Last Chance for the Foundry Show

If you haven't already finished Christmas shopping (and I bet you haven't) there's no better place to go for a unique, tasteful gift for that hard-to-please relative than the Foundry Show in Pawtucket. You'll find a great selection of arts and crafts, most by Rhode Island artists. But the last day is tomorrow, so make sure you brave the weather and check it out. It's at the Pawtucket armory.

By the way, posting will likely be a bit lighter than normal for the next few weeks as I prepare for the holidays. But we'll have a few good posts to check out (including, hopefully, our first interview) and a New Year's preview.

Your Weekend Agenda

I'm going to be a better blogger, I swear. I've wanted to write so many posts, but turkey made me sleepy and work made me grumpy...I'm a head cold away from having Multiple Dwarf Personality Disorder.

Anyway, since it is impossible to resist the riptide of Christmas commercialization, I thought you could at least turn that itchy credit card into some good by hitting up some local artists. So this Weekend Agenda features a few of the great craft and arts fairs available in the great state of Rhode Island.

Friday: Craftland may not be the biggest event of its kind in the state, but for lovers of the weird and inexpensive, it is no doubt the best. And from 5 to 9, they're having their opening party. Head to 235 Westminster Street in Providence (across from Tazza) for food, drink, cool crafts, and who knows what else.

Saturday: Go from crafts to arts by starting your Saturday at the Pawtucket Open Studios event. From 11 to 7, you can visit many of the mills throughout Pawtucket to view some very cool artists' studios and purchase some of their offerings, from paintings to ceramics and everything in between. There are over a dozen locations around town, so my advice (if you're coming from Providence) is to stop at some of the studios on and right near Main Street first, then head on to the half-dozen in the downtown area. The web site has a map and other artist information. Look for the yellow banners that mark participating sites.

If you've gotten all your gifts, you've earned some fun, so get your booty over to Firehouse 13, where it will be duly shaken by the lineup they have for Providence is Burning, featuring Nick Catchdubs (who according to his calendar is flying all the way in from a gig in Seattle the night before), along with Certified Bananas and Micah Jackson. Be there at 10:00, and $5 is all it takes to get funky. Well, that and a sense of rhythm and a lack of shame. Firehouse 13 is at 41 Central Street in Providence.

Sunday: Are you done shopping? Probably not, but there are more local shopping events coming up. So why not take advantage of the lack of tourist hordes in Newport, and go down to have a good time? Walk a round a bit, cruise Ocean Drive, and then head over to Fastnet Pub at 1 Broadway for some traditional Irish music. It's from 4-7 PM, so it's a perfect time for a pint and a tune before you deal with the thought of shoveling snow before your commute Monday morning.

Keep checking back; updates will be more frequent in the next few weeks, and we'll have some new holiday restaurant recommendations.

The Lost and Found Bin: Frog and Toad

by Kim Reed

Long before the Providence Place Maul overshadowed Downcity with its looming Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn adorned windows, Providence was the queen of hole-in-the-wall shops and boutiques. Much like the storefronts that have cropped up along Westminster that feature an array of magnetic poetry coffee mugs and spray painted tree branch votive holders, they sold unusual wares to tickle your fancy. Unlike this new breed, however, they were relatively inexpensive with more personality for your meager dollar. Instead of heading out to one of a thousand faceless retail establishments in the Providence area that boast slick, laminated shopping bags with their names emblazoned on the front, be a true Rhody shopper and patronize some the best itty bitty shops our miniature retail hub has to offer.

Frog & Toad
You don’t have to kiss a lot of toads to find a handsome price at this Hope Street curiosity shop. This whimsical store bears a collection of curious house wares, all joined together in one place. Almost like that shoebox you had under your bed as a kid, browsing through this shop is like looking at someone’s collection of sentimental doodads – making it the perfect place to find that odd yet charming gift for someone who loves curious things.


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For the wisenheimer coffee drinker, there is a collection of ceramic owl coffee mugs. For the lonely cat lover, there are pocket sized china kittens so they will never be without their feline friends. For those sushi loving expectant parents, why not slip some training chopsticks into their baby shower basket. From kimono clothe placemats to local artisan stitched handbags, Frog and Toad has something to please your sentimental side. Most prices range from $19.00 and up – which is a steal for handmade items. Bargains abound for vintage luggage tags, stickers and stationary – under $10.00 for the most part.

Make sure to check out the goldfish swimming in the flowerpot on your left when you walk in the door – it will inspire you to DIY at home – that is if you don’t have a pet. There’s also the best collection of cheapo jewelry ranging from $3.00 and up - at the front counter. The best part - the lovely people that work the counter will gift box and wrap even a $3.00 bracelet. Voile! You won’t have to share dinner with Fido to get your honey some sparkly wrist candy.

No guarantees you’ll turn into anything handsome or royal, but giving gifts from Frog and Toad will surely earn you some kisses, if not a little more pocket cash and a reputation as a thoughtful and creative gift giver.