My photography is featured in a great new book about Boston!

The next time you are in a book store, be sure to check out The Die-Hard Sports Fans Guide to Boston written by Christopher Klein and published by Union Park Press. I am excited to have been chosen as a contributing photographer to the book. Check out my Souvenirs Sign picture in the color section!


A bit about the book from the Union Park Press website:

"Forget the Freedom Trail and the Swan Boats—the real heart and soul of Boston lives among the fans at Fenway Park, the mobs lining the route of the Boston Marathon, the tailgaters at Boston College, and the crowds celebrating yet another the championship for the Pats, Sox, and Celtics. With Boston home to some of the greatest legends in sports history and such venerable traditions as the Head of the Charles and memorable settings as the Green Monster, it’s no wonder that the city isn’t just passionate about sports—it’s absolutely obsessed.

Paying tribute to Boston’s rich and storied sports history, The Die-Hard Sports Fan’s Guide to Boston is the first and only comprehensive guide to the incredible range of spectator sporting events in and around the Hub. From minor- and major-league baseball, football, basketball, and hockey to soccer and college teams, here’s the practical information that devoted fans need:

• How to get tickets (even at the last minute)
• How to save cash
• Where to eat
• The best spots for autographs
• Sports landmarks around the city
• Itineraries for out-of-town pilgrimages
• Worldwide listings of Boston sports bars
• The “Top Ten Things All Boston Fans Must Do Before the Fat Lady Sings”

It really is an amazing book jam-packed with great info about Boston and the sports in and around us. Any sports fan will not be able to put it down. It makes a great gift, too! (I don't get royalties, it is just that good!)

Road Trip to California

I recently drove from the east to the west coast - Boston to San Diego. I took maybe 600 pictures... they are overwhelming me so I am going through them bit by bit. Here is a sample of what we saw on our trip, with more to come. The set is on flickr or you can keep reading and click picture for larger image:

Blurry beginnings in Boston


we put the OH in Ohio!


Nebraska sky. I couldn't get enough of it.


Gas station in Colorado


Driving through the Rocky Mountains at night (bad idea btw)



Utah, my favorite state.


My favorite state with some favorite people.


Vegas, baby!


Straight on into frantic oblivion.


San Diego bike rack


John Lennon mural


Flowers by our hotel in Pacific Beach


... and so many more.

A Sucessful Day at SoWa

Sunday was the Boston Handmade group show at The SoWa Open Market. The morning was rainy for set up but the sky cleared in time for SoWa to begin and it turned out to be a great day! Beth of Elizabeth Brennick Designs was kind enough to share her tent with me. Our neighbors were Jen of Blue Alvarez Designs, Crystal of Vintage by Crystal, and Louise of The Hole Thing.
Jessica of Reclaimed to You took this nice picture of me and my neighbors:


and here is a picture of our tent:

I was happy to have the chance to be part of the SoWa Open Market, it's such a great group of artists and really well executed. It was a strong group of vendors and I was lucky to have a chance to participate.
I picked up some art from Amy of Bumble Belly Designs. I had trouble choosing so I picked three small works. I think this is the beginning of a collection!
In other SoWa news, Lucie of Lucie Wicker Photography started to learn how to knit on Sunday. Go Lucie! Speaking of photography, I promised Kerry of Kerry Hawkins Photography that I would upload new photos soon. Sorry, Kerry. I know. I know. They are coming. I have them, I swear.

Celebrate Flag Day with Boston Handmade!

Join me and Boston Handmade at the SoWa Open Market TODAY from 10 - 4 at 540 Harrison Ave in Boston. Free admission, free parking, and free fun!

Best Time-Waster Ever

Thanks, Google, for reminding me that I haven't played Tetris in a while... or made Tetris Brownies.

I know people.

Now that you know my Boston Handmade pals, allow me to introduce a few other friends of mine. If you find anything on this blog interesting (or even if you don't) you might find them entertaining as well:

Ed of Low Crime

Aside from drinking scotch and talking to plants, Ed rates the quality of life on a regular basis, with many ups and downs, but often times breaking even. He is also a proven expert on geekery (I should know).

Erin of A Nesting Experience

Erin has recently begun chronicling her life with her partner-in-crime of 5 solid years. Check this out for tips on sharing a living space, crafty ideas, and yummy recipes.

Hillary of Stuck

One of the best advice givers known to humankind, Hillary now shares her wisdom in blog form. If you have ever felt stuck, she'll ease your pain.

Dave of Mad Tasty and Suck My Art

Dave is an internet wonder and painfully hip.

Aimee of i am colossus.

Find fun photos and hilarious randomness, often in video form.

Liz of Alaska or Bust!

This is what happens when you take a girl out of Somerville and toss her in the wilderness. She will bring you homemade fruit preserves, tell you about the first time she skinned an elk, and tell you the wildest stories.

The Faces of Boston Handmade

Anyone reading this probably knows that I am part of an amazing group called Boston Handmade, a collection of artists/artisans/crafters in the Boston area. I have learned so much since becoming a part of this group and have met so many amazing and talented people. Now you can get to know them too! Above is a collage featuring all of the current members of BH, and below is a link to each member.

From the top left, members include:
Kathy of Weller Wishes
Amy of Bumble Belly Designs
Jaye of Thirteenth Story (meet Fin)
Betsy of Stonehouse Studio (creator of one of my favorite necklaces to wear)
Bexx of Books by Bexx (Vegans, check out her reading material!)
Jen of Blue Alvarez
Brooke of Bancroft Studios (Makes me long for the days when I can "summer")
Chris of Christine Marie Art
Allison of Fraske Designs (hey she looks familiar!)
Colleen of Tactile Baby
Crystal of Vintage by Crystal (check her out on Martha Stewart)
Beth of Elizabeth Brennick Designs
Jen of Majenta Designs
Jessica of Reclaimed to You (our ringleader, and check out her second shop )
Alicia & Tony of Chroma Lab
Katy of Muchacha K (never have I wanted to own more clutches than when browsing her collection)
Marla of Sea Glass Things
Lucie of Lucie Wicker Photography (also has illustrations here... and talks about food here)
Kiki of All the Numbers (my friends designed their baby's nursery after one of her quilts)
Linda B. Dunn
Nicole of 83 West
Louise of The Hole Thing (I still have one of her felted wool candle holders from our first BH swap)
Kirsten Bassion
Lynne of Cozy Cottage Creations (holds the whole world in her hands!)
Kerry of Kerry Hawkins Photography
Mimi Kirchner (I love her tattooed men and her new robots)
Nancy Rosetta
Liz of Lush Beads

What a talented bunch!

Where in the world is Fraske Designs this summer?

Spring is upon us and show season is under way. Be sure to stop by the following venues where I will be selling to say hi!:

Sunday June 14, 10am to 4 pm - SOWA Open Market
Boston Handmade will have a group showing at SOWA on June 14. It will be my first time participating as a seller at this event and I am psyched! The SOWA Open Market happens every Sunday through October at 540 Harrison Ave in the South End of Boston. There is free parking, free admission, and live entertainment among a sea of talented artists and crafters so it is a great way to spend your Sunday!

Saturday July 11, 3pm to 7pm - Boston Handmade Somerville Marketplace
Last year's Boston Handmade Marketplace in Union Square in Somerville was so successful we are doing it again! It was a lot of fun last year so I am looking forward to the opportunity to show there again.

Check out the Boston Handmade blog to stay up to date on where other BH-ers will be this season.

Spring Sale at fraskedesigns.etsy.com!

Tis the season for spring cleaning, so I am moving some old inventory to make room for new items! Check out my Etsy shop for great deals up to 50% off and free shipping on select items! All sale items are marked as SPRING SALE.

Fraske Designs on 1000 Markets

Fraske Designs is now on 1000 Markets!

1000 Markets is a new online marketplace featuring small, independent, artisan businesses built by people who love their craft. They make and sell unique products, based on their own vision, personality and story. Working together, these artisans create marketplace communities - gathering places where merchants can exchange ideas, and customers can browse and talk.

Check them out!