Native American Hand Puppet

I made this hand puppet in 3rd or 4th grade.

This is the only artwork from Elementary school that I was able to keep over the years. My family moved from Los Angeles to Boston in 1978, and we literally packed a suitcase and moved to Grandmas house. We did not 'pack up the house' we were told to only take what was most important to us (if it fit into a suitcase). Somehow, this hand puppet was important to me.

I made her with my own hands, and I have kept her safe now for over 34 years. Her necklace has seen better days, her dress is a bit tattered, and she shows her age with her cracked face, but to me she is beautiful and I am proud that she hasn't fallen apart after all these years.

She is surely not my first art/craft, but she is the oldest one still in my possession. I love her.

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?

More Dog

A Sleeping Dog is a Good Dog

Happy Valentine's Day

Scott gave me roses.

Pretty, red, fragrant roses...

What'd you get?

Be Mine on Friday Feb. 6th!

Another great Boston Handmade exhibit!
Stop by for a visit and a wonderful shopping experience!


Be Mine
The 2nd Annual Boston Handmade Valentine Show

Friday, February 6 ~ 5pm to 9pm
450 Harrison Avenue ~ Gallery #31 ~ 31 Thayer Street

South End, Boston, MA - Boston Handmade announces the 2nd Annual Be Mine Valentine Show featuring hand crafted Valentines and gifts for friends, family, and lovers, to be held on Friday, February 6th, from 5-9pm at 450 Harrison Avenue. Sponsored in part by GTI Properties and the individual members of Boston Handmade, this one-night-only event coincides with the First Friday open studios and gallery receptions in the SoWa arts district of Boston's South End.

Twenty local artists, artisans and craftspeople will be exhibiting their one-of-a-kind and limited edition works at Be Mine, which is the 2009 Boston Handmade debut after their successful 2008 Downtown Crossing holiday gallery. This special Valentine event includes live acoustic music by Peter Paulousky and new exhibitor designs created especially for the winter season and Valentine's Day.

I hope to see you all there!

Winter Blahs

Apparently I have a serious case of the winter doldrums.

Gina's Guitar Pick

I made this guitar pick pendant for Gina as a thank you present.
It's the one on the right (the one on the left is for a donation I spoke of below)


Gina sent Scott meli-melo's for Christmas. I can't find anywhere to order them here in the US or online for that matter. Need I say more?

I also really want to see if Gina reads my blog.

Rock! for "Music Drives Us"

It's time for another BandGig concert featuring musicians in the program of all ages and musical styles. These special concerts always benefit a cause and this time it is for Ernie Boch, Jr's Music Drives Us Program.


This Saturday night, January 17th, The Elks club in Norwood, MA will be host to this concert benefiting music programs throughout Massachusetts. There will be raffles with lots of great products and services, and a very special raffle of two Floor seat Celtics tickets (which should command a pretty penny!) The winner and a guest will be able to watch the players wipe the sweat from their brow, and may even get moistened by accident (that's how good the seats are)!

Once again, I am donating an item of handmade jewelry. This time, I made a sterling silver pendant in the shape of a guitar pick with "BAND GIG" stamped in, with a chain so the lucky winner will never be caught without a pick again! My pendant will be included in a basket of other Rockin' goodies...here is a sneak peek...

If a 'Rockin' Basket' is not your thing, there will also be baskets themed with 'Pamper Yourself', 'High Fashion', 'Living Italian' and 'A Night In and Out'.

Please come out to the Elks club on Saturday night for a great concert and an awesome cause!

Starving Artists?

This is one place that I will not be going to on Sunday.

Starving Artist Group

This comes around every now and then...although I think mostly in the spring time.
They show their artwork at local hotels in the area and you can buy "an original" painting for $7-$49. Nothing over $50 is one of their sayings. I am not a fan at all!

This makes me crazy in fact.

I don't know about you, but I am an art collector, and this sort of thing makes me really angry! I know how these paintings are produced, and it is not pretty. The canvas rolls down a factory line. There are multiple artists who paint their little sections on the canvas and it can even be re-rolled so that the artist paints the same tree on the canvas (just in a different place).

This gives 'Starving Artists' a whole new meaning. These artists are getting paid peanuts for their efforts. The final artist down the factory line is instructed to sign the painting with a well known last (western) name, like Smith, or Jones. The people who paint these paintings don't even know the English language. I am sorry, I just saw a commercial for this nonsense and I am riled up by it.

Please don't ever buy any art from a starving artists sale! You are not buying art! You are buying sweatshop forced art.


Vent over.

Ann's Palette Knife Pin

Ann Gorbett who is a very talented palette knife artist, commissioned me to make her a pin in the likeness of the tool that she uses the most....a palette knife.

This request was a real compliment to me since I had commissioned Ann to paint my sisters and I from a copy of a photograph last August. I am a huge fan of her paintings!

Here are the pictures that she sent me of her knife.


This is the finished pin in sterling silver.



I think it came out wonderfully, and I hope she loves it! Well, I know she loves the front, but she hasn't seen the pin parts on the back yet, so I hope she loves those. She is not only a great artist, but a patient human being. :)

New Year, New Etsy shop!

It's a new year, and time for new endeavors!

I have opened a new Etsy shop with vintage jewelry and jewelry components. Most of the vintage jewelry that will be featured in my new shop is courtesy of my friend Jape's mother and animal advocate extraordinaire.

Please check out my new shop findingrosetta where 50% of all profits from sales will be donated to the Neponset Valley Humane Society.

Here is a sneak peek of what you will find at findingrosetta
Vintage flower brooch

Vintage telephone cuff links

And a vintage brooch that has already sold...thanks Kathy!

Although its fun for me to take pictures and list items, my main goal here is to make some money for the Neponset Valley Humane Society. So please take a look and see if there is anything you like, even if you like it to just take it apart and make something else with it. Because that is fun, too!

Happy New Year!

Here's to champagne and wontons!

Cheers to 2009!

A very special Christmas present

I made this pendant for my sister Kathy in her signature blog avatar for Christmas. I think she really liked it.

I only took these two pictures, and in retrospect, the pics are not so good. The pendant is adorable though...really adorable. In fact, it screams Kathy. This is her illustration copied in sterling silver. I can take no credit for the design. I placed a piece of thin paper on my computer screen and traced the outline of her little bunny to the best of my ability, and then copied that onto some sterling sheet with a sharp point, and then cut it out. It may not be exactly her avatar, but it is as close as I could get. And I love it!

I think it came out pretty good. Such sweet bunny goodness. I love Kathy, and I love this little pendant.

Merry Christmas!

It's all about comfort really.
Christmas is a time where you can kick back and relax and just be yourself. Just take it from Ruby (or Daisy...I can't tell them apart.)

She sat like this for a few minutes before anyone thought it was odd.

Merry Christmas!!

BH Downtown Extended Hours

Boston Handmade Downtown
EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS!

Tuesday, December 23rd, 9am-1pm
505 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111

It's your last chance to find perfect handmade gifts for your friends and loved ones made by local artists and artisans, and treat yourself to something special after the holidays...
Visit Boston Handmade Downtown at the end of the week before we close our doors for the season!

Final gallery days: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, December 26-28, 11am-7pm
For more information and a full list of gallery exhibitors: http://www.bostonhandmade.org

Winterwonderland

It's been snowing for over 48 hours and now the freezing rain just started.
Damn!

Scott's a superhero!

My 12 pound Nephew

Dave the Gallery 9 mascot, gets very chilly in the wintertime. He doesn't have any fat on his little 12 pound frame.
But being small doesn't mean that he can't get warm. He's got his tricks...this is just one of them.

Mayor Menino visits BH Downtown

There was lots of activity at Downtown Crossing on Saturday. Mayor Menino and his entourage came around to visit the temporary artists galleries and the general festivities in the area.

BH member Sedie, Randi Lathrop from the Boston Redevelopment Authority, Mayor Menino, and me.

The Mayor browsing the jewelry.

The Mayor browsing DeShawn Marie soaps while the people browse the Mayor.

Local Cable 'On Demand' showed up to film a quick spot for the channel for the Downtown Crossing shopping experience. Lucky for us they shot it in our gallery!

A picture of Menino with some of the Boston Handmade Downtown staff.
Colleen of Tactile Baby, Bexx of BooksbyBexx, Carrie of Handmedowns, Mayor Menino of The City of Boston, Sedruola of YarnObsession, and me, Nancy of Nancyrosetta

Katy of MuchachaK showed up for her shift during all the hubbub. She missed the pomp and circumstance, but I did get a shot of her and Menino's back! Heehee!

All in all a wonderful Saturday!

New Earring Cards

The store is doing so well, I am super pleased!
I actually sold a lot last week, so I've made a lot to bring in tomorrow.

I used my business cards to make these earring hangers for these new simple wire earrings.

The first pair of earrings is showing the back of the card. I cut the business cards down to about 1 1/2" x 2 1/4", I used a 1/8" hole punch for the earwires, then I put a hanging tag on the backs. I think they came out pretty good.

I'll be working tomorrow from 3-7pm. Come by and say hello!

Guitar? I need practice!

****Warning :: even though there is a cute little boy in the first two vidoes, that doesn't mean there isn't a mean old cursing lady in the last video...could be NSFW...use your better judgment. :)*****

I have to share this with you all, not that this video needs any help with marketing...it has over 600,000 views.
I am in awe when I see such small children with such huge talents, and this boy has a talent that I am extremely impressed with.
Sungha Jung playing 'blackbird'


I really hope this kid can pursue his passion and not have to take over the family farm.

But whoa! Here is the same little boy only a couple of years older...and more adept it seems...
Sungha Jung playing 'blackbird' a few years after the first time...


Practice, practice, practice.

...Funny, the last video reminded me of a video I made a few years ago. I think it has to do with the shelving in the background or the color of the walls... not the quality of guitar playing.

Karate by Tenacious D, played by Nancy on guitar and vocals.


:D

The week in review

Thursday was great at BH Downtown. We had our Opening Reception along with 3 other stores who 'came to be' the same way we did. It was really busy in there for the whole reception. Ivy Restaurant donated some cheese and meat platters to the cause...the bleu cheese was incredible!


Today, Kim and I did the JWCW holiday shopping spree. I would have gotten a picture of the crowds, but their weren't any. We mixed up our items and I think it looked pretty durned good.

In my attempt to crop out the tie dye shirts that are apparently our backdrop here, I made the picture look really stupid. Sorry. I don't have the energy to try to fix this photo, and since it is the only one I took, I guess it is a tribute to this poorly attended holiday shopping spree. It was fun to hang out with Kimayyy tho, sick as she is.

Venison anyone?

This is 1/2 a deer.



Thankfully I don't have the gory detailed photos of how it came to be. This is a post butcher photo. A very professional butcher, wouldn't you agree?

Andy's kill.

Scott helped with the gutting, be-heading, de-footing and skinning.

I actually don't really know how I feel about this meat. I am having a little bit of a hard time not thinking of Bambi and Bambi's Mom. Such is the food chain to a thinking person. This is the first kill in the four or so years that Andy and Scott have been hunting together.

Tomorrow I foodsave and freeze most of it, and give some to Julie and Nick.

We have some venison meals in our immediate future.

More Press!

Check out the Boston Herald today!

Tomorrow is my first official shift, and what a great day to work there since the Opening Reception is tomorrow, too. I'll be there from 3-7:30pm.

Get your buns on downtown tomorrow!

Cuff Bracelet

I've been making some cuff bracelets for the BH Downtown Store and the JWCW shopping spree.

This particular one is mine. I've been wearing it everyday since I made it. It is very comfortable and I've gotten quite a few compliments on it to boot.

I think they will make some great gifts!