Published: May 5, 2010

KAREN E. SEIGER’S love of markets began when she worked in international aid in Africa, Latin America and Haiti. “In places like Mozambique, markets were the only place to shop,” she said. Now stateside, Ms. Seiger has turned her passion into a new guide called “Markets of New York City: A Guide to the Best Artisan, Farmer, Food and Flea Markets.” Last week, Ms. Seiger was at The Market NYC, also known as the Young Designers Market, an incubator for fresh talent at St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral Church in NoLIta. While there, she chatted with Wendel Johnston (at left), who attaches hoodies to vintage blazers, a process known as upcycling. “I love the designers who do what they do so brilliantly and with such a passion,” she said. The book, to be released on May 11, will be available at Idlewild Books, 12 West 19th Street (near Fifth Avenue), (212) 414-8888; idlewildbooks.com and amazon.com, $16.95.

A version of this article appeared in print on May 6, 2010, on page E5 of the New York edition.

Photo credit: Kirsten Luce

Check out The Market NYC and One of our New Additions: ByGoLLy

My next door neighbor at The Market NYC is ByGoLLy T-shirts, who is new to The Market. Check out this review I co-authored on the Market NYC blog about Golly's great shirts with handsewn vintage fabrics of cartoon characters: Harkening back memories from childhood, the inspiration for ByGoLLy's original t-shirt line, actually started by accident. It was four years ago, while cleaning out his East Village apartment that GoLLy Bishop (a.k.a. Keith Bishop), an artist/designer suddenly realized that he just couldn't part with his Wacky Racers cartoon bed sheets that he had as a child. He cut around one of the characters on the sheet, then had it sewn onto a new t-shirt and voilà, ByGoLLy was born. He continued making shirts for friends and family members, and before long, it has become a full fledged business. People now stop him on the street and ask for the shirt off his back, literally!!

Scouring flea markets, estate sales, and the internet for vintage cartoon sheets, curtains and children’s sleeping bags from the 1950s through the 1980s, GoLLy takes the characters, some of which are quite rare, and sews them onto blank shirts and jackets. Popular characters are Star Wars, Pac-Man, and Scooby Doo, and even The Cat in the Hat made an appearance at The Market last weekend. The beauty about Golly's product is that it's constantly changing and you are guaranteed a shirt that is unique. No two are exactly alike. ByGoLLy sells his retro shirts at The Market NYC every Saturday and Sunday. He has over 100 different designs with new ones added each weekend. Regular retail price: $60. TheMarketNYC price: $40.

Article by B. Wilkinson and R. Calleja

The Market NYC: Still Going Strong

Article by Barbara Wilkinson and Raoul Calleja republished from The Market NYC blog:

These days designer markets in New York City seem to come and go. Recently we've been seeing a lot of pop-up markets or venues that open and close at the blink of an eye. Not so with The Market NYC, also known as the Young Designers Market. It's been around for a while but most people probably don’t know the history behind its history.

Established in September 2002 as a venue for independent designers to show and sell their work, The Market NYC is still going strong today almost eight years later. Located on a block that is pretty quiet during the week, St. Patrick's Youth Center's gymnasium at 268 Mulberry Street is transformed into a wonderland of independent fashion every Saturday and Sunday (with the exception of the first two weekends of January). This trendy indoor market has become the showcase for some of the city’s best independent designers setting up tables and racks of cutting edge handmade clothing, jewelry, handbags, hats and more recently, artwork. Some designers have even opened up their own boutiques but they still remain loyal by selling each weekend at the Market.

The Market attracts a mixed crowd of shoppers each weekend, including tourists from around the world, locals looking for the next big fashion trend, and there’s the occasional celebrity sighting too – Leonardo DiCaprio (incognito) has been seen picking up a t-shirt or two, Debra Messing likes the jewelry, and Sienna Miller. It’s this eclectic crowd and constant regeneration of new product that continues to make the Market fun and exciting. You never know what you're going to find.

“Locals come here and visitors come here whenever they are in town. They know they will be able to find great things and they realize it really is the best market of its kind in New York City,” says Alex Pabon, the manager since the beginning.

So skip the shopping mall and forget the chain stores and come down to The Market NYC where creative juices and independent design continue to flourish!

April Birthstones - Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend!

The modern birthstone for those born in April is the Diamond, while the traditional birthstones for April are Sapphires and Diamonds.

About Diamonds: Known as one of the hardest substances on earth, diamonds are thought to be billions of years old. The word diamond derives from an ancient Greek word, "adamas", meaning invincible. Arguably the most prized of all crystals, diamonds come in a range of colors: clear, pink, purple, red, orange, yellow, blue, green, and black. Color depends on the kind of impurities present. Blue ones have traces of boron, and yellow diamonds have minute amounts of nitrogen. One of the most popular gems throughout history, diamonds are linked to love, eternity and strength. This has contributed towards diamonds being the most popular gems of all time when it comes to romance, such as engagement rings and wedding bands.

About Sapphires: Sumptuous sapphire has been linked with faith and purity, as well as foresight. It was thought that the stronger the sparkle of the gem, the more faithful and honest the wearer. Sapphire is thought to bring physical and emotional balance. Sapphire is also normally given as the 5th and 45th wedding anniversary. The Greek word for blue “sapphirus” gives sapphires their name. Sapphires come in magnificent colors that span from pink and lavender hues to a rare orange color and the most popular deep blue sapphire that helped earn its name. My sapphire necklace below consists of faceted multi-colored sapphires, and can be found on my website http://overthemoonjewel.etsy.com.

Oscar Buzz

As of a few seconds ago, the countdown to the Academy Awards goes like this: 2 days, 0 hours, 28 minutes and 30 seconds to showtime. This does not, of course, include the red carpet which is a must-see and I'll be blogging about that glam-fest next week, for sure!

As usual this time of year, I've got the fever....Oscar fever. Unfortunately I did not get to see all the nominated films this year, but I am making a few predictions on who's taking home that bald and naked golden boy.

For best actor, my crazy heart goes out to The Dude for his portrayal of Bad Blake in the film "Crazy Heart". I loved this movie, loved Maggie Gyllenhaal, but particularly loved Jeff Bridges.

Best actress, I think will go to Sandra Bullock and I truly loved her character portrayal in "The Blind Side". Interestingly enough, both films were based on real characters.

Mo'Nique seems to be a shoe-in for supporting actress in "Precious" and Christoph Waltz for his role in that wacky "Inglourious Basterds".

If Kathryn Bigelow wins the Best Director statuette for "The Hurt Locker", she will have become the first female director to win the coveted price....so guess who I'm rooting you.

Best Picture is a tough one for me. I've only seen "Up in the Air", "Avatar", and "The Blind Side". Ten nominated films this year? Gimme a break...who has the time? I loved "Up in the Air" (thank you, George and thanks to George) and it may win best original screenplay, and also liked "The Blind Side" (although I don't see this one as the BEST by far). "Avatar" was brilliant, even though the scary, slinky giant-sized black dogs gave me a nightmare that night, but my gut is telling me it will be an upset and the votes will go to the 'not well distributed and almost straight to DVD' "The Hurt Locker". Now I wish I went today to see it in one of the 3 tiny theaters in NYC where it's showing.

And don't forget - two funny hosts will be double the fun.

Post your thoughts on this blog and let's see who's right and who's wrong!