Salem, Ma... Halloween... And Learning a New Craft!

October is a great time to be living in Salem, MA. We celebrate Halloween all month long here - thousands of people migrate to Salem to participate in Haunted Happenings... to hear about the famous Witch Trials and simply have fun getting caught up in all the hype of the season. I digress a little though. Ever since I have been in the "handmade" environment - I have been so impressed with all the artists who design children's clothes. I love that one-of-a-kind boutique look that you can't buy in stores. A particular design caught my eye - decoupaging with fabric.


I wanted to learn how to do this... however, the sewing machine scares the daylights out of me... I can sit through any horror movie you put in front of me and not flinch - but stick sewing machine in my face and I start screaming... running for the door. I am not sure why I have never taken up this craft... My grandmother was a top notch seamstress and by the third grade my mother was able to make her own dress that she then wore to a recital... so... why wasn't that gene passed onto me?!? Well - I was doing some fabric hunting and found the cutest Halloween fabric square pack by Moda. I did a little research on decoupaging clothing and I was off. Will all the supplies I needed I made a go at it. My mother was able to help with sewing the edges of the fabric on the jeans... and presto! I completed my first boutique outfit for my daughter! I am hooked... I now know why these are sold for so much as it took me about four days to complete.


I even hand embroidered on the jeans and the shirt! Devan wore the outfit to school today and got a lot of ooohs and aaaahhs... and when she was asked where she got it - she simply said... "My mom made it" and though small... I really felt proud of my accomplishment.

School Daze.... Saying Goodbye to Summer...

For most kids…. School has already begun… for the lucky few… they can savor the last days of summer for just a little bit longer.

You can tell fall is in the air… the sun sets earlier… mornings are just crisp enough for a sweatshirt… back yards are more quiet during the day… parks more empty… and streets more crowded in the afternoon. The smell of suntan lotion slowly starts to fade as the aroma of freshly sharpened pencils take its place. In the hall… backpacks now take the place of flip flops and wet towels.

Alarm clocks don the new day instead of a lazy late morning phone call from a friend down the street. Life guards are leaving for college and beaches show little trace that summer was even here…

The lazy, hazy days of summer soon start to fade from our minds…. As the hustle and bustle of school days… schedules… dirty cleats and paper bag lunches move right on in.

Soon… apple pies will be baking… turkeys will be carved and sleigh bells ringing… And summer won’t seem that far away anymore…

Photo From Frank Scallo on Flickr

PS: There is one place you can be sure to find handmade beach inspired goodies all year 'round - The Boardwalk on 1000 Markets.

Inspiration... Where Do You Get Yours?

Art... no matter what medium... is created through individual inspiration. Sometimes we capture it through looking inward... while other times... it comes from outside influences.

Where do we get our inspiration from? Does it come through the wisdom of those before us... or from hands that show years of hard work? Does it come from the innocent face of a child.... or through the playfulness of a new puppy? Do we see it in nature that has been untouched by man... or in landscapes well traveled? Do we harness it from places we have yet to go... or from beliefs that we hold close? Are we inspired by accomplishments once thought impossible to attain... from love that shows no limits... and glasses that are always half full... or from peace in the solitude we seek?

Where ever the inspiration comes from - we own it - we make it ours... and mold it into something new... something for someone else to love... to be inspired by.

In each inspiration there is a story to tell... what is yours?

~ All photos used were captured by the talent that resides on Flickr - thank you! ~

~~@~~ SuPeR HOT SuMmEr SaLe! ~~@~~

JULY SUMMER SALE -- Why Not!

Enjoy a little stimulus from Sea Glass Things... treat yourself... stock up for the Holiday season... the time is now!

$20 off items $50-$100 (PRICES ALREADY REFLECT DISCOUNT)

$30 off items over $100 (PRICES ALREADY REFLECT DISCOUNT)

**Flip Flops and newly added Home Good items not included in sale.

Sale ends July 31st, 2009 and applies to only items purchased from my 1000 Markets store and my Etsy shop.

Sea Glass Things on 1000 Markets

Sea Glass Things on Etsy

Home Decor that Brings the Beach to You! ~ Meet The Boardwalk Artist Series ~ Featured Artist ~ Shari Curtiss of Beach Grass Cottage

The Boardwalk - on 1000 Markets - welcomes a new artist Shari Curtiss of Beach Grass Cottage!

"Hi, shore lovers~

I'm Shari Curtiss, owner/artist of Beach Grass Cottage, and I admit it-- I am a self-proclaimed beach girl and shore lover! It probably started growing up on a lake in Michigan, being a short drive to the pristine beaches of Lake Michigan. Lots of trips to the beach with friends!

Then, something happened that cemented my love of the sea. My family began vacationing on Anna Maria Island, on Florida's Gulf Coast, and I was officially hooked! My parents bought a condo there and became snowbirds, and I began yearning for my already frequent visits to the shores of AMI. Crossing those bridges was like coming home; still is today.

My mom and I fell into the crazy habit of getting up in the early am, before the sunrise, in the dark, and getting to the beach to "get the big ones" before the other beachcombers arose. My family just shook their heads. Often, our diligence was rewarded, with us bringing home a bounty of gorgeous shells, sea glass, and prizes washed in to the shore. Every day was fueled by the thrill of the hunt! I was hooked on seashells and the sea forever!

Professionally, I have extensive experience in the gift industry, first owning a corporate gift company, then moving on to Beach Grass Cottage. What better way to follow my passions than to use my God given gifts creating beautiful things from the bounty of the ocean! To be able to do something you truly love, and to have the talent for it to actually survive at it, is such a blessing!! Beach Grass Cottage truly was a dream realized through many prayers.

Beach Grass Cottage is located in Portage, Michigan, near the pristine beaches and resort communities of Lake Michigan, home of obsessively devoted beach dwellers, killer sand dunes, casual lakeshore living and the most gorgeous sunsets on the planet! While our main line of products will always be beach glass and seashell decor and gifts, I also have a second business in custom floral design and also dabble in refinishing "junk" antique furniture. I live in Portage, Michigan with my husband and two sons.

~ Shari"

Check out Beach Grass Cottage on 1000 Markets and Shop Now!

Thanks for strolling by The Boardwalk... Where we hope the sun is always shining!

Celebrity Sightings at SoWa Marketplace!

How cool... Newton - Massachusetts native, John Krasinski and his current British squeeze Emily Blunt were shopping yesterday at SoWa! I totally left my tent and spotted them in Pinecone + Chickadee's tent.... man he is just as adorable in person! Check out some market pics of them that were taken!

"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..."

My Way...

I recently have been featured in the blog - My Way - Etsy finds: It's seafoam baby!! by Carlotta Marsicano. What a super nice person who takes the time to do her research and really explore the shops/blogs she is writing about.

The post is a kick-off to summer and her love for seafoam green. She has found some amazing photos of waves on a beach - god I wish I was there right now - the second one has my heart! Check out her blog that features some really cool fashion, handmade goodies and a great post about all things seafoam!

Jump Into These Coastal Creatioins! ~ Meet The Boardwalk Artist Series ~ Featured Artist ~ Norma Gafford of Beachcombers Cove

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

"I am a retired hippie..... livin' the dream of being a creating artist and loving every minute of it. (Actually I am a retired art teacher.) Inspired by the ocean and sky, every day is an adventure on the Texas coast.

My philosophy is: Life's a Beach and we may as well jump in and make a splash!

I love to design in sterling silver wire. Most of my pieces are inspired by the natural beauty of the ocean and beach. All of the work is designed and hand-made by me.. I make my beads by the lampworking method. This is an ancient process where glass rods are heated until molten, then wrapped around a stainless steel mandrel, which forms the bead. Then the beads are kiln annealed for durability. Other materials such as Thai Silver, Gemstones, Shell, Bone, Leather, & Beach Glass sometimes add to the variety of design.

My 2-dimensional work is also inspired by the sea and air. I love to draw and paint fish, mermaids, turtles, dolphins, all kinds of sea and beach creatures. My favorite media are colored pencil, pastels, and watercolors.

Life is too short to wear boring jewelry. Jewelry should be FUN!"

See more of Norma's work here:

www.beachcomberscove.1000markets.com

www.beachcomberscove.blogspot.com

It's Time To Deck Your Walls! ~ Meet The Boardwalk Artist Series ~ Featured Artist ~ Wendy Russell of Artrussell

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

"I'm a native New Englander, having been born and raised in southern Connecticut. My family lived within walking distance of Long Island Sound and I spent the summers of my youth at the beach swimming, playing in the sand, boating and chasing after ice cream vendors. Bliss. Ocean themes have naturally become important additions to my portfolio of paintings.

Art has always been an essential part of my life. After graduating from college with a degree in Interior Design, I was determined to give city life a try. I moved to Boston and after working in the city for a while, I realized that although I'd always love to visit cities, living there was not for me. I tried the Massachusetts suburbs and worked on a visual merchandising team for a major department store chain. The work was varied and creative, but also very physical. I carried more sofas and ladders than I care to remember. In the meantime, I had taught myself to spin and weave and eventually, left my job to pursue my art and craftwork.

The country life began to beckon and I moved to Vermont in the early 1980's. Three children, lots of gardens, and piles of artwork later I still awaken each morning wondering what subject might catch my eye and become the focus for my next painting. My husband and I consider ourselves very fortunate to have found a home on a gem of a lake in this beautiful state.

My motto: There's an artist in each of us. Trust in yourself to let go and create what you need to create."

Stop by Artrussell on 1000 Markets and Shop Now!

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

Photographing Sea Glass Using A Light Table

Natural light is really the best method for photographing sea glass - however, sometimes it is fun to try out other alternatives.

A great way to illuminate sea glass - without getting glare - is to use a light table. This can be done at any time of the day and the results are pretty neat. I have an inexpensive Crayola Crayon light table, of my daughter's, that I use. To keep a continuous flow when photographing something at a side angle... I just placed a piece of white poster board behind the light table. Another thing you could do is place the light table in a white light box to get the same effect. You can get cool effects without spending a lot of money!

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...

Brand Your Business with a Great Logo Design

I wanted to do a spin/repost on great logo design from last year as I think it is very helpful when starting your business.

When I started to get serious about marketing materials for my business - I knew I had to start with a logo. I wanted a "brand" and a logo that was eye-popping - something that if people saw they would say - "Oh yeah - that is Sea Glass Things!". I know this type of thing can be costly if you were looking into a design firm or something of that nature... So I started exploring other non-traditional avenues.

Keeping with my theme of handmade, I decided to look on Etsy. I set up a "Custom" call out to see if there were any graphic designers that would be willing to take a crack at what I wanted. I wanted a catchy logo... it need to envelop the essence of my work... something that could easily be translated for advertising online or print... and lastly, it had to be cost effective. I ended up getting a slew of responses and chose Curious Ink. I loved her proposal - not only is she super talented - she is easy to work with and keeps you involved in every step.

She took my notes and off she was to create my logo. Once she had drawn it out - she colored it digitally in either Photoshop or Illustrator (can't recall) and presto! I had one amazing logo. She let me choose from 6 designs she had created and worked to fine tune the one I selected until it was perfect. She also emailed me MANY various file formats - so I was all set! The whole thing cost me about $30 - not sure what she has for deals now - but her work is top notch!

If you are looking for a talented designer to get you started and brand your business I think Curious Ink is the way to go - check out the shop and her work!

Check out my post last year regarding this logo design - Click here!

Curious Ink on Etsy - Shop Now!

Fun Friday Find #3 - Taylor's Eclectic Shop

How cool are these finds for the day - wow... to think what you can make out of paper.... the mind wanders. I am in awe when I come across such art... love these vibrant colors!

The light seems to just illuminate like stained glass windows of a church.... little hues of mosaics to make your mouth water... could be on your end table for $175.

Mmmm.... here is another beautiful piece that could be yours for $125 - love these two colors together - it has a very modern island feel to it!

And to think you could have these tiny mosaics envelope your body... here is a little finger candy that would be fun to wear for only $25.

Well - I think you have seen... there is no going wrong with Taylor's Eclectic Shop and the many pieces of art they have to offer!

Taylor's Eclectic Shop on 1000 Markets - Shop Now!

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!

It's Time to Suds Up! ~ Meet The Boardwalk Artist Series ~ Featured Artist ~ Jess Glendinning of Chase Street Soap Company

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

"My name is Jess and I have been making soap for almost a year now. I began in our home in Maine, as something to do as a stay at home mom and soap making seemed to fit easily into my schedule with my daughter (I make soap late night after the family is asleep). Now we live in New Jersey and my soaps were an easy thing to transport. It also, although not in the very beginning, makes us some extra money here and there, plus I love it!

My soap ideas came to me immediately. I knew I wanted vegetable based, vegan and environmentally friendly, but to be different and a bit edgy. I knew what I wanted the name to be, how I wanted the packaging to look, the scents, etc. I also wanted to do a men's line, thus, The Salty Dog™ line was created.

I began with 4 different scents in the basics and 6 in the Salty's. Now I have over 40 scents to choose from, available at different times of the year...

My biggest inspiration has been growing up in Maine, my love of the ocean and sea adventures. I feature a sea monster from an old 16th century map as my main logo and paintings by the American artist Howard Pyle on my Salty Dog soaps. I do everything myself, from
measuring, to mixing, pouring, cutting and designing the labels. My standards for quality and perfection border on obsessive-compulsive.

I have included a few pictures of the factory, some of my favorite soaps and one of myself, on a beach back in my home state of Maine, taken by a friend of mine professionally."

Chase Street Soap Company on 1000 Markets - Shop Now!

It's Show Time! Is Your Banner Ready?

Well - that time of the year is fast approaching for many of us that do shows. When I decided to dedicate a lot of time to out door vending events, I knew I wanted a professional banner for my business. I have really tried to stay handmade for all my marketing items and supporting other artists.


I came across Polymer on Etsy - and was astounded by the "Bang for my Buck" that I could get from Polymer and the quality that was delivered. I submitted my logo (as a vector image) to Paula and she was off ready to create!

For $100 (because they were doing the designing) I got a 5foot W x 2foot H 13oz. vinyl banner with hems and grommets - full color long term outdoor resistant printing. Made to last. Can't beat that!


So if you are looking for a quality, affordable banner for your shows - Check out Polymer on Etsy!

Fun Friday Find #2 - Creative with Clay

I love coming across unusual finds for table/kitchenware... recently I stumbled onto some really cool pottery with a modern flare and bright colors! This work reminds of the Southwest - rolling with tumbleweeds... rich hues of the soil.... and heading into Mexico - cantinas on every corner....

Shake your money maker with this sweet pair for $34 - ready for your table - match with your Fiesta Ware!

If you ever have wine left after you uncork a bottle - jazz it up with one of these bright and fun wine stoppers for only $18 each!

Wouldn't this gal look stunning on your Adobe wall? You can have her hanging around for $115 - I think she would fit right in!

If you haven't seen the work of Creative with Clay - I recommend you do so! Check out the following places below to shop and read more about this Fun Friday Find:

Creative with Clay Website

Creative with Clay Etsy Store

Creative with Clay Blog

BH Member Vintage by Crystal on Martha Stewart Recap

Fellow Boston Handmade member, Crystal Hanehan, of Vintage by Crystal, was on the Martha Stewart Show yesterday demonstrating how to create her needle felted bird's nest with spun cotton stand... and old German technique that she has mastered.... just in time for Easter!

The video will be up shortly online at Martha Stewart and you can read about it there and download instructions on how to make one yourself!

And, I have to say - thanks to Crystal - Martha is now privy to the endless shopping that can be done at the Dollar Store... after all "They are on every street corner in America!" dontcha' know!

Check out Crystals Shops and Blog at:

Vintage by Crystal Website

Vintage by Crystal Etsy Shop

Vintage by Crystal Blog

Watercolor with Grace and Ease ~ Meet The Boardwalk Artist Series ~ Featured Artist ~ Mary Ellen Golden

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

Watercolor is considered a difficult medium by many people. My goal is to create a space in which it happens with grace and ease. My very first art teacher was Margaret Cooper in Rose Hill, North Carolina. I studied oil painting with her from the age of 10 until I went off to college at 17. She gave me an absolute love for the process and an innate color knowledge that has made my path what it is today. I hope that I can pass that on to all my students.


I have been painting in watercolor for more than thirty years. The medium still holds the same fascination that it held for me the very first time I carefully wet the paper, applied a small amount of color, and instantly blotted it with the tissue clenched in my left hand. My students to this day say that when the left hand goes in my pocket, the painting is going well.

That first watercolor lesson was in 1975 in Charleston, SC. The teacher was Virginia Fouché and I am very fortunate to have known her. She had asked me to help her teach her high school art class macrame and when we finished said "how can I repay you?" I told her that I was having trouble with an acrylic painting I was working on and she invited me to her adult class that night..We gathered in an old building in the old village in Mt Pleasant and painted in oils and acrylic..She told me if I would come to class, she would have me painting all the time...and she did.

When she attended a master class in watercolor at Rangemark in Maine, she returned and taught us all watercolor! Hallelujah! That was my media..and the brushes haven't dried out since. She immediately brought Jeanne Dobie and Christopher Schink and Ralph Smith to Charleston and we received wonderful instruction very early in our watercolor journey. Many of those in that class are among Charleston's premier artists today and I love to go back and see what they are doing...

After 4 years in Charleston, my husband John transferred to Wilmington and I opened a tiny gallery in the Cotton Exchange in 1977. When my son John grew up, we added him to the lease and grew the gallery to include his photography. He became a graphic designer and animator and has become well known online as John W Golden, digital artist.. He has shown me the delights of online marketing where I met Beachy Rustica and have been guided by her to 1000 markets and The Boardwalk. She has been an amazing mentor for me and I would like to thank her for leading me here.

Rolling Along.Very small me Lotus (not beach but still water. )Storm Watchers

Mary Ellen Golden on 1000 Markets - Shop Now!