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~*~*~*~*~The fun-design of an Etsy postcard at the Etsy swag / information table
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Today, Boston Handmade, a local association of Etsy artisans, came together in Union Square, Somerville, MA for four hours of arts, crafts, jewelry and textile art - selling fun! The group is very well-organized. Collectively, they sell at a monthly show in Jamaica Plain, the maintain a really nice and fun to read blog, and on an individual level, members are busy each in their own arts communities and have some interesting things going on, on their own
(curious? it's all on their blog).
(curious? it's all on their blog).
I went to the show today - not to sell my own stuff, but to help my sister Nancy of Nancyrosetta artisan jewelry. She is a member of the Boston Handmade group and was participating in the show.
We had a really fun day. The weather thankfully held out well throughout the day, after threatening to blow us out with gusty winds during set-up. People were really friendly and kind, all around. It was really pleasant in that way. I sensed a definite lack of the oft-seen/felt 'jockeying for position' and the competitive vibe that can occur at shows. It made for a much more pleasant and relaxed atmosphere throughout the day. The show drew quite a large crowd, though, so oftentimes booths were filled to capacity, and the only people jockeying for position during those moments were customers!
I enjoyed looking at all of the work, and I purchased quite a number of things. I can't help it, I am an art lover, and art makes life better!! And handmade things are even better -- I love buying something specially made! It feels more special hat way, AND it's nice to know where things come from! Good karma!
The work displayed at this show was on the whole pretty outstanding. I've been to a lot of art/craft shows, and this one not only had a really nice overall variety of different products, but the work clearly had a very high level of craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal. In terms of vendors, jewelry seemed to take the lead, but my feeling is that the mix of different styles really supported each individual artist. There was no competing work - no jewelry that was alike. (I even purchased jewelry, myself - from two different sellers!)
We had a really fun day. The weather thankfully held out well throughout the day, after threatening to blow us out with gusty winds during set-up. People were really friendly and kind, all around. It was really pleasant in that way. I sensed a definite lack of the oft-seen/felt 'jockeying for position' and the competitive vibe that can occur at shows. It made for a much more pleasant and relaxed atmosphere throughout the day. The show drew quite a large crowd, though, so oftentimes booths were filled to capacity, and the only people jockeying for position during those moments were customers!
I enjoyed looking at all of the work, and I purchased quite a number of things. I can't help it, I am an art lover, and art makes life better!! And handmade things are even better -- I love buying something specially made! It feels more special hat way, AND it's nice to know where things come from! Good karma!
The work displayed at this show was on the whole pretty outstanding. I've been to a lot of art/craft shows, and this one not only had a really nice overall variety of different products, but the work clearly had a very high level of craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal. In terms of vendors, jewelry seemed to take the lead, but my feeling is that the mix of different styles really supported each individual artist. There was no competing work - no jewelry that was alike. (I even purchased jewelry, myself - from two different sellers!)
> See many more photos of this event on my Flickr
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~*~*~*~*~Breathtaking art dolls by Mimi Kirchner Original Dolls.
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Leetle, superinteresting surrealistic landscape oil paintings by Carrie Bergsman of bergsmansbear
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Holey cannoli! It's tons of fabulous holey stuff to wear and use by Louise Cady-Fernandes of The Hole Thing
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Lovely felted and vintage buttoned brooches by Liz Smith of Made In Lowell.
If you are reading this far: The first person to correctly guess which brooch I purchased will win (confetti! applause!) a package of six assorted greeting cards from me! (To guess, just DESCRIBE YOUR GUESS in the comments.)
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Gorgeous jewelry from Nancyrosetta (my sister!) That's Nancy and her good friend (and an all-around family friend!) Suzanne, who helped out with her table today, too!! (So nice to see her and Jape today!)
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Such incredibly imaginative, unique and delicate little figurines, ornaments and other items, themed for specific holidays/ special occasions, by Vintage By Crystal. (I bought one for myself! Yay!)
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> See many more photos of this event on my Flickr
~*~*~*~*~Adorable felt strawberries by fern animals handmade by ashley anna brown
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~*~*~*~*~Leetle, superinteresting surrealistic landscape oil paintings by Carrie Bergsman of bergsmansbear
~*~*~*~*~
~*~*~*~*~Holey cannoli! It's tons of fabulous holey stuff to wear and use by Louise Cady-Fernandes of The Hole Thing
~*~*~*~*~
~*~*~*~*~Lovely felted and vintage buttoned brooches by Liz Smith of Made In Lowell.
If you are reading this far: The first person to correctly guess which brooch I purchased will win (confetti! applause!) a package of six assorted greeting cards from me! (To guess, just DESCRIBE YOUR GUESS in the comments.)
~*~*~*~*~
~*~*~*~*~Gorgeous jewelry from Nancyrosetta (my sister!) That's Nancy and her good friend (and an all-around family friend!) Suzanne, who helped out with her table today, too!! (So nice to see her and Jape today!)
~*~*~*~*~
~*~*~*~*~Such incredibly imaginative, unique and delicate little figurines, ornaments and other items, themed for specific holidays/ special occasions, by Vintage By Crystal. (I bought one for myself! Yay!)
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> See many more photos of this event on my Flickr
10 Comments on Boston Handmade arts and crafts fair, last added: 7/9/2008
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Thanks so much for being there with me, Kathy. I had a great time, and the turnout was fantastic.
Great pictures, too! Thanks!
You are so welcome Nancy!! I need to get out more often. I'm so holed up in my studio all the time, which I love, but you know a little fresh air and sunshine is not a bad thing, ha ha :) All of the work was very inspiring!! How fun!!
Love ya!!
kathy
you took some great pictures Kathy! It was great seeing you too! :)
So nice to read! This was my first craft fair and I had a great time and it was nice to meet you :) Thanks for posting all the photos.
The fair was so much fun and it was a really nice meeting you! I hope your little critter treats you well! :)
It was great to meet you! Thanks for posting all the great photos!
hi kathy!
oh! this looks like so much fun! i wish i could have come! grat pictures!
the brooches are wonderful! i think you purchased the one with the light pink center and green/yellows on the outside in the front left corner.
:) m
Melissa, That is bizarre. You picked it. That's scary. First guess, first try. You have a great sense!!!
I'll send you out some cards!!
XO
kathy
Oh, what fun. Everything looks so fun and wonderfully whimsical! I wish I could have been there!
hi kathy!
i just got gorgeous cards in the mail! yay! i won! and too funny, that is the one i would have chosen too. we have alot in common in addition to our love for puggies my friend.
:) thank you for making my day!
melissa