I love spending a little of my time each day on Craigslist searching the artist and free section. I came across an ad to sell your handmade items in a Eco-friendly salon in Providence, RI. I've been making some new ha
ir accessories and thought it would be a perfect fit.
I met with the owners Billy and Yvonne of the "Gallery Salon" and they were really nice and the salon was amazing. They gave me a perfect spot on a fireplace mantel to set up shop. I've had them in the salon for about two months and they have done really well. The hairdressers have even sold them right off their heads. Who would of known to sell your handmade items in a salon instead of a store. The "Gallery Salon" is located at 91 Hope Street Providence, RI 02906. They're a natural Eco-friendly salon with friendly stylist in a cozy comfortable atmosphere.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
The Gallery Salon
By Beth of Elizabeth Brennick Designs
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Sepia Desert City
Post by Kerry Hawkins Photography






We were in Albuquerque for my friend's wedding. As a favor and a wedding present I photographed their wedding. We also, got to tool around the city a bit. I also, took a few walks, and photographed the neighborhood near the hotel and city center. I think Sepia tone of these gives you desert like feel to the photos city.
Friday, May 29, 2009
May Flowers
by Lynne of cozycottagecreations
As spring has settled in and the warmer air is staying with us, I have been turning my creative attention towards that gift of April and May: flowers. Every year when they start poking their heads out of the ground, a sense of excitement and relief washes over me. I’m sure most people feel the same after the long winter!
Unfortunately, I must confess here – I do not have a green thumb. It’s about as far away from green as a thumb can get. I can keep a cat, a fish, children and a husband alive, but sadly not a plant. I’ve always thought it odd that I’m so horticulturally challenged because I come from a long line of gardeners. My grandmother was President of the Leominster Garden Club (and even President of the Past Presidents Club) – what would she think of my brown and empty lawn! That’s perhaps why I find it so satisfying to make these felted flowers. I could make nothing but these all year and be completely happy.
Of course, spring doesn't last long here in New England - but these flowers do!
I haven’t given up all hope for myself in the area of gardening, however. I’m planning to get out this weekend and do some weeding!
As spring has settled in and the warmer air is staying with us, I have been turning my creative attention towards that gift of April and May: flowers. Every year when they start poking their heads out of the ground, a sense of excitement and relief washes over me. I’m sure most people feel the same after the long winter!
Unfortunately, I must confess here – I do not have a green thumb. It’s about as far away from green as a thumb can get. I can keep a cat, a fish, children and a husband alive, but sadly not a plant. I’ve always thought it odd that I’m so horticulturally challenged because I come from a long line of gardeners. My grandmother was President of the Leominster Garden Club (and even President of the Past Presidents Club) – what would she think of my brown and empty lawn! That’s perhaps why I find it so satisfying to make these felted flowers. I could make nothing but these all year and be completely happy.
Of course, spring doesn't last long here in New England - but these flowers do!

Thursday, May 28, 2009
Quilter's Connection Quilt Show
by Linda of Linda B. Dunn
The exhibition displays over 200 quilts all by local artists and many of which are for sale. The quilts range from classic to cutting edge. Upstairs, the Boutique offers items made by guild members.
You can take a guided tour and watch demonstrations of quilting techniques. Talk to local artists about their work, or bring qu estions about yours.
A fabulous raffle quilt designed and made by guild members will be on display, and raffle tickets will be on sale for $1 each for the Sunday drawing. For more info e-mail: quiltshow@quiltersconnection.org.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
We are all flowers, we just bloom at different times
By Chris of Christine Marie Art
Many times as artists we are asked to participate in student events...curating an exhibit, giving a workshop, making space for an internship. But for the first time, I have been asked to participate in a SENIOR event. In June, a local senior living facility is having an arts festival and I have been asked to exhibit alongside the residents.
As I chatted with the activities director, she explained the challenges that seniors face as they create. From diminishing eyesight to more serious physical disabilities, these seniors continue to push themselves and express themselves through art. I am honored to have been asked to participate in their festival.
In response to what I have learned about them, I am working on a new series, in which I have photographed roses which are past their prime, but in whom beauty can still be found -- unique textures, hidden bursts of color, a joy and a reflectiveness -- all of which remind me of these seniors.
Stay tuned...I will post again during or shortly after the exhibit so you can see their fantastic work.

As I chatted with the activities director, she explained the challenges that seniors face as they create. From diminishing eyesight to more serious physical disabilities, these seniors continue to push themselves and express themselves through art. I am honored to have been asked to participate in their festival.
In response to what I have learned about them, I am working on a new series, in which I have photographed roses which are past their prime, but in whom beauty can still be found -- unique textures, hidden bursts of color, a joy and a reflectiveness -- all of which remind me of these seniors.
Stay tuned...I will post again during or shortly after the exhibit so you can see their fantastic work.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Faces of Boston Handmade

Have you ever wondered about the faces behind the group Boston Handmade? Wonder no more! This collage features each member of our group.
From the top left, members include:
Kathy of Weller Wishes
Amy of Bumble Belly Designs
Jaye of Thirteenth Story
Betsy of Stonehouse Studio
Bexx of Books by Bexx
Jen of Blue Alvarez
Brooke of Bancroft Studios
Chris of Christine Marie Art
Allison of Fraske Designs
Colleen of Tactile Baby
Crystal of Vintage by Crystal
Beth of Elizabeth Brennick Designs
Jen of Majenta Designs
Jessica of Reclaimed to You
Alicia & Tony of Chroma Lab
Katy of Muchacha K
Marla of Sea Glass Things
Lucie of Lucie Wicker Photography
Kiki of All the Numbers
Linda B. Dunn
Nicole of 83 West
Louise of The Hole Thing
Kirsten Bassion
Lynne of Cozy Cottage Creations
Kerry of Kerry Hawkins Photography
Mimi Kirchner
Nancy Rosetta
Liz of Lush Beads
Monday, May 25, 2009
Mosaic Monday- history

by Mimi Kirchner
Memorial Day gives us a time to remember our history. Many artists in Boston Handmade are inspired by the past.
Bumble Belly Designs
Majenta Designs
Fraske Designs
Mimi Kirchner
Kerry Hawkins Photography
The Hole Thing
Lucie Wicker Photography
Linda B. Dunn
Christine Marie Art
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
A Study in Texture
Louise of THE HOLE THING
Last month I visited Napa Valley for the first time. Well known for it's wine industry, it has risen in the last fifty years to the first rank of wine regions along with France, Italy, and Spain. Just as impressive though is the sheer beauty of the Napa area. We stayed in Calistoga where breathtaking views abound at every turn. The picturesque rolling hills, planted with colorful vineyard after vineyard, created unbelievably gorgeous textures. I could not put my camera down.
Last month I visited Napa Valley for the first time. Well known for it's wine industry, it has risen in the last fifty years to the first rank of wine regions along with France, Italy, and Spain. Just as impressive though is the sheer beauty of the Napa area. We stayed in Calistoga where breathtaking views abound at every turn. The picturesque rolling hills, planted with colorful vineyard after vineyard, created unbelievably gorgeous textures. I could not put my camera down.
We stayed Indian Springs and they had a gratitude tree. This was my contribution.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Meet Ceramics Artist Meredith Host
By Kirsten of Kirsten Bassion Ceramics
Where attraction and repulsion collide
A thin dark hair emerges into your sight from underneath the green beans. You notice a spot of residue on the dinner plate and a stain on the rim of a cup. A gut reaction of repulsion sets in. You start looking closer. The white on white dinnerware patterns of stripes and polka dots can subtly shift to barcodes and sink drains. Are you just being paranoid or is that a dirty fingerprint? What is really clean?

The dinner ritual is largely based on repetition. Small deviations from the norm can put a kink in the dining experience and heighten anxieties. Apprehension about cleanliness plays an enormous role in our culture's common anxieties.
I have highlighted Meredith today not only because she is fantastic but because we can all learn something from her success on ETSY. She seems to have found her production niche while also creating one of a kind gallery work for the rest of the ceramics community.
See and learn more about Meredith's work at her website http://www.meredithhost.com/or see her successful ETSY shop at http://www.foldedpigs.etsy.com/
Where attraction and repulsion collide
A thin dark hair emerges into your sight from underneath the green beans. You notice a spot of residue on the dinner plate and a stain on the rim of a cup. A gut reaction of repulsion sets in. You start looking closer. The white on white dinnerware patterns of stripes and polka dots can subtly shift to barcodes and sink drains. Are you just being paranoid or is that a dirty fingerprint? What is really clean?


Meredith has a healthy sense of humor and fantastic ceramics skills. Combine those two strengths and her love of horror movies and candy and you get work that draws you in just to make you question your own sanity.


Thursday, May 21, 2009
Boston Handmade Represented at SOWA Opening Weekend

Some vendors reported their best sales ever... while others barely made back their booth fee... however, despite the tough economic times and cold, windy wet Spring weekend spirits were high and the fun has begun.
Boston Handmade was well represented at SOWA this weekend and will be until the end of October. Boston Handmade will also have a unified presence at the June 14th show! The following BH members participated in Opening Weekend:



Wednesday, May 20, 2009
New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Festival
by Jessica Burko of Reclaimed To You
Last weekend I went with my Husband and a few ladies from my Sunday knitting group to the annual New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Festival - and wow did I learn a lot! The photo above shows giant bushels of yarn above enormous bags of roving which is one stage of wool between the sheep and the knitting needles. Roving looks and feels kind of like thick cotton candy and people use it to spin their own yarn, which I saw a lot of at this sprawling festival.
The festival had a variety of displays and vendors that celebrated the sheep and wool industry such as live animals that were for show or for purchase, and wool at its many stages. We saw a sheep being sheered, a lama limbo contest, silk worms, angora rabbits, the displays were endless!
This second photo shows another way that wool was being sold at the festival, in it's raw form. People who purchase this wool need to card it to prepare the fiber for spinning, it's the stage before roving.
We also got to meet some live alpacas which was very exciting since I've never seen one in person. They were so soft, and friendly, and their giant eyes were mesmerizing. I purchased some alpaca yarn like in the photo below and have already made a little hat with it.
If you've never been to a sheep and wool festival I highly recommend checking one out. They happen all over the country and at different times during the year. It's fun for everyone!


This second photo shows another way that wool was being sold at the festival, in it's raw form. People who purchase this wool need to card it to prepare the fiber for spinning, it's the stage before roving.

If you've never been to a sheep and wool festival I highly recommend checking one out. They happen all over the country and at different times during the year. It's fun for everyone!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Wedding Bands
by Nancy of nancyrosetta
Anne Marie and Rob are going to be married on May 23rd. They commissioned me to make their wedding bands (an honor that I will not soon forget) and I decided to take some pictures of the process.
I started out with half round wire for the rings, 6ga for Robs, and 10ga for Anne Marie's. I cut a length that gives me a little play room in case I mess up with the stamping...which did happen on Anne Marie's (10ga is tiny to stamp on, especially wobbly half round wire).
Anne Marie and Rob are going to be married on May 23rd. They commissioned me to make their wedding bands (an honor that I will not soon forget) and I decided to take some pictures of the process.
I started out with half round wire for the rings, 6ga for Robs, and 10ga for Anne Marie's. I cut a length that gives me a little play room in case I mess up with the stamping...which did happen on Anne Marie's (10ga is tiny to stamp on, especially wobbly half round wire).














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