Fraske Designs

A month of Daily Lovely

2012-01-31T06:35:00.000-05:00

It's been a month since I started my New Year's Resolution to take a picture of something lovely, daily, recorded at dailylovely.com. It's going pretty well, although I'll be honest - I can't wait for winter to be over so we will have more sunlight and I will have a greater window of daylight time in which to take these lovely photos! But even during the drab days of January, I've been finding inspiration. Here are a few January highlights:

01.19.12: Birthday Card Candles

01.17.12: Fresh Flowers

01.12.12: Stoddards, Boston MA

01.10.12: Paramount, Boston MA

01.05.12: Little Blue Box!

Want to follow along? Visit www.dailylovely.com to receive your daily dose by email, follow on facebook, or twitter!

National Popcorn Day

2012-01-19T09:11:00.000-05:00

Today is a very special day.

Today, January 19, 2012, is National Popcorn Day.

On this day, I present to you one of my favorite recipes I have learned recently... Smores Popcorn. Enjoy...

Smores Popcorn by Emily of A Cambridge Story

Daily Lovely - A Year Long Photo Project

2012-01-07T13:38:00.000-05:00

There is so much beauty in every day, even in the dreariest, coldest months. So I am challenging myself to take a photo a day of lovely things in 2012. Big or small. Grand or mundane.

This might not sound like such a difficult resolution to keep for a photographer, but sometimes I get wrapped up in planning what I want to photograph that I am not paying enough attention to what is photo-worthy right in front of me. And there is plenty of that to be had every day.

You can follow on facebook, twitter, instagram (@allisonfraske, #dailylovely) or at www.dailylovely.com!

One week down, 51 to go. Wish me luck!

Oh hi 2012.

2012-01-02T20:53:00.002-05:00

2011 was an eventful year. It had its ups and downs and its bittersweet moments, but I would say it was generally a positive, fulfilling, and eventful year.

I met some great new people, but also had to wish bon voyage to some very special friends as they moved out of town.

I celebrated the marriages of some great friends, and welcomed some new bundles of joy into the world.

I expanded my crafty abilities and learned such things as how to sew, how to make homemade pickles, and how to etch glass.

I took a lot of pictures, but mostly for myself instead of for sale.

I bought in iPhone and discovered instagram.

I read two great books: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin and Bossypants by Tina Fey. (I recommend both of them)

At the beginning of 2011, I resolved to do two things: schedule more time for myself, and make sure I start planning for the holidays early so I can enjoy the season instead of having to bustle around trying to get everything in order. I think I did a good job of keeping both of those resolutions. For 2012, I do have one creative resolution that I'm pretty excited about, but I'm going to hold off on sharing it for a bit until I am sure I can commit to it!

Happy New Year to everyone!

Craft Fairs this Weekend

2011-12-02T07:50:00.001-05:00

Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out one of these holiday craft fairs if you are in the Boston area:

December 3: Jamaica Plain Holiday Fair
First Church Jamaica Plain, 6 Eliot St, Jamaica Plain from 11am - 5pm.
Boston Handmade members exhibiting together at this event:
Kerry Hawkins Photography
Kerrie Beck, Cody's Creations
Karen Mahoney, City By The Sea Ceramics
Leah Ammerman, cricicis design
Beth Brennick, Elizabeth Brennick Designs
Sharon Fischer, Stray Notions
Diane Ivey, Lady Dye Fiber Arts & Design
Lucie Wicker Photography

December 4: Bazaar Bizarre Boston
Center for the Arts/Cyclorama, 539 Tremont Street, Boston from 12 - 6pm.
Boston Handmade members exhibiting together at this event:
Karen Mahoney, City By The Sea Ceramics
Leah Ammerman, cricicis design
Nancy McCallum, nancy rosetta
Evan Webster Ink
Sharon Fischer, Stray Notions
Diane Ivey, Lady Dye Fiber Arts & Design
Cristina Hurley Designs
and exhibiting in a separate booth:
Anne-Claire Regan, Hibou Designs

A great weekend to get some things checked off your shopping list - for others, or for yourself!

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Sugar Frosting

2011-11-24T09:37:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Today I am responsible for bringing a dessert to Thanksgiving Dinner. I decided to make Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Sugar Frosting. The cupcake recipe is adapted from Smitten Kitchen, and the frosting is a twist on a basic buttercream recipe (Smitten Kitchen's frosting recipe is probably great, too, but I didn't have all the ingredients!)

When I made the cupcakes, I accidentally forgot to add the vanilla extract. That is the second time I have done that while baking this week! I need to get myself together. Regardless, they still came out great! Here's how to make them:

Pumpkin Cupcakes:
(yielded 24 for me, adapted from Smitten Kitchen)
1 stick butter, room temperature
1 cup firmly packed dark-brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk mixed with 1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups canned solid-pack pumpkin

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Line cupcake pans with liners.
2. Beat the butter and sugars on medium speed until fluffy, about 5 minutes.
3. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and pepper into a medium bowl.
4. Add the eggs 1 at a time to the mixer, scraping down the sides after each addition. Alternate adding the flour and milk mixtures, beginning and ending with the flour. Beat in the pumpkin until smooth. Scoop the batter among the cupcake liners — you’re looking to get them 3/4 full.
5. Rap the filled pans once on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake the cakes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 20 to 25 minutes. Cool the cupcakes on racks completely.

Maple Sugar Frosting:
(basic buttercream frosting with maple syrup)

3 cups confectioners sugar
3/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
several tablespoons whipping cream
1/4 cup maple syrup (or, to taste)

Directions:
Mix together sugar and butter on low speed until well blended, and then increase speed to medium and beat for another 3 minutes. Add vanilla, maple, and 2 tablespoons of cream and continue to beat on medium speed for 1 minute more, adding more cream, if desired, for spreading consistency.

Plaid Is the New Black

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Everyone knows about Black Friday, but do you know about Plaid Friday? The name Plaid Friday celebrates the diversity and creativity of independent businesses. Plaid Friday is the fun and enjoyable alternative to the big box store Black Friday, and is designed to promote both local and independently owned businesses during the holidays.

Plaid Friday brings back the neighborly nostalgic times when shopping for friends and family was a pleasurable leisurely activity.Celebrate Plaid Friday by wearing plaid while shopping at independent businesses on Friday, November 25th!

Life in a Day: Now on YouTube

2011-11-09T20:36:00.004-05:00

On July 24, 2010, people all over the world put their day, or portion of their day, on film to submit to the Life in a Day Project on YouTube. The long awaited feature film premiered in movie theaters on July 29, 2011. Now it is available on YouTube here:

On July 24, 2010, I was at a wedding watching the bride hula hoop. Do you know what you were doing that day?

Love Your Body Day!

2011-10-19T07:52:00.002-04:00

Love Your Body Day is October 19. It is a day that we are reminded to fight back against media stereotypes seen in fashion, cosmetic, and diet industries. Each year, the National Organization for Women runs a poster contest to advertise this campaign. I learned about Love Your Body Day as a senior in college and submitted this design:

While I did not win the competition, the contest and the campaign in general has definitely gained momentum over the years. Here are some other posters that have been included in the poster contest:

Learn more about the poster contest

A Typeface for Dyslexics

2011-09-27T07:06:00.000-04:00

Typographer Christan Boehr of StudioStudio has created a typeface that makes it easier for dyslexic people to read properly. The font, "Dyslexie," uses specially shaped letters to exaggerate some of the differences between letters that dyslexics find hard to distinguish from one another.

This video, which I originally saw on Boston.com, explains the development process:

i think this is such a great concept, and I hope it begins to help the millions of people who struggle with dyslexia!

Breathe New Life into Old Photos with Photo Restoration ad Retouching

2011-09-24T09:28:00.000-04:00

I have always enjoyed photo editing. It might not sound so glamorous, but I can spend hours adjusting imperfections in photos, balancing color, removing scratches and brightening smiles.I am now bringing my photo retouching skills to Etsy as a service! It's tough to package the service up but I am starting with a basic listing that should cover most retouching needs. Here are some before and after examples of what I have done with pictures both old and new:

If you are in the market for photo restoration, shoot me an email at allison [at] fraskedesigns dot com!

There are two types of people in this world: Those who like Neil Diamond, and those who don't.

2011-09-21T04:30:00.000-04:00

(My ex-wife loves him)

Today, I bring you my current favorite Etsy items that tribute Bill Murray.

We will start with this lovable onesie with one of my favorite quotes from ~~one of~~ my favorite movie: What About Bob?

What About Bob? onesie by Little Patriot

What About Bob? is the first movie I ever remember seeing Bill Murray in, and it changed my life - and influenced my sense of humor - forever! Of course, looking back, I am sure I saw Ghostbusters and Caddyshack before I saw What About Bob?, but I was unable to appreciate those movies in the 80s. It wasn't until the 90s when I reached double digits in age that I could really begin to appreciate these films. One thing I DO appreciate, however, is this adorable set of Ghostbusters Wood Peg Dolls by CreativeButterflyXOX:

As I creeped through my teenage years and hit high school, my taste in movies got a little more refined. Conveniently, that's when Wes Anderson movies came into fashion. To this day, I can watch most of them over and over. I think they get better with each viewing. Rushmore was the first one I saw, and have seen all of them since then (including Bottle Rocket which came out before Rushmore but who's keeping track of chronology here?). Here is a nice silhouette referencing Murray's character in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou:

Life Aquatic shirt by Mr. Cloud

Of course, perhaps the most heart warming item on Etsy that references Bill Murray is this cute, sweet card quoting Groundhog Day:

I Got You Babe card by Canton Box Co.

It's the most awesome little card!!!!

That concludes my Hot Bill Murray list for 2011, which by the way, is in honor of his 61st birthday, today, September 21, 2011. Bill Murray, here's to many more happy and hilarious years!

Parsley & Garlic Butter

2011-09-16T06:57:00.000-04:00

I have been wanting to make a custom herb butter at home for a while. I am a big fan of herbs, spices, AND butter, so why not combine them?

It turns out that making herb butter blends is super easy. I did a quick search online for suggestions, and recipes and ingredients varied greatly. I settled on Parsley and Garlic Butter, influenced by this video.

You can vary your ingredients to taste, but I used:
4 sticks of unsalted butter, room temperature (actually important in this recipe)
a handful of parsley
a teaspoon or so of minced garlic (next time I'll use fresh chopped garlic but I didn't have it available for this instance)
salt to taste (optional)

Gather your ingredients. Next, finely chop your parsley leaves. I did not include the stems, but I don't see that being an epic problem if you opted to roll them into the recipe. Just make sure you chop them finely, and after you are done chopping, gently but firmly pat as dry as possible with a paper towel. It's a good idea to get as much water out of these as you can, to make basically parsley flakes. It makes for better mixing.

Next, throw all of your ingredients in a bowl and START STIRRING! That's where the "room temperature" phrase comes in handy. Stirring room temperature butter is a lot easier than chilled butter. I hand mixed, so no electric mixer. I don't think an electric mixer would yield great results. Just be patient in your mixing and soon you will have perfect Parsley and Garlic Butter! I added a pinch of salt at the end, but that's really up to personal preference. The parsley and garlic balance each other well without salt, too.

Lastly, roll your butter into "logs" of aluminum foil or parchment paper and chill. I popped mine in the freezer but the fridge will do. I would reccomend making small rolls of butter and freezing them, taking one out of the freezer at a time, per your usage.

I look forward to trying different combinations of herbs and spices!

Glass Etching Tutorial: Etching Text on Wine Glasses

2011-09-13T22:06:00.000-04:00

I have always wanted to try etching glass but never got around to it until this summer. I must say, I wish I didn't wait so long, because it is so easy and fun! I think I was deterred a while ago because I bought the wrong kind of glass etch cream and got frustrated. Well, frustration be gone, I picked up some Armour Etch glass etching cream and gave it another go, with great results!

Etching glass is simple:
- Apply your stencil
- block out any area you don't want to be etched with painters tape or vinyl
- Apply etching cream over the stencil
- Wait 5 minutes
- Rinse
- and Voila!

For my first project, I chose to simply etch the phrase "Don't Worry, Be Happy" on some stemless wine glasses as a gift for my aunt. It worked out pretty well. The phrase goes around the entire glass so it is tough to get a good shot, but here's the final product:

It was such a success that I needed to hire an apprentice for my next project!

I should probably mention that Armour Etch is clearly corrosive and safety precautions should be made when handling it. For example, wearing gloves is a good idea, and lining your workspace so no surfaces get scratched is also smart. It's an easy enough medium to handle!

Third Annual Red Nun Music Festival

2011-08-30T16:00:00.001-04:00

September 3 is the third annual Red Nun Music Festival at the Red Nun Bar and Grill in Chatham, MA. Above is the flyer I created for Sidewalk Driver, who participates in this event each year.

The Red Nun Music Festival benefits the Pals for Life Foundation is a response mechanism dedicated to providing emergency funds to families and/or individuals in need of immediate assistance.

Labor Day weekend is a popular time on Cape Cod, so if you are in the Chatham area on September 3, I encourage you go get out to this event to hear some great music and support a great cause!

Color Blocked Book Case

2011-08-18T06:11:00.001-04:00

The floors in my apartment were recently refinished, which meant strategically moving around furniture to fully expose the floors that needed work. When it was time to piece my apartment back together, I decided to try something new with the way I arrange my books in my bookcase.

I have never been a stickler about keeping books alphabetized, but I have always had them in some sort of order - usually by author and then by category (reference, home, design/photography, nonfiction, fiction...). I have also cut down on my book library over the years by donating the ones I really won't use anymore to a person or place who could use them, so I only have one moderately sized book case to deal with.

This time around, I decided to group my books by color. Yes - a color blocked book case. It is more pleasing to the eye, and since I have a manageable amount of books, I can still find the book I am looking for very quickly, even if it's next to a totally unrelated book.

Sure - it's not perfect. It just so happens I have a colorful array of books with varying color levels, but I think it's a nice change at least! I particularly like the colors of the middle two shelves.

It was also interesting to see how some books that fall in the same general category also have similar color patterns. The yellow block is mostly cook books and home-related books (yes I keep cookbooks in the book case, not the kitchen), and the pink block is mostly - you guessed it - books written with a female audience in mind. The blue section is almost all astrology books, with a little Martha Stewart Home Living thrown in for good measure!

I'm pleased with my book case color pattern and look forward to seeing how the rainbow grows over time!

Amy Sedaris' Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People

2011-08-13T11:38:00.000-04:00

Did you know that Amy Sedaris, best known for her role on Strangers with Candy, is also an author? Well, I discovered this several years ago when her book I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence was published. I immediately bought it for myself and also purchased it as a housewarming gift for two friends who were new homeowners. It is both thoroughly entertaining as well as informative!

When I stopped into Porter Square Books this weekend (a nice activity on early Saturday mornings... they open at 8am!), I noticed she has a more recent book out focused on crafts: Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People. The title alone made me laugh out loud because I know how easy it is to put a serious dent in my wallet with one trip to a craft supply store. A stop for some glue or paint brushes can turn into "Hey, while I am here, I should get all the supplies I would need to start needlepoint, because I have always wanted to try that." Anyway, this book aims to keep crafters creative on a low budget. Or at least laughing at the ideas she has come up with.

You will "discover how to make popular crafts, such as: crab-claw roach clips, tinfoil balls, and crepe-paper moccasins; remember which kind of glue to use with which material (tacky with furry, gummy with gritty, paste with prickly, and always gloppy with gandy); create your own craft room and avoid the most common crafting accidents (sawdust fires, feather asphyxia, pine cone lodged in throat); and cook your own edible crafts, from a Crafty Candle Salad to Sugar Skulls, and many more recipes."

For your viewing pleasure, I have included her video tutorial on how to create Pompoms:

Russo-Japanese War: First war shown to the world through the media

2011-08-11T08:21:00.000-04:00

On a recent trip to Portsmouth, NH, I stopped by the John Paul Jones House to view their exhibit on the Treaty of Portsmouth. The Treaty of Portsmouth of 1905 stands today as one of history's great peace negotiations. It ended the Russo-Japanese War and marked the emergence of a new era of diplomatic negotiations, multi-track diplomacy. This war was also the first war the world saw through the media.

By 1904, various media technologies were widely in use and a great number of publications could print lithographs and photography. Journalists sent numerous images of the war from the battlefield to the world. With no radio or television available, books, magazines, newspapers, posters, and postcards played a significant role on shaping public opinion.

Here are some photos of some of the postcards and printed material from this time period:

The treaty was signed on September 5, 1905. It was really interesting to learn about the Portsmouth Peace Treaty and America's role in making it happen. I would recommend a visit to the museum if you are in the area!

Summer, Cont'd.

2011-08-04T06:30:00.000-04:00

More photos from summer, via instagram.

Street Performer, Harvard Sq, Cambridge MA

Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD

Pensive Man, Memorial Drive, Cambridge MA

Life in a Day: The Story of One Day on Earth

2011-07-28T06:08:00.002-04:00

On July 24, 2010, people all over the world put their day, or portion of their day, on film to submit to the Life in a Day Project on YouTube. The long awaited feature film will be premiering here tomorrow, July 29, 2011. Watch the trailer here:

On July 24, 2010, I was at a wedding watching the bride hula hoop. I wonder if that made the movie? Either way, I can't wait to see the final product!

Etsy Treasuries

2011-07-25T07:06:00.000-04:00

Occasionally, one of my photos is featured in an Etsy treasury. I have really liked some of them lately. Here are some examples:

Do you browse Etsy treasuries?

USPS Introduces Stamps Honoring Industrial Design

2011-07-21T06:30:00.000-04:00

On June 29, 2011, the USPS issued a new set of forever stamps honoring 12 of the nation's most important and influential industrial designers. Encompassing everything from furniture and electric kitchen appliances to corporate office buildings and passenger trains, the work of these designers helped shape the look of everyday life in the 20th century.

I am excited the USPS is expanding their Forever Stamp offering with something as cool as this! I purchase Forever Stamps usually since you never know when postage prices will rise and I hate getting stuck with old stamps, but the downside to Forever Stamps is that the designs have been limited. I will definitely be grabbing some of these on my next stamp purchase!

Originally spotted via Craft

Sidewalk Driver at Middle East Downstairs

2011-07-14T06:59:00.009-04:00

On Friday, July 29, Sidewalk Driver will be playing the Middle East Downstairs with a bunch of awesome bands. Above is the flyer I put together for them.

Doors at 7:30 pm

8:30 pm THIS BLUE HEAVEN
9:15 pm STREIGHT ANGULAR
10 pm WALTER SICKERT & THE ARMY OF BROKEN TOYS
11 pm SIDEWALK DRIVER
12 am MELLOW BRAVO

$10 in advance | $12 at the door
Get yer tickets here!

Fun fact: If you purchase their new EP Car Broke Down in advance, you will get a free ticket to the show!

Sewing by Pattern at The Stitch House

2011-07-07T06:21:00.000-04:00

I recently had the great opportunity to learn how to sew by pattern through a private workshop run by Beth Brennick for members of Boston Handmade. The Stitch House in Dorchester offered their space for us to use which was so gracious of them!

The Stitch House is a knitting, crochet, and sewing store offering high quality materials and supplies such as yarn, fabric, notions, tools, etc. The Stitch House also offers classes in all of the fiber arts including sewing, quilting, knitting and more. They are conveniently right off the Red Line at the JFK stop and I could truly spend hours in there! Here are some pictures of the interior:

Being a beginner sewer, I chose to learn how to assemble a tote bag. Beth did a great job helping us follow patterns and assisted us with steps A through Z until we all ended up with the final product. Here is a picture of my first tote bag, taken by Kerry Hawkins:

Now that I have the basics down, I can't wait to start sewing more and look forward to seeing what I will come up with next!

Welcome, Summer!

2011-07-02T16:10:00.000-04:00

It's 4th of July weekend. We've got some beautiful weather and as I have been out and about, literally everyone seems to be in a good mood. So many people are smiling at each other on the streets I feel like I am in the south or something. But it's good!

I have discovered Instagram.

2011-06-28T05:47:00.000-04:00

And it might be dangerous.

Behold, my first subject.

Instagram is a photo-sharing phone app with several filters to play around with. It's very easy and fun to use.

Who is ready for their close-up?!

Oh hi, Stanley Cup.

2011-06-15T22:47:00.000-04:00

Paul Revere approves of the Bruins winning the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals!

TurningArt

2011-05-27T08:35:00.000-04:00

There is a cool new Netflix-for-art type of business in town, and it's called TurningArt!

TurningArt users pay a monthly fee (varies based on packages) which in turn (see what I did there?) allows them to rotate unique artwork in their homes. It's an interesting concept and a great idea for people who either aren't in a position to buy more pricey original pieces, or for people who yearn to have an ever-changing array of art in their homes.

An added bonus to the subscription is that every dollar spent on the site earns credit towards ultimately purchasing an original piece from the site. So if a member decides that he or she is ready to buy an original, he or she can purchase an original through TurningArt and have the purchase price defrayed by past subscription payments!

Take a peek at how it works in this video:

Pink Champagne Cupcakes

2011-05-11T06:00:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I made Pink Champagne Cupcakes. I wanted to make something for Erin's birthday, so since two of her favorite things are champagne and cupcakes, I knew I could find a way to combine the two! Thankfully, Betty Crocker had the perfect recipe:

Champagne Cupcakes
1 box Betty Crocker SuperMoist white cake mix (but I am guessing any boxed cake mix will do)
1 1/4 cups champagne
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 egg whites
4 to 5 drops red food coloring

Champagne Frosting
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup champagne
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 to 5 drops red food coloring

Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups. In large bowl, combine dry cake mix and champagne. Add oil, eggs and food color. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake 17 to 22 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

In medium bowl, beat frosting ingredients with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Frost cupcakes. Sprinkle with your choice of garnish!

This was my first time making these and I was pleased with the outcome. Since I only went through about half a bottle of champagne, I decided to make another batch a week later. The second time, I only added champagne to the frosting. It was the perfect balance of sweet and chic!

Flick of the Week | 05.05.11

2011-05-05T18:23:00.000-04:00

Flick of the week turned into flick of the month temporarily, I guess.

Here is the latest... early morning Memorial Drive in Cambridge taken a couple of weeks ago. I like the bare trees with all the branches in a small area! But also very glad they are turning green now.

West Medford Open Studios

2011-04-20T06:38:00.000-04:00

I am excited to announce that I will be participating in this year's West Medford Open Studios!

I'll be participating with members of Boston Handmade at the event taking place Saturday April 30 and Sunday May 1 from noon to 5pm each day at 56 Bower Street in Medford. I am looking forward to showing among other talented artists in West Medford. I am particularly excited since I grew up in West Medford, so it will be nice to participate as an artist back where it all began twenty-something years ago!

Four members of Boston Handmade are fortunate to have a space in a vacant apartment on Bower Street right around the corner from the West Medford Fire Station off Harvard Ave. Balloons will mark all participating venues for the weekend. You can download a pdf map here.

Boston Handmade members include:

Allison of Fraske Designs
Sharon of Stray Notions
Karen of City by the Sea Ceramics
Lynne of Cozy Cottage Creations

I love Open Studios season and am looking forward to being a part of this event! Visit wmos.org for more information and for a list of other participating artists.

Interview with Evan of Evan Webster Ink

2011-04-18T06:06:00.000-04:00

I had the pleasure of meeting Evan of Evan Webster Ink a few months ago through a mutual friend. Evan's company is an artisanal screen printing company that partners with its customers and collaborates with artists to realize the customer's needs. Curious about his work, I interviewed Evan about his process, his background, and what made him choose this path. Read on to learn more about Evan Webster Ink!

So, Evan... tell us about yourself.
My name is Evan Webster and I'm from Brookline, MA. I currently live in Brookline and anticipate staying in the Boston area area for a bit. The area has given me so much and I have a lot to give back to it. But it's cold here.
I have a background in Hispanic and Latino Studies - that's what I studied in college. I spent a formative year abroad in Argentina learning about others, myself and steak. I have two great parents and a little brother who goes by "Muffins".
While less important to who I am than my family, I have had jobs before. I worked at the CVS down the street when I was in high school. In that job I learned something that has been reinforced every moment since: it's hard to make money while keeping your sanity. During college I worked as a host at a tapas restaurant and started to be aware that communication matters as much as action. After college I worked in an office in Cambridge which to put to rest any aspirations of a traditional corporate life - most especially when they laid me off. I currently work at Evan Webster Ink where I'm learning creativity and empathy from the best teachers in the world.

What first made you want to become an artist?

Being an artist is merely something I've fallen into while trying to improve myself as a person. So I guess that means that becoming a better person first made me want to become an artist because artists create invaluable gifts.

What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?

The first thing I created by hand was probably a sand castle. I probably made it because I couldn't think of anything better to do with my hands. When I was small moving small objects like grains of sand was an exciting feat. Today it's equally impressive.

Describe your creative process.

The majority of my work is made by squeegeeing ink through stenciled mesh onto knit cotton. I do this every week and it's still interesting to me, amazingly.

Do you have any favorite color combinations?
Red, black and white or Blue, blue and orange.

What inspires you, and where do your ideas come from?
My ideas come from the desire to create solutions. I'm inspired by people who work for themselves along with space, the environment and libraries.

What is your biggest obstacle with your work?
My biggest obstacle with my work is my next idea.

What do you love most about what you make?
I love that they are completed. This to me is a great success. And it allows me to move on and pursue future successes.

What advice would you give to someone starting a small business?
Get customers first. Read what the experts say and then trust yourself more than anyone else.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?
This is a difficult question. Most of what I do is create. I'll change the question and ask myself "Besides creating things professionally, what do you do?" Well, I like to hike and bike, ideally combined with cooking, hopefully with my girlfriend, friends or family. And I'm hoping this year to get better at swimming and to brew a batch of beer.

On to randomness... name some favorites - books, movies, songs/musical groups, etc!
My favorite series of books is The Golden Compass, favorite movie is The Usual Suspects and favorite website according to my Facebook profile is www.panna2.com - but it's gotten way worse since I originally put that in there.

Tell us something we don't know but SHOULD know about you!
I don't think anyone should know how bad I am at singing. If you ask to hear me sing I will refrain out of concerns for your safety.

Thanks to Evan for sharing some background about Evan Webster Ink!
Visit the following links to learn more:
website: www.evanwebsterink.com
blog: http://www.evanwebsterink.com/blog/
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/evanwebsterink
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Happy Record Store Day!

2011-04-16T15:14:00.000-04:00

Today, April 16, is National Record Store Day.

This paper record player invitation has great timing for going viral on the internet this week... check out this project by Kelli Anderson:

Learn more about the production process at kellianderson.com.

Flick of the Week | 04.08.11

2011-04-08T05:55:00.001-04:00

via reddit...

Sometimes you feel like the only super hero in a room full of princesses.

Flick of the Week | 04.01.11

2011-04-01T22:12:00.000-04:00

Wine Bottles at L'Andana in Burlington MA.

Red Sox Sale now through Opening Day!

2011-03-29T09:54:00.000-04:00

Spring has sprung and the countdown to Boston Red Sox Opening Day has begun!

In honor of this yearly event, I am holding a sale on Red Sox prints now through Red Sox Opening Day, April 8, 2011.

Enter code GOSOX2011 at check out in my online shop now through April 8 and you will receive 15% off your entire order plus free domestic shipping! How's that for a happy spring!

visit http://fraskedesigns.etsy.com to browse prints!

Flick of the Week | 3.27.11

2011-03-27T17:58:00.000-04:00

Last weekend, there was a "supermoon" out on a clear night. I got a chance to view it from Memorial Drive in Cambridge. I liked looking at different photos from around the world, but this was one of my favorites, shot by gienkhan:

Flick of the Week | 3.19.11

2011-03-19T11:23:00.000-04:00

I went to Brooklyn last week to visit my friend Hillary. We did a photo walk around town and we came across Cranberry Street. I couldn't walk by without taking a picture of Hillary under the sign for the simple reason that she loves cranberry juice. We used to live together and she drank it like it was water!

Flick of the Week | 3.11.11

2011-03-11T06:12:00.002-05:00

Hello!
For today's flick of the week post, you get two for one! First, a view of Boston from the Harvard Bridge on International Women's Day which took place on March 8:

Second, a shot of the banner and just a few of the people who attended the meet up on the bridge to support Women for Women International:

Both of these pictures are courtesy of womenforwomen.org.

To see pictures from events around the word, click here.

100 Years of International Women's Day

2011-03-08T06:06:00.000-05:00

Today is International Women's Day! It is also the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day! As taken from the official website, "The first International Women's Day events were run in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland in 1911 and attended by over one million people.

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. To commemorate this day, women and men all over the world will be gathering on bridges to show their support for women's causes and celebrate women's achievements.

If you are near Boston, you can meet at the Harvard Bridge in Boston, MA on March 8 from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

Gathering point: Massachusettes Ave over The Charles River between Boston and Cambridge
If you can't get to the bridge, you can still participate virtually!

Visit this link for International Women's Day Events in your area.

Learn about 100 Women who have changes the lives of women and girls globally.

Flick of the Week | 03.04.11

2011-03-04T06:16:00.003-05:00

This is a picture of my Nana, whose birthday was March 4, and cousin Kristen several years ago on Easter. I love the expression on my grandmother's face, I bet she was saying something like "Oh my goodness" or "Oh golly" in response to Kristen's story!

The Boston Massacre Reenactment

2011-03-02T06:38:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite things about Boston is the rich history of this city. While I could definitely do without the snowy frigid winters, the potholes, and the traffic, I'm really thankful to have grown up in one of the oldest cities in the US. It definitely made US History class much more interesting with a home town advantage.

I'm really happy that the city makes so much of the history accessible to locals and tourists as well. Many attractions are free or at least offer special days and times with discounted rates. A great example is this weekend's reenectment of the Boston Massacre.

Two hundred forty-one years ago this coming Saturday, the Boston Massacre took place--setting America on the road to revolution and independence. Starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, the Old State House will commemorate the momentous act with a variety of events: a childrens' reenactment, "Trial of the Century" recreation of the soldiers' trial, and finally, at 7 p.m., the full reenactment.

Here is the reenactment from 2007:

Flick of the Week | 2.25.11

2011-02-25T06:15:00.002-05:00

Annyong!

This is my awesome Cat. I took this picture of him last weekend right before he got his first hair cut. Post-hair cut pictures are not as flattering.

(Yes, his name is Annyong, but we call him Onion for short)

How to Make Felt Fortune Cookies

2011-02-20T14:55:00.000-05:00

A simple, fun craft that I enjoy, and that I have written about before, is making felt fortune cookies. I made a batch recently around New Year's for my coworkers. It's a fun gift for New Year's, in keeping with the good fortunes theme, but also great for party favors, wedding favors, or to use as a decoration around the house.

This craft is also easy to do on-the-go, like on an airplane, in a car ride, or while you are waiting around, because it is small and you can transport the materials easily.

Here is how I make my felt fortune cookies, adapted from CraftSanity's tutorial which is where I found the original directions. Mine is a bit more freeform than CraftSanity's, as they use a printed template and measurements. I have found that it's easy enough to keep track of sewing without using a template.

How to Make Felt Fortune Cookies

What you will need:

- Felt, 2 identical sized sheets, any color. I used a tan to start but you can get creative.

- Thread. Consider a matching or complementary thread. I used metallic copper for these to offset the tan a bit.

- Sharp scissors

- Sewing needle

- Pin needles

- Large mug (or something circular with about a 4" diameter that you can trace)

- Pencil

Visualization of the tutorial's steps

1. Start by tracing the circumference of your mug onto one sheet of felt. You can do one circle at a time, but if you are making multiples, fit as many circles on

2. Layer your template over your other sheet of felt. Use pin needles to secure felt layers together.

3. Carefully cut out the circles. Cut them as the two layers of felt are pinned to each other. You will end up with 2 identical circles which will create one felt fortune cookie. *Don't worry too much about cutting a perfect circle yet. You will be able to trim jagged edges at the end. Just don't cut inside the circle if you can help it.

4. Take your pinned circled felt layers and sew opposing sides together around the circumference, leaving about 1 inch open on either side. You can try using a sewing machine, but I had an easier time controlling it by hand-sewing.

5. Fold in half so that the middle of the sewn sides are on the fold, and the open sides are now on the "half moon"

6. Sew open layers together. You will now be sewing through 4 layers of felt instead of 2 layers. Ultimately, it will look like a continuation of your first sewing step. You will end up with two open edges, one on each side.

7. Bend cookie into fortune cookie shape and secure the middle with a few stitches. This can be a little tricky, as you are maneuvering the needle inside the cookie.

8. Write fortunes, place in cookies, and give to friends!

Writing fortunes is the fun part. You can be silly or insightful, or a little of both. Some of my favorites are:

"The problems of today will soon be buried by the sand of time"

"What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail?"

"Life is a garden - dig it!"

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."

Flick of the Week | 2.18.11

2011-02-18T06:08:00.002-05:00

Last weekend, I visited Colorado. This was my fourth time visiting the Centennial State, but the scenery never ceases to amaze me. Snow capped mountains against bright, blue, sunny skies... yes please! This was taken from the back seat of a moving car:

Flick of the Week | 2.11.11

2011-02-11T06:29:00.001-05:00

The snow theme of Flick of the Week has been unintentional... regardless, I am glad to see that people still have a sense of humor with all this "celestial turbulence" that's been happening in New England.

Flick of the Week | 2.4.11

2011-02-04T06:45:00.016-05:00

This photo comes to us via my friend Mike at Beardy Lollipop by way of facebook.
Jabba the Hut made of snow.
A masterpiece. I wish this were in my neighborhood.
Actually... scratch that. I wish there were no snow in my neighborhood.

Flick of the Week | 1.28.11

2011-01-28T06:13:00.004-05:00

I love this picture. It was taken in DC, and made the front page of The Washington Post (although I saw it via Tosh.0). I feel like we could see this happen in Boston... a man running coat-less through snow with an ice cream cone.

It looks like it might be vanilla ice cream... Vanilla is not worth running for, so I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt and assume it is something more exciting like... coffee?

Either way, this is my favorite photo of the week! This may or may not become a regular topic on this blog.

Boston Handmade teaching at the BCA

2011-01-22T08:46:00.000-05:00

Boston Handmade is partnering with the Boston Center for Adult Education to teach a series of craft, art, and arts marketing classes at the BCAE's Back Bay education center. This January and February members of Boston Handmade will be teaching:

BASIC EMBROIDERY: EMBELLISH YOUR OWN TOTE BAG
led by Sharon Fischer

January 24 and February 7
Monday, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, 2 sessions

BEYOND THE ALBUM: CRAFTING WITH PHOTOS
led by Lucie Wicker
January 31
Monday, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, 1 session

FELTED WOOL FLOWER WORKSHOP
led by Sharon Fischer
February 14
Monday, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, 1 session

MAKE IT FIT: REPURPOSING YOUR WARDROBE
led by Jennifer Stark
January 22 & January 29
Saturday, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 2 sessions

SMALL PAPER QUILTS: CREATING STITCHED COLLAGE
led by Jessica Burko
February 28
Monday, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, 1 session

WRITING FOR ARTISTS
led by Jessica BurkoFebruary 28
Tuesday, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, 1 session

This is such an exciting opportunity for the members of Boston Handmade. If you have an interest in any of these courses, be sure to sign up before all the spots are filled!

Finding Shapes in Clouds: What do you see???

2011-01-21T06:02:00.000-05:00

Are you like me? Do you gaze at the sky and see shapes in clouds and can you be distracted by these shapes for extended periods of time? Then check out klowdz.com. You can acually illustrate those shapes you see in the clouds to show people you are not crazy - there really is a crab shape in that cloud!!!

P2PU: School of Webcraft

2011-01-19T22:21:00.000-05:00

I really like learning more about web development but don't have the time to fit in an actual structured, scheduled course to hone my skills. If you are like me, then you might really appreciate School of Webcraft.

School of Webcraft is an opportunity for those who want to learn more about certain applications to do so for free. Presented by P2PU, Anyone who wants to lend their skills and creativity to the cause of keeping the internet open is welcome to propose a course. It’s a chance to for everyone — not just software developers and testers — to get involved. Who? Teachers. Lawyers. Artists. Accountants. Plumbers. Web Developers. Anyone who uses and cares about the internet.

And it is a chance for those who want to learn, but have been hesitant due to limitations. Oh... and you can take these courses for free!

This semester's courses begin January 26. To see a list of classes available, and to apply, visit this link.

Need a crash course in HTML and CSS? Want to learn Python? Curious about Wordpress Development? Then now is the time for you to do something about it! Enjoy!

Oh, hi 2011.

2011-01-17T23:11:00.000-05:00

Happy January! I don't have anything new to share so I thought I would share something old... one of my all time favorite pictures of one of my all time favorite people... Hillary!

Christmas Mix for YOU!

2010-12-25T06:42:00.025-05:00

Happy Christmas!

I decided this year that I would make a special Christmas Mix for my friends. It's a compilation of songs that I have really enjoyed in 2010 (although some were released before then) and I hope you will enjoy them, too.

Please download it for free at the following link:
Download "Merry Christmas from Allie 2010"

Read on for the track list and reasons why I chose these songs...

1) White Winter Hymnal | Fleet Foxes
Last year, my friend Aimee sent a mix with a different song by Fleet Foxes that I really enjoyed (thanks, Aimee!). Oedipus also played this song on his 2009 Christmas Eve Broadcast on WFNX. I knew I had to hear more! This band is pretty awesome.

2) I Wanna Kill | The Crocodiles
Thanks to my friend Brenden (thanks, Brenden!) for introducing me to the Crocodiles our of CA. This might be my favorite song from their album Summer of Hate (ok the song and album titles are misleading, trust me, it's a chill song).

3) How I Remember | David Bazan
I am a huge long time fan of Bazan's old band Pedro the Lion, so naturally, I love his solo stuff.

4) On the Table | A.C. Newman
I got this song at a music sharing party with two of my good friends earlier in the year (thanks, Erin and Kristina!). Full disclosure: It is a song from the OC Soundtrack. Hey... I heard they played good music on that show.

5) Happy Birthday/Come on Home | The Organ Beats
This is a track from The Organ Beats, out of Boston, whose lead singer was in the band Damone. I was listening to Damone CONSTANTLY in college, so when my friend Alex, who mixed this album, told me to check them out, I wasted no time (thanks, Alex!).

6) No Songs Is Good Songs | The Appreciation Post
I saw The Appreciation Post open for the Sheila Divine reunion show this summer at Landsdown Pub. Their enthusiasm was infectious. They opened with a cover of Tired of Sex by Weezer. They are one of my favorite new discoveries of 2010 and this song makes me melt every time I listen to it!

7) Over it Over Again | She & Him
Duo Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward are She and Him. You probably have a crush on Zooey Deschanel. Or M. Ward. Or both. This is from Volume Two. Here's hoping for many more volumes!

8) Love Me Still | The Grownup Noise
The Grownup Noise is an awesome local band who collaborates with Boston Handmade quite often and quite well. Super nice people and super great music!

9) Hallucinations | Raveonettes
This song came to me on a mix CD from another friend this year (thanks, Matt!). I know the Raveonettes have been around for *so long* but I guess I didn't really read the memo until this year - although the memo crossed my desk about a million times since the early aughts.

10) Monument | Mirah
One of my favorite singer/songwriters, Mirah just hits me every time, so I am hitting you with her, too. This is one of my faves from her but you really can't go wrong with Mirah.

11) Charlie Darwin | The Low Anthem
Another local band, out of RI, I heard about The Low Anthem in the summer 2009 from a girl who had a G tattooed to her arm in the Adobe Garamond font (thanks, Laura, wherever you are). Obviously, she had good taste, so I gave them a listen, and what do you know... they are pretty great.

12) Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains) | Arcade Fire
Quite possibly my favorite track from 2010. I can't say that Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs" is anywhere near "Funeral" but I can say that this song might be the top played in my car on the way home from work this year.

13) Once in a Lifetime | Talking Heads
An oldie but goodie, this song is one of my all time favorites - dare I say top 10? - and it really helps put things in perspective and reminds you to live in the moment. We let too much pass us by, but we have just this one life... it puts me in check to just remember to not take small moments for granted.

14) Get Innocuous! | LCD Soundsystem
This song totally sneaks up on you. Seriously...

15) Stylo (Feat. Mos Def and Bobby Womack) | Gorillaz
This is the last song I really remember rocking out to in my 1992 Nissan Stanza before I traded it in for a "real" car last spring. I remember driving around an extra couple of blocks before picking up Erin and Alex for some random adventure (sorry if I was late, guys). This is the perfect song to listen to loudly in your car on a warm spring or summer day. Or any other time.

16) I Love N.Y.E. | Badly Drawn Boy
Closing it with a classic.

I hope you enjoy this mix, and let me know your thoughts!
Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you all!!!

<3 Allison

ps - if you have made it this far.... a bonus video for you:

The Oedipus Christmas Eve Broadcast

2010-12-23T06:23:00.002-05:00

Last year, WFNX Radio in Boston brought back a Christmas tradition - they broadcasted the long-running Christmas Eve show hosted by legendary radio personality and programmer Oedipus. It is a commercial free radio holiday extravaganza featuring Christmas music from around the world, new and old, drawn from many genres and heard virtually nowhere else. Before 2009, the special would broadcast on the now defunct WBCN, but WFNX jumped in to keep the dream alive!

This broadcast is really the highlight of my Christmas. OK... friends and family and togetherness is a big part of the holiday, as is partying for Jesus' birthday, but there is something about listening to The Oedipus Christmas Eve broadcast alone in a car or at home, unwinding from family craziness, that is really very calming. You can't help but feel nostalgic, thankful, and introspective.

The Oedipus Christmas Eve show will air without commercial interruption on Friday, December 24th, from 6pm until midnight. WFNX can be heard at 101.7 FM in Greater Boston, at 92.1 in New Hampshire, and streaming worldwide at www.wfnx.com.

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

Low Budget Christmas Gift (or fun new music for you)

2010-12-16T05:59:00.005-05:00

Have someone you want to give something to for Christmas, but no $$ or idea what to give? Download this free EP from The Appreciation Post, burn it on a blank CD, maybe even print out a picture of the album cover and pass it along!

While you're at it, listen to this sweet and adorable song:

My First Christmas Tree

2010-12-14T06:00:00.001-05:00

For the past few years, I have secretly wanted a kitschy fake white Christmas tree. Until this year, I haven't been in the right living space to make a legit tree happen. I decided to splurge (except, I only spent $25) on a 48" tall, fake, white, awesome Christmas tree for my living room.

Why a white Christmas tree? Well, I am going to have plenty of time to get a real tree later in life, so I am indulging in the frivolity and ridiculousness of the white Christmas tree while I can.
Here is a picture of my first Christmas tree in all its glory:

I got pretty amber lights for it, but Rookie Mistake #1 was that I bought them on green wire instead of white. Oh well. I also still need the right star for the top. I could not find one the other night when I was looking for the trimmings. But otherwise, I'm pretty excited!

Next feat: Start a lifetime collection of ornaments. While the matching ornament style is nice and uniform and orderly looking, I do love a haphazard Christmas tree with random ornaments that have been collected over the years.

What kind of Christmas tree do YOU love?

Pictures from Thanksgiving

2010-12-06T22:37:00.001-05:00

A couple of my favorite pictures from Thanksgiving:

Danny

Heidi & Pat

Operation C.U.P. (Citizens Using Pottery)

2010-12-01T06:50:00.000-05:00

Operation C.U.P. (Citizens Using Pottery) is a movement my friend Arthur started last year with the idea of getting a handmade cup into the hands of people that wouldn't normally use a handmade cup. So it goes like this... buy a handmade cup or mug and gift it to someone close to you for the holidays. That's about it! Arthur's facebook page, Arthur Halvorsen Ceramics, is posting a daily link to a cup up until Christmas if you need some ideas or inspiration.
Here's my choice to fly us right into Hanukkah! I love this Paper Airplane Mug by Dirty Dishes Pottery. Something tells me I can get into Operation C.U.P.

Paper Airplane Mug by Dirty Dishes Pottery

Boston Handmade Downtown Holiday Gallery Opens Today!

2010-11-26T00:01:00.003-05:00

Kick off your Holidays by shopping Handmade!

Opening day is TODAY, November 26!

The 3rd Annual

Boston Handmade Downtown Holiday Gallery

November 26 through December 24, 2010

Wednesday - Sunday, 11am - 7pm

Make 2010 the season of handmade with gifts created by more than 20 local artists, artisans, and crafts people at 505 Washington Street, in the heart of Downtown Crossing Boston, between West and Temple.

Click image for full list of exhibitors

Danke Schön!

2010-11-25T10:29:00.000-05:00

I have a lot to be thankful for. A loving family, friends near and far from various walks of life, a roof over my head, a full time job I enjoy, and a small side business that is more fun than it is work. I'm thankful for little things too, and my continued interest in really making the best of this life and soaking everything in.
Sure, this is all the normal "thankful" stuff, but it's what really matters.
I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving and have much to be thankful for as well!

Plaid Friday Specials!

2010-11-24T06:01:00.000-05:00

You know about Black Friday, but have you heard of Plaid Friday?

The name Plaid Friday celebrates the diversity and creativity of independent businesses. Plaid Friday is the fun and enjoyable alternative to the big box store "Black Friday," and is designed promote both local and independently owned businesses during the holidays.

Plaid Friday was conceptualized in Oakland, CA, a city known for strong shop local campaigns. One of the long term goals of Plaid Friday is to become a resource to make it easier for shoppers to find local businesses in every city across the nation. Plaid Friday brings back the neighborly nostalgic times when shopping for friends and family was a pleasurable leisurely activity.

__________________________________________________

To celebrate Plaid Friday, shopping local, and shopping handmade, I am offering 20% OFF your entire order in my shop when you make a purchase between Friday, November 26 and Monday, November 29 using the coupon code PlaidFriday10 at check out!

This offer is for in stock merchandise only and not valid on prior purchases.

Sorry, no special orders. Expires 11:59 EST on 11/29/10.

New Photo Series: Love Notes

2010-11-23T06:13:00.000-05:00

I've been working on a new photo series, tentatively called "Love Notes." It is a series of positive words or phrases popping up in unexpected places, mostly interesting surfaces. I've only just begun shooting... but stay tuned for more!

Poppytalk's 101 Reasons to Buy Handmade

2010-11-17T06:25:00.005-05:00

Poppytalk has a great article with 101 Reasons to Buy Handmade. Here are some of my favorite reasons:

4. When you buy handmade, you are purchasing from artisans and craftspeople who enjoy creating their wares. The object holds that positive energy, and it spreads.

19. Buying handmade guarantees that no one will give the same gift as you!

45. Handmade items are what your Great Great Grandma used to buy.

52. Buying handmade is the best way to avoid shopping malls!

56. Buying handmade is an environmentally sound way to shop - handmade items are often made from recycled materials.

60. Buying handmade encourages traditions - how many happy hours have I spent learning how to knit with my mom and grandmom? There will never exist a knitting machine that can tell so many interesting stories!

67. Buying handmade ensures the discovery of quirky, one of a kind items! Companies won’t commit vast machines/factories to make riskier, odder things at the risk of not selling 1000’s or millions of mass produced units. But that is exactly what is best and most fun about making something oneself. Experimenting with new and different things! Odd shapes and combinations that may not be commercial but are definitely fun.

71. Buying handmade shows our children that not everything in this world needs to be mass produced. It teaches them to love and appreciate the unique and the imperfect. And it inspires them to do their own creating as well.

83. Buying handmade encourages independent thinking that breaks corporation's homogenizing tendencies.

86. Buying handmade allows opportunities for customization where shoppers can participate in the creative process to further personalize the item.

96. Buying handmade is just simply delightful.

For the full list, click here.
If you are interested in taking the Handmade Pledge, click here.

What are YOUR favorite reasons for buying handmade?

Vote for me in the Etsy and NASA Space Craft Contest!

2010-11-14T16:37:00.002-05:00

Remember the Space Craft Contest I entered? Welllllllll voting has begun!

I would very much appreciate it if you would take a moment to vote for my submission under the category NASA and Etsy Space Craft 2D Reproduction. It's easy, here's how:

1) Log in to your Etsy account
2) Visit this link:
http://www.etsy.com/voter_list.php?ref=voter&room_id=112
3) Vote for A Place So Gloriously Wired with Lights and Sounds (that's mine!)

That's it!

Voting ends November 19 so be sure to do it asap!

About the contest: NASA and Etsy invited Etsy members to celebrate artistic exploration and commemorate the end of the NASA Space Shuttle Program with a creative challenge: Share an original handmade item or work of art inspired by the NASA Space Shuttle Program and space exploration at large.

Prizes include a trip to an upcoming launch as NASA’s VIP guest, Etsy shopping sprees, and cool merchandise from NASA and Etsy. The winning artwork might even be flown on the Space Shuttle! If you vote for me, I might bring you as my guest if I win the grand prize :)

Not an Etsy member? Then it's high time that you register here: https://www.etsy.com/register.php

Thanks everyone, and wish me luck!

More Matt and Melissa Engagement Photos

2010-11-14T06:34:00.001-05:00

Remember Matt and Melissa's engagement photo shoot?

Here are some more of my favorites from that day.

In front of Daniel Marsh Chapel at Boston University

Matt preparing to blow a kiss to Melissa

In front of Melissa's old apartment building

Matt being his charming self

This was such a fun day! I really enjoyed spending this time with two of my favorite people and I am so excited and happy for Matt and Melissa!

Fraske Designs Etsy Shop Turns 4!

2010-11-06T06:07:00.001-04:00

Whoa! Four years ago today, I set up my Etsy Shop. I remember it like it was yesterday: A brisk fall day, it was also an election day in Massachusetts. I was home sick from work with a bad cold, but semi-functional, so after I walked down to Davis Square to do my civic duty, I was home on the couch with my laptop and some kleenex.

Someone had recently told me about this new website Etsy.com and I was checking it out. I had been making cards for friends for a while, and had been taking pictures since I had enough Bazooka bubblegum wrappers to exchange for a camera that shot 110 film with no flash. I poked around and read Etsy's policies and steps to set up a shop selling my very own handmade items. It was a no-brainer: Probably an hour later, I had fraskedesigns.etsy.com set up, stocked with cards and prints, and ready to go.

It took a few weeks for me to get my first official sale. Then momentum started picking up, best-sellers started proving themselves. My Fenway Park Red Seat photo was the clear favorite, followed by You Are My Sunshine. As the months went by, I added and refined the products in my shop. I started to list more prints and less note cards. Increasing my Red Sox themed prints definitely helped with the traffic.

Fast forward to November 2010, Etsy has proven itself as an international go-to resource for handmade, and it has really made a positive impact on my life in so many ways. As an artist, it has offered me an outlet to share my work with the WORLD as well as those in my back yard. Thanks to Etsy, the store Magpie - a great local store selling handmade wares in Somerville - found me and asked to sell my prints and cards in their awesome brick and mortar location. This gave me the confidence I needed to start doing craft shows as well as approach more stores to see if they too would like to carry my work.

As a consumer, I have become even more aware of the importance of buying handmade, and the hard work that goes into the production of every item listed. And let's not forget the amazing people who have entered my life thanks to Etsy! I found the amazing group Boston Handmade, and have made some great friendships through that association.

It has been such a wonderful experience to connect with other artists and crafts people in the area. I have learned so much from getting to know these amazing people and immersing myself in the handmade culture. It has also helped me to push myself as an artist and small business person. While my small business is still basically a micro-business, I feel like I have taken great strides to integrate my art into my life and to find a way to share it with others. I wonder what the next four years will have in store!

Bazaar Bizarre Boston | 12.5.10

2010-11-01T06:04:00.003-04:00

I am excited to announce that I will be a vendor at the Bazaar Bizarre in Boston for the second year in a row on Sunday, December 5! I will be there with Boston Handmade for what I think is one of the most exciting craft shows of the year.

We will exhibit at the Boston Center for the Arts Cyclorama

in the heart of Boston's South End neighborhood

on Sunday, December 5th from 12-7pm.

Bazaar Bizarre 2009

If you plan on going, get there early, because the line literally wraps down the street and around corners!

Starting TODAY at 10:00, a small number of early bird tickets will be available for presale. For $10, you can get into the 2010 Boston Bazaar Bizarre one hour (11am-12pm) before it opens to the general public. You'll be able to shop with a group of just 100 people, instead of the thousands of shoppers that will descend upon the Cyclorama as the day progresses.

If you miss out on the early bird special, or just would rather save $9, definitely stop by between 12 and 7!

Etsy Space Craft Contest

2010-10-19T06:56:00.000-04:00

This week Etsy announced a mission to outer space. To honor the close of the Space Shuttle Program, Etsy is partnering with NASA and hosting an exciting contest. They are calling for artists inspired by NASA, its programs and the wonders of space exploration to submit their work and enter for a chance to attend an actual space shuttle launch, among other great prizes. It's out of this world!

I am entering the following piece in the 2D category... wish me luck!

My Etsy Wish List

2010-10-13T06:52:00.002-04:00

As many of you can probably relate, I enjoy browsing Etsy.com to see what catches my eye. I love stumbling upon something new and interesting. I also love looking at my old favorites sometimes. Here are some items that remain at the very top of my Etsy wish list:

Seven Deadly Sins Plates by Trixie Delicious

Sweet Dreams Decoupage Door Hanger by Trixie and Radar

Cross Section of a Cloud by Cate Anevski

Ghostbusters Wooden Peg People by Randomly Generated

Cushion Cut Aquamarine in Rose Gold Ring by One Garnet Girl

Wine Bottle Cheese Plate and Cracker Tray by Big Sky

A million wishes for peace for John Lennon's birthday, October 9th

2010-10-09T00:11:00.000-04:00

Help Yoko Ono get one million wishes for peace in honor of John Lennon's 70th birthday!

www.imaginepeace.com

tweet your wish to @IPTower

mail your wish to

IMAGINE PEACE TOWER

PO Box 1009

121 Reykjavik

Iceland

email your wish to

wish@imaginepeacetower.com

"All You Need Is Love"

Boston Line by Line: City Wide Creative Writing

2010-10-08T06:23:00.002-04:00

Are you a reader? Are you into creative writing? If you answered yes to either, you will definitely want to make time to stop by the second annual Boston Book Festival on Saturday, October 16 in Copley Square.

One can't miss event is Boston Line by Line: City Wide Creative Writing sponsored by Union Park Press. Festivalgoers at this year’s Boston Book Festival are invited to stop by the Union Park Press booth to add a sentence in city-themed stories started by fellow Bostonians. Each story will be limited to one or two pages of text. When one story ends, the next one begins. Notable Bostonians who’ve been generous enough to “donate” a first line include Dennis Lehane, author of Mystic River and Shutter Island, Junot Díaz, author of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, and Susan Sloane, managing editor of WCVB TV’s Chronicle. The end result will be a collection of short-shorts collaboratively written by book festival attendees—available free of charge on the Union Park Press website after the festival.

Union Park Press publisher Nicole Vecchiotti says, “We wanted to blur the line between readers and writers, and do something that would also tap into the city’s creativity.” Vecchiotti describes the project as a simple writing exercise. “But we’re hoping that taking what is usually a classroom exercise and extrapolating it to the entire festival will add some excitement—not to mention that some lucky attendee will be able to write the concluding sentence to a story prompted by Bert and John of Life is Good, Nick Flynn, or Chef Ken Oringer.”

Just in case you were wondering...

2010-10-05T20:28:00.001-04:00

What do the alphabet, pop culture, and classic board games all have in common? They are all part of some very exciting new projects I have been working on! They are all in "development" stages but I am kicking myself into high gear and getting some serious new stuff going. I'll be rolling out a new photo series, some housewares, some hyper-focused miscellaneous projects...

Anyway, it is all top secret but I am excited to make progress and should have some new and exciting stuff before the new year!

10/10/10: A Perfect Score for Handmade!

2010-09-16T20:03:00.000-04:00

10/10/10

10am to 4pm

Boston Handmade at the Sowa Open Market!

15 members of the artisan group Boston Handmade will be showing and selling handmade jewelry, clothing, accessories, ceramics, art, photography, handspun yarn, and more at SOWA Open Market 460 Harrison Avenue in Boston's South End on Sunday, October 10, 2010, from 10am to 4pm.

I am not participating in this show but it's going to be great! October is my favorite month at the Market.

Boston Handmade promotes creating, selling, and buying handmade objects and art for home, work, and life. Buying handmade items connects the shopper directly to the designer, making the shopping experience distinctive and personal. Shopping with Boston Handmade means each purchase is supporting the local arts community and helping the local Boston economy thrive. The members of Boston Handmade create their work in small studios, which helps minimize their carbon footprint, and makes each hand-created object even more extraordinary.

Early Morning Pictures

2010-09-02T06:52:00.000-04:00

Hot summer days can be oppressive, but the early morning hours of the summer are JUST right. I got up really early and took these recently:

Engagament Pictures - Matt & Melissa

2010-08-23T06:21:00.002-04:00

My friends Matt and Melissa were in town this weekend to get down to some wedding planning business! We took some engagement photos in Boston on Saturday, here are a few of my initial favorites...

North Shore Concours d'Elegance

2010-08-16T21:04:00.002-04:00

I had the chance to attend the North Shore Concours d'Elegance held at Endicott College on August 1. There were over 80 antique cars lined up along their beautiful campus. It was a perfect day and I took a bunch of pictures. Here are some of my favorites! Click the image to see it full size.

Wedding Bells

2010-08-06T06:45:00.002-04:00

Tis the season for weddings! Three weeks from today, my very good friends Erin and Alex are tying the knot! Here are some selections from an engagement photo shoot we did in November. They are getting married in Cambridge at City Hall, and the reception will also be in Cambridge, so we took pictures at both locations.

The day started off a little drizzly which gave us the perfect opportunity to take some authentic couple shots under a red umbrella!

Then we took some shots in front of the City Hall entrance where the magic will happen in just a few short weeks!

Our last stop was the reception site just a few blocks down the road. It was a pretty fall day which was perfect for taking pictures outdoors.

As you can see, Erin and Alex have a silly side to them, hence Alex pretending to fly away like the statue. Some of the outtakes were my favorites! It shows that they don't take life too seriously which is one of the keys to happiness! Wouldn't you say?

Raw Toast Design

2010-07-18T17:35:00.003-04:00

Well lucky me, I was a winner in the monthly Raw Toast Design print giveaway drawing last month! I discovered Raw Toast at the Spring BUST Craftacular when I visited Hillary in Brooklyn in May with Erin. I bought an Adrift print from him, and miraculously won another one, so now I have two lovely prints hanging in my new apartment... they look great together! I chose Fly Fishing which seemed like a good complement to the whole up-in-the-air concept of Adrift. Perhaps I will start a collection... if anyone wants to buy me my next print, or get one for themselves, check out the shop here!

I'd like you to meet the cutest baby ever!

2010-07-10T07:32:00.001-04:00

I took some photos of lovely Alice and her parents recently. We chose Mount Auburn Cemetery as a venue. Alice should be a model someday! Here are some favorites:

2010 Boston Handmade Marketplace

2010-07-07T06:17:00.002-04:00

Update: Rain date in effect! Event moved to Sunday, July 11... same time, same place!

2010 Boston Handmade Marketplace is this Saturday in Union Square, Somerville, MA.

Sunday, July 11th
3pm-7pm
Union Square sidewalk

I won't be an exhibitor this year, but more than 20 exhibitors will be showing and selling handmade jewelry, clothing, accessories, housewares, art, photography, paper goods, ceramics and more along with hands-on craft demonstrations from The Common Cod Fiber Guild and LIVE MUSIC from The Grownup Noise and One Happy Island.

More info, and vendor list, can be found here.

I could really go for a swim.

2010-07-06T19:54:00.002-04:00

Well, I could definitely go for a swim in this heat wave we are having here in Boston, but since I don't have a pool, I'll just post one of my favorite old family photos... this one is of my dad swimming in a lake a long time ago - before my time - it is one of my favorites!

Photo Walk in Beacon Hill

2010-06-25T22:03:00.003-04:00

I went on a photo walk with some BH-ers the other day.

Lucie, Kerry, Arthur and I met at Park St and then walked around Beacon Hill mostly...

fountain at Boston Common

Savenor's on Charles Street, bring back memories of Mike's football BBQs, you never knew what delicacy might show up at each game.

According to historian Lucie Wicker, Acorn Street is the most photographed street in Boston:

Fun times!

Visual Enlightenment at Wonderbar

2010-06-22T21:59:00.003-04:00

I will be participating in the Visual Enlightenment Art Showcase presented by Music Ecology at Wonder Bar on Sunday, June 27 from 7-11. Stop by if you are free!

Visual Enlightenment Art Showcase
Sunday, June 27, 2010 | 7:00pm | Wonder Bar
186 Harvard Avenue | Allston, MA

This event will feature a group art show by the following local artists:

Allison Fraske
Julia D'Angelo
Landon Richmond
Marcus Griep
Taylor Ashbrook
Justin Madness Delaet
Melanie Maz
Romina Diaz-Brarda

Plus music by Speyeral Vision.

Visual Enlightenment is free to attend, age 21 and over.

Wonder Bar is conveniently located less than a block away from Harvard Avenue stop on the Green Line (B branch).

Music Philosophy

2010-06-01T06:19:00.000-04:00

Music Philosophy is a graphic/typographic interpretation of philosophical song quotes. I think I might need a few of these for my walls!

Follow the artist on flickr here.

BUST Spring Craftacular!

2010-05-26T21:33:00.004-04:00

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the BUST Spring Craftacular in Brooklyn! I have wanted to go to one of these since what seems like the dawn of time but have never been able to coordinate my schedule. They have a big one during holiday season that is supposedly out of this world, but their spring one was still pretty great.
I bought a cool silver geometric pattern-type necklace from Birdhouse Jewelry. Sadly, she has no pictures of it on her website but you can see more of her collection here. I also got a cute pair of maple leaf earrings from Erica Weiner Jewelry. I don't normally spring for unique earrings, but there were one of the first things I saw and I just had to have them!

There were lots of great jewelry vendors, I could hardly contain myself. The rest of the vendors we equally as talented. I got a really great print of little men floating away on red balloons by Raw Toast Design. Sadly, I can not find an image of it on his website, but anyone who knows me well knows I love red balloons so I had to have this one. Here is a sample from his collection, probably would have been my second choice:

All in all, I had a great time and hope to be able to make the holiday Craftacular one of these days!

Happy Record Store Day!

2010-04-17T10:37:00.003-04:00

April 17 is Record Store Day!
Today, "independently owned music outlets across the nation will band together in recognition of all things vinyl for the third annual Record Store Day. Conceived by a Bull Moose employee in 2007, the day is now observed at 700 stores throughout the US and hundreds more worldwide."

Read more at The Boston Phoenix website.

In honor of today, here is a picture of the very first CD I designed for a band... it was for Sidewalk Driver, several years ago. The actual cd is basic black and white, and all the packages were handmade with a welded lug nut and spray painted logo (I did not participate in the official assembly but I assure you, each one was made with love!). This copy has faded and scratched a bit over the years, but it wears well!

Jim Henson’s Fantastic World at The National Heritage Museum

2010-04-14T06:06:00.000-04:00

There is a Jim Henson exhibit at the National Heritage Museum in Lexington MA going on now through June 27, 2010. I am definitely going to make a plan to check it out! Having grown up watching Sesame Street and The Muppets, I think it will be such a great experience to see the puppets, drawings, storyboards, photos, etc that have been brought together for this exhibit.

Here are some of my favorite Sesame Street clips:

And a bonus "Rainbow Connection" covered by Me First and the Gimme Gimmes:

What is cooler than having one friend on The Martha Stewart Show?

2010-03-21T18:34:00.004-04:00

... That would be having TWO friends on The Martha Stewart Show! You may remember that last year, around this time, my friend Crystal was invited on to The Martha Stewart Show to demonstrate her bird nest centerpieces around Easter time. Well, not only has Crystal been invited back this year, but my other crafter friend Liz of Made in Lowell will be on the very next day demonstrating how to make her polymer clay eggs!

Tune in on Tuesday morning March 23 to see Crystal school Martha for the second time, and tune in on Wednesday March 24 to see Liz's Martha Stewart Show debut! Check local listings for times :)

Happy International Women's Day!

2010-03-08T20:44:00.001-05:00

March 8 is International Women's Day. Cheers to some of my favorite ladies!

National Write a Letter of Appreciation Week

2010-02-28T06:18:00.000-05:00

Today kicks off National Write a Letter of Appreciation Week. This week, take the time to rediscover the lost art of letter writing!

Armstrongs win Owl City Fan Video Contest!

2010-02-16T21:07:00.004-05:00

Congrats to Arian and Daniel Armstrong for winning the Owl City fan video contest! Arian, a former Boston Handmader, and her husband teamed up to create a video for the band Owl City's song Vanilla Twilight. Out of all of the entries, they won the grand prize of a trip to see Owl City on their upcoming tour in the US city of their choosing! They deserve it... look how awesome their video is:

I'd rather take a picture than share 1000 words.

2010-02-12T06:41:00.002-05:00

I have never considered myself much of a copywriter. I like to be succinct, short and sweet, to the point. Summarizing a topic is not a problem, but elaborating is tricky for me, and I sometimes have a hard time putting into words what I would like to articulate. I have been aware of this since the early struggles of book reports with a minimum required length of five paragraphs. Grade school book reports turned into high school essays calling for five pages (or more), double spacing, 1" margins, 12 point Times New Roman font. Let's not talk about college - I'd like to forget my cultural geography project on Scandinavian bodies of water.

Elliot Erwitt said, "The whole point of taking pictures is so that you don’t have to explain things with words." I like the way he thinks. Here are some of his photos... I think he has succeeded to tell a story without saying anything at all:

Take a picture, make a wish!

2010-02-05T06:36:00.001-05:00

Get into it! I am going to try to remember to take this challenge proposed by Art House Co-op tonight (these are the same people who brought you The Sketch Book Project). The idea is for everybody to take a photo at the exact same moment and they will display them all at their grand opening exhibition in Brooklyn on February 26 in a photographic collage...

Call to action:
Tonight, Friday February 5, at exactly 11:11 PM Eastern Standard Time, take a picture of whatever you're doing. We understand that in some time zones it will be the wee hours of the night, and that's fine. Think of it as a challenge. Rig up your computer to automatically snap a photo at 11:11. Set your alarm to wake you up 30 seconds before, snap the shot, and go back to bed. We're trying to create a snapshot of the world at the exact same moment.

After you take your photo, print it out and send it to us! Please make it a professional quality print and at 4x6 inches with no border around it. This is absolutely free and we simply want your involvement in the exhibition. Every photo we receive back will be included in the exhibition. We can't send your photo back afterwards, but it will be archived and become part of the permanent collection in the library.

Make sure your 4x6 inch snapshot gets to us before February 22nd! Send it to:
Art House Gallery
C/o The 11:11 Project
201 Richards St #16
Brooklyn, NY 11231

What will YOU be doing???

Happy almost Valentine's Day kind of.

2010-02-01T06:12:00.000-05:00

It is February which means we are half a month away from Valentine's Day! Here are some of my favorite luuuurve related handmade items:

Do You Believe in Love at First Sight print by Sophie Blackall
Sophie Blackall illustrates missed connection posts she finds on websites like craigslist

Ode to Lloyd Dobbler by Elloh
John Cusack, will you be my Valentine?

HEART Coded DNA Double Helix Necklace by Resplendent Red Head
OK you probably would not catch me wearing this but it is still pretty clever.

Your Are the CSS to my HTML t-shirt by Pop & Shorty
Who is the Casanova who came up with this line? Marry me.

Belongs to You mini triptych by John W. Golden
Pretty and sweet!

All You Need Is Love print by Danita
Words to live by!

ReadyMade Magazine Discounted Subscription

2010-01-25T23:11:00.000-05:00

OK, some may argue that print is dying. Some may say even say it is dead. I'd like to see it continue a happy, healthy life though... while I consume a lot of content and information online, I still enjoy sitting on the couch flipping through a magazine or reading a book in bed before I fall asleep.
One magazine I enjoy reading is ReadyMade Magazine. They have a lot of fun, interesting, and functional ideas for improving or creating just about everything. This week, you can help print stay alive on a budget by taking advantage of Amazon's special rate on a year's subscription to Readymade Magazine: Just $6 for a year of issues! The special rate only lasts until Saturday. If you miss it, you could still buy one year, get one free at ReadyMade's website.

Craft Hope for Haiti

2010-01-18T23:11:00.000-05:00

Craft Hope is a faith-based, love inspired project designed to share handmade crafts with those less fortunate. It is their hope to combine their love for crafting and desire to help others into a project to make a difference around the world.

Currently, all proceeds of the Craft Hope Etsy shop will benefit Doctors Without Borders in Haiti. All items have been generously donated by the crafting community. If you'd like to donate an item please visit the Craft Hope website www.crafthope.com.

Whether you can donate something handmade or are able to buy something from this shop, you will sending much needed funds to the people who need it most right now.

Handmade Nation Movie

2010-01-16T12:20:00.004-05:00

Handmade Nation is playing in Boston in Monday at the 4th Wall Project in Boston, MA. The movie Handmade Nation is about the rise of DIY, craft, art, and design. Director Faythe Levine traveled the USA to interview crafts people and has put together over 80 hours of footage into this documentary. It has been a long time in the making and I am looking forward to finally seeing it!

View the trailer here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zH2HWPfwpOw

2009 was a good year.

2010-01-01T08:45:00.000-05:00

2009 was a good year. I accomplished some firsts... I had the chance to drive across the country with two of my best friends. A photo of mine was featured (in the color section!) in a book about Boston Sports. I had the wonderful experience of being a vendor at Boston's Bazaar Bizarre. And I participated in the nationwide art experiment The Sketchbook Project.

It was a good year for my friends, too. Sidewalk Driver released their first full length CD. I had a lot of fun helping them with photo shoots and designing the album artwork (which, by the way, showed up in Boston Band Crush's album artwork top five of 2009!). Hillary moved to NY with Joe and started grad school at Pratt. Erin & Alex got engaged! And the group at Mad Tasty is moving at a steady pace.

Boston Handmade is going strong and both the group and our individual members had lots of great opportunities this year. We had lots of great show opportunities including South End Open Market and Boston's Bazaar Bizarre. For the second year in a row, we were invited to have a storefront in Downtown Crossing during the holiday season. Crystal of Vintage by Crystal was a guest on THE MARTHA STEWART SHOW! Mimi's Handmade Portrait was filmed and featured on Etsy.com.

Happy New Year to everyone and I look forward to good things in 2010!

Buche de Noel (and Merry Christmas!)

2009-12-25T08:40:00.003-05:00

Happy Christmas! Having spent years in jr high and high school taking French and therefore coming across the occasional creative and cultural assignment, I am familiar with the French Christmas cake "Buche de Noel." Buche de Noel is the French name for a Christmas cake shaped like a log. It is a flourless chocolate cake rolled with chocolate whipped cream. Traditionally, Buche de Noel is decorated with confectioners' sugar to resemble snow on a Yule log. I do not miss making these for class (although my mom misses me making them for the family at the same time). It is cool to do at least once in your lifetime, though, so if you are feeling adventurous, here are the directions:

Ingredients

* 2 cups heavy cream
* 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 6 egg yolks
* 1/2 cup white sugar
* 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1/8 teaspoon salt
* 6 egg whites
* 1/4 cup white sugar
* confectioners' sugar for dusting

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a 10x15 inch jellyroll pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whip cream, 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, 1/2 cup cocoa, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until thick and stiff. Refrigerate.
2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat egg yolks with 1/2 cup sugar until thick and pale. Blend in 1/3 cup cocoa, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, and salt. In large glass bowl, using clean beaters, whip egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, and beat until whites form stiff peaks. Immediately fold the yolk mixture into the whites. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Dust a clean dishtowel with confectioners' sugar. Run a knife around the edge of the pan, and turn the warm cake out onto the towel. Remove and discard parchment paper. Starting at the short edge of the cake, roll the cake up with the towel. Cool for 30 minutes.
4. Unroll the cake, and spread the filling to within 1 inch of the edge. Roll the cake up with the filling inside. Place seam side down onto a serving plate, and refrigerate until serving. Frost the outside with chocolate frosting if you don't have enough filling left over, decorate accordingly, and dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.

Concert Posters - The Small Stakes

2009-12-16T23:11:00.000-05:00

For a few years, I have been following the work of Jason Munn of The Small Stakes. I very clearly remember getting an email from Daily Candy with a link to his website, and what I discovered was amazing design overload. His style is so clean and elegant. Over time I have noticed many recurring concepts, but the designs do not feel redundant. Here are some of my favorites: