The Talk Shop series is where we interview independent store owners from across the country, to get their inside take on their running an independent business.

This week, Dave Sakowski, co-owner of the crafty haven Magpie, talks about his famously rad Massachusetts shop, which he owns alongside animator/playing card designer/knitter/DJ Emily Arkin, craftster.org founder and author Leah Kramer, and illustrator/designer Dave McMahon.

Sakowski, Arkin and Kramer are all organizers of popular inde craft fair, Bazaar Bizarre, which has been growing and going strong since 2001.  It was through organizing this massive fair that these crafty-minded friends decided they needed a place for both local and national artists and crafters to sell their wares year-round.

From the first day it opened its doors in Cambridge in 2004, to its eventual move to Davis Square, Magpie has always been a supporter of local Massachusetts artists. Stop on by for cute vintage housewares, as well as a tremendous collection of handmade items from more than 150 crafters!

Tell us what Magpie is all about
Magpie is all about the handmade revolution.

Do you have any sort of background in crafting or the arts?
Magpie is owned and operated by five people who are all musicians, crafters and artists.

How does your business support independent artists and crafters and/or the handmade community?
We give artists and crafters a place to display and sell their work. For many artists and crafters the internet is the only outlet for them to reach the public.

Who are your favorite local designers?
There are so many great local designers it’s hard to choose. Some that come to mind are Happy Owl Glassworks, Wonderland Q, Bias Designs and Fussy Gussy.

How can local designers and crafters get involved with Magpie?
They can submit their products through our website at http://magpie-store.com/consign.html.

What’s the most unusual item(s) for sale in your shop?
Right now I would say that would be robots made from used bicycle parts, clocks made from old 45s and lamps made from tiny drink umbrellas.

Any advice for those interested in opening up their own boutique?
Do research on the area you want to open the shop in. We made the mistake of opening in a neighborhood that had the wrong demographic for us and we moved after 6 months to our current neighborhood which
has been great.

Where do you shop, besides Magpie, of course.
There’s a few cool shops right near us, D-Squared, Poor Little Rich Girl, and Artifaktori. I also do a lot of thrifting at local Goodwill stores and other consignment shops.

There’s a street fight between a seamstress and a screen-printer… who would win?
No contest – the seamstress would win.

Any exciting upcoming events or holiday sales going on at Magpie?
We’re about to start a 25% off red tag sale that will last through the end of the year.

Magpie is located in Davis Square at 416 Highland Avenue, Somerville, Massachusetts 02144.
For store information and to shop online, go to magpie-store.com.

If you own a boutique, gallery or other place of business that supports the indie craft community, and want it featured in Talk Shop, email hellocraftinfo@gmail.com with Talk Shop in the subject line.