news and press

Howdy Magpie newsletter subscribers!

We have a new art show kicking off this Saturday March 15th in the "cavernous" East and West Wings of Magpie. This art show features the work of Somerville artist Elisa Archer aka Samba Goods.

In Elisa's own words: "Since 1998, I have been attempting to create new surfaces through collage that express my desire for balance and beauty in everyday life. The materials that I am drawn to have character created by the passing of time, and reflect the beauty found in nature. I often combine elements from diverse cultures and time periods because of my belief that all humanity is inherently similar. My goal is to draw attention to the universal connections between people through our desires and our understanding of beauty."

See some examples of Elisa's work here:
http://sambagoods.com/
Secondly, we are most excited to announce that Magpie was nominated for TWO "Boston Phoenix Best '08 Readers Poll" awards!

The categories we are nominated for are:
Boston's Best Non-Gallery Art Space
Boston's Best Jewelry Store

If you'd like to vote for us, we wouldn't object! If nothing else, we'd like to see Magpie beat Longs Jewelers and Shreves, Crump & Low in the jewelry category. Ha!

(Be sure you follow the instructions for finalizing your votes or they won't be counted.)

And lastly, to celebrate our new art show, we have a 20%-off coupon for use on Saturday March 15.

We hope you'll come in and check out the new art show and treat yourself to something nice. We all deserve it after putting up with this toooo loooong winter!

xoxo
Magpie

Hello and Happy Belated Groundhog's Day/Almost Valentine's Day from Magpie,

Speaking of which, we're having a big sale so you can buy your Valentine (or yourself!) a little sumpin:

20% off any one item, now 'til Feb 14th (print this coupon).

In addition to greetings cards, which as we understand it, are de rigeur for the holiday, we have a dizzying assortment of candy, jewelry, and accessories that are as red, pink, and heart-bedazzled as you can possibly imagine!


Have there been more famous and moving words of love uttered than Ralph Wiggum's "Choo Choo Choose"? We think not and we found these adorable pocket mirrors to prove it. There's also the old classic box o' chocolates and we have Somerville's own Taza organic chocolate in various gift box configurations, in bars, and for drinking hot. Yum!

For some truly singular handmade gifts, try Bitchin Kitchen's recycled-sweater Pac-Man eyeglass cases or Greg "Bazaar Bizarre the Book" Der Ananian's Dirty Pillows--intricate cross-stitch of iconic items: copper-top batteries, Subaru station-wagons, Boss guitar pedals...so awesome. And if you think a guitar seranade may be in order, don any one of the crazy decorated guitar straps by Sparklecraft and woo away. We also have supercute new purses from Bella Bags that will surely make any lady swoon.


If your heart is not already broken into a million pieces by Valentine's day, you must come see Greg Cook and Kari Percival's stunning artwork in the East and West Wings. One more week!

And last but not least, while we're talking fine art, we are thrilled to be carrying giclee prints and greeting cards of local artist Jason Chase's amazing and humorous pop cultural paintings, featuring weebles, gummy bears and the like. We have admired Jason's gorgeous, huge paintings at Somerville Open Studios for years and they're finally available in prints!

So we hope to see you soon!

Love and Kisses,
XOXOXO
Magpie


Happy New Year from Magpie!

Hope your holidays were festive and restful.
But before you get too bunkered in this weekend, we are extremely excited to present:
"Glorious Prognostications Resolutions and Tidings of Good Fortune for 2008"
An Exhibition of Picture Scenes and Amusements by Kari Percival and Greg Cook

Please join us at the opening reception tomorrow!
Saturday, January 5, 2008 6-8pm
Where you may enjoy: Art, Snacks, Booze, Music, Chatting, etc.

Hope to see you there...
Love,
Magpie

Greg Cook is a fantastic artist and comic book author. He has been published in Nickelodeon Magazine, The Believer, New Art Examiner, Non, and numerous other publications and his art has been exhibited in venues from Gloucester, MA to Napoli, Italy and Angoulême, France. His darkly funny comic book, Catch as Catch Can, was published by Highwater Books in 2001 and his work toured the United States as part of the exhibit "Comic Release: Negotiating Identity for a New Generation" in 2003 and 2004. A newspaper reporter for nearly a decade, Cook is now writing and illustrating a graphic novel documentary about American veterans of the war in Iraq, to be published by a division of Henry Holt Books.
http://www.gregcookland.com

Kari Percival is a delightful illustrator, storyteller and puppetmaker. Her illustrations embrace whimsy while they reveal the magic behind everyday relationships in the natural world. Kari holds a Bachelor's of Fine Art from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a Master's in Environmental Studies from Antioch New England Graduate School. Her work combines her knowledge of ecology with her love of painting and drawing for people of all ages, and she especially enjoys making art for the very young.
http://karipercival.com


Magpie Newsletter Archives

Hello and Happy Holidays from Magpie,


We know last Sunday's shopping was hampered by much "wintry mix" but luckily Magpie is open til 8pm every night this week, and til 6pm December 24th. And the store is chock full of incredible amounts of new stuff from the Bazaar Bizarre and crafters around the country. So stop by for some last minute holiday finds!


Some of our favorite gifts include etched glass by Amanda Siska of Bread and Badger. We've always loved her robot shot-glasses and octopus magnets and now we have an incredible squirrels vs. acorns chess board, darling penguin vase, and many pins and necklaces in lovely colored glass.


Speaking of squirrels, 'tis never not the season for our all-time most popular lil friend: Squirrel Playing Drums from Ferdinand. We have Mr. Squirrel on thermal long-sleeve shirts, perfect for this time of year, as well as tees for men, women, kids, and babies alike! We have many other animal companions to keep you company, including pleather bird coinpurses by k. autumn and pewter bird coffee scoops, cheese markers, hooks, and holiday ornaments from Beehive.


Jewelry's always a good bet and two of our perennial faves are Twigs and Heather--dazzling sterling silver necklaces--and Erica Weiner--tiny scissors, seashells, airplanes, lockets, etc. in silver or brass. We also have Tilly Bloom charming jewerly with old-timey decoupage illustrations.


We have some other nifty new illustrated goods--mini-paintings by Craig Bostick of Aquaboy, fancy french lady garden party stationery sets by Magpie's Emily, and Ray Guns, Robots, and other cool prints by William Greenlaw of Big Dead Gerbil.


And do we ever have holiday cards! Christmas, Chanukah (belated), New Years, ambiguous "wintry mix" cards, gift tags (these cute ones are by Nikki McClure)--we got it all.


So let every stocking be stuffed (we also have stockings by a. modern), let every pencil, teapot, and ipod be cozied, and may you all have a wonderful holiday season!

Love,
Magpie

Hello,

Come on in & join us at Magpie and our Davis Square compatriots Poor Little Rich Girl, Dave's Fresh Pasta, Chinook and many more for our next "Midnight Madness Sale" this coming Thursday, December 6 from 6pm til midnight!

Look for a raffle to benefit DARBI (The Davis Square Area Resident-Business Initiative):
http://yourdavissquare.com

From 6pm - 11pm, everything in the store is 10% off. From 11pm - midnight, everything in the store is 20% off. Bring your friends & your holiday shopping lists & come on out to shop til you drop!

Love,
Magpie

Magpie
416 Highland Avenue
Somerville, MA 02144
(617)623-3330

Our Holiday Hours:
Mon - Sat: 11-8
Sun: 11-6

Thursday, December 6th Midnight Madness Hours: 11am- midnight (Midnight Madness 6pm-midnight)

October at Magpie

CRAIG BOSTICK
Opening Sat October 6 2-5pm at Magpie

We are thrilled to host Tricks or Treats, the Art of Craig Bostick in celebration of Halloween. Come by this Saturday for treats--both eye candy and literal candy! The opening is 2-5pm and the show will be up through November 4th.

Craig Bostick is an illustrator, designer, comic artist and photographer living in Boston. His illustrations have appeared in various books and magazines including Bazaar Bizarre by Greg Der Ananian published in 2005 by Viking Studio. His comics have appeared in many anthologies including Boy Trouble, Sidewalk Bump, Pink Medicine, SPX 2001, and Last Cry for Help. In his spare time he plays guitar and sings in the punky-pop band Spoilsport. Check out his web site www.aquaboy.net.

HONKFEST!
Fri - Sun Oct 5 - 7 Davis Square

"Last October, for the first time ever, a dozen honk bands from around the country gathered in Davis Square to meet, perform and hang out together. It was a blast! So we're doing it all over again this coming Columbus Day Weekend, October 5-7, 2007. This time around, we are honored to welcome The Original Big Seven Social Aid & Pleasure Society from New Orleans. We are all looking forward to learning from their decades old tradition and rocking to their music in the streets. We've also planned a parade, workshops, and lots more honking in the Square. There'll be more music, more bands, and plenty more fans to help us party in the streets. Hope to see y'all there!"
See the Honkfest Website for all the details!

NEW AND RESTOCKED MERCH

It has been busy busy in Magpie Land of late! We've been remiss in telling you about all the new stuff we've been getting in the store...Check out the Magpie Blog for the full scoop, including pictures and links!

  • Beautiful paper goods including these birthday/anniversary reminder logs by Easy Life Productions.
  • New vinyl cuffs, ipod cases, and purses by Coffee Drinker.
  • Jewelry by Damselfly Creations.
  • Lots of great T's by locals Family Dinner for One.
  • New T's by local illustrator George Pfromm.
  • Colorful jewelry by local jewelry maker Jack & Ginger.
  • Adorable cards by Just Jenn.
  • Crocheted head bands and earrings by Lindsay Streem Designs.
  • Totally kick ass vinyl pouches and wallets by Miss Alison.
  • Hand spun, hand dyed yarn by the talented Misshawklet.
  • Motion Affair Planners -- Daily planners chock full of great Boston information by local publishers 1st Publications.
  • More coasters by the ingenious My Favorite Mirror.
  • More T's by SEIBEI. Including our favorite "Make me a sandwich" in lots of sizes and new color combinations.
  • Pretty duct tape purses and wallets by Vanessa Jean.
  • 1 Girl 1 Boy make just about the most beautiful t-shirts on the planet. They are hand block printed and have leather appliques.
  • Magpie favorite Skunk of 80GritArt has provided us with enough robots for a whole robot dance party.
  • Fabric and button frames from A Modern Home
  • Pouches and handbags made of adorable vintage and retro fabric by local crafter Emily of Applecart.
  • Awesome pouches and t-shirts by Barry and Kate of Barry's Farm.
  • Tons of hand screenprinted t-shirts and totes by local designers Bias Design.
  • Lovely ware by Birdcage Jewelry.
  • Lots of adorable notecard sets by Bird in a Skirt.
  • Tara from Button Collective makes these glossy acrylic boards with notches cut out that are perfectly sized to display your one inch button collection.
  • A gajillion different t-shirt styles by Campfire Designs. They are brilliant.
  • Embroidered felt ipod cozies by Laura from Charcoal Designs.

And that's all for now! But only because we have yet to take pics of even MORE new stuff we've been getting in lately! So stay tuned for more posts soon...

Happy October!
Love,
Magpie

This Saturday: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, RECRAFT! Fair

Join us this Saturday 8/18 from 3-7pm in Union Square for an all-out eco-friendly extravaganza! Magpie is curating the RECRAFT! fair, sponsored by the Somerville Arts Council, as part of the ArtsUnion series. Read all about it here: http:// magpie-store.com/recraft/

There'll be recycled crafts from 25 vendors, tabling by local environmental-minded organizations, and activities such as decking out reusable grocery bags and making your own disco ball from discarded CDs.

Not only that but live music by Neptune--known for their menacing-looking guitars and drums forged out of circular saw blades, gas tanks, oil drums, bike parts, VCR casings and miscellaneous scrap metal found in the trash--at 6pm, and The Blind King (with Mapgie's own Dave) at 3:00, and The 'Mericans at 4:30.

There are also great events both before and after the RECRAFT! fair--9am-1pm it's the summer farmer's market and then 9pm-1am it's Project MUM, a fantastic open-air dance party thrown by ARTSomerville. http://artsomerville.org/event/2007/mum07.html

So you never have to leave the comfort of Union Square to enjoy a 16-hr day of entertainment, edfication, and ecologically-sound activity.

See you there!

Love,
Magpie

Hello!

Summer is in full swing and today marks our switch to new, longer summer hours! We'll now be open every day 11-6 plus later on Saturdays (til 7) and Thursdays (til 8). You can come visit us more frequently now (any day except the 4th of July when we'll be off floating down a river, drinking a beer somewhere...)

We had a great time at the Renegade Craft Fair last month--both selling stuff and we acquired tons of new goodies for the store: Squidfire, Supermaggie, Skullknocker, Fernworks, The Weekend Store, Ferdinand, Art School Dropout, So Softies, Smitten, Kitten, My Paper Crane...Read all about it on the Magpie blog!

Artist Spotlight

Supermaggie make incredibly beautiful screenprinted shirts with swirling designs from nature: octopi, horseshoe crabs, dandelion seeds, cicadas. The women's tees are almost supernaturally thin and soft. If we could own every design, we would!

Also on the Craft Fair front, we are tabling at the Somerville Arts Council's ArtBeat festival in Davis Square Saturday July 21st. It's a huge celebration of the arts, with outdoor music, theatre, dance, and crafts all weekend. Magpie Emily will be playing the Elm St. Stage with her band Shepherdess, right next to the Magpie table. So come enjoy the fest (this year's theme is "ArtBeast" which oughtta be fun...)

AND! we're planning a little craft fair of our own. August 18th 3-7PM in Union Square, we're putting together a RECRAFT fair to celebrate all things handmade and recycled (or "upcycled" as the lingo goes nowadays). More on that soon, but if you make anything out of recycled/repurposed goods and want to be a part of the fair, drop us an email at info@magpie-store.com.

Happy 4th o' July!
xoxoox
Magpie

Just when you thought you were out of the woods with Mother's Day....egads--Father's Day is just around the corner! (It's Sunday June 17th).

First, we've got a delightful assortment of Father's Day greeting cards (by Albertine Press, Two Piglets, and Snow & Graham).

And a Father's Day without ties would be like Arbor Day without leaves. Hipster dads may appreciate these fab hand silkscreened ties (by Tymbal Art Co.)

Dads are also known for needing places to put things like: keys, money, important thoughts...We've got wallets for all occasions and tastes (by Queen Bee, Emily Ryan Lerner, De Luna Designs, and Poketo); business card holders and beer bottle openers made out of recycled bike gears (by Resource Revival and 80GritArt); bowls made out of vinyl records for keeping loose change and keys (by Magpie's own Leah and Dave S.); and journals made from repurposed books sporting titles such as "Effective Business Communication" (by Ex Libris).

T-Shirts are always in season, but are especially handy in the summer. Perhaps your dad would like to sport a tee with a flying vee, dirtbike, squirrel-playing-drums, or Schoolhouse Rock shout-out (by Redder Betty, Tymbal, Ferdinand, and Magpie's own Dave M.).

But not every gift has to be functional. Among the coolest presents we have include these amazing handpainted birdhouses (by Ryan O'Rourke) and these robots made of repurposed bike parts, each one with a different personality (by 80GritArt).

So, there you go...if you do have an elder father figure of some sort you need to fete this June, come on down!

Love,
Magpie

"MODERN ORNITHOLOGY" BY RYAN O'ROURKE
OPENING SUNDAY MAY 27, 2-5PM
MAGPIE, 416 HIGHLAND AVE, SOMERVILLE

We are thrilled to have Ryan O'Rourke, one of our favorite artists, showing a brand-new collection of his fantastic, whimsical hand-painted birdhouses and other bird-inspired works. Come to Magpie in Davis Square Sunday afternoon for the opening--We'll be having bird-themed refreshments, music, and a 10% sale on everything bird-related all afternoon. You can meet the artist, grab a snack, and see some terrific new artwork (plus our usual array of handmade goods by over 300 artists).
Hope to see you there!
xooxo
Magpie
http://magpie-store.com

ABOUT RYAN
From his grandfather's enormous birdhouse collection to his mother whistling back and forth to the bird's in his parent's backyard, Ryan O'Rourke grew up around people with a keen appreciation for ornithology. Although he does not share the same interest in birds, he does love to draw them. In 2004, Ryan and his grandfather David Howard started teaming up to create decorative, hand-crafted, hand-painted birdhouses.

Ryan O'Rourke has been doing freelance illustration since 2001. His drawings have appeared in The Boston Globe, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Hartford Courant, L.A. Weekly, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Boston Magazine, and many other publications. His work has been recognized by The Society of Illustrators, American Illustration, SILA, RSVP, and the Connecticut Art Director's Club. He is also an adjunt professor in the Visual Communications Design department at The Hartford Art School.

We wouldn't be doing our jobs if we didn't remind you that Mother's Day is right around the corner! We've got tons of great handmade gifts that your Mom will love and to sweeten the deal, we have a 10% off coupon for you to use now through Mother's Day on May 13th. Simply click below and print the coupon and bring it in.

coupon
Click and print this coupon!

Below are some Mother's Day gift ideas but of course you can use your coupon for whatever you want!


Cupcake pincushions made from recycled vintage chenille. By Cape Cod crafter Emily of CrazyCakes.biz.
Vibrant fused glass plates and platters. By Striking Glass.

Pampering bath salts. By Skin and Tonic of Vermont.
Dainty handpainted flower pots. By Fool Moon Designs.

Colorful porcelain soap dishes and trinket trays. By former-Somervillian Ambrosia Porcelain.
Handmade checkbook covers in beautiful fabrics. By Yatta Bags.

And sweet Mother's Day cards to boot!

Hello!

It may finally be safe to say that Spring has sprung (we're not trying to jinx it or nuthin'). We have lots of great new stuff--Tees for that T-shirt weather, journals to sketch in while you picnic, hair ornaments to keep the delicate spring zephyr from blowing hair in your eyes...

New Exhibit--Honolulu Dogfight:

We're incredibly excited to host a series of outlandish prints by animator and illustrator George Pfromm of Honolulu Dogfight in the East and West Wing Magpie Galleries! You can also buy framed and unframed prints, cards and buttons by our guy George. Come check it out this month; it's up from now til mid-May...

New and renewed merch:
(You can see photos of all this new stuff on our blog)
Prints seriously after our own heart by Freaky Darling: magpies(!), crows, and jackdaws collecting yarn (also: felt LP record patches and many adorable buttons).
T-Shirts
Taylor Made: Gauzy-thin and soft women's tees with super-cool screenprints often juxtaposing industrial/mechanical with natural imagery.
Family Dinner for One: playful tees with clip-arty graphics and such helpful advice as no-head-in-the-microwave...
SEIBEI: Animals, dinosaurs, sandwiches, zombies, and tacos--oh boy!
Jewelry and Accessories
Verrry cute repurposed button jewelry...we have both stylish chokers by Jessica Eisenstein and rings and pendants by Karen Preston Designs.
Cara Lyndon: also makes excellent use of vintage buttons with colorful and sturdy bobby pins (we also have necklaces, bracelets, and earrings).
AnnaBuilt: All-time Magpie fave Anna has some new styles of recycled tin earrings that we just love.
Serastina: In addition to tees for adults and babies, we now have neat decoupage chunky bangles.
Quiet Jewelry: makes beautiful silver necklaces with rhythmic, geometric shapes.
And some lovely semi-precious beaded jewelry from Amy Olson and Jack and Ginger.
Stationery
Studio Virgo: Gorgeous handmade cards with prints of birds in black and copper ink.
Velocicrafter: Dinos for every occasion! We now have hand-printed bronto cards and "Remember the Alamosaurus" tees in addition to their buttons and paintings.
MAU Studios: Fun cards with coordinated buttons and stickers.
Little Otsu: New tree stationery sets and other goodies from this delightful and ecologically-sound company.
And delicate hand-printed cards by Samba.
Other Goodies
Bitchin' Kitchen: Classy and classic arcade meet at last with rad Pac-Man tea towels.
My Favorite Mirror: Mousepads and pocket mirrors with different designs by a zillion great indie designers.
Two forbidden pleasures! Relive the Union Square Fluff festival with Melissa Glick's framed tribute to everyone's favorite Somerville-invented cafeteria contraband. Then enjoy just the good parts of your favorite dog-eared bodice-ripper as a lapel pin, thanks to The Naughty Bits.
Adimals: Loveable, wonky stuffed friends of various shapes, colors, and sizes.
Extremely sweet booties by Nichole Torres.
Delicious food-and-drink scented bath and beauty products by Skin and Tonic.

Artist Spotlight:

Abigail Glassenberg of While She Naps is a mother and maker of really magical soft toys. We are delighted to have this great new tree spirit from her along with charming elephants, turtles, and other fetching dolls.

Other Exciting News:
Our friends Scott and Simone (Magpie alum/Bazaar Bizarre organizer) have just opened a store called Greenward in Porter Square, specializing in ecologically-friendly goods with a modern aesthetic. We love it! You will too. Visit Greenward this opening weekend at 1776 Mass Ave in Cambridge.

As always, please visit our website, online shoppe, and blog to keep up to date on new merchandise and happenings at Magpie.

Happy Spring!
xoxoox
Magpie

March 1, 2007 Newsletter

Magpie Grand Re-Opening this Sat Mar 3rd

Hello Friends of Magpie,

We wanted to send out a quick reminder that this Saturday March 3rd from 12 - 7 is the Grand Re-Opening of our new location!!

We've been working our tails off (tail feathers off?) getting the new space ready and we think it looks amazing! The new location is twice as big as the old space and we've procured loads of amazing new items to fill all this extra space. It's also much more conveniently located in the heart of Davis Sq at 416 Highland Ave.

We're celebrating our Grand Re-Opening with...

• 20% off store-wide sale
• Jon Bernhardt (Breakfast of Champions) and Stacie Slotnick (the critique of pure reason) spinning tunes
• and treats from Diesel Cafe and La Contessa Bakery

Museum of Bad Art Exhibition with a Brief Talk at 2:00 pm on Saturday

To give you yet another reason to stop by, we've teamed up with the world-renowned Dedham-based Museum of Bad Art (MOBA) for an exhibit that will last for two weeks. The Museum of Bad Art is the world's leading (and maybe only) museum dedicated to the collection, exhibition, and celebration of bad art. MOBA has loaned us dozens of their favorite paintings complete with the hysterical description placards that make them all the better... or is that all the worse?

Stop by at 2:00 pm on Saturday to hear a talk by Louise Reilly Sacco-- the Permanent Acting Interim Executive Director and one of the founders of MOBA. Louise will, in a brief talk, try to answer the questions that have just popped into your mind: What? Why? Who? Are you kidding? By the time you leave, you'll want to join the 10,000 worldwide Friends of MOBA.


Sunday on the Pot With George © MOBA

We look forward to seeing you in our new digs on Saturday! Woo hoo!

xoxo
Magpie

P.S. 416 Highland Ave is right across the street from the College Ave exit of the Davis Sq Red Line stop. For those of you familiar with Davis Sq, we're located near Sessa's, La Contessa, Blue Shirt Cafe, etc. in the former home of Poor Little Rich Girl.


Hello Friends of Magpie!

First of all, a big apology for not sending out a fleshier version of the newsletter sooner. Rest-assured things have been well in our little home and we have much new merchandise and news to share. We have lots to cover--so, let's begin!

New merch updates:

  • Poketo wallets! Magpie is pleased as punch to carry these wonderful wallets. Each limited edition wallet is sealed with clear vinyl and stitched into a one-of-a-kind billfold. We currently carry wallets by the following artists: Jenna Sohn, Jillian Tamaki, Susie Ghahremani, and Keri Smith. Each wallet comes with an artist card and coordinating button.
  • Sarah Utter shirts and stickers: Come by and check out some of our best selling "Knitting is Knotty" and "Reading is Sexy" stickers along with oustandingly cute new t-shirts featuring a few of our favorite things: ponies and kitties!
  • New at Magpie: ceramic tiles by Xenia Talor! These ceramic tiles make the perfect housewarming or wedding gifts. Sweet, modern, and stylish.
  • Magpie is lucky enough to be the sole Massachusetts retailer of SquidFire shirts. All of the fabulously designed SquidFire shirts are designed by hand and printed by hand, using manual presses. Each one is more like a piece of art rather than apparel!
  • Pick up Little Otsu cards or the Aquatic Adventure Weekly Planner (by Allison Cole) to keep track of all of your pool parties and BBQ's. For those who don't know, Little Otsu is a San Francisco-based publisher dedicated to creating useful books and print products that are valued for their artistry, functionality, and use of recycled and alternative materials. We love 'em and know you will too!
  • Get a pen pal just so you can send them a card from Two Piglets! These dreamy letterpress cards are all created using soy ink (may contain some nut oils) onto beautiful bristol paper which contains 30% post consumer recycled fiber (you just can't tell).
Back in stock:
  • We're so excited to have in the store a ton of new necklaces and pins from Art School Dropout. All of these accessories are distinctive and bright--perfect for summer!
  • One-of-a-kind journals from Ex Libris reconstructed from vintage books.
  • Buttons and plenty of cupcake and toast plushies back in the store from My Paper Crane.
  • Oh baby! Tons of new onesies and baby T's from Trendy Tadpole and handstitched bibs from Sheriff Peanut!
  • Lots of new items from Magpie favorite Resource Revivial. We have lots of business card holders, bottle openers, and votives reconstructed from bicycle parts in stock.
  • We're delighted to now offer Magpie's own Leah Kramer's book in the web shoppe. Go here to purchase!
Artist Spotlight:
Samantha Tate of T8 Designs must not sleep very much. That's one explanation for the careful work she puts into each magnificent card she fashions. Each card is carefully hand constructed. All shapes are cut by hand, sequins and glass seed beads were delicately handsewn to the card. It's not hyperbolic to say that each card is a unique work of art suitable for framing.

Other news:
Magpie will be at ArtBeat this Saturday, July 15. During the heat of summer, artists and festival goers converge on Davis Square (our backyard!), transforming it into one of the area's largest and most innovative arts festivals. ArtBeat includes music, performance art, craft vendors, dance, theater, food, and a whole more. Go to this link for more information and performance schedules: http://www.somervilleartscouncil.org/programs/artbeat/2006/. Stop by the Magpie booth and say hi!

And finally, Leah is going on a book tour in July and stopping in Austin, San Diego, L.A., San Francisco, Oakland and Portland. Details here: http://www.craftster.org/book.

We hope all is well with everyone and that this summer is shaping up to be a blast!
Love,
Your Pals at Magpie

Hello Friends of Magpie,

Happy Holidays! You almost forgot they were coming up, didn't you? Lucky you have us to remind you. And this Thursday is extra lucky, because we are celebrating with:

Davis Square Midnight Madness!



* Thursday, December 7, 2006 from 5pm-12am

* 10% off everything at Magpie!

* 20% off any one item at Magpie by clicking here and printing and cutting out this coupon!

* Support the Somerville Homeless Coalition by buying some of their awesome T-shirts!

* Plus of course snacks, holiday cheer, and sales at several retail stores throughout Davis Square!

Find out all the deets on the Davis Square Community Live Journal...

December Artist Spotlight:

Crafter and animator Tara Campbell of Odd Bird Designs transforms game pieces and other bric-a-brac into decidedly-odd-but-fun-to-wear pieces. We are delighted to carry her hand-printed and intricately hand-colored domino jewelry!

New Merch Updates:
* Holiday postcards made by local crafter Mary Ann Guillette from beautiful old album covers with silkscreened sentiments on the back.
* Gorgeous silkscreened pillows, fabric prints, and journals from Paper Cloud.
* Sweet porcelain trinkets and pretty geisha-art magnets from Luster Bunny.
* Painfully cute little felt barrettes for kids by Giddy Giddy.
* Super cool t-shirts in 4 different designs from Fresh Popcorn.
* Unique mosaic tiles by local crafter Melissa Glick.
* Colorful fused glass rings by Amy Burhoe Designs (adjustable so they make a great gift!)
* A gajillion awesome t-shirt designs by Campfire Goods.
* "The Octonauts" children's book by Meomi.
* Festively-wrapped cocoa butter bath melts by local crafter Sparkle Cookie.
* And, yes, MORE! new t-shirts. Two awesome styles by by local artists Bias Design.
* Beautifully silkscreened thrift store ties by Tymbal Art.
* And last but not least...in summer of 2005 local Somervillian Josh Michtom embarked on the lofty goal of photographing every front yard religious statue in Somerville. We are excited to be carrying individual and packages of cards featuring Josh's photos. You can read more about the project in the latest Weekly Dig, an upcoming Boston Globe article, and the Somerville Madonnas website itself.

To see all these lovely new goods, take a goggle at our blog or just come to the store Thursday for Midnight Madness! Hope to see you there.

Love and Holiday Cheer,
Magpie

Heya Magpie Newsletter Subscribers!

We wanted to let you know about some fun events happening around Davis Square! (We'll be handing out Magpie coupons at each of these events!)

HONKFEST! Saturday Oct 7 www.honkfest.org

HONKFEST is descending on Davis Square for the first time ever! A dozen marching bands will be playing all over the square all day on Saturday at the following locations: 7 HILLS PARK (behind T station), STATUE PARK (in front of JP Licks), DAVIS SQUARE PLAZA (Starbuck's courtyard), VFW DILBOY HALL (Main Entrance) and JIMMY TINGLE'S. Check out their website for all the details: www.honkfest.org

"Across the country and around the world, a new type of street band is emerging. Acoustic and mobile, borrowing repertoire and inspiration from a diverse set of folk music traditions--Mardi Gras and Carnivale--these honkers all share a commitment to several core principles. Metaphorically speaking, they honk their horns for the same reasons motorists honk theirs: to arouse fellow travelers, to warn of danger, to celebrate milestones, and to just plain have fun."



Crafty Celebs coming to Spark Craft Studios in Davis Square

Friday October 6th 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Shannon Okey from crochetme.com



Check out their latest books and other yarny endeavors. Get your hands on some free giveaways. Ask Shannon and Kim for some advice on your current crochet or knitting project. Or just come by and hang out and bring whatever you are stitching these days!

Shannon is the author of the Knitgrrl book series, as well as Spin To Knit, Felt Frenzy and AlterNation. Kim is the editor of Crochet Me -- an online magazine for contemporary, cool, hip, fashionable crochet. Crochet Me publishes crochet patterns, tutorials, articles, and essays by recreational and professional crocheters from all over the world.

Tuesday October 10th 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Jenny Hart from Sublime Stitching



Meet the The Wall Street Journal.

Jenny will discuss her successful craft business, sign books and even do a demo! This event is free and open to the public. Please call Spark 617-718-9132 to register and/or pre-order your copy of Sublime Stitching from Spark Craft Studios.

P.S. Check out our LiveJournal for some pics of new goods we have at the store: http://community.livejournal.com/magpie_store/


Hello all!

Please forgive the long absence from the Magpie newsletter. Rest assured we're doing well and you'll be seeing a full blown newsletter in your e-mail box shortly. We just wanted to let you know that Magpie will be at the Renegade Craft Fair this weekend in Brooklyn, NY.

Ê So, if you live in the area don't be a stranger--stop by and say hi! We're at booth #12. The fair runs Saturday and Sunday (June 17 and 19) from 11:00am to 6:00pm.

Ê Magpie's own Leah Kramer will be on hand Saturday signing copies of her new book "The Craftster Guide to Nifty, Thrifty, and Kitschy Crafts: Fifty Fabulous Projects from the Fifties and Sixties." We're so darn proud of Leah and think that every craftster needs a copy of her book on their craft room shelf. Find out more about the book here: http://www.craftster.org/book/Êor pick up a copy at Magpie.

One last thing: Magpie is a nominee in the 2006 CBS4Boston.com A-List contest. Customers cast votes toÊselectÊthe best local businesses in all sorts ofÊ categories. To vote for Magpie, go here:
http://cbs4boston.cityvoter.com/Details.aspx?p=5517&Cat=19&SCat=21

Ê XO,
Yours pals at Magpie

Local Artist Event at Magpie - Thursday Feb 23 - 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Local art group The Miracle Five have a show hanging in Davis Square coffee shoppe, Diesel and have been kind enough to deck out the Magpie front window, as well. They've done a wonderful job and we're psyched to support this super-talented group!

To celebrate both shows, Magpie will be having a reception on Thursday, February 23 (6:00 - 8:00pm). Stop by to gawk at our new window display, eat some snacks, and meet some people. Then, head over to Diesel, get some coffee, and take in their installation there.




February 2006 Newsletter

Hello, all!
We hope this newsletter finds everyone well. We can barely believe that February's here and Valentine's Day is just around the corner! Lucky for you, Magpie is brimming with gifts, cards, and bling for your valentine.

We have so many beautiful cards for your sweetie(s): gorgeous Valentine's Day cards from Tennis Anyone, Glam Science, Poppycock Design, Sewing Stars, and many, many more. We have cards with loads of different sentiments and, best of all, most are handmade.

Merchandise updates:

Back in stock:
Loads of new earrings have just come in from Nice Lena. With scads of colorful, new styles and favorites, you'll certainly find something you love.
Tasty treats from My Paper Crane--new plushie cupcakes, toast, and donuts! Additionally, we also have zines (including the fabulous Spin Spin zine that teaches you how to make a drop spindle!), button sets, and prints.
More floppy disk journals and Nancy Drew card sets from Scraps of Paper.
We're excited that we have a huge, new shipment of the ever-popular Sidepony cards. These are all awesome and hand-screened to boot!
New button sets, cards, and stationery from the lovely Sewing Stars.
A bevy of t-shirts, hoodies, and patches has just arrived from Crowded Teeth. We also have many of the light-weight scarves made from t-shirt jersey and are perfect for the upcoming spring months when you need just a little something to stay toasty.

New in stock:
We have t-shirts from new Magpie partner, Taylor Made--designs for the ladies...and the gents.
We're pleased to carry Michelle Smith's barrettes and pins. Each is lovingly handmade and features various images: tree branches, flowers, and birds. Best of all, each comes beautifully packaged and makes a lovely little gift.
Attention, Krafty Kittens: new felted bead kits from Knitty Dirty Girl. Each kit comes with enough felted beads to make bracelets, necklaces, or just sew onto a shirt or mittens!
We have so many new cards in stock at the moment and we just got some from 1201 AM cards. The designs are gorgeous--modern and basic.
We just got the most adorable felt owl pins made from Kristen Rask. Kristen's the owner of the amazingly wonderful toy store Schmancy in Seattle.
And to help our beloved Harvard Square Brattle Theater continue to raise funds, we are now carrying "Battle for the Brattle" t-shirts. 100% of sales goes right back to the Brattle.
Magpie is incredibly lucky to work with so many artists and crafters and now is a particularly great time to stop by the store to check out all the new merch!

February Artist Spotlight:

We're pleased to showcase San Francisco-based jewelry maker Cara Lyndon this month. Cara's jewelry is lovely, delicate, and romantic--so it's fitting to feature her work as we approach Valentine's Day. Cara has a wonderful eye that includes stunning vintage beads and French beading. Her belief in expressing one's unique style, beauty, and vibrancy absolutely comes through in every piece. We currently have a selection of earrings, bracelets, and brooches. Like Magpie, Cara believes that handmade is the way to go. Cara's just launched her new website www.caralyndon.com--so, go now and check it out!

Other news:

The Miracle Five:
Local art group The Miracle Five have a show hanging in Davis Square coffee shoppe, Diesel and have been kind enough to deck out the Magpie front window, as well. They've done a wonderful job and we're psyched to support this super-talented group! To celebrate both shows, Magpie will be having a reception on Thursday, February 23 (6:00 - 8:00pm). Stop by to gawk at our new window display. Then, head over to Diesel, get some coffee, and take in their installation there.

Boston Globe:
For our local friends, be on the lookout in the February 16th issue of the Boston Globe's Sidekick for a Magpie mention. We'll be sure to scan and post that on our News page.

As always, please visit our website, online shoppe, and blog to keep up to date on new merchandise and happenings at Magpie.

Love & Happy St. Valentine's day!
XO,
Your pals at Magpie


January 2006 Newsletter

Hello, friends!

We hope everyone is hunkering down in their own nests to weather out the wintry January. We wanted to thank everyone who visited the Magpie booth at the Boston Bazaar Bizarre and the Bust Craftacular in Brooklyn for your holiday gifting needs. And, of course, those that came by our shoppe in Davis Square.

* SALE!
Magpie is having a blowout January sale this weekend—-Saturday, January 21 and Sunday, January 22. We’re cleaning house to make room for new shiny things. Stop by and get deeeeeeep discounts!

50% off - all soap, bath and beauty
30% off - all jewelry
30% off - all holiday merchandise (cards, ornaments, and gift tags)
20% off - everything else

* Winter store hours:
Wednesday through Saturday – noon – 6pm
Sunday – noon – 5pm

* Don’t forget to visit the Magpie web shop. We’ll be adding more items soon, so check it out!

* Be on the lookout for occasional blogging at Magpie blog central: http://community.livejournal.com/magpie_store/

* Next month we’re pleased to announce that local art collective The Miracle Five will be doing the Magpie window display and we’ll be hosting an event later in February—more information to come.

We wish everyone a happy January and we’ll be sending out a special Valentine’s day February newsletter with lots of updates in a few weeks.

XO,
Your pals at Magpie


December Newsletter



Season greetings, pals of Magpie!

You'll have to forgive the abbreviated newsletter--we're up to our eyes in sugar plum visions! Rest assured that we're receiving new, gorgeous merchandise daily, and re-stocking favorites just in time for the holidays.

We're very pleased to announce our new online shop! Currently we're carrying a selection of men's and women's Magpie t-shirts in a variety of colors. We also stock skully knitting needle and skully scissors t-shirts--perfect for the mad crafter on your list!

Bazaar Bizarre: Come visit us this Sunday at the Boston Bazaar Bizarre. Check out the event that started it all--and gave us the crafting bug! There'll be over 80 independent artists and crafters on hand, DIY crafting and DJ's to provide just the right soundtrack. Check out the website for all the details: www.bazaarbizarre.org/boston

Bust Craftacular: Magpie will be in Brooklyn on Saturday, December 17 for Bust magazine's first ever craft fair. Check out their website for details: www.bust.com/craftacular

Magpie Holiday Shindig: We'll be decking the halls, trimming the tree. . .and whatever other holiday cliches apply on Tuesday, December 20 (7pm) for our first annual Magpie Holiday Shindig. Stop by for wine, cheese, and other tasty treats. You can get some last-minute holiday shopping done...while munching on candy canes!

Please note that Magpie and the Magpie web shop will be closed on Sunday, December 11 (we'll be at the Bazaar Bizarre!). We'll also be closed December 24-January 3.

We wish you all happy, warm holidays and all the best in 2006!
Love,
Your friends at Magpie


November Newsletter

Hello, Magpie friends!

Another month, another action-packed newsletter from Magpie!

First of all we'd like to thank everyone who stopped by to help us celebrate our first anniversary a couple weeks ago. Our sale day was a rousing success and we loved seeing everyone stop by and say hello. We really appreciate your support!

It's strangely warm in New England this week, but we've definitely got visions of sugarplums dancing in our heads as we set our sights on the holidays. We have a lot of new merchandise and a many favorites back in stock to fill your holiday shopping needs.

Merch updates:

* We discovered the fabulous work of Nikki McClure a few years ago and we're so excited to bring her calendars to the Boston area. Not only are they useful and informative--but they're true works of art reproduced from images created with paper and an X-acto knife!
* New earrings and pendants from Nancy Vayo Designs. Nancy is a fellow New Englander (in Providence, RI) who makes strikingly modern jewelry from laminated magazine stock and sterling silver findings.
* Ladies' and men's t-shirts are in from Tymbal Art. We also have gorgeous new handbags from Tymbal. Each handbag is a one-of-a-kind creation using silk-screened images, vintage fabric, and high-quality handles. All of their merch really toes the line between modern hipster and thrift store vintage--something we love!
* Resource Revival brings us truly utilitarian items fashioned from recycled bicycle parts and made by hand in Mosier, OR. We have bottle openers, votive candle holders, keychains, clocks, and business card holders.
* Plates, bowls, cups, salt and pepper shakers, butter dishes by Neutrino Designs. We are so drawn to the clean, crisp, and modern designs.

Back in stock:

* We've gotten more beautiful cards from Sugar Lily including lovely all-occasion, birthday, baby, and new holiday cards.
* More Redder Betty leather-appliqué t-shirts are back in stock with some new designs. We're lucky to also have her new tote bag designs along with some awesome iPod cozies.
* We have loads of holiday and all-occasion cards from Sidepony. And with Thanksgiving coming right up, that “I Heart Tofurkey” card will certainly come in handy!

November Artist Spotlight:

We are delighted to feature Laura Stokes of Charcoal Designs this month. Laura hails from Los Angeles where she creates small works of art from felt, fabric and embroidery. Her iPod cases are vibrant, sturdy and oh so cleverly designed with cut-outs for the screen, dial, and headphone jack. Magpie also carries Laura's adorable one-of-a-kind change purses and eyeglass cases. Laura also shares our Magpie-like obsession for small, kitschy plastic charms, buttons and other doo dads which she makes into fabulous jewelry. We'd like to kidnap her and keep her at Magpie so she can make little felt masterpieces for us all day long. Don't tell her we said that. We hope she's not reading this!



Other news:

* The Bazaar Bizarre is quickly approaching! The Bazaar is a huge holiday craft fair that takes place in 3 cites: Boston, Los Angeles, and Cincinatti. We Magpie peeps are on the organizer team for the Boston event and we're so excited about this year's event. It takes place on Sunday December 11 at the Cyclorama -- a 14,000 sq ft rotunda! We hope you'll stop into the event and say hi. You really won't regret the trip out the cold! The Boston event has become the event of the holiday season complete with 80 indie designers, crafters, and artists; local celebrity DJ's, punk rock Mary Kay makeovers and more! Magpie currently stocks the book inspired by the Bazaar Bizarre craft fairs.

* Spark partnership: Spark Craft Studios, Davis Square's very own craft studio, and Magpie have partnered up. If you are a member at Spark, you can now show your membership card at Magpie to get 10% discount off of your purchase. Spark provides a lovely space for craft classes, parties, events, and even a craft goods store where you can pick up anything you'd need to make just about any item! If you're a member, you can just even go to hang out in their studio to get tips, craft, and meet with other like-minded crafty guys and gals.

* Please note that Magpie will be closed from December 25 - January 2 for the winter holidays.

Events:

Twink Listening Party: Thursday, December 1st, 7pm-9pm at Magpie
Magpie is excited to host a record release party for Twink's new CD: The Broken Record, which pieces together musical tidbits from hundreds of vintage children's records into bizarre modern mash-ups. It's now out from Seeland Records (the label run by Negativland). Come eat candy til you're sick and listen to the new record (which is also a feast for the eyes with Mike Langlie's amazing illustrations)! Visit the Twink website: http://twink.net

Continue to check our blog for updates: http://www.livejournal.com/community/magpie_store/

Have a great Thanksgiving!
Love, Your Pals at Magpie


October Newsletter

Hello, Magpie friends!

This month's newsletter is chock full of information as we enter the autumn months with our scarves, candy corns, and apple cider! Our biggest news is Magpie is one year old! We can hardly believe it ourselves, but we first opened its doors (in our Huron Village location) on October 23, 2004. Thanks so much to everyone--customers, consignors, friends, and neighbors--for supporting us! We really couldn't have done it without you and your continued support of Magpie and the independent designers, artists, and crafters we represent.

To show our appreciation--and, let's be honest, to get a head start on holiday shopping--Magpie's having our first annual blow-out sale! All items in the store will be 20% off all day on Saturday, October 29 (noon - 7pm). So, mark your calendars! We have a few surprises up our sleeves along with treats and giveaways. We'll update the Magpie blog with more details next week. Stay tuned!

Merch updates

So, now that you know about the sale--you can save your pennies for some of the new items in the store now!

New merch:

* Loads of vinyl goods from Fluffy Co. We have tuff hand-screened wrist cuffs that really are the ultimate accessory for men and women. We also have luggage tags and, of course, iPod cozies!

* We're thrilled to now carry the ultimate in recycled jewelry from D*licious. We currently have bracelets made from beer cans and sterling silver rivets--an awesome combination. Who says a fancy lady can't drink PBR?

* We've just gotten adorable vintage buttons sets from She Loves Stars from the UK!

* Baby t-shirts from Go Goose Go are in and, honestly, you're doing any kid a favor by starting them out so stylishly decked out!

Back in stock:

* Lime Lime Lime iPod cozies and new totes. Seriously, it's getting cold and you had better bundle up that little 'pod of yours. We have loads of new styles in stock.

* Check out the latest shipment from Queen Bee that includes wallets, totes, and courier bags.

October Artist Spotlight: Crowded Teeth

Michelle Romo is the Los Angeles designer and mastermind behind Crowded Teeth. Unbelievably, Michelle has a full-time job as a designer for a junior's accessory company, but during her spare moments she whips up designs for t-shirts, buttons, scarves, and hoodies. Her designs include various themes--octopi, talking birds, humans and robots falling in love, and juicy apples--and always seem to strike the perfect balance of sweetness and irony. Most of all, all Michelle's work is just plain good design! Crowded Teeth t-shirts have become one of Magpie's hottest sellers and we're really not exaggerating when we say that we ooh and ahh over every shipment we receive. Please come by and check out the goods for yourself. We *dare* you to resist the temptation of Crowded Teeth!

In the News:

* Magpie was a runner-up in the Boston Weekly Dig's "Dig This Awards 2005" for best shoppes to buy knickknacks!

Other news:

* Check out the Magpie ad in the most recent issue of Bust magazine.

* New holiday hours: to meet your holidays shopping needs, Magpie will be open additional hours from now until the end of the year:
Monday - Friday: 1pm - 7pm
Saturday: noon - 7pm
Sunday: noon - 6pm

* Brattle Support: Those living in the Boston-area may already be aware of the news regarding the Brattle Theater in Harvard Square. This independent movie house has been a landmark for 52 year and is now facing an uncertain future. They have begun a campaign to raise the necessary funds to remain open.

Go here for more details:
http://www.brattlefilm.org/brattlefilm/filmfoundation/legacy_campaign.html
And, go here to make a donation:
http://www.brattlefilm.org/brattlefilm/donations.html

All of us at Magpie are fans of the Brattle and hope you'll join us in supporting this local, independent business.

Some "Magpie tested, Magpie approved" movies at the Brattle: All About Eve, Seven Samurai, M, Rear Window, City of Lost Children, Sunset Blvd, Bringing Up Baby, LOTR, Giant, Umbrellas of Cherbourg, The Heroic Trio, The Wizard of Oz, Dr. Strangelove, Breathless, Chinatown, Repulsion...

Now, go to the movies and then come to Magpie and help us celebrate our one-year anniversary!

Tenderly,
Your pals at Magpie
http://magpie-store.com


September 2005 Newsletter 

Hello, friends!

We hope this newsletter finds everyone safe and sound. This month we have loads of news!

Back in stock:

* We have felt, embroidered iPod cozies from Charcoal Designs--the good news is, not only do we have cozies in stock, but we also have eyeglass cases and coin purses.

* Before boygirlparty departs for the west coast, we loaded up on buttons, t-shirts, card sets, and to-do lists. Good luck out west, Miss S!

New merch:

* Magpie's pleased as punch to carry a variety of unbelievably lovely goods from Momomoogie: prints, stationery and mirrors.

* There's a nip in the air, so make sure to adorn the lapel of your favorite fall jacket with retro art pins from Tikups Baubles.

* Tired of the tired greeting cards at your drug store? Stop by Magpie and keep in touch with your friends with panache using cards and stationery from such paper goods luminaries as Foxy & Winston, Etui, Sugar Lily, and Walrus & Carpenter.

September Artist Spotlight:

This month Magpie highlights Addie Pearl, an indie craft jewelry line created by Joelle Groendes. Joelle creates tiny treasures of felt and fashions them into jewelry that's tough and sweet at the same time. As a kid, Joelle was always crafty and hard at work among the scraps, felt and pipe cleaners stored in her trusty orange shoe box. Not long ago she discovered Craftster and her dormant craftiness was reinvigorated. So much so, that she was inspired to start Addie Pearl. Magpie commends giving in to all crafty urges and can totally stand behind someone whose philosophy is: stay silly and drink as much coffee as possible.

In the News:

We're thrilled that Magpie has been in the media a couple times in the last few weeks--we'll try not to let it go to our heads!

* A mention in Lucky magazine featured Magpie along with a lovely photo of animal pins by Lily's Rooster.

* Magpie was included in a Boston Magazine wrap up of Boston-area craftiness along with our Davis Square friends Spark Craft Studios.

Special Event!

And speaking of Spark, come to their craft studios in Davis Sq. Monday evening for a pre-release party for Bazaar Bizarre: Not Your Granny's Crafts. The book, by Greg Der Ananian, is based on the craft fair we helped launch 5 years ago (which has been growing exponentially ever since). Each chapter examines a different crafter and their craft in depth--Leah, Simone, and Emily are each in a chapter! At the party: buy an advance copy of Bazaar Bizarre, have it signed, enjoy wine/snacks/schmoozing, and see some craft demos and buy some unique handmade wares directly from the artists in the book.

Bazaar Bizarre Book Pre-Release Party
Monday September 26th, 6-9 PM
Spark Craft Studios
50 Grove St. Davis Sq. Somerville
http://sparkcrafts.com
http://bazaarbizarre.org

If you just can't get enough of Magpie news through our monthly newsletter, be sure to visit our blog: www.livejournal.com/community/magpie_store

xoxo
Magpie in Davis
http://magpie-store.com


August 2005 Newsletter

Hello, friends!

We’re savoring the last moments of the temperamental New England summer. Between sips of iced tea, we’re working hard to bring in new items for your nest!

New merch update:

* We have bags in from new Magpie friend, Orange Bags. Magpie currently has a few selections from the Symbol and Geometric lines. We also have some of the new and improved Baby Bags which are super sturdy and include a changing pad and enough pockets to shake a rattle at!
* The Lady Magpies (Emily, Simone, and Leah) are huge fans of Nice Lena’s earrings and we’re thrilled to announce that we just
received loads of new styles—you’d better get here quick before we take them all for ourselves!
* Also new in stock are striking molten glass necklaces by Art of the Matter.
* Don’t forget to stop by and take advantage of the Audrey Jacks sampler sale still going on.

August Artist Spotlight:

This month we spotlight Suzaluna which is owned and operated by artist Suzanne Pollack. Suzanne lives and works out of her studio in Peabody, Massachusetts. She’s worked in various mediums including printmaking, ceramics, stained glass, mosaics, photography, and paper arts. Magpie is delighted to carry Suzaluna ceramics including sushi sets (pictured here) and wedding platters.



In the news:

Last Sunday (August, 14, 2005) Magpie was featured in a full-page article in the Boston Globe Magazine “Inspirations” section. Go here to check out the lovely article and drink in the photo of Ryan O’Rourke’s charming birdhouses.

Other news:

In case hearing from us once a month just doesn’t cut it for you---Magpie has jumped on the blogging train! Check out our Live Journal http://www.livejournal.com/community/magpie_store/ where we’ll write about new merch, events, and other store-related news. There’s even an RSS feed—we’re all high tech like that!

Now, back to that iced tea!

Take care,

Your pals at Magpie


July 2005 Newsletter

Hello Magpie Friends!

Apologies for the lateness of this newsletter. Please say you’ll forgive us! We’ve been busy, busy searching out new lovely things for you!

New merch update:
* New bags and wallets from Queen Bee. We’re always getting new shipments in, too!
* Protect your coffee table with style. . . and some embarrassment! One Good Bumble Bee brings you coasters made from images cut from rad/cringe-worthy 1970’s yearbooks. Also check out card sets also by One Good Bumble Bee.
* Back in stock: Sewing Stars stationery sets, plus some new styles!
* We’re also pleased to announce Magpie t-shirts. You can be the very first one on your block to sport the latest hot look. Don’t worry if you can’t get to Magpie—in the coming months we’ll have them available on our website for purchase. Stay tuned!

In the news:
Two Magpie consignors, Sandra Salamony and Ambrosia Porcelain, were featured in the July 27 issue of Boston Weekly Dig. Sandra’s etched glassware includes two glass tumblers which feature pithy pairings like: Beauty & Brains and Freak & Geek. They make the perfect wedding gift for those couples who prefer to coast outside the normal weddding registries. And, Ambrosia Porcelain (by Linda Aubry) you’ll remember from last month’s featured artist. Linda Aubry combines playful images to create whimsical, lovely ceramic pieces.

July/August Artist Spotlight
This month, Magpie is pleased to highlight a long-time consignor Audrey Jacks. Audrey Jacks is the creative outlet for Cambridge resident Alexandra Graham. She uses varied materials to create her truly one-of-a-kind pieces. Alexandra’s jewelry includes vintage beads, new and organic pieces which all culminates in scrumptious pieces.



For a limited time, Magpie is pleased to offer our customers a fabulous opportunity to enjoy a very special Audrey Jacks Sample Sale. You’ll find unique earrings and necklaces that recall the likes of such luminary fashionistas as Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn.

Events:
This weekend visit the Magpie table at the Union Square Craft Market in Somerville from 9am – 1pm. More details:
http://www.somervilleartscouncil.org/programs/artsunion/

Hope you're all keeping cool!

Love,
Your pals at Magpie


June 2005 Newsletter

Dear Friends of Magpie,

Lots of news this fine June day!

Merch update:

* Because no item should go un-cozied, we bring you iPod cozies from Lime Lime Lime! Use them for all sizes and models, including the Shuffle!

* Camp Apparel brings you bright, cheery pouches for all your summer essentials!

* Embroidery rocks! Or, at least we think so. Pick up the newest, hottest crafting trend with patterns from Sublime Stitching.



June Artist Spotlight

Ambrosia Porcelain For our June spotlight, we’re pleased as punch to introduce you to Ambrosia Porcelain. Ambrosia Porcelain is the mother/daughter team of Miriam and Linda Aubry. Their porcelain works are unbelievably charming and sweet. Remember the cup that you always reached for, and the bowl that was “yours” as a child? Ambrosia Porcelain offers the grown-up versions of those magical things. Their wish is to create beautiful, functional objects that bring happiness to people’s daily lives. Each piece is individually hand formed and hand painted using traditional materials in innovative ways.

Trained as a musician in school and an artist at home, Linda brings a deep love of color, nature and sweetness to porcelain, fabric and music. She recently started Orange Cookie Funwear, a line of clothes deconstructed and decorated with appliqué and embroidery. She also has several music projects: My Merry, Beach Party, and The Sun is an Orange Cookie (solo performances on lever harp, electronics, and guitar). Linda has an MFA in music composition from Bennington College.



Miriam, who did her graduate work at The School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, grew up in southern New Jersey playing with clay on her grandparent’s farm. As a child, she’d pick up handfuls of sandy soil and moisten them with water and, using old glass telephone-line insulators, dry the clay into little “cakes.” Then she’d proudly go looking for her family, friends and any kitties she could find to serve them her “cakes.” Now, she uses flowers, birds, trees, the sky, berries, kitties, wild critters, family and friends as her inspirations in her Ambrosia Porcelain work.

Magpie is proud to carry a wide range of work from Ambrosia Porcelain—tiny plates and bowls, and soap dishes—all of which make beautiful, unique gifts.
http://www.ambrosiaporcelain.com/

Events:

The next few months finds Magpie out and about—please come say hi!

* If you’re in the NYC area, please stop by and visit Leah, Simone, and Dave S. at the Renegade Craft Fair June 25 – 26.
See http://www.renegadecraft.com for details.

* A Farmers Market has just started in Union Square (Somerville) on Saturdays. June 25 kicks off the bi-weekly Crafts Market. Magpie will be participating later in the summer on August 6.
See http://www.somervilleartscouncil.org/programs/artsunion/ for details.

* ArtBeat is Somerville’s annual multimedia street party. This year the event is on Saturday, July 16. Magpie will be there in full force along with Susie from boygirlparty.

Since we’re constantly working with artists and crafters, we have new products weekly so please come in and see what we’re up to! Plus, we just love seeing your smiling faces!

Love and ice cream cones,
Your pals at Magpie

May 2005 Newsletter

Dear Magpie friends,

Here we are in our little nest dreaming, pining for spring to really arrive here in Massachusetts. Luckily for us (and you!) we have loads of new tasty treasures to bide our time until bikini weather:

* Fabulous circular purses from Molly Mast made from vintage fabrics
* New merchandise from Magpie favorites: glamscience, Ex Libris, and Ambrosia Porcelain
* Look glamorous at your next BBQ with aprons from Sweet Pea Productions, Sockhop, and Yum Design
* It's baby time! For unique baby gifts check out our growing selection: Zoom Baby Quilts, plushies from My Paper Crane, birth announcements from The Small Object and much more!
* Stay in touch the old-fashioned way by (gasp!) sending some mail! Check out stationery and card sets from Scraps of Paper, BoyGirlParty, Sewing Stars, and so many more. Your friends miss you--drop them a line, won't you?

May Artist Spotlight: Alison Rose



Ever since we stumbled upon Alison Rose, we've been enthralled by their unique one-of-a-kind bags--totes, purses, and clutches. One can never have too many bags and since each piece is individually designed and crafted, there's no way you're going to run into someone else who has the same masterfully designed clutch made from a Madonna concert t-shirt! As if crafting to-die-for bags wasn't enough, Alison Rose also features limited edition t-shirts.

Alison Rose is the creative collaboration of Alison Bartlett and Nicholas Nocera who live in Columbus, Ohio with their cat, Grace. Alison has always had a love for creating things. In 2003, Alison and Nick teamed up to start their website Alison Rose in an effort to share the products she had been creating for herself, her family, and her friends. Nick enjoys dabbling in all aspects of the site, from screen-printing to web design.

Each Alison Rose piece is handmade and individually designed, which we here at Magpie love. Please stop in and drool over their fabulous wares or check out their website: http://www.alisonrose.com/.

Thanks for listening!

Until next month,

Your pals at Magpie

P.S. Check out the Milky Way Lounge and Lanes in Jamaica Plain on June 6 for an evening of bowling, bingo, and burlesque. Profits from the awesome raffle (in which you can win Magpie gift certificates among many other choice prizes) go to benefit the Dyke March on June 10. See www.truthserum.org for more details.

April 2005 Newsletter

Greetings from Magpie!

This month finds us busy at work to bring you new handmade gifts you didn't know you needed!

New merch updates:
* New t-shirts from Ferdinand. Because, who *doesn't* need a t-shirt with a picture of a squirrel playing the drums?
* Textural yarn kits from Erica Weiner and handspun yarns by Misshawklet, DIY crafting maven.
* Select winter items--tea cozies, furry collars, and hats--on SALE!

Magpie will be at MayFair in Harvard Square on Sunday, May 1 (rain date: Sunday, May 8). MayFair is a huge event with performances, lots of tasty cuisine, and hundreds of vendors. Please stop by and visit us!

And, if that weren't enough to fill your weekend, Somerville Open Studios takes place Saturday, April 30 - Sunday, May 1 all around town. Check out the website for more details. Some of the artists whose goods we carry are participating including Sandra Salamony and Skunk!

April Artist Spotlight: Skunk



Skunk re-purposes discarded and recycled materials to create interactive sculptures, journals, and jewelry. His buttons fashioned from bike parts have a special place in our crafty little hearts. Skunk is the founder of SCUL, a Boston Area bicycle chopper gang, and writes the Ghostride 'zine. Find out more about Skunk at his website: http://www.80gritart.com/. Magpie is excited to have Skunk's work, so please stop by and check it out. We guarantee that you won't find anything like it in any other gift shop!

With new handmade goods and vintage collectables coming in every week, you'll want to be sure to come by and see what's new!

Until next month,
Your pals at Magpie


March 2005 Newsletter

We're brushing the snow off the nest and dreaming of sunny days, BBQ's and running through the sprinkler. . . alas, we're still probably in for a few more weeks of wintry mix. But, here in our new Davis Square digs, we're settling in and loving our new 'hood. With our new location we're seeing many more people stopping by who are excited by the hand-crafted goodness we have to offer.

Attention, fashionistas: Magpie gets Lucky!

Magpie was mentioned in the Boston version of the April issue of Lucky, a magazine about shopping.


And, look out for a mention in an upcoming issue of the Boston Globe Sunday Magazine. As always, check out the Press section [http://www.magpie-store.com/news.html] of the website for updates .

March crafter spotlight: Sidepony



What started a few years ago with some white underpants and a Bedazzler has now become a full-blown business, specializing in nostalgia-inspired, hand-printed and hand-crafted cards, notes, invites, and baby clothing.

Sidepony, a family-run operation born in Chicago but raised in L.A., has been steadily growing over the past two years. It began as a simple project on the floor of their Ukrainian Village dining room and has now blossomed into a full-blown business run out of a closet in their Koreatown apartment. Kimberly crafts the goods, Estella models the baby tees, and Chris takes care of the behind the scenes business. You can view their entire collection at http://www.sidepony.com. Magpie is thrilled to carry Sidepony cards (our favorite is the "i heart grilled cheese"!) and baby one-sies. Not only is their style irreverent and charming, but they're a delight to work with. Stop on by and check out their wares!


February 2005 Newsletter

Lots of exciting news with the store! As of March 2, Magpie has a new nest--Davis Square in Somerville.

We're thrilled with the move. For one thing, the store's new location is less than a 5 minute walk from the Davis Square T stop.

And, if you don't already know, Davis Square is home to numerous hip stores, cafes and restuarants including the new Spark Craft Studio, Diesel Cafe, Somerville Theater, and Pluto, among many, many others. Davis Square also hosts Art Beat, an arts festival that draws thousands people every July.

As a nest-warming gift to *you*, we'd like to offer 10% one item during the month of March. Print out your coupon (below) and redeem away!

In addition to our moving news, this month's Magpie email begins our first artist bio. Each month's email will highlight a different crafter or artist who currently has wares at Magpie.

Our inaugural artist is Anna Johansson formerly of Massachusetts, but now residing in New York. Anna, a classically trained visual artist, earned a BFA in Painting from Boston University and a Masters in Arts Education from the Rhode Island School of Design. She began her arts career at Daniel Maher Stained Glass in Boston. During her 9 years there, she graduated from apprentice to restorer and designer. Anna, also a musician, has played for the country rock band Lincoln '65, the electro-pop-goth outfit Green 4, and is currently active with the indie rock band The Pee Wee Fist. Magpie is proud to carry her unique glass and re-purposed tin jewelry.

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