helwen

1)

Ed Bronson, an incredible glass artisan here in Ashfield, will be having an open studio sale this coming weekend. He has work of all sizes and a wide price range, but it's worth it to go look just to see the pretty work he does. Directions are basically to drive to Ashfield, turn onto Baptist Corner Road, and then follow the signs to his place (the turn is on the right side, before you get to our farm -- Bellus Road, I believe. Very, very easy to find). I haven't been to one of Ed's studio sales yet, so I can't give more details, except that the building he works in used to be an apple barn.

2)

Chena River Marblers is also having their open studio sale this coming weekend, 10am - 5pm

They will have marbling and bookbinding demonstrations.

What they have: marbled papers, silk ties, scarves, journals, sketch books, address books, date books, photo albums, jewelry, etc. One of my favorite things to do is look at the new tiny books -- Dan makes some that are free-standing, or as pins, tie tacks, or earrings -- I have at least one of each type :)

Address: 70 Justice Drive, Amherst, MA 01002 // 413.253.2835

Directions: From Amherst Center, 1.5 miles south on route 116. Right at light onto East Hadley Road. 1st right onto Columbia Drive. 1st left onto Justice Drive, 1/4 miles on left.

A nifty cool thing about Chena River Marblers sale is that you can go and make your own piece of marbled paper, for FREE. Both kids and adults are allowed ;) So, not a bad place to go and see interesting stuff, possibly pick up a gift or two, and learn a little about making paper, watching and/or hands-on. My recommendation would be to go do the paper-making first, then look around at the cool books and stuff, so your piece of paper has time to dry for taking home. They also have cookies and something to drink, so you can have a little snack too.