Happy Easter from Boston Handmade

Wishing you a sweet spring day!

Little Bunny, photograph by Kerry of K Hawkins Photography

DIY Alert: How to make tent weights

by Karen Mahoney of City by the Sea Ceramics

**Alright guys, real talk. Let me plead with you for a moment about the importance of weights at shows. If you already understand this importance perhaps you can pass this along to a friend who doubts the unpredictable power of mother nature. It is incredibly important and necessary to properly weight your canopy tent for all outdoor shows. It doesn't matter how still you expect it to be, weight your tent. Very strong single gusts come out of nowhere at shows. It happens. Weather is unpredictable. To not prepare for this puts yourself and so much else at risk. The property and bodies of yourself, other vendors, shoppers, and organizers are all compromised if you ignore the possibility of disaster. While this may seem dramatic I have seen too many tents grow wings out of nowhere, too many events that don't enforce their own tent weight rules, and worse yet, too many vendors with no weights or inadequate ones. 10 pounds on each leg isn't going to do anything when your tent is ready to fly. For the sanity and safety of everyone, please properly weight your tent.** Thanks guys. I knew you'd understand. :D

Last summer I made some new weights for my tent out of PVC and I used these instructions I found. They were exactly what I was looking for, and the project was simple and cheap. They took about an hour to make and the weights are sturdy enough I don't expect to ever need new ones.

The hardest part of this project is lugging the bags of concrete so it helps if you've got a strong friend to assist you. I had help from the hardware store staff for both lifting the concrete in and out of my cart, and cutting my PVC pipe for me.

I opted for the flat plastic caps on the bottom of the weights so it can rest sturdily on the ground (the lower the weights are the more stable they are) and be bungee corded to the tent legs as well as the upper tent frame. You can see in the photo below the weight in the bottom left has two short bungees around it's body and the canopy leg. Each leg and weight also has a long yellow bungee that attaches at the hook on the weight's top to the upper frame of the tent. These weights have gotten me through some solid wind gusts at shows without anything budging.

Why Handmade: Factory Direct to You!

At Boston Handmade we do it by hand. "Why Handmade" is our new weekly blog column celebrating art and craft made by hand, the people behind all that is handmade, and the reasons we choose the handmade life. Please stay tuned on Fridays for insights into our handmade world.

by Lynn Mohney of Prunella's Workshop

Photo by Jessica Burko

We live in a world where we can obtain anything we want just by going to the store and purchasing it. We can guarantee the quality (or lack of quality) in each and every item in those stores. Better yet, we do not even need to leave our homes, as we can order what we want online, and a delivery truck will bring it to us. Manufacturers know exactly how long it takes to make each item, and can price accordingly. They also can cut corners so that they can reproduce even faster and cheaper.  I can guarantee that my purchase is exactly the same as yours. It is expedient and easy, with little to no effort on the part of the purchaser.

Photo by Dana Garczewski of The Patterned Peacock

So, Why Handmade?  It certainly does not save money or time. We all have busy lives with families and homes that require our care and attention. Yet, there are those of us who are inspired to avoid the hum drum of the factories and acquire our belongings from people who make things by hand. Then, of course, there are those who still make things by hand. Artisans, craftspeople, and artists are still inspired to use their hands to make the world a beautiful place. Instead of thousands of factory workers producing the same vanilla shirt repeatedly, just one craftsperson is sewing a one of a kind item with nothing but a sewing machine and their own two hands.

Photo by Kerry Hawkins of K. Hawkins Photography

There is pride in a piece of work that was completely created by your own two hands, or by an artisan whom you have had the opportunity to speak. There is respect for the labor and special skill required, whether it is making jewelry, printing, knitting or crocheting, creating beautiful colors, or any other handmade creation. There is love and passion in every detail of a handmade item one can never get from something made in a factory. 

Humans were meant to create things. We were given thumbs so that we could invent the wheel, build our homes, make clothing for protection from the elements, and to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling. We were given minds and hearts in need of expressing ourselves any way we can. There is no better way to express ourselves than through the beauty of something we made completely by hand.

Photo by Kerry Hawkins of K. Hawkins Photography

Spring is in the Air!

by Cristina Hurley Cristina Hurley Jewelry Design

I had a very nice recent order for a birthday piece, and was compelled to make something inspired by the rebirth and renewal that we experience each Spring. This Winter has been a long one, the snow does not give up, but eventually, no matter what, Spring will come and nature will give us a show. I used to live in a country where it was hot and sunny all year round, but there was something about the seasons that made me want to relocate to New England permanently. The season I hold dearest is definitely Spring, there is so much life, color and beauty.

The plants, flowers and blooming trees attract a wide variety of birds and insects, and I chose the butterfly as my inspiration for this piece. I wanted it to be light and airy, but it also has a quiet strength in the solid silver wings. The chain is handmade with Pearls and Labradorite, a shimmery semi precious stone.

I kept the colors light to make the piece feel like it could flutter away... It was fun to design a piece for a celebration of birth, but also a celebration of rebirth, much like Spring, which comes every year and brings us all joy, like a birthday. You can find inspiration in almost anything, even in something small and simple like a butterfly.

Get Your Weekly Dose of Fresh Food & Local Art

by Bev Feldman of Linkouture

Last year my husband and I spent and incredible five months traveling around South America. Two of my favorite things to do were to visit the food markets to stock up on fresh produce (especially to sample some of the crazy fruits not found in Boston) and to shop for local crafts. Whatever town I was in, if I passed by a shop selling artesanías (crafts) I had to at least take a peek. I must have visited hundreds of little stores and craft markets in the time I was there.

Well, Massachusetts isn’t quite South America. For one thing, it snows. A lot. And it’s cold for a good chunk of the year. And while we do have an incredible offering of farmer’s markets and craft shows, things slow down considerably during the winter months.

But thankfully the Cambridge Winter Farmer’s Market is here to provide me with my much-needed weekly dose of fresh produce and locally-produced art. From January until April, every Saturday at the Cambridge Community Center you can stock up on New England-grown fruit, veggies, meat, cheese, honey...and even marshmallows! (Ok, so perhaps not everything is grown here, but you get the picture).

Photo courtesy of Cambridge Winter Farmer's Market

Photo courtesy of Cambridge Winter Farmer's Market

In addition to the food products, the Cambridge Winter Farmer’s Market offers entertainment and educational opportunities. From musical performances to learning how maple syrup is made, there is something for everyone. Additionally, you can find local handmade goods, including jewelry, photography, soaps, and bags.

This upcoming Saturday*, I will be there selling my modern chainmaille jewelry, along with two other artisans selling jewelry, air plants, and handcrafted sculptures.

So put on your snow boots or flip flops (this being New England, who knows what the weather will bring on Saturday) and come join me on Saturday for food, music, and handmade fun!

Where: Cambridge Community Center, 5 Callender St., Cambridge, MA  02140

When: Saturday, March 30, 2013

Why: Because you need your weekly dose of fresh produce and art

*Can’t make it this Saturday? The market will be going until April 27th, and I will be there selling my jewelry again on April 20.

Monday Mosaic: Hearts a Flutter

Curated by Kerry Hawkins

1. Thin Silver Bracelet - Handwoven Silver Filled Byzantine Bracelet by Linkouture
2.  Flight of Fancy Print by The Patterned Peacock
3. Dragonfly brooch - Teal and purple by Stray Notions
4. Frilly Heart Earrings by Lush Beads

Get to know new Boston Handmade Member: Lynn Mohney, co-owner of Prunella's Workshop

BH: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Lynn: My name is Lynn Mohney, of Prunella’s Workshop. We are a one and a half person business comprised of my husband, Duane, and I. I am a fulltime metal smith. Duane calls himself my minion, but he is the technical engineer/problem solver part of the business, when he is not at his full-time other job. Prunella’s Workshop is located in Leominster, MA, where I live with one husband, a near seven year-old boy, an 18 month old girl, and two cats. We create metal jewelry and clothing accessories based upon research of similar pieces from the medieval period.

I began to think of art as my vocation when I was in sixth grade.  As a result, I went to Assabet Regional Vocational High School, where I focused my studies on graphic design.  I then went to Notre Dame College (now defunct) where I obtained a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and graphic design.  While there, I was trained in costume designing in addition to my studies, and eventually had the opportunity to design the costumes for an entire production.  I set out in the world thinking I would write and illustrate children’s books (a dream that is still alive and well but unfulfilled.)  Instead, I began a master’s degree is school psychological counseling, which was not completed because, as said in the jewelry world, I was distracted by something shiny.

BH:  Where did you get the name Prunella’s Workshop? 

Lynn:  This is a frequent question I am asked by my customers. Mostly it comes from my love of fairy tales, which is highly reflective in my work; however, I also named my business after my son. We have a family tradition of giving babies nicknames from fairy tales prior to being born.  Prunella was one of the Wicked Stepsisters in Cinderella, and seemed fitting.  The nickname was dropped upon birth, but lives on in my creations.

BH: When did you begin metal smithing?

Lynn: I took my first class at Metalwerx, in Waltham, MA in 2005, and I was immediately hooked.  Within two years, I decided I wanted this to be my vocation, and started Prunella’s Workshop.  However, it was not until August 2012 that I was able to resign from my 15 year-long office job to pursue my craft full time.

BH: What was the first thing you can remember making by hand?

Lynn: That would have to be dyed macaroni necklaces in the library when I was around three.  I come from a crafty family, so it is really hard to remember when I began doing art.  My grandmother was an artist, but her mother would not let her go to art school because it was not considered lady-like. My mother made all of my clothes until I hit that age where other kids made fun of you because your clothes did not have labels.  Which was a shame, because my clothes were nicer than theirs.  When I was six, I drew a portrait of my Mom for Mother’s Day, and it got in the newspaper.  It apparently looked so much like her, friends called to tell her. I remember later sewing costumes for all of my Barbie dolls so they could put on a production of Peter Pan. However, I actually remember making the macaroni necklace best!

BH:  Please describe your artistic process.

Lynn:  I often start by just drawing out ideas or having a picture in my head of something that has been inspiring me.  And then I make something else!  Seriously, I have as many drawings of jewelry I should make some day as I do actual completed work.  Every once in a while I actually make something I have drawn.  Yet just drawing out ideas clears the clutter in my head so I can get started.  Sometimes I start out just going through resource books and museum websites for inspiration.

I usually start with a sheet or wire of sterling silver or copper.  Sometimes the sheet is pierced into an intricate design, or receives a hammered texture.  The wire is usually twisted and soldered.  I do some stone setting, but my focus is on the way the metal moves and flows at my command.  When one first starts metal working it seems inconceivable that one could have any control over something so cold and hard; however, metal is incredibly malleable if you understand how to work it.  I love forming metal with hammers, and I will admit, there is a little pyro in me just waiting to get out and use my propane torch.

BH: Where do your ideas come from?

Lynn:  I am inspired by the medieval time period, with focus on the Italian Renaissance and the Elizabethan period.  My husband adds in his love for the ancient Vikings and the Celts.  All four show up in my work quite frequently.  I like to take it a step further than just jewelry or accessories that are slightly reminiscent of times of yore.  For example, I research the actual clasps that were used, and in some instances try to recreate them, if feasible. I will do actual reproduction work, but I prefer to try to come up with designs I feel could have been created at that time using techniques they would have used.  I am quite awed by the fact that modern jewelry is often quite similar to what was worn as long ago as B.C.  

Not all of my work is focused on a period in history.  As I mentioned before, I have a deep passion for fairytales.  I am fascinated by the concept of stories told in the oral tradition that have been told so many times in so many ways that they are deeply ingrained into who we are as a species.  For example, just about every culture has a Cinderella story.  I fear this tradition is dying, and fewer people know the stories.  When I am not sharing a piece of history with my followers, I want to share a story.

BH:  Are there other mediums besides metal that interest you?

Lynn: I love to create portraits of people, especially in watercolor, though I have started some exploration in doing them in silverpoint.  I enjoy painting.  I love to hand sew and embroider.  I have always wanted to try a pottery wheel, but have not had the chance.  I have also wanted to try marble sculpture, but I have not gotten there yet.  I also really love costume designing.  I am working on a full length novel, as well.

BH:  How do you promote your work?

Lynn:  I currently have my own website at http://www.prunellasworkshop.net.  I sell my work on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/shop/PrunellasWorkshop.  I also have a Facebook page where I promote my work as well:  https://www.facebook.com/PrunellasWorkshop.  We can also be seen at a variety of craft fairs, and we keep our calendar updated frequently.

BH:  What are your favorite movies? Books? Music?

Lynn: The three very best movies in the world, not in any order, have to be Princess Bride, Bambi, and the original Psycho. Choosing my favorite books is rather hard, as I love to read more than anything, but if I must choose, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, Rebecca by Daphne DuMuarier, Harry Potter, and Grimm’s Fairy tales are all goo d contenders. Ask me tomorrow and I will change my mind.  My music selections are very eclectic, but I mostly listen to soundtracks to musicals while I am working.  Weird Al Yankovic is my hero, as I am a nerd at heart. I love Simon and Garfunkel, Joni Mitchel, Billy Joel, and the Bare Naked Ladies.  I love music, and I am amazed by the talent out there, especially as I am completely tone deaf.

BH:  Read any good books lately?

Lynn:  I am currently reading the second book in the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series.  I mostly ready fiction, though I have been known to curl up with a good jewelry book.  My son has been reading Howliday Inn by James Howe to me.  It was the first mystery I ever read, and now it’s his.  Watching his face light up as he figured out “who dunnit” was pretty darn cool.

BH:  Where do you see yourself in 5 years with your art?

Lynn:  I hope that in the next five years I will have continued to grow and develop, constantly taking the quality of my work to the next level.  I never want to feel like I have reached the point where my work is “good enough,” as I believe we can always strive to be better than we are today. I hope to have developed a client base who respects the quality of my work and to have an established strong business.

When Artists Create Together

by Kerry Hawkins

Many of the things I love about a Boston Handmade get together is we get to share experiences, maybe learn a new skill, and ask members about their craft. In my case, I finally learned how to crochet. Diane, of Lady Dye Fiber Arts, took the time to show me how to do a chain and off I went. I do have to keep practicing!

Diane also, spins her own yarn. It was great to watch her spin and ask her about how where she buys her wool and how she dyes it. Often our meetings are a sharing of information and support for our craft.

Later, in the evening we turned our meeting from learning crochet to talking about being a small business person.

Jessica Burko and Lynn Mohney were also in attendance. Lynn decided to learn crochet, as well. Jessica was well into a knitted skirt for her daughter during our get together. It is always fun to see people create.

Is there a craft you would like to learn or spend more time on?