Marketplace Preview: Handmade Happenings

Can you feel it?? The June 30th Boston Handmade Marketplace in Union Square Somerville is very, very close. Listen carefully and you can hear the whirring of the sewing machines, the clicking of knitting needles, and the frantic finishing of all types of handmade items getting ready to make their grand entrance under the big, white tents.

Lucie Wicker photographing Marketplace visitors in her 2011 live photo booth

You already know the Marketplace is home to all the best, most unique, gotta-have-it wearables, decor, functional objects, and art, but did you also know there will be activities, demonstrations, live music, DIY projects, and a live photo booth too?

photo courtesy of Creative Union

Creative Union will be at the Marketplace with a mixed-media project extravaganza for anyone who wants to participate. This VERY local organization has it's year-round home right in Union Square and is a partnership of two social service organizations, Walnut Street Center and Outside the Lines Studio. Their mission is to provide dynamic artistic environments for people with disabilities and to foster community collaboration accessible to more artists both with and without disabilities.

photo of Common Cod Fiber Guild Members by Jessica Burko

Joining the Marketplace for their 4th year in a row is The Common Cod Fiber Guild creating a "fun and supportive environment for learning and participating in fiber activities" with their tent o' textiles. Pull up a chair and hang with these guild members as they knit, crochet, spin, and do all kinds of stitching. Special bonus this year: Rebalance Bodywork & Massage will be with the Guild doing chair massages all afternoon. Oh yeah.

photo courtesy of Stitch House

If yarn and fabric is your thing, you will love seeing Stitch House at the Marketplace. In past years this wonderful Dorchester home for all your textile needs (and a generous wealth of classes) has presented DIY sewing projects to Marketplace visitors like quilting and quick sew broaches. Who knows what tempting treat they will present this year, but whatever it is, you'll love it. We promise.

photo courtesy of Gather Here

Making their debut at the 2012 Marketplace is Gather Here, Cambridge's first stitch lounge offering space for creating with fabric, fibers, classes, and knowledgeable instructors. Gather Here aims to provide a creative, fun, inspiring environment for the maker in everyone, and at the Marketplace they will be doing some hula hoop weaving. What is "hula hoop weaving" you ask? Find out in Union Square on June 30th!

Staff of the Somerville Arts Council dressed to the 9s in Lucie Wicker's 2011 Marketplace photo booth

Feeling silly, frisky, wild and wacky? Jump into Lucie Wicker's live photo booth with some feathers on your head and fun in your heart. The photo booth was a highlight of the 2011 Boston Handmade Marketplace and is returning for a 2nd year to capture your moment in the spotlight.

There will truly be something for everyone at the Boston Handmade Marketplace on June 30th so don't skip a beat, grab a pal and check us out.