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This week's retail openings, sales, promotions, news, and events. By Blythe Copeland


Friday,
September 9,
2005

 

big deals

For centuries, from quilting bees to sewing circles, women have bonded over crafts. And, after all, having something to show for a girls' night out is so much more satisfying than a trip to a karaoke bar.
   Spark Craft Studios
in Somerville has something for both party girls looking for a rest and homebodies looking for a night out. The boutique sells all the supplies you need to get started on your own, like Colorbok, Doodlebug, and Fiskars papers; Swarovski crystal, Czech glass, semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, and sterling silver beads; 17 brands of yarn; and needles, patterns, and jewelry wires.
   Would-be crafters who don't know which end of a needle to thread can sign up for classes including scrapbooking, card making, needlework, and bead jewelry, or host a birthday, bridal, or baby shower by reserving Spark's private room.
   The studio also hosts weekly Date Nights (it's okay, guys: Etching your own beer stein still passes as macho) and the upcoming Make Great Gifts series. During the Friday night Wine & Craft series, guests settle in for a wine tasting, complete with cheese and crackers, and a do-it-yourself project—like making a shadowbox to display a favorite photo, or coordinating stone and glass beads for a trendy necklace.
   Tonight, deck yourself out with your handmade ribbon, rhinestone, and sequin bangle bracelets. Classes run about two and a half hours, so, if you must, you'll still have time for karaoke afterwards. 6 p.m., 50 Grove St., Somerville, 617-718-9132, $30-$35.

Davis Square   :    50 Grove Street, Somerville, MA 02144    :    617 718 9132