Flea bitten? Not any more

By Meredith Deliso

This market watch has nothing to do with stocks.

This week, we’re adding a vital new feature to our entertainment and arts lineup — a column that will highlight the best shopping of the weekend.

Now through the holiday season, we’ll hit the streets to direct you to the best flea markets, craft centers, artists’ lofts and sample sales to help you get the right present for everyone on your list, the naughty and the nice.

Here’s a look at what’s on our watch this week:

Stoopendous community-wide stoop sale

It’s no secret that Brooklyn’s stoops are goldmines for finding books, clothes and knickknacks on the cheap – or even free. On Sept. 26, the Brooklyn Heights Association capitalizes on that concept with its Stoopendous Community-Wide Stoop Sale, an effort to turn an entire neighborhood into a one giant yard sale. It coincides with the Atlantic Antic, giving you a way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city’s biggest street fair and stroll through the quiet Brooklyn Heights neighborhood. You’ll never know what you may find unless you look.

The Brooklyn Heights Association’s Stoopendous Community-Wide Stoop Sale, Sept. 26 from 10 am-6 pm. For info, visit www.thebha.org.com.

  

Salon at Metropolitan Green

Jewelry meets fine art at this museum-exhibit-style pop-up sale. From Oct. 1-8, Salon at Metropolitan Green in Williamsburg will feature seven avant-garde jewelry designers and their unique accessories, crafted from zippers, plastic and precious metals. Art-jeweler Mia Hebib curates the show, which features her own handcrafted, cascading metal pieces, as well as works by six other art jewelers. Prices start at $200.

Salon at Metropolitan Green [439 Metropolitan Ave., near Marcy Avenue in Williamsburg, (347) 678-2030],
Oct. 1–8. For info, visit www.salon-nyc.com.

(Makers) Market

After a summer hiatus, the (Makers) Market at the Old American Can Factory in Gowanus is back. The indoor artisan market features a diverse array of jewelry makers, organic soap producers, and pastry chefs united by their use of high-quality materials with an emphasis on design. Now through Nov. 21, the market also presents “Minds over Matter,” a series of curated, materials-based shows where each week, a new material is highlighted, with wares made from it displayed and workshops demonstrating how it can be used to, well, make things. Next up is botanicals on Sept. 26.

(Makers) Market at the Old American Can Factory [232 Third St. at Third Avenue in Gowanus, (718) 237-4335], Sundays from 11 am-5 pm. For info, visit xoprojects.com/market.html.

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On the market

In addition to the usual suspects, markets are popping up all over Brooklyn this winter, in time for the holiday shopping season (and it's even easier to stay on top of them, thanks to blogs like this one).

Here's a look at some temporary newcomers coming up, and some new favorites:

SCORE! Pop-up Swap
Saturday, November 21
3rd Ward (195 Morgan Ave.)
1 to 7 p.m, donations accepted up until 5 p.m
$3 entry
RSVP

For this East Williamsburg fair, the only time you may have to open your wallet is for the $3 admission. A massive swap exchange, you can exchange your goods for those of others, and in the process find gifts for your family and friends. It's all about sustainability, and charity, as all remaining goods will be donated, and proceeds from the door and sales of the Score! / Hasselhoff totebags support City Harvest. Swap categories include clothing and accessories, music, art supplies, books, DVDs and media, housewares and miscellany.

The (Makers) Market
Sundays
(OA) Can Factory (3rd Street at 3rd Avenue)
11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Free admission

Thirty vendors bring you jewerly, clothes, art, soaps and even violins every Sunday at this Gowanus market, which has a focus on art and design. Not to mention sweets from Nunu.

The 2009 Handmade Holiday Craft Fair
Saturday, December 12
3rd Ward (195 Morgan Ave.)
Noon to 9 p.m.
Free admission

The Williamsburg space will host another market, this one featuring goods & treats from over 50 local artisans, craft mavens & culinary masters, with wares including everything from LED Hula hoops and dog costumes, to custom cut clothes and jewelry, furniture and vintage ware, cookies and chocolates, wrapping paper, pillows & body soaps, custom electronics and more. There will also be live music, treats, drinks and workshops.

Lyceum Holiday Market
Saturday, December 19, and Sunday, December 20
Brooklyn Lyceum (Fourth Avenue at President Street)
11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Free admission

Vendors offer handcrafted merchandise to fit any budget, size and taste. Whether for Chanukah, Christmas or Kwanzaa you can find it all at the Park Slope venue's second annual holiday market.

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