Photos and story by Brian Wheeler

Crafting is alive and well in Central Massachusetts, with its talented residents working in a variety of mediums from clay to wood to glass – and just about everything else! As the holidays approach, think about skipping the online shopping and going truly local with a gift handmade in Central Massachusetts.

Holly Kenny of Elsie Kaye Glassworks • elsiekaye.com

Holly Kenny’s vision was a makerspace for artists to come to work and teach in the heart of Westborough.

“I knew I wanted to keep my business downtown,” she said. “I would not forgo the opportunity to help the arts flourish here.”

Two years ago, she signed the lease for her brick-and-mortar space, Elsie Kay Glassworks.

Don’t let the name fool you. While she focuses her own artistic efforts in glass flame work, her business provides a space for all sort of artistry, including pottery and woodworking. Kenny has secured her role as an essential component to the revitalization of arts in downtown Westborough.

She has been involved with the Westborough Cultural Council and has communicated with the Economic Development Committee, as well as the Downtown Improvement Group.

“When you need something done, ask a busy mom,” Kenny said.

Beyond Westborough, Elsie Kay carries the handmade work of 45 New England artists. The space draws creative types from all over with its workshops and classes.

Kenny grew up in a creative environment, her mother working with acrylics and oils and her father with charcoal. It wasn’t until about 10 years ago, when she took a glass-blowing class in Worcester, that she began creating glass beads. Like many artists of her kind, it began as a hobby, while she maintained a career in genetic research. Five years ago, Kenny began selling wholesale products, and glassblowing became a full-time endeavor.

“I love what I do; if I could do this (glassblowing) every day, I would,” she said.

‘Sometimes I have my husband asking, “When are you coming home?”’

Holiday gift idea: Kenny suggests candle holders, a hot item this season.

Pam Farren of Worcester Center for Crafts • worcester.edu/wcc

Some questioned Pam Farren’s decision to move from her idyllic home of Newburyport to the second largest city in Massachusetts. Farren, a self-taught metal artisan, formerly held 250 wholesale accounts, and business was booming. Now, she holds only 10 wholesale accounts as the manager of the metal department at Worcester Center for Crafts – and she has no regrets.

“The Worcester art scene is so varied, open and welcoming,” Farren said.

As manager of the metal department, she schedules events, orders materials and teaches classes. While she still finds a creative outlet in Turkish metalsmithing (think hammer and chisel), she has found a new passion in teaching. Farren explains that teaching has helped her grow as an artist.

“I get back more than I give in teaching,” she said. “I learn from the questions and mistakes of my students.”

But she also enjoys sharing her passion for artistry, recognizing how easy it is to fall in love with the work and the tools.

“I like to make an impact in someone’s life – to challenge someone with a new craft is to spur personal growth,” Farren said. “We find artisans and those interested in the arts through word of mouth, social media and outreach at events.”

Pam notes the challenge has been to attract a younger audience. For that reason, the mission of Worcester Center for Crafts is to provide affordable courses – ones in which the struggling Worcester college student may be able to take part.

Holiday gift idea: Farren suggests a group craft experience, or private lesson, to open the door to a new hobby — a lifelong gift.

Carmen Michel of Carmiclay • facebook.com/carmiclay

Many would agree the Amazon-driven revolution of retail has put small businesses at a disadvantage. Carmen Michel, a small batch ceramicist in Worcester, would challenge this conception. On the contrary, Michel believes the increasingly impersonal retail environment has advanced Carmiclay, her business of handmade crafts.

“People want something made from a person,” Michel said.

In her case, that something is minimalist clay pottery. Michel seeks to create useful, everyday products such as plates, bowls, cups and mugs. She also creates pipes and one-hitters to satisfy the growing consumer base of marijuana smokers in Massachusetts post legalization.

Michel always had a knack for artistic creation. She began in fashion design and sewing. Then, she began working with clay and never stopped.

“I like to create. That’s why I choose clay,” Michel said.

Although she keeps her products simple in color and craft, she breaks from uniformity as a “small batch” ceramicist.

‘“Small batch” means I don’t have to make a million things of the same; I get a lot of play room, do it for myself or sell it myself. I can mix it up,”’ she said. In other words, every piece is slightly different.

Three years ago, Michel moved from Switzerland to reside in Worcester. It was then that she began promoting her work through social media sites such as Instagram. She has also found a market in Central Massachusetts among those seeking handmade goods.

“The shop small, shop local movement has boomed in the Worcester area (especially),” Michel said. “I find Worcester creative, growing and up and coming. I have seen a change in the short time I have been here.”

Michel began her business from scratch, an endeavor she describes as a “community effort.” She purchased a kiln, slab roller and wheel on Craigslist to get rolling. Then, she collected secondhand furniture and set up shop in a warehouse on Brussels Street in Worcester.

“I see myself staying here for a while. With 1,000 square feet of open space, I am building a business – something out of the realm of possibility of any artist trying to build a name in Boston.”

Holiday gift idea: Michel suggests a handmade ceramic mug – anyone can appreciate it!

Zandra Cloutier of Bees Knees Stitchery • facebook.com/Bees-Knees-Stitchery-364813197049388

Zandra Cloutier sits in what used to be her son’s bedroom, in the basement of her Sturbridge home, with her sewing machine by her side. Her boxer/pitbull, Daisya, curls cozily up at her feet. Surrounding her are a mannequin and stacked tubs of sewing materials. What began as a hobby and evolved into creative gifts for family has culminated in her own business: Bees Knees Stitchery.

“My mother and her mother were sewers – so I picked it up from them,” she said. “My grandmother used to hand-sew Barbie doll clothes.”

Cloutier might not sew Barbie doll clothes – but she does sew everything else, from quilts to backpacks. To keep inventory up, she produces everything with her sewing machine.

“I tried hand-sewing a quilt once – it was a nine-month project. I don’t have the patience,” Cloutier said.

Her business, three years in the making, is still in its beginning stages. Cloutier began posting products to Etsy, which only garnered sporadic sales.

“I kept adding product, and it was only costing me money,” she said. “I am still figuring out the business side of things.”

Cloutier does maintain a Facebook page, to which she posts, keeping her customer base informed on when and where she will be presenting her products. She has attended craft fairs in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.

“It keeps me busy and gets me out of the house,” Cloutier said. When she is not assisting her husband at his machine shop, she is building up her own business – Bees Knees.

She may not expect a storefront in the future, but admits she’ll always be doing some sort of sewing, regardless of the business, and will always remain willing to share her work.

Holiday gift idea: Cloutier suggests a microwave-safe pot holder, stitched with your recipient’s favorite team logo.

Liam O’ Brien & Adam Sanborn of Wachusett Woodworks • etsy.com/shop/WachusettWoodworks

In 2014, Liam O’Brien and Adam Sanborn graduated from Wachusett Regional High School. The two knew they would remain friends, but did not perceive that they would be business partners. When the two hang out now in the basement of O’Brien’s home, a high-powered laser accompanies the end-of-day beer.

O’Brien and Sanborn began creating custom, laser engraved woodwork as a side project. Gifts were produced mostly for friends and family. The two worked out of Technicopia, a makerspace in Worcester. There, they had access to all the tools they needed. However, the resources were limited and membership was costly.

It wasn’t until they purchased their own laser that they began to market themselves as a business. What began as woodwork, based in O’Brien’s carpentry background, soon expanded to laser engraved anything – including metal and slate.

“If you dream it, we make it,” Sanborn said, displaying a variety of products from coasters to coat hangers.

Breweries have taken notice of Wachusett’s coasters, in particular, as the guys have been asked to fill orders for popular names such as Jack’s Abbey in Framingham and Treehouse in Charlton.

“Most of our marketing is word of mouth,” O’Brien said.

As a result, the consumer base remains relatively local. On Dec.14, the duo will attend their first craft fair in Sterling, and looking to next year, the two expect to attend the Big E.

With a shared passion in building new things and designing custom projects, the two hope to expand and ultimately move from O’Brien’s basement to their own brick-and-mortar shop.

“The next step is a CNC machine for custom cutting and another laser,” O’Brien said.

I guess you never really can have enough lasers.

Holiday gift idea: O’Brien and Sanborn suggest a personalized holiday ornament, a unique addition to any tree.