Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Local artisans show off their handmade wares.
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 …
40.72071
-74.26988
Express Yourself Studios
1877 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ
/articles/photos-soma-artisans-guild-show
6831
/locations/75195
Friday, September 11, 2009
Local artisans pool resources and talent to promote and sell their work online and in the area. Their first show is Monday at Express Yourself Studios.
While waiting for her daughter to finish her soccer practice, Ann Vollum started drawing beasts. The Zambia native, who clocked time in England, Zimbabwe and Pakistan before settling in South Orange, had studied painting all her life, but put down the brushes and sharp-smelling oils when she started her family. Unwilling to give up on her artistic inclinations, she turned to pen and ink drawings, and created intricately detailed pictures of odd and beautiful animals. “I started off with a beastie a day blog,” Vollum said. Soon the project grew to include artist books, cards and clothes. She found local sellers for her designs, including Mia Cose Bella in South Orange, and offered her work on the handmade craft Web site Etsy. Vollum found …
40.72071
-74.26988
Express Yourself Studios
1877 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ
/articles/the-art-of-the-craft-soma-artisans-guild-has-its-first-show-on-monday
6831
/locations/69471
40.72066
-74.270239
Kari’s Cafe
1883 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ
/articles/the-art-of-the-craft-soma-artisans-guild-has-its-first-show-on-monday
3157
/locations/69472
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Some of Monica Bangia's friends didn't know how to cook. So she decided to make a career out of teaching them.
When you walk into Monica Bangia’s Maplewood home, you immediately notice the delicious scents. The aroma invites you to stop whatever you are doing, head immediately to the kitchen, grab a spoon and taste what is cooking on the stove. Her love of cooking is what drove this 37-year-old mom to throw on an apron and pursue her passion. When her daughter, now 6, began preschool, this former client services manager began wondering what she should do with her life. “I knew I didn't want to go back to corporate America and I also didn't want to be out of the house since my husband works such long hours,” Bangia said. “Cooking and entertaining had become a big part of my life. I come from a family of foodies. We all talk about food all the …
Mary Mann
7:55 pm on Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Judie, I'm hitting you back! Loved the article. For some reason, now I feel hungry. . . . more ›