How Sew?

If you're looking for a good resource on all things sewing, look no further!

Print available at BlockPartyPrints!

BurdaStyle is here to save the day!  Their mission is to "use the web to bring the craft of sewing to a new generation of designers, hobbyists, DIYers and anyone looking to sew".  They offer patterns for sale as well as free patterns!  Another cool feature is their "Technique of the Week"!  Sew, stop procrastinating... BurdaStyle is chock full of info, how to's, contests, and networking opportunities.

Niche Features BEST Crafter Jennifer Wilfong of Yummy & Company!

If you haven't checked out Niche's new blog now is the time!  As a crafter, it's such a thrill to even be on their radar!  So I about jumped out of my chair when they said they'd like to write an article about my work and what inspires some of the designs I've created.   Niche has been an invalubable resource for retailers and galleries looking to find one of a kind crafts for years and is a great source for any aspiring crafter!

Pile of Craft THis Saturday!

This Saturday is Charm City Craft Mafia’s 4th annual Pile Of Craft! A one-of-a-kind craft fair for Baltimore, featuring 40+ of the country's best handmade crafters selling their own housewares, stationary, screenprinted & sewn apparel, jewelry, handbags, hats, knit items, woven scarves, plush toys, ceramics, comic books, prints, paintings and more! Support handmade and local artists and meet them in person!

A number of BEST members will be participating in this awesome event:

Jamie Zollars, Sweet Pepita, Maneating Flower, Elisa Shere Jewelry, The little Bean, Found Studio, Boxerbox Press, Sugarpaperie, The brokenplate, Tigerlilyshop ,Yummy and Company, jennyjen42, Dandelion Blu , and Block Party Press.At our BEST table will be: greenstarstudio, Design by Night, Atelier-Beads, and Jill Popowich designs. Check out the vendors page here.

Pile of Craft is absolutely free to attend and open to all ages. I hear a rumor that a photobooth will be there! Don’t miss this amazing event!

June 26th 10-5pm

2640 St. Paul Street

Baltimore, MD 21218

Indie-Pendent Business: Emily's Cafe & Desserts

Have you heard about the new vegan restaurant that opened up in Baltimore a few months back?! Emily's Cafe & Desserts is cheerful little place in Mt. Washington where you can find animal and gluten-free yumminess! It's a great spot to stop by at lunchtime for soup and sandwiches and the most important course of a meal... dessert! There is a case filled with decadent cupcakes, donuts and cakes. They even have a whole line of special order vegan baked goods, including wedding cakes.

Find them at 4901 Springarden Drive, online at http://www.emilysdesserts.com/ and even become a Facebook fan.

Written by The Garbologist's Wife

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!

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.

Go Green with your Baby!

Babies produce a lot of ummmm, waste! 1 baby in disposable diapers contributes 1 ton of waste to landfills, and 27.4 BILLION disposable diapers are used in the U.S. every year. What's even crazier is that it takes 250-500 years for those disposable diapers to decompose! Why not be earth and wallet friendly and try cloth diapering? Here are few of my favorite cloth diapering supplies from etsy:

Organic bamboo velour fitted diaper by Lil Adi. This is one of my favorite diapers for The Sprout. So soft and luxurious.

You are going to need a water proof diaper cover for that fitted diaper, I like this skulls and crossbones cover by ReThink Crafts.

Save even more money and be even greener by using cloth wipes! Organic Soap Bits you can make into your own solution by Sweet Sydney Bean.

Flannel and bamboo cloth wipes by Monkey Snuggles Diaper. Bamboo is more absorbent the cotton, a sustainable fiber, and naturally antibacterial.

And to put all those diapers in before washing, Snuggles of Love wet bag.

Let's Go Out! Holiday Caroling!

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!

Twenty Things- Dandelion Blu Jewelry

1. I am recovering wedding and event photographer. I owned my business for 5 "seasons," and it almost killed me.

2. Although I am professional photographer, I rarely have a camera on me, and when somebody says "we should get a picture of that" everybody turns to me expectantly...

3. I have several rescued animals, and lost dogs seem to find me everywhere. My dream is to one day have a sanctuary where packs of homeless dogs can run and be guaranteed a home for life.

4. On the topic of animals, my other dream is to one day have enough space for a goat, a pig, and free range chickens (not for eating.)

5. On the topic of chickens, I have seen a chicken "running around with it's head cut off." Growing up my dad made an incubator and thought it would be educational for us to see chicks hatch. Pretty soon we had a huge flock and well, some became dinner.

6. I love ketchup. I would put it on pretty much anything if it was socially acceptable. I consider french fries to be just a vehicle for the ketchup.

7. I am directly related to Edwin P. Hubbell, the scientist who discovered the "Big Bang Theory," and for whom the Hubble Space Telescope is named for. When it was launched, my family got to go to Florida to see it.

8. Halloween is my favorite "holiday." I eat up all those ghost story shows, and consider October the best month for t.v. watching.

9. I can't wait till my boy is old enough for trick or treating, I want to make his costumes- yeah I'll be "that" mom, and he's going to be "that kid in the homemade costume."

10. My Dad and I both think the house I grew up in was haunted. Also, every year my friend and I go on a ghost tour. We've exhausted all the ones in the area. I believe.

11. My guilty pleasure is watching "90210" re-runs on the Soap channel.

12. Speaking of "90210," when I was in college at UMBC I got a job at Planet Hollywood in the harbor. I was working at the opening and Luke Perry (aka Dylan McKay) was there. I was really disappointed in how short he was...

13. I do not sing in public. Ever. Not even Happy Birthday. I've been caught lip syncing it!

14. I never held a little baby till I had my own.

15. I am not a natural red head- gasp! I've been dyeing my hair so long I am not sure what color it is naturally.

16. My Grandmother is a professional clown named Petunia. She went to Klown Kollege and everything!

17. My Grandmother also used to have a champagne pink Cadillac and she used to have her hair dyed to match it.

18. I love to vacuum, my Dyson Animal is one of my favorite possessions. I also have a robotic vacuum that I named Rosie. I've been known to just start vacuuming at friends houses.

19. I actually really like my Mother in law.

20. Mango is my favorite flavor, gardenia is my favorite smell, baby sneezes are my favorite sound, fall is my favorite time of year, shades of blue/green are my favorite color, and near the ocean with my husband, baby and dogs, is my favorite place to be.

Would you like to be featured? Email your twenty things (keep it clean, please!) to baltimoreetsy (at) gmail (dot) com. Be sure to include your name and URL.

Let's Go Out! Trick or Treating

Let's go Trick or Treating!

For Halloween my little sprout will be turned into a pumpkin with this adorable costume by dahlhartlane.



He'll collect his goodies in this creepy skeleton treat basket by The Black Sheep Studio.
It's one of a kind and made from a gourd!


Of course we'll be escorted by the dog, and he'll need a costume too! This "dogerpillar" costume is made by
hatz 4 bratz, and the original is being sent to the craft maven herself, Martha Stewart!

I'll need something festive to wear myself, so with a nod to Charm City's very own terrifying wordsmith Edgar Allen Poe, I'll don this Black Raven hat by It's the little things.
Happy Hauntings!

Craft Scars: Bleeding For Your Art!

WARNING! The following stories are real, and not for the faint of heart!

We crafters are a brave bunch. Everyday we chance severed appendages, 3rd degree burns, and repeat trips to the E.R. for the love of making. After narrowly missing another very serious burn after a hot jewelry piece fell over in the kiln, I got to thinking about the hazards of our trade. That beautiful hand knit scarf or dazzling pierced silver pendant, might just literally be made from blood, sweat and tears…. Here are a few of our stories.

“the ugliest was when I was punching out circles of
copper for earrings late one night in the studio. I was holding the
punch block and part of my thumb got caught between the blocks,
pinching some of my skin. I hit the punch w. my hammer and totally
nailed my finger between the blocks. it was the biggest most throbbing puffy purple blood blister I ever saw. ugly. oh, ugly and hurty.” –Tigerlilly Shop

“Goriest for me would probably have to be splinter of silver wire deep
in my foot. Required actual surgery with anesthesia, four days
recuperating at home, and two weeks of going to work in stupid little
bedroom slippers.” -Atelier Beads

“ooooh! metal in my eye! took a chunk of white part out. no kidding.”
- Sweet Pepita

The American Craft Council Announces the 2009 AltCraft Artists

The American Craft Council announced last week that seventeen makers have been selected to participate in the AltCraft section at its flagship show, The American Craft Council Show in Baltimore, February 27 through March 1, 2009 at the Baltimore Convention Center.

“The Council is pleased for these talented artists and indie designers to be a part of this well-established event,” said Andrew Glasgow, executive director of the American Craft Council. “These makers illustrate the innovative techniques and materials of the burgeoning new handmade craft movement and, as the leading voice in contemporary craft, we recognize and celebrate these individuals.”

AltCraft Artists were selected from hundreds of applicants through a rigorous jury process. They will present their work together in a bustling space on the show floor. Among the eclectic items available for purchase, attendees will find jewelry made entirely from reclaimed and surplus industrial materials; scarves of recycled goods dyed to create 3-D textures; handmade books and paper goods; individually hand-stitched toys; ceramics with hand-drawn designs; mixed-media work by local artists and much more!

The 2009 AltCraft Artists at The American Craft Council Show in Baltimore:

• Annie Chau of Imogene (Baltimore, MD)
• Jennifer Cooke of Raeburn Ink (Northampton, MA)
• Amber Coppings (Pittsburgh, PA)
• Deborah Cracchiolo of Tee-Pee-Toes (Detroit, MI)
• Jane D’Arensbourg (Brooklyn, NY)


anemone platter from Little Flower Designs

• Shannon Delanoy of Sweet Pepita (Baltimore, MD)
• Allison Fomich of Tigerlillyshop (Baltimore, MD)
• Rania Hassan of Goshdarnknit (Washington, DC)
• Linda Johnson of Little Flower Designs (Abington, PA)
• Melissa Kolbusz of Wired (Chicago, IL)


yes. okay. bird collage print from Astulabee

• Nicole Licht of Astulabee (Brooklyn, NY)
• Jessica Rosenkrantz and Jesse Louis-Rosenberg of Nervous System (Saugerties, NY)
• Elizabeth Rubidge of Felted Garden (Westport, CT)
• Julie Schneider of Your Secret Admiral (Brooklyn, NY)
• Margaret and Josh Smith of Dovetail Ceramics (Lexington, KY)
• Ryan Takaba (San Antonio, TX)
• Ping Wu (Chicago, IL)

The AMERICAN CRAFT COUNCIL is a national, nonprofit public educational organization founded in 1943 by Aileen Osborn Webb. The mission of the Council is to promote understanding and appreciation of contemporary American craft. Programs include the bimonthly magazine AMERICAN CRAFT, annual juried shows presenting artists and their work, a leadership conference, the Aileen Osborn Webb Awards honoring excellence, workshops, seminars, and a research library.

Favorite Shop: Mogwaii

"Cluck and Food Pillow"

Sara Campbell, the genius behind the Etsy shop Mogwaii, creates the most stunning pieces with pure wool. Her pillows, French Press cozies, and creatures all have simple and elegant compositions that are often nature inspired. There is also something about her work that somehow seems pure. This all comes to us from a rugged island in north west Scotland. Isn't it great how Etsy can make talent so far away so accessible?

"Leaf Design"

"Custom Wedding Quilt"

"Lavina the Hebridean Hen"

Friday Finds: Festival of Lights

Hannukah is a wonderful holiday filled with symbolism and rituals. Its also a social holiday filled with entertaining, food and presents - what's not to love? Check out these great Hannukah related Etsy finds to help you celebrate the holiday this year.

Ceramic Menorah by Gr8clay. I love this different take on a menorah, it's quite modern.

The perfect card for everyone on your list! By YeeHaw Industries

These pillow boxes make wrapping up all those presents easy. By FieldandSea.

Gold coins made of chocolate are often given as a gift on Hannukah. Why not give this no-calorie brass coin necklace to that special someone instead? By eRosasjewelry.

This dish would be perfect for serving latkes and other hannukah treats. By vesselsandwares.

Artscape Hustle

1. "Sitting among my upholstery and button jewelry projects as I inflate balloons to refresh my sculpture that's in the satellite Artscape exhibit, Sanguine Dreams at the Creative Alliance."- TigerLillyShop

2. "It's terrible to be a procrastinator and work in a medium that absolutely must be finished at least a week before you need it. But, wow, I love the way clay takes it shape in my hands! Just a few more slabs rolled out and a few more images painted and my cups will be ready for Artscape."- VWStudios

3. "I've been spending days in piles of yarn and fluff and actually fell asleep knitting the other night, and somehow woke up with the piece I was working on AND both my eyes still intact. Will there be KNITIMALS at Artscape? Oh yes... there will be Knitimals."- GreenStarStudio


4. "The things we do to our hands! But it's so worth it to see finished work piled high after a sewing marathon! OK, several sewing marathons."- SweetPepita

5. "In this photo, I am trimming the edges of some canvas, under the direct supervision of my studio manager/guard dog, Guisseppe!"- JenyGwen


6. "Me getting ready to score cards on my press."- BowerBoxPress

7. "yep, this is what it's like - the picture is blurry for a reason. the last few weeks my work space is anywhere i am at the moment. and please notice that my daughter is sewing too, and by sewing, i mean grabbing handfuls of embroidery thread and tangling them beyond recognition."- JenMenkhaus

1000 Jewelry Inspirations

Check out this new jewelry design book that just hit the shelves! 1000 Jewelry Inspirations by Sandra Salamony. And it is just that- inspiring.


With 1000 beautifully shot images of pieces ranging from traditional beading to mixed media design, there is something sure to please everyone. 2 BEST members, Block Party Press and Dandelion Blu, have work featured in the lovely pages alongside many recognizable pieces by Etsy sellers. While not a "how-to" book, it does have a small section with some basic tips and a supply directory. Pick it up for the amazing array of design and material, plus the nice styling and photos. You can get your copy on amazon here.



Enjoy!

Post written by dandelionblu

Sources of Creativity

As a BEST member, art educator, and active member of the artist community for many years, I wanted to begin a discussion on creativity and what inspires, drives, distracts and pushes us to create. Thinking back to the part of your life that has been the most creative, the people who have been major influences, and the actual process of how you make.

Anita of Miscelena Handmade Papercrafts has volunteered to be our first person to complete my short little snippet to begin the discussion process.


1. What part of your life do you find is/was the most creative ? Do you think back to these times when creating your work?

This is by far the most creative period of my life to date! Over the last decade and a half, I've worked hard to build a design career while raising my son... which didn't leave a lot of free time for other creative pursuits. After years of being in a 'production' position (i.e. helping translate others' ideas onto buildable designs), I'm now in a design position at my day-job and my son is in high school, pursuing his own creative ideas in a two-year specialized art class. As a result, I now have more time and ability to explore my photography and papercrafting ideas at home, AND I've developed a network of fabulous artists and designers who share my enthusiasm for 'playing' with color, pattern, texture and concepts. I feel so very
lucky to live within such a creative network of friends, family and other professionals.

2. Did you have a creative mentor? A teacher or role model that taught you about creativity or simply inspired you to be creative?

Oh, this is very much in my genes: when I was small, my mother and grandmother sewed most of their (and my) clothes, and a real value was placed on handmade gifts... and handwritten notes. Much like cooks who find it difficult to simply follow a recipe, I learned early that it's better to 'make it your own', by altering a design or pattern and following inspiration. These days, I'm also constantly encouraged and inspired by my friends in the design-industry who each seem to have their own 'homemade' interests as well: some paint, some are photographers, some sew - there's always something new and exciting!

3. When you get stuck, how do you get out of it?

I've learned that it's no good to try to force creativity... when nothing's working quite right... nothing fits, the colors don't quite coordinate, I can't even cut a straight line... I have learned to just shrug it off, let it go. It's like giving myself permission to have some downtime: I'll go do something else entirely, usually reading (there's never enough book-time, it seems!) and come back to it later. If it's an on-going block, there's nothing like a trip to the art museum (ANY art museum) to jump-start some creative thoughts.

4. What is your creative process when making your product?

I usually start with one particular item: a stamp I've found, or a new patterned paper, or even just a color ("Today I feel.... lime green!") and start searching out the items (other stamps, other papers) that feel related to the theme, either color-wise or style-wise. Choosing inks - and I rarely use just one in a design anymore - is the next step; what colors do I want to emphasize? Is it about contrast or coordination? Is this a 'happy' card or a somber note?... then last come the embellishments: ribbons, twine, old dictionary pages, detailed brads, a bit of metal, etc., to add style and make the cards unique.

5. Do you have any creative thinking tricks you like to share?

I carry my point-and-shoot camera *everywhere*. I'm not a 'serious' photographer, and my shots are as often more simple documentation than thoughtful compositions... but whenever I see a palette of colors or textures(sky/trees/roadway or brick/concrete/railing or skirt/sign/building) I try to 'catch' it. Even if I never directly reference the images I capture, I think it keeps my brain 'tuned' to looking for patterns and contrasts.

Post written by JennyJen42

we're the best!

b.e.s.t. that is, baltimore etsy street team. welcome to our blog! we are just starting up, so if you are an active etsy seller and live in the baltimore area, visit our listserv.

thanks to leah at curious zoo for making our great banner... she's made quite a few versions for the group to choose from. she's also started a flickr group for us. thanks leah!

we'll be getting together for our first meeting just after the new year, so if you want to join, make sure to sign up. see you soon!