From her debut album, a live tribute to Nina Simone, to recreating Joni Mitchell’s iconic Blue track by track a few years back, Morgan James relishes a challenge. Her guiding lights are interpreters like Simone and Aretha Franklin, who “get a hold of a song, and the original goes out the window,” she said in a recent phone interview.
In 2019 James set out to make a throwback soul record with vintage equipment, backing from a rhythm section used by Al Green, and a bevy of veteran session players. Named for the studio where it was recorded, Memphis Magnetic is an R&B celebration. Alas, it came out weeks before the pandemic hit, so a planned supporting tour had to be scrapped.
She responded by returning to Memphis to make the live-in-the-studio A Very Magnetic Christmas. Incredibly, it’s even more soulful than its predecessor, with skillfully curated nuggets like William Bell’s “Every Day Will Be Like A Holiday” and “Backdoor Santa,” the latter unearthed from the 1968 Atco Records holiday compilation Soul Christmas, along with some seasonal standards and a few winning originals.
The Clarence Carter track about a Santa with more on his mind than gift-giving — “I make all the little girls happy while the boys are out to play” goes the chorus — was memorably sampled in 1987 by Run-DMC for its “Christmas in Hollis” and is a standout track on an album already packed with them.
“I do straight-up classics like ‘White Christmas’ and ‘O Holy Night,’ of course,” James said, “but I wanted to do a couple that people might not expect me to sing. I think that song turned out so great. It’s so fun to sing, and it’s so funky; we had the best time making that.”
James and husband guitarist-producer Doug Wamble co-wrote “Long As I Got You,” which she called “a little love song about winter,” adding, “when people are complaining about the weather, we’re not … we love being cozy.” Another delight from the couple is the bouncy “I Wanna Know,” which echoes Natalie Cole’s hit “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love).”
Idaho-born and California-raised, James set her sights on New York City after high school. She applied to Juilliard and was initially declined, but kept at it, eventually persuading the prestigious school to open up an extra vocalist slot for her.
“It tells you all you need to know about my personality,” James said with a laugh. “I’m very stubborn, and if I have a vision for something I don’t really take no for an answer.”
Later she performed on Broadway, notably playing Teena Marie in The Motown Show, where she caught the attention of Berry Gordy Jr. He became her mentor and helped guide her to a major-label deal with Epic Records.
“He really encouraged me to write and have a stake in my own music,” James said. “The best advice he ever gave was he reminded me to always do my best work and always go with my vision, whether or not I’m reaping benefits from it. One day he said to me, ‘You know, Morgan, a star is a star even when it’s light out. When the sun goes down, we can see the stars, but that doesn’t mean they’re not there in the daytime. You are a star all the time, so act like a star.’”
James’s Magnetic Christmas tour stops in Manchester on Dec. 4 for a show at the Rex Theatre. How does she feel about being back on the road after a two-year break?
“We are getting all our ducks in a row, and there’s a lot to think about,” James said. “We’re going to have to get used to the lifestyle again [but] we’re so excited to see everybody, and play music, and be in a different city every day. We start the day after Thanksgiving, and go all the way up until Christmas. It’s going to be so joyful and celebratory; that’s what we want from the shows.”
Morgan James – A Very Magnetic Christmas
When: Saturday, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. Where: Rex Theatre, 23 Amherst St., Manchester Tickets: $25 and up at palacetheatre.org
The family behind the Gucci fashion company faces scandal and murder in the 1980s and 1990s in House of Gucci, a movie that doesn’t live up to the promise of its trailer.
The trailer is great, buzzy, maybe just this side of camp, and gives you many of the best lines and displays the “all in” performance by Lady Gaga. The movie — really gave me an appreciation of whoever cut the trailer.
The movie starts in the 1970s, I think, with Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga) meeting Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver), a law student whose father, Rudolfo (Jeremy Irons), owns half of Gucci along with his brother Aldo (Al Pacino). Maurizio has grown up wealthy but otherwise doesn’t seem involved in Gucci. When Patrizia fails to make a good impression with Rudolfo, Maurizio breaks away from his father (and his money). He goes to live with Patrizia’s family, working for her father’s trucking company, and the two get married.
When Aldo calls Maurizio to congratulate him on his wedding, Patrizia sees an opening to get Maurizio back into the family fold — and possibly to connect with some of that Gucci wealth. Maurizio isn’t entirely comfortable with how Patrizia advises him to play Aldo and his son, Paolo (Jared Leto under so very much makeup), against each other but he seems OK taking advantage of the outcomes, which are more wealth and power in the family business. But the more Patrizia pushes, the more Maurizio seems to grow disenchanted with her.
This movie has some real “but why?” casting (Leto, definitely, but also Irons and Pacino) and some Joey Tribbiani School of Italian Accents accent-work. But Lady Gaga is giving 110 percent all the time, swinging at every pitch, throwing lots of stuff against the wall to see what sticks — all the cliches for just absolutely diving into this thing whether it’s any good or not. I don’t know that the result is a great performance but she’s great to watch. The movie is significantly less interesting when she’s not on screen. I don’t think the story does a particularly great job of making Patrizia into a fleshed out human and not just a cartoon but I think Gaga’s performance does paint a more complex — or at least just compelling — character.
House of Gucci had me thinking about two TV shows. One is Succession, for the way I didn’t actually root for any of the characters. They all seem unlikable, dangerously selfish and the kind of people you’d just generally steer clear of (as portrayed in this movie, I know basically nothing about the real life Guccis). But that’s fine — the way this movie is built, I didn’t find myself needing a hero and got some good soap opera entertainment watching these screw-ups betray each other. If anything, this movie needed to lean in to the jerkishness of these characters more.
The other TV property is the Ryan Murphy-verse of American Crime Story — a series with reenactments of big public crimes and scandals (or Feud, with its focus on golden age of Hollywood gossip). I’ll admit, I’ve probably read more recaps of these shows than I have actually watched them but I found myself wondering why this project didn’t go that route. It would seem to have all the sudsy elements — business machinations, family betrayals, a rocky marriage — to sustain some six to eight episodes. Here, storylines feel like they are being truncated — Paolo and Aldo spend the last hour or more separated from the Patrizia/Maurizio action — even though the movie is more than two and a half hours long (and feels it).
I’m not sorry I watched House of Gucci, particularly for everything to do with Lady Gaga (her character’s so-of-the-times hair, her wonderful glamorous-tacky wardrobe). I kept waiting for the movie to really take off, really go for the moon with its general craziness, but it frequently felt bogged down. Lady Gaga and the trailer are a solid B+, everything is maybe generously a B-.
Rated R for language, some sexual content, and brief nudity and violence, according to the MPA on filmratings.com. Directed by Ridley Scott with a screenplay by Becky Johnston and Roberto Bentivegna (based on a book by Sara Gay Forden), House of Gucci is two hours and 38 minutes long and distributed in theaters by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures.
Belfast (PG-13)
Belfast of 1969 is seen through the eyes of a young boy in Belfast, a semi-autobiographical story written and directed by Kenneth Branagh.
The opening scene is an encapsulation of Buddy’s (Jude Hill) life in 1969: he’s a young boy — young enough to be learning multiplication tables, old enough to have a crush on the girl who is often the head of the class — whom we meet playing knights with a homemade sword and a trash can lid as a shield. He’s called home by his mother (Caitríona Balfe), a call that is repeated down the street by neighbors and cousins and a slew of people that have known the family as long as any of them can remember. Heading home in the middle of this busy street full of friendly hellos, Buddy suddenly finds himself stuck between two quickly approaching gangs about to battle and riot. His mother rushes out to grab him, using his shield to protect them both from thrown rocks, and then pushes Buddy and his older brother Will (Lewis McAskie) under the table in their home as she crouches by the window watching the chaos outside. This neighborhood, as we learn, is a mix of Catholics and Protestants, and has lived peacefully, but now there are barricades, soldiers and a local gang that is pressuring Catholics to move out and Protestants (like Buddy’s family) to become active in their cause.
Buddy’s dad (Jamie Dornan) is eager to keep himself and his boys, particularly teen Will, out of all this and to try to exist in peace. But this task is harder because he is only home every other weekend, spending most of his time in England, where he works in construction. He sees no good future for the family in Belfast and wants them to move to England. Buddy’s mother, meanwhile, doesn’t want to leave everyone and everything she’s ever known and the community that she feels cares for and supports her boys.
We see all of this from a kid’s perspective, both figuratively (the attempts to talk to the girl he has a crush on are at least as important to Buddy as the social unrest) and literally, as many scenes show us the world (predominately in black and white) from Buddy’s height or peering-around-a-corner location. It works as a way to tell this story and helps to put us in Buddy’s situation — terrifying things are happening but this is also a rosy memory about childhood.
This also allows us to see Buddy’s story without always putting all the weight of a scene on child actor Jude Hill. The movie gives us a nice balance of Hill’s genuinely strong performance with the performances of the grownups around him, including his grandparents, played by Judi Dench and Ciarán Hinds. We get to see a slice of the prickly relationship between his parents, Dornan and Balfe, but we don’t know their whole story, in the way we seldom really know the story of our own parents’ relationship, particularly during our childhood.
I suppose I could quibble with some of the choices the movie makes with its use of black and white and occasional color (which appear when the family is watching a movie or live theater — a hint maybe that we’re seeing young Kenneth Branagh experience the world of acting), or its occasionally overwhelming, Van Morrison-heavy soundtrack. But these elements weren’t really flaws. This movie is fairly immaculately crafted, with the kind of compelling specificity that comes with someone telling their story. A
Rated PG-13 for some violence and strong language, according to the MPA on filmratings.com. Written and directed by Kenneth Branagh, Belfast is an hour and 38 minutes long and distributed by Focus Features in theaters.
Red River Theatres 11 S. Main St., Concord 224-4600, redrivertheatres.org
Regal Fox Run Stadium 15 45 Gosling Road, Newington regmovies.com
Rex Theatre 23 Amherst St., Manchester 668-5588, palacetheatre.org
The Strand 20 Third St., Dover 343-1899, thestranddover.com
Wilton Town Hall Theatre 40 Main St., Wilton wiltontownhalltheatre.com, 654-3456
Shows
• House of Gucci (R, 2021) screening at Red River Theatres in Concord on Thursday, Dec. 2, and Thursday, Dec. 9, at 3:30 & 7 p.m. (vaccinated guests) as well as Friday, Dec. 3, through Sunday, Dec. 4, at noon, 3:30 and 7 p.m.
• Belfast (PG-13, 2021) screening at Red River Theatres in Concord on Thursday, Dec. 2, at 3:30 & 7 p.m. (vaccinated guests) as well as Friday, Dec. 3, through Sunday, Dec. 5, at 1, 4 & 7 p.m.
• 21+ “Christmas Vacation Ugly Sweater Party” will be held on Thursday, Dec. 2, at all Chunky’s locations. The event will start at 7 p.m. in Manchester and Pelham and 8 p.m. in Nashua. The PG-13 1989 movie will screen during the event, where people who wear ugly Christmas sweaters get extra prizes. Tickets cost $5.99. (Take notes — there will be a 21+ Christmas Vacation trivia night on Thursday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in Manchester.)
• The Metropolitan Opera Live — Eurydice Saturday, Dec. 4, 12:55 p.m. at the Bank of NH Stage in Concord. Tickets cost $26.
• Gremlins (PG, 1984) will screen at Regal Fox Run on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 1 p.m. Tickets cost $5.
• National Theatre Live The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time A broadcast of a play from London’s National Theatre, screening at the Bank of NH Stage in Concord on Sunday, Dec. 5, at 12:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15 ($12 for students).
• Elf (PG, 2003) A family-friendly screening will happen Wednesday, Dec. 8, at all three Chunky’s locations — 6 p.m. in Manchester and 7 p.m. in Pelham and Nashua. On Thursday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. at all three locations there will be a 21+ Elf screening.
Delicious eats and more at Made in New England Expo
From artisan chocolates, baked goods and other sweet treats to spice mixes, hot sauces and locally roasted coffees, there will be plenty for foodies to discover at the Made in New England Expo. More than 80 vendors from across New Hampshire and its neighboring states will be selling their products under one roof during the two-day show, which returns to the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown for the fourth year on Saturday, Dec. 4, and Sunday, Dec. 5.
The event was originally conceived following the success of the Made in New Hampshire Expo, a similar multi-day show typically held in late March, said organizer Heidi Copeland, publisher of Business NH magazine and owner of EventsNH.
“We actually do have quite a bit of new vendors this year, because a lot of people at the beginning of the pandemic … were thinking about what they were going to do to make a living, and they ended up starting new businesses,” Copeland said.
Made in New England Expo. Photo by Matthew Lomanno Photography.
One such company is Mixed Up Nut Butter out of Vermont, which offers a line of craft nut butters made from different tree nut blends with pecans, cashews, almonds and more. Two new small-batch coffee roasters based in the Granite State will be there too — Critical Mass Coffee, which has multiple bagged blends of organic fair trade coffee; and Hato Viejo Coffee, a purveyor that sources its beans from the Dominican Republic.
Other newcomers to this year’s expo include Sunshine Baking, a New Hampshire company offering freshly baked shortbread cookies that launched earlier this year, and Pumpkin Blossom Farm, which has several lavender-infused products like a lavender honey and a lavender blueberry drink mixer, as well as soaps, lotions, bath sprays and more.
If you’ve attended the event previously, you’ll likely encounter some familiar faces. Chrismix Candy of Concord, for instance, will be back with its sweet and salty toffees, while Thistle’s All Natural, based in Loudon, will be selling its homemade zucchini salsas.
There is also a small overlap of businesses that have participated in the Made in New Hampshire Expo in past years, like Sap House Meadery of Ossipee, which will have canned selections of its craft meads; Loon Chocolate, a producer of small-batch bean-to-bar chocolates; and Smokin’ Tin Roof, a Manchester husband-and-wife team offering specialty hot sauces, jellies and mustards.
According to Copeland, food exhibitors are not required to offer samples, but per pandemic guidelines, those who do must provide them in individually wrapped or closed containers.
In addition to specialty foods and drinks, companies will be selling everything from jewelry, clothing and personal care products to candles, wildlife photography and various home decor. Copeland said the expo is a great opportunity for attendees to get some holiday shopping done while supporting local businesses.
“There’s always that chance that people are not going to be able to find things they want to order online, or they may be delayed,” she said. “Here, you can go pick something up that’s unique and locally produced, and the money you spend stays here and goes back into the local economy.”
Made in New England Expo When: Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown (Expo Center), 700 Elm St., Manchester Cost: $9 admission for adults, $7 for seniors ages 65 and over, $2 for children ages 2 to 12 and free for children under 2 ($2 per child under 2 if bringing a stroller into the hall). Tickets are only available at the door (cash or check only). More info: Visit madeinnewenglandexpo.com or follow them on Facebook @madeinnewenglandexpo Face masks will be required for all attendees.
Featured photo: Made in New England Expo. Photo by Matthew Lomanno Photography.
After a year without Merriment, shoppers looking for unique, local gifts are invited to return to downtown Concord’s traditional Midnight Merriment event for a night of shopping along with holiday festivities like caroling, s’mores and photos with Santa.
Happening Friday, Dec. 3, from 5 p.m. to midnight, the event has been Covid-modified to keep it safe. The Concord Arts Market Winter Giftopolis, for example, is typically held in the atrium at Eagle Square, but this year the artists will be stationed at businesses in and around downtown. And Santa will be there, but he’ll be wearing a mask, and photos will be taken from afar to allow for social distancing.
“We definitely took into consideration where we’re at right now with Covid,” said Jess Martin, Director of Intown Concord. “But a lot of the businesses depend on this event. … The real highlight is the shopping.”
Martin said a lot of downtown stores will be offering sales and specials that night.
“We’re really trying to encourage people to shop local, especially after last year … [and we’re] trying to create a festive shopping experience,” she said.
The event officially starts at 5 p.m., and there will be strolling carolers and piped-in holiday music. At 5:30 p.m., the hot cocoa and s’mores stations will open up, DJ Nazzy’s Holiday Dance Party will begin, and Santa will set up shop at New Hampshire Federal Credit Union for socially distanced photo opportunities. Santa’s helpers will be there to collect gift cards and homemade holiday cards for the Santa for Seniors donation drive, which will go to seniors in the local community.
Throughout the event, visitors can participate in the Winter Giftopolis Art Walk, which takes the place of the Winter Giftopolis in Eagle Square that typically sees large crowds in the confined space.
“We were always just packed to the gills. … It didn’t seem Covid-safe,” said Christa Zuber, producer of the Concord Arts Market. “So we changed it to an art walk around the city, on Main Street [or nearby].”
She said some artists will be set up in busier retail locations, like Gondwana, while others will be at places like the Concord Chamber of Commerce office — “not your typical shopping spot,” Zuber said.
There are a couple dozen vendors this year, about the same as usual, Zuber said.
“We have everything from jewelers to … homemade personal care, soaps, paintings, traditional holiday crafts … a knitter who makes her own yarn … a little bit of everything,” she said.
Zuber is hopeful that the change in format will introduce new customers to the Concord Artists Market, since the artists will be more integrated into the community this year. She said people going to Concord Craft Brewing Co. for a beer, for example, might not be thinking about Christmas shopping or art, so having an artist there could inspire them; likewise, someone who’s never been to Concord Craft Brewing might go in to see the artist and decide to grab a drink.
“I think the biggest challenge is just making sure people know where to find our artists,” Zuber said.
Each of the vendors will have a map, and there’s one on the Concord Arts Market’s Facebook page too.
Sue McCoo, owner of Capitol Craftsman Romance Jewelers, Viking House and Hilltop Consignment, has been taking part in Midnight Merriment since it started almost 30 years ago and is looking forward to the event’s return.
“It was just strange not having it [last year],” she said. “It’s fun to come downtown when there’s bustling crowds. … It’s also fun when people aren’t in a hurry.”
McCoo said the Halloween Howl was very well-attended, so she said as long as the weather is OK, it should be a good night for businesses.
“The holiday season is always fun just across the board,” she said. “Midnight Merriment always, to me, feels like you’re waiting for Jimmy Stewart to show up.”
Midnight Merriment
When: Friday, Dec. 3, 5 p.m. to midnight Where: Downtown Concord Holiday activities: Shopping and the Winter Giftopolis Art Walk will be open throughout the event. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., DJ Nazzy will host his Holiday Dance Party. S’mores and hot cocoa stations will be open from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Santa will be at New Hampshire Federal Credit Union for socially distanced photo opportunities from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. All activities are free.
Featured Photo: Midnight Merriment. Courtesy photo.
Meet the crafters selling one-of-a-kind wearable, decorative and whimsical objects this season.
For many local crafters, the holiday season is one of the busiest and most profitable times of the year. They’ve been hard at work, creating unique, gift-worthy items like upcycled sweaters-turned-mittens, jewelry made with real flower petals, painted wood peg dolls and more. Over email, we asked 15 crafters from across the state to tell us about their chosen craft, what the past year has been like for their business, what they’re working on now and where you can find their products. (Find more craft fairs happening this weekend on page 9).
We craft mittens from upcycled and repurposed materials, mainly sweaters. We then line them with new fleece, making a super warm and cozy mitten. With so many sweater patterns most mittens are one of a kind, but at times [one] may have a twin.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
Ten years ago I bought a pair of sweater mittens. I thought they were so fun and unique. Unfortunately they didn’t fit well. They felt like I was wearing an oven mitt. My husband suggested I make my own, so I modified a pattern and made my own. From there we made dozens and started selling at a local craft fair and sold out quickly. Since then we have made thousands and have expanded our retail outlets. We enjoy the process of creating mittens, from choosing the sweaters at thrift stores [and] matching with other sweaters. … We also enjoy working with our customers to create mittens from their own sweaters or a loved one’s, making an heirloom-quality gift.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
Our line of mittens includes sweater mittens, fleece hats and mittens and scarves in trendy patterns, including New England sports teams. We also repurpose new cashmere scarves, making them into mittens, then lining them with cashmere and pairing them with a matching scarf for a great luxurious gift set.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 has been an incredible year for us. Our selling time is short with such a seasonal craft; however, we create all year. It has been wonderful getting back to events to see our customers.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
Manchester Craft Market in the Mall of New Hampshire; Gilford Country Store (1934 Lake Shore Road, Gilford); and LOCAL (1009 Upper City Road, Pittsfield). We will also be at the Gilford High School Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Julia Swierz
Candia, divinedesignsbyjulez.com
Describe your craft.
I use acorn caps, pine cone leaves, fallen birch bark and other materials found in my New Hampshire backyard to make little critter magnets and ornaments, [like] birds, cows, frogs and ladybugs, just to name a few.
Acorn ornaments by Julia Swierz. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
This craft stemmed from an overabundance of acorns that had fallen one year. I thought … there just had to be something I could do with all these acorns. I didn’t want to take a food source away from the local wildlife, so I focused on the acorn caps that always seemed to be left behind. My first critter was a snowman. … I love the challenge of trying to make something new out of found objects. Who would have thought you could make a cow out of acorn caps and pinecone pedals, or a butterfly out of fallen birch bark?
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
I like to make unique seasonally themed items in addition to my regular offering. … I am currently working on a Christmas manger scene. … Other items in stock right now are snowmen, Santas, angels, Christmas trees, white doves, cardinals and more. I have limited-edition winter cows painted … with tiny glittery snowflakes. … Ornament sets of four will be [available], as well as a Mrs. Claus to keep Santa company.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 has been another challenging year. … I sell my work at the Manchester Craft Market … and I’m hoping the holiday season brings more people into the [store]. … I hope that my work, in my own small way, helps it to grow and thrive in the future.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
Year-round at the Manchester Craft Market, located in the Mall of New Hampshire near Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Darleen Bellan
Hollis, etsy.me/2cszygc, search “Darbella Designs” on Facebook
Describe your craft.
I work primarily with polymer clay and painting. I love sculpting on a small scale — things like figures, focal beads and charms. I have a line of custom pet ornaments I sculpt … where folks can send me pictures of a loved pet and I replicate it as a comically sculpted roly-poly ornament. I also make pet portraits on canvas, ornaments or most any material that can take paint.
Polymer clay figures by Darleen Bellan. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
These forms of crafting are very therapeutic. I could be having the worst day and then decide to … work on something, and all the stress just disappears. … What satisfies me the most is when a customer picks up their order, looks at it, and I see either a big smile or tears of joy because of happiness or a memory that a pet brings them.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
Pet portraits this time of the year are always popular. They are the perfect gift for the person that has everything and is hard to shop for. … The sculpted ornaments are also popular because not only is it an ornament for the tree, but they are actually small, one-of-a-kind works of art, embellished with beds, Swarovski crystals and designs that can be displayed year-round.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 has been a bit slow. I think Covid and the increasing prices on necessities are making it difficult for most people. … It’s hard to be in a joyous, festive mood, especially when fairs and markets had Covid restrictions, and now, with the new threat of the virus, I think people will be hesitant to physically go to shops and fairs. I am hoping to have some online sales. Regardless, I will continue to create and at least build up inventory for better times to come.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
Online through my Facebook or my Etsy page.
Brandi Wallace
Londonderry, forevermemoriesnh.com, facebook.com/forevermemoriesllc, @forevermemoriesnh on Instagram
Describe your craft.
We custom print personalized photo gifts. We take the customer’s vision, design it and print it on … apparel, drinkware, jewelry and more.
Personalized printed pillow by Brandi Wallace. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
I’ve always loved creating. I started making my own T-shirts because I wasn’t happy with the “do it yourself” transfers that you would buy in the store. Friends started … buying from me. From there I invested in equipment to create a better product. … It makes me so happy when a customer receives their product and the response is, ‘This is so much better than I thought it would be.’ I’m not sure what they were expecting, but it feels great when you exceed a customer’s expectations.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
Our popular items for the holidays are coffee mugs, tumblers, photo canvases and T-shirts. In most instances [when shopping online], someone will see a T-shirt [with] ‘Papa’ in the design, but their grandpa is called Pepere, Grumpy, Grampy, Pepe, Puppy, etc. We custom-make the design to their specifications.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
This year has been interesting. We are starting to see more and more people who prefer to shop local and support local small businesses than we have in the past. … I’m hoping to be able to provide keepsakes and gifts for thousands of people. I would also like to see sales growth over 2019, because 2020 was not great.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
We have a retail store in the Mall of New Hampshire, near Macy’s and next to Eastern Mountain Sports. I also have ready-made products at the Manchester Craft Market, which is also in the mall.
Doris Massetti
Nashua, facebook.com/fawnscraftcloset
Describe your craft.
I am a multimedia artist. I create mostly using resin and make glass art windows and frames. I also combine sea glass, crushed glass and painting on some, with many added scenes and embellishments to give it life. I also use old recycled windows to create some of the glass art.
I paint and embellish bamboo utensils for wall decor and mini jars as spice or snack jars. I do ornaments as well, and fill those with joyful beachy scenes. … I do custom work as well.
Glass art window by Doris Massetti. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
My sister taught me [the craft]. She has been doing well in Florida as a glass artist. … I enjoy the scene-making and the joy it gives to people when they look at it and say things like, ‘Wow, I have never seen this type of art, and it’s so life-like and beautiful.’
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
I have been creating fall and winter scenes like owls, Christmas trees, snow and even ballerinas dancing on diamonds and ice. I put one scene of carollers inside a shadow box with lights.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 was a learning curve as I just started [crafting] this spring. … What I hope to get out of the holiday season is more attention to this type of art and people appreciating local artists … and, of course, [seeing] joy in the eyes of the people that take home a piece of art.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
I am currently in the Manchester Craft Market at The Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester, and in Locally Handmade at the Merrimack Premium Outlets. I will be part of the Holly Jolly Craft Fair at the DoubleTree Hotel in Nashua on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Elizabeth Dickerson
Derry, roolamoms.square.site
Describe your craft.
I use resin, silicone molds, sprinkles and sometimes glitters to create one-of-a-kind pieces, mostly focused on letters, numbers and play.
Resin letters, a tactile learning aid for children by Elizabeth Dickerson. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
My sons are both neurodiverse. … My youngest has sensory processing disorder and needs a more hands-on approach to help make learning connections. I made a set for him, then a friend, and it just grew.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
I have Christmas and winter sprinkles for letters and numbers. Our two most popular items have been our I Spy coasters with winter bundle buttons and sprinkles, as well as our resin gingerbread house with a glitter roof and small gingerbread men and candy canes with sprinkles to give the coloring.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
This year has been so much fun. I have learned so much about myself, shipping and social media marketing. I want to make the holidays fun for my kids and others.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
My website will be open for gift cards and local delivery.
Dasha Randlett
Manchester, search “Dash of Creativity” on Facebook
Describe your craft.
I enjoy many crafts. I’m mostly known for my macrame plant hangers, but I also do a variety of crochet, decoupage and cards.
Macrame keychains by Dasha Randlett. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
It’s very meditative and really cool to see the outcome. I grew up in a crafty and artistic family, so it’s cool to bring my work to others. … Surprisingly, not a lot of people do macrame, so it’s cool to bring the art form back.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
Plant hangers, soap savers, decoupage vases and cards.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
It was actually a great year to grow as a maker. I have always enjoyed crafting, but 2021 was the year I started getting serious about seeing if I could turn it into a micro-business. My hope for this year is to keep growing and developing as a professional.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
All of the Locally Handmade locations (The Mall at Rockingham Park in Salem; The Mall at Fox Run in Portsmouth; and Merrimack Premium Outlets); the Manchester Craft Market in the Mall of New Hampshire; and Goffstown Green Thumb Landscaping and Garden Center.
Christine Rathje
Londonderry, christinescreationsco.com, search “Christine’s Creations Co.” on Facebook, @xtinescreationsco on Instagram
Describe your craft.
My craft is hand dying or painting and arranging sola wood flower arrangements. I receive loose white wood flowers, dye or paint them different colors, allow them to dry for at least 24 hours, stem the flowers, and arrange the flowers into centerpieces and other decor items. I have made pieces that have six flowers, and I have made pieces that have over 100 flowers.
Sola wood flowers wreath by Christine Rathje. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
When I discovered what sola flowers were, I thought, ‘Well, that’s different.” I ordered a bunch and just started to make arrangements as a stress relief tool as I was dealing with some health problems. It soon became so much more. I transformed my hobby into a small business and haven’t looked back. My favorite part … is that I know that these flowers last forever, and hopefully bring a smile to whoever buys them.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
For the holiday season I like to focus on different shades of red and green flowers as well as winter colors like whites, silvers and blues. I try to add different fillers to my items, such as mini presents, mini ornaments and mini pine cones to make the arrangements more festive.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
I didn’t start my business until the end of 2020, so 2021 was the first full year of my business. I honestly did way better than I was expecting. I had more orders than I anticipated, and I even booked a few weddings. This holiday season I’m just hoping to grow the awareness of my business.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
I have ready-to-go arrangements at the Manchester Craft Market in the Mall of New Hampshire. I also accept custom orders through my website.
Irene Kravtsova
Londonderry, facebook.com/bluett-jewelry, @bluett_jewelry on Instagram
Describe your craft.
I create jewelry, accessories, decor with premium Japanese seed beads, natural stones, vintage beads and original Austrian crystals. … I work in many beading techniques, such as seed bead crochet, bead embroidery and bead weaving.
Beaded Frida Kahlo brooch by Irene Kravtsova. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
It’s very challenging and gives endless opportunities for growth as a master. It’s so meditative and calming. When we relocated to the United States from Belarus it was a huge life-changing event, so crochet and beading helped me to beat all the anxiety and depression during adaptation. Creating boosts my creativity, brain activity, motor skills and brings me joy.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
I prepared a variety of colorful jewelry, [including] dangle earrings with Swarovski elements, coffee bean stud earrings hand-sculptured with polymer clay, … sparkly seed bead crochet pieces with crystal montees and Czech fire-polished beads, infinity necklaces that can be styled in more than 20 ways, … pendants [made with] bezel natural stones, … seed bead crocheted and embroidered ornaments, … and brooches and pins with beaded butterflies and embroidered flowers.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
Despite all the obstacles, 2021 was pretty successful for me. I realized it’s very important to develop your business in different directions and use every opportunity. I started to post more of my goods online and directed lots of my energy to spreading the word about my craft. … I also launched beading parties, where I bring all my materials to the customer and run a beading class at their location. This holiday season I hope to get good sales so I can invest more in my beading classes, spread the word about my jewelry and obtain more experience running a small business.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
The Manchester Craft Market in the Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester; the Framers Market art gallery (1401 Elm St., Manchester) and Coffeeberries coffee shop (4 Orchard Dr., Londonderry).
Gabrielle Laplante
Bedford, lovemeknotstreasures.etsy.com, @lovemeknotstreasures on Instagram
Describe your craft.
I crochet mostly baby and child items. I focus a lot on amigurumi creations, creating stuffed toys and teething ring rattles. I also make hats, blankets and home decorations. I use everything from acrylic to natural fiber yarns, depending on the project.
Crocheted snowman hat Craft by Gabrielle Laplante. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
I started crocheting when I was on maternity leave with my first child. I quickly found that I enjoyed the process of creating during nap times and was able to put my project down and come back to it when I was able. Now that my children are older I’m able to bring my projects with me to work on while we are at games and practices or while they play at the park.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
I will have my usual collection of teething ring rattles as well as snowmen and reindeer rattles available only during the winter season. I also have children’s hats in a variety of animals and snowmen [designs] as well as an adult-sized light-up Christmas tree hat.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
The beginning of 2021 was tough. A lot of the craft shows I had signed up for ended up being canceled. Once the weather became nice and outdoor shows started up, things picked up. … This holiday season I’m hoping to expand my business and get more of a following. I’m seeing a lot more people supporting small business … and I’m hoping that continues.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
I can be found at the Manchester Craft Market in the Mall of New Hampshire. I will also be at the Mini Holiday Arts Market at Kimball Jenkins (226 N. Main St., Concord) on Saturday, Dec. 4, from noon to 3 p.m.
Erin Neller
New Boston, etsy.com/shop/alliandmocraftco, @alliandmocraftco on Instagram
Describe your craft.
I hand paint and hand cut all of the fabric for little wood peg dolls and accessories … [made with] wood, paint and fabric.
Wood peg doll set by Erin Neller. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
I’ve always enjoyed crafting. These particular wooden peg dolls really struck a chord with my 4-year-old daughter, so I thought, why not make some for more kids out there to play with? However, I have found that adults like them just as much.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
Christmas peg dolls and accessories. My style is simple and clean, adding a little sparkle wherever I can. They’re great for play or your holiday decor.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 has been a good year for me. I launched my Etsy shop in September and have had good success. I also sold at a few local craft fairs and farmers markets. I’m hoping to be able to make someone smile with these peg doll cuties, now and in any season.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
I am exclusively selling on Etsy for the winter season. I hope to sell at some craft fairs in the spring.
I’m a resin artist and teacher. I work with liquid resin to create functional and beautiful art pieces.
Resin flower jewelry holder by Cathii LaPierre. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
As a stay-at-home mom to an autistic child, I needed something fun and unique that I could do from home. I found some YouTube videos and I was hooked.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
I sell coasters, trays, serving boards, ornaments, jewelry and more.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 was busy. I did several art shows over the summer and still taught online classes.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
Online.
Leslie Kahn
Manchester, etsy.com/shop/nhquilts78, @NHQuilts78 on Facebook and Instagram
Describe your craft.
I am a quilt artist. I work in 100 percent cotton fabrics. Color is my passion, combining it in layers, often using unexpected combinations. … I pull fabrics that make me happy, then pull a few more that complement them. … My favorite style is bargello, something I learned as a needlepoint pattern many years ago. Then I discovered people were doing bargello quilts, and I was in love. I design all my own; working from patterns is not something I’m good at.
Quilt by Leslie Kahn. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
I enjoy the complete freedom of quiltmaking. Yes, [quilts should] have neat seams and precise corners, but within that structure the possibilities are endless. The color combinations are endless. The actual hand quilting is both time-consuming and relaxing.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
Cozies — bowl cozies have been my big seller … and I’ve added dinner-size cozies — as well as Christmas masks, fabric boxes and table toppers. I recently added a New Hampshire print and a firefighter print.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
In 2021 I tried to come up with new items. … I’ve tried to listen to shoppers as far as what fabrics they might want to see. Fun and unique prints are still something I look for.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
Year-round at the Manchester Craft Market in the Mall of New Hampshire and online.
Hillary Flanders
Sunapee, heebeegeebs.com, @heebee_geebs on Instagram and Facebook
Describe your craft.
Our flower petal jewelry is made from real flower petals through a unique process. … It takes over six months from start to finish, starting with plucking the petals right off the flowers and going all the way to the finished wearable art. It requires multiple steps and lots of drying time. Only certain flowers work — sunflowers, black-eyed susans, daffodils, cosmos, pansies and coreopsis. We are constantly trying more varieties, with most not being successful.
Pendant made with real flower petals by Hillary Flanders. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
This craft came about because of a huge love of nature, combined with a huge love of science, along with a huge desire to capture nature’s true beauty. There have been many trials and many, many errors that have gone into the development of this jewelry. Fortunately everything has come together in the best way. It has become the best combination of science, nature and jewelry.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
We have earrings … in brass, sterling silver and 14k gold-filled varieties; necklaces in sterling silver and 14k gold-filled, … and bracelets and more styles coming soon. They are bright, colorful, lightweight and completely unique. No two petals are the same.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 was great to get back out to some events. We have some really amazing customers and venues, and it was great to see them again. We hope to have a wonderful holiday season, spreading as much sunshine as we can.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
My jewelry can be purchased anytime online. Earrings are available year-round at the Sweet Beet Market (11 W. Main St., Bradford). We will also be at the Concord Arts Market Holiday Market at Kimball Jenkins (226 N. Main St., Concord) on Saturday, Dec. 4, from noon to 3 p.m.
Alycia McDuff
Milford, dalimalovedesigns.etsy.com, @dalimalovedesigns on Facebook and Instagram
Describe your craft.
Stickers are my primary product and feature a wide array of mandala designs and intricate patterns. I draw all of my images on my iPad. … I recently started branching out by offering canvas iron-on transfer bags, buttons, magnets and greeting cards. My current portfolio features a wide array of colors and patterns ranging from moon phases to floral designs to patterned animals and more.
Printed zipper pouches with original designs by Alycia McDuff. Courtesy photo.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
What started out as a fun doodling project has become my form of meditation. I don’t particularly like to plan out many of my designs as I enjoy drawing from the heart. I get lost in the lines and find a lot of joy in making patterns that are complex and bold in design.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
For this holiday season I have been focusing more on holographic stickers as they make fabulous stocking stuffers, along with these adorable coin pouches … that are perfect for sharing a gift card and adding a bit of personality for the recipient.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 has been very busy. … My shop started out as a very small production with only 10 sticker designs and now I am currently closing in on 700 orders with over 100 listings. I have also been doing more custom digital pet portraits, which have been a wonderful holiday gift. … I am hoping that this season of life will show others how wonderful it can be to support a small business, and the joy you can find in gifting a unique handmade item for your loved ones.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
I will be at the End 68 Hours of Hunger Monadnock Holiday Craft Fair at the Monadnock Regional High School (580 Old Homestead Way, Swanzey) on Saturday, Dec. 11, starting at 9 a.m., and I will be at Santa’s Workshop Craft Fair at the VFW (18 Railroad Ave., Derry) on Sunday, Dec. 12, starting at 12:30 p.m.
Featured photo:Upcycled sweater mittens by David and LeeAnn Fay-Ellis. Courtesy photo.
Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.
Covid-19 news
During the state’s weekly public health update on Nov. 23, state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan reported that New Hampshire averaged nearly 1,000 new infections of Covid-19 per day over the previous week. “We’re currently experiencing the highest level of Covid-19 in our communities that we’ve seen at any point during this pandemic,” he said.
Later during the press conference, Gov. Chris Sununu announced a new executive order to address hospital capacity across the state due to record numbers of Covid cases. The order directs state health officials to help hospitals set up “internal surge centers” within the campuses of individual hospitals, similar to those that were in school gymnasiums and fieldhouses last year. “We’re adding flexibilities to increase bed capacities at rehabilitation facilities, [and] we’re asking the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification and other boards that license our health care professionals to streamline licensing and to increase eligibility to assist the health care system in the coming months,” Sununu said. As of Nov. 29 there were 377 active hospitalizations statewide attributed to Covid, a record high since the start of the pandemic.
Sununu also announced a new “booster blitz” initiative to encourage people to get their booster shots before the holidays. On Dec. 11 the state will host more than 20 pop-up community sites where booster doses will be administered. Appointments can be booked online through the state Department of Health and Human Services website. Booster shots can also be scheduled at participating local pharmacies or doctor’s offices — go to vaccines.nh.gov to make an appointment and check availability.
As of Nov. 29, Granite Staters are now able to order free at-home rapid Covid-19 tests through DHHS’s website. About 100,000 free PCR tests are also going to be available to schools, as well as federally qualified health centers, homeless shelters and other locations throughout the state’s Public Health Networks.
Mandate on hold
The mandate issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requiring that workers at health care facilities receiving Medicare or Medicaid benefits be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will not be enforced for the time being, Gov. Chris Sununu and Attorney General John Formella announced on Nov. 29. New Hampshire, along with nine other states, challenged the mandate on Nov. 10, requesting a preliminary injunction. The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri has granted the injunction so that the mandate is not enforceable in the 10 plaintiff states, pending a trial or an order of the Court.
Winter parking
The odd/even overnight winter parking ban is in effect in Manchester now through April 15, the city’s Department of Public Works announced. Between 1 and 6 a.m. all motor vehicles must be parked on the odd-numbered side of a street during odd-numbered calendar months, and on the even-numbered side of the street during even-numbered calendar months. On streets on which parking is only typically available on one side, drivers may continue to park on that side. Overnight parking on the circular portions of dead-end cul-de-sacs is not permitted and there is no parking on any city streets between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. while a Snow Emergency is in effect. Snow Emergencies are indicated by flashing beacons at traffic intersections throughout the city. Residents and visitors may also sign up to receive Snow Emergency alerts via text or email at manchesternh.gov/snow, or call the Department of Public Works for updates at 624-6444. Drivers can park for free during set hours during a Snow Emergency at Victory Parking Garage, Pearl Street Parking Lot and behind West Side Arena.
Warming station
Hope for New Hampshire Recovery, in partnership with 1269 Cafe, is offering an overnight warming station at 1269 Cafe on Union Street serving people experiencing homelessness. Every night from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., now through March 31, the station will be staffed, providing warmth and coffee to those in need of its services. “Hope and 1269 Cafe want people to stay alive and be healthy this winter,” Keith Howard, Executive Director for Hope for New Hampshire Recovery, said in a press release. The two nonprofits are asking for the community’s support in raising $65,000 to fund the warming station. More than $5,000 had been raised as of Nov. 26, according to the release.
A French teacher at Pembroke Academy is the 2022 Janis Hennessey World Language Teacher of Excellence for New Hampshire. The New Hampshire Association of World Language Teachers’ Board of Directors recently announced that Adriana Cauley won the honor as “an excellent, creative and innovative World Language teacher … [and] a leader of World Languages within her school and community,” according to a press release.
Former Vice President Mike Pence is scheduled to come to Manchester on Thursday, Dec. 8, to speak at a New Hampshire State Senate Republicans fundraiser. According to a report from WMUR, Senate President Chuck Morse confirmed Pence as the headliner for the event. Pence is being considered a possible presidential candidate in 2024, according to the report.
The daughter of astronaut Alan Shepard of Derry is going to space. On Dec. 9, Laura Shepard Churchley is scheduled to join five other passengers aboard a Blue Origin flight on a spacecraft named New Shepard after her father, according to a report from WMUR. One of the other passengers is Good Morning America anchor and former NFL player Michael Strahan, the report said, and the flight is expected to last 10 minutes — five minutes less than the 1961 Mercury flight that Alan Shepard was on.
