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Special Holiday Contest Featuring Wacky Magnets

In celebration of the start of the holiday season, we are holding a contest drawing in conjunction with one of our favorite market sellers, Carolyn Smith of Wacky Magnets.

Wacky Magnets has been selling hundreds of unique collectible quote magnets and magnetic, laminated paper dolls every Sunday since 1997 at the GreenFlea Market at 76th and Columbus Avenue. Wacky Magnets is featured in the Markets of New York guidebook.

Wacky Magnets is contributing the Jodie Magnetic Paper Doll set, a perfect gift for a little girl with an active imagination. The Jodie set is handmade locally, it’s easy to wipe clean, the magnetic clothes stay on the doll, and the entire set can be stored on your refrigerator.

To enter the contest, leave a short comment below about Jodie or your memories of paper dolls or another favorite childhood toy. We’ll pick a random winner from all comments received by the end of the day on Sunday, November 27th.

Remember this holiday season: Shop Local, Eat Seasonal, and Buy Handmade!

In celebration of the start of the holiday season, we are holding a contest drawing in conjunction with one of our favorite market sellers, Carolyn Smith of Wacky Magnets

Wacky Magnets has been selling hundreds of unique, collectible quote magnets and magnetic, laminated paper dolls every Sunday since 1997 at the GreenFlea Market at 76th and Columbus Avenue. Wacky Magnets is featured in the Markets of New York guidebook.

And remember, this holiday season: Shop Local, Eat Seasonal, and Buy Handmade!

Weekend Market Picks, October 15-16, 2011 and Pumpkins!!!

I am very excited about this weekend! There some big events going on in the city’s markets, and it’s Pumpkin Season! Many of our regional farms suffered losses during the hurricane, and we’ve been worried about the pumpkins and squashes. So far, things are looking pretty good in the GrowNYC Greenmarkets! I spotted these plump specimens at the Tribeca Greenmarket last weekend, and we just finished the last bowl of butternut squash soup with toasted chestnuts. (Yes, it tasted just as amazing as it sounds!)

Also this weekend I am taking a wonderful bunch of ladies on a Markets Tour! We have a great agenda and a lot of ground to cover. I cannot wait to see what catches their eye, what peaks their curiosity, and what makes it back home with them. Pictures will definitely be posted.

Saturday and Sunday

Brooklyn Lyceum Fall Market: The Brooklyn Lyceum is a former bath house, and it is now a great performance space and market venue. The semi-annual artisan market takes place this weekend with a diverse collection of artisans selling jewelry, fine art, leather bags, tee-shirts and more. Buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win impressive prizes, including an iPad!

Crafts on Columbus: This is the final weekend of this lovely craft show beneath the beautiful tree canopy alongside the Museum of Natural History. The quality is high, and the designers are as talented as ever. You’ll recognize your favorites, and you will also find some exciting new artisans on Columbus Avenue!

Saturday:

Crafts in Chelsea: One of the most dynamic and exciting craft market events of the year! Over 100 local artisans will be showing their handmade creations along both sides of West 21st Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. Time Out New York has featured Crafts in Chelsea twice this week: Your Perfect Weekend and Sample Sales and Shopping Events!

Super!Market : There’s a new designers market in town! This promising boutique-style market will feature a curated selection of fashion, jewelry, and object designers, as well as snacks to nosh on while you explore. I’ve met the curators themselves, and they are very excited about this new venture at 268 Mulberry Street.

Sunday

Greenflea: If you’re heading uptown to Crafts on Columbus, then definitely cross the street and visit this treasure-filled neighborhood flea market! And the 79th Street Greenmarket is bunking with the Greenflea while Crafts On Columbus is taking place, so you can pick up some apples and kale for the week ahead!

New Amsterdam Market: Get tickets for this weekend’s Hard Cider Revival! Plus the lush fall bounty of regional food purveyors. This regional food market is fantastic year-round, but there is something extra special about it in the fall. Come see what I mean!

What are your market plans for the weekend?

Photo of the Day – September 20, 2011: Antique Locomotive Smoking Caddy ca. 1860

On weekdays, the cafeteria tables and benches at PS 87 are filled with kids eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. But on Sundays, when the Greenflea pitches its tents outside, the cafeteria tables become an antiques market, laden with vintage treasures.

Glittering in a corner of the cafeteria in aisle 4 is the antique silver collection from Slope Antiques. Proprietors Susan and Richard Kurtzman lay out a fine collection of urns, trays, serving items, baby items, and other objects. I first met them while writing Markets of New York City; a photo of a Gorham and Co. mesh bag is on page 47. Their collection of vintage Tiffany silver makes me quiver. And I am in love with their sugar spoons and tea service items.

This past Sunday, Mr. Kurtzman showed me one of his personal favorite pieces, a silver locomotive smoking caddy. Handmade in Germany circa 1860, this detailed, lovely piece has both artistic and practical and features. If you look at the photo, the little rings around the outside hold up to a dozen cigarettes for your guests to select from. The two larger pots in the center of the locomotive hold wooden matches, which can be lit by striking them along the wheels at the back. Alternatively, right in front of the miniature engineer is a tiny lamp with a wick that can be lit to fire up a cigarette, or even for ambiance. Mr. Kurtzman believes there used to be a blue glass plume of smoke coming out of the chimney, but it probably came off as this amazing piece of art and craftsmanship traveled through the past 150 years.

You really must go see this piece for yourself, including the tiny rivets, the axles, and the engineer at the back, with his jaunty hat and mustache. Slope Antiques is at the Greenflea every Sunday. Let me know if you would like to contact them directly, and I will make the introduction.

Photo of the Day – August 8, 2011: New York Artifact Art

New York Artifact Art: Necklace Made from a 1820 Dinner Plate by Scott Jordan

The works of art by Scott Jordan of New York Artifact Art have to be some of the most fascinating objects in the markets of New York City. Scott visits construction sites throughout the city and retrieves bits and pieces of our city’s history, buried in the layers of dirt and old construction that have piled on over past centuries. Before something new gets built, Scott goes in and excavates the old buried treasures on the site.

The piece in the photograph is a necklace from the new Primitive New York Collection, made from a porcelain dinner plate shard circa 1820. Scott documents every piece he finds. This particular one was buried in a lot beneath Elizabeth Street and Prince Streets in Soho. His design partner, Dolhathai S. (aka Pooh) creates rich jewelry designs using the fragments of porcelain and glass, keys, and other objects. Scott himself creates collage art, often with porcelain dolls, pottery fragments, old pipes, shells, and so much more.

There are many wonderful and incredible aspects to Scott Jordan’s work, and his website has photos and stories that tell his tales. He also has a lovely new book out, Past Objects, which I highly recommend for history buffs, archeologists, and anyone who loves New York City.

You can meet Scott and Pooh on Saturdays at the St. Anthony’s Market on West Houston and Sullivan Streets, and Sundays at the Greenflea.

Weekend Market Picks – July 23-24, 2011!

The image above is by Naima Rauam, a fine artist known for her images of the old Fulton Fish Market. She keeps this institution alive through her watercolors. You can meet the artist in person every Sunday at the Fulton Stall Market.

Here are this weekend’s Market Picks!

Saturday and Sunday, July 23 and 24

Dekalb Market: This weekend marks the Grand Opening of the new Dekalb Market in Downtown Brooklyn! This market combines artisans, food entrepreneurs, and agriculture, along with music and educational events. It is made from upcycled shipping containers, and I cannot wait to see how it turned out!

Better Than Jam Pop Up on Governor’s Island: Bushwick’s Better Than Jam Coop is running this year’s Etsy artisans coop on Governor’s Island! Take the free ferry to the island, where you’ll find many of the local market artisans’ work in this historical home-turned-handmade-boutique.

Saturday, July 23

Abingdon Square Greenmarket: This farmers market feels neighborly and intimate as it wraps around the lovely park in the West Village. In fact, it actually has 16 farmers and food vendors during the peak season now! Go and enjoy this sweet market for yourself while it’s bursting with the ripest fruits of the season!

Sunday, July 24

Fulton Stall Market: The Fulton Stall Market is just such a great place to hang out in the shade, grab a snack, and have a snack and a chat. The vibe is laid back, and there’s a great variety of things to choose from, including produce, meats, and other staples, as well as frozen pops, coffee, and handmade crafts. They’re right across the street from the New Amsterdam Market, and it’s easy and lovely to stroll through both!

Greenflea: The Greenflea is great on a weekend like this one because there is a lot of shade among the vendor tents, and there are also vendors selling inside the school. So don’t let the heat deter you from visiting one of the best vintage and flea markets in town.

I think we all agree that it’s hot in New York City. So let’s move along and talk about what we’re going to do this weekend, shall we? For starters, we’re putting a bottle of water in the freezer tonight so that it will be frozen for tomorrow. We’ll pull it out in the morning, slather on the sun block, bust out our floppy sun hats, and heading to the markets!

Weekend Market Picks — And Yona’s Gourmet Delights!

Yona's Gourmet Delights Provides the Perfect Snacks for Market Shoppers

I’ve been munching on Yona’s Gourmet Delights for several years now. It never ceases to delight me to find Yona’s delicious borekas and mini-quiches at a market. You can purchase a bag of three, and they make for the perfect snack. Her tables are always my first stop at the Greenflea, and recently saw Yona herself at the 9th Avenue Food Festival with Oreo Cookie Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, and Carrot Cakes. Gigantic and sweet – just the way I like my cakes!

Here are my Market Picks for this weekend – June 11-12, 2011:

Saturday and Sunday

Renegade Craft Fair: The Renegade is like heaven on earth for hand made craft lovers. From the most whimsical to the finest design, every artisan at this event is seriously dedicated and talented. This is a juried event, and it is highly competitive to get accepted into. So trust me when I tell you to set a budget for the day, even though I know you will exceed it with no regrets.

Crafts at Lincoln Center: This wonderful outdoor American crafts show runs this weekend and next. 400 juried craftspeople from around the country bring their handmade treasures to Lincoln Center. The event features continuous entertainment, craft demonstrations, exotic and natural foods. And if you’re driving into the city, you can get a $2 discount coupon for parking in the nearby indoor garage.

Saturday Only

Artisan Market at Fort Greene Park: This sweet market features local artisans who are there in the shade of the black walnut trees outside Fort Greene Park, bringing their work directly to you. It is in its 7th year, and it continues to provide a venue for some remarkable designers, from ceramics, fine clothing designs and hats to handmade soaps and children’s toys. I’ve seen some remarkable products in this sweet market.

Fort Green Greenmarket: I always tune into the happy vibe at this farmers market. It is a distinct and unique feeling based on the great relationships between the market vendors and the community, who find true value and pleasure underneath the market tents. Neighbors stop by for fresh juice and a muffin after a run in the park, or they’ll bring their kids to pick up produce for the week. So go to the Artisan Market and pick up some delicious fresh treats at the Greenmarket just up the hill.

Sunday Only

Hell’s Kitchen Flea Food Truck Bazaar: Don’t have time to chase your favorite trucks around the city? Then come to this one-stop food truck shop for all your favorite treats! Kimchi Taco Truck, Rickshaw Dumpling Truck, Kelvin Natural Slush Truck, and The Cavity Shoppe, as well as the HKFM debuts of Coolhaus, Red Hook Lobster Pound Truck and Two Pitas in a Pod!

Hester Street Fair’s Sunday Summer Picnic: The Hester Street Fair is devoting Sundays to special food events, and this weekend is the first one! They invited over 20 food purveyors because of their picnicky food. How awesome is that? The idea is to come, grab a bite of something delicious, grab a seat, and chat with your neighbors. You can play ping pong and enjoy live music too. Can’t think of a nicer way to spend a Sunday!

Enjoy the weekend! And don’t forget your sunscreen!

Markets Picks This Weekend – May 21-22: So Many Markets, So Little Time!

WOW! This Saturday is chock full of market openings and events! I’m posting the Market Picks mid-week so you can prepare and plan your busy, hungry weekend. We’re hoping it turns out sunny and apocalypse-free.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Brooklyn Craft Central’s Shop the Archway: Markets of New York City is a proud sponsor of this wonderful artisan and food market! The location is worth seeing too. The photo above is a tote bag from Astor Knot, one of the clever artisan entrepreneurs you’ll meet under the Archway! (Brooklyn)

Agora Long Island City Market: The Agora Market in Long Island City is the second artisan and food market to open in Queens! This Saturday is their second event. I didn’t make it to the opening, but the photos look great! Where you there? (Queens)

Bedford Barrow Commerce (BBC) Block Association’s Ye Olde Village Fair: This neighborhood street fair is back for it’s 18th year! And for the first time, it is featuring only juried crafters and artists. (Manhattan)

Christopher Street Block & Merchant Association Affair: Lucky for us, this neighborhood fair coincides with the BBC event. Nothing better than strolling through the lovely streets of Greenwich Village this weekend! On Christopher St. between Seventh Ave. and Hudson St. (Manhattan)

Bust Craftacular: There’s no denying that the Bust Craftaculars are huge handmade shopping events! They are always wildly popular and loaded with fantastic artisans. This spring’s events will be no different, except for its new location at 82 Mercer Street between Broome and Spring! (Manhattan)

Smorgasburg – A Brooklyn Flea Food Market: The Brooklyn Flea is about to become an even bigger international foodie mecca! Smorgasburg launches on Saturday in the Williamsburg waterfront location between North 6th and North 7th St., at the East River. There will be over 100 food and food-related vendors, including a Greenmarket. Smorgasburg will be a weekly event. (Brooklyn)

Sunday, May 22, 2011:

Astoria Market: The Astoria artisan market is back for its second year at Bohemian Hall! Artisans, craft shopping, and beer – if that’s not the trifecta for a good afternoon, I don’t know what is! (Queens)

Fine Art and Designer Craft Fair on Bleeeker Street: This festival to raise funds for the Greenwich Village Youth Council is in its 16 year! The quality of the artwork and crafts will be very high, so definitely take a stroll through this market in the heart of the Village.

Greenflea and 79th Street/Columbus Avenue Greenmarket: This weekend, the Greenmarket is back on Columbus Avenue after three weekends of being hosted by the Greenflea during Crafts on Columbus, which ended last weekend. I just have to mention my good friend Carolyn of Wacky Magnets, whose funny magnets will crack you right up! Look for her bright yellow tent just inside the Columbus Avenue Entrance! (Manhattan)

All the ongoing weekend Markets are running full Swing! This week’s picks:

Artists & Fleas: The oldest Market 2.0 in the city, Artists & Fleas’ new location is spacious and filled with great talent and products! (Brooklyn)
Arthur Avenue Retail Market: It is Bronx Week! Go celebrate with some incredible Italian delicacies and a hand rolled cigar from La Casa Grande at this market! (Bronx)

I will definitely see you at Shop the Archway, and I’m figuring out how I can make it to the other great events as well! Let me know what markets you’ll be visiting! And welcome to the lovely Italian journalist who contacted me for market recommendations for her visit to our fair city.

This Weekend’s Market Picks: May 14-15, 2011

Wowza! This has been one busy week for me! I’m planning to do a lot of strolling with my camera in tow on Saturday. Here’s where I’ll be:

Saturday:

9th Avenue International Food Festival: I love that they feature local shops and merchants in this street fair, and proceeds go to support neighborhood programs.
West 25th Street Flea: I owe this market some love. I’ll stop by the Antiques Garage also to say hello.

This is also the final weekend of Crafts on Columbus. I went last weekend, and the selection is beautiful and super high quality. And if you are there on Sunday, definitely also cross the street and visit the Greenflea, which is hosting the 79th Street Greenmarket while Crafts on Columbus is running. It’s asparagus season!

I am taking Sunday off to get caught up on all the wonderful market things I want to write about, and to make the Plum Crumb Cake from Beth’s Farm Kitchen’s new cookbook, Cooking with Jams and Chutneys. Book review and photos coming next week! I also need to rest up for the following weekend, which is LOADED with fantastic market events!! I’ll give you lots of advance notice so that you can map out your market excursions.

Note: Beloved Gus’s Pickles is making their triumphant return to the Lower East Side this Saturday at the Hester Street Fair. It’s kind of a big deal.

And thank you to the Meeker Avenue Flea for being open for us 7 days a week! My friend needed a kitchen table urgently, and she found the perfect one here!

Happy Marketing!

Openings and Special Events This Weekend at the Markets (May 7-8)

Another beautiful weekend is in store for us regardless of the fickle spring weather, full of great market events and openings! Here’s what’s going on:

Spring Handmade Cavalcade: So much crafty talent in one place! Don’t miss this event from The {NewNew} Etsy Artisans Group! (This Saturday Only) ♦

Hester Street: Opening Day Saturday May 7! Can’t wait to see what’s new this year! I’ve heard there’s going to be even more food! (Saturday & Sunday) ♦

Madison Square Market Eats: Urban Space NYC is putting on a great food market featuring our favorite restaurants, food purveyors, food trucks, and handmade products. Went there Friday for lunch – amazing selection, beautiful location! (Open daily through June 3)

Crafts on Columbus: This is one of the longest running street craft markets in the city! Great place to stroll with Mom after brunch on Sunday, and it’s right across the street from the ever treasure-filled Greenflea on Sunday. (Saturday and Sunday, May 7, 8, 14, 15. ♦

Hell’s Kitchen Flea – New York Food Truck Bazaar: Another Sunday filled with fabulous fleas, beautiful handmade crafts, and food trucks! Word has it that Luke’s Lobster is launching their truck at the Bazaar this weekend! (Sunday)

Of course I’ll try to make it everywhere, and the little diamond ♦ indicates where I’m definitely showing up! Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Foursquare and let me know where you are, what you found, and what you’re eating!

Photos of the Day – September 28, 2010: Jennifer Toledo and Wild Rose

In a large section at the back of the Greenflea is Wild Rose, a wonderland of dreamy, ornate, white furniture. High Victorian meets Shabby Chic in Wonderland, with a dash of your dear old granny. Jennifer Toledo finds wonderful old pieces of furniture with loads of character at estate sales. She takes them to her barn in New Jersey, where she strips and sands them, and carefully paints them in a rich, creamy white. You will find antique French Provincial designs, along with more modern pieces, and they all work together beautifully. So regardless of whether you are decorating 400 or 2000 square feet of space, you can find just the right individual piece or an entire set. I absolutely adore the look of voluptuously rounded dressers, romantic armoirs with unknowable secrets inside, and the ruffled mirrors hanging over iron bedsteads.

You can find Jennifer Toledo and Wild Rose at the Greenflea on Sundays, on the W. 76th St. fence near the back of the market.