Crystal on Martha!

Boston Handmade member Crystal Hanehan of VintagebyCrystal will be on The Martha Stewart Show tomorrow! Airing here in Boston on Fox 25 at 10am...check your local listings!

I'm really excited to see her segment! She will be demonstrating this needle felted nest for Martha's 'Easter Crafts' inspired show.

Deep breaths Crystal, I'm sure you'll do great!

Stressful times

In this troubling economy, many people are losing their jobs.

My jobs are safe because I don't have a steady full time job, I have my hands in many small time efforts that fill my day and give me many small paychecks that amount to a fair pay that I am comfortable with. If I lose one job, I will still have a couple. If I lose two jobs, I will have more time to make more jewelry to sell. I feel lucky in that I am not a slave to any one of my part time jobs. And I feel lucky to have a husband who supports me in every one of my small time efforts, and in the long run, a pension that will take care of us in old age.

Ramble aside....one of my part time jobs is being assistant to a wonderful man who deals with people's retirement funds, 401(k)s and annuities. I have been feeling his stress every time one of his highly paid clients loses his/her job and it has been affecting my overall happy attitude. I haven't posted much to my blog as the market has taken a dive with the Bears pushing down as hard as they can. This likely won't change for years. There will be upswings and down swings, but over all, this won't be over for quite some time I fear.

When the Bulls strap on their harnesses and are ready to pull us up and out of this financial mess I'm sure to have a cheerier attitude. I'd love to be posting happy thoughts, but this is on my mind at this moment, so there you go.

Come on Bulls, we're ready for you!

A few of my favorite Boston Handmade things.

Being a member of such a talented group of artisans and craft people can have it's advantages. I have the first look at some of the most wonderful new items, and sometimes...they are gifts!

During the annual meeting in January, we exchanged gifts as a group. I was lucky enough to score two of these wonderful coasters from Lucie Wicker which have become a staple on my coffee table ever since. Hubby and I love them!


During the BH Downtown store's run, I had purchased an eyeglass case from Elizabeth Brennick designs which I have put to use as more than just an eyeglass case. I use it to hold the faceplate for my radio when I park in Boston, and when I am not parking in Boston...eyeglass case it is!


I also bought a painted wooded brooch from Wellerwishes (my sister, Kathy) which I wear all the time and love so much! Her pieces evoke a long lost imaginary magical time. So whimsical and colorful!



Since I first discovered Mimi Kirchner's dolls...yes, when I first joined Boston Handmade, I have longed to own one of her dolls. Lucky for me, she had these magnets for sale of her masculine tattoo men who now grace the front of my refrigerator. Someday I will own a real Mimi doll, but until then, I get to look at images of these beautiful tattooed men...


I am a huge fan of Breton Bleu Studios, I am lucky enough to own a few of her original paintings. I'm a huge fan! My favorite is a mini painting of a marsh that reminds me of Prince Edward Island...even tho I know that it was either from the coast of Massachusetts or of France. Here are a few together.

What are your favorite Boston Handmade items?