Hello Everyone! It’s time to shake off that long snowy winter and get prepped for the summer fair season! We are delighted to announce our first fair of 2013 – the 4th annual Union Made on June 23rd in Somerville’s Union Square.

If you are a crafter or artist – please check out the application!
If you are a art and craft appreciator – please put June 23rd on your calendar and plan to come shop!

This year you can expect ‘more of the same’ from us. Talented vendors, music, activities for kids (and adults too!) and a whole day of outdoor summer fun.

We can’t promise any REAL quilting snakes slithering around but she’s our happy mascot this year and was drawn by our very own Elise Snow.

(We do have a rain date this year on the following Sunday, JUST IN CASE of extreme weather – if it’s just a little drizzly, show’s still on!)

We can’t wait to see you in June!

OPENING RECEPTION: Saturday, March 2, 7-10pm attend the event
ON VIEW: Saturdays from March 2-30th, 12–4 p.m., and by appointment

Love Letters :: Messages Received, a new body of work by Marissa Falco, is on display at the Washington Street Art Center from March 2–30, 2013. In this exhibit, Falco uses fabric and thread to craft three-dimensional, functional objects that are both highly relatable and intimately personal. Love’s many messages from the world around us are hidden in hand-constructed garments, while a handmade quilt features text from Falco’s extensive cache of analog correspondence. These objects explore communication within relationships of all kinds, and the types of messages directly received versus the messages one chooses to take in from the world at large.

Falco’s Love Letters :: Messages Received presents a vintage aesthetic of hand-tailored clothes and letters sent through the mail interwoven with undeniably modern elements of pop music, humor, and sexuality.

It’s hard to believe, but another year’s Bazaar Bizarre Boston has already come and gone. And what a year it was! Attendance was up, some early reports from the field tell us that sales were up, and energy and spirits were definitely both up! The day was so busy and exciting that it just seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye.

We hope everyone – shoppers and vendors alike – had an amazing day. We organizers sure did! Once the Cyclorama was emptied of all our AMAZING vendors and their wares, we were pretty overcome with some BIG FEELINGS, and MIGHT have even gathered into a huddle-cheer before exiting at the end of the night. You should probably be happy you missed that part.

Anyway!

We are so thankful that so many shoppers came out despite the nasty weather. Everything went really smoothly from our perspective and we hope it was the same for shoppers and vendors. We’ll be sending out some surveys shortly to all vendors and the shoppers on our mailing list for some feedback. Please let us know how the day went for you! We try to ask around when we can over the course of the day, but the best way we can be made aware of any concerns and/or suggestions is via our surveys. Please tell us how we can make 2013′s event even better for everyone.

We were very excited to host both our beloved Early Bird Shopping Hour again this year, as well as introduce our new Night Owl Shopping Hour. So far the responses to both programs have been great!

And we were happy to have the Vendor Lounge available again for our super hardworking vendors. One of the highlights of my day was overhearing one of our vendors comment to another about the hair elastics we included on our Table of Things You May Have Forgotten but Might Need At Some Point. “Hair elastics! You wouldn’t think to bring those but they’re totally something you might need! Amazing.”

Here’s a peek inside for those of you who didn’t have a vendor badge on!

Our resident photographer Hank Hauptmann was with us again this year capturing all of the goings-on throughout the day. Check out the photo set on Flickr – http://flic.kr/s/aHsjDeUuzv. The photos are beautiful and really capture the feeling of the day, especially the calm before the storm during vendor set-up and the excitement of the bustling crowds. Thanks, Hank!

If you aren’t already signed up for our mailing list, please be sure that you do that here – http://bazaarbizarre.org/boston/contact/ – that way you’ll be notified of things such as when applications open for our upcoming events, dates/locations/times of our upcoming events, and other important information.

Next up is our summertime Union Made fair in Somerville. We’ll have more information about that in the coming months, so stay tuned!

Once again, a HUGE ENORMOUS GIGANTIC thank you to all of our vendors and shoppers for being so wonderful. We cannot express how much we all LOVE hosting this event and it would not be at all possible without you!

Love,

Your 2012 Bazaar Bizarre Organizers at Small Craft Advisory – Alison, Amy, Elise, Jen, Marissa, Megan, Ryan, and Sarah

Let’s hang out and buy/sell some handmade goods today, shall we?

We will be at the Cyclorama from noon til six with over 100 of the most talented folks in independent art and craft. What better way to finish (or start?) your holiday shopping than by supporting the ladies and gents creating to earn their living!

Handmade is unique. Handmade is heartfelt. Handmade is best! Won’t you join us?

And, lastly, if you ask any of the organizers what they’re going to do today – all day, while working the show – they’ll probably say…

We can’t wait to see you!

All the best and happy holidays,
Alison, Amy, Elise, Jen, Marissa, Megan, Ryan & Sarah

Hi there! First things first: What’s your name, what’s your business name, where are you from, and where are you currently located/crafting?
Hi! I’m Eling, and I run migration goods (as well as my other fuzzy business, rhinofluff yarn + fiber); I’m a Masshole, born & raised; short stints elsewhere but currently back living & crafting in Lowell, Mass.

How did you get your start? Please tell us a little bit about how your business went from an idea to what is is today.
I have always made things. I grew up drawing, crafting, and making & don’t remember ever not doing so. But it was a side thing for most of my life; something I did because I enjoyed it but not a career plan. I actually have a biology degree! In 2005 I found myself unhappy with what I was doing & took a chance and jumped in head first to try to make what I loved doing for “fun” into something I could do full-time.

What inspires you the most to create?
Color, texture, nature, materials. I like finding inspiration in unexpected things, and I love taking an idea and making it into a real, tangible thing.

What are your favorite materials to work with?
I love everything colorful, cute & sparkly. Currently this seems to be a lot of fabric, wool, felt, beads & buttons. Paint and ink are usually around too.

Do you have a favorite color palette?
Personally, I am OBSESSED with gray + yellow (aka grellow). It might be what all my clothes are. But I love all the colors. Maybe too much?

Who are some of your favorite indie artist/crafters and why do you love them?
Eeek!! There are too many! How do I narrow it down? I’m a big fan of boygirlparty, you know, bread & badger glass and circa ceramics; love their work & also admire them as folks who have managed to really build their art/craft/businesses into viable full-time gigs. Locally, I am always floored by the work, support & creativity of Zooguu, Mimi Kirchner & Heather Wang. Also, basically all the BBB vendors. And of course the BBB organizers! Who somehow manage to make amazing things AND put on this crazy awesome show.

Any exciting future plans or developments in the works for your business? (Nothing TOP-SECRET, of course!)
Prints! Collaborative work with my excellent studio neighbor & artist eyeformation! Larger art pieces…

What are some other things you like to do when you are not busy making awesome stuff?
Eat! Cook! Travel! Eat while traveling. I am also a huge book nerd. Real, paper books, mind you.

What are the top 3 reasons someone shopping at the BBB 2012 should be sure to stop by your table?
I am bringing the cute and the fancy! This year’s pudgy bear ornament is A FREAKING PEAR, I will have lots of the ever-popular toast, and I have elaborate bouquet headbands like you wouldn’t believe.

What is your favorite background noise to listen to while working?
Music makes me sing & dance (not good for productive crafting) and I am super visual and easily distracted, so I am only able to watch things that I’ve seen before. This is what is on constant, repeated cycle: The Lord of the Rings (extended) trilogy, Samurai Champloo, Supernatural, Hot Fuzz, Star Trek, Fullmetal Alchemist, Buffy, Cowboy Bebop. Yup. I just admitted that to the internet.

Where do you (craft) work?
In my happy, messy renovated mill studio. With crafty neighbors Made in Lowell & Lush Beads right nearby!

What is your favorite mythical beast and what do you think their favorite crafty past time is?
I’m pretty partial to yetis. They seem like wood carvers to me…

What advice would you give to a new vendor selling at the BBB for the first time?
Be prepared for busy! Stay hydrated & bring lots of snacks, change, and someone to give you a bathroom break!

Thanks, Eling! Can’t wait to see your work tomorrow!

Hi there! First things first: What’s your name, what’s your business name, where are you from, and where are you currently located/crafting?
Heather Jean Toupin/heatherjeany/Little Rhody

How did you get your start? Please tell us a little bit about how your business went from an idea to what is is today.
I fell in love with printmaking in college (I was a textile design major taking every printmaking class I could). I used to just make things for fun, but after joining etsy just a month after they launched in 2005 I quickly realized that I could make a real business out of my hobby (aka. Live The Dream!) and it’s been full speed ahead ever since.

What inspires you the most to create?
Love. And life. And I guess the fact that I love my life. I use a lot of hearts (although I try not to put them on everything) and there is a strong current of happiness, humor and nostalgia that is prevalent in my designs. Those are all sources of inspiration for me.

What are your favorite materials to work with?
Paper, ink, spraypaint, embroidery floss, wood, fabric. And I also love glitter, although I don’t currently make anything involving glitter. I just like to have it around, y’know just in case.

Do you have a favorite color palette?
I do, though I try not to limit myself to it. I love turquoise, aqua, reddish-orange and soft yellows. I’ve slowly been painting every room in my house some variation of that palette.

Who are some of your favorite indie artist/crafters and why do you love them?
I’ve been fortunate to meet (and make friends with) so many people that inspire me through etsy and craft shows near and far over the years I’ve been doing this. From my old timey etsy friends (Sara of Girls Can Tell, Sue of Giant Dwarf, Anda Corrie) to my local Providence friends (Kristin Crane, Deb Dormody, Jen Corace, Hilary Treadwell) to many of the fine, fine ladies of the BB. It is such a huge source of inspiration to see all these people I admire and their amazing work popping up on facebook, instagram, etc. I feel so very lucky to be surrounded by (and supported by) so many hard working, talented, crafty people.

Any exciting future plans or developments in the works for your business? (Nothing TOP-SECRET, of course!)
This is not exciting AT ALL, (sorry) but my biggest future plan involves not doing all my bookkeeping in one marathon session. I say it every year and every year I fail. Will the 2013 fiscal year be the one? WE SHALL SEE. (Did I use the word “fiscal” correctly?)

What are some other things you like to do when you are not busy making awesome stuff?
I like to spend as much time as possible with my family, and then in turn doing things to get away from them (kidding! sort of!). My big passion/escape in terms of outside work/family life is snowboarding, which is something I enjoy equally solo or with my husband, although I’d love to teach my 5 year old son this year so maybe that too will become a family event.

What are the top 3 reasons someone shopping at the BBB 2012 should be sure to stop by your table?
I will smile at you, feed you candy and make you laugh. Oh, and I have some rad gifty things that are perfect for that new baby/mother-in-law/boyfriend/frenemy situation you have going on.

What is your favorite background noise to listen to while working?
I listen to a crazy mix of 90s music, NPR and Howard Stern (don’t judge!)

Where do you (craft) work?
In my house (messy stuff like making screens and printing in the basement, non messy stuff like designing and packaging in an office/studio upstairs).

What advice would you give to a new vendor selling at the BBB for the first time?
Bring lots of change, snacks and inventory. Oh man, you’re gonna need so much inventory….

Thanks, Heather! We look forward to seeing you on Sunday. Readers, check out Heather’s designs here.

Hi there! First things first: What’s your name, what’s your business name, where are you from, and where are you currently located/crafting?

Hello! My name is Emily Garfield, which is also what I use for my business name, since my identity and aesthetic is the main thing that unites all my creations. I’m originally from New York City, currently living just outside Boston in the artist/hipster haven of Somerville. I have a studio there in an amazing (and HUGE!) shared maker complex called Artisan’s Asylum. I’m sure I will branch out into something new soon, given the inspiring array of resources there, but for now I’m working on the same things there that I’ll be showing at Bazaar Bizarre Boston in December — map drawings of places I invent as I draw.

How did you get your start? Please tell us a little bit about how your business went from an idea to what is is today.

I began drawing maps as part of my senior show at the end of college. The exhibition was an investigation of cities and their forms, and the aerial views were another angle from which to explore speculative city design. The wall-size map I assembled was the most popular part of the exhibition, and so I kept exploring map imagery after I graduated and moved to Somerville.

What inspires you the most to create?

In college I was interested not only in fine art but also in the science behind aesthetics — I studied some aesthetic theory but focused on the science of how the brain responds to aesthetic beauty. So I’m inspired just as much by learning about visual perception and other areas of cognitive science as by the various artists in the greater Boston art community. I also do a lot of reading about urban development and the theories of how cities self-organize into communities, which is great fuel for my particular brand of creativity.

What are your favorite materials to work with?

I am generally most comfortable working with paper, even in sculpture. In addition to maps I’ve done large-scale paper popups and complicated paper vessels.

Do you have a favorite color palette?

Visitors might notice that I’m a pretty big fan of muted colors! I’ve been trying and getting better at using bright colors, but I’m most comfortable with subtle and desaturated palettes, particularly earth tones.

Who are some of your favorite indie artist/crafters and why do you love them?

I love all my Somerville art friends! I am fortunate to be friends with many artists whose aesthetics and drive inspire me, like Rachel Mello and Courtney Chelo. I’m also in awe of a lot of local Somerville artists, like Pier Gustafson of Brickbottom who draws imaginary maps with humor, and Nervous System — fellow exhibitors this year! — whose jewelry is based on the same cellular growth that in part inspires my maps.

Any exciting future plans or developments in the works for your business? (Nothing TOP-SECRET, of course!)

I have just started working on a series of experimental digital collages that take parts of maps I’ve drawn and combine them with textural photos and sketches from photos I’ve taken on my travels. The idea is to illustrate for viewers the way that my mind works while I’m drawing maps. It’s not only about tracing an aerial view, it’s about synthesizing my experiences and memories into a new place. My goal is always to create something that would inspire the person who hangs it in their house, but with this composite project I’m trying to illustrate the personal nature of these images as well.

What are some other things you like to do when you are not busy making awesome stuff?

Up til last spring I’ve always had to fit art pursuits around a day job, but I am currently lucky to have a chance to fill my life with art. Aside from studio time, my calendar is pretty much full of interesting art receptions, lectures and events. I’m lucky to live in an area with a particularly vibrant young artist community, so there’s no shortage of artsy things to do!

What are the top 3 reasons someone shopping at the BBB 2012 should be sure to stop by your table?

I’ve never seen anyone doing the same kind of work; everyone knows someone who loves maps; also, I usually have pretzels.

What is your favorite background noise to listen to while working?

I am by far most productive when I’m combining my repetitive drawing with something that engages my brain aurally. I love podcasts, particularly long-form news, art or science podcasts (such as Studio 360 and Radiolab), and I also listen to a lot of audiobooks. I’ve been going through Oliver Sacks’ work on audiobook lately, and it fits very well with my interests.

Where do you (craft) work?

I’ve recently started renting space at Artisan’s Asylum in Somerville, which is a huge makerspace with some very cutting-edge resources. I spend most of the time there drawing at a large drawing board donated to me by another member and listening to audiobooks. But because there’s such a large community and I’m pretty chatty, I spend a lot of time talking to people as well! I also have a small studio setup at home, which I use mostly for jewelry, cards and other projects that are too finicky to bring to the studio.

Thanks, Emily. See you on Sunday! Readers, if you’re curious and want to learn more about Emily’s work, please check out this in-depth interview.

Are you guys getting excited yet? I saaaaaiddddd… ARE YOU GUYS GETTING EXCITED YET?! Because honestly, us organizers are seriously buzzing with excitement in anticipation of the big day. We can’t wait!

But we’ve still got a few days between now and Sunday (and thank goodness for that because there is still so much to be done!), so that means we have some time to introduce you to a few more of our amazing vendors.

Today we’d like to have you all get to know Caroline of The Workshop by Caroline Doherty!

Hi there! First things first: What’s your name, what’s your business name, where are you from, and where are you currently located/crafting?
Hello! I’m Caroline Doherty, of The Workshop. I’m originally from Dartmouth, Massachusetts, but all of these mittens were made my most recent homebase of Providence, Rhode Island. I’m currently studying and working in Mexico! Look for my dear friend Adara Meyers at the Workshop booth this year.

How did you get your start? Please tell us a little bit about how your business went from an idea to what is is today.
The Workshop began as a lark – I made a batch of mittens to sell at a holiday sale in my former studio in New Bedford, MA. And they were a hit! The design has been refined over the years, and they have been sold in shops and at events all over the Northeast.

What inspires you the most to create?
Experience! And that search for something just right, that doesn’t exist yet.

What are your favorite materials to work with?
Paper, textiles, graphite, ballpoint pens, and other people.

Who are some of your favorite indie artist/crafters and why do you love them?
I’m a big fan of Shara Porter Designs – she’s a New Bedford based artist who prints on vintage leather. And my kinetic sailboat sculpture from Make Waves is probably my favorite gift I’ve ever received.

Any exciting future plans or developments in the works for your business? (Nothing TOP-SECRET, of course!)
When my time is through here in Mexico, I’ll be heading to New York City for graduate school, so the Workshop will be taking another hiatus. (And the mittens may not be back, so if you’ve been thinking about getting a pair, now is your chance!)

What are some other things you like to do when you are not busy making awesome stuff?
Travel! Cook and eat. Learn about people, and in addition to making wearable things, I’m an art-maker and educator.

What are the top 3 reasons someone shopping at the BBB 2012 should be sure to stop by your table?

1. It’s going to be chilly in Boston, and we can keep your hands warm!
2. Adara will help you find just the right pair of mittens to match your favorite coat, or your mother/sister/wife/girlfriend/best friend/cousin’s favorite coat. (and remember, gifts don’t have come in practical colors!)
3. Ed. Note: #3 was missing here, but I’m going to go ahead and add in that a good third reason is because, as mentioned above, this may be your last chance to get your mitts on these mittens!!

What is your favorite background noise to listen to while working?
When the sewing machine is running, loud music. Regina Spektor was a big part of the soundtrack this year. When the sewing machine is off, its podcast city in The Workshop! My new favorite is Radio Ambulante, an international Spanish language program á la This American Life. It’s helping me learn!

What is your favorite mythical beast and what do you think their favorite crafty past time is?
I hear Pegasus makes some pretty amazing stardust jewelry.

What advice would you give to a new vendor selling at the BBB for the first time?
Bring snacks and change!

Thanks, Caroline! Sorry we won’t be seeing you in person on Sunday, but we’re looking forward to seeing your mittens!

Site: http://themittenfactory.blogspot.com/ & http://www.carolinedohertystudio.com/

Have you ever wondered where monsters come from? Turns out many of them are made by hand by Kaitlin and Max!

What’s your name, what’s your business name, where are you from, and where are you currently located/crafting? 

Kaitlin Juarez and Max Yax, MadKnits, our studio is at the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket, RI

How did you get your start? Please tell us a little bit about how your business went from an idea to what it is today. 

It all started with a Valentine’s Day present that I gave my boyfriend, and business partner. We then decided to turn my little plush gift into a thriving business!

What inspires you the most to create? What are your favorite materials to work with? 

Color, I went to school for textiles so I am very blessed to be able to work in my favorite medium everyday.

Do you have a favorite color palette? 

I like all colors fairly equally, and you will find that our monsters range from earth tones to wild bright palettes.

Any exciting future plans or developments in the works for your business? (Nothing TOP-SECRET, of course!) 

More plush, more resins, more comics and more shows!

What are some other things you like to do when you are not busy making awesome stuff?

We are almost always busy making monsters, but in the rare moments that we aren’t we can be found hanging out with our dog and hiking or skiing in the woods.

What are the top 3 reasons someone shopping at the BBB 2012 should be sure to stop by your table? 

We bring something completely different to our table. A universe of plush alien monsters complete with back stories, comic books and resin companion toys.

What is your favorite background noise to listen to while working? 

Old television shows and books on tape.

Where do you (craft) work? 

In our brand new studio at the Hope Artiste village in Pawtucket, RI.

Bazaar Bizarre is only a few short days away! I can’t wait to meet the monsters!

It’s time for another awesome Vendor Profile. Let’s have a little chat with Liz of Lush Beads!

First things first: What’s your name, what’s your business name, where are you from, and where are you currently located/crafting?
My name is Liz Stewart and I am the owner of Lush Beads. I grew up in Connecticut and I now live and work full time in Lowell, MA.

How did you get your start? Please tell us a little bit about how your business went from an idea to what is is today.
I started doing beading as a stress-relieving hobby in 2000. I was working as a systems administrator at that time, putting my degree in Computer Science to good use. In 2002 I was laid off, and as a way to pass the time I started selling my work in small craft shows. Through a series of random events, I also got part time jobs at 2 different bead stores. I had never worked a retail job before, and I rather liked it!

I became friendly with a shop owner next door, and she said I should open my own store. I had never considered it before, but the time was right – I was single, I didn’t own a home, and I had some money in the bank. Why not? I opened my own bead store in 2004 and continued to sell my finished work at my shop and at local shops and craft shows.

In 2010 I created Lush Beads Industrial, which is the line I will be showing at BazBiz Boston. I managed to get my hands on a lot of hardware that I am now turning into unisex jewelry. It’s been a bit outside my comfort zone, and a lot of fun!

Meanwhile, I still do beaded jewelry, teach classes, and repair old favorites that have seen better days.

What inspires you the most to create?
Color. Color is really what drives me to create. I love putting colors together, I love seeing what goes with what, and I always love being surprised by what works together and what does not, even after doing this for 12 years.

What are your favorite materials to work with?
I really enjoy working with higher end stones, Swarovski crystal, and sterling silver. Lately I have been enamored by the nuts and screws aisle at Home Depot…..

Do you have a favorite color palette?
I like royal colors – lapis, garnet, emerald, ruby. I also like black and silver.

Who are some of your favorite indie artist/crafters and why do you love them?
I work in a fantastic artist studio building in Lowell, MA called the Western Avenue Studios. We have over 200 artists here, and so many of them inspire me every single day. I have the great fortune to be across the hall from 3 people whose work I adore: Liz Smith of Made in Lowell, Candace Mangin-Barnes of The Intuitive Garden, and Eling Chang of Migration Goods. They are all extremely creative souls, and wonderfully nice people. I am very very lucky.

I’m also a member of Boston Handmade, and I think our members are some of the greatest and most creative people going.

Any exciting future plans or developments in the works for your business? (Nothing TOP-SECRET, of course!)
I’m considering world domination, one Morse Code necklace at a time.

What are some other things you like to do when you are not busy making awesome stuff?
I play on social media (Facebook, Twitter). I like word games, riding my bike, cooking, and playing with my cat. And I craft for fun too!

What are the top 3 reasons someone shopping at the BBB 2012 should be sure to stop by your table?

1. My stuff is funky and fun, just like me.
2. I can make you a necklace that swears at your boss, and he or she would never know it.
3. I don’t do many shows, so if Lowell seems too far away this is your big chance to see me in Boston!

What is your favorite background noise to listen to while working?
If I am at home, I have Criminal Minds or some other cop show playing on the TV while I work. Sometimes I listen to 80′s music.

Where do you (craft) work?
I work out of my shop, or at home on the sofa with the cat sleeping next to me.

What is your favorite mythical beast and what do you think their favorite crafty past time is?
I think the Flying Spaghetti Monster would be a FANTASTIC knitter. Can you imagine?

Thanks so much, Liz! See you and your Morse Code necklaces on Sunday!

Site: http://lushbeads.com/
Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LushBeads
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LushBeads
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lushbeads