Portable Hooks for the Office

By: Jennifer T. of MaJenta Designs

Recently, one of my customers told me of her clever use for the foldable, portable "purse hook" she had purchased -- turns out these are handy for office and cubicle use too! She uses headphones alot for work, and uses her portable hook as a clever way to hang the headphones and cords so they dont get tangled around her office chair!

Whether you use headphones as part of the job, or to listen to music or cancel out noise while at your desk or cubicle - these foldable hooks can come in handy!

We love hearing of new unique ways that our customers use our products! Are there other ways you have used these clever hooks?

First Friday at Custom Art Framing and Gallery 9

by Nancy of nancyrosetta

The first Friday of every month Custom Art Framing and Gallery 9 features a couple of artists for a gallery show complete with wine and light refreshments.

Tomorrow night, Custom Art Framing and Gallery 9 is featuring Kathy Weller and Kim Weineck! Two former Boston Handmaders!

Kathy Weller's whimsical illustrations.

Kim Weineck's landscapes in pastels and oils.

The opening show is tomorrow from 6pm - 8pm, but the art will remain hung for most of the month of October.

Hope to see you there!

Window Shopping with Boston Handmade

by Jessica Burko of Reclaimed To You

Tote bag by Stray Notions

This morning I did a little "window shopping" on Etsy for handmade items created by the members of Boston Handmade. To find handmade items by members of our group all you need to do is search for this tag: bostonhandmadeteam on Etsy.com. These are a few of my favorites from this morning's wanderings. What are some of your favorites?

Stained Glass Necklace by Parrish Relics

Art print by An Li Studio

Sterling and amethyst earrings by Cristina Hurley Jewelry

Northeastern Art

by Karen Mahoney of City by the Sea Ceramics

There's a really interesting painting in the Northeastern Student Center, right in front of the bookstore entrance. It's 3D, but if you don't know it, it seems like you're looking at a hologram of some sort. Painted by Patrick Hughes, the piece is created in a way that looks as if the point of view really changes as you shift side to side about 10-15 feet infront of it. If you are ever strolling by on Huntington Ave right across the street from the Museum of Fine Arts pop by to see this unique piece. I found a You Tube video of the piece too if you can't make it!

Monday Mosaic: Birds of a Feather

1. Owl Heart Notecard , by An Li Studio
2. Green Bird Tea Bag Holder , by Arthur Halvorsen
3. bird pattern notecard ,by cricicis designs
4. Bike+Bird T, by Evan Webster Ink
5. Soar , by Nancyrosetta
6. Embroidered necklace - Tweet, by Stray Notions
7. Feathered Hair clip , by Elephunk's Trunk
8. Needle Felted Peace Dove , by Cozy Cottage Creations
9. The Station Basel Switzerland, by Kerry Hawkins Photography
10. Original eco encaustic art collage, by Reclaimed to You
11. Wrist Pin Cushion Bird , by Elizabeth Brennick Design
12. Mens Deep Teal Waxwing Bird T shirt by An Li Studio

Expanding My Creativity

By Diane of Lady Dye Fiber Arts & Design

I have finally removed all the dust from my beautiful sewing machine a couple of weeks ago in hopes that I would soon find just a little glimpse of time in my very busy schedule to finally learn to sew. I thought I could teach myself but it just did not work for me so I signed up for a class at The Eliot School where I work for a beginner's sewing class. I love it! I have made a pillow and a bag in my first three weeks of class.

I am now taking on the challenge to make something by using a pattern. I am truly thrilled about the future prospects of sewing my own clothes the way I want them to be designed. With that being said, I believe, as artists it is very important to not only be skilled in your own crafted but also to take the time to explore others. You never know what will come of it!

My yarn bag that I made is truly a giant tote bag. I am looking forward to filling it with my beautiful hand dyed yarns for the winter!

My pillow I made during my first day of class and now it's on my bed as my reading pillow.

This is what I will be working on next for my friends who will be expecting a bundle of joy!

Etsy Treasuries: curating a collection

Do you browse Etsy to look for inspiration, that perfect gift, an item to refresh your home decor, a piece of jewelry to enhance your new hair-do? A fun feature for discovering new and exciting handmade items is the Etsy Treasury, which is a vehicle for anyone registered with the site to showcase a collection of their own creation.

Some treasuries are a group of favorite items, some treasuries reflect a specific color, some focus in on a theme or a group of people. At Boston Handmade we like making treasuries that are visually stimulating, diverse in media, and that feature our group members, like the treasury above which was curated by Karen of City By the Sea Ceramics. Click HERE to check out more Etsy Treasuries featuring members of Boston Handmade, and happy shopping!