baltimore etsy street team

Let's Go Out! Holiday Caroling!

2009-12-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Caroling is one of those holiday activities that seems to have fallen by the way side as people are spending more and more time indoors connected to their computers and digital devices. This year my neighborhood is bringing it back! We are going to roast a yule log, drink hot chocolate and make merry! With these etsy finds I plan on getting into the holiday spirit!

Beautiful poinsettia cowl neck warmer by Econica
I'll keep my hot chocolate warm with this tea cozy by Natalya 1905.

Of course the dog will be in the spirit with this Rudolph the Ree Nose Reindeer set by I Lick You.

And The Sprout will stay toasty with this festive knit hat by Deus Provide Bit.

Happy Holidays!

Happy Birthday, Monica!

2009-12-06T15:34:00.001-05:00

aka sugarpaperie.

What are you Doing on the Computer?

2009-12-05T07:35:00.001-05:00

When there are so many shows this weekend?

BEST at Merry Mart

2009-12-04T14:30:00.000-05:00

Avoid manic mall madness! Do your holiday shopping at The Patterson. 35+ fab local vendors with the best in regional crafts, arts, and gifts! Come check out BEST members Design by Night for fabulous flower and feathery accessories, Jill Popowich Designs in Metal for bejeweled silver jewelry, Buttons for Babes for cute kids gifts, Atelier-Beads for beautiful beaded prayer beads and accessories and TigerlillyShop for stunning nature inspired copper/silver jewelry and fun kimono fabric buttons.

Sun Dec 6, 11am-5pm.

Friday Finds: Holiday Cards

2009-12-04T08:09:00.000-05:00

Now is the time to gather holiday card ideas. In these days of e-mail and IMs, the tradition of sending holiday cards is still the best ways to spread cheer and keep in touch with loved ones.

I particularly love receiving cards in "snail mail" - even though I pity the poor mail carriers this time of the year - I love stringing them up on ribbons around the house, and mostly, I love hearing from friends and family. These below are on my shortlist:

3 Holiday Snowman Christmas Cards by shesbattydesigns

Nastee Notes for the Holidays-HAPPY FREAKIN HOLIDAYS by Nasteenotes

damask Christmas greeting - small boxed set by mavoracards

Bright Snowflake- Set of 3 Holiday Cards by LindasPaperie

If you start somewhat early and do a few each day or several each weekend, you could get them all sent on time without stressing too much about the task.

Handmade Mart’s Holiday Shop-n-Stroll, This Saturday!

2009-12-03T15:38:00.001-05:00

Head down 95 to Silver Spring this weekend and get your shop on with three BEST members – FuzzyMug, The Littlest Bean and Sweet Pepita. They will be among the 50+ independent crafters at the first annual Holiday Shop-n-Stroll!

This is a great way to kick off the holidays and get in the spirit. Pick up fresh produce from local farmers (yum!), participate in various crafting workshops, and listen to the angelic voices of strolling carolers all while shopping for unique, hand-crafted gifts for everyone on your list.

Check out the eclectic list of vendors, intriguing shop profiles and a handy map here. Hope to see you there!

Saturday, December 5, 2009, 10am-3pm
Ellsworth Drive (Between Fenton Ave. and Georgia Ave.)
Downtown Silver Spring

Written by FuzzyMug.

BEST at Greenbelt Festival of Lights

2009-12-03T14:54:00.001-05:00

And if you're looking for yet another place to find us this weekend, how about the Greenbelt Festival of Lights?

Join greenstarstudio, Jen Menkhaus, Sweet Pepita, TigerlillyShop, Jersey Girl Design, BlockPartyPress, Yummy & Company, DandelionBlu & Elisa Shere Jewelry for two days of shopping and demonstrations, workshops and presentations, by dozens of artists.
The Festival takes place indoors at the Greenbelt Community Center, Saturday, December 5th from 10-5 and Sunday, December 6th from 11-4pm.

BEST gets "Out of Hand"...

2009-12-03T08:41:00.002-05:00

I know…Out of Hand is just one of many Holiday craft shows happening this weekend! What’s a girl or guy to do? Here are 5 good reasons why you should take time to stop by on your crafty whirlwind around town:

1 Its not too big! About 30 crafters in two rooms

2 The food is organic and oh, so good, catered by Neopol of Belvedere Square

3 Shh…don’t tell anyone …one of the well known local artists has a clearance sale that's awesome! Lips are sealed!

4 There is plenty of easy parking in the adjacent parking lot

5 I saved the best for last; there are seated massages!

And if that’s not enough, BEST members Danamarie Hosler will be there with her Knitimals & OoAKies and Shelly Daly with her beach stone jewelry (just so you know, neither are the artist referenced in number 3!). Rick Shelly, of glass bug fame, and other wonderful, mostly local artisans will be offering up their very best work for the holiday season! Hope we see you there!

Out of Hand
Sunday Dec.6, 10am - 5 pm
Knights of Columbus Hall
201 Homeland Avenue (on the edge of the Notre Dame campus just off Charles Street)
Baltimore, 21212

Written by: Shelly Daly

3rd Annual Holiday Heap This Saturday!!!

2009-12-03T07:06:00.009-05:00

It is that time of year again! This local craft show is my favorite of the season. The venue hosts a handmade loving crowd, the building has a warm and fuzzy feeling. Grab some coffee, listen to the DJ and feel good about shopping local.
This cool Charm City Craft Mafia show never lets us down!

Don't miss it!
10am-5pm
Saturday, December 5th
Saint John’s Church, 2640 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21218

Not only can you buy handmade, but there will be an awesome gift basket raffle benefiting Art with a Heart, a local non-profit providing access to art activities for disadvantaged families, children, and people with developmental and physical challenges. Take a chance and give back.

We hope to see you this weekend! The following BEST members will be vending this year:

TigerLillyShop
Jen Menkaus/Littlest Bean

Sweet Pepita

Elisa Shere Jewelry

The Broken Plate Pendant Company

Yummy and Company
JennyJen42

Block Party Press

BEST (JillPopowichDesigns, DesignbyNight, dandelionblu & greenstarstudio)

Highlandtown Holiday Crafts Show - December 5

2009-12-03T05:33:00.000-05:00

Tired of the mall yet? Magnolia Designs in Highlandtown, offers a civilized alternative this Saturday, December 5. Come browse a unique collection of pottery, jewelry, hand-carved wood, custom handbags, accessories, fine art, pet accessories and more at the beautiful new
Skylofts Gallery. You’ll have the opportunity to meet and talk with the artists and to find out more about the growing independent arts scene in one of Baltimore’s best old neighborhoods. BEST member (and resident of nearby Canton) Anne Madison of Atelier-Beads is
participating.

Saturday, December 5
Skylofts Gallery
3703 Bank Street
Baltimore, MD 21224 410-327-7035
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Happy Birthday, Dana!

2009-12-02T13:10:00.000-05:00

aka greenstarstudio.

Baltimore Life: Highlandtown Train Garden

2009-12-02T07:00:00.002-05:00

Highlandtown kicks off new holiday tradition! -and I think my family will have to take part! This is a great opportunity for kids, grandparents, and families to get into the holiday spirit together this season. With free admission, it makes for a great treat.

For weeks now, in a secret location, model railroading engineers have been assembling East Baltimore’s first public train garden, which will open to the public on Saturday, Dec. 5, at noon at Engine Company 41, Highlandtown’s firehouse at 520 S. Conkling Street.

Construction of the 16-by-eight-foot, two-tier layout was built by volunteers with generous support from community organizations.

The train garden will be open to the public Saturdays and Sundays, noon-5 p.m. and Thursdays, 5-8 p.m., from Dec. 5-27. The layout will also be open Monday, Dec. 28, 5-8 p.m.
The Southeast Anchor Library will host the opening reception, Saturday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m. The classic film “Polar Express” Southeast Anchor library auditorium Saturday, Dec. 12 at noon with free admission.
See you there!

Buy Handmade and Help The MD Food Bank

2009-12-01T08:31:00.003-05:00

It has been a difficult year for many Marylanders because of the tough economy. Many are without jobs and without food. In an effort to help those in need this holiday season, several BEST members will be donating a percentage of money from the the sales of their handmade items from December 1-14. Buyers will have a unique opportunity to support handmade and help feed hungry Marylanders.

The Maryland Food Bank provides nearly 14 million pounds of food annually to 1,000 Network Partners - including food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, low-income day care centers, after-school programs, senior centers, rehabilitation centers, and other feeding programs. They supply food for over 50,000 Marylanders each week who otherwise would go hungry or not eat enough, including families with children, the elderly, the homeless, the homebound, low-income workers, the recently unemployed, and people with AIDS and other health problems. For every $1 contributed to the Maryland Food Bank, they are able to provide 3 meals to Maryland’s needy families and individuals.

From December 1st through 14th, the following participating BEST members will be donating a percentage of their sales:

blockpartypress- 10% of Etsy sales
sweetpepita- 10% of all Etsy sales
jenmenkhaus- 10% of all Etsy sales
glowgirl - 10% of all Etsy sales
yummyandcompany- 10% of all Etsy sales
atelieradornments - 10% of all Etsy sales
lanabella - 10% of all Etsy sales
lolamiren - 10% of all Etsy sales
thebrokenplate - 10% of all Etsy sales
tigerlillyshop - 10% of all Etsy ring sales
greenstarstudio - 10% of all Etsy sales
vwstudios - 10% of all Etsy sales

Take some time to visit these Etsy shops, support handmade and know that when you make a purchase between Dec. 1 - 14, you will be helping to provide food and services to someone in need this holiday season. Here are some other ways to support the MD Food Bank:

* Make a direct monetary donation

* Purchase and donate food through the Food Bank's “Virtual Food Drive”

* Deliver the food directly to the Maryland Food Bank at 2200 Halethorpe Farms Road. Please call 410-737-8282 to arrange your delivery.

* Volunteer Opportunities

The BEST Holiday Giveaway 2009

2009-11-30T12:54:00.004-05:00

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!

38th Annual Lighting of the Washington Monument

2009-11-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

image by spike55151

Mark it on your calendar! Thursday, December 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Grab a cup of hot chocolate or a coffee while you are there and witness Baltimore's Monumental Occasion with a new twist! This year the city is going green with energy-saving LED lights replacing old-fashioned bulbs on the Monument.

I love attending the monument lighting. The local school choirs and bands are pretty entertaining and they lead up to a very exciting grand finale. This city never disappoints with fireworks displays, and this event really something to see. When watching this display, it almost seems for a split second like the Washington Monument is turning into a rocket getting ready to launch!

It's a really a fun thing to experience -definitely not to be missed!

Written by: Tigerlillyshop

Random Baltimore Photo

2009-11-29T07:55:00.000-05:00

For more information, please click on the image.

Holiday Shows!

2009-11-28T08:49:00.000-05:00

So many shows, so little time! Here's a list of shows across the country happening in the next few weeks. To see shows BEST members are doing, please check out our interactive calendar here. Happy Shopping! And thanks to Hello Craft for compiling this comprehensive list!

Kraftwork

Atlanta, GA

Thursday, Dec. 3rd

SF Etsy’s Handmade Ho Down

San Francisco, CA

Thursday, Dec. 3rd

INDIEana Handicraft Exchange
Indianapolis, IN
Friday, Dec. 4th

Craftland Holiday Show 2009

Providence, RI

December 4 – 31

Seven days a week, 10am – 6pm
Open until 8pm: Thursdays and Saturdays

Holiday Handmade

Denver, CO

Friday, Dec. 4th

Saturday, Dec. 5th

No Coast Craft-O-Rama
Minneapolis, MN
Friday, Dec. 4th
Saturday, Dec. 5th

One of a Kind Show & Sale: Chicago

Chicago, IL

Friday, Dec. 4th

Saturday, Dec. 5th

Sunday, Dec. 6th

BikeCraft

Portland, OR

Saturday, Dec. 5th

Handmade Mart
Silver Spring, MD
Saturday, Dec. 5th

Holiday Heap
Baltimore, MD
Saturday, Dec. 5th

Renegade Holiday Craft Fair: Chicago
Chicago, IL
Saturday, Dec. 5th
Sunday, Dec. 6th

Urban Craft Uprising

Seattle, WA

Saturday, Dec. 5th

Sunday, Dec. 6th

Boston Bazaar Bizarre

Boston, MA

Sunday, Dec.6th

BUST Holiday Craftacular: New York

New York, NY

Sunday, Dec. 6th

One of a Kind Show & Sale: NYC

New York, NY

Friday, Dec. 11th

Saturday, Dec. 12th

Sunday, Dec. 13th

BUST Holiday Craftacular: London

Bethnal Green, London

Saturday, Dec. 12th

BUST Holiday Craftacular: LA

Los Angeles, CA

Saturday, Dec. 12th

Handmade Arcade
Pittsburgh, PA
Saturday, Dec. 12th

Cleveland Bazaar Bizarre West

Cleveland, OH

Saturday, Dec. 12th

Sunday, Dec. 13th

Bazaar Bizarre San Francisco
San Francisco, CA

Saturday, Dec. 12th

Sunday, Dec. 13th

Crafty Wonderland’s Super Colossal Holiday Sale

Portland, OR

Sunday, Dec. 13th

Holiday Booty Market
Washington, DC
Saturday, Dec.19th

Renegade Holiday Craft Fair: SF
San Francisco, CA
Saturday, Dec. 19th
Sunday, Dec. 20th

Friday Finds - Black Friday (and a Sale!)

2009-11-27T06:29:00.005-05:00

Forget the crowds at the malls, wouldn't it be nice to do your shopping from your sofa? These shops are offering free shipping now through Monday November 30th.

tarabu

GreenstarStudio

The Garbologist's Wife

LolaMiren

designsbylesliebrown

dandelionblu

jenmenkhaus

shellydaly

DoxalloDesigns

GlowGirl16

S unflowerExpress

Worn Dress

Happy Shopping!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T07:54:00.003-05:00

We all have so much to be thankful for...

Find the BEST at Bazaart!

2009-11-25T08:45:00.000-05:00

Looking for a great Mall-ternative for Black Friday, this year? You can find BEST's own Greenstarstudio, JennyJen42 & Tigerlillyshop at Bazaart at the American Visionary Art Museum!

Friday Evening • November 27 • 5:30–8:00PM: BAZAART Preview Party & Sale Beat the crowds! An opportunity to get the first shot at the original creations by 50 regional artists and craftspeople prior to the Saturday Bazaart extravaganza (see 11/28 listing). Spend a relaxing evening strolling among Bazaart artisans and their wares while nibbling light fare and enjoying a special beverage. Location: American Visionary Art Museum, Jim Rouse Visionary Center, 3rd Floor. Admission to Preview Party & Sale: $20 at the door.

Saturday • November 28 • 10AM-5PM • FREE ENTRY: BAZAART: Artful Holiday Shopping
American Visionary Art Museum's Annual Holiday Marketplace of original creations by 50 regional artists and craftspeople. Painting, sculpture, papercrafts, metalwork, jewelry, textiles, mixed media, and other work that simply defies categorization! FREE ENTRY. Location: American Visionary Art Museum, Jim Rouse Visionary Center 3rd Floor. Note: Bazaart shoppers are welcome to tour the entire Jim Rouse Visionary Center for Free! Ongoing exhibitions include the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre automata, Baltimore Screen Painters, Emily Duffy's Bra Ball and more.

Thanksgiving Sales!

2009-11-24T23:06:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year again! Whether you are staying home this Black Friday because you like to sleep in, dislike crowds, or it's just too darn cold, these BEST artists have a thank you gift for all you stay-at-home-shoppers: Free Shipping!

All these shops are offering free shipping from Wednesday, November 25th through Monday November 30th.

tarabu
GreenstarStudio
The Garbologist's Wife
LolaMiren
designsbylesliebrown
dandelionblu
jenmenkhaus
shellydaly
DoxalloDesigns
GlowGirl16
SunflowerExpress

and Worn Dress will be offering free shipping Friday, November 27th through Monday November 30th.

So whether you are nervously surfing on The Night Before Thanksgiving or avoiding the carnage that is college football, here's your chance to score free shipping on handmade treasures.

Make sure to see each shop's announcement for specific details. Have fun shopping!

Written by: tarabu

Let's Go Out - Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T07:08:00.000-05:00

Oh Thanksgiving.....a time to express our gratitude and give thanks. A time to appreciate our families, friends, pets and anyone or anything that brings sunshine to our lives. Thanksgiving is also a time to eat....a LOT. So, bring on the stretchy pants, chunky knits, comfy boots and snuggly hats. It's gonna be a cold one!

Wool interlock hoody jacket with pocket and frogs, by Sandmaiden

Classic low-cut V neck foldover sleeve tee in gray,

and, rouched scrunched stretch leggings, both by lamixx

Vintage tall brown leather riding boots, by ladiesofleisure

Knittles super awesome earflap hat, by Knittles

Written By: Lola Miren

Indie-Pendence: Jack and Immy Children's Consignment

2009-11-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

There is a brand new eco-friendly place to shop in Southeast Baltimore. For gently used name brand kids clothes and high quality gear, Jack and Immy Children's Consignment is the new store to visit in Fells Point.

Portia Romond and Pintet Halasan saw an opportunity and made it happen. Both are local moms with young children and know first hand the challenges of juggling all of the "stuff" that goes along with having children. For those of us residing in the city, efficient row house living requires families to purge clothes and baby gear as kids grow every season. The consignment shop is a great option for recouping a bit of money as your kids outgrow their gently used items in these hard times.It is an environmentally conscious shopping and selling experience right here in our community. These ladies are committed to offering affordable clothing as well as providing a creative resource for families to consign. They named the shop by using each of their youngest child's names, Jack and Imogene. And of course, the store is kid friendly with an area to color and play while parents shop -always a bonus.
Jack and Immy's is located at 2108 Fleet St. in Fells Point.
Open Tues. -Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and can be reached at 410-732-0195.
See their website for terms.

Post written by: Tigerlillyshop

Tutorial- All in knots, Gerber daisy headband how-to

2009-11-21T07:24:00.003-05:00

Often when I visit craft stores they have bins and bins of inexpensive spools of thin satin ribbon. Between the rainbow of colors and the bargain pricing, I can not resist adding a spool or two to my cart. So after years of craft store shopping, I have boxes of dainty colorful ribbon and no clue what to use it for, until now.

What you will need:
1.75 yards of 1/8th inch wide satin ribbon in two colors
1-felt sheet
Scissors
Hot glue gun
Large button at least 1” in diameter
Headband

1. Cut 14 pieces of each color ribbon into 4.5” strips.

2. Tie a knot in each piece of ribbon, directly in the center of the ribbon.

3. Cut two pieces of felt in a circle with a 1.5” diameter.

4. Using one of the felt circles as a backing, take the ribbon and fold it in half gluing the cut edges to the base felt as seen in fig. 4.

5. Keep gluing all the ribbon petals around the edge of the circular base. Try placing the ribbon so you do not see the felt backing. (Note: I layered my color ribbon by placing all the darker ribbon down first then gluing the lighter ribbon to the top)

6. After all the petals are in place glue the button to make the center of the daisy.

7. Hot glue the back of the flower approximately 3” from a bottom prong of the headband, see fig. .

8. Take the second piece of felt and hot glue one side. Place the glued circle on the back of the flower, sandwiching the headband between the two pieces of felt. Press firmly on the back until glue cools.

Post written by Design by Night

Cut the Craft This Weekend

2009-11-20T12:00:00.001-05:00

Op Art and Glass Bead by SugarPaperie

Spring Tree by Jennyjen42

The Chair Dipper Just-one by Pinkkiss

To of our BEST members, Sugar Paperie and Jennyjen42 will be selling their wares in the Manayunk area of Philadelphia this weekend at Cut The Craft. A first time show by the Sardine Clothing Company. The BEST crew has been busting out of the Baltimore borders and traveling beyond the state! Here is yet another show where we represent the B-more gals! The weather is suppose to be beautiful and perfect for a drive to beautiful Philadelphia! Pink Kiss, of our cousin group Charm City Craft Mafia will also be there to represent! Check out other vender's here on their facebook page and get more info here.