News From Charm City Craft Mafia

Already sick of the snow, Baltimore?

2012-01-22T12:03:00.003-05:00

Plan your craftcation in sunny Ventura, California!

This just in from a crafty comrade on the west coast...

Craftcation, Indie Business and DIY Conference,
Comes to the Ventura Coast in Spring 2012

Delilah Snell and Nicole Stevenson, co-producers of Patchwork Indie Art & Craft Festival (a bi-annual Southern California event showcasing emerging artists, crafters and designers) bring Craftcation, an indie business & DIY conference to Ventura on March 22-25, 2012 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

The first of its kind in Southern California, this beachfront three-day conference
features panel discussions and DIY workshops with leading industry professionals on art, craft and food-centered small business.

A wide range of “how-to’s” catered toward the crafting entrepreneur will cover
such topics as indie business start up or expansion, maximizing social media,
branding, selling at craft shows and on Etsy, merchandising, accounting, legal
issues, wholesale and more.

A sample of DIY crafting workshops slated for the conference includes screen-
printing, needle art/sewing, cheese making, canning/preserving and jewelry
making. Recreational and networking activities such as beachside yoga,
cocktail/barbeque socials, and historical/art trolley tours of Ventura promise to
round out the vacation angle.

Craftcation attendees will have the opportunity to learn the inside track of
starting, maintaining or expanding their indie business while networking with
peers/professionals and gaining skills in hands-on workshops.

Sounds pretty great to us!

Call for Entries- Women: An Exhibition

2012-01-05T10:13:00.004-05:00

Call for submissions!

What makes women awesome? Who are the amazing women you know? How have they

impacted your life and work? What effect have they had on the world? This exhibition invites

artists and designers of all genders to create work that celebrates the incredible women they

have known, loved and been influenced by. It is a chance to recognize and pay homage to all

that the women in our lives have contributed to us.

By showcasing the work of female artists and designers, exhibiting work about women’s roles in industry and projects about women known personally (colleagues, family, friends, mentors, role models, etc.) this show will celebrate all the facets and roles of women in our lives.

This exhibition is curated by Sarah McCann and presented in partnership with D:center

Baltimore.

For a full prospectus and to apply, go to www.sarahbmccann.com. Submissions are due January 31.

Trohv

2011-12-14T21:39:00.010-05:00

A BIG Thank you to one of our sponsors:

If you haven't heard, the best home decor and gift shop in Baltimore has a new name! Trohv, formerly Red Tree in Hampden is the same GREAT shop with a new title!

trohv \’trōv\ n [alter. of trove (discovery, find)] (2010) :
a collection of artful objects discovered or found.

Guess what else? Trohv opened a new shop this year in the historic Takoma Park neighborhood of Washington, DC! Click here to map it so you can plan your visit NOW! The new shop is a spacious 8,000 square feet of fantastic vintage and new uncommon finds! Click here to find the Baltimore location!

Don't live in the Baltimore/DC area? Never you fear dear... you can now SHOP TROHV ONLINE! The clever goodness will be shipped conveniently to your doorstep! Whew! That's a relief!

Working on your holiday gift list? This is the place to go for those one-of-a-kind gifts that will make everyone on your list ecstatic!

Gifts for Gals

Gifts for Guys

Host/Hostess Gifts

Now is the best time of year to check out Trohv for all around feelings of comfort, joy & coziness! There is also a stocking stuffer section you don't wanna miss! You will find all kinds of TOMFOOLERY: mustache bandages, bacon soap, bacon floss, pickle lip balm, squirrel underpants and MORE!

Thank you Trohv for your consistent support of the Charm City Craft mafia and for your love of local/handmade goods!

Clementine

2011-12-08T10:19:00.008-05:00

A BIG THANK YOU to one of our sponsors

If I could eat somewhere everyday for breakfast, lunch and dinner without hesitation I would pick Clementine! It's comfort food without pesticides & antibiotics and as much as possible is locally sourced!

I was thrilled to learn that Clementine is starting a MEAT CLUB in collaboration with Genuine Food Co! This will allow customers to purchase a share of meat that is picked up in increments at Clementine. This is a much more economical way to purchase grass fed meat without chemicals! Plus, one of Clementine's owners, Winston--will be providing recipes that will help nerds like me to know how to properly cook different cuts of meat! Yippee, sign me up! Click here for more info!

Clementine has a charcuterie offering house-made pates, sausages, butters, rillettes, and more! Call ahead 410-444-1497 to reserve your special order for that lovely holiday meal you are planning!

Now that they have expanded Clementine has plenty of space to host your holiday party/event! An artfully created atmosphere with local art and found fixtures is sure to make you feel like you are in Brooklyn, NY--HIP!

Click here to make a reservation on Open Table!

Coming soon from Clementine...Green Onion Market also located on Harford Road! Yay!

*Thanks so much--Clementine-- for your support of local artists and Charm City Craft Mafia!*

Chop Shop

2011-12-07T21:35:00.017-05:00

A BIG THANK YOU to one of our Holiday Heap sponsors:

A one-stop shop for all your hair, skin, and body needs! Owner, Lisa Hawkes always makes me feel like a queen! The chop shop is located at 4321 Harford Road in the heart of the Hamilton- Lauraville Mainstreet. I've been getting my hair cut at Chop Shop for several months now and it seems almost every day someone asks where I got it cut! Not only will they fix up your hair-- you will find these additional services to rave about:

* Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork

*Brow& Lash Tinting

*Facials & Body Treatments

*Waxing

*Bill the Barber (for the menfolk)

*A Movie Theatre (that's right, you can rent out a 20 person theatre,

how cool is that?)

Just when you thought it couldn't get better...

Chop Shop has an ART GALLERY

Contact the Chop Shop if you are interested in showcasing your work!

They looove supporting local artists!

Need a thoughtful gift this holiday season? I highly recommend a gift certificate to the Chop Shop! I'd like to have one under my tree...hint, hint!

Call 410.426.2300 to to set up an appointment with Lisa, Shannon, Nicole,

Arika, or Bill the barber.

Thank you, Chop Shop for your continued support of the Charm City Craft Mafia!!

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Little Flower Designs

2011-12-02T15:00:00.004-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process.

Little Flower Designs, handmade by Linda Johnson. My wares are handmade by me in my Huntingdon Valley, PA studio. I make simple forms then hand etch and glaze my illustrations onto each piece. My work features birds, flowers, trees, text and other nature inspired themes.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

My favorite holiday tradition is putting up our christmas tree, especially now that we have a little one! I can't wait to see her little face light up when she see's the lights and all the ornaments. My personal tradtion is buying a new handmade ornament from a fellow crafter. I love knowing who made our ornaments and hope to pass this tradition onto our daughter. And of course sharing the season with family and friends!

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?

Shoppers can find many lovely gifts at my table including, cups, bowls, platters, vases and holiday ornaments.

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Kittner Studio

2011-12-02T13:00:00.002-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process.

I just started selling on Etsy ;) and can be found at etsy.com/shop/KittnerStudio. I am making my jewelry using frit, resin and marrying them with my hand made, mixed metal bezels. I've also been creating many little found treasure collages from vintage liquor and cigar labels. I will also have a selection of assemblage work made from found pieces, including playskool blocks.

Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration usually comes in the middle of the night when all is quiet and I process the happenings of the day. Or in the middle of the day, when I'm singing along with Aretha, Ella, Bonnie or any of my other Ipod studio mates.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

My Favorite holiday tradition is celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas by having a Jewbilee tree.

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Queens Metal

2011-12-02T11:54:00.002-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process:
Queen's Metal. We make bold jewelry for fearless women! Our pieces are mixed metal creations we forge and carve ourselves. Sometimes we make a model in wax and then cast it, sometimes we work with metal in wire and sheet. Our pieces are fun, easy to wear, but still make a statement.

Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration comes from everywhere! A lot of ideas come from traveling. Our new harpoon series comes from driving up the Pacific Coast Highway and stopping to visit an old whaling community.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation with my brothers.

What is your favorite thing about Baltimore during the holiday season?

I love driving around and looking at all the lights and decorations. The Inner Harbor always looks beautiful.

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?

So much new stuff! Lots of funky new bracelets, an awesome series of carved and cast "gems" and arrows.

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).

Queensmetal.com

Inside the Crafter's Studio

2011-12-02T01:23:00.007-05:00

As we are counting down the final days, hours (so close, so close!) to Holiday Heap, we mafia members thought our shoppers and fellow vendors might appreciate a glimpse into the madness of our studios. This show is certainly the highlight of our year, and no amount of paper, thread, paint, or ink will keep us from celebrating the handmade with everyone!

Personally, I take a little comfort in knowing that my workspace isn't the only one out there that looks like a tornado has gone through it. Offcuts, glue pots, who needs em! Process does not impede work; seeing how other creative folks craft can also be so inspiring.

Cotton Monsters greet the world in the lovely studio above. Below, you can sneak a glimpse of prints and paintings in progress from Found Studio, followed by a well-lit but unintentionally collaged book-making space from Phampersand Press.

Just another day of wading through our crafty avalanches, and then it'll be time to celebrate the handmade season. See you Saturday!

Raffle Sneak Peek!

2011-12-01T17:41:00.001-05:00

Here is another taste of what's waiting for you in our Crafty Raffle this year! There are so many goodies we have to divide it into THREE baskets! That's 3x the chances to win!!! Better buy lots of tickets this year, you could win presents for EVERYONE on your list while supporting a great Baltimore Arts Organization, Arts Every Day.

An adorable Cotton Monster for the creative kid on your list (any age!)...

This lovely print from Found Studio for the Yogi in your life.

Beautiful handcrafted journals from Phamersand Press for making that list and checking it twice!

This "Z" print from Red Prairie Press would look lovely in a new nursery.

A chic scarf from Red Prairie Press will thrill your fashionista BFF!

Remember that that 100% of this years raffle goes to support Arts Every Day in Baltimore City. Arts Every Day has as its mission to strengthen learning by making arts education and cultural experiences an integral part of the education of all Baltimore City School students, with an emphasis on middle grades, through the facilitation of collaborations among the arts, educational, cultural, and leadership communities. Learn more at http://www.artseveryday.org/.

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, NAMOO

2011-12-01T15:04:00.003-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process.

My shop name is NAMOO which means “tree” in Korean. I work with fabric and make housewares for babies, toddlers and homes. I also make bags and accessories with fabric. I collect fabrics, both new and old, from various locations. I often try to explore traditional patchwork techniques from many different parts of the world. I love combining traditional crafting with contemporary textile.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Wrapping Christmas gifts on late Christmas eve

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?

Quilted bags and scarves for friends!

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).

www.namoo.etsy.com

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Fisticuffs Leather

2011-12-01T11:30:00.003-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process:
Fisticuffs Leather. Hand build wrist cuffs and watchbands made from reclaimed and recycled leather and found objects.

Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in everyday items such as bags and belts. I can see a design within every little thing I pick up.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

My favorite holiday tradition is decorating the house with all the lights.

What is your favorite thing about Baltimore during the holiday season?
My Baltimore holiday favorite is Holiday Heap, of course!

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?

My cuffs are constantly changing. I have some new wrap cuffs and what I'm calling the "scrap cuff" due to all the little extra pieces of leather I'm left with during the process of making loads of cuffs.

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).
My website lists all the stores where you can find cuffs to buy, as well as future shows we'll be attending.

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Tigerlillyshop

2011-11-30T14:37:00.000-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process.

Tigerlillyshop. I take collected nature things that I collect around Baltimore like budding branches, acorns, leaves, feathers and preserve them with metal. I make one of a kind metal jewelry and preserved elements cast from nature or encased in copper using the electroforming process. I also make a line of button jewelry using kimono fabrics.

Where do you find inspiration?

I collect specimen around Baltimore, seeking out spaces where urban life meets the natural landscape in parks and city gardens. I find oak trees that drop the tiniest acorns, maples that throw giant "helicopters", and secret places in Patterson Park's natural treasures.

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).

You can find my work locally at Emporium Collagia in Fells Point or in my etsy store: tigerlillyshop.etsy.com

Raffle Sneak Peek!

2011-11-30T13:34:00.001-05:00

Wondering what amazingly awesome goodies you can take home as the winner of this years Crafty Raffle Basket?? Here is a sneak peek at some of our donations!

Check out this adorable cup from Foxfire Pottery! Fired to cone 10 in a gas reduction environment. There is a layering of multiple shino glazes with one of a kind underglaze illustrations. It is dishwasher and microwave safe.

This little fishy cup calls for a chilled beverage ocean side!.....or you could just pretend to be at the beach while watching the snow drifts from your couch this winter. Hand made by Cephalopod Ink Ceramics.

Remember that that 100% of this years raffle goes to support Arts Every Day in Baltimore City. Arts Every Day has as its mission to strengthen learning by making arts education and cultural experiences an integral part of the education of all Baltimore City School students, with an emphasis on middle grades, through the facilitation of collaborations among the arts, educational, cultural, and leadership communities. Learn more at http://www.artseveryday.org/.

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Bmore Papercuts

2011-11-30T10:04:00.005-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process.

one of a kind papercuts, made form mailing envelopes and exacto knives

What is your favorite thing about Baltimore during the holiday season?

The Hampdem Christmas Parade! Hands down!

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?

I will have new prints of my papercuts available made in collaboration with Common Seed Press

Other than javascript:void(0)Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases?

Trohv in Hampden

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, greenstarstudio

2011-11-29T13:44:00.000-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process.

greenstarstudio is a collection of decorative and functional art pieces, prints, wearables, dolls and more, designed with children in mind & using ecologically responsible methods and materials. Starting January 2011, I'll be officially launching *might, the new home of my work for kids.

Where do you find inspiration?

I am currently sharing my life with my 13 month old. We spend most of our days pretending to be the dog, painting in the bathtub & tearing magazines into teeny tiny little pieces. You can't get more inspiration than that!

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?

I'm VERY excited to be premiering two new fabric games--- super soft, portable & guaranteed to entertain little hands and minds for a long time (or at least long enough to let you get dinner started or go to the bathroom by yourself... which is all any of us can ask for!).

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases?

greenstarstudio.etsy.com
mightMIGHT.etsy.com

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Holland Cox

2011-11-29T10:07:00.003-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process.

Holland Cox (www.hollandcox.com). I design and make by hand fabric fashion accessories for people who make their own rules! I love using fabric rather than leather because of the endless possibilities of combining color and pattern. All my handbags are one-of-a-kind.

Where do you find inspiration?

I am inspired by the individuals I see who make an effort to put together their own look. My customers don't like looking like everybody else, and are not inspired by shopping at the mall. Bright color and bold patterns thrill me, and finding ways to create accessories that are stylish and sophisticated but still *fun* is what I love the most!

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?

I have new belts in several widths that are perfect ways to put your personal spin on any outfit, even boring work-appropriate ones.

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Bee's Knees Studio

2011-11-28T20:45:00.004-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process.

Bee's Knees Studio is my creative outlet for all things cute, bright and silly. I create my original paintings using acrylic or watercolor paints and then publish them as digital prints, cards, and stationery.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

As a kid, I always loved the cross-stitch advent calendar my mother made. It was a big tree with a tiny cross-stiched ornament for each day and I would get very upset if anyone else got to hang my favorite ornament (Rudolph!).

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?

Brand new for Holiday Heap I have hand-painted owl ornaments which are super cute. Hoot hoot!

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).

You can find me online at http://ericavess.com or http://beeskneesstudio.etsy.com

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Articipe

2011-11-28T11:08:00.001-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process.

Articipe (art + recipe = articipe) I create hand lettered recipe prints to decorate your kitchen or any little nook in your home. They make great gifts to any cook in your life and are also a great way to memorialize Grandma's best recipes for the whole family. When I make the prints, I hand draw each letterform on my computer with the help of my trusty tablet. The fun part is that I never know how a print will turn out until I'm done. I have to play around with the type and words to get everything to feel just right or convey the right idea, and am always surprised with the results!

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

My favorite holiday tradition is cooking! Go figure. I love cooking at any time, but around the holidays there is just something extra special in the air that makes it so much for fun to cook for people I love.

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores)?

I can also be found online at Etsy.com: etsy.com/shop/articipe

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Catherinette by Katie Stack

2011-11-27T10:48:00.001-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process.

My name is Katie Stack and I am the owner and maker of Catherinette by Katie Stack. Because my pieces are made of cast off remnants from the garment and accessory industry (and therefore the pieces I get are sometimes odd shapes and very small pieces) I often have to stare at a piece of leather for a few days before I am ready to cut into it.

Where do you find inspiration?

When I am deciding what I want to make I think of my own life as a person who commutes for 3+ hours a day to my day job is as a costume craftsperson and milliner for a large Shakespeare theatre. I ask myself what might make that commute easier and a little more fashionable? can I fit a book, a laptop, and a bottle of water into that bag? Will this look nice as a wallet and a clutch bag? Would I carry that bag for more than one season? Since I am often surrounded at my day job with European military research many of my designs reference those classic and utilitarian details- nice topstitching, riveted corners, double buckles, an open body of the bag so it can be used for many purposes etc.

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?

This season I am working on pieces that are affordable (around $20-$40), useful- belt clips for transit cards, different wallet styles, and fun! No one has a ton of expendable income right now, so I think it is nice to spend that money on something that will make you smile.

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases?

My work can be found in a few locations. Most notably on etsy.com at www.Catherinette.etsy.com at ArtSpring in Takoma Park and at www.Lovefeasttable.com

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Foxfire Pottery

2011-11-26T10:30:00.000-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process:

Patty Bilbro/Foxfire Pottery. High-fire functional stoneware with a layering of shino glazes and brushwork illustrations. I will also be selling new narrative sculptural work.

Where do you find inspiration?

My background in psychology, humor, human interactions, animals and our relationship to them.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Eating good food with my family.

What is your favorite thing about Baltimore during the holiday season?

I'm new to Baltimore, so I'm looking forward to discovering the city during the holidays.

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?

I'm debuting some new sculptural work.

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).

Online at www.pattybilbro.etsy.com, Constance Williams Gallery in Asheville, NC, Over the Mood Gallery in Floyd, VA, Mudfire Gallery online and in Atlanta, GA, The Society for Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh, PA or you can always contact me directly.

Two Great Local Craft Fairs this weekend!

2011-11-25T14:10:00.002-05:00

BAZAART
American Visionary Art Museum
Saturday November 26 FREE FOR EVERYONE - 10am-5pm
also!
Preview Party Friday November 25- 5:30-8:00pm
Lite fare, beverages, music & first dibs!

American Visionary Art Museum's Annual Holiday Marketplace of original creations by over 50 regional artists and craftspeople. Painting, sculpture, paper crafts, metalwork, jewelry, textiles, mixed media, and other work that simply defies categorization! FREE ENTRY & open to the public!
More info: HERE

Final Fridays - Station North!
November 25th 3:00PM – 8:00PM
North Avenue Market & Load of Fun

This month, Final Fridays will transform the North Avenue Market and Load of Fun into the ultimate Black Friday shopping destinations. Some of Baltimore's most unique gifts will be available for purchase between 3:00pm and 5:00pm at these two locations! More info: HERE

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, The 50/50 Company

2011-11-25T10:25:00.000-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process:

The 50/50 Company specializes in highly detailed black and white line-art. All original art is created with pencil, pen, and ink. We produce silk screened apparel and prints that can be found by visiting www.the5050company.com or www.etsy.com/shop/the5050company.

What is your favorite thing about Baltimore during the holiday season?

We’re super excited to set up shop in Baltimore and really looking forward to getting some natural inspiration from the Aquarium! See you soon!

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Pidge Pidge

2011-11-24T11:00:00.000-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process:

I run pidge pidge out of a cozy old train station apartment in Pennsylvania with my grumpy cat, Pigeon. My old floor loom and I are sandwiched between my sewing machine and a giant stack of fibers. Here, I hand weave scarves playing with patterns and texture and create fun, unexpected color combinations.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration anywhere I spot unique color combinations- in nature, magazines, online and at craft shows! I try keep a notebook with me (more likely the backs of envelopes and scraps) to jot ideas down to interpret later.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

I love cooking in the kitchen all day with family to make Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner- any excuse to be warm and cozy and come up with elaborate dishes (probably with cheese or cream..) together.

What is your favorite thing about Baltimore during the holiday season?

Visiting family when we are in town and holiday heap!

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?

I have recently handsewn a collection of purses and clutches incorporating my woven designs!

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).

I will be selling my wares December 4th at Merry Mart (at the Patterson) and have an etsy shop: www.pidgepidge.etsy.com.

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Dandelion Blu

2011-11-23T10:51:00.000-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process.
"Dandelion Blu" is a handmade jewelry studio specializing in kiln fired enameling and metal smithing. I like the combination of glass on metal and the opportunity to include color and images into my pieces. Enameling is a process where powdered glass is applied to metal in layers and fired at 1500 degrees till it fuses. The process can be unpredictable, and no 2 pieces are ever exactly alike

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?
New for 2011 are enameled wine charm sets! 6 different enameled charms on wine rings. Perfect for hostess gifts! New Reversible Graffiti Necklaces, contrasting color combinations, hung on colored cable necklaces. Also new styles of enameled hair pins, and mirrored Acrylic Dandelion Pendants.

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).
Dandelion Blu can be found at www.dandelionblu.etsy.com, Doubledutch Boutique in Hampden and The Delaware Center for Contemporary Art.

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, five8ths

2011-11-22T11:23:00.000-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process.

five8ths garments are crafted one at a time from high-quality natural fabrics, handmade with attention to detail in design, construction, and finishing techniques. They are polished, yet comfortable and suitable for casual occasions. Available in standard sizes, semi-custom, and bespoke, five8ths clothes allow the wearer to look their best.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration from a simple lifestyle, in which the environmental and social impact of the items we acquire is carefully considered. I am also inspired by the process of designing and sewing itself--I take pleasure in extended periods of concentrated work, and the experience of growth as I work towards mastering my craft.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

The Thanksgiving feast! Thanksgiving combines 2 of my favorite activities--vegan cooking and get-togethers!

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Open Eyes Press

2011-11-21T10:59:00.000-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process.

Open Eyes Press is a screen printing and hand sewn crafts business that focuses on making eco-friendly housewares. I do all of my own printing in my in-home studio here in Baltimore.

Where do you find inspiration?

I get a lot of inspiration from vintage advertisements and fabrics. It's always interesting to look at the combination of graphics and colors that were used during a specific time period. I actually have a small collection of magazines that I look at from time to time, some of which date back to the 1920's.

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).

You can find my products online at openeyespress.etsy.com, or locally at Paradiso in Hampden. For a full list of my retail locations in the US, please check out the sidebar on my blog.

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Wooly Baby

2011-11-20T11:54:00.000-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process.
Wooly Baby. I'm Josie Marsh, the designer behind Wooly Baby. My slippers and hats are handmade in Pennsylvania from upcycled wool sweaters and leather jackets. When I was unable to find wool, high-topped, leather soled slippers for my baby, I made my own from thrift store clothing. Simply styled in a variety of colors, Wooly Baby slippers are available in newborn through adult sizes.

Where do you find inspiration?

Having my daughter was my initial inspiration to quit my corporate day job and figure out something that I could do at home with her. My design inspiration comes from vintage clothes and shoes and the designs in the sweaters that I find. I am inspired to use only recycled materials when I learn about the astonishing amount of trash (and used clothing in particular) that this country creates. My inspiration to grow and improve my business comes from my background as an industrial engineer and also from my finance-minded husband. And finally, my customers are wonderful inspiration and support; without them would not exist!

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).

You can find my slippers here: www.woolybaby.etsy.com

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Vaya Bags

2011-11-19T11:41:00.000-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process.

Vaya Bags: Queens, NY. We make handmade bike messenger bags and accessories out of recycled bike tubes and scrap sailboat awnings.

Where do you find inspiration?

A lot of the color inspirations I get from nature and national geographic magazines! Some of the most unique color combinations turn out to be the most striking.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Eating!

What is your favorite thing about Baltimore during the holiday season?
Holiday Heap of course!

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?
I have a new Pannier / Messenger bag hybrid that hooks onto your bike rack and also converts into a messenger bag.

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).

www.vayabags.com or at my store in Queens!

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Yummy & Company

2011-11-18T11:32:00.000-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process.

Yummy & Company . My studio is based out of Hampden, one of Baltimore's quirkiest neighborhoods. It's here, that I create every piece of jewelry by hand, individually, no stamps or molds are used in the process. Most of my designs are inspired by nature, texture, and architecture. My work is intricate and time consuming and I love every minute of it!

Where do you find inspiration?

I’ve always loved jewelry, and can remember making necklaces, crowns, bracelets and rings out of clovers and twigs as a child. Growing up, I spent many hours playing in the creek and exploring the woods behind our house. To this day, I am still charmed by the intricacies and beauty of nature, and do my best to express that love, connection and admiration of the natural world in my work.

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).

A complete list of my stockists can be found here! If you want to shop online, my work is available at www.yummyandcompany.etsy.com If you'd rather shop in person, and live in the area, my work can be found at .925 The Silver Store in Fells Point and at the Gift Shop at the Baltimore Museum of Art!

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Recycled Rowhouse

2011-11-17T10:19:00.000-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process.
Recycled Rowhouse is a project that is interested in continuing the stories contained in old and unwanted things by recombining them into functional objects that encourage environmental sustainability.

We roam the streets on garbage day and hit garage sales looking for our next piece. We transform unwanted desks, tables, doors, moldings and much more into functional and unique objects for the home and garden.

Where do you find inspiration?
We are inspired by the pieces that we discover. The more chipped and falling apart it is, the more we love it. We also look to the architectural diversity of the rowhouses of Philadelphia, where we live, for inspiration.

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).
Our work can be found at our website, and throughout Pennsylvania at Heirloom Home and Studio, Greensgrow Farms and Anthropologie (online and Philadelphia Center City location).

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Cephalopod Ink Ceramics

2011-11-16T11:13:00.000-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process.
Cephalopod Ink Ceramics. Brightly colored handmade pottery with ocean graphics.

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?
Every Jan. and Feb. I create new graphics to put on my pottery and retire old ones. Images come from my own drawings and scientific drawings from the 1800's.

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).
www.cephalopodink.com

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Anschtecka & Hillery

2011-11-15T11:04:00.000-05:00

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process.
Anschtecka & Hillery is a collection of handmade goods by Annika Blomberg and Hillery Sproatt.
Hillery Sproatt's collection of lovingly hand painted etchings and hand embroidered dolls & mobiles is reminiscent of folk tales and cave drawings. Her interest in symbols, narrative, and smallness lend each of her special handmade objects a sort of history and whimsy. Hillery's artworks are made with careful attention to detail and much care.

The Anschtecka collection by artist, Annika Blomberg is made from reclaimed materials and cutting room scraps. The Anschtecka collection includes handmade backpacks, braided pins and pouches, jewelry and accessories. Annika spends a good part of her time searching for interesting objects and materials and she is passionately dedicated to the process of re-examining the function and form of her materials. She has a beautiful ability to see past what things are, into what they can be. Annika’s work is just as much about breathing new life into discarded and forgotten things as it is about making beautiful and interesting objects.

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).
You can shop both Annika and Hillery's special handmade objects year round at Specks & Keepings.

Countdown to Holiday Heap!

2011-11-14T12:13:00.000-05:00

Only 20 days until Holiday Heap, and we can hardly wait! We have so many talented artist and designers hailing from Baltimore and beyond!

This year's fair will have 60 of the best local and national crafters (be sure to check out the many newbies), as well as a yarn-spinning demonstration by Three Ravens and a raffle to win a huge basket full of goodies by supporting Arts Every Day! Check the vendor page to see if your favorite vendor will be there!

GrrChe, a local food truck, will be outside for lunch and snacks.

Stay tuned for vendor interviews and raffle basket sneak peeks.

Learn to Letterpress for $40!

2011-11-10T17:48:00.002-05:00

Our pals at Baltimore Print Studios are holding some very affordable workshops this weekend to get you ready for the holidays.
Join in the fun as everyone learns to print on a letterpress this Saturday, making DIY greeting cards with fun customizable phrases. Be witty, Get in the spirit, and have a blast!
$40 - No experience necessary - You'll go home with 30 greeting cards of your own design!

Registration & More info HERE.

Baker Artist Awards

2011-10-31T09:56:00.002-04:00

Rachel's favorites from the Baker Artist Awards
Next Monday, the Baker Artist Awards will give out their first round of "B-Grants" for the year. Are you on the site yet, oh artist friends of mine?
If you're somehow living in a hole (one with internet connection? where is this hole?) and don't know about the grants - allow us to school you. The Baker Art Awards were developed in 2008 to promote and support the arts in Baltimore by way of a free website for artists to upload images of their work. Everyone gets a personal "nomination" page which is shared with internet users round the world on the main Baker site (thus putting Baltimore on the map as a place where folks make some pretty cool stuff - rather than just reenacting scenes from The Wire all day). Site users are allowed to comment on, favorite, share, and view artists work & profiles. A select jury chooses from the full pool of artists (which includes dancers, musicians, filmmakers and writers, along with visual artists) for prize winners for both the Mary Saywers Baker prize ($25,000 awarded to three individuals in January) and "B-Grants" (smaller prizes of $1000 each, given out in November, December and January). It's free to start your own nomination page, and the only requirement is that you are a resident of the Baltimore region. (See HERE for details).
In addition to all that, you can also curate your own favorites page - so when you're sick of uploading your own images, you can gaze dreamily at the work of your fellow Baltimoreans and pump your fists with pride.

Above is a collection of some of my personal favorites from the nomination pool so far. You can check out who made what by clicking right HERE... And if you're still reading this blogpost and haven't abandoned it to sign up for your own nomination page yet, CLICK HERE.

This Weekend: Monster Craft Mash

2011-10-26T21:07:00.004-04:00

The trickin' and treatin' begins on Monday, and that frees up the whole weekend to shop for treats of the crafty sort. So why not head down to Dupont Circle in the District, for the DC Craft Mafia's Monster Craft Mash. Held in the parking lot at St. Lukes Episcopal Church, over 40 talented crafters will be featured.

Sugar Paperie & Found Studios will be there, as well as local favorites like NAMOO, Jill Popowich Designs in Metal, Yummy & Company, Design by Night, among others. So come on down - we'd love to see you!

Free Accounting Workshop for Artists!

2011-10-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

Maryland Lawyers for the Arts and Maryland Art Place present
Accounting for Artists on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2 to 4 pm
at Power Plant Live, 8 Market Place, Suite 100, Baltimore, Maryland 21202

CPA Jonathan Mayo, City Paper's Best Accountant for Starving Artists, covers basic accounting for artists, including recordkeeping, spreadsheets, accounting software, and taxes. Artists have to spend money on materials, studio space and research trips. Come to this session to learn how and why you should keep great records and which of those expenses are deductible. Free, but reservations required. RSVP to emily@mdartplace.org.

Annex Theater Presents 3 Penny Opera

2011-10-24T10:06:00.002-04:00

Annex Theater Presents: Three Penny Opera!

Opens November 11th

Autograph Playhouse

9 W. 25^th Street

Baltimore, MD

(for tickets - click here)

We are SO excited about this new play! Read below from our pals from the Annex Theater in Baltimore!

"The exciting new adaptation of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s classic musical will be performed November 10^th-20^th at the newly reopened Autograph Playhouse at 9 W. 25^th Street as part of the Annex Theater’s first full season focusing on Myth and Power Dynamics.

Under the direction of Evan Moritz (CITYPAPER Best of Baltimore, Best Director, 2010) and the musical direction of Walker Teret (Celebration, Walker and Jay), The Threepenny Opera will be the Annex Theater’s most ambitious project to date and includes the use of interactive video elements, a full band, and large-scale costume and set designs.

First performed in Berlin in 1928, productions of The Threepenny Opera declined with the rise of Nazism, due in no small part to the strong critique of the exploitation of the destitute by the powerful featured within the play. Adding to the successful production history the play has enjoyed since that time, the Annex Theater’s adaptation of this genre-bending musical focuses less on political Fascism, and more on the various ways in which powerful technologies push us from our fellow man and our own humanity."

Summit of Awesome!

2011-10-21T08:33:00.002-04:00

Hello Craft's 3rd annual SUMMIT OF AWESOME is in town this week! Baltimore is playing host to the three day convention for crafters and business owners at the 1840's ballroom in downtown. I'm scheduled for three talks, and get to sit in on the other sessions all weekend, which has been fantastic so far. Yesterday I spoke about being part of an artist collective, and organizing a craft fair and went to sessions on taking better photography and comparing different credit card options. Today there are workshops, more sessions, and lots of good people!
Thanks to Alpha Graphics for doing free printing for my talk today on applying to craft fairs (anyone wanting help applying to OUR next fair - this might be a good one to come to and ask lots of questions!!) and thanks to Lovely Yarns in Hampden for donating yarn to our "Make Something Awesome" project in the crafting zone downstairs at the conference.

This is a really beneficial (and FUN) place to be for a few days. I'd love to hear which seminars you went to!!

HOLIDAY HEAP APPLICATIONS - CLOSED

2011-10-17T10:49:00.002-04:00

Thanks to everyone who applied to HOLIDAY HEAP 2011!

As usual, we got an absolutely overwhelming number of great applications, and it's been a true challenge to sort through and pick our favorites from such a big pool of talent.

Applications are officially closed at this point, and we will be notifying applicants TONIGHT (10/17) around 10pm. We wish everyone a great start to their fall season!

Yours in craft,

CCCM

BEST for BREASTS!

2011-10-05T10:17:00.002-04:00

Our friends at the Baltimore Etsy Street Team have been busy! Over the past few months, these crafty ladies have been creating pasties using the medium of their choice in an effort to reach out to our local community and help make the day to day lives of breast cancer patients a little easier. With over 40 active members, including some who have survived breast cancer, the members of BEST have used ceramic, fabric, feathers, metal and other materials to craft these pasties. Come in and check them out!

All proceeds collected from the BEST for Breasts sale will be donated to the Red Devils, a Maryland organization that funds services to improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients and their families.

For more information about the Red Devils or to make a personal donation, check out their site at:
http://www.the-red-devils.org/wp3/

Crafty Bastards - THIS SATURDAY!

2011-09-28T08:56:00.004-04:00

Red Prairie Press
Spaghetti Kiss
Cotton Monster
Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair is coming up THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011 in DC! Are you going?
Come check out over 100 of the countries best crafters (including Charm City Craft Mafia members Cotton Monster, Spaghetti Kiss and Red Prairie Press), plus some awesome Crafty Food vendors (new this year!), Music, Dancing, Make-something-awesome tables, entertainment, community love, and so much more!

Crafty Bastards

October 1

10am-5pm

18th Street, Adams Morgan

Washington, DC

Win Tickets to Sugarloaf Crafts Fest!

2011-09-26T13:44:00.005-04:00

UPDATE: WINNERS! Congratulations to Meghan and Dutchess Ink! You've won 2 tickets EACH to the Sugarloaf Crafts Fest! email us with your mailing address! charmcitycraftmafia@gmail.com ASAP!
www.missfitt.com

www.Sovjanistudio.com

The 35th Annual Fall Timonium Sugarloaf Crafts Festival is coming up September 30-Oct. 1 Do you have your tickets yet?
Well - why pay when you can WIN SOME right here!!!! We've got two pairs of tickets to give away to 2 lucky winners! (that's 2 tickets per winner) - all you need to do to enter is comment on this post by midnight tonight (Sept 26th) - and leave a way to contact you - we'll send you the tickets in the mail!

Check out the huge assortment of work from more then 250 artisans, and meet the crafters themselves plus see live music, eat great food, and bring the kids for a costume storytime!
For more info: http://www.sugarloafcrafts.com/festivals/timon/fall/

Don't forget to comment for a chance to win!
Good luck!!!

Did you apply yet?

2011-09-22T18:03:00.003-04:00

We're serious, dudes!
Apply yourself!!

Holiday Heap.
December 3rd.
We want you!

Cool Grant Opportunity!

2011-09-20T18:59:00.003-04:00

Looking to apply for more arts grants? Want to make a printmaking project?
From our friends at the supercool all-things-Printmaking related blog Printeresting in Baltimore comes: A MICRO-GRANT!! See below for details straight from the Printeresting Blog itself:

"Here’s the deal: Printeresting will give someone (or a group of someones) $250 to make something happen. That’s our criteria. It’s not a fortune but for a lot of us it could be the difference between idea and reality. If you read the site, you know what we like: interesting print projects. It’s that simple! Oh, and from the grant recipient, of course we’ll expect a follow-up report about the completed project to share with our readers. So if you’ve got a project in need of patronage, make the case in writing. Of course, you can send images, too. Our email address is: contact@printeresting.org. The deadline for submission is midnight on October 15th."

FYI: MLA offers some excellent workshops this fall!

2011-09-16T15:31:00.004-04:00





	Maryland Lawyers for the Arts and Maryland Art Place present ESTATE PLANNING FOR ARTISTS Sept. 24: 2:00 to 4:00, at MAP, 8 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21201 A good estate plan can ensure that an artist's legacy is honored, but creating one can be tough. Artists and collectors face unique estate planning issues due to the unique nature of their creative assets, which may be illiquid and difficult to value. Get tips from MLA Board Member and PNC Bank Vice President Colleen McCloskey and MLA volunteer Meredith Martin Esq. of Meredith Blake Martin PA. Free, but reservations required. RSVP to Emily@mdartplace.org. MLA and Creative Alliance present DOC SHOP/COPYRIGHT CLEARANCE FOR DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKERS Oct. 1: 2:00 to 4:00 at CA, 3134 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224 MLA shows filmmakers how to deal with copyright issues play by play, starting with an overview of copyright and fair use, then applying those concepts in a stop-action viewing of the short work-in-progress documentary "Directing Dissent" by Sophie Hamacher. Taught by Maryland Lawyers for the Arts' volunteer Walt Lehmann of Lehmann Strobel PC. Advance registration $15, $10 CA members. Walk-in $20, $15 members. Tickets at https://www.choicesecure03.net/MainApp/avdsale slogin.aspx?ClientID=CreativeAlliance&Module=MEMB. MLA and Maryland Art Place Present ACCOUNTING FOR ARTISTS Oct. 29: 2:00 to 4:00 at MAP, 8 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21201 CPA Jonathan Mayo, City Paper's Best Accountant for Starving Artists, covers basic accounting for artists, including recordkeeping, spreadsheets, accounting software, and taxes. Artists have to spend money on materials, studio space and research trips. Come to this session to learn how and why you should keep great records and which of those expenses are deductible. Free, but reservations required. RSVP to Emily@mdartplace.org. MLA and Creative Alliance present LEGAL GUIDE TO THE GALLERY Nov. 19: 10:00 to noon at CA, 3134 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224 How do you protect yourself, and your work, when you hand it over to a gallery for sale? Find out from MLA volunteer attorney Walt Lehmann of Lehmann Strobel PLC, and MLA Board Member Ann Clark Priftis, a gallerist, appraiser, and corporate art consultant. Advance registration $15, $10 CA members. Walk-in $20, $15 members. Tickets at https://www.choicesecure03.net/MainApp/avdsale slogin.aspx?ClientID=CreativeAlliance&Module=MEMB. Maryland Lawyers for the Arts 410-752-1633 www.mdartslaw.org info@mdartslaw.org Copyright© 2011, Maryland Lawyers for the Arts

HOLIDAY HEAP 2011

2011-08-25T09:50:00.003-04:00

It's time to apply to HOLIDAY HEAP 2011!

Holiday Heap will be Charm City Craft Mafia's TENTH indie craft show together, and we couldn't be more excited.
On December 3rd, 60+ vendors will descend on the 2640 Space in St. John's Church for our annual holiday fair selling handmade items to Baltimore shoppers and holiday gift givers alike! ceramics, printed and sewn apparel, Paper goods, Home goods, artwork, stuffed soft sculptures, jewelry, children's items, and so much more! Food trucks will be parked outside, Holiday lights will be strung, coffee will abound, and all will be well in Baltimore. WE CAN'T WAIT!

Are you a crafter with something to show? Wanna help make this show MORE spectacular with your beautiful handmade work?
Well break out your camera, take some great product shots because we're looking for new and unique crafts!

APPLY NOW!
applications are due October 8th at midnight!
Go ahead - inspire us!

Local-ish Craft Shows YOU should apply for!

2011-08-10T11:44:00.004-04:00

Handmade Arcade for the Holidays and DC Craft Mafia's Monster Craft Mash vendor applications are now up!

Handmade Arcade will take place on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, in downtown Pittsburgh and the applications are due soon! Get in there and apply by September 11th!

ALSO?

The DC Craft Mafia will be holding The Monster Craft Mash in the parking lot at St. Luke's Episcopal Church at 1514 15th St, NW (15th and P) in our nation's capital on October 29, 2011. Those applications are due on August 24th, so get your crafty butt in gear, folks!

And of course, details concerning the Charm City Craft Mafia's Holiday Heap applications will be available very soon so watch this space, my dearest dears!

More pants, please.

2011-07-25T14:38:00.003-04:00

I really enjoyed reading this blog post from the folks at Crafty Bastards. It offers the perspectives of this year's jury including each member's favorite types of work they saw during this year's jury process, and what they would like to see more of next year.

Now, don't go changing your entire line in order to suit the jury because a) that's lame, b) the jury changes a bit each year, and c) staying true to yourself is the most important thing. At all times. In every way.

BUT, that said...more pants. More men's clothing that aren't t-shirts. And, rugs might also be appreciated next year. I know one product that that is lacking that THIS Craft Mafia member can certainly provide....and I've got several warps prepared to make some kitchen and bath rugs already! Wee!

Acceptance letters go out today. Good luck to all the applicants. I know we're all keeping our fingers crossed here at Mafia headquarters! Now, stop being on the internet and get back to crafting, you nerds.

Artscape? Less than 100 degrees?

2011-07-15T08:38:00.003-04:00

Impossible!
I dare say, the weather forecast looks downright reasonable for this weekend's festivities! So, get on the Light Rail or get on your bike (you are CRAZY if you think driving to Artscape is a good idea). Watch some dancing (and do some yourself), listen to some music (make some?), drink a giant Blue Moon, eat some funnel cake, and be sure find a baby wipe to clean your hands with before smearing your paws all over the beauteous handmade wares of the Mafia's own:

Red Prairie Press

Pink Kiss Pottery

illegible ink

and Spaghetti Kiss!

Individual Artist Awards Application Deadline!

2011-07-10T17:55:00.004-04:00

Attention, crafters!
The Maryland State Arts Council's annual Individual Artist Awards competition is upon us and your application is due July 28th, 2011! That's just a little over two weeks away--which is plenty of time to get your images in tip-top shape and apply for a grant of either 1000, 3000, or 6000 buckaroos. The categories this year are Non-Classical Music Composition, Non-Classical Music Solo Performance, Playwriting, Visual Arts: Craft (woo-hoo), and Visual Arts: Photography. Don't tell me that a grant of $1000 or more doesn't appeal to you, fellow starving artists. Get your images ready and get it done! As I've been putting together my application images it occurred to me to share with you one little tip.

In the application guidelines (which can be found at the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation website) it states that your 8 images will be projected in the order that they are uploaded, and they will be displayed four at a time. So, a good way to get a sense of what the jurors will be seeing is, once you've decided upon your eight images (which can include detail shots), to open them up on your computer in Preview.

Then, if you click on the Slideshow option, you'll see down on the bottom of your screen an icon that allows you to view your images as an Index Sheet.

This gives you four images on top, four on the bottom. If it's helpful, just hold a piece of black paper over your computer monitor to block out four images at a time and you'll see what the jurors will see. Are your collections of images cohesive? Are they clear? When seen all in a group do they look too similar? If you shot on the same background, but using different lighting, are there distracting color discrepancies or white balance issues? These are things better noticed now when you can fix them!

Now, just in case you're thinking, "Sheesh, Carly....those images in your example are kinda crappy... You're NEVER going to get an Individual Artist Award with those..." let me just inform you that these images are for your education only and are not what I'll be submitting to the jury. ;)

I hope you've enjoyed this little tutorial. Good luck with your application! And good luck wowing all the juries you intend to wow this season!

Good work, Cy Twombly.

2011-07-06T08:24:00.003-04:00

Cy Twombly died yesterday at 83 years old. He was one one of those great American artists who was not particularly successful until later in life (whatever successful means to the folks writing the articles). He spent a lot of his coming up years running around with the likes of Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg, and certainly didn't reach their level of acclaim until much later. Viewers and critics tried too hard, or didn't try hard enough, to "get" his work, with it's squiggles and erasures and cryptic scrawl. As an art student in the early 2000's I guess I caught Mr. Twombly at just the right moment because it had never occurred to me that he was anything less than a great and important artist until reading a couple of articles today and hearing a brief interview with the director of the Menil Collection (which houses several of his works) on NPR yesterday.
If creating the art you want to create while living in Rome for most of your 83 years on the planet qualifies as less than successful, then long live the underdog! You did a great job, Mr. Twombly.

Here's an image of a couple of his works at the Cy Twombly Gallery at the Menil, which I borrowed from their website. There's a good article discussing the artist and his work on this page.

BEST Membership is Open

2011-07-03T09:54:00.000-04:00

Have you heard? Our crafty pals of BEST have opened up membership until July 15th.
As a member of BEST, you’ll have access to a large, generous community of experienced Etsy sellers through the Google Group and the opportunity to participate in meetings and workshops to meet up with all of the local crafty folk. Plus, they’re pretty fun to hang out with!

Check out their blog for more information.

A Big Round of Applause...

2011-06-28T18:31:00.003-04:00

We raised almost $300 for Baltimore Clayworks! Big hugs to everyone who purchased a raffle ticket. Thanks to your generous support, Clayworks will have a little extra help to continue their wonderful ceramics education programs and reach out the the community.

For more information about Clayworks visit them at www.baltimoreclayworks.org/

If you didn't win the raffle this time, keep in mind we will have one, or possibly two, huge raffle baskets at Holiday Heap in December- win holiday presents for everyone with one ticket!!

Thank you!

2011-06-26T10:26:00.002-04:00

We would like to thank our sponsors (hugs and smooches!) of this year's Pile of Craft. Thank you to Alpha Graphics, Trohv, doubledutch, Chop Shop, Laughing Pint, and Carma's for your generous donations and for believing in Baltimore's craft community.

Alpha Graphics

Trohv

doubledutch

Chop Shop
The Laughing Pint

Carma's

You rock our crafty world. We love ya!

THANK YOU!!!

2011-06-26T09:37:00.003-04:00

Pile of Craft is over- we'd like to thank each and every person who was involved, either as a crafter, intern, significant-other-helper, sponsor, or shopper! The church was packed with crafts at first, and then packed with people! Crafters, we love seeing your work. You are all amazing. Helpers and interns and sponsors, we couldn't have done it without you. And, SHOPPERS, we love you too for braving the heat (and the line at GrrChe!) and for supporting all the wonderful artists who depend on people like you. We hope you found some great new pieces of craft, took some fun pictures in the photobooth, and in general had a wonderful day.

Check back as we upload pictures from the fair, and let us know what you thought! If you have any photos to share we'd love to see them and you can tag "charmcitycraftmafia" or "pileofcraft" on flickr to share with everyone.

Love,

the Charm City Craft Mafia

Meet Pile of Craft Vendor, Bee's Knees Studio

2011-06-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

Please describe your work in 140 characters.
Bee’s Knees Studio is a one-woman three ring circus of non-stop cuteness. I make paintings and prints of a decidedly silly nature, and have recently been branching out into three dimensional craftiness as well.

What's at the bottom of your "pile of craft?"
Quite frankly, I’m scared to look. I have a sneaking suspicion that it would be semi-sentient craft felt life forms and one ominous googly eye.

If I were to miss Pile of Craft (which would never happen!), where would I find more of your work?
Online at http://ericavess.com or if you happen to be in Richmond VA (hey, stranger things have happened) I have a small selection of work at Crossroads Art Gallery (Staples Mill & Broad St) and at Artworks on Hull St.

June 25th is National Catfish Day AND National Strawberry Parfait Day! What would your National Food Holiday be?
A tie between National Ensalada Caprese Day and National Spicy Cheetos Day, because I like to walk the line between classy and trashy!

Meet Pile of Craft Vendor, 2 hawks 2 fishes

2011-06-24T18:00:00.001-04:00

Please describe your work in 140 characters.
2 hawks 2 fishes is a labor of love. If I print something, it's to see other people's faces light up the way mine did when i came up with the idea. I'll be bringing hand screen printed tea towels, bags, artist prints, cards, some shirts, and little books.

What I love about doing craft sales is I get to spend the day meeting new people, talking with old friends, and looking what great things other artists are making. Who wouldn't want to do that?

What's at the bottom of your "pile of craft?"
Probably my little cat Yoshi, who knows she's not allowed in the studio. She likes to sneak in and hide so she can be with me.

If I were to miss Pile of Craft (which would never happen!), where would I find more of your work?
You can see more of my work on my web site, 2hawks2fishes.com or my on line shop, etsy.com/shop/2hawks2fishes.

June 25th is National Catfish Day AND National Strawberry Parfait Day! What would your National Food Holiday be?
Right now i think a national mango coconut ice cream day is what i could really go for.

Grilled Cheese Truck

2011-06-24T10:57:00.002-04:00

What a "Gouda" Idea!!

GRR CHE

Baltimore's Newest Food Truck will be at Pile of Craft tomorrow!!

Grr Che features gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches including Maine lobster and brie, Maryland crabcake & monterrey jack, The Middle Eastern--Armenian string cheese with mint & olive oil on pita JUST TO NAME A FEW!!!! To tempt the sweet tooth you will also find desserts with mascarpone, brie, chocolate & caramel. Follow the grilled cheese truck on TWITTER @GrrChe and follow them right over to PILE OF CRAFT tomorrow from 10-5 at 2640 St. Paul Street (St. John's Church).

What could be better than CRAFTS & GRILLED CHEESE!!!!!!??

Last sneak peek of Raffle Items!

2011-06-24T09:51:00.003-04:00

Guess what? Tomorrow is Pile of Craft!! Aren't you soooo excited?? I know I am. I'm also totally looking forward to purchasing as many raffle tickets as I can possibly get my hands on so I can up my chances for winning all this amazingly cool stuff!

Superlative Study from Sweet Pepita
Hand cut fabric lettering stitched onto acid-free drawing paper.
This is a matted 5x7 mixed media piece (fits in an 8x10 frame) and valued at $24

This is the story behind the work...
Gooder. Something was gooder... I don't remember what. "There's no such word," I told my daughter. "There's good, better, and best."
"And da bomb!" she corrected. True. Very true.

Print by Found Studios

Found Studio produces mixed media originals cleverly infused with found materials and textures.

Two Stripy Cups by Miss. Millie Ceramics.
Hand built porcelain measuring about 3 1/2" x 3'' x 3''.

Falling Leaf Animal by GreenStar Studios
She measures approximately 9" tall, and is decorated with hand stitched "falling leaves" (these small pieces of eco felt & wool felt are the tiniest bits of scraps left over from all my larger plush work... and i never throw good felt away!). Her body is 100% eco felt, a vegan felt alternative made from recycled plastic bottles, instead of animal wool. Her seams are hand sewn in blanket stitch, in a rich floss.

That's all for our sneak peaks but don't worry, there will be lots more to check out tomorrow! So be sure to stop by with your wallets, cash and shopping list.
And don't forget....all raffle proceeds go to support the Baltimore Clayworks so buy up those tickets!

Meet Pile of Craft Vendor, Pellinore Press

2011-06-24T09:00:00.004-04:00

Please describe your work in 140 characters.
Letterpress & woodcuts inspired by nature, surrealism, & early 20th century illustration. Stationery, fine art, sketchbooks & novelties.

What's at the bottom of your "pile of craft?"
Paper trimmings and the paperwork I'm avoiding.

If I were to miss Pile of Craft (which would never happen!), where would I find more of your work?
At PellinorePress.com and at MICA's Summer Art Market -- During Artscape, inside the Brown Center, with the AIR CONDITIONING.

June 25th is National Catfish Day AND National Strawberry Parfait Day! What would your National Food Holiday be?
The Pellinore Press household is very fond of catfish. We proudly endorse National Catfish Day.

Meet Pile of Craft Vendor, NAMOO

2011-06-23T20:00:00.000-04:00

Please describe your work in 140 characters.
I love modern designer fabrics, craft items from overseas, mainly from
Japan and Korea, and eco-friendly materials. I enjoy my time to create
something with them for babies, little children, and home.

What's at the bottom of your "pile of craft?"
Scraps of fabric, paper with my scribbles on, fabric store receipts,
and my daughter’s stuffed animal who likes to hide under my pile of
fabric scraps.

If I were to miss Pile of Craft (which would never happen!), where
would I find more of your work?
I am on etsy (http://www.etsy.com/shop/Namoo) and I attend local craft
fairs throughout the year. My whereabouts are updated at my blog,
http://namoohandmade.blogspot.com/.

June 25th is National Catfish Day AND National Strawberry Parfait Day!
What would your National Food Holiday be?
National Noodle Day! any kind of noodle.... I can't pass!

Meet Pile of Craft Vendor, Miss Millie Ceramics

2011-06-23T15:00:00.001-04:00

Please describe your work in 140 characters.
Miss Millie is a porcelain line of functional wares, sculptural ornaments and jewelry handmade by me, Melissa Crotty, in my studio in South Philly. My colors are bright and my images are whimsical and silly although sometimes I'm called "creepy."

What's at the bottom of your "pile of craft?"
Bugs and flowers are at the bottom of my pile of craft!

If I were to miss Pile of Craft (which would never happen!), where would I find more of your work?
You can always find my wares and follow my whereabouts at missmillie.net
If you are visiting Philly you can find my work at Art Star and The Clay Studio.

June 25th is National Catfish Day AND National Strawberry Parfait Day! What would your National Food Holiday be?
National Pizza Day!

Meet Pile of Craft Vendor, greenstarstudio

2011-06-23T11:00:00.001-04:00

Please describe your work in 140 characters.
greenstarstudio is a collection of decorative & functional art pieces & plush for kids of all ages. Whenever possible, I utilize repurposed, local and/ or organic materials & never throw ANYTHING away!

What's at the bottom of your "pile of craft?"
These days, its usually my 7 month old, Emerson. He's my studio assistant and CEO (Cute Executive Officer).

If I were to miss Pile of Craft (which would never happen!), where would I find more of your work?
You can find my work in shops & galleries all over the country, but closer to home: at Trohv in Hampden; aMuse Toys in Owings Mills & The Women's Industrial Exchange on Charles Street, just to name a few. You can also find me at Artscape in a few weeks. And anytime, online, at http://www.greenstarstudio.etsy.com

June 25th is National Catfish Day AND National Strawberry Parfait Day! What would your National Food Holiday be?
Oh, I probably shouldn't be answering these questions on an empty stomach... can I just pick an herb? Basil. National Basil Day.

Meet Pile of Craft Vendor, Sweet Pepita

2011-06-22T21:57:00.000-04:00

Please describe your work in 140 characters.
I sew one of a kind apparel from organic cotton and recycled fabric. I love the nostalgia in vintage tees and the softness of organic cotton.

What's at the bottom of your "pile of craft?"
I'm not sure... it's a surprise!

If I were to miss Pile of Craft (which would never happen!), where would I find more of your work?
I recently made a huge delivery of argyle tees and dottie dresses to Nest (part of the conscious corner in Clarksville), Trohv in Hampden carries pixie hats and tees, and my etsy shop, of course.

June 25th is National Catfish Day AND National Strawberry Parfait Day! What would your National Food Holiday be?
National tortilla soup day!

(once again) it is time to get down

2011-06-21T14:37:00.003-04:00

Last month I posted here about a different kind of dance party called the Baltimore Get Down. I was there, and it was good -- 3am grooves at 8:30 on a weeknight? amazing funky moves? smiles all around? Done, done and done.

It's happening again this Thursday and I urge anyone who needs a good get-down (and really, who doesn't?) but doesn't have the flexibility of schedule or spirit necessary to get your groove on at more traditional Dancing Venues (read: after-hours and meat markets) to pick it up and shake it on down to 2640 St Paul St THIS THURSDAY from 7-10pm.

It's also a great way to warm up for a weekend of getting down.

So: calling all grown-ups who want to get down! This Thursday, June 23rd at St John's Church from 7-10pm you can pay $10 to dance to 3 hours of eclectic, butt-moving music. No alcohol and NO PARKING ON THE DANCE FLOOR! See you there.

Meet Pile of Craft Vendor, Cutesy but not Cutesy

2011-06-15T10:00:00.001-04:00

Please describe your work in 140 characters.
I make hand-stitched, one-of-a-kind plush monsters, the gentlest of gentlebeasts that just need a hug. (and other monster-related products!)

What's at the bottom of your "pile of craft?"
My pile of craft is endless, like an active felt volcano with molten fluff eternally brewing beneath the floor's surface.

If I were to miss Pile of Craft (which would never happen!), where would I find more of your work?
You can keep up to date on my whereabouts around the country on my website at www.cutesybutnotcutesy.com and also check out some of my products there OR follow me on twitter @dkoss2 and periodically check for new Cutesy mascot sitings and videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/cutesybutnotcutesy.

June 25th is National Catfish Day AND National Strawberry Parfait Day! What would your National Food Holiday be?
National Soft-serve with Rainbow Sprinkles Day sounds awesome right now but it's steep competition with National Guacamole Day.

Win a sampler set from Bigg's & Featherbelle!

2011-06-14T17:31:00.003-04:00

Another great item from our raffle basket from Bigg's & Featherbelle! I love their soap so much I have a special case for it when I travel....can't leave home without my B&F :)
Mini Bar soap sampler gift set:
A sampler of Biggs & Featherbelle soaps. Eight half size bars come nestled in a hand painted box. Includes Bark®, Momma Bar®, Bar-lamint, Beach Bar®, Barbados®, Lemon Bar, Tequila Bar and Bardot. Biggs & Featherbelle soaps are handmade with unique recipes to meet the needs of different skin types, using the properties of natural resources to heal and nourish. Every ingredient is purposeful and free from synthetic fragrances, dyes and additives.
All Raffle proceeds go to the Baltimore Clayworks!

Meet Pile of Craft Vendor, Biggs & Featherbelle

2011-06-14T17:00:00.001-04:00

Please describe your work in 140 characters.
Handmade and natural body care products created by two sisters including soaps, lip balms, bath soaks, scrubs, gift sets and more

What's at the bottom of your "pile of craft?"
Lots of fabric
Every color of paint, colored pencils and pens

If I were to miss Pile of Craft (which would never happen!), where would I find more of your work?
Whole Foods
Trohv Baltimore and D.C.
MOM's Organic Market
Roots Market

June 25th is National Catfish Day AND National Strawberry Parfait Day! What would your National Food Holiday be?
Kasey - National Macaroni & Cheese Day!
Kelly - National Taco Day!

Meet Pile of Craft Vendor, Open Eyes Press

2011-06-14T10:00:00.003-04:00

Please describe your work in 140 characters.
I primarily screen print and sew eco-friendly housewares. Much of my designs take inspiration from vintage advertising and industrial design.

What's at the bottom of your "pile of craft?"
Fabric scraps, drawings and ideas scribbled on random sheets of paper, old receipts for supplies, etc.

If I were to miss Pile of Craft (which would never happen!), where would I find more of your work?
On Etsy, of course, and at select retail locations in the US: Young Blood Gallery, Atlanta; VIX Emporium, Philadelphia; Urban Bazaar, San Francisco; and Meadowview Farmers' Guild, Virginia.

June 25th is National Catfish Day AND National Strawberry Parfait Day! What would your National Food Holiday be?
National Avocado Day! I love avocados and eat them all the time. :)

Meet Pile of Craft Vendor, Hillery Sproatt

2011-06-13T17:11:00.000-04:00

Please describe your work in 140 characters.
My prints, drawings, and embroidered objects are made with careful attention to detail and much care. I grew up around soft handmade goods and have always been interested in smallness. The smallness we sometimes feel, the smallness of special objects found and lost, the smallness of everything as it relates to everything else. As of late, I have been making men and women figures. I am excited by the intimacy of creation, the small details that describe the human figure, and each dolls lovingly familiar expressions drawn with stitches.

What's at the bottom of your "pile of craft?"
Scraps of paper, bits of thread, and a tiny brush.

If I were to miss Pile of Craft (which would never happen!), where would I find more of your work?
I just launched an online shop called Specks & Keepings. Specks & Keepings is a small shop filled with handmade and collected objects and design. It is a showcase of thoughtfully made goods that aim to inspire a simple lifestyle that is carefully shaped and chosen.

Specks & Keepings is an environment where I can continually share my new work along with wonderful objects made by talented artists from all over the country. The shop currently features handmade clothing, artwork and items for the home by Anschtecka, Adam Wolpa, Eric Stiner, Hillery Sproatt, Karen Thurman, Kotoa & Rebe. When browsing the shop, I hope people will be overwhelmed with a sense of wonder at the beauty of a handmade life. I aimed to create a shopping environment that encourages people to think about what it is they are bringing into their homes and into their lives. I believe on some level, our possessions are an extension of ourselves and they should speak to who we are as individuals. Things are always more beautiful when they mean something to us.

To see what pieces are currently available for sale, visit www.specksandkeepings.com.

June 25th is National Catfish Day AND National Strawberry Parfait Day! What would your National Food Holiday be?
Bread Puddings Day. My mom makes the most wonderful bread pudding.

You could win 2 tea towels from Open Eyes Press!

2011-06-13T07:50:00.002-04:00

Just another sneak peak at what you could be taking home as the winner of this years amazing Raffle! Rachael from Open Eyes Press is offering up 2 of her lovely tea towels for the raffle basket. You can see more stunning items from Open Eyes Press by clicking here OR by coming to Pile of Craft and taking home some new eco-friendly handmade goods!
All proceeds of the Raffle basket go to support the Baltimore Clayworks:)

Win a print from Jaime Zollars!

2011-06-11T09:18:00.006-04:00

Win this amazing limited edition 5 color print from Jaime Zollars! It's valued at $70 but all you need is the winning raffle ticket from Pile of Craft 2011! Jaime Zollars is a local illustrator who will be showing her amazing prints and apparel this year at Pile of Craft. Check out her website to peek at more of her dreamy illustrations and make sure to stop by her booth this year!
All the raffle proceeds will go to support the Baltimore Clayworks.

Pile of Craft Raffle Basket time!

2011-06-09T10:16:00.005-04:00

This year the Charm City Craft mafia is happy to host a really awesome raffle basket to benefit the Baltimore Clayworks! The Clayworks is located in lovely Mt. Washington and if you've never been there I highly suggest taking a trip to check out the amazing studio space and gallery located there. Baltimore Clayworks is a non-profit ceramic art center that exists to develop, sustain, and promote an artist-centered community that provides outstanding artistic, educational, and collaborative programs in ceramic arts. Click here to learn more about them!

Stay tuned for a sneak peak into what the raffle basket will hold! It's going to be simply amazing and a great haul for the lucky winner!! Tickets will be available at the info table during Pile of Craft 2011. Good luck!

Our BEST Friends are Hosting a Party!

2011-06-08T19:26:00.001-04:00

Come join BEST for the second annual Etsy Craft Party, sponsored by I Heart Art: Baltimore. This year, we'll be meeting up at Maryland Institute College of Art in the Fox building, rooms 214, 215 and 218. We'll have fun, free, activities for all ages, including a community bunting project, a papercut project, and funky make-your-own hon glasses! So put on your best crafting gear, and come out and play!RSVP here! We can't wait!

Gunpowder River Artfest

2011-06-01T18:51:00.004-04:00

Great art, food, wine and music! Gunpowder River Artfest is being held this year at Boordy Vineyard in Hydes, MD. The artfest is sponsored by the Northern Baltimore County Art Foundation. The event features juried artists from around the area, live music, food and great wine.

CCCM's own Spaghetti Kiss, Pink Kiss Pottery, and Sugar Paperie will be there showcasing their wares. Why don't you come out for a visit?

Date: June 4th, 2011 Time 11:00 am- 8:00 pm
Admission: $12 adults, $10 teens (13-20), kids free

Admission includes wine tasting for those 21 and up, parking, live music and children's activities. For more information visit the NBCAF website.

Green thumb? Not so much?

2011-05-27T10:36:00.002-04:00

It's on Saturday! I love the Baltimore Herb Festival. It's a great place to meet your neighbors, pick up some seedlings (or more established specimens if you're just not that good at keeping plants alive), and start off summer with a bang. There will be a lecture on horseradish! There will be bluegrass music! There will be lots and lots of herbs!

May 28, 2011 - 10am-3pm
Held in Leakin Park
1900 Eagle Drive
Baltimore, MD 21207

For the Record...

2011-05-25T14:13:00.002-04:00

The vendor page is up. The countdown has begun!
Are you stoked? We're stoked.

Pile Of Craft
June 25th, 10-5pm
2640 St Paul Street
Baltimore, MD 21218

This Weekend - Handmade Mart

2011-05-20T06:48:00.002-04:00

Head down to Silver Spring for Handmade Mart this Sunday and visit with some Charm City Craft Mafia members. Along with 60+ other great crafters, you'll find Pink Kiss pottery, Spaghetti Kiss, Red Prairie Press, Illegible Ink, Sugar Paperie, Bowerbox Press and Cotton Monster! See you there!

It's time to Get Down

2011-05-19T08:14:00.004-04:00

Something very special is happening tonight at 2640 St Paul St in Charles Village: the inaugural Baltimore Get Down. Created to fill a gap in Baltimore's adult funtime, the Get Down is a 3-hour dance party for anyone who wants to 'get down, shake ass, free the collective spirit, and raise the roof.'

Anyone who has looked for a place to dance in Baltimore knows that the pickings can be slim. Either underground, after-hours or meat-markety, our club and dance party scene can be fun but tough to tap in to if you have young kids or a day job. That frustration led creators Susan Koch Hughes and Diana Keener to develop the concept of a party where 'grown-ups' can shake it loose and still be in bed by 11.

So: calling all grown-ups who want to get down! Tonight, May 19th at St John's Church from 7-10pm you can pay $10 to dance to 3 hours of eclectic, butt-moving music. No alcohol and NO PARKING ON THE DANCE FLOOR! See you there.

Apply for an MSAC Individual Artist Award in Craft!

2011-05-17T17:40:00.004-04:00

Individual Artist Awards

Deadline - July 28!

The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) Individual Artist Awards (IAA) are grants awarded to Maryland artists through an anonymous, competitive process to encourage and sustain their pursuit of artistic excellence. This year's categories are limited to:

Non-Classical Music Composition
Non-Classical Music Solo Performance
Playwriting
Visual Arts: Crafts
Visual Arts: Photography

The MSAC Individual Artist Awards Program is administered by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation (MAAF). All Individual Artist Award applicants must go to the MAAF web site and use CueRate, an electronic grant application that allows you to submit your application via the Internet.

Attend a Workshop and/or Webinar to get up to speed on CueRate. Workshops/Webinars will provide training for individual artists in the utilization of CueRate and provide information for visual artists regarding the submission of digital images for the IAA application. CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE MAAF WEBSITE FOR DETAILS ON THE MSAC INDIVIDUAL ARTIST AWARDS PROGRAM AND TO APPLY!

Shapenote Sisters, Orfeia, Starry Mountain Singers

2011-05-12T07:56:00.000-04:00

Here is a video of the Starry Mountain Singers performing a Svan (Georgian) circle dance that will blow your mind. Wait for it. It gets really good in the second half. :)

Join Starry Mountain Singers, Orfeia, and Baltimore's own Shapenote Sisters for an evening of traditional music at Creative Alliance tomorrow, Friday the 13th.

And on Saturday! Singing workshop (also at CA) led by the Starry Mountain Singers! You'll learn a variety of vocal techniques and songs from the various regions of this group's repertoire (to include music spanning four continents)!

Go to Creative Alliance here to purchase your tickets for the concert and to register for the workshop!

Towson Media Arts Festival

2011-05-12T07:47:00.000-04:00

EMF Media Arts Fest 2011 from Phil Davis on Vimeo.

If you're in Baltimore this weekend - check out Towson University's EMF Media Arts Festival, featuring end-of-year student films and videos.

EMF Media Arts Festival
Saturday May 14, 7pm
Towson University - Van Bokkelen Hall
Rm 204

This Weekend in Baltimore-Kinetic Sculpture Race

2011-05-06T13:10:00.004-04:00

Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race

It's that time of year again...the Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race is tomorrow, May 7th and the festivities begin at 9:30 am with opening ceremonies at the AVAM (American Visionary Art Museum). Click here for a full map and spectators guide. This event always makes me so proud to live in Baltimore among such creative antics and zany tom-foolery!

Hamilton Bakery

2011-05-04T11:31:00.003-04:00

Hamilton Bakery is NOW OPEN!!

This place is delightful! I ate there this morning and had a teeny-tiny bacon quiche, a savory garlic cheddar muffin, and a scrumptious sticky bun (I shared all this with my husband, of course!!)! Hamilton Bakery is located at 5414 Harford road (in the same block as Clementine). They serve up fresh breads, cakes, pastries, pies, and more made of quality organic ingredients and all natural food dyes from local sources when possible. A foodie's wonderland in a quaint & cozy atmosphere! Rotating local art exhibits adorn the walls! Hip, Hip and Hooray!!!!

Opening Day at Fenton Street Market

2011-04-29T11:38:00.000-04:00

Spring has finally sprung, and it's time to go to market! It’s Fenton Street’s Market Grand Opening THIS Saturday, April 30th, and we couldn’t be more excited. They’ll be a 100 vendors carrying imports, arts-and-crafts, vintage wares, fine jewelry, and mouth-watering crepes. Join Sugar Paperie at the market! For the full list of fun vendors, click here.

This is a weekly outdoor market in downtown Silver Spring, featuring a variety of vendors each week. So if you can't make it this weekend (which we hope you do!), come on down next time. The market is located at the brand spankin' new Veteran's Plaza from 9-3.

The 8th Annual Transmodern Festival

2011-04-28T20:23:00.000-04:00

The Transmodern Festival – voted “Baltimore’s Best Art Event” by the City Paper – returns April 28 – May 1, 2011. Sounds fun....but what is it, you ask? Four days of Avant Performance, Installation, Sound, Film, Mayhem, Ecstasy, and Radical Culture!
Electric Junkyard Gamelan

Transmodern is a festival of provocative works by cultural experimenters from Baltimore and the World. The artists of the 8th Annual Transmodern Festival defy traditional genres and embrace radical innovation through transmedia, clashes of organic vs. artificial intelligence, psychogeography, dislocation of consensus reality, real politic and collective cultural action.

The organizers promote/celebrate the diversity of experimental culture by highly representing artists from the following groups: women, ethnic minorities, gays and lesbians, the radical subculture.

The festival’s visionary approach to presenting new multi-disciplinary work continues to attract regional art lovers, local cultural mavens, occasional passers-by, critical acclaim, and on-going academic interest. For more information, click here.

Here, fishy fishy fishy....

2011-04-22T17:31:00.006-04:00

Tonight you should go to Metro Gallery for the closing reception of Paper Fish, the show depicting the making of a shadow puppet music video for a song off Wye Oak's latest album, Civilian.

Pile of Craft and Holiday Heap veteran, Katherine Fahey, dazzles and special guests Anna & Elizabeth delight with their crankies and songs.

And if you miss it (or even if you don't), come out to the G-spot tomorrow night and see the Mafia's own Carly Goss (that's me!) singing songs along with Kathy, Anna & Elizabeth, et al, for The Same River Twice show, celebrating our dear Jones Falls.

Art::Words::Music...all the details below!

Meet the Etsy Artist - Trunk Show 4/23

2011-04-20T09:56:00.000-04:00

Earrings by Alexandra Webb
Alexa Webb, owner of the boutique Alexandra Webb in Federal Hill, will host several Baltimore artisans on Saturday, April 23, 2011. Guests will have the opportunity to meet local Etsy selling artists and peruse their handmade wares. “Etsy is a great venue for artists and crafters, especially now that ‘handmade’ is getting the attention it deserves, but people like to meet the person behind the work,” says Webb. “We often forget to buy local, more so when we’re shopping online.”
See you there!

Meet The Etsy Artist Trunk Show
April 23, 2-5pm
1028 S. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21230

2011-04-19T10:28:00.002-04:00

*Photo credit-Sugarloaf Crafts Festival* Artist-Primitive Twig

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival

April 29-May 1

The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival returns to Baltimore for a three day craft show featuring over 250 artists! Live demonstrations will include wheel throwing, iron forging, paper making, and copper spinning. Middle Earth Studios will present an interactive dress up theatre for children. Dozens of gourmet food producers will offer gourmet and seasonal food/drinks to sample and purchase. Many of the artists will be showcasing unique gifts for spring and summer weddings inspired by the Royal Wedding (which takes place the same weekend!). Tickets are $7 online and $9 at the door. The show is located at the Timonium Fairgrounds. Visit sugarloafcrafts.com for more info. Want to win two free tickets?? Be the first to tell us how many people visited Sugarloaf Craft Festivals last year. Email the answer to charmcitycraftmafia@gmail.com. Put Sugarloaf Crafts in the subject line. This is sure to be a great event with artsy-crafty offerings for the whole family!

Baker Artist Awards - Announced 4/19

2011-04-18T11:25:00.005-04:00

THE BAKER ARTIST AWARDS WILL BE ANNOUNCED TOMORROW NIGHT!
3 Talented Baltimore artists (in any artistic field, including writing, music or visual arts) will be awarded a $25,000 prize tomorrow night - LIVE on Maryland Public Television! Come celebrate at a viewing party at the Windup Space (12 West North Avenue, Baltimore) tomorrow- April 19th! Celebrate the awards + the Baltimore arts community, and get free pizza and beer! The party is from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, and we’ll be watching the MPT announcement on the big screen when it airs at 7:30pm. Pizza will be provided by Joe Squared, and there will be complimentary drinks as well. Please note that space is limited, so be sure to get there early!!

More info HERE

To view the work of all your favorite Baltimore artists online, visit www.bakerartistawards.org
See you tomorrow!

MD Film Fest Seeks Volunteers!

2011-04-13T10:00:00.000-04:00

The Maryland Film Festival is now seeking volunteers! Have fun! Earn free screening vouchers! Be part of the excitement in Downtown Baltimore, May 5-8, 2011!
Many volunteer opportunities are available: Box Office, Tent Village, Filmmakers Lounge, Theatre Ushers, and more.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, must enjoy serving the public, and must be committed to fulfilling assigned shifts.
BENEFITS: Tshirts, Screening Vouchers, Snacks, Drinks, an end-of-festival Party Pass and the opportunity to be involved with Baltimore's largest Film Event, as well as meet filmmakers and critics from around the world and be an ambassador for our fair city!

For details - CLICK HERE!

Spring Bada Bing

2011-04-12T08:44:00.005-04:00

Come on down to Richmond Virginia for this year's SPRING BADA BING--The Boss of All Craft Shows!! Spring Bada Bing is the largest indie craft show in Virginia featuring around 65 happy go lucky super talented crafty folks!!

The mafia's very own Illegible Ink, Spaghetti Kis s, Pink Kiss Pottery, and Found Studio will be there with bells on! Make a fun weekend of it and check out the independent shops of Carytown. Yay Spring....Yay Bada Bing!!!

Apply to Pile Of Craft 2011!

2011-04-10T14:52:00.000-04:00

Calling All Crafters!
There's still time to apply for Pile Of Craft!
Pile Of Craft 2011 Is Scheduled for June 25th, in Baltimore.
This, like every show we organize, is a juried show.
Applications close on April 17th at midnight-
We can't wait to see this year's batch of talented applicants!

CLICK HERE FOR THE APPLICATION

THIS WEEKEND IN BALTIMORE!

2011-04-08T08:59:00.008-04:00

JOHN BOHL & JORDAN BERNIER
ARTIST BOOK RELEASE PARTY
Friday, April 8, 7-10pm
Current Gallery
421 N Howard St
Baltimore, MD 21201

Prolific Baltimore artists John Bohl and Jordan Bernier present a hand drawn and printed and self-released artist book in a show at Current Gallery tonight! See the original artwork and pick up a copy of the book, and support this local art haven.

RACK: An Experimental Fashion Event
Saturday, April 9 - 9pm
2640 St Paul St.
Baltimore, MD 21218
$5 tickets at MICA bookstore | $10 tickets at door
MICA's first of many end-of-year annual fashion events! An experimental fashion show featuring student work from the fashion and multi-media classes. Students present their innovative fashion and costume designs through visually stunning live performances and projected video. The evening will involve more than 150 people-from designers to performers, roving costumed characters and musicians.

Dress by Red Prairie Press for Liberation By Design

LIBERATION BY DESIGN - A fashion fundraiser
Saturday, April 9 - 5pm
Mattin Center - Silk Road Cafe - JHU
N. Charles Street, Baltimore.

Come see 12 innovative, fresh Baltimore artists (including CCCM's Rachel Bone) showcase their unique creative visions using the basic Little Black Dress as a canvas. The fashion show, featuring Hopkins students as models, will be followed by the opening of an online auction, where you can purchase the one-of-a-kind "wearable art" dresses you just saw! Enjoy the creative atmosphere and stunning art dresses, as well as a snack or two!
Proceeds from the auction will benefit Women's Housing Coalition

BALTIMORE TATTOO ARTS CONVENTION
April 8-10
Sheraton Baltimore Hotel
101 West Fayette Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Tickets $20/day or $40/weekend
Kids under 12 are free (if you really want to bring them).

Tattoos, Tattoo artists, live music and performances, seminars, food, entertainment, contests and vendors - such as CCCM's own Spaghetti Kiss - hocking comics, apparel, tattoo supplies, art and more!
Get a tattoo or body piercing there, or learn about all of the talented artists in your own city so that you can get one later.

THIS WEEKEND IN BALTIMORE!

2011-04-01T10:08:00.005-04:00

FRIDAY NIGHT:

First Fridays In Hampden!!
$0! - Friday, April 1st - 6-9pm
featuring:
Holy Frijoles, Free food & Snacks along with music at TROHV
Curbside Cafe truck parked outside DOUBLE DUTCH BOUTIQUE
"Vinylmore 4" Art show at ATOMIC BOOKS!
Friends, Neighbors, Sales & Beers abound! Go Celebrate Spring already! (just wear your galoshes)
Most Hampden Shops are open late, and often have sales & freebies!

MICA Printmaking Department Exhibition!
$0 - Friday April 1, 6:30 – 9 PM
Rosenberg Gallery,
Brown Center 2nd Fl.
Mt Royal Ave.
Baltimore, MD

Out Of Order Show!
A self-hung gallery style art show at which all the art is for sale!
$40 - Friday, April 1 - 8pm
MD Art Place at Power Plant Live!
8 Market Place, Suite 100
Baltimore, MD 21202
more info HERE.

SATURDAY:

Marquee Ball 2011 at Creative Alliance
Dinner, Dance Party, Live Music, Auction, Fundraisin' Etc.
Saturday, April 2, 6pm Preview Dinner, 9pm Dance.
Dance Party $45, $40 mbrs in adv. $50 at door.
Preview Dinner $200.
More info HERE.

got a must-see-event that we missed? feel free to list it in the comments below!!
Have a great weekend!!

The Paper Fish at Metro Gallery - FRIDAY 3/25

2011-03-24T21:45:00.005-04:00

Katherine Fahey, who is a Pile of Craft & Holiday Heap veteran, a Shapenote Sister, and an all around important Baltimore artist to know, presents The Paper Fish tomorrow night at Metro Gallery.

Your favorite Baltimore band and mine, Wye Oak, commissioned Kathy, along with Michael O'Leary and Owen Lang, to create the music video for their song, Fish, from their album Civilian.

In true Fahey form, the work itself is a collaboration, but the evening's festivities will be as well. You will have the opportunity to view the video, the paper cuts and shadow puppets used to create it, photographs of the process, AND you will be invited to create a shadow puppet of your own.

If that's not crafty, I don't know what is.

The Paper Fish
Exhibition opens Friday, March 25 and runs through April 30

Metro Gallery
1700 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Free Symposium at AVAM 4/4/11

2011-03-22T11:44:00.000-04:00

"Nest Egg" at AVAM. Photo by Richard Ames via flickr
Money Matters!
Profiting from & protecting your art, craft or other creative business
Monday, Apil 4 • 12:30pm-5pm
American Visionary Art Museum
800 Key Hwy, Baltimore
FREE

PNC Bank, Maryland Lawyers for the Arts and the American Visionary Art Museum present an afternoon symposium to help the city's creative class better navigate budgets, cash flow, copyright, insurance, and more! Presentations and group sessions with: PNC community development and business bankers; Cynthia Sanders, Esq of Ober|Kaler; and Bob Middleton, Director of the arts insurance program at Maury Donnelly & Parr. Tasty treats and tour of AVAM's "What Makes Us Smile?" exhibition included. All of Baltimore's talented artists, actors, musicians, dancers, writers, singers, inventors, crafters, bakers, home cottage industry CEO's, and creative businesspeople of all stripes are invited to attend! Free! But space is limited!

RSVP asap: whitney@avam.org
410.244.1900 x247

Hatch Showprints at MICA - Tuesday 3/22

2011-03-21T15:42:00.001-04:00

Jim Sherraden of Hatch Show Print
Tuesday, March 22nd, at 6 PM
Falvey Hall, Brown Center
MICA, 1301 W. Mt. Royal Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21217
There is a really exciting talk tomorrow night at MICA with Jim Sherraden of Hatch Show Print - one of the oldest and most respected letterpress poster production houses in the country. If you don't know - MICA recently purchased the full print archives from Baltimore's own Globe Poster, which closed it's doors a few years ago. The men of Globe will also be on stage to talk about that acquisition. A great way to ring in a new season, don't you think? If you are interested in printing of any sort - you won't want to miss this.