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Photos: Soma Artisan's Guild Show

Local artisans show off their handmade wares.

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Jo Bradney poses by her art.
Photos (7)
The scene outside Express Yourself Studios.
Shirts designed by Ann Vollum.
South Orange's Alison Oxman poses by her handmade semi-precious jewelry.
South Orange's Katie Clayton and some of her creations.
Nancy Cook of Sew Nancy and her knitted and sewn designs
Jo Bradney poses by her art.
Ann Vollum by her Beastly Beastie shirts.
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Maybe the day was too sunny for homemade crafts. Whatever the reason, the first craft show by the SOMA Artisan’s Guild, held yesterday at Express Yourself Studios, was quiet. Customers trickled in, though, and the participants considered the day a success.

Ann Vollum, co-founder of the Artisan’s guild, emphasized the need to spread the word about the show. She believes that as more people are aware of it—and when the holiday season draws near—the show will get much busier.

“Until the word gets out, it’s going to be slow,” Vollum said.

A variety of work was on display, including pencil sketches, quirkily adorned lampshades and intricate knitted items. They ranged in style, but all showed copious personality, which was evident when the artisans described their work.

“It’s very feminine, with hints of nostalgia,” Nancy Cook said of her knit and sewn “homemade objects.”

Cook, who plies her objects by the nom de knitting needle Sew Nancy, had a variety of plush goods for sale. Other crafters worked with different materials.

“I’ve been documenting my trash,” Jo Bradney said with a laugh. But it’s no joke: check out her series "Carbon Footprints: Charcoal Still Life Drawings of my Trash” on her Web site.

For more information about the Guild and future shows, see their Web site.