"Here Comes The Sun... Da... Da... Da.. Da..."

"Here comes the sun... and I say it's alright.."

Weather it be a sunrise or sunset - we - on the East Coast of Boston, Ma - simply have not seen it for a while. As I sit and write this, after what seems to be and eternity of rain and dark clouds, I can finally see a glimpse of "Big Yeller" trying to emerge from hibernation.

I have a slew of new products just begging to be photographed in natural sunlight. I am beginning to feel Vitamin D deficient. Not to mention, the artists of The Boardwalk thrive on those beachy sunny days summer brings.

So - call this my cyber sun dance to court "Big Yeller" to once again grace us with warmth on our shoulders... long dreamy days by the shore... safe journeys on the sea... and more Vitamin D than we can all handle!

"Little darling, it seems like years since it's been clear... Here comes the sun, here comes the sun..."

Rock Out to Some Heavy Metal with Heather Gill of Cherry Creek Designs ~ Meet The Boardwalk Artist Series

Many thanks to Heather for such a great bio! Next week another Boardwalk artist will be featured - so don't forget to stop by!

"I started out my career in 'the arts' in a very different artform. I went to culinary school and became a chef. That kind of life is not for a young family so when I gave birth to my daughter 4 1/2 years ago I 'retired' from the food business.

I needed to do something creative so I signed up to take a class in making jewelry. I found PMC (precious metal clay) and traditional metal shortly after. I love what I do everyday!

I've been featured in a couple books and magazines in the last year and I'm getting very busy. This is much more then I ever dreamed it would be and I'm looking forward to seeing what this year has to bring."

Shop Cherry Creek Designs on 1000 Markets Now!

Take a stroll down The Boardwalk next week for another featured Boardwalk artist... until then...

Antiques... Trash To Treasure... Made Into Art!

The North Shore, MA has some fantastic places to shop if you love antiques! You can head up the back roads to Newburyport - hitting Rowley, Ipswich and Rt. 133 into Essex on your way. Salem even has a few shops that are fun to poke around in. I love to pick up random pieces to mosaic or just refinish for my house. Sometimes you come across something you can't even imagine changing.

One shop in particular is Olde Naumkeag Antiques in downtown Salem, MA. To me, the outside just draws you in.

Originally, Salem was called Naumkeag when it was founded in 1626... as it resides at the mouth of the Naumkeag River. Three years later Roger Conant, a fisherman from Cape Ann, renamed Naumkeag... Salem. He then built the first house in Salem on Essex Street. However, there are still many places that carry the old name this city was once called. You can find out more if the history here.

If you are ever in town - you should check out Olde Naumkeag Antiques! Maybe you can find something to upcycled for your own home!

Photos of upcycled furniture from Knack Studios

Handmade Labels for Your Products...Make Em' Yourself or Purchase Handmade...

When I started to design my clothing for my business I knew I needed product labels that spun off my current logo design. At the time - I had no clue there was actually fabric you could run through your printer to create them yourself.

Once again - I turned to Etsy because it seems you can find ANYTHING on there.... if you want... chances are someone has made it.

Here is a pic of the handmade product labels I had created by Mommie Made It on Etsy. I got 50 labels for approximately $20. I supplied my logo - and she whipped up a design. Super easy process and excellent quality!

Mommie Made It on Etsy - Shop Now!

A Soldier Finds Therapy in Creating Beautiful Watercolors ~ Meet The Boardwalk Artist Series ~ Featured Artist ~ Derek McCrea

Derek McCrea is a US Army Infantry Combat Soldier with two tours in Iraq with the 3rd Infantry Division, and this is his stress relief. He has always loved to paint; it allows him to express emotions on paper and relax. Derek paints in a whimsical impressionistic style in plein air settings. He was born in Albany, Georgia on February 19, 1969. He presently resides with his wife, Sheila, of 20 years and his two sons. He first started painting with oils in the summer of 1984. From 1985 to 1986 he painted under the instruction of Jimmy Peterson, a well known artist from Georgia. In 1986 he won 1st place in the Georgia Arts Exhibition.

Derek joined the United States Army in 1987 and continued self study and painting on landscape subjects in France, Holland, Germany, Italy and Hungary, painting in the plein air style. He has completed over 20 commissions in the past year. His works were most recently placed in the Shoppes on Madison in historic Douglas GA, and at Artsy's on the River Street in historic Savannah Georgia.

Derek has donated several artworks to non-profit and charitable organizations in the past: February 2007 to Christian Mission Hospital for HIV children run by Joyce Meyer Ministries in India, silent auction for a baby with PWS syndrome October 25, 2008, and the Annual Benefit on OCT 17, 2008 with Rescue Ink out of NYC.

Check out more of Derek's amazing work at his 1000 Markets site, personal website and blog!

Derek McCrea on 1000 Markets - Shop Now!

Derek McCrea's Personal Website

Derek McCrea's Blog

Each week we will feature another Boardwalk artist - so be sure to come back and check it out! This post was also posted at The Boardwalk Blog on 1000 Markets.

Come Take a Stroll on The Boardwalk for Timeless Coastal Treasures!

Visit The Boardwalk at 1000 Markets to explore a plethora of timeless coastal treasures that could be yours! The Boardwalk is comprised of artists and craftspeople - all whom have a love for the coast. You can find anything from sea glass jewelry, clothing, footwear, coastal tableware, paintings, photography, soaps, kitchen hardware and so much more. Stop by, browse... or purchase something for your beach home!