Purchase Whimsey at Wickford's Newest Boutique

Even though I’m 40-some-thing and not a ten-year-old school girl all wrapped up in fairy tales, there’s still something magical about the legend of mermaids that sparks my inner fantasy and draws me in to the exciting world of make believe – something, quite frankly, I think many of us could use coming off of this long, grueling winter.

Luckily, I didn’t have to go far to get my fantasy fix thanks to the wonderful world of whimsy that awaited me at Wickford’s newest gift shop, Madge & Moby. Owner Diane Veyera’s obsession with crafting her custom-made, Rhode Island sea glass-mermaid pieces was the creative foundation responsible for opening her delightfully inspired store that caters to one’s whimsical side.

Nestled under a cotton candy pink awning in the heart of picturesque Wickford, Madge & Moby Gifts of Whimsy, occupies the space of The Herb Wyfe, which has relocated to Wakefield. Upon entering this vibrant store I was immediately captivated by the sun-washed display of Rhode Island mermaids, both playfully and beautifully designed by Diane herself. “I’ve always had a fascination with mermaids, so I combined my love of collecting sea glass on local beaches into a unique, 3-D piece of art that personifies the beauty and mystery of the legendary mermaid,” she says gleefully. Each mermaid has been given her own name or quote that personalizes the piece even further.

Madge is short for “imagination” and Moby ties into the spirited mermaid theme from that infamous whale, Moby Dick. “I liked the sound of it,” Diane chuckles when sharing how she named her shop. The compact space is bright and airy and thoughtfully filled with exclusive finds such as handcrafted signs offering inspirational and cheerful messages, gorgeous canvas wall hangings that actually flicker with light, sweet, handmade dolls for both playing or collecting, colorful travel jewelry and iPhone cases. There is also a fantastic selection of scarves and sparkling baubles, bracelets and other fashion jewelry in a wide variety of lovely facets such as turquoise, fanciful beads and stones or chic sterling silver that can be paired easily with denim and other casuals or that little black dress we love to highlight with a statement piece.

Before I can visit a display of darling sea horse dishes and funky candleholders I have to check out the fascinating line of Moonglow jewelry that is simply stunning and energizing. Carried exclusively in Rhode Island by Madge & Moby, each piece has a personality including a message of significance designed by artist, Luc Rouleau in Montreal. This intriguing collection of bracelets, necklaces and more helps you capture a special moment in time by finding and carefully depicting what the moon looked like on that special day such as your own birthday, the birth of a child, an anniversary or a graduation by using their carefully researched Moonphase calculator. “Your piece will even gently glow in the dark, reminding you of that special moment. “Besides our mermaid merchandise, Moonglow is definitely our most popular offering,” shares Diane.

And that’s not all, Madge & Moby is pleased to carry Anchor & Daisy, a line of handcrafted jewelry, specializing in rustic yet modern pieces of wearable art created from locally found branches earning a nomination from Martha Stewart for the handmade jewelry award in 2013.

The stylish selection of must-have hand-painted wine glasses, cool stone-decoupage drink coasters, Missy & Me jewelry designs and Kathie DeLuca mixed media inspired wall-hangings are just a small sampling of the gifts and trinkets you’ll find waiting for you at Madge & Moby. Even better, nothing in the store is more than $50. Now that spring has sprung, come on down to Wickford and let your imagination run wild.