Vintage Fun

By Kerry of Khawkinsphoto

Sunday, I did a photo walk with a friend in the South End. it was a perfect day for it. Sunny and crisp. We took a walk down Harrison Ave and found the SOWA Vintage Market. I haven't been to the market since they moved from down the street. It was a nice discovery. I love to photograph old, quirky things. It is upon every Sunday and First Fridays and I will be making return visits. There were lots of vendors with everything like jewelry, clothing, prints, glassware, books, prints and much more...

In the last photo is my reflection. My head looks really big!

DailyLovely - A Year Long Photo Project

by Allison of Fraske Designs

There is so much beauty in every day, even in the dreariest, coldest months. So I am challenging myself to take a photo a day of lovely things in 2012. Big or small. Grand or mundane.

This might not sound like such a difficult resolution to keep for a photographer, but sometimes I get wrapped up in planning what I want to photograph that I am not paying enough attention to what is photo-worthy right in front of me. And there is plenty of that to be had every day.

You can follow on facebook, twitter, instagram (@allisonfraske, #dailylovely) or at www.dailylovely.com!

One week down, 51 to go. Wish me luck!

Puzzling Cats and Dogs

By Nancy of nancyrosetta

My sister and former Boston Handmader Kathy Weller, has recently reached the big time. Well, she is on her way anyhow! She has been working to have her illustrations licensed in various ways including this one that I am super excited for! Puzzles!

She has two designs in partnership with Andrews & Blaine available at Barnes and Noble and as soon as I found out, I was on a hunt for them. Sadly, my hunt was premature since no B&N in my area are stocking the puzzles yet. They are so new that they are probably still on the truck!

I was able to order them both online, though.

Jive Cats are hip well dressed cats and I heard from the artist that this puzzle is super challenging, I can't wait to get it and find out for myself!

Community Bridge features dogs that will teach you how to speak french, so I'm told!

Even though these puzzles are not handmade, the blood, sweat, and tears behind the artwork is, and I love that I can share this with you. I am so proud of my sister, she is living her dream right before my eyes.

Both puzzles are available at Barnes and Noble online. I can't wait to see them displayed in a store. I will be keeping my eye out for these colorful cats and dogs each time I visit the bookstore, I am sure!

Our Feast of the Seven Fishes

by Lucie of Lucie Wicker Photography

One of my friends decided that this year we should try making a Feast of the Seven Fishes, an Italian Christmas tradition. Since cooking, eating, and drinking are some of our favorite activities, it was not hard to convince the rest of us that this was a good idea. We each picked a few dishes to try and attempt, and I brought my camera to document the evening-

Making fresh fettuccine (with a Kitchenaid mixer)

Waiting patiently to be cooked.

Appetizers

Eating mussels with mussels.

Smelts!

Fritto Misto

Wrapping the stuffed branzino

Seasoning the Whole Roasted Branzino with Fennel and Onions

Baccala (salted cod) with Polenta

We were all working somewhat outside of our comfort zones, working with techniques and ingredients that were new for us. Overall, we deemed the evening a success and already decided we would try it again next year!

I linked the dishes in the photos to some of the recipes we found online, here are a few more-

Jump Shrimp Marsala House-wife Style (Gamberoni Casalinga Siciliana)
Sauteed Broccoli Rabe
Chocolate Espresso Balsamic Fudge

Monday Mosaic: Works in Grey

Curated by Lynne of Cozy Cottage Creations

1. Sawdust Fired Pot ,by City by the Sea Ceramics
2. Mens Black Waxwing Bird Tshirt , by An Li Studio
3. Happy House Pendant ,by Nancyrosetta
4. Penguin throw pillow , by Hibou Designs
5. Market tote - Vintage barkcloth with a tropical vibe , by Stray Notions
6. Grey chairs postcard by cricicis design

Favorite Local Yarn Shops

by Jessica Burko of Reclaimed to You

JP Knit & Stitch located at 461 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

For several years now I have been a voracious knitter. I love all things yarn. I go nutty over knitting accessories and books of knitting patterns. I could spend all day talking about knitting, and learning knitting techniques. If you knit, you probably know exactly how I feel. If you don't knit, my goodness, what are you waiting for?!

Check out these great local yarn shops (LYS) for supplies, inspiration, instruction, and everything you need to get going on all types of textile projects. What are your favorite local yarn shops? Please share your faves in the comments - thanks!

A Good Yarn located at 4 Station Street, Brookline Village, MA 02445

Arts Marketing and Business Classes

This year Boston Handmade will be one of three sponsors for a new series of workshops geared towards creative entrepreneurs called, The Focusing Series, which is a collection of arts marketing and business workshops for professionals in the local creative economy. Sponsors for this series are The Jamaica Plain Arts Council, Boston Handmade and Alternate Currents, and the series is recommended by The Eliot School of Fine and Applied Arts.

For artists, designers, and craftspeople, operating a small business in today’s vibrant atmosphere of DIY entrepreneurs, this series of 15 workshops targets crucial topics for success such as How to Set-up and Sell Online, Time Management for Creative People, The Art of Branding, Photo-Documenting Your Art, and more.

Three local arts professionals, Anna Koon, Jessica Burko, and Scott Cipolla teach workshops in this series. Workshops will be held at locations along Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, and will cost $30 per session, with discounts offered by registering for three or more classes. For registration information and a full list of workshops visit: http://www.eliotschool.org/category/category/marketing-artists or download a PDF with a full listing of all workshops at: http://www.a2n2.net/2012WorkshopSchedule.pdf.

About the instructors:

Anna Koon: In addition to exhibiting and selling her artwork on a continual basis, Anna Koon is a board member and educator for the Jamaica Plain Arts Council. She also works as a Creative Coach, offering principled guidance and practical assistance to artists and creative entrepreneurs. Additionally she is a small business consultant and avid volunteer. Anna has a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, with additional studies at The Atlanta College of Art, and the Photography School of France. http://www.a2n2.net/services.html

Jessica Burko: Jessica Burko is a professional artist, independent curator and the Executive Director of Boston Handmade. She is the Principle of Burko Design, offering services to artists and arts organizations to help them achieve their professional goals. Beyond exhibiting, selling, and promoting her own artwork she has worked as a professional Arts Marketer since 1997. She has a BFA in Photography from the Rhode Island School of Design, and her MFA in Imaging Arts & Sciences from the Rochester Institute of Technology. http://www.jessicaburko.com/BDIntro.html

Scott Cipolla: Since 2004 Scott Cipolla has served as Director of Alternate Currents, a platform developed to bring together contemporary artists from Boston’s diverse neighborhoods and represent them as a whole; encouraging networking and communication between these talented groups through promotional events and curated exhibitions. Since receiving her BFA in painting from Boston University, she has employed her talent for design and marketing through websites, printed materials and event planning. A former gallery owner, Scott currently assists the Education Department at the Peabody Museum of Harvard University. http://www.alternatecurrents.com/

Make this year THE year that you get serious about your creative business. Learn how to increase your exposure, sales, and reach your goals.

North Carolina Pottery

by Karen Mahoney of City by the Sea Ceramics

Over the the holiday break my husband and I visited his family in North Carolina. The nearby Mint Museum was having an exhibit on pottery from the state, so we made sure to stop by while in the area. Here's a few of my favorites from the show.

Andrew Linton

Brent Smith

Daniel Johnston

Sidney Luck