Taking 'The Crap Out of Christmas'

On Sunday, Dec. 4, from 12-4 p.m. at Molten Java in Bethel, four crafters plan to take The Crap Out of Christmas by offering their thoughtfully handmade wares in Hot Cup O' Handmade, an event that will feature everything from one-of-a-kind clothes made out of clothes, cleverly recycled jewelry, and verdant terrariums made from twice-loved glass and silver.

According to Lys Guillorn, owner of Little Cowgirl, who will have a table at the event: "It's much cooler to make stuff, or buy it from folks who made it, grew it, baked it, sewed it, upcycled it, painted it, wrote it, or micro-manufactured it."

In addition to Little Cowgirl, which features handmade buttons, jewelry and other fun and funky stuff, there will be three other artists:

- Folk Couture. A fabulous clothing line designed by Danbury resident, Grace Napoleon, who creates clothes out of well, clothes! Completely recycled, hand-stitched, and wonderful, these pieces range from sweaters to ballgowns each with it's own personality. Grace sells her threads in New York, Boston, Brooklyn, and Providence. This will be her only "appearance" in Connecticut before the holidays!

- Twitch and Whiskers. Owner and elementary school teacher, Mei-Ling Uliasz, designs jewelry out of cast away vintage gems and inspiring items from the recycling bin. She loves giving new life to old objects with a twist of whimsy and humor. She offers upcycled one-of-a-kind pieces, thimbilism necklaces, and REcap bracelets. Everything is lovingly made by hand.

- Milly Gilly House & Garden. Jen Matlack repurposes vintage silverware into garden markers, garlands, and ornaments, all embellished by hand with original illustrations. A nature lover at heart (and passionate gardener) Matlack also designs terrariums using second-hand glass and silver. Additionally, she makes ribbon that you won't feel guilty using: it's biodegradable--food for worms! Two years ago, Matlack was featured as a seller on ETSY --- too exciting!