2014 Pantone Color of the Year

by Kerrie Beck of Cody's Creations

I was super excited to see the 2014 Pantone Color of the Year, Radiant Orchard.  I am eagerly awaiting to see how everyone incorporates this color over the next year, but until then I found some Boston Handmade members who have been using the color already.

Lady Dye has a beautiful hand dyed yarn that incorporates the color of the year. 

Cristina Hurley has created a pedant that quickly become a favorite with every outfit.

The Patterned Peacock has this amazing print that will make a statement in any room.

And your pup can show off their stylish side in a collar by Cody's Creations.

Are you excited for this years color?  What can't you wait to see in this hue?

Dedham Square Artist Guild: Call to Artists

By Kerry Hawkins of K Hawkins Photography

The Dedham Square Artist Guild is looking for new applicants interested in becoming 

members of the Dedham Square Arist Guild.

The Dedham Guild is a year-round arts cooperative located on High Street in historic Dedham Square. Our members share work responsibilities, expenses and informally act as a support group for fellow artists. Many members are full-time professionals who find cooperatives a welcome addition to help strengthen their participation in an artistic community.

fee
A $20 non-refundable jury fee is required when applying for membership (or consignment) and should be included with your application. All applicants will be placed on a wait-list, pending space availability at the gallery for our new year of membership starting in October 2012. The application is available as a pdf download located at the bottom of this page.

samples/jury
Upon receiving your application and fee, you will be asked to submit up to four finished and current examples in jpg format. Each file should be no larger than 1MB. Our group of members will judge submitted work by the following criteria: workmanship, attention to detail, appeal to our customers, originality, price and durability, as well as competition with current pieces showing.member obligations
members are expected to volunteer to gallery-sit, participate in events, be a part of committees, attend monthly meetings and openings, and help promote the cooperative.

For any questions please contact: staff@dedhamguild.com

Application Form here

Patch Interview

By Beth of Elizabeth Brennick Designs

I recently was contacted through my Etsy page by a writer from the Patch. The Patch is an online local news organization that was formed in March, 2010 to improve the quality of life in underserved communities across the globe through access to trusted local news and information. Leigh Medeiros, the writer who contacted me, was looking to do a story about a crafter/artist who lives in Seekonk and I guess I was a match.

This being my first interview other then doing short ones at craft shows, it was very cool and exciting. She came to the house where I had some of my item's laid out for her. She asked simple questions and I felt very calm which was NOT the case before hand. It took about an hour, she was awesome and me being a talker we totally got off subject and started a conversation about our Zumba classes. Well the article just came out and when reading it I was amazed with just those simple questions and answers she produced this wonderful article that I'm very proud of. It also made my mom cry! Here it is:

http://seekonk.patch.com/articles/seekonk-fabric-artist-threads-business-plan

Google Summer of Code

by Allison of Fraske Designs

On March 28, Google made the following announcement:

Starting today, we’re accepting applications from students for the 2011 Google Summer of Code. In this global program, now in its seventh year, university students receive a stipend to write code for open source projects, gaining experience in real-world software development and creating more source code which benefits everyone on the web.

Applications are due Friday, April 8 at 12pm PDT. For more information, visit the Google Blog.

Big Changes at Boston Handmade

Felted Earth by Lynne Parella of Cozy Cottage Creations

This year has gotten off to a roaring start for Boston Handmade. Since 2007 we have been connecting local artists and craftspeople; bringing together arts professionals in all stages of their careers, encouraging dialogue, and harnessing the power of many to strengthen the success of each creative individual. Starting this year, we will do even more.

With the enthusiasm of our membership and generous support from The Boston Foundation and the Boston Center for Adult Education, we are expanding our current mission to reach out beyond our membership to the wider arts community in Boston. As we strive to increase visibility for locally handmade art and craft, we endeavor to assist creative professionals in developing the tools they need to maintain successful arts businesses. Boston Handmade is in the process of becoming a 501c3 nonprofit arts organization; we are seeking storefront and office space, preparing to hire staff, writing developmental grants, creating new educational and outreach programming, and making exciting plans for the next several years.

Since our inception, the membership of Boston Handmade has been dedicated to working collaboratively for mutual inspirational and professional benefit. We regularly produce exhibition and educational opportunities for our members and we plan to continue with these efforts while developing new programs, sponsoring creative and business opportunities for our members and artists in the wider creative community. As a group of independent businesspeople in the arts we are in the unique position to focus on the specialized needs of this segment and act as supportive mentors. With the assistance of technical advisors and growth support, Boston Handmade has the potential to help those who might otherwise not find an appropriate resource pool, and by further partnering with existing organizations we will strengthen our offerings and increase demand for related industries. In 2011 we are broadening our sense of commitment to the arts within and outside of our membership base. Through this growth we will increase strength in the local creative sector and promote independence and self-reliance for countless artists and craftspeople.

Along with this exciting news, I’m pleased to announce that we are currently accepting applications for new group members in all media categories. For application information, and to apply online visit our website. Membership applications will be accepted until April 16th, with the next round of jurying to begin in summer.

At Boston Handmade we believe that with more local artists making a living making art there would be more art accessible to more people, improving everyone’s quality of living, one unique object at a time. Whether you are an artist, craftsperson, collector or handmade enthusiast, we hope to get to know you sometime soon, and we hope that you get to know us too. Making connections and working together will help us all reach our creative and professional goals.

ANNOUNCING: An Arts Opportunities Newsletter from Boston Handmade

Starting March 1st Boston Handmade is launching a monthly newsletter to share professional opportunities for Boston area artists and craftspeople. The Boston Handmade Arts Opportunities Newsletter will post calls for work, grant offers, exhibitor opportunities, juried show announcements, arts job listings, and more.

It's easy to sign up to receive this monthly newsletter. Click HERE or click on the "get mail" link at the top of our blog, enter your email address, and follow the prompts.

If you have listings to be included in our newsletter, send them to: bostonhandmade@gmail.com.

We are delighted to begin offering this service to the local arts and craft community and we hope you join us!