The Definitive 2014 Holiday Show Round-Up for Boston and Beyond

The official start of the 2014 holiday season is upon us! Our members have been feverishly handcrafting objects, art, wearables, and housewares for your gift giving joy!

Many of our friends and fans have been writing to ask about our semi-annual, pop-up, Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery, and we're sorry to tell you that we will not be producing a gallery this year. We were saddened to come to that conclusion but we were unable to find a suitable venue, and without a home, a gallery we could not make.

The 2014 Boston Handmade Holiday Card designed by The Patterned Peacock

BUT FEAR NOT! The vibrant and talented members of Boston Handmade are showing and selling original, one-of-a-kind, and limited edition handmade work all over Massachusetts from now through the end of December. And when we say, we've got you covered, we really mean it. Between all of our individual holiday show schedules we have a show that will fit any date and location that you seek including shows in 20 different local towns. There is guaranteed to be an opportunity near you to find us and shop handmade this holiday season:

Loomination by Leanne Tremblay

13th Annual Craftland Show
Friday, November 28 - Wednesday, December 31.
Mondays - Saturdays, 10am - 6pm, Sundays 11am - 5pm
212 Westminster Street, Providence, RI
Loomination by Leanne Tremblay

Small Business Saturday at Cristina Hurley Jewelry
Saturday, November 29, 12 - 5pm
Cristina Hurley Jewelry
554 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021
Cristina Hurley
 
Holiday Festival of Crafts
Friday, November 28, 10am - 5pm
Saturday, November 29, 10am-5pm
Sunday, November 30, 10am - 4pm
Worcester Center for Crafts
25 Sagamore Road, Worcester, MA
Loomination by Leanne Tremblay

Enchanted Hue by Susanne Guirakhoo

Artopia!
Sunday, November 30, from 1-8 pm
Marriott Custom House
3 McKinley Square, Boston, MA 02109
Hacker Creations by Melissa Glick
Linkouture by Bev Feldman
Enchanted Hue by Susanne Guirakhoo

Methuen Festival of Trees
Tuesday, December 2, 5 - 9pm
13 Branch Street, Methuen, MA
Loomination by Leanne Tremblay

The Cup Show
December 4 - 24, Tuesdays - Saturdays, 10am - 5pm
Worcester Center for Crafts, Krikorian Gallery
25 Sagamore Road, Worcester, MA 01605
Early Bird Designs by Jill J. Burns

Art by Jessica Burko

ART 100 BOSTON
December 5 through 22, Opening Reception: Friday, December 5, 6 - 10pm
Piano Craft Gallery
793 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02118 
Jessica Burko

Concord Giftopolis
Friday, December 5, 6:30 - 11pm
7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH
Loomination by Leanne Tremblay

Beryllina by Laurie Lynn Berezin

ArtSpace Maynard Holiday Sale
Friday, December 5, 5-8pm
Saturday, December 6, 10am-5pm
Sunday, December 7, 12-5pm
ArtSpace Maynard
63 Summer St, Maynard, MA 01754
Beryllina by Laurie Lynn Berezin

Early Bird Designs by Jill J. Burns

Fire Works Open Studio
Friday, December 5, 4 - 8pm
Saturday, December 6, 10am - 8pm
Sunday, December 7, 10am - 3pm
The Fire Works Pottery Studio
38 Harlow Street, Worcester, MA 01605
Early Bird Designs by Jill J. Burns

Stray Notions by Sharon Fischer

17th Annual JP Crafts Fair
Saturday, December 6, 11am - 5pm
First Church Jamaica Plain
6 Eliot Street, Jamaica Plain, MA
Loomination by Leanne Tremblay
Jon Barrows
Stray Notions by Sharon Fischer
The Patterned Peacock by Dana Garczewski
Linkouture by Bev Feldman
Enchanted Hue by Susanne Guirakhoo

Totally Bazaar II
Saturday, December 6, 12 - 6pm
Mill No. 5
250 Jackson Street, Lowell, MA
Loomination by Leanne Tremblay

Hacker Creations by Melissa Glick

Craftershock 
Saturday, December 6, 11am - 5pm
Worcester Roller Derby
34 Suffolk Street, Worcester, MA
Hacker Creations by Melissa Glick

StART at the Station
Sunday, December 7, 9am - 5pm
Worcester’s Union Station
2 Washington Square, Worcester, MA 01604
Early Bird Designs by Jill J. Burns

Loomination by Leanne Tremblay

Brookline Arts Center Artist Marketplace
Sunday, December 7, 12 - 4pm
86 Monmouth St, Brookline, MA
Loomination by Leanne Tremblay

Asylum Winter Open House
Sunday, December 7, 12pm - 4pm
Artisan's Asylum
10 Tyler Street, Somerville MA 02143
Hacker Creations by Melissa Glick

Holiday Trunk Show at Cristina Hurley Jewelry
Sunday, December 7, 12 - 5pm
Cristina Hurley Jewelry
554 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021
Prunella's Workshop by Lynn and Duane Mohney

Linkouture by Bev Feldman

Holiday Trunk Show at Cristina Hurley Jewelry
Saturday, December 13, 12 - 5pm
Cristina Hurley Jewelry
554 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021
Linkouture by Bev Feldman

Union Square Pop Up Holiday Sale
Saturday, December 13, 11am - 6 pm
Sunday, December 14, 11am - 6 pm
11 Sanborn Court, Somerville MA 02143
Hacker Creations by Melissa Glick

Brookline Arts Center Artist Marketplace
Saturday, December 13, 12 - 4pm
Sunday, December 14, 12 - 4pm
86 Monmouth St, Brookline, MA
Loomination by Leanne Tremblay
http://www.loomination.net/
Early Bird Designs by Jill J. Burns

Holly Fair
Saturday, December 13, 10am - 6pm
Sunday, December 14, 12 - 5pm
See Linkouture by Bev Feldman
in the metalsmithing studio: 42 Brattle Street, Cambridge, 02138 basement level

Handmade Holidaze
Saturday, December 20, 12 - 5pm
Moose Lodge
67 Fitchburg St, Marlborough, MA
Loomination by Leanne Tremblay

The Patterned Peacock by Dana Garczewski

Etsy Artists of Boston Winter Bazaar
Saturday, December 20 10am – 5pm
Sunday, December 21, 10am – 5pm
Arsenal Mall 485 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA.
Hacker Creations by Melissa Glick
The Patterned Peacock by Dana Garczewski

Make 2014 the Year of Handmade and shop locally, handcrafted, one-of-a-kind for your friends and family!

The Local's Guide to the Lowell Folk Festival

by Liz of Lush Beads
& Leanne of Leanne Tremblay Fine Handwovens

The Lowell Folk Festival, held over the last weekend in July, is the largest free folk festival in the United States. Beginning Friday, July 25 and lasting through Sunday, July 27, there is music spread out over five stages, along with a large selection of ethnic foods, children's activities, and traditional craft demonstrations.

Image Courtesy of the Lowell Folk Festival/Higgins & Ross

Art in the Courtyard

Now in its 8th year, Art in the Courtyard has become an important part of the Lowell Folk Festival experience. Visitors can stroll a shaded, brick-lined courtyard conveniently located between two of the Folk Fest stages, and visit with over 20 artists and fine crafters. This year, Boston Handmade members Liz Stewart of Lush Beads and Stephanie Cave of Stephanie Cave Design Studio will be among the artists showing and selling their work at Art in the Courtyard.

Stephanie will be selling her handmade accessories including baby hats & bibs, children's skirts and aprons, and adult aprons and bags. This is her first time showing at Art in the Courtyard, and she is very excited to be part of the Folk Festival!

Crosshatch Series

Lucite Flower Earrings

Liz will be selling her Industrial line of beaded jewelry, and notes that she will be debuting a new series of earrings that merge her Industrial look with lucite flowers.  She'll also have her Morse Code jewelry, her Simplicity series, and her Crosshatch series, among others.

Art in the Courtyard is produced by the Lowell Festival Foundation in partnership with The Brush Art Gallery and Artist Studios, which is located just off the courtyard and will be open during the Folk Festival.

Image Courtesy of the Cultural Organization of Lowell

Along with the official folk fest events, there are a lot of other great things to see and do in downtown Lowell. The impromptu, unofficial events over the weekend are often the ones that locals enjoy the most. All of the events and exhibitions listed here are right in downtown Lowell and are really easy to find.

Art Exhibitions

Arts League of Lowell
307 Market Street
Wednesday-Saturday, 12-6pm and Sunday, 12-4pm

Currently featuring HARMONY, An Exhibition of Fine Arts and Crafts Celebrating the Lowell Folk Festival. Also visit the adjacent ALL Cooperative Gallery, with a wide selection of fine art, photography and crafts.

Gates Block Studios
307 Market Street
Event Saturday 11am-5pm

The artists of Gates Block will be holding an Outdoor Art Fair during the Folk Fest, on Saturday from 11am-5pm. Gates Block is the newest artists community in Lowell and is home to 34 studios.

Zeitgeist Gallery
167 Market Street
Wednesday-Saturday, 12-7pm and Sunday 12-5pm

Bread and Puppet pop-up shop! Featuring original work by Peter Schumann and the Bread and Puppet Theater, along with the unbelievable hand printed cheap art of The Bread and Puppet Press. If you're not familiar with Bread and Puppet then you need to be! Through the end of July.

Image Courtesy of the Cultural Organization of Lowell

Unofficial Music

The Back Page
15 Kearney Square
Wednesday-Sunday, 7pm-2am

The Back Page is probably the classiest place in Lowell. They're best known for their jazz, blues, martinis, and incredible open mic nights. It's a little hard to find, as it's entrance is along a canal rather than on a street, but that's part of its charm. For Folk Fest, they will be featuring blues musicians: Matt Stubbs on Friday at 9pm and Gracie Curran on Saturday at 9pm.

The Worthen House 
141 Worthen Street
Open daily 11am-2am

The Worthen is Lowell's oldest tavern, established in 1898. Famous patrons included Edgar Allan Poe, Jack Kerouac, and Allan Ginsberg. During Folk Fest, the Worthen sets up an outdoor stage and features live music by local bands all night, from 7:15-11pm on Friday and 6-11pm on Saturday.

The Party Band will be playing at 6pm on Saturday! The Party Band can often be found roaming around the streets of Lowell, stopping to play for a few minutes, so you usually never know when they're going to show up somewhere. For the full lineup of music at the Worthen, visit their Facebook page.

If you've never visited Lowell before this is the perfect weekend to check it out!

We partied, Etsy style.

Boston Handmade members Jill J. Burns, Bev Feldman, Abby Bohn, Kerrie Beck

Oh Etsy, you never cease to inspire. Boston Handmade got ourselves organized and hosted our very own Etsy Craft Party on the internationally recognized day that you created for the world to celebrate the joy of craft. And we had a blast!

Our party location was held in Natick, MA at the studio building of Cody's Creations, and we were so grateful to the non-profit tutoring program, Kids Connect, for letting us use their multipurpose space for the evening.

The Etsy Craft Party theme for 2014 was Recapture: Bring new meaning to your photographs. Etsy provided ideas and templates for us to re-use old photographs and embellish them with embroidery. So we gathered supplies, printed up some basic embroidery instructions along with a few photos of Etsy embroidered photos for inspiration, and we got down to the business of having fun with craft!

For many of us sewing was an entirely new concept, but we shared skills and tips and in no time we were all adding a new tactile element to our snapshots. Joining us for the evening were Boston Handmade members along with fans of our group and folks who simply heard of our event and wanted to try something different for the evening. We scanned actual photographs (primarily of the vintage variety) and printed them onto cardstock, this way we wouldn't damage the originals, and the cardstock was actually the perfect weight for stitching.

This was a truly fun night and we will definitely do it again next year, so stay tuned!

Craft with us! It's the Etsy Craft Party

THIS FRIDAY Boston Handmade will be hosting an Etsy Craft party. We invite you to join us for a fun project and the chance meet up with some of your fellow crafters. The theme for this year’s party is Recapture. We will be transforming photographs into mix-media, multi-dimensional works of art using a variety of craft supplies and creative techniques. Here are the details:

Date: Friday, June 6

Time: 6:00-8:00pm

Place: Cody’s Creations Studio, 43 Main Street, Natick, MA

Cost: This event is free and open to the public. Craft supplies and light refreshments will be provided by Boston Handmade. We just ask that you RSVP in advance.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/etsy-2014-craft-party-with-boston-handmade-tickets-11574667141

What to Bring: Some of your favorite photographs. We will have a scanner and printer to make copies for you to use, and we can even access your images in the cloud.

Thank you to Boston Handmade member Cody's Creations for hosting this special event at her studio and to Etsy for encouraging creativity, and gathering people together for the goodness of handmade.

We hope you can join us on June 6th for some creative crafting fun!

SoWa Art Walk: THIS Sunday, May 4th in Boston

by Jessica Burko

Come one, come all, to the annual SoWa Art Walk THIS Sunday, May 4, from 11am to 6pm. Artist studios and businesses featuring local artists will be open throughout Boston's South End neighborhood.

Encaustic collage seen in the work table at Jessica Burko's South End studio

I will be showing my latest encaustic collage in my studio located at 35 Wareham Street on the 2nd floor (beware, there is a steep flight of stairs and no elevator). Please stop by so I can show you what I've been working on and you can also see how I make my work because I will be doing hands-on demonstrations throughout the day.

Acrylic on paper by South End artist Maria Malatesta

This is a great chance to see art in it's native habitat, the studio. There are many great artists that will be showing in studio buildings on Wareham Street including painter Maria Malatesta (image above), whose studio is located at 59 Wareham Street, #24, and Donna Pomponio who works on paper and has a studio on the 5th floor of 59 Wareham Street, studio #10.

The Art Walk is an excellent opportunity to speak to artists and makers of all types about their work and the creative process. Have a question about art, craft, or the creative process that you've always wanted to ask but never had the chance? This all-day event is the perfect opportunity.

Baby gift set by Stephanie Cave

There will be Boston Handmade members participating in this event including Stephanie Cave who will be showing and selling her work at Pinkergreen located at 46 Waltham Street, #308. Make a day of it, bring home something handmade and fresh for spring, and support your local arts community!

Why Handmade: Craft Show Season is Here!

by Lynn Mohney of Prunella’s Workshop

The sun has been warmer. The grass has been mowed. The daffodils are in bloom. I have even seen a robin red breast. What does this all mean? Besides it’s a good time to start using sun block; it’s outdoor craft show season. Time to dust off the canopy, and find my folding chairs.

Assembly Square Marketplace

Last summer was Prunella’s Workshop’s first real season. We have done shows off and on over the course of seven years, but never consistently, and they were all indoors. My first outdoor show was at Sholan Farms in Leominster, MA, and let me tell you, I didn't have a clue what I was doing! I look back at pictures of my display and I wonder what I had thought I was doing. Albeit, when I saw it all done up at the event, I knew it was wrong.

Prunella's Workshop at Sholan Farms Apple Blosson Festival 2013

A year later, and I will be at Sholan Farms next Saturday. It will be interesting to see how it differs. I know I don’t want to put up the walls of my tent unless the weather requires it. Last year, my tent seemed dark and my table was lost in its depths. I had put up the walls as I believed I should. I will arrive early so I may pick my spot closer to the front. There were no assigned spots, and it was first come first serve. While I was far from late, I ended up closer to the other end of two long rows. I have since added more dimension to my displays with the addition of risers and picture frames.

City By The Sea Ceramics at the Boston Handmade Marketplace

I know I have learned other skills as well since that show. I know better how to discuss my work with potential customers. People enjoy knowing the story behind art. It makes the piece come alive for them. They are interested in who we are. I am a naturally shy person, and it takes a lot out of me to fulfill this requirement, but I believe I am improving. I also have streamlined my merchandise.

As we begin outdoor craft season, I reflect on the year past, but I also wonder what is in store this year. I know I am by no means an expert yet. I doubt I will ever master the business/sales portion of this life. Challenging myself with my craft is easy-even when I am trying to learn a new technically difficult technique, as it is my passion. I want to see the world wearing my work, but I am not passionate about the art of being a salesman. It is a necessary evil if I want to continue with my craft. Perhaps someday I will be able to hire staff who will stand at my table for me! A girl can dream.

Jessica Burko's table at the RISD Alumni Art Sale

What are you looking forward to, in the upcoming season? Do you expect this year to be different from past years? What have you learned in the past year?

Cambridge Arts Invites you to its Sixth Annual Cambridge Open Studios: this Weekend!

by Bev Feldman of Linkouture

For the first time since its inception, all of the Cambridge neighborhoods will be coming together for Cambridge Open Studios this weekend.  On Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27 artists across the city will be opening their homes and studios to the public. You will have the opportunity to sample the wonderful variety of art that Cambridge has to offer including paintings, ceramics, fiber arts, photography, and of course, jewelry. With Mother's Day just around the corner, this is the perfect opportunity to find a beautiful handcrafted present for that special mom in your life!

I am excited to be exhibiting my jewelry for the second year in a row in my home studio (which is conveniently located just a short walk from the red line), where I will be selling my handcrafted modern chainmaille jewelry including bracelets, earrings and necklaces. I will be offering a number of pieces at reduced prices, as well as some brand new pieces that are made primarily from recycled sterling silver. 

Proudly displaying my jewelry last year at Cambridge Open Studios

In addition to physical art, there will be two Performing Artist Showcases, which will features theater, tango, poetry and musical performances. (I'm a little bummed to be missing out on these!)

Open Studio hours are from 12:00noon to 6:00pm both days. Click here for a complete listing of artists participating, and download the smartphone app for information on the go!

I hope to see you there!

How Boston Handmade Gears up for Marathon Monday

curated by Sharon of Stray Notions

This year the Marathon is expected to draw a record number of participants and runners.  From the sidelines and in the race itself our members are showing the 118th running of the marathon some love.

Stepanie Cave will be running and we all will be cheering her on in our own way.  You can do some carb loading of your own chased by a hot beverage adorned with her cupcake covered cozy.

Lucie Wicker has been photographing runners including Stephanie in a series of photographs which are currently on display at Sweet Green on Boylston St. in the Back Bay.

Bev Feldman of Linkouture has designed a charm bracelet for runners and those who love them and is donating 20% of the proceeds to One Fund Boston.

And our four legged friends can support our fair city with a collar depicting the Boston skyline from Kerrie at Cody's Creations.

Natick Open Studios - October 19th & 20th

by Kerrie Beck of Cody's Creations

Natick Open Studios is celebrating it's 12th year  this weekend, October 19th and 20th, from noon -5pm. 

This year, Open Studios will include painters, photographers, jewelery makers, ceramic artisans, sculptors, woodworkers as well as paper, fabric, glass and garden artists.

Cody's Creations studio is located at 43 Main Street #2.  At this location you will have a chance to meet some amazing artists: Liliana Bead with lampwork glass jewelery & sculpture, John Holtz with sterling silver jewelry, Deb Sayre with jewelry and mosaics, and Marie Craig with photography. 

At 5:30 on October 19th at 43 Main Street, David Zaltzberg will be giving a talk on the History of Stained Glass Restoration in North America.

I am excited to participate in my first open studios.  I hope that you will stop in and say hi!

Please visit Natick Open Studios website for a full listing of all artists and events happening this weekend.

Meet the Artist Series at Cristina Hurley Gallery with Diane Ivey

by Cristina Hurley

This Saturday, October 12, 2013 from 12-5pm, Cristina Hurley Gallery will continue its "Meet the Artist" series with Fiber artist Diane Ivey! Diane spins and dyes her own yarns, and is an experienced knitter as well. She makes beautiful, colorful skeins of yarn that will make any project, even the simplest, burst with color! Come meet this talented artist and get to know her work, ask her questions about her process, and enjoy good company surrounded by beautiful fine craft!

Lady Dye Fiber Arts & Design, LLC, an eco-friendly street-art inspired yarn business. "My yarn has a strong message to a growing population of people living in metropolitan areas that knit, crochet, create graffiti art and are graffiti knitters." As a brand, Lady Dye is continuing to establish a presence in the street art culture in Boston.

Diane holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Mass Communication with a concentration in Print Journalism. She also holds a Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in Non-Profit Management from Suffolk University. As a member of Boston Handmade, Diane spends time promoting her work at various art venues and teaches fiber arts classes at the Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts, JP Knit & Stitch in Jamaica Plain, and elsewhere. A knitter for the last ten years, and a dyer, spinner and crocheter for six years, Diane looks forward to expanding her business.

Meet the Artist Series: Diane Ivey

Saturday, October 12, 2013

12-5pm

Cristina Hurley Gallery

554 Washington Street

Canton, MA 02021

781-562-1853

Hope to see you there! Free event, refreshments will be served.

Lowell Open Studios

by Liz Stewart of Lush Beads

On the first weekend in October, the artists of Lowell celebrate creativity and imagination during Lowell Open Studios. LOS happens this weekend on October 5-6, and runs from 11-5 each day.

This year, we have over 180 artists participating across 14 venues.  It is our biggest year ever!

Artist Lolita Demers demonstrates ceramics
at The Brush Gallery & Artists' Studios.

This is my second year as chairperson of the committee. Being part of this group makes me realize how much work goes into putting together a great Open Studios event. It's not as simple getting people registered, printing a brochure, and *poof* we have Open Studios.  There's grant writing, fundraising, handling registrations and payments, graphic design, publicity, marketing, logistics, and balancing the needs/wants of all the participants without going over budget.  I encourage you to become a part of your local Open Studios planning committee - they would welcome your help and enthusiasm!

Crosshatch Bracelet - Bits and Pieces
by Liz Stewart, Lush Beads Industrial

I hope you will join my city, Lowell, in celebrating our love of art and artists this weekend.  I'll be in my shop at the Western Avenue Studios in studio A-313.  Please stop by and say hello!