Artist Sid Dickens with Fire Opal co-owner Steve Murakishi

Sid Dickens Memory Blocks have long been treasured by collectors of the series for their textured, laborious process, their limited edition nature, and their beautiful, varied finishes and images. The hand crafted plaster blocks are made by hand in Vancouver, Canada, by a team of emerging artists. Each block may see the handiwork of more than five artists before it is complete. Sue and Steve visited Sid at last month’s New York International Gift Fair, and the artist’s classic display showed off the Memory Blocks beautifully.

Each hand poured hydrostone plaster block measures 6″ x 8″ x 1 1/4″, and as the images are retired and invented anew, the standard size aides in their collectibility. Hand painted, silver and gold leafed, and hand stained, the images evoke gracefulness, an appreciation for nature, timeless beauty, appreciation for music, and ornate patterning.

Sid Dickens Memory Blocks make wonderful gifts, and are best viewed in groupings on a wall. Memory Blocks can be found at Fire Opal Brookline or online at fire-opal.com.

Display of Sid Dickens' 'Memory Blocks' at the 2012 NYIGF

Clockwise from top: 5 Strand Long Leaf Necklace by Megan Auman, Heaven on Earth diamond ring by Adel Chefridi, Organic four stone pendant by Adel Chefridi.

Clockwise from top left: Heart Pancake Spatula by Beehive Kitchenware, Sapphire and Diamond earrings by Dahlia Kanner, Heart spice spoons by Beehive Kitchenware, silk embroidered necklace by Erica Schlueter.

Visit Fire Opal in Brookline or JP, or online at fire-opal.com, for more great Valentine’s Day gift ideas like these!

City Feed & Supply will pour select fine sparkling wines in the spirit of lovers. Fire Opal will showcase its array of beautiful handmade crafts with a spotlight on dazzling new pieces from exquisite jeweler Adel Chefridi. Sparkling wine and sparkling gems will pair perfectly on this pre-Valentine’s Day evening.

Adel Chefridi's Carnelian drop necklace strikes a simple resonance

Adel Chefridi’s philosophy as a former gemologist with a lover’s touch, is that the cutting, polishing, and setting reveal the beauty already inherent in each jewel. Chefridi’s stones shine with apparent knowledge, expertise, and love of joining gems and the wearer. Adel Chefridi’s jewelry is available exclusively at Fire Opal in the Boston area.

Westport Rivers' Vintage Rosé entwines Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in a lovers' knot

City Feed’s resident Wine buyer, Jake, will be sampling a variety of sparkling wines, featuring Westport Rivers Rosé, a 2004 vintage with aromas of strawberries, apple and creamy toast.

“Sparkle” is the second in a series of collaborative events from Fire Opal and City Feed and Supply. City Feed’s philosophy of buying local, organic and healthy is a perfect pair with Fire Opal’s commitment to American handmade craft. Both businesses have deep connections to the artisanal, handcrafted, micro atelier.

For information on Craft Night, please visit Fire Opal on Facebook and fire-opal.com.

Steve Murakishi presents Fire Opal's 2011 gift wrap donation check to Big Sister CEO Deb Re

Fire Opal’s Steve Murakishi was pleased to present Deb Re, CEO of Big Sister Association of Greater Boston, with a check at the close of our annual gift wrap donation program. Together with the support of our generous customers, 100% of the donations benefitted Big Sister, totalling $748 in funds raised in December.

Big Sister is celebrating its 60th year of serving girls in the Greater Boston area. The only mentoring organization in the United States that combines the established, research-based practices of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America with a gender-specific lens proven to increase positive outcomes for girls, Big Sister strives to create a culture where girls are valued, with a goal of transforming Boston’s communities by improving social and economic conditions, one girl at a time.

Each year through the gift wrap program, Fire Opal aims to bring greater awareness and support to local not for profit organizations; make a community contribution; and represent our Fire Opal American handmade artists. Previous recipients include the JP Curley School music department and the Dorcester, MA Bird Street Community Center. Thanks for another successful gift wrap donation to the community!

A fairly new potter to Fire Opal Brookline, Dustin Harris, throws pots with the training and wisdom of a snowflake, or a Zen answer or a good used tool. With his skill and ingenuity with the soda kiln he created in 2006, his pots have the potential for favorite fireside status.

But what is a soda kiln? This kiln allows for the addition of soda, such as baking soda, at near top temperature during firing. At such a high temperature, the soda becomes vaporized and travels around the kiln with the flame. Like vaporized glass, the soda becomes a glaze on the surface of the clay, often with a stippled or grainy effect, having a very earthy quality.

Dustin says also, of its color, “The work receives a naturally colorful patina from the baking soda that flies along the flame path throughout the kiln.”

The potter can control how the soda hits the pieces by choosing how to load the kiln, where to place pieces in relation to one another and in relation to the walls and posts of the kiln. Sometimes spots will occur from soda being blocked on a piece, and soda over preexisting glaze on a piece will run together to create an entirely new– and relatively unknown–surface.

Interestingly, this method was developed by students at Alfred University in the 1970s (Dustin received his BFA there in 2004)– previously, the use of salt was the norm for soda firing, but potters were concerned with the environmental impact of the salt reaction. The process with salt yielded black smoke and hydrochloric acid in addition to effects on the clay, but with baking soda, low-impact carbon dioxide is released instead.   (For more great info on soda firing, check out this article.)

The subtleties in Dustin’s pieces make them objects to grow with and cherish. All items are food, microwave, and dishwasher safe, making his mugs and vessels perfect for a hot fireside cup of coffee, tea or soup. Currently making pots as DH Pots teaching ceramics at Stivers High School for the Arts in Dayton Ohio, Dustin is a potter to watch.

The Inventiveness of Felted Wool

How did you get into felting?

I’ve been felting full time for two years and started five years ago. I had been given a scarf making kit by my children and really liked it.

I have discovered that I am a person who likes to make things. I am a painter by training. Every time after a show, it was like giving birth– you don’t know what to do afterwards. A few years ago, painting started slowing down, and my scarves were still selling. I think it doesn’t matter what I’m making, as long as I’m making something, I am happy.

And I don’t want a warehouse full of Barbara Pooles! I want to share my creations with the world.

You can create whole worlds – wool is such a versatile medium. I love the tactile quality. While I’m felting, I can be thinking as I’m creating. And I love working with the color and texture.

Felting is the closest medium to painting in terms of process. Using soap, water, and raw fiber, it’s like the animal hairs brushing oil and pigment across the animal skin.

Barbara Poole, "Wrapped In Her Cloak Of Invisibility She Bravely Set Forth In The Jungle," oil on wood, 3 panels, 48" x 70" each

How is it different to approach a felt piece rather than a painting?

A lot of my paintings are on view at Barbarapooleartist.net. My paintings are very cerebral. They are more about narratives and are very figurative. They are not very gestural, but are very tight renderings of things. The difference with felt is that with the wool, I am experimenting with abstract forms. I couldn’t allow myself to paint abstractly as I got caught up in the rendering. In felt, without the historical parameters, I am freed. With felt, my scarves, my shawls– everything I approach is like an abstract painting. I look for movement. I balance light and darks. It’s all done with markmaking.

Do you conceptualize an entire piece, such as a hat, or do you start making a texture as a rectangle and then let that guide the inspiration for the construction and sew it together?

Nothing is sewn. I start with a shape., and figure out how to make the shape. I love problems. To make a 3D object it is created by using a plastic resist between the layers of felt to prevent them from felting together. The fabric goes over a form and then thin layers of wool over the fabric. If I’m making a hat, I have an idea for a shape of a hat, 90% of the type of felting I do is popularly know as “Nuno”– combination of a substrate and wool. A laminate process. The fabrics and colors start to inform the design that’s going to happen. It starts to become a collage.

How do you choose which fibers to embed together in a piece?

A lot of fabrics are recycled fabrics. Designers will have a line of clothing, and they will have just a few odds and ends and scraps that they can’t use. I will try to use every little piece. I will have a fabulous piece of fabric that will suggest something, or other non-silks will work with silks and wools to create a piece.

All the time, I want it to be functional. What I make is wearable art. It’s not the same as fashion– fashion has lines. Fashion designers create a line, but each of my pieces are unique. They are sometimes outrageous but always wearable.. It takes a very confident person to wear my pieces.

Once a piece is felted and dries, is there any change in the color or appearance? Will the fabrics change size drastically from the felting process?

Size is predetermined based on the form I’m using. I try to make hats a size medium. There is an unpredictability. There is always an element of surprise. And then how do you work it in? How do you account for it?

Like painting, I start with an idea, but as I’m working, I determine, no, it wants to be something else. Then I ask, “what do I need to do or add to it?” Each one is its own world.

What kind of facilities do you need to create a large piece such as a coat?

My studio is in the basement of the old Armory building in Somerville, MA and I have two huge 9′ by 6′ tables for working.

What is the most special aspect of working with wool and silk?

I really like the tactile quality. I like the fact that I can go 2-D and 3-D. What I like most is its malleability and its unpredictability.

One of a kind pieces from B.Felt are available at Fire Opal, 320 Harvard St., Brookline, MA.

Scroll down for more information on the elegance and style of these fantastic brands.

Bailey 44

Los Angeles, CA

Bailey 44's classic, throwback slacks: the 'Poker Night Pant'

Sexy, interesting, ageless and wearable — all the looks that the owners wanted for themselves, but couldn’t find in stores, comprises Bailey 44 clothing. Bailey 44 strives for lines that are cool and understated, sexy but not overt, modern, relevant, well made, and most importantly, that really fit.

In Bailey 44′s Los Angeles, California headquarters, the designer personally tries on every style of this contemporary, women-owned label, allowing her to be involved in all phases of production. This in an important distinction, one that has made all the difference between cookie-cutter clothing and inventive looks that have integrity and are made in the USA.

Brigitte NYC

New York City, NY

Brigitte NYC's wonderful cropped and fitted sleeveless vest with a pebble texture

Elegant, handmade, ready-to-wear and custom clothing characterizes Brigitte NYC. Born in Germany, owner/designer Brigitte Vosse has worked and lived in New York City for 26 years. Her education and experiences range from art history, archaeology and architecture to costume designing as well as teaching and creating arts and crafts. Vosse’s designs exude the textures and eye for elegance in her repertoire.

Comfy USA

Northridge, CA

Comfy USA's moto jacket disguises extreme comfort in rock 'n roll asymmetry

Comfy USA is designed for customers who want modern, trend-appropriate clothes that balance casual and career with contemporary fashion. Young in spirit, realistic in fit and at affordable price points with quality, Comfy USA’s fair trade apparel products are seasonless, timeless, ageless, clean and sophisticated. It goes without saying that these comfortable clothes are made in the USA.

Habitat

Norwood, MA

Habitat's rich textures and flattering lines are perfect winter wear

Also made in the USA, and based in Massachusetts, Habitat’s “Clothes To Live In” are high quality clothing for casual comfort. Rich colored yarns, comfortable, soft weaves, and classic shapes define this brand.

Mary De Angelis

Provincetown, MA

Mary De Angelis clothing is cool, casual, and ready for any situation

Mary De Angelis creates elegant, sophisticated clothing for all types of women by hand in New England from the finest quality fabrics. All of Fire Opal’s apparel is handmade with care, but knowing Mary De Angelis’ fabulous apparel is made locally is a bonus that will remind you that you are a key component in the creation, production, and overall life cycle of a well made garment.

Petit Pois

Miami, FL

Petis Pois' vivid mesh brightens every outfit, any season

Designer Viviana creates premium luxury knit collections with signature tie-dye mesh and original, beautiful printed designs.

With Petit Pois, Viviana designs and manufacture her premium luxury knit collections at her Miami headquarters. Viviana’s experiences and life-style have influenced her brand, as have her ever-evolving customers. She understands the needs of women in this modern day world. Petit Pois is a manufacturer that not only designs but cuts and produces the entire line on-site with absolute control over the quality of the garments. Being in total control of the process represents the philosophy of the company: “First quality garments and first class customer service with affordable prices geared for the Better and Contemporary markets.”

Rina Zin

Yavne, Israel

The sheer elegance of Rina Zin clothing is evident in each piece

Artistic & exclusive, Rina Zin’s specialty is designing a look of refinement, nostalgia & romanticism.

Rina Zin clothing features a unique language, mysteriousness and subliminal text as well as careful craftsmanship. As her trademark style has evolved and matured, her exquisite collections and breathtakingly beautiful catalogues have been drawing increasing media attention. Her designs are characterized by very feminine, sophisticated, clean and tailored lines which are also sensual and soft, flattering while having a dialogue with the wearer’s body. Rina Zin’s collections are known for their high quality dressmaking and finish, befitting haute couture. The designs combine fabrics and knits with differing degrees of sheerness, metallic tints and textures which are also subjected to unusual dyeing, softening and other unique fabric manipulations.

Sun Kim

Northridge, CA

Sun Kim's revolutionary 'Memory' fabric is paired with cutting edge forms

Sun Kim is made for the modern woman — one who values city chic in comfortable, lightweight, packable, travel wear. Sun Kim clothing is also water repellent and Made in U.S.A.

Created in a new memory fabric that memorizes the original shape and features of the design, this collection is super chic, with a wrinkle-free style, smooth surface and  comfortable feel.

Xiaoyan

San Francisco, CA

You won't find anything else like Xiaoyan's fabrics combined with sculptural shapes-- truly art to wear.

XIAOYAN is an exotic and majestic brand of clothing created by Xiaoyan Lin. Lin combines familiar shapes with unexpected fabrics to create her beautiful pieces of wearable art. Her forms are simple but her finishes are luxurious.

Centered in San Francisco, Xioayan Lin and her husband have been creating bold, structural art. An art to wear clothing brand that uses the finest Japanese fabrics in all of their clothing, Xiaoyan uses geometric shapes, and rich textiles in their clothing collection for the decades to come.

What kind of special craft union can you expect on January 5th? On the one hand, beers of solid body and intelligent construction, brewed with the sincerity of a well-placed gemstone; on the other hand, American crafts that have been carefully curated to reflect high design, wearability, durability, and beauty from the best of contemporary makers.

Adel Chefridi's simple, exquisite jewelry is among the handmade jewelry at Fire Opal

Laura Zindel's earthenware with silkscreens of hand-drawn natural wonders populate Fire Opal's ceramics collection

Fibers from Miss Fitt, pictured above, are among the clothing and accessories, all American handmade, at Fire Opal

From the beer shelf at City Feed

The winter craft beer shelf at City Feed and Supply in Jamaica Plain is stocked with craft brews from Pretty Things, Sam Adams, Allagash and Mystic Breweries. This is just a taste of the choice selections you can expect from City Feed at Fire Opal on January 5th.

For information on Craft Night, visit Fire Opal on Facebook and fire-opal.com.

Katie Grenier magnets

Available at Fire Opal in JP and Brookline, these magnets are sassy and fun gifts for the eco-conscious on your list. Katie Grenier magnets are made in the USA from recycled bottle caps.

Cicada Glass ornaments

Going fast, so get them at Fire Opal Brookline while they last! Cicada glass ornaments are hand blown, one of a kind, and made in central New York state. R. Jason Howard, Cicada Glassworks’ founder, is highly skilled at glassblowing intricate designs and rare color combinations, which make Cicada glass ornaments a great gift to give or receive–each small piece is a microcosm of Howard’s master craft.

A shibori nuno felted scarf by Nguyen in diamond pleated black and white pattern.

Fire Opal Brookline is graced temporarily with Amy Nguyen Shibori nuno felted scarves.

What is shibori, you may wonder? Shibori is a Japanese method of dyeing cloth with tied, stitched, or compressed binding, folds, and twists, to create patterning. The Western adaptation of shibori is tie dye, but the Japanese methods Nguyen uses are much more precise, geometric, and delicate than the patterning tie dye normally conjures.

Additionally, you may wonder, what is Nuno felting? In nuno felting, felting, an ancient method of matting natural fibers like wool by rubbing, is combined with a woven sheer fabric like silk. By hand, wool fibers are embedded into silk. As a result, the felt has more lightness and drape than pure felted wool.

While Nguyen’s oeuvre also contains high fashion sculptural pieces made of silk organza and pieced and quilted fabrics, the works at Fire Opal Brookline are very versatile and wearable scarves from the series pictured above. Note the simple elegance, classic black and white patterning, and poignant dyeing effects.

Other great facts about Nguyen are that she lives in the Boston area, and “Japanese aesthetic, twentieth-century modern sculpture and proportion within nature” inspire her work.

Visit Fire Opal Brookline, 230 Harvard St., Brookline, MA, to see our collection of Nguyen’s textiles for a limited time.