All Over Albany

The Paper Sparrow: light and sweet

When I hear about handmade goods from around the world, I always wonder if they will look really elegant and artistic -- or more like stuff I made at camp when I was 12.

The Paper Sparrow in Troy specializes in handmade goods, both local and globally-sourced. And I am glad to report back that the items it carries are far more spectacular than anything I could have ever made at camp, even on my best day.

The shop has an eclectic group of things for sale, with an eye toward the practical and the whimsical, for guys, girls, and babies, and gourmands.

Handmade goods available for sale include Jes Switaj ties for $25 (I like the one with the skeleton on it) and 4th Ave. Soap Co.'s lip glosses ($3.50-$4). Foodies should check out Rick's Picks pickled creations ($6.50-$7.50); I have a whole new respect for asparagus when it's called Whup Asp.

From necklaces made from repurposed materials to earrings made of old love letters, the jewelry selection is great for one-of-a-kind gifts. If DIY is more your style, you can also buy recycled yarn.

The Paper Sparrow is also a good bet for unique baby gifts, with handmade booties for newborns in charming prints ($8 and sooo tiny!) along with knit caps, t-shirts, and sweaters, and soft dolls.

A wall of framed art for just about any taste, from comic art to photography and drawing, rounds out The Paper Sparrow's collection, along with a selection of unframed photography and greeting cards, from the traditional to the avant-garde. I highly recommend the Carol Lee Designs' JunkMail Greetings; although I tried, I couldn't think of anyone I know who's engaged, so I had to leave behind the card that said "You're engaged -- even after all that free milk."

The Paper Sparrow also offers classes for people interested in making their own gifts. Classes on knitting and crocheting are in the works, as well as rug hooking (remember those rug hooking kits that were so popular in the 80's?), drop spindling, and classes for kids. Watch the website for details; you can also sign up for The Paper Sparrow's mailing list to get in the loop.

The shop is open from 10 to 5 Tuesday through Friday, and Saturday 10 to 4, so unless you live or work nearby, your best bet is probably a Saturday visit. (I found ample on-street parking on my Saturday visit.)

Kate at The Paper Sparrow expects the inventory to increase as we get closer to the holiday season. There are also likely to be some expanded holiday hours, so watch the website for details.