Kiona Van-Rhee Wilson of Lucky Accessories is happy to be creating accessories that buck trends and encourage women to define—and celebrate—their own beautiful notions.

What will you be selling at the Market, and what inspires you to make them?
I will be selling the goods people have come to expect from me, such as my peapods, vintage wallpaper and ‘made of money’ jewelry, along with some fresh new lines; Nesting necklaces (nests made with coins and fresh water pearl ‘eggs’), and Reversible Stamp pendants (pendants much like my vintage wallpaper pieces, but using gorgeous postage stamps from around the world). I am mostly inspired by things we all use for a different purpose (such as the old wallpaper, the coins, the stamps) and using them in my jewelry to create something with a specific reference or history. I love it when my customers buy my jewelry because it reminds them of their family, a trip, or something else meaningful in their lives.

Which artist(s) at the May 2010 Market are you most excited to see?
I am very excited to see Bees Knees at this market, and Flutter is probably a booth I will have to hover by a few times. I also love the kids tees Jolie Thomas makes.

What’s your new favorite place (in the Triangle) to hang out on a Saturday night?
I am pretty fond of just hanging out on my front porch, with my husband and a glass of wine, or a few friends and few potluck dishes. But if I was to head out on the town I prefer to go somewhere that is downtown, and has outside seating such as Raleigh Times, Moonlight, Busy Bee or Mo Joe’s- to name a few.

If you had time, what new craft skill would you learn?
I am starting to dabble a little bit on my own in metal work with my jewelry, but I have been thinking for a long time about taking a good metal-smithing class. Also learning to make stained glass is on my wish list.

If you could only take one book on a year-long trip, what would you choose?
At the moment probably something like Fast Food Nation. I am getting better and better about making smarter eating choices consistently, but I have a serious weakness for junk food. Keeping a book like that close reminds me why I want to make those smart choices instead of the lazy ones.

What art/craft tool can you not live without?
Just a basic set of jewelry pliers really.

Planes, trains, or automobiles?
Planes. I used to travel a ton when I was young, and I have been fantasizing a LOT lately about jumping on a plane with my family and heading somewhere far away. I do enjoy road trips, but a plane can take us a lot further faster.

ONE MORE DAY until Kiona and her beautiful jewelry help rock the 9th Handmade Market!  See you there!

Casey Dwyer of The Candy Thief is the woman behind the machine and one who wields a mean scissor. She has spent the last four years developing her line of women’s hair accessories. When she isn’t passionately pursuing her collection, Dwyer spends her time running, hiking, snowshoeing, reading, and of course, socializing! She works from her upstate New York studio.

What will you be selling at the Market, and what inspires you to make them?
I’ll be selling a variety of things at the market. I’ve got some bags, hats, and a spot of clothing made from new and recycled goods. Mostly, though, I’ll have my table ‘rockin with my trademark Candy Thief felt headbands. A few different styles will be available at the show: the Sparkle band, the Alexa band, and the Greta band. I’ll also be bringing along a brand new style that is in the works RIGHT NOW!!! Over the years I have made thousands of headbands and one would think I might tire of it. Luckily, my LOVE of color keeps me going. I get incredibly excited to lay out/piece together a batch of bands. I’m constantly snagging inspiration from other hand arts such as quilting and crewel work. Most recently I have been incorporating images found in many traditional American quilts, hand carving stamps and printing pieces for use in the bands. What else inspires me? Vintage wallpaper. Love it!

Which artist(s) at the May 2010 Market are you most excited to see?
I’m really excited to see the work of Jordan Grace Owens. I love when an artist’s work transports me to the tiny little world that they’ve created. Jordan’s characters seem like interesting folks…

What’s your new favorite place (in the Triangle) to hang out on a Saturday night?
Since I’m from out of town, I can’t really say where I’d love to hang out in the Triangle. I can tell you this: most of my Saturday nights involve good people, great beer, and if I’m really lucky, some sweet tunes. Currently taking suggestions.

If you had time, what new craft skill would you learn?
If I had the time for a new craft, I would love to get my hands into a big hunk of clay and make myself a lovely set of dinnerware. someday.

If you could only take one book on a year-long trip, what would you choose?
Year-long trip and a book? Blank sketch book. There is endless inspiration to be had while traveling. I’d like to make sure I capture some of it. Though, if I had to choose a writer whose artistry and command of language gets me every time, I’d take along anything by John Updike.

What art/craft tool can you not live without?
I’m sure life would get harder if I no longer had a seam ripper.

Planes, trains, or automobiles?
I’m not much for air travel and I do like my little old car, but I really enjoy walking and running. Wish I could get everywhere on foot.

Come on down this Saturday and show The Candy Thief some Raleigh love!