Monday Mosaic - Ocean

Burnt out from the Thanksgiving holiday? Relax with these beautiful blues and calming ocean scenes from the members of Boston Handmade.

Kerry Hawkins Photography
Lush Beads
Reclaimed to You
All The Numbers
Sea Glass Things
Mimi Kirchner
Tactile Baby
Bumble Belly
Fraske Designs
MaJenta Designs
Christine Marie Art
Lucie Wicker Photography

North Shore Magazine

By Kirsten Bassion of Kirsten Bassion Ceramics

Mimi Gallery in Ipswich has a new body of work by Kirsten Bassion who was recently featured in North Shore Magazine's Fabulous Finds.

I was so excited that Mimi chose to feature my work in this great magazine right at this holiday season! You can visit Mimi Gallery at 25 Market St in Ipswich, MA.

Illuminated Manuscripts

by Jaye of Thirteenth Story

On the walls of my local library there are framed book pages, handwritten in heavy black ink with decorations along the borders. These pages date from the 13th Century, and they are gorgeous.


When looking at them, the words themselves become part of the overall design, the lines are less like letters and more like patterns. I am left to wonder about the artist, and what it was like to sit for hours and hand copy books word-for-word. When the sunlight faded, did they then work by candlelight?

It seems a daunting task, and it makes me smile that the monks and other people working on these books used the margins of the page to creatively convey the words in the story, or to have a diversion from the endless stream of letters. The first letter of a paragraph often has a very large capitol letter, these "initial letters" are heavily decorated and are in themselves spectacular pieces of miniature art.


The pages differ and can be of parchment, vellum, skin, or paper. Using gold leaf or red ink, color is introduced into the pages I have seen, but I understand the illustrations found around the world are mostly in full color.

As for the calligraphy, the lettering style is called Gothic Script, Old English Script, or Black Letter. Its something I have practiced myself and eventually abandoned, for my hands were cramping up. If you would like to give it a go, the best nib I found for the style was a Speedball C-2.


If you want one of these pages, of course you can find them for sale or auction online. A quick look today yielded two pages of results with varying prices. For a few hundred dollars (US), it seems you can own one of the beauties to frame for your own wall. And then you can sit and wonder what it was like to create such a fine thing.

The Downtown Galllery Opens TODAY!

The 2nd Annual Boston Handmade DOWNTOWN holiday gallery opens today at 11am!

We'll be open for business from today through Christmas eve, December 24th. Our hours are Wednesdays through Sundays, 11am - 7pm.

And join us for a celebration at the gallery tomorrow night, Saturday, November 28th from 5-8pm.

Have a happy handmade holiday!

New Work from nancyrosetta

by Nancy of nancyrosetta

In anticipation of the opening of the Boston Handmade Downtown Crossing Gallery, I have been in production mode. I am sure I'm not alone!

Here is a peek at what I've been up to.

And a sneak peek of 16 very dirty unfinished pendants ready to go in the tumbler to clean up, shine up and harden.
Bails and chains or cords will finish these off, but you won't see those unless you come on down to the downtown gallery!

Along with these pendants, I'll be offering bracelets, earrings, rings and other necklaces/pendants all made from sterling silver and made by hand. Boy, my hands are sore.

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and delicious Thanksgiving!

"Felted Cornucopia" by cozycottagecreations

From the members of Boston Handmade

Celebrate Downtown!

The Boston Handmade DOWNTOWN gallery opens in just two short days! Friday is our first day and on Saturday, November 28th we will have an opening weekend celebration! Join us at the gallery from 5-8pm located at 505 Washington Street in Downtown Crossing Boston. See you then!

Quiltsy

By Kiki of All the Numbers

Besides Boston Handmade, I also belong to another team on Etsy, the Quiltsy team. As a group, we "share our experience and knowledge with each other, so that we might grow as individual artisans and as a quilting community." I've learned countless tips and tricks from our members, and also enjoyed a lovely comradeship.

You may be aware that recently Etsy headquarters moved its offices. Their new space is an open floor plan - very different than before, and they found themselves looking for interesting room dividers. They contacted our team with the idea of a collaborative effort - a giant quilted Etsy Banner!

Each member of our team that wanted to participate created a cream quilt block of a standard dimaension, any design, and a few members pieced them all together. On top were appliqued an orange E, T, S, Y and a '.com' and then they were all quilted. After waiting with bated breath we got a thank you note and a picture last week. They wrote:

So, the quilts went up last week but I've had a devil of a time getting a decent picture of them. I can't back up far enough to get them all in the frame (my apologies to the .com quilters) but we're getting a wide angle lens and I'll send better and more inclusive photos as soon as we do.

The response to the quilts has been awesome, everyone is so blown away and keeps thanking me for working with you all to create these great pieces. So, thanks from me and everyone here at Etsy!

Best, -Pete

If you make the zoom in you can see my block - it's the tree right behind the 'S'. How cool is that?

Downtown Gallery Handmade Preview

by Jessica Burko of Reclaimed To You

With so many amazing handmade wonders available for purchase at the 2009 Boston Handmade DOWNTOWN gallery, we thought it might be helpful for you to have a preview of available items in order to plan your gallery visit accordingly. That's right. Prepare to shop!

Jewelry of various types and styles - necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, broaches, polymer clay, metals, beads, oh my!

Housewares for all rooms of the home - - both functional and decorative items.

Ceramics to grace your table and enliven every mealtime.

Art and photography celebrating New England.

Accessories that will surely brighten and add some unique pizazz to any wardrobe.

This is just a small sampling of what is available at Boston Handmade DOWNTOWN, you've got to come check it out for yourself! Open November 27th through Devember 24th - for more information check out our web site.

Check out previous blog posts about the gallery here, here, and here!

Boston Handmade Marketplace at Bazaar Bizarre

by Colleen Baker of Tactile Baby

Since 2001 Boston's Bazaar Bizarre has been wowing Boston area shoppers with an eclectic mix of handmade wares. This year more than 100 local handmade artists will be selling their goods, ensuring holiday shoppers will be able to find something for everyone on their list.

While past shows have featured a Boston Handmade presence, with various members exhibiting on their own, this year’s show marks the debut of “The Boston Handmade Marketplace”, (an area made up exclusively of Boston Handmade artists).

Fifteen BH members will be showing at the marketplace, featuring a wide assortment of gifts that are both unique and personal including: knitted outerwear, funky clothing & accessories, heirloom toys, hand-bound journals, stunning jewelry, groovy decor, original art and so much more. We hope to see you there!


Show Details:

When: Sunday, Dec.6th Noon-7pm
Where: BCA Cyclorama 539 Tremont St Boston, MA
Cost: Admission $1

Boston Marketplace Vendors:
All The Numbers
Blue Alvarez
Chroma Lab
Cristina Hurley
Elizabeth Brennick Designs
Fraske Designs
MaJenta Designs
Lush Beads
Nancyrosetta
Stonehouse Studio
Tactile Baby
thirteenthstory
Vintage By Crystal
Weller Wishes
White Sparrow Bindery

Downtown Gallery Opens Friday!

by Jessica Burko of Reclaimed To You

Our holiday retail gallery opens THIS FRIDAY, November 27th, at 11am! Be there for first dibs on one-of-a-kind and limited edition handmade art, craft, decoration, functional objects, and wearables.
After one more long weekend to prepare the Boston Handmade DOWNTOWN gallery for opening day - - we have achieved completion!
Lots of volunteers came in to help get all of the merchandise displays arranged, the art hung on the walls, and the storefront windows filled with handmade delights. With snowflakes cut and hung from the ceiling the space looks like a real handmade winter wonderland! Check back here tomorrow for a preview of gallery items that will be available for sale You won't want to miss it!

Until then, you can check out our exhibitors on our web site, and be sure to come in to our Downtown Crossing space between November 27th and December 24th at 505 Washington Street. We'll be open for business Wednesdays through Sundays from 11am - 7pm each day.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Monday Mosaic - Harvest

This week we celebrate Thanksgiving, which is a celebration of the Harvest. This week's mosaic highlights the bounty of the earth, and the warm hues we associate with fall.

Christine Marie Art
Elizabeth Brennick Designs
Vintage By Crystal
Cozy Cottage Creations
Bumble Belly
Lucie Wicker Photography
Lush Beads
Fraske Designs
MaJenta Designs
Reclaimed to You
Muchacha K
Stonehouse Studio

My "Multispace"

by Jennifer Yi-Ping Tang of MaJenta Designs

My life consists of wearing multiple hats for my multiple roles - I'm a full-time PhD student, part-time intern psychologist at a hospital, and continuous artisan and business owner of MaJenta Designs!

So when it comes to my artist "workspace" - it ends up being a space that serves multiple purposes as well! Here is a photo of my dining table that also serves as my study table and my crafting table too!

DARE to Network

by Liz of Lush Beads

I recently joined up with a networking group called DARE to be Phenomenal. It is a woman's business network that focuses on increasing sales and opportunities for your business. I met the woman in charge, Maureen, at another networking event called Friends of Kevin, which brings together business people, artists, and non-profits.

What's nice about joining a networking group like this are the tips and reminders to market. Marketing is one of those things that comes second nature to some people, and I am not one of those people. I really have to be in a marketing mindset to do it properly, and I have to be reminded to shift into that mindset on a regular basis.


This marketing group is hosting a Holiday Extravaganza on Tuesday December 1st from 6-10PM at the Wyndham Hotel in Andover, MA. I will be there, vending and networking. (Successfully, I hope!) There will be appetizers, a raffle, and more. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance - I have tickets available for anyone who is interested. Drop me an email at info@lushbeads.com!

A New Product...

by Lynne of cozycottagecreations

I've been crafting away getting ready for the holidays. As always, lots of ideas for new products have been swirling around my head. I've chosen three of those ideas to bring to life for the holiday season. I'm excited about them all, but the one I'm most eager to unveil is a new type of felted bowl.

It's a real departure of style from my previous work. The idea for these was truly one of my very first when I began working in wool three years ago. Over time, this idea has gestated in my brain. It was over the summer while browsing in a very inspiring fiber shop (I'd call it a yarn shop, but they sell so much more than yarn) in Portland Maine that I discovered the final element that crystallized the idea and inspired me to bring it to full form.

I call these Geode Bowls because they remind me of those rocks which when cracked opened reveal a spectacular inside. Although they can still function as a bowl, I see them more as an art object. Hope you like them! You can find these Felted Geode Bowls for sale in a few weeks both in my etsy shop and at Boston Handmade's Downtown Gallery.

THE HOLE THING Featured on Daily Grommet

by Louise of THE HOLE THING

THE HOLE THING is excited and honored to be featured on Daily Grommet today. They came to my studio recently to learn more about my felted wool goodies and taped this video clip. THE HOLE THING'S garlands and necklaces and pins are available for purchase at the end of the video, or if you'd like you can go direct to Daily Grommet.

Celebrate Newton

By Louise of THE HOLE THING

Celebrate Newton is a great holiday craft show with live music, food, and children's activities. THE HOLE THING has been an artisan at it now for 3 years and can't wait for this year's extravaganza. Celebrate Newton takes place on Sunday December 6th at Newton South High School from 10AM-4PM. Stop in and find something unique and wonderful for the holidays.

Mommies Who Shop Holiday Gala

By Kiki from All the Numbers

Looking for an easy place to shop for all the little ones on your list? Do you like massages, manicures, and free swag? You do? I have the Holiday Show for you!

Mommies Who Shop is holding it's 2nd Annual Holiday Gala. Sip and Shop with your friends in this upbeat boutique atmosphere. Enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres and wine, spa services, loaded gift bags and more! This is where the hippest mama's meet the hottest designers featuring the very best in unique clothing for chic-baby and trendy tots, plus accessories, toys and gear. For the Ladies, we will feature a carefully edited selection of casual women's apparel, accessories, jewelry, handbags, fine stationary and gifts. All of the items at Mommies Who Shop will be offered at exclusive MWS event pricing.

• simply the best shopping ever - edited just for you - all at sale prices
• complimentary wine and gourmet treats provided by Aura Restaurant
• mini-spa services and beauty products compliments of Bella Sante
• loaded gift bags (over $50 retail) to the 1st 200 tickets purchased
• AMAZING door prizes, raffle and charitable silent auction

Buy your tickets here. And see all the amazing vendors here, including me - Kiki from All the Numbers.

Mommies Who Shop Holiday Market

November 19, 2009 from 6-10 p.m.
The Lighthouse Ballroom at the Seaport Hotel
1 Seaport Lane, Boston, MA

Journey to the Shore

By Marla of Sea Glass Things

Oceans of blue capture bits of history
Relics that were once known
And some still remain to us a mystery
Shards of glass, pottery, porcelain and stone

Transcending through the waves of time
Far beyond where they began
Each journey different and so sublime

Reaching near and distant lands

Surf gently laps the sun soaked shores
Seafoam turns to frothy white
And brings about gifts and lore
Of mermaids and shipwrecks alike

Footprints in the sand are left behind
But slowly disappear
Searching for that one rare find
Glistening in the warmth… a souvenir

Soft greens remind of something sweet
While cobalt sends a warning
Red held wine for the elite
Lilac shades the sun is turning

A bounty the sea has left behind
For others to reclaim
Destined again to be refined

“Sea Glass” we call it by name.

Photo by Denmarkguy on Flickr

Author: Marla Kunselman of Sea Glass Things

I have always loved poetry... reading it... writing it... creating pictures with words is an art form in it's own.

Getting ready in Downtown Crossing

by Jessica of Reclaimed To You

Yesterday was a massive day at the Boston Handmade DOWNTOWN gallery. We went from a completely empty space to one with tables, displays, inventory, and plans for arranging it all! Big thanks to all the exhibitors who donated their time: Betsy, Cristina, Colleen, Taylor, Chris, Lucie, Lynne, Kerry, Rebecca, Brooke, Nancy, Jaye, and DeShawn.
We are gearing up for opening day Friday, November 27th. Be there! We're located at 505 Washington Street in Downtown Crossing Boston. And also please join us for an opening weekend party on Saturday, November 28th from 5-8pm.
We got lots of exhibitor inventory in yesterday including these wearables by Fisherman's Daughter. This year at the gallery we will have a fantastic array of handmade gift items created by members of Boston Handmade and a few invited guests. You can see a listing of all our exhibitors on our web site.
While we were at the gallery all day yesterday we also had our monthly Boston Handmade members meeting and made some awesome promo buttons that we will be giving away at the gallery this season. Special thanks to Lynne of Cozy Cottage Creations for heading up the button project! We also had a visit from Guido Stein of It's A Purl Man and the Common Cod Fiber Guild who shot a video of our space and posted it on-line - - thanks Guido!
With so many exciting things happening for us this season we hope to be able to share it all with you! Stay tuned to our blog, Twitter feed, and Facebook Fan page for our progress and all of our goings-on!

Monday Mosaic - Woodland

Kerry Hawkins Photography
Nancyrosetta
Reclaimed to You
Mimi Kirchner
Bumble Belly
Lucie Wicker Photography
All The Numbers
White Sparrow Bindery
Muchacha K
Christine Marie Art
Elizabeth Brennick Designs
Stonehouse Studio

Tree Ornaments go Global

By Betsy of Stonehouse Studio

We've always had a Xmas tradition in our family - only unusual ornaments are allowed on the tree! No Santas, Rudolphs, Frostys, or glittery snow scenes allowed. I guess this all started when we were kids in Mexico. I remember those early trees with with colorful straw garlands and repousee tin ornaments in bright colors and all sorts of shapes - roosters, tucans, parrots and even pigs. The ornament collection grew as we moved on to Panama, the Phillipines and Brazil. The Phillipine tree was the most unusual. Firs and pines were not imported, so our tree consisted of a bare tree branch painted white. Perhaps considered chic today, but weird when you're a ten year old kid. 

So, when I decided to make a line of tree ornaments, I naturally looked to the non-traditional. My work this year has been heavily influenced by Asian design elements, so what better subject than geishas and Chinese landscape scenes? I'll have a whole series of polymer clay ornaments with image transfers of bijinga (beautiful women) from ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) by printmaker and painter Kitagawa Utamaro (1753-1806) for sale in the Boston Handmade holiday store at Downtown Crossing.

Art's Emotional Response

by Chris of Christine Marie Art

According to a recent study from the University of Rome, published in the journal Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity and the Arts, newer art elicits a more emotional response than older, or ancient works of art. I found that to be the case while visiting the Museum of Modern Art in New York this past weekend. While I have visited and enjoyed some of the "big" museums in the past (The Louvre, The Uffizzi to name two), I had a physical reaction to a piece at MOMA which surprised me.

"Blessed Art Thou Among Women" by Gertrude Käsebier is a gelatin silver print of Agnes Lee, (wife of Francis Watts Lee, an amateur Boston photographer and printer) and their daughter Peggy, in their Boston home. It is smaller, comparatively, than the impressive works of Monet, Matisse, Picasso, van Gogh and others that I saw that day. But it's impact was no less great.

I have no idea why I got choked up when I first saw the image. It reminded me of my mother, my grandmother, my daughter, the bond between women in general -- nothing individually that would elicit an emotional response -- but this image kind of pulled it all together? I don't know, but I'm trying to understand.

It would be interesting to know if any works of art have hit you in a similar way.

Boston Handmade DOWNTOWN

by Jessica Burko of Reclaimed To You

We're at it again! We are getting our space ready for the 2nd annual downtown holiday gallery:getting the gallery ready photos by K. Hawkins Photography

Looking for a holiday gift that is truly unique?
Searching for something to give the person who has it all?
Want to support your local area artists?
Boston Handmade DOWNTOWN is the place to be!

letterpress holiday cards by Albertine Press

For the second year in a row, it’s a handmade holiday season in Downtown Crossing as more than 25 artists, artisans, and craftspeople open the doors of Boston Handmade DOWNTOWN to share their love of all things handmade.

the art and craft of Mimi Kirchner

This gallery of limited edition and one-of-a-kind items will be showcasing jewelry, clothing, accessories, home goods, art, photography, holiday décor, and toys at 505 Washington Street (between West Street and Temple Place) from November 27th through December 24th, open Wednesdays through Sundays, 11am to 7pm, with extra hours the week of Christmas and a special opening weekend event Saturday, November 28th from 5-8pm.polymer clay jewelry by Stonehouse Studio

The exhibitors will also be staffing the gallery, so there will always be a knowledgeable artist to speak with about items on display.

modern handmade by All The Numbers

Make Boston Handmade DOWNTOWN your first and last stop for holiday gift shopping, and make 2009 the season of handmade!

2010 Calendars

by Lucie of Lucie Wicker Photography

Talk about a labor of love! It took a while but I finally finished my brand new 2010 desktop calendar. I used black & white, sepia and color pictures all taken in Boston, even the nature ones. They are available in my Etsy shop now and will also be in stock at the Boston Handmade Downtown Gallery when it opens on November 27th.