By Samantha Fodrowski
Winter blues got you down? Why not liven things up with some greens, reds, yellows and violets? Harvard Square is buzzing with unique crafts to try that will surely provide students with a fun alternative to going to the movies.
Made By Me, formerly The Clay Room, is a make-your-own pottery shop located at 1154 Massachusetts Ave. in Cam-bridge. Students can choose to paint one of a variety of pieces, including plates, cups, coffee mugs, vases and even piggy banks. Everyone is sure to find something to make for themselves or as a great gift.
“Made By Me is a very laid back place where families can come and paint together. It is a place where friends can come. We also have some very talented artists,” said Kara Hall, an employee at Made By Me.
Made By Me charges $4 for every half hour of painting and the pieces of ceramics range from $2 to $40. All painting materials are included.
“I remember working at a place like that,” said Tyler Collins, a freshman undecided major. “It’s lots of fun, I would go with my whole family. I know lots of people who have made careers out of pottery.”
Once the piece is chosen, customers can draw and paint on the pottery. Finally, customers hand in their painted masterpieces and they are glazed, fired and ready for pick up in four days.
“I would definitely recommend coming here to kids in college. Students can come with their friends and dorms. We even have group rates available,” Hall said.
Painting pottery can be an entertaining way to spend a snowy afternoon.
“I would go to make pottery because I like to make things. Things made out of pottery would last a long time and you could really use your imagination. Pottery is very versatile,” said Paola Mesadieu, a freshman international affairs major .
Made By Me is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call (617) 354-8111 or visit www.made-by-me.com for more information.
Once students are ready to channel their inner Martha Stewart, Made By Me is a unique craft store to turn to. Whether students are looking to beat boredom or are in need of a one-of-a-kind gift, they are sure to find something different at Made By Me.
What could be nicer than a new piece of jewelry, especially if it’s one of a kind? Instead of heading out to Neiman Marcus or Tiffany ‘ Co., students can make their own jewelry. Beadworks is a bead shop with locations in Harvard Square in Cambridge, as well as on Newbury Street in Boston. They boast the “finest selection of beads for creative people.”
Upon entering Beadworks, customers are immediately bedazzled by the amount of beads and wide range of colors. Students can pick from an assortment of beads and make their own jewelry. Everything customers need to make bracelets, necklaces and earrings is available to them.
The staff is very knowledgeable and willing to help. “The staff is really helpful and will take time to answer all questions,” said Neen Certo, a freshman theater major.
Luckily for students, winter is a great time to visit Beadworks. “This time of year is less busy,” said manager of the Cambridge location, Sarah Lynne Reul. “It is an excellent time to come because the staff members are more available for help.”
Both locations offer many classes like stringing techniques, wire work techniques and knotting with silk. Classes range from $35 to $65. “Personally, I don’t buy any jewelry. It is a lot more fun and inexpensive to make it yourself and then compare it with what is available in department stores,” Reul said. “Beadworks sounds like a fun place to go. You can be creative, feel like a little kid and leave with something for yourself all at the same time,” said Stephanie York, a freshman psychology major.
If students are looking for something fun to try this winter, Beadworks may just be the place to go.
Beadworks is located at 167 Newbury St. in Boston and 23 Church St. in Cambridge. Go to www.beadworksboston.com for more information.
