"Crafting with Washi" Workshop - Boston Center for Adult Education (BCAE) Summer Class

I will be teaching a course at the Boston Center for Adult Education (BCAE), called "Crafting with Washi"

Class will be held: Saturday, July 16, 2011, 11:00-1:00pm


Class Description:

Washi, literally meaning “traditional Japanese paper”, is a centuries old tradition used to decorate aspects of their daily lives. These delicate papers are known for their vibrant colors and intricate details and designs. In this class, we will be learning how to create and decorate contemporary household accessories and jewelry by giving a modern twist through using these Asian-inspired papers and various sealants. We will learn how to use these gorgeous papers to make pendant jewelry, magnets, greeting cards, decorative gift tins, and more to take home with you! No experience needed.

Tuition: $40.00 Member Cost: $35.00 Materials Cost: $15.00


Click here to Register

Reasons to Shop Local and Support Local Businesses

Interesting article I found on the Jamaica Plain's website, encouraging the movement towards shopping local! :)

Shopping online is convenient,

but supporting your

local merchants is more rewarding

5 Reasons to Shop Locally

Support the Local Economy

When you buy from an independent, locally owned business, significantly more of your dollars are put back into the local economy. The money you spend at a local business is often used to make purchases from other local businesses, local service providers, and local suppliers.

Keep Our Community Unique

Instead of living in “Anywhere America”, you can be proud to call Jamaica Plain, your home. Our one-of-a-kind local businesses give our community character and cultural vitality. Check out some of our favorite local places to shop!

Create Jobs For Your Neighbors

Local businesses owners are most likely our neighbors and hire residents of the community.

Lessen Environmental Impact

When businesses source locally and you shop locally there is a smaller carbon footprint when transporting goods.

Invest in your Community's Future

Shopping locally is a choice you make that says you are committed to the continued growth and success of the economy here in Jamaica Plain.

Support your local merchants

Jamaica Plain's First Thursday: Annual Outdoor Summer Marketplace

Come find MaJenta Designs showcasing and selling our wares at this annual summertime outdoor event in Jamaica Plain!

Etsy Treasury: Tulips - featuring one of my foldable, portable purse hooks

The weather in Boston has been dreary the last few days...but this vibrant floral treasury helps remind us of what summer sunshine and flowers blooming is all about! The treasury features my "tulip garden" portable foldable purse hook

Etsy Treasury: Turning 21! - fun list of gift ideas for people who just turned 21!

My "Spring Sakura Sky" keychain bottle opener made this fun-themed Etsy treasury!

Etsy Treasury: Boston Handmade picks

My "hot pink raindrops" pocket mirror was featured in this Etsy Treasury featuring the members of Boston Handmade.

(click on any image to bring up their Etsy shop page)

Donation to Pioneer Valley Red Cross: Update

Thank you everybody who has purchased items at MaJenta Designs during the first half of June! We donated 100% of the proceeds to the Pioneer Valley Red Cross to help provide aid and relief for those who were affected by the tornadoes in the Western Massachusetts and Springfield areas.

With your support, we raised over $75 to donate to this organization!

Check out their Facebook Page, to read updates on what the Red Cross is doing in the area.

Boston Handmade Marketplace Summer 2011: Union Square, Somerville, MA

Who: MaJenta Designs will be showcasing and selling our fun and unique accessories, gifts, and housewares with fellow members of Boston Handmade

Date/Time: Saturday, July 30, 2011 ~ 3:00-7:00pm
(rain date: Sunday, July 31st)

Location: Union Square, Somerville, MA ~
(intersection of Bow St., Somerville Ave, and Washington St.)

DONATION EFFORTS toward the Springfield and Western Massachusetts Tornado Disaster Relief

Yesterday, June 1, 2011, we had some severe weather that passed through Massachusetts.



The storms have now passed, and luckily we didn't get hit too hard out here in the Boston area...however, the area where I grew up in and spent over 22 years of my life, the Springfield and Western Massachusetts area got severely hit by at least 3 tornadoes. This is something extremely unusual for the New England area, so we weren't prepared for this type of severe storms and devastation.


I will be looking into possible volunteer opportunities... but currently the local Red Cross is gladly accepting monetary donations to help those who have been affected by the storms; several homes were leveled, things completely destroyed.


Here at MaJenta Designs we want to do whatever we can to help out. We will be donating 100% of ALL our proceeds from our sales from now until June 15th.

Thanks so much for supporting our relief efforts!

Etsy Treasury: Daddy Fell Into The Pond! - Team Undiscovered Challenge

This is the first time one of my items have been featured in an Etsy team's themed challenges. Team Undiscovered has weekly treasury challenges for their team members. This week's theme was "Whoa Daddy!" and my Lucky Fishpond Pocket Mirror was lucky enough to be featured!

The curator, Janehamill, was inspired by a childhood poem she knew:

Everyone grumbled. The sky was grey.
We had nothing to do and nothing to say.
We were nearing the end of a dismal day,
And there seemed to be nothing beyond,
THEN
Daddy fell into the pond!

And everyone's face grew merry and bright,
And Timothy danced for sheer delight.
"Give me the camera, quick, oh quick!
He's crawling out of the duckweed."
Click!

Then the gardener suddenly slapped his knee,
And doubled up, shaking silently,
And the ducks all quacked as if they were daft
And it sounded as if the old drake laughed.
O, there wasn't a thing that didn't respond
WHEN
Daddy fell into the pond!

And here is the fun treasury she came up with: