Finding handmade, one-of-a-kind holiday
gift ideas just got a little easier thanks to the opening of
The Annex at Smith Street Market in Carroll Gardens last Saturday.
Angela Spencer, sporting one of her knit hats (at left), was
just one of the vendors on hand for the grand opening. Spencer’s
selection of hats and sleeves, which range in price from $38
to $65, are handmade and sure to keep out the winter chill. (They’re
60 percent wool and 40 percent alpaca.)
The artist, who hails from England and has lived in Williamsburg
for seven years, intends to return every Saturday.
"I wish I could live in Carroll Gardens," she said.
"I was just overwhelmed with how receptive and super-friendly
the neighborhood is."
Spencer also found The Annex staff to be more accommodating to
vendors than the street fairs she’s worked at in the past.
"The people that run the place were super helpful, [asking]
’What do you need?’ and ’What can we get you?’ They were awesome,"
said Spencer.
"I thought they were pretty much organized and they were
hopeful this would be a good thing for the neighborhood. If things
continue to go the way they have, so far so good!"
The Annex, located at Smith and Union streets, is run by Alan
Boss, the same maven behind flea markets in Chelsea and Hell’s
Kitchen.
"I think there’s a lot of interest in the neighborhood and
it will pick up if people find out about it," said Park
Slope artist Jennifer Cooke, who was selling her silk-screened
T-shirts and accessories at the craft fair on Saturday.
"I think it’s a great neighborhood for that kind of thing."
Cooke’s wares range in price from $10 to $50.
The Annex is open weekends from noon to 6 pm. Interested vendors
can call Cleo Clarke at (212) 463-0200 ext. 225.
