4th Annual Holiday Booty Market

There's more than one reason to head to DC Saturday, for sure. I can think of, like, twenty. And they'll all be under one roof at the Holiday Booty Market inside the Design Within Reach showroom in Adams Morgan. This is quite possibly the last chance to get awesome handmade gifts form your favorite local artists including BEST's own Jen Menkhaus (the littlest bean), Sweet Pepita, The Garbologist's Wife, Jaime Zollars and Charm City Craft Mafia's Red Prairie Press.


Moonlight Bindery


de*nada



this chickadee


Tina Seamonster

Saturday, December 19, 2009 -- 10am-5pm
Design Within Reach - Adams Morgan
1838 Columbia Rd. NW
Washington, DC

The BEST Holiday Giveaway 2009

It's that time again! To thank you for your readership over the past year, we are giving away a box of goodies from some of the talented members of BEST. All you need to do is be a subscriber to our newletter (you can find the signup on the right column of our blog), and leave a comment telling us about your favorite item from any BEST member's shop. A winner will be chosen December 18th. Good Luck!

Thanks to donating members!

BakersWife

TheBrokenPlate

FuzzyMug

JumpSheep

Shellydaly

TigerlillyShop

Indie-Pendent Business- Walk The Dog

It is well known that us crafters and artists put in long hours in our studios toiling away for our beloved craft. With set up and break down for shows, we are often away from home for 10+ hours. And then there are the 2 day shows, the out of town shows, the weekend conferences, and the workshops. With all this time dedicated to the making, selling and educating about craft, who's taking care of Fido??? To help out, why not hire a dog walker or pet sitter to care for your furry friends while you are away? Baltimore's Best, Walk The Dog is your answer! Owned and operated since 2002 by Kelly Zimmerman, Walk The Dog is ready to take care of all your pets needs. Does Fido need a mid day walk while you are working on that giant wholesale order? While you are away at that out of town holiday show let Walk The Dog feed your cat, give it's medication, water your plants and bring in the mail! Bonded and insured, Walk The dog is staffed by pet care professionals and highly recommended by area veterinarians.

Does Kelly look familiar to you? You may have seen her walking several happy canines at once in your neighborhood, or supervising a doggy play date in the park. More likely you have seen her at your booth at any one of the local shows- Kelly is huge "patron" of craft and even dabbles in silk screening fanciful t-shirts with hubby T.J.

Need a little extra income in between shows or in the "slow season" for craft? Dog walking is the perfect job for crafters, artists, grad students, musicians, virtually anyone who needs a flexible schedule. I've been known to grab a few leashes and tennis balls in order to supplement my craft income. Just ask artist Annie from Imogene what she is doing when not in the studio! Want to know what a typical dog walking day is like? Listen to this podcast on NPR with employee Matt Fisher. So support a local independent business AND the local craft scene the next time your dog needs a walk!

Let's Go Out-To see the Rockettes!

When I was a kid living in North Jersey, we took an annual outing to the city to see the Macy's window display, the tree at Rockefeller Center and of course, the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. Last year was the first year ever they left their home for a christmas time tour and are coming again this year. I have my tickets, here's what I'm thinking of wearing for a night out with Mom (who turned down a chance to be a Rockette!)



A cute black Mandy Dress by myblackdress



Leather Poppy Wristlet by tmStudioDesigns (Hint, hint, if my husband is reading, I want one of these so bad)



Of course I need a hair clip from BEST's own Designbynight (to match my fabulous new bag)



An incredible statement making cocktail ring by novaofsweden in my favorite color ever (chartreuse)

My three Things

Anyone who lived in the D.C. area during the '80s and '90s remembers the great old radio station WHFS and Weasel the DJ. Weasel had a daily feature called "My Three Songs"; in this game, he would present three songs that had a common thread, theme, or leitmotif, and the object was for the listeners to guess what it was.

Here are three items by Etsy artists. What do they have in common? Give your answer in the comments below!



Vintage Vodka Tonic Cocktail Necklace by dustDesignCo



Sugar Plum Fairy Art Tags by mulberymuse



Recycled Mink Ring by Artjewelryonline

Happy Birthday, Jussara!

aka SpaTherapy

Trim That Tree!

Every year I seek out a new ornament for the tree, something unique, fun and hand made of course! Here a few of my favorite etsy finds this year.

Gingerbread zombie man by Living Thread!


I know I need this copper Boxer dog ornament by White Dog Art. They have many different breeds if you are not a Boxer lover like me!

Beautiful hand blown glass ornament by In The Light Glass Work for my traditional side.

BEST'S own Jenny Jen's felt Owl Ornament- he maybe hanging around all year.

Powder coated steel ornaments by Megan Auman, for the metal smith in me.

Brrrr...it's getting cold!

Winter is coming and someone has to split those logs for the fireplace... and for a reward, why not splurge on the manly fella in your life?!

Here are a few ideas to get you headed in the right direction!

Every rugged man needs a plaid shirt... here's one from Captain Cat.

When he's finished. celebrate with a beer, wrapped in these fun cosies by Touch the Dutch

Show your appreciation with this great card from Dude and Chick

And for when you're ready for him to shave all that ruggedness off... Shaving Soap Hazelnut Cocoa - with Clay, Honey and Goats Milk From Spa Therapy

Finish Up Your Holiday Shopping at School 33

Plush You 2009: OoAKies, originally uploaded by greenstarstudio.

Get your last minute gifts without the "maul" madness. Stop by the Last Minute Maul on Sunday December 13 where over 25 vendors will be on hand displaying all kinds of handmade goodnesss, including jewelry, art, ceramics, and home decor.

BEST artists Danamarie Hosler of GreenStarStudio, Monica of Sugar Paperie and Jennifer Wilfong of Yummy & Company and Elisa Shere Designs will be in attendance with their wares!

Don't miss this last opportunity to shop handmade this holiday season!!!

School 33 Art Center

10-5pm

1427 Light Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21230

Holiday refreshments will be provided!

Baltimore Life: Duckpin Bowling

I drive past this little bowling center every time I head into downtown. This sign with pins and a bowling ball stares back at me on Eastern Ave. every time I drive past it. Well, I recently killed an afternoon there with some friends and was pleasantly surprised to find another living vintage gem on this side of the city!

They say today Patterson Bowling Center is the oldest operating duckpin bowling alley in the nation. And it is right here for all to enjoy in Baltimore!

This game is played a bit differently than traditional tenpin bowling. Duckpins are smaller than regular tenpin bowling pins. Their tiny size goes just perfectly with their corresponding 2-3 lb bowling balls. They are not very heavy, there are no holes in these balls, but are small enough for even young children to handle. The automatic scoring system makes it extra easy for the novice to keep up. And when it's your turn, instead of 2 tries, you get 3. You need 3, because this game is more of a challenge than you think!

Check this place out during their open play hours of some inexpensive entertainment this winter season. It's BYOB and you can have food delivered. Definitely makes for a memorable event full of old school Baltimore charm.