Area Women Launch New England Finery Magazine

Individuals looking for a hand with home design and other areas may want to get started with a new online magazine launched by a group of local women.

New England Finery Magazine launched early this year, featuring articles and advice on fashion, design and home decorations. To read the first issue, click here.

"I've always had an artistic eye to guide me," said co-founder and creative director/editor Yvonne Blacker, a Lynnfield-based designer and writer who worked for the prominent ad firm Mullen early in her career.

"The ad world is a 12-hour a day job," she recalled, adding that the routine got to be too much after she had children. Blacker has four children, and her husband John is the owner of Universal Plumbing and Heating.

At the outset of her design career, people had started seeking out Blacker's advice on home designs, and this led to some color consultation jobs and from there, shopping with clients and more. "I try to coach clients and help them make their own choice," she said.

The magazine is a division of New England Fine Living, a Middleton shop owned by  Linda Smith, who is also the magazine's co-founder and managing editor. Elizabeth Wertz, an area wedding photographer, takes pictures for the publication, while Jennifer Scala has a fashion feature in each issue that showcases the clothing and accessories she has selected for the New England Fine Living store.

"We're writing blogs during the night and trying to be moms during the day," said Blacker. "It's the perfect way to combine my interests and still be home with the kids."

Issues of New England Finery come out every two months and advertising is available to local businesses. The second issue came out on April 19, with an emphasis on New England artisans and green living tips.

The publication reads like a traditional magazine but in a digital format featuring high-quality photos, as well as articles about all aspects of design.

Until May 22, area residents can also view Blacker's work at the Wenham Museum's "Three Galleries of Designer Vignettes" show.