The 1840s saw the introduction of the mass-produced valentine in the U.S. We can thank Esther A. Howland, known as the “mother of the valentine,” for that. But even with […]
Home / Making
Inspiration for the crafty, projects for the practical, spaces for dreamers.
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BEHIND THE WHEEL
The Long and Winding Road to Restoring a Classic
Notes on bringing back one of the last of the muscle cars
For those of us who are pretty much swamped during the summer season, but not the kind to close up shop in the winter, this is no time to kick […]
GREAT OUTDOORS
The Accoutrements of a Cold-Weather Cookout
Set up strategically, build a big fire, and tell your pod it’s b.y.o. blanket
The drifts of snow last week confirmed the reality that is winter. And if there ever were a winter to dive under the covers and not come out until mid-May, […]
TOOLS
When Chefs Go Home, It’s Simplicity They Seek
Cooks share their hardworking, multitasking, real-life favorites
Those who work in professional kitchens have a multitude of tools to get them through the daily grind. Some are workhorses — a heavy-duty mixer or a deep stack of […]
POST-HOLIDAY HOW TO
The Art of the Handwritten Thank You
It’s like sending a hug with words
“Gratitude.” I feel like this word has taken on such power in recent times. I know I am not alone in trying to make being mindfully thankful a daily practice. […]
D.I.Y.
A Make-Believe Mantelpiece
This one’s not for knickknacks
“The fact that ‘hearth’ is synonymous with ‘home’ in so many tongues is sufficient argument for a fireplace,” writes Bradford Angier in his 1952 book How to Build Your Home […]
MEET THE MAKER
The Art of Doll Making
A doll’s eyelashes inspire devotion to duplicating antiques
EASTHAM — Dolls are a special holiday gift many children hope for. But dolls really had their heyday about 150 years ago. Those who are intrigued by antique dolls know […]
GALLERY
Holiday Planters That Bring the Winter Landscape Home
Foraging etiquette and design tips from a pro
Flower designer Kate Formichella is known for making bouquets and installations that are naturally beautiful. She uses local flowers and plants, mostly from her own flower farm in Orleans. She […]
GALLERY
Home Made for the Holidays
Artisan markets to help you keep your shopping local
While we won’t warm up shoulder-to-shoulder at artisan fairs as we have in holidays past, there are plenty of opportunities to support local shop owners, artists, and the creative community […]
PLANTCRAFT
Create a Palette of Colors From Nature
Time-tested recipes for plant-based inks and paints
As winter draws near, we lose more leaves to the wind each day. The ones that remain give the landscape a patina of russet, sienna, ochre. The ground is covered […]
MEET THE MAKER
Painting Without a Brush
Fibers make for tactile reflections of nature’s texture and color
WELLFLEET — I am an artist who “paints” with fiber. Inspired by my grandmother’s skilled needlework and embroidery and a lifelong desire to paint, I developed my own technique by […]
DESIGN
Set It Like You Mean It
A colorful table says ‘thank you’ to the company you keep
Thanksgiving is a time to tend your table in such a way that it will bring on a smile. Kevin O’Shea, who knows from hosting — he and his partner, […]
PLANTCRAFT
Making Wreaths and Garlands
Bring the color and texture of the fall landscape home
The days are shorter. We move inside and want to bring the landscape with us. We start with dried bouquets, then move to wreaths, garlands, and soon, maybe, the tree. […]
BEHIND THE WHEEL
Salt Sea Air Eats Brakes for Breakfast
A few things you can do to make them last a little longer
People complain a lot when they bring their cars in for brake work. “I just had my car inspected and they’re telling me I need new brakes,” they say. “Didn’t […]
GALLERY
How to Carve a Modern Day Jack-o’-lantern
In the original tales, Halloween’s glowing light came from a turnip
Its light was said to mislead travelers at night, flickering over peat bogs, swamps, and marshes, resembling a lantern shining in the dark. Where scientists now see bioluminescence, storytellers saw […]
