Monday Mosaic - Favorite Things

Rodgers and Hammerstein had an interesting list of favorite things to share in The Sound Of Music: "Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens, Brown paper packages tied up with strings, These are a few of my favorite things..." just to name a few. And here at Boston Handmade we have our own favorite things as seen above shared by our members:
Christine Marie Art
Lucie Wicker Photography
Sea Glass Things
Elizabeth Brennick Designs
Mimi K
Majenta Designs
K Hawkins Photography
Glamourpuss Creations
Yarn Obsession
Reclaimed To You
Stonehouse Studio
Fraske Designs
muchacha K Handmade
Cozy Cottage Creations
and there's even some kitten whiskers and a kettle thrown in there! What are your favorite things?

Pincushion

by, Twigs and Heather

Oh, the pleasure and the pain...

This is another piece from my pincushion series.

The first one I have made with 6 pins and it's a big one.

The heart with pins is over 1 inch wide and is 1/2 inch thick to fit all those lovely (ouch) pins.

The pincushions are one of my favorite pieces to make and they are a reflection of the craziness of life and love for me (KAC).

I'm pretty happy with the photos too. Usually I swear a lot and may even start to cry trying to take a decent shot.

This one is going to be hard to keep out of my private collection!

You can see more of our pincushion collection at www.twigsandheather.com.

Another Etsy Resource

by Lucie of Lucie Wicker Photography

I recently participated in my first "community chat" in the Etsy Virtual Labs. It started out as an excuse to kill some time on a quiet Friday in the office plus I figured I could probably pick up a few tips. The topic was "Time Management and Organization for the Holidays" and it was run by etsy's Beth Ferreira. It was set up as a webcast with Beth on a webcam and the participants typing in their questions/comments. She had also prepared handy slides for us to follow. In her presentation she addressed the specific challenges of getting organized (time-consuming tasks, email/phone distractions, etc) and how to tackle these things head on. She also emphasized the importance of setting goals for your business, making lists (and actually sticking to them) and batch processes. Probably the most valuable piece of advice to took from it was the concept of creating a calendar- blocking off specific time to create, time to ship, time to do bookkeeping, etc. instead of sporadically doing things throughout the day.

To see a calendar of future Etsy events click here

Also if you are interested here are the slides

Enjoy!

Lush Beads Goes Where The Artists Are

By Liz Stewart of Lush Beads

Whew! It's been a whirlwind summer for me and my business. I decided to relocate to the Western Avenue Studios in Lowell. I officially opened here in the middle of August, and I could not be happier with my decision. There is so much creative energy in this building!! I really needed this boost. It's much easier to get out of a creative rut when you have other artists around to talk with and discuss ideas. And with over 100 artists working in this building, I have a lot of folks with whom I can talk!
My shop hasn't changed much - I still sell beading supplies, teach classes, do jewelry repairs, and make my own finished work. Being here allows me to participate in any established events hosted here. Our first one will be "First Saturdays", which happens on the first Saturday of every month. Think of it as a mini Open Studios event - artists open their doors to the public, so it allows visitors to see the artists at work and purchase original artwork. My first "First Saturdays" will be Saturday, September 6th, and to celebrate I am hosting a book signing by author (and friend) Karen Morris. She recently released The Beading Answer Book, and it is a great little book chock full of information and reference material. She'll be signing from 3-5PM. I'll also have refreshments and some raffles.

Artists Town Meeting

by, Chris of Christine Marie Art

I have to admit -- numbers, laws, policy, healthcare -- it all makes my head swim. However, recently I attended an "Artists Town Meeting" sponsored by Kathleen Bitetti of the Artists Foundation, with special guest Representative John D. Keenan, House Member of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development.

Together, they are furthering the Massachusetts agenda for:

• Affordable healthcare for artists


• Legislation on issues that impact artists, including a push for a more comprehensive Orphan Works bill, and a bill that would exempt all artists from collecting state sales tax


• Empowering artists to become part of the public policy dialogue on issues that directly impact their livelihoods through the Creative Alliance

In addition to all of the "stuff that makes my head swim," the Artists Foundation website offers an array of marketing and promotional tips (including open studios tips!) that are a fun read.

They urge artists of all disciplines to "Stand up and be Counted" on their online questionanaire, in order to better advocate for our population. And there are two free events, also designed to share information for artists of all disciplines to add to your calendar :

1. Artists Leadership & Entrepreneurship Conference, Saturday November 8 & Sunday November 9 at the Boston Public Library


2. Artists Under the Dome Second Annual Event at the State House, Thursday November 13 form 10am - 3pm

New Work - Sea Glass Picture Holders

by Marla of Sea Glass Things

When out beach combing, I tend to pick up everything. Even sea glass that is not totally ripe for the picking or may have some imperfections - I will place them in my bucket and inspect each item when I return home.

With some brainstorming and help from a friend - sea glass picture holders were created. Simple and whimsical, yet functional, they look great anywhere... and bring a piece of the ocean's history into your home! Stay tuned as they will be in my Etsy store soon and will be available for sale at upcoming events I will be participating in!

September with Boston Handmade

compiled by Jessica of Reclaimed To You

The autumn show season is upon us and THIS MONTH Boston Handmade members are exhibiting their work all over the Commonwealth and beyond!

Twigs and Heather

Twist
Sept. 5, from 5pm - 9pm
Sept. 6, from 10am - 8pm
North Hampton, MA
Twist is a contemporary spin on craft, a new event showcasing original handmade goods & art.

Artists’ Group of Charlestown
Art in the Park 2008
Sept. 13, 10am - 5:30pm
City Square Park, Charlestown
This outdoor festival brings art lovers & freedom trail followers into the heart of City Square. Art, music, food & lots of fun.

stART on the Street Festival
Sept. 21, from 11am - 5pm
Park Avenue, between Highland & Pleasant Streets, Worcester, MA
Central Massachusetts' largest arts street festival. Featuring artists and crafters, bands, performances, food and MORE!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Lucie of Lucie Wicker Photography

Jamaica Plain Open Studios
Sept. 27 & Sept. 28, 11am-7pm
19 Eliot St, Jamaica Plain, MA
This weekend is a wonderful chance to meet artists, tour their studios, explore new artworks & media & purchase pieces for your home & office directly from the artists.

Artists in the Arboretum
Sept. 15 - Oct. 10
Public Reception:
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 6-8 PM
125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain, MA
Local artists exhibit Arboretum-inspired work. The juried exhibition is organized in conjunction with Jamaica Plain Open Studios.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Lisa O'Neill of
Glamourpuss Creations

The Somerville Rock & Roll Yard Sale
Sept. 6, 3-7 pm
Union SQ, Somerville, MA



The Urban Country Fair
Sept. 20, 3-7 pm
Union SQ, Somerville, MA

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Elizabeth Brennick Designs

South End
Open Market
Sept. 20 & 21,
10am - 4pm
540 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA.


Providence Open Market
September 6 & 27, 11am - 5pm
Lippitt Park, east Side of Providence, RI Corner of Blackstone Blvd. and Hope Streets

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Jennifer Hill
of JHill Design

Jamaica Plain Open Studios
Sept. 27 & Sept. 28,
Footlight Club, 7 Eliot St, Jamaica Plain, MA.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Louise Cady-Fernandes
of The Hole Thing

Lexington
Farmer's Market
TODAY, Sept. 2 & Sept. 16, 2 - 6:30pm
Located on Massachusetts Avenue at the corner of Woburn Street in Lexington, MA

South End Open Market
Sept. 7 & Sept. 20 - 21, 10am - 4pm
540 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA

Bedford Farmer's market
Sept. 29, 2 - 6:30pm
Corner of South Rd and Railroad Ave., Bedford, MA

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Jessica Burko of Reclaimed To You

Jamaica Plain Open Studios
15th Annual Juried Exhibition
Sept. 2 - 18
Opening Reception:
Friday, Sept 12, 6-8pm
Maliotis Cultural Center at Helenic College
50 Goddard Avenue,
Brookline, MA

South End Open Studios
Sept. 20 - 21, 11am - 6pm
See Jessica Burko's work in her studio space located on the 2nd floor at 35 Wareham Street between Harrison & Albany Streets

Jamaica Plain Open Studios
Sept. 27 - 28, 11am - 6pm
Jessica Burko will be showing on the 2nd floor of the Eliot School, located at 24 Eliot Street near the intersection of Centre Street

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Linda B. Dunn

Western Avenue Studios
Sept. 6, 12 - 5pm
122 Western Avenue,
Lowell MA
Free parking!

Lowell Open Studios
Sept. 27 - 28, 11am - 5pm
Free parking at 122 Western Avenue; free shuttle bus to downtown Lowell, MA

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kerry Hawkins, KHawkinsPhoto

Custom Art Framing
and Gallery Nine
Sept. 5, 5 - 7 pm
679 Washington St,
Norwood, MA
First Friday Artist Opening
See the art and hear the artist talk about her work







- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Blue Alvarez Designs

Fashions from the Darkside
Sept. 19, 9 pm - 1 am
The Asylum 121 Center Street, Portland, Maine
part of Plague, Friday night goth dance

Jamaica Plain Open Studios
Sept. 27 - 28, 11am - 6pm
In Jamaica Plain, MA
along South, Centre, and Elliot Streets.
(full map available on website closer to show date)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Jaye from Thirteenth Story

The Boston Zine Fair Sept. 20, 10 am - 6 pm Art Institute of Boston 601 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02215

stART in the Street Sept. 21, 11 am - 5 pm Park Avenue, between Highland & Pleasant Streets, Worcester, MA

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Betsy of Stonehouse Studio

South End Open Market
Sept. 7, 20 & 21
10am - 4pm
540 Harrison Ave.
in Boston's South End

Boston "Ahts" Festival
Friday, Sept. 12, 2pm-7pm
Saturday & Sunday Sept, 13 & 14, 12-6pm
Christopher Columbus Park, on Boston's Waterfront

Jamaica Plain Open Studios
Sept 28 & 29
11am - 6pm
Eliot School, outside

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Jennifer Tang of MaJenta Designs

Rock n' Roll Yard Sale
Sept. 6, 3-7 pm
Union Square Plaza, 90 Union Square, Somerville, MA

StART on the Street Fair
Sept. 21, 11 am - 5 pm
Worcester, MA
Park Avenue from Highland Street to Pleasant Street

Faire on the Square Sept. 27, 10-4 pm

Saltonstall Park, Watertown, MA

At town hall, 3 blocks along Main St. (rte 20), behind the library

Mosaic Monday - So Soft

Soft to the touch, soft to the eye. Art, jewelry, wearables all expressing softness in their own ways created by Boston Handmade members:
The Hole Thing
Yarn Obsession
Elizabeth Brennick Designs
K Hawkins Photography
Mimi K
Stonehouse Studio
Reclaimed To You
Christine Marie Art
Nancyrosetta
Lucie Wicker Photography
Cozy Cottage Creations
and see more images by members of Boston Handmade in our Flickr Photo Pool.