Mixed-Media Assemblage by Kasey Davis Appleman

"The canvas evolves and the still life becomes the art piece."  –Kasey Davis Appleman

If you like found-object art, have an affinity for assemblage, and feel drawn to mixed-media of all types, than the work of local Roslindale, MA artist Kasey Davis Appleman is for you. Appleman's work is more than an eclectic collection of rescued treasures; each piece is a feast for the eyes and tells a story enchanted with fantasy and illusion.

See new work by Kasey Davis Appleman in a show titled, "Painting With Objects" from June 1-30 at the Roslindale Public Library, 4238 Washington Street, Roslindale, MA. Join Appleman for an artist demonstration, exploring the process of making art with found objects, on Wednesday, June 6, from 6:30-7:30pm.

About the artist:
Kasey Davis Appleman finds inspiration through her love of nature and her obsession with collecting antiques, miniatures and the “found object.” Her canvas comes to life with driftwood, metal, glass, miniatures, remnants, broken bits, and other precious “finds.” Kasey's inspiration stems from childhood days spent on the beach gathering treasures with her artist grandmother. Those weekly quests to find unique colors and textures have become a life’s work. The treasure hunting has expanded to the world around her. She is a fifth generation artist and a subscriber to life-long learning, creativity and play. Appleman's work has been exhibited in galleries throughout the greater Boston area. She studied art at Emmanuel College and holds a Bachelor of Fine Art in painting and printmaking.

About the venue:
This exhibition is hosted by the Friends of the Roslindale Library, an all-volunteer group that assists the Roslindale Branch with continually improving the library facility, its services and programs. The group sponsors events and book sales, develops partnerships and promotes library use and new membership. For more information, go to www.friendsofroslindalelibrary.org.

5th Annual Boston Handmade Marketplace

Hand dyed yarn by Toil & Trouble

We're doing it again for a 5th year in a row! Thank you to the Somerville Arts Council for selecting us to participate in the 2012 ArtsUnion Series with our Boston Handmade Marketplace.

Join us on Saturday, June 30, from 3-7pm in Union Square (at the intersection of Washington, Prospect & Somerville Ave.), Somerville, MA for the BIG event! The Somerville Arts Council and Boston Handmade present an ArtsUnion Event: The Boston Handmade Marketplace where 20+ locally grown artists, artisans, and craftspeople will be showing and selling handmade jewelry, ceramics, glass, accessories, handspun yarn, art, photography, paper goods, and more.

Photography by Lucie Wicker

 In addition to the artists and craftspeople exhibiting at the 2012 Boston Handmade Marketplace there will be live performances by local musicians, The Grownup Noise, Nowhere Lights, and newcomer to the music scene, Boston Handmade member Nancy MacCallum. Along with the musical performances throughout the day there will be hands-on craft demonstrations from exhibitors and local arts organizations, The Common Cod Fiber Guild, The Stitch House, and Creative Union. Adding to the fanfare, Lucie Wicker Photographywill be in the Square with her interactive photo booth snapping fanciful portraits throughout the afternoon.

Jewelry by k.o'brien jewelry

Stay tuned to this blog for previews and special news over the next few weeks!

Shopping locally and buying handmade goods means you are supporting local small businesses and strengthening your hometown economy while building a stronger and more vibrant community. Be a Handmade Hero, and say hello to Boston Handmade on June 30th.

Monday Mosaic (on Tuesday!): Summer Begins

Curated by Kerry of Kerryhawkinsphotography

1. Sneakers on the Dock - Lucie Wicker Photography

2. Tote Bag - Stray Notions

3. Foldable Portable Bag Purse Hanger - MaJenta Designs

4. Aloha Pendant - Nancyrosetta

5. Fenway Park Red Seat - Fraske Design

6. Merry-go-Round - Kerry Hawkins Photography

We Salute You

Photo by Kerry Hawkins

Happy Memorial Day

Mosaic Monday: Fuchsia

1. Fuchsia Butterfly Notecard , by An Li Studio
2. The Pocket 20 Treat and Training Pouch , by Cody's Creations
3. Mini pillbox cocktail hat black and pink , by Elephunk's Trunk
4.  Voodoo Pincushion by Hibou Design
5. chickadee square bookplate , by cricicis design
6. Felted wool brooch rose , by Stray Notions
7. Japanese Chiyogami Square Glass Tile Pendant , by MaJenta Designs
8. Felted Geode Bowl in light blue and majenta , by Cozy Cottage Creations
9. Hot pink newborn hat by Reclaimed to You

Boston Handmade at Dedham Open Studios, This Sunday

Join Boston Handmade at The Dedham Community House 
as part of the Dedham Open Studios
Sunday May 20th, 11-5pm

Exhibiting Boston Handmade members include: Nancy Rosetta Jewelry, Jessica Burko, and City by the Sea Ceramics and Kerry Hawkins Photography.

Meet with artists of Boston Handmade and all the artists from Dedham and surrounding areas in over 20 locations including Endicott Estate, Dedham Community House and Newbridge on the Charles.

Dedham Square will feature the unveiling of the first five rabbits of the Dedham Public Art Project, activities for kids, music, sidewalk art and much more!

An exciting one-day event that will put the spotlight on the talent amongst us!

For more Information and Map go towww.dedhamopenstudios.org or www.dedhamshines.org

Monday Mosaic: Handmade Purple Hues

Curated by Kerry of Kerry Hawkins Photo

1. Voodoo Doll - purple breakup doll by Hibou Designs
2.  Hair Comb Purple Origami peace crane by ElephunksTrunk
3.  1 Inch Wide Dog Collar by Cody's Creations
4. Chiyogami Dark Purple Plum Blossoms by MaJenta Designs

Happy Mother's Day from the Mammas of Boston Handmade

We make many things here at Boston Handmade, including children. Here's a sampling of handmade art and craft by the members of our group who are also Mothers - - a salute to you, and here's hoping you are having a wonderful and creative day!

Encaustic collage titled, "All The Dolls" by Jessica Burko, Mother to Zachary and Naomi

Felted pencil cup by Lynne Parrella, Mother to Lydia and Katie

Sterling silver and gold pendant by Cristina Hurley, Mother to Dana

Cocktail hat with pheasant feathers by Celeste of Elephunk's Trunk, Mother to Morgan

Plush owl by Anne-Claire of Hibou Designs, Mother to Jack

Guest blogger: Alyson B. Stanfield with 9 Time-Saving Tips for Your Art Business

As a new feature on the Boston Handmade blog we are hosting guest bloggers from time to time, and this month we are honored to be able to share with you some wisdom on running an arts business from esteemed business coach Alyson B. Stanfield.

Image: ©Janice McDonald, Time Flies. Collage, 12 x 12 x 1 inch. Used with permission.

  
9 Time-Saving Tips for Your Art Business
by guest blogger: Alyson B. Stanfield

The number one complaint I hear from artists is that they don't have enough time.
Sometimes it's not so much a complaint, but a fear‚ a fear that they'll be overwhelmed if they have to add one more business or marketing task to their list of things to do.

We all have the same amount of time, but some of us have learned strategies to be more efficient. See if implementing one or more of these ideas can buy you some sanity.

1. Chunk it.
Schedule your errands together and work on like-minded tasks at the same time. For example, it's usually easier to write a number of blog posts in one sitting than it is to write one a day.

2. Post-date it.
If you write blog posts ahead of time, post-date them to appear throughout the week or month. You can do the same with Twitter and Facebook status updates using platforms such as TweetDeck, Seesmic, or HootSuite.

3. Guard it.
Reserve your peak productivity time for making art, writing blog posts, and completing other tasks that demand creative energy.

4. Learn it.
Getting comfortable with new technology can be overwhelming, but delaying the learning process can cost you the precious time that a new technology can save. Learn the ropes in order to save time in the long run.

5. Automate it.
You'll never miss an important transaction when you automate bill payments, employee wages, and more.

6. Hire it.
If you're so busy that you can't finish projects, it's time to get help. Look to your kids or college students to help you with mailings, update your database, and make labels for your exhibit. Think about a virtual assistant to respond to email requests, configure your blog, or update your website.

7. Ignore it (for now).
Turn off all notifications for your email and social media accounts. You don't need to be interrupted every time someone "pushes" a message your way. Instead, "pull" the messages during your "Chunk it" time when you're ready to do something with them.

8. Process it.
Don't check your email, process it. Answer it, delete it, or file it, but don't leave it to be acted upon later. Do the same with your regular mail. If you look at something multiple times, you have to re-learn it each time. This wastes valuable energy.

9. Finish it.
Follow your tasks through to completion. It's easy to get distracted, but creating a mantra for these situations might help you avoid multi-tasking and distraction. The mantra I repeat to myself: "I do one thing at a time to completion." Try it!

About Alyson:

Alyson Stanfield is the author of I'd Rather Be in the Studio: The Artist's No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion and the founder of Art Biz Coach and the Art Biz Blog.

Boston Handmade readers might be interested in Alyson's new Retail & Wholesale audio programs with Carolyn Edlund. They're available as instant downloads here.

Happy Birthday Keith Haring

By Arthur of Arthur Halvorsen Ceramics

On May 4th it would of been Keith Haring's 54th birthday. When he was alive he totally took on the role as artist as activist. Getting people to think about suck subjects as birth, death, sex and war was the major motivation behind his work. Keith exploded to art stardom in the 80's when his work was featured in numerous galleries and museums all over the world. He became known at first for his chalk drawings in the New York subway, and then moving onto paintings and murals inspired by graffiti street art.

He has been an influence of mine since I was in art school, I love his bold use of lines and the simple gesture line to indicate movement. If you don't know his name then I am sure you know of his work.

Keith died in 1990 falling victim to the AIDS epidemic going on throughout the 80's. I have seen documentaries and read a lot about him and when he did in his short life. I would have loved to have met him and talked to him about his art and what drove him as an art. In the documentaries I have watched he always comes off as such a genuine person really caring about what goes on in the world. Right now at the Brooklyn Museum they are having a retrospective of his work and it is up until July, I hope I get the chance to get to NYC and see it!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEITH!

Monday Mosaic: May Blossoms

Curated by Lynne of Cozy Cottage Creations




1. Wall Vase for Flowers , by City by the Sea Ceramics
2. Japanese Simple Sakura Keychain , by MaJenta Designs
3. Cherry Blossom Pendant , by nancyrosetta
4. Hot Pink Hummingbird Flower Shirt , by An Li Studios
5. Pink Cherry Blossom Necklace/Neckpiece , by Stray Notions
6. Cherry Blossoms 6x6 nature photo by Kerry Hawkins Photography

Fashion Photo Shoot with Pansy Maiden

by Lucie of Lucie Wicker Photography

When Laura Collins of Pansy Maiden asked me to shoot her new line of handmade, eco-friendly handbags of course I said yes! I've always admired Laura's work; not only is it excellent quality and super cute but her creations embody her mission to "create and provide the world with fashion-forward, cruelty-free bags in a socially responsible manner" (per her website). For the shoot, Laura rounded up three stunning vegan ladies to help model her bags. They did a great job, here are a few of my favs-

Models: Heather, Stephanie, Vanessa

Bags/Styling: Pansy Maiden

Photography: Lucie Wicker Photography

SOWA Art Walk, This Sunday

By Kerry of Kerry Hawkins Photography

The Sowa Art Walk is this Sunday, May 6th, from 11am-6pm. Boston Handmade Members Jessica Burko, Hibou Designs, and Kerry Hawkins Photography will be showing their work in Jessica Burko's studio at 35 Wareham Street, on the 2nd Floor.

Paper quilt by Boston Handmade Member, Jessica Burko, Photography & Mixed Media.

Jessica creates artwork, wearables, & paper goods. They are made with found, recycled, and reclaimed materials.

This is Jessica Burko's studio, 35 Wareham Street, 2nd Floor in the South End.
The studio is cozy and full of art.

This is work by Hibou Designs, come see her collectible hand sewn plush toys and designs. Hibou Designs are fun and colorful little creatures.

Kerry Hawkins will be there with her framed pieces, matted prints and photo pendants. Stop by and check out all of the Boston Handmade art.

Also open that day is the SoWa Open Market, SoWa Vintage Market, Food Truck Court, and SoWa Farmer’s Market. Make a day out of it!

iPhoneography Class, Dedham MA

Have an iPhone? Do you ever wonder how you can be more creative with your photos on your phone?

The Dedham Square Artist Guild is offering a iPhoneography workshop. It is part of the new classes offered at the Guild this spring. The guild is a co-op of 30 local artist members in Dedham Square. It gives members of the co-op a home for their work and ability to interact with our community.

The workshop will take place, Thursday, May 10, 2012 at the Dedham Square Artist Guild, 553 High Street, in Dedham Square. The class is good for Age 15+. You should have a iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S. The class fee is $45.

Students will learn about the photographic creativity afforded to you with the iPhone. The process of picture-taking with the iPhone, applications available to expand your creativity with be reviewed. The class includes a walking tour around Dedham Square for taking photos, and an indoor workshop to look at photos and to explore apps and sharing via Instagram, etc.

About the Instructor, Guild Member Dennis Stein:
In the 1980's Dennis became more interested in photography and photograph

ed for Boston Rock magazine. He continued working part-time in mental health, and landed a stringer position in 1990 at Community Newspapers, which is now the Metrowest Daily News. He an iP honeographer, creating all his images using apps on the phone and iPad. He still use film cameras on occasion, specifically plastic cameras and pinhole cameras. Dennis has had his photographs featured in many shows around New England.

To add your name to the participant list for this class, please email: staff@dedhamguild.com.

May Birthstone: Emerald

by Allison of Fraske Designs

Happy birthday to those of you born in May!

May's birthstone is the Emerald. A rich green colored gemstone, emeralds have for centuries represented the color of beauty and of constant love. The green color occurs when pure, clear beryl contains either chromium or vanadium.

The emerald is a symbol of rebirth, and is believed to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth.

Here is some handmade emerald jewelry available on Etsy:

Emerald and Golden Beryl Wire Wrap by Writerman2255

Emerald and Diamond Jaguar Ring by Steve Jewelry

Steampunk Necklace by Victorian Curiosities