So, Artbeat was long, and hot, and humid...

Thanks to all who stopped by my booth and introduced themselves. It's always cool to be reminded that cyberspace is populated with real live, living, breathing, interesting people.

1st project right now is for me to get prepped for my impending apartment move. After that, the Davis Square Bookcase is next on the list. I'll keep you all posted about progress, and when it'll be showcased.

Circuit Bending with Jimmie P. Rodgers
June 28th, 5-9pm
Donations Welcome

Join us for the second Willoughby and Baltic circuit bending workshop on the 28th of June from 5 - 9 (ish). The first event was a smashing sucsess, and there is an obvious interest in the area for bending. Make sure to check out the spot that was featured on Share.tv about it. In following up with requests, we will be having a part swap and Jam in addition to a longer theory and practical example session. It will all around be a much longer event, hopefully with more projects that go to completion. Please bring anything you've been working on as well, and share with the group.
( Much more info after the cut... )

OK, anybody even partially skilled in DIY will laugh at this post.  I bought a couple of trestles from IKEA to build a desk and I need to shorten the legs by 3-4 inches...  I recently moved here and don't own any tools, and even if I did I wouldn't want to do this work myself because a wonky tabletop is perhaps the most annoying thing in the world...

So... does anybody know of a woodworking shop that would be able to help me shorten these legs by way of a table saw or something similar?

Thanks all...

is there any stores in davis square that sell yarn? if so could somebody please tell me some =]

Tracy Rolling is offering her "Cheap and Dirty Screenprinting" class this Saturday at 4:00 at Willoughby and Baltic. The cost is only $35 and you can make designs to print on your t-shirts!

If you already know how to screenprint, and just need a place to make a mess, come on by from 6-8 for our screenprinting party.

Sign up at www.willoughbybaltic.com, or email info@willoughbybaltic.com

Free as in beer. Tuesday April 15th from 7 till...

What is circuit bending you say? Basically it's taking an electrical circuit, and making it do strange things.

Go to the blog entry on my circuit bent guitar for an example of what to expect:

Click to get to the flickr set, which has a bunch of information on this bend.
This is just a quick introduction to the concepts, and how to quickly and safely get into a growing art. Follow that link up top to my project blog's description of the workshop, or go here for the official posting. It's at the Willoughby and Baltic. Please post if you have any questions. You just need to bring a cheap toy, some beer, and a willingness to make crazy noises.

Hi to all.

Graduated Tufts in '03, and started following the woodworking bug. Since then I graduated the cabinet and furniture making program at the North Bennet Street School in the north end, and I set up shop close to Tufts.

I'm currently running a studio furniture shop, and I'm always looking for work. I'm looking to build the unique and interesting, for whoever wants to pay.

Here's my deal. I've been to school, and learned the ins and outs of working wood, and what makes for a quality piece of furniture. part of the basis for my shop is the assumption that there are people out there who have ideas for things that they want built, but don't have the means or the know-how to make it happen. My ideal client is someone who brings their ideas to the table, and is willing to work with me to figure out how to make it happen. The ideal client also understands that custom made furniture is not inexpensive. I'd love to do this work for free, but floating a shop takes work, and it takes money.

So, please, spread the word, and drop me a line if you have a project you'd like to discuss.

People here are sometimes looking for knitting and craft supplies. I read that The Knitting Room in Arlington, which went out of business recently, is having an indoor garage sale this Saturday, Feb. 16th from 10-2 at 2 Lake St., East Arlington, around the corner from the Capitol Theatre. It sounds as if EVERYTHING in the store is being sold, including knitting and craft supplies, antiques, figurines, glassware, knickknacks, books, CDs, DVDs, board games, storage bins, lamps, coffee table, camera, microwave, fridge, and a cash register.

Justine, our ceramics expert, has just scheduled a four week workshop in miniature porcelain doll making. Here's a brief description...

A basic overview of creating your own porcelain figure or doll, from concept to finished product. No serious sculpting talent required! Leave with a basic understanding of porcelain slip-casting and firing, china painting, basic wiring techniques, hand-wigging your figure, and (optional) clothing your figure.

for more information, or to sign up , visit www.willoughbybaltic.com.

Saturdays, 2-4pm $150 class fee. $50 materials (includes kiln firing fee).

There's a note in the window of the old law firm near Deli-icious saying there is a new store coming soon. I think it's called Artfaktori and they'll be selling "antique art".

or an embroidery machine that would be willing to do a quick piece of embrodiery? I need to have my son's name put on his stocking, and i was hoping a local Davis person might be able to help out. I'm more than willing to toss a couple bucks at you, or buy you a drink and a scone at the coffee shop of your choice. I would think it would be really quick to just embroider Liam onto the stocking. I would greatly appreciate it.

There will be a a sale at Mudville Pottery Studio Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM. There's a preview Friday night from 7 to 9. The studio is at the corner of McGrath Hwy (Rt. 28) and Pearl St. It's on the 80 bus route. More information is here http://nanhamilton.com/mudvilleshow/, including some nice pictures. None of mine are in the pictures, but I assure everyone they're nice too! Potters with all levels of experience will be selling their work, and all ranges of prices will be there.

hi everybody -- there's a movement afoot to make blankets for some of the families -- someone who knows some of the victims is collecting 9 x 9 knitted (or crocheted!) squares by January 5th to make into blankets. i think this is an awesome idea and a 9 x 9 square is EASILY done.

debbi, who is putting this together, has more details on this post of her blog.

after hanging out at spark crafts and at artbeat i KNOW there are a lot of crafters in the davis area. i think if we pulled together we could make a huge impact in this one small way.

if you're interested in helping out, please feel free to make contact with debbi or you can drop a comment here as i've been in touch with her as well. she asks that her address not be posted publically, but she has given me permission to email it to people who want to know where to send their knitted squares.


if you're not the crafty type, Universalhub has posted an address where you can send monetary donations.


(mods, i hope this post is ok. i figure with all the crafters in the area this is appropriate.)

Is anyone interested in getting together for some sewing sessions? I just ordered a skirt making book on Amazon that I'd be happy to share. I'm dying to try out some of the designs. I'm a relative beginner (I took the Intensive Sewing classes from Sparks Crafts earlier this year) but my love of fashion will hopefully make up for my lack of skills :) Oh, if you know of any sewing groups in the area, please let me know. Thanks!

Ok, so like 4-5 month ago I saw this flyer at Mr. Crepe's for glassblowing instruction/studio usage. It has always been something that I wanted to try. Anyone have that contact info (and, heck, maybe even pricing) or know of any other local place that has a hotshop and gives instruction? Maybe somewhere that sells time in the shop too (since I think my landlord would be ticked if I installed one)

Some holiday-related events coming up next month in Somerville:

November 30 - December 9: Mudflat Open Studio and Sale, 149 Broadway. Click on link for varying hours.

Saturday, December 1: Union Square Winter Craft Market, 11 am - 6 pm; Washington Street Art Center Open Studios and Craft Fair, 11 am - 6 pm; Somerville Museum Holiday Art & Craft Sale, 11 am - 5 pm

Sunday, December 2: Somerville Museum Holiday Art & Craft Sale continues, 11 am - 5 pm; Brickbottom Gallery Opening Reception for "Toys & Games" exhibition, 4-6 pm

Wednesday, December 5: Coldwell Banker's Holiday Bazaar, 15% of proceeds go to Somerville Homeless Coalition, 5-8 pm, 313 Highland Ave.

Thursday, December 6: City Hall tree lighting ceremony, 6 pm

Thursday, December 6: Davis Square Midnight Madness. Shops open from 6 pm to midnight, offering one-night-only discounts.

Friday, December 7: Winter Solstice Concert with Serenata Chamber Musicians and others, 7:30 pm, at Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church

December 8-9 and 13-16: December Salon at the Nave Gallery, featuring the work of over 50 artists. Thursday-Friday 5-8 pm; Saturday-Sunday 1-5 pm.

December 8-9: Mudville Pottery Show, 10 am - 4 pm, 181 Pearl St. (at McGrath Highway)

Saturday, December 8: Chanukah Party at Havurat Shalom, 7 pm, 113 College Ave.

Saturday, December 8: Benefit for 'Toys for Local Children' charity, 6-11 pm, at Good Time Emporium.

Sunday, December 9: Somerville Community Chorus Holiday Concert, 4 pm, at First Congregational Church, 89 College Ave.

Tuesday, December 11: Caroling Walk in Davis Square, starts at 6:45 pm at 'Statue Park' in front of Store 24.

Saturday, December 15: Somerville Arts Council's Illuminations Trolley Tour

Sunday, December 16: Classical Holiday Concert featuring Serenata Chamber Musicians, 2 pm, at Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church

Wednesday, December 19: The Longest Night: A Service of Healing for the Shadow Side of the Season, 7:30 pm, at First Church Congregational, 89 College Ave.

Thursday, December 20: Somerville Holiday Party, 3-6 pm, with music and refreshments at City Hall. All residents "members of the Somerville community" are invited.

Thursday, December 20: Jimmy Tingle's Holiday Party, 6-10 pm, at The Burren's back room.

Saturday, December 22: Winter Solstice Celebration at the Community Growing Center on Vinal Ave, 4 to 8 pm. Bring drums, tambourines, and easy-to-share food - or just come and enjoy the party.

If I've left out any Somerville holiday event, post a comment here and I'll add it.

Somerville Museum's Crafts Show will be December 1 and 2 from 11 am to 6 pm at the Somerville Museum on Center Street. This is a juried show (no pasta Santas!) that benefits the Museum and features Somerville artists.

Please come!

Would anyone be able to lend their sewing machine for a couple of weeks to a friendly Davis Square neighbor? :-)

My roommate and I are trying to find a good local art supply store to hit up for some stuff to use for Halloween costumes. Anyone know of a good one around here? We do have cars available to us, so if it's not quite T-accessible, that's fine.

Thanks!

This weekend's ArtsUnion event is the Urban Country Fair, Sunday from 3 to 7 pm. Inspired by country fairs that feature neighbors sharing knowledge, showing off their own talents and having fun, the Urban Country Fair does the same for city folk. There will be Boston SkillShare workshops, old time countrified musical entertainment, exhibitors and craft and art sellers.

(And coming up on Saturday, September 29: the second annual What the Fluff? festival)

Here's a reminder that tomorrow (8/18) is the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle...Recraft!" Fair in Union Square. There will be eco-friendly shopping, live music, free craft activities and local environmental organizations.

( Click here for more details! )

Magpie is putting on a craft fair in the Union Square Plaza on Saturday August 18th!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle...Recraft!

An Eco-Friendly Craft Fair brought you by Magpie and the Somerville Arts Council.

August 18th 3:00pm - 7:00 pm
Union Square Plaza in Union Square, Somerville, MA

( Read more! )

I've had always wanted a fabric store in davis. I want to know that if there was one, but failed? or that there is plans for one *crosses fingers*? or if there is even the slightest interest of having one in the square...

Does anyone know of any online communities where people get together to talk about local environmental topics/issues/initiatives?

We at Magpie are looking to drum up a few more participants for an eco-friendly craft fair in Union Square Somerville next month. We're looking not only for crafters and artists but local non-profits who might want to get the word out about their cause. We have a great lineup of participants so far but are looking to fill a few more spaces.

We'd also welcome suggestions right in this thread. Or you can email us at recraft{at}magpie-store{dot}com.

Somerville-based artist/crafters/non-profit suggestions would be most truly welcomed!

Thanks!

As a part of the Somerville Art Council's ArtsUnion program, Magpie is putting on a craft fair in Union Square next month (Sat Aug 18) called "REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE ... RECRAFT!"

We've just put out our "call for vendors" if anyone is interested in applying to be a vendor or wants to pass this on to someone who is:
http://magpie-store.com/recraftfair.html

(And we'll post more details closer to the event for anyone who's interested in attending.)

A sign in the vacant store window at Mass. Ave. and Allen Street announces that Spark Craft is coming soon to that location. I don't know if this is an expansion, or if they are leaving their current Davis Square digs.

recommendations for local places to buy more yarn for knitting?

I am seeking a nearby tattoo artist, to reink an existing tattoo and possibly provide a new one. Is there one in the area? My three priorities are (1) Cleanliness, (2) Friendliness, and (3) High Quality of Art, in that order. Thank you muchly.

Unrelatedly, I would like to find a place nearby that sells yarn, preferably in the Davis/Porter area of the universe. There HAS to be someplace. I just can't find it.

Thanks again.

Hey Boston!

I found this great website with a listing of all the fabric store around the area.

Sharing the love

I found it useful, I had no idea there were so many fabric stores

A juried crafts fair this weekend at the Somerville Museum (on Central just two blocks off Highland Ave.)

Saturday and Sunday, 11am-5pm.

Yes, this is the weekend of the crafts fairs, from Brickbottom to the Nave. And the Somerville Museum is between the two.

Please drop by and say hi to me--I do the fused glass tableware.

The Washington Street Art Center is having its annual Holiday Craft Fair and Open Studios this Saturday, December 2nd, from noon to 6pm.

The WSAC is at 321 Washington Street, just a hop over the Elmer Bumpus Bridge outside Union Square. Free admission, and free parking, or a 15-minute walk from Harvard Square. Come see a fine sampling of local artists' funky wares, including many from the Center's artists. There will also be hot cider and other treats. Mmmm, hot cider....

( Miracle 5 poster behind cut )

Magpie carries goods that are handmade or produced in small batches by independent artists/designers. We are located at 378A Highland Ave in Davis Square (right next to Rock City Guitars). Every so often we update our Magpie LiveJournal with new stuff we've just started carrying. Many of the artists/crafters who we carry are locals. :) Here's our latest update if anyone is interested:

http://community.livejournal.com/magpie_store/

(If this kind of posting is not allowed here, feel free to let me know.)

Hi all,

A friend of mine is looking for a do-your-own-pottery place, and I seem to remember there being one on Mass Ave somewhere. Where is it and what's it called? Am I wrong? If so, does anyone know where I can find one? I don't think that Spark in Davis has pottery, but I could be wrong.

x-posted to my journal.

( Read all about it! )

Crafty Celebs coming to Spark Craft Studios in Davis Square!

Shannon Okey from knitgrrl.com and Kim Werner from crochetme.com
Friday October 6th 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Jenny Hart from Sublime Stitching
Tuesday October 10th 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

I am looking for some tall, unfinished wooden bookshelves that I can stain or paint. Has anyone has an especially good experience with a place around here? Good pricing? I note there are a lot of options on the other side of the river, but transport will be easier if it's up here.

Thank you!

So, I've decided I'm going to start offering art and craft lessons at my house for mid-teens through adults (I have no experience working with younger children). I'm setting the price at $40 per 2-hour sessions, and they can be scheduled on weekday evenings or weekend mornings through evenings. If you want lessons or know someone who might, email me (cemberley at gmail dot com) to discuss.

Possible classes:
- Beginner through intermediate drawing and painting (watercolor, acrylic, oil)
- Portfolio prep (ideal for high school students looking to apply to college art programs)
- Basic photography (digital or manual, no developing as I do not have the equipment, sadly)
- Beaded or wire-working jewlery
- book-binding
- basic sewing

Has anyone ever taken their sewing machine to the Singer store in Davis for repairs? My sewing machine just stopped running and my projects are slowly piling up. But I'm a girl on a budget. Can anyone give me reviews of their service and/or a general price range for sewing machine repairs?

Thanks!

What are some good local fabric stores? ("Good," in this case, meaning reasonable prices with wide selection.) I have a car, but I'm fine with taking the T and lugging a bag home.

I'll be doing some belly dance costuming, so funky fabrics might be necessary. I already hit Sew-fisticated, which can be limited in selection, but cheap, and will be heading to Sew-Low later.

Or should I look farther afield than the Somerville area and just head to Chinatown?