Happy New Year!

Fireworks photograph by Yulia Kazansky Art Studio

Cheers to 2013 and a new year to live handmade!

Monday Mosaic: Holiday Reds

Curated by Kerry Hawkins

1. Large Red Earrings with Soft Spikes by IanHendersonArt
2.  Whole Lotta Love Original Pop Valentine Painting by a2n2koon
3. Frilly Reds - Bracelet by LushBeads
4.  Portable, Foldable Bag Hanger Purse Hook -- Autumnal Harvest - Gold and Crimson Twilight Floral Garden - Japanese Chiyogami Paper by MaJentaDesigns

Merry Christmas

Elk holiday card set by Cricicis Designs

From all of us to all of you.

Wishing you everything wonderful today and always.

Monday Mosaic: Silent Night

All is calm, all is bright

North Star Pendant by Cristina Hurley
Boston Evening Skyline by Lucie Wicker
Encaustic collage titled 'Home' by Jessica Burko
Edgar Allan Poe's Raven by Monkey Chow

Last Minute Handmade Holiday Gift Guide

Are you still looking for the perfect gift for the person who has it all? Do you need one last special stocking stuffer for Christmas morning? Is the blandness of gift options out there getting you down? Have no fear, Handmade is here!

THIS WEEKEND there are several fantastic events and unique places to shop for those last gifts on your holiday list. Check out these venues in and around Boston to find the perfect something you've been searching for:

The 2012 Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery at Cristina Hurley Gallery in Canton, MA

The Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery is open today through Christmas Eve, 11am to 7pm, and this afternoon we'll be having a special Handmade Celebration with yummy treats (lovingly made by our gallery exhibitors), take-home DIY projects (courtesy of our friends at Etsy.com) and a chance to win the 2012 Handmade Collection. The party is from 3-7pm at the gallery located at 554 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021.

UFORGE Gallery Holiday Fair at the Fotlight Club in Jamaica Plain, MA

UFORGE Gallery and the Trustees of Eliot Hall, home of the Footlight Club are cohosting a Holiday Fine Art and Craft Fair today from 11am to 6pm. The event will feature more than 30 exhibitors selling handmade work including photography, jewelry, pottery, stationary, clothing, soap and specialty bakery products. Check out this special neighborhood event at Eliot Hall, 7A Eliot Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.

Western Avenue Studios in Lowell, MA (photo by Meghan Moore, Megpix Photography)

Western Avenue Studios is home to more than 200 working artists, many of whom have open studios hours this weekend. Visit the converted mill complex and you will find two buildings, six floors and 143 studios filled with artists working in all disciplines, media and styles. The studios are located in a brick mill building at 122 Western Avenue in Lowell, Massachusetts, near the heart of downtown. Be sure to check out some of Boston Handmade's favorites: Lush Beads, Made In Lowell, Toil and Trouble, Heather Wang, and The Intuitive Garden.

Are you showing and selling your handmade work this weekend? Please add your event or studio information in the comments section and let's all help make this the season of handmade!

Holiday Art and Craft Fair TOMORROW, Saturday, December 22

Christmas is right around the corner but it's not too late to find the perfect handmade gift to give! This Saturday in Jamaica Plain you can head to Eliot Hall  in The Footlight Club to do your last minute shopping. The event, sponsored by UForge Gallery and Eliot Hall, will host 30 vendors selling handmade arts and crafts including Boston Handmade members Karen Mahoney of City by the Sea Ceramics and Sharon Fischer of Stray Notions. Stop by and see what these local artists have, you may find the perfect item.

City by the Sea Ceramics

Stray Notions

Celebrate Handmade THIS Saturday at the Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery

Two of the five items included in the 2012 Handmade collection

Boston Handmade and the Cristina Hurley Gallery are gearing up for a Handmade Holiday celebration this Saturday, December 22nd from 3-7pm at 554 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021. Join us for refreshments and some end of the season shopping and be sure to have the most original holiday present for everyone on your list.

As if that’s not enough, we’re giving away a FREE gift for one very lucky partygoer. Simply print our party announcement (http://bostonhandmade.org/HolidayGallery2012HandmadeCollection.htm) and bring it with you for a chance to win the 2012 Handmade Collection with work created by five gallery exhibitors.

Included in the 2012 Handmade Collection:
An oxidized Sterling Silver necklace with cubic zirconia, as pictured above, created by Cristina Hurley. A 2013 Desk Calendar, as pictured above, featuring photography by Lucie Wicker. An original photograph printed on watercolor paper and hand stitched to drawing paper by Jessica Burko. A pair of one-of-a-kind fingerless gloves made from upcycled woolen sweaters by Sharon Fischer. A lattice work beaded bracelet by Liz Stewart of Lush Beads.

Give Handmade. Get Joy.
Be a Handmade Hero this holiday season by supporting neighborhood businesses and local artists. See you Saturday!

For more information about the Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery visit:
http://bostonhandmade.org/HolidayGallery2012.htm

Monday Mosaic: Take A Seat

Curated by Kerry of Kerry Hawkins Photo
 

Tired from all the holiday shopping? Take a load off and shop online for handmade art and craft: http://bostonhandmade.org/FeaturedOnlineShops.htm

1. 13x19, So this is Destiny - Bacon Limited Edition Poster Print by MonkeyChow
2. Collectible plush character - Mr. Noze Knows - hand sewn felt weird funny plush - OOAK by HibouDesigns
3. Take a Seat, Amsterdam, 11 x 14 Matted Photograph by KHawkinsPhoto
4. notebook with chairs by cricicis

Night Owl Deals on Handmade Goods at Boston Bazaar Bizaare (this Sunday!)

Ten Boston Handmade members will be featured in the annex at the Boston Bazaar Bizaare this Sunday (December 16) and for the first time many of us will be offering "Night Owl" specials for folks who shop during the last hour of the show (5-6 pm).  Admission to the show (only $1) is free after 5pm, and the line is expected to be shorter as well. Hand crafted goods are always a great deal:  you get unique and well made items and support local artisans.  We hope to see you, whether it's earlier in the day for the best selection or later for some special deals.

After 5 pm you will receive 10% off from the following vendors:
Cristina Hurley Jewelry Design ~ ~ ~ jewelery
Hibou Designs ~ ~ ~ fiber/softies
Lady Dye Fiber Arts & Design ~ ~ ~ fiber/handspun yarn
Lucie Wicker Photography ~ ~ ~ photography

Lush Beads ~ ~ ~ jewelery

Monkey Chow ~ ~ ~ graphic design/paper goods

Stray Notions ~ ~ ~ fiber creation

And $10 off a $100 purchase from:

Zoa Chimerum Jewelry ~ ~ ~ jewelery

Details:
Sunday, December 16, noon - 6pm
BCA Cyclorama
539 Tremont Street, Boston
Admission $1

Visit Boston Handmade at the Boston Bazaar Bizaare this Saturday

Boston Handmade will be "setting up shop" in our own area within the Bazaar Bizaare at the Cyclcorama in Boston's South End on December 16th.  (on the Map it is the area to the left with the lettered spaces) Ten members will be offering handmade goods in a boutique area just off the main floor. We hope you'll come visit and find something you will love or love to give. Come early (well actually it starts at noon) for the best selection or later (between 5-6) for the night owl specials many vendors are offering.  We'll also have Boston Handmade T-shirts for sale, designed by our founder Jessica Burko and printed by alum Evan Webster, a great way to show your support for local artisans.

Details:
Sunday, December 16, noon - 6pm
BCA Cyclorama
539 Tremont Street, Boston
Admission $1

Participating Boston Handmade Members:
City by the Sea Ceramics ~ ~ ~ ceramics
Cristina Hurley Jewelry Design ~ ~ ~ jewelery
Hibou Designs ~ ~ ~ fiber/softies
Kerry Hawkins Photography ~ ~ ~ photography

Lady Dye Fiber Arts & Design ~ ~ ~ fiber/handspun yarn
Lucie Wicker Photography ~ ~ ~ photography

Lush Beads ~ ~ ~ jewelery

Monkey Chow ~ ~ ~ graphic design/paper goods

Stray Notions ~ ~ ~ fiber creation

Zoa Chimerum Jewelry ~ ~ ~ jewelery

Monday Mosaic: Blue Hues

Curated by Kerry Hawkins

1. Soft sculpture ''Internal Landscape'' - hand sewn and needle felted soft sculture by HibouDesigns - OOAK by HibouDesigns
2. 1 Inch Wide Dog Collar with Adjustable Buckle or Martingale in Moustache an Exclusive Design by codyscreations
3. Turquoise Cup with Rope Impression by Citybytheseaceramics
4.  I'm Still Here by a2n2koon

The Holiday Season is Here!

By Diane Ivey, Lady Dye Fiber Arts

Hi Everyone - It has been a while since I last wrote a blog post and I have to say, I have missed all of you! I have been busy preparing for a couple of trunk shows and craft fairs for the last two months and have not been in communication with the world. I wanted to let you know that Lady Dye Fiber Arts is doing well and I am looking forward to an incredible holiday season.

Listed below are two opportunities to come and check out my yarn! In addition to my yarn, I will be selling amazing broaches, felted soap, and a great cowl pattern. Some photos of my products are shown below for you all to see! Happy Holidays Everyone!

Lady Dye Fiber Arts Trunk Show at JP Knit & Stitch
Friday, December 14th, 5-7pm, 461 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA

Boston Bazaar Bizarre with members of Boston Handmade
Sunday, December 16th, 12-6pm, BCA Cyclorama, 539 Tremont Street, Boston, MA
Admission $1 ***Come and check out Boston Handmade at the Bazaar Bizarre!***

Here is a photo of my second knitwear design pattern that you can purchase through my ETSY Shop or at any of the events I will be at listed above:

This is a photo of a broach that I made and I have about 60 more of them ready to be purchased from all of you!

Need some hand soap? Or how about some soap to take a bath? Lady Dye has got you covered! Look at my new felted soap! Felted soap is your soap and washcloth all in one. As you lather the soap, the wool remains tight around the soap making the bar last longer. The felt shrinks along with the soap as you use it.

Monday Mosaic: The Art of Nature

1. 5x7/ Tea Time / Flower / Greeting Cards/ Blank Inside/ Water Color by Chie Yasuda
2. 13x19, Magical Unicorn - I pretend it's just a party hat by MonkeyChow
3.  Hair Comb Blue Origami Peace Crane by ElephunksTrunk
4. orange kitten bookplates by cricicis

Handmade by YOU at Gather Here in Cambridge

Detail of Tea Towel from the 2012 Etsy Craft Party at Gather Here, created by Saraland

Have you heard? The holidays are coming! It's time to crank up your creative spirit and show your loved ones what they really mean to you by making something for them with your very own hot little hands. You can do it. Really, you can.

To help you through the creative process is Gather Here, a fabric, yarn, and fibers store offering classes in an inspirational work space with knowledgeable instructors. For almost two years their aim has been to provide a creative, fun, inspiring environment for the maker in everyone.

The concept behind Gather Here is that if you have the space, equipment, and assistance, you can make anything. They provide a place to make something without having to purchase your own expensive equipment or make room in your home to craft. It's also a place where people can meet others who share a common interest (or two), and it's a gathering space to create, support, and learn from each other. Gather Here offers classes in sewing (beginner to advanced), knitting (beginner to intermediate), crochet, hand embroidery, and also workshops that cover crafts like block printing, and repurposing all kinds of stuff.

For your holiday gift making pleasure, there are still spaces available in a number of the December workshops at Gather Here:

• fliptop mittens (if you've been aching to learn to knit mittens this class is for you!)
• crochet lace bookmark (an introduction to crochet lace charts)
• patchwork stockings (a great introduction to quilting)
• penguin ornaments (make one, make a hundred)
• crochet cowl (a lovely striped cowl you can finish in a few evenings)
• an Ipad case (or Kindle or laptop or whatever e-reader)

There's also a special book binding workshop THIS Saturday, December 1st, at 3pm with recently published and seasoned North Bennett Street instructor, Stacie Dolin, and if you have children looking for a quick sewing fix, they're offering a three-day Winter Sewing Camp from December 26th through the 28th. This class is a great gift for a young crafter interested in using a sewing machine, installing zippers, and wearing handmade pajama pants in 2013. 

Gather Here is located at 370 Broadway in Cambridge, MA, right on the corner of Lee and Broadway. Check out their website for tons more information and let them help you MAKE SOMETHING this holiday season: http://www.gatherhereonline.com/

Boston Handmade at the JP Holiday Fair THIS Saturday!

Don't forget!
We will be showing at the First Church in Jamaica Plain's annual Holiday Craft Fair
THIS Saturday, December 1, 2012
from 11am to 6pm.
See you there!

6 Eliot Street

Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130

 

Monday Mosaic: Gifts From Our Holiday Gallery

Available for your gift giving pleasure at the Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery...

Hand stitched broaches made from recycled felted wool, by Stray Notions
Photo coasters for the music lover, by Lucie Wicker Photography
Sterling silver earrings, by Cristina Hurley
Handmade stoneware mugs, by City by the Sea Ceramics

Looking for more? Check out all of our Holiday Gallery exhibitors by clicking HERE.

An opening party extravaganza

by Jessica Burko

It's with great delight that I report to you that the grand opening party of the 2012 Boston Handmade Holiday Gallerywas an enormous success! The gallery opened on Saturday, November 17th with a GIANT RUSH of shoppers and a flurry of holiday cheer! We are thrilled that so many people came to celebrate with us and are grateful to everyone who came together this season to make handmade magic once again.

I have been describing the grand opening party as a "mob scene" and I want you to know that description is in no way an exaggeration. I actually had to leave early with my two small children because I was worried for their safety in the crush of people purchasing unique holiday gifts for friends and loved ones. Oh the insanity!

 

It was so crowded in there it was hard to move at times, and the line at the register wound all the way through the space. People were enchanted by the newly opened venue in Canton Center. One shopper commented to me that she found the perfect gift for her mother-in-law and couldn't believe that it was the first holiday gift she bought this season because her mother-in-law is notoriously difficult to shop for. Go handmade go! Go handmade go!

BIG cheers of gratitude go to Boston Handmade member Cristina Hurley for hosting our gallery this season at her beautiful new Canton space, and to Aaron of Monkey Chow for being the very first gallery volunteer this season, working at the gallery the entire opening day and coming back for more on Sunday.

Additional gratitude goes to gallery exhibitors who contributed items to the free gift bags that went to the first 20 gallery customers (the bags were gone in mere minutes!), Cody's Creations, Happy Owl Glassworks, Cristina Hurley, Lucie Wicker, and there were also items included from Boston Handmade and Etsy.com, who has been a long-time supporter of our group.

The party was catered by Laura MacDougall of Home Plate Advantage Personal Chef Service, who made sure that everyone was well nourished during their shopping rampage through the fields of handmade.

Apologies for the blurry and low quality photos. They were all I could capture as I squeezed through the arts enthusiasts enthusiastically toasting the new gallery and making merry.

The party may now be a memory, but we still have many beautiful items awaiting you and the gallery will be receiving new inventory from exhibitors throughout the season, so shop early and shop often! Find us through December 30th at:
Cristina Hurley Gallery
554 Washington Street
Canton, MA 02021

Make this year the beginning of your handmade holiday traditions.
Make this year bright with Boston Handmade.

Happy Handmade Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Nightlight on orange Fused Glass by Happy Owl Glass, exhibitor at the 2012 Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery in Canton, MA through December 30th.

Wishing you a happy handmade holiday from all of us at Boston Handmade. Gobble gobble gobble!

Boston Handmade at the Jamaica Plain Holiday Fair

We are so thrilled to participate (for the *5th* year in a row!) in the First Church in Jamaica Plain's annual holiday craft fair. We will be back up on the stage selling our work and celebrating the season along with 50 other artists and craftsmen. The fair will also featuring a live band and delicious homemade baked goods. What's not to love?!

Representing Boston Handmade will be:
Anna Koon
Cody's Creations
Kerry Hawkins Photography
Lucie Wicker Photography
Monkey Chow
Seeds of Joie

Show Details:
Saturday, December 1, 2012
11am to 5pm
First Church in Jamaica Plain
6 Eliot St
Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130

View Larger Map

SEE YOU THERE!

Monday Mosaic: Wearable Art

1. Sakura Springtime Sky Blue - Japanese Chiyogami Square Glass Pendant by MaJentaDesigns
2. Sterling Silver Kenpo karate inspired Dragon Pendant Black and silver by CristinaHurley
3.Pink flower, Glass Tile necklace with 29 inch mini ball chain by KerryHawkinsphoto
4. Green ceramic pendant, rectangle glossy rope textured stoneware by Citybytheseaceramics

Wearable art by Boston Handmade members Cristina Hurley and Kerry Hawkins are available for sale online or at the Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery!

Holiday Gallery Grand Opening!

Letterpress holiday card by Albertine Press

Join members and friends of Boston Handmade for the Grand Opening Party celebrating our 2012 Holiday Gallery hosted by jewelry artist Cristina Hurley TODAY, Saturday, November 17, from 3-6pm at:
Cristina Hurley Gallery
554 Washington Street
Canton, MA 02021

Visit the gallery on our opening day and get first dibs on all the handmade holiday goodness - - mostly one-of-a-kind items! - - all hand crafted by local artists and artisans.

Want a reward for shopping early? You got it!

The first 20 Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery customers will receive a free gift bag containing handmade items and gifts from our gallery exhibitors and members of Boston Handmade Happy Owl Glassworks, Cristina Hurley, Jessica Burko, Etsy.com, Boston Handmade, Cody's Creations, Lady Dye Fiber Arts, and more!

Want a BIG thank you for supporting local artists? Here you go!

The first 15 customers who spend $100 or more on any combinations of gallery items will receive a free Boston Handmade t-shirt!

That's right, FREE GIFTS. What more could you want? How about hors d'oeuvres - - we've got 'em!

It's not a party without treats, and we are trembling with anticipation for party refreshments by Laura MacDougall of Home Plate Advantage Personal Chef Service.

The Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery will be open for business and fully stocked with the perfect gifts for your loved ones from:
November 17 - December 30, 2012
Wednesdays - Sundays
11am - 7pm.
We'll be open Christmas Eve too for those last minute shoppers!
(closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)
 
Find us this season at:
Cristina Hurley Gallery
554 Washington Street
Canton, MA 02021

"Monday" Mosaic: Winter Whites

A Monday Mosaic on a Wednesday, stranger things have happened!

Curated by Kerry Hawkins of Khawkinsphoto

1. White 7 Spike Plume Necklace on 18" silver chain by Zoa Chimerum Jewelry

2. Teapot with blue chrysanthemums and rope texture on white clay by Citybytheseaceramics3 Trumpet- 8x10- Photo Print by Lucie Wicker Photography
4. Wedding Pearls - Necklace by LushBeads

The Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery is Taking Shape

by Jessica Burko

Photo by Holiday Gallery exhibitor, Kerry Hawkins

Since 2008 Boston Handmade has been taking on the crazy project of making something out of nothing for 6 short weeks during the holiday season. In the past we have utilized vacant storefronts and magically transformed them into winter wonderlands of handmade gifting goodness seemingly overnight! This year we are able to join forces with one of our very own members who is graciously hosting our semi-annual holiday extravaganza in her new Canton, MA gallery space.

Sterling Silver Falling Water Necklace with Garnet by Cristina Hurley

Cristina Hurley is a metal smith and jewelry artist trained at Rhode Island School of Design. She has been operating a successful jewelry and gift gallery in Canton for 2 years and has decided to take the leap of opening a larger gallery right in the center of Canton. Cristina is kicking off this new venture with the Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery and we couldn't be more delighted!

There's nothing better than seeing something go from idea to fruition so here are a few photos of the gallery space as we put it together during the past couple of weeks...

 Just after we got the keys! The photo on the left is looking out of the gallery from the back wall, and the photo on the right is looking into the gallery from the front windows.

Playing with the space, figuring out where the furniture might go...

...so many possibilities!

Displays started coming in! Here are glass ornaments from Happy Owl Glassworks and paper goods from Albertine Press

Arranging, and rearranging - so much to showcase! Pictured here are pet accessories by Cody's Creations, knit scarves from reclaimed yarn by Jessica Burko, Boston Handmade t-shirts, bags by Stray Notions, and hats by Elephunk's Trunk.

We're gearing up for our Grand Opening party THIS Saturday, November 17th from 3-6pm. Join us for surprises, tasty treats, and a festive kick off to the 2012 Handmade Holiday Season!

ANNOUNCING: The 2012 Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery

It's true! And it's amazing.

For your gift giving pleasure,
the 2012 Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery is OPENING SOON!

This year we will be popping up for a limited time
in Canton, MA at Cristina Hurley Gallery.

Holiday Gallery exhibitors: Fused glass by Happy Owl Glassworks, Pet accessories by Cody's Creations, Fine silver jewelry by Cristina Hurley, Jewelry with unique photos and illustrations by The Intuitive Garden

From November 17th through December 30th, 2012 find us in all our sparkly holiday glory at 554 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021 right in Canton Center just a few minutes walk from the Canton Center T Station. Inventory will be rotating frequently so shop early and shop often, Wednesdays through Sundays, 11am to 7pm. 

Members and friends of Boston Handmade have been making the holiday season bright and brimming with unique art and gifts since 2008. The 2012 Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery is the place to go for unique and high quality locally made gifts. This year Boston Handmade is delighted to be partnering with Cristina Hurley Gallery, exhibiting in her brand new gallery space in the heart of Canton, MA. With artists and artisans working in a wide variety of media, many types of limited edition and one-of-a-kind items will be available for holiday gift giving such as hand crafted jewelry, clothing, accessories, home goods, art, photography, holiday décor, and toys.

Be an original, buy art, and support local independent businesses and individuals creating handmade works in small studio environments, not factories. Artists and artisans will be available at the gallery on a rotating basis to speak with shoppers about items on display and about fine art and craft techniques. Make the 2012 Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery your first and last stop for holiday gift shopping, and make this the season of handmade. 

Want a preview? Visit: http://bostonhandmade.org/HolidayGallery2012.htm

Like to party? Join us at our Grand Opening Party on Saturday, November 17th from 3-6pm. 

Stay tuned for more info, photos, and special announcements as our opening date draws near!

Monday Mosaic: Lines

Curated by Kerry Hawkins of KHawkinsphotography

1. Tray with Chrysanthemums on White on Brown Clay, Blue Glaze by Citybytheseaceramics
2. Tag One Original Mixed Media Painting by a2n2koon
3. Piano2- 5x7- Photo Print by Knight27
4. Pyramid Temple Earrings in Sterling Silver by CristinaHurley