Maryland Film Festival

The Maryland Film Festival
May 3, 2012 - May 6, 2012 | All Day
The Charles Theater
Maryland Institute College of Art
1711 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201


Designed to advocate for films and filmmakers as they enter the marketplace, the Maryland Film Festival celebrates the art of film in the tradition of famous Baltimoreans like John Waters and Barry Levinson. Documentaries, short films and features are screened at several locations throughout the city as Baltimore goes Hollywood for the better part of a week. For more information visit the webstie at www.md-filmfest.com.

Tutorial: UpCycled Denim Catch All

I saw these and instantly thought it would be a great way to recycle those old denim jeans that we all have. This tutorial shows regular denim color, but imagine how cute these could be with white or a colored denim with contrasting fabric. These would be terrific for the kids room to hold small toys, or better yet, how about for the bathroom for hair brushes or shampoos. When they get icky you can simply throw them in the washing machine for a quick clean up.

This was originally posted on the Craftzine blogspot.

Written by Stacey Phinney

How to: Bridal Emergency Kit

I recently found myself needing a fun gift for a friend who will soon
be getting married. When I got married, a friend gave me a Bridal
Emergency Kit--a drawstring bag filled with all manner of items that a
bride might need on her big day. Not only was it incredibly useful,
it was a hoot going through the bag at my shower and hearing
everyone's funny stories of wedding day emergencies. As an added
bonus, the bride can just toss the whole thing into her carry-on for
her honeymoon. It was simple to put together. For this gift, I sewed
the toiletry case myself for that extra handmade touch, but you could
also use an easier to make drawstring bag or purchase one if you are short on time.

A gang of recently-wed girlfriends helped compile this list of essentials:

lip balm
breath mints
ibuprofen
little folding hairbrush with built-in mirror
lint roller
snack-sized energy bar
safety pins
wet wipes
bobby pins
a sewing kit
clear nail polish
bandages
antacids
tissues
dental floss
deodorant
hair spray
hand lotion
nail polish remover
scissors
small disposable toothbrushes

You've doubtlessly got some shower gifts on your list or at least a
gal at work who is about to get hitched . . . why not throw together
one of these little kits for her?

written by Brita of Beeps' Peeps

Random Baltimore Photo

Random Baltimore Photo by Clare of Fiorella Jewelry

Match Book Note Pad Tutorial

Here is another craft idea using paint swatch samples...a match book note pad. I love little note pads that are small enough to fit in your pocket. I use them all the time for shopping lists because if I do not have a list god only knows what will end up in my shopping bag with my gold fish memory.

What you will need:

• Paint swatches
• Paper
• X-acto™ Knife or Scissors
• Ruler
• Stapler
• Pencil
• Bone folder or butter knife

1. Using a bone folder or the wrong side of a butter knife, score along the bottom edge of the top color block on the swatch. Fold the edge.
   
   
   ** Scoring a piece adds a notch to the paper that makes it easier to fold. Place the ruler on the fold line and take the bone folder and run it along the length of the fold. If you do not have a bone folder you can use the back side (the un-serrated edge) of a butter knife. Do not press too hard, you do not want to rip or tear the paper.
   
   
2. Using fig. 2 for reference, measure from the fold line to the bottom of the swatch (A). Divide that measurement in half then add .75" inches to that measurement. Using that number (Measurement B), measure from the fold and lightly mark the swatch.
3. Score the new marked area and fold. If done correctly, the to flat should fall short of reaching all the way to the bottom to allow for the staple.
4. Next we are going to measure the folded swatch from the vertical position so we can figure out how big the inside paper should be for the pad. Measure the width and subtract .125" (1/8"). Now measure the height, you will subtract between .125" and .25" depending on how thick you want your book. The more pages you add the shorter the height will need to be.
   
   Note: I made several books ranging from 12 pages to 20 pages. For the 12 page book I only subtracted .125" from the height, however the 20 page note pad required the inside pages to be .25" shorter. You will have to be the judge for what will work best.
   
   
5. Cut a bunch of papers using the measurements from step 4. Double check that they fit in the folded swatch.
   
   
6. When the paper notes pages are in place staple the papers and the small flap together just below the edge of the top flap.
   
   
   

Written by: Kolleen Kilduff from Design by Night

Independent Baltimore Business: Marigan H. O'Malley-Posada Photography

Marigan H. O'Malley-Posada is a Baltimore-based freelance photographer
with a focus on fine art, portraiture, and travel.  After working for
many years as the visuals coordinator for a global design firm
headquartered here in Baltimore, O'Malley-Posada launched her own
freelance photography business, where she has distinguished herself
with her unique aesthetic.  Whether she is documenting a wedding on
the Bay or a street market in Thailand, her ability to capture the
essence of a person or place sets her work apart.

Families looking for a photographer who brings a non-traditional
flavor to the shoot will appreciate O'Malley-Posada's mix of carefully
composed shots and fun, dynamic candids.

Visit Marigan H. O'Malley-Posada on Facebook or at her website.

Written by Brita of Beeps' Peeps

Favorite Etsy Shop - Oyma

I love the wooden fishing boats made by oyma.  These little boats make me want to hit the cool waters on the hot Baltimore days.  I love the bold colors, little details and nostalgic feel of these little, handcrafted boats.  Sail away!

Here are some of my favorites for the warmer seasons.

 

 

Wooden Boats - Set of 8 - in different colors

 

 

 

Wooden Boat - Fishing Boat

 

 

 

Wooden Boat - Fishing Boat - Trawler / Handmade - Hand Painted

 

 

 Written by Katie of Charms City Company

 

Tutorial: Mondo Pom Pillow

Photo courtesy Living with Punks.

You remember pom poms, don't you? That uber trendy sewing notion of the 60's and 70's that seemed to find it's way onto every drape, poncho, and lampshade in existence? Well, like all good things retro, they're making a comeback. This Mondo Pom Pillow tutorial from Susan at Living with Punks is proof that you can incorporate this fun design element into your home and still have it be totally modern and fresh. She also has some other tutorials using ready-made pom trim, including this sweet confection pillow and floor cushion, so be sure to check those out, too!

Written by Rachael of Open Eyes Press.

Recipe - Coffee Rubbed Tenderloin in a Whiskey Chocolate Peppercorn Sauce

Coffee Rubbed Tenderloin in a Whiskey Chocolate Peppercorn Sauce


Serves 10

1EA Beef Tenderloin Trimmed
1C Coffee
TT Salt
TT Pepper
TT Garlic
TT Onoin Powder
TT Ground Rosemary
TT Thyme
2LB Chocolate Tempered
1C Heavy Cream
2T Peppercorns
1C Whiskey

Combine coffee to other seasoning and cover tenderloin overnight
Next morning wipe excess rub off
Sear beef in pan with little oil until forms crust
Remove beef and add peppercorns, saute briefly
Add whiskey to flambe and then cover
Remove cover add heavy cream and then chocolate
Let simmer for 10 minutes not to burn
Place beef in over on an elevated rack until desired doneness and serve with chocolate sauce

It's absolutely delicious!

Recipe courtesy Chef Ben Simpkins at Richardson Farms

Written by Kelly of Kelly's Keychains

Lotta Art - April 13th & 21st

Lotta Art, Baltimore's super fun fund raiser for School 33 and it's art programs, will be held April 21st this year, with a preview and Open House April 13th.

Baltimore Etsy Team's Fiorella Jewelry has donated a piece that will be part of the auction. Come on out for delicious food, drinks, and lots of local art flavor.

written by Clare of Fiorella Jewelry

BEST Open Membership - April 9th through April 23rd

We want you to join BEST! As a member of BEST, you’ll have access to a large, generous community of experienced Etsy sellers through our Google Group and the opportunity to participate in meetings and workshops to meet up with all of the local crafty folk. (You can work on upping your business game or just hang out!) Your Etsy shop will be promoted through team treasuries, our website, newsletter, blog, Flickr, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and through the distribution of our promotional materials. You’ll be more visible to the local (and some national) press - many of our members have been contacted through the team for interviews. You’ll have access to craft show resources, like ride-sharing and supply rentals. Plus, we’re pretty fun to hang out with! Memberships are $20/year for all new members. Membership will be open from April 9th- April 23rd. Email us today for a link to the membership form! Membership won't open again until August 2012, so don't wait to join!

Random Baltimore Photo

Gaia mural in Station North.

Photo by Open Eyes Press.

Check out the Charm City Roller Girls

Charm City Roller Girls 2012
April 14th | 5:30pm - 8:00pm
DuBurns Arena
1301 South Ellwood Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21224
For more information visit their website at www.charmcityrollergirls.com


Fresh off an exciting year that saw the Night Terrors win the Donaghy Cup and the CCRG All Stars make a repeat visit to the 2011 WFTDA Championships, the Charm City Roller Girls are proud to announce the dates for the 2012 home season:


April 14th
Donaghy Cup Championship Bout
CCRG All Stars Home Opener vs The Chicago Outfit

Tickets are on sale now via Mission Tix or at:

Atomic Books (Hampden)
Bad Decisions (Fells Point)
Collectors Corner (Parkville)
Patterson Perk (Patterson Park)
Baltimore Hostel (Mt. Vernon)
Flesh Tattoo Co. (Fallston)
Stale Fish Board Co. (Bel Air)
Wine Underground (Roland Park)
Charmington's (Remington)

Follow BEST on Pinterest!

Have you caught the Pinterest fever?  If you haven't, you've most likely heard of this Internet phenomenon at least...a place where you can virtually "pin" things you like to a number of bulletin boards, without covering the walls of your house!  I myself have had to limit the number of times a day that I browse through my friends pins, and every time I go on I find new ideas about what to make for dinner, outfits I want to put together, great ideas for my classroom, as well as adorable photos of baby animals.

There truly is a pin for everyone, and while you need to be invited to join, I would bet you could find at least one person you know to sign you up!

BEST has a group pin board where you can find new and exciting products that are offered in our Etsy shops- go check out our board, and start pinning today!



written by Lauren of JerseyGirlDesign

Anime Boston is a yearly event that takes place at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachussetts. This year on Easter weekend, April 6 - 8, 2012, a variety of individuals will travel to Boston for three days of geeky goodness. There they will celebrate Japanese culture, memes, video games, comic books and fashion. Cosplay is a big part of this exciting event. Hundreds will strut their stuff in outfits representing their favorite characters in popular culture. It is a site to see.

The event hosts various Japanese and industry guests. There are panels, workshops and even dances that one can attend the entire weekend. The Dealer's Room and Artist Alley are also a big draw as various wares and art sold for three consecutive days. Anime conventions are always the most lively of my conventions and I enjoy the people, culture and friends this convention brings together. I will be selling at the convention in the Artist Alley so if you are in the area be sure to stop by!

For more information visit the Anime Boston website: http://www.animeboston.com/

Written By: Kelly of Kelly's Keychains

Favorite Etsy Shop - Little Blue Studio

Baltimore based Little Blue Studio offers beautiful brooches, corsages
and hair accessories. Most of the collection is made up of fabric
flowers with fabulous beading. Custom options are also available.
Great for brides!

Here are some of my favorites -


Fabric Flower Brooch - single bloom corsage pin in nude



Bridal Hairpins - custom set of 2 bobby pins



Double Bloom Fabric Flower Brooch

Written by Becca & Mars