It's that time...to apply to Pile of Craft!

Get ready crafters! Pile of Craft is coming to Baltimore - June 16th - and we're looking for the best of the best in stitching, printing, painting, cutting, sculpting, stuffing, and crafting to
show their wares!

Applications are officially OPEN! We're only accepting applications for vendor spots from now until April 22nd at midnight - so get them in quick! No late applications will be accepted. CLICK HERE to apply to the show, and be sure to spread the word. It's going to be a great summer here in Baltimore - let's kick it off with a great show!!

PIle of Craft is Today!!!

It's finally here!!! Start your handmade summer off right with a trip to
The Charm City Craft Mafia's :

Today from 10am to 5pm

2640 St Paul Street, Baltimore MD 21218, inside St. John's Church

This year's fair will have over 65 of the best local and national crafters, as well as a weaving demonstration by Carlybird Weaves and and a raffle to win a huge basket full of goodies by supporting Baltimore Clayworks!

Check out all the amazing BESTies who'll be selling their handmade goodies:

www.DesignByNight.etsy.com
www.JillPopowichDesigns.etsy.com
www.sugarpaperie.etsy.com
www.JennyJen42.etsy.com
www.namoo.etsy.com
www.GreenStarStudio.etsy.com
www.YummyandCompany.etsy.com
www.openeyespress.etsy.com
www.blockpartypress.etsy.com
www.foundstudio.etsy.com
www.tigerlillyshop.etsy.com
www.JenMenkhaus.etsy.com

Photo credit/Cotton Monster

Pile of Craft Sneak Peek

We're so excited that Pile of Craft is this Saturday, June 25th, that we couldn't wait to show off some of the brand new items we'll be debuting at the show:

Decadent kraft journals by Sugar Paperie, perfect for notes, to-do's, and daydreams

Reusable snack, sandwich and beach/baby "wet" bags by Green Star Studio .

Vintage Glass back painted Cicada cabochon set in a hand formed setting with handmade chain with Gold fill loop links by Jill Popowich Designs. Setting and chain feature citrine accents.

A new crop of rings by Yummy and Company! Get there early and get first pick from the spring and summer color palette... honeysuckle and Spanish olive! As always, she'll have plenty of designs available in black and khaki! Each one is individually crafted!

Snuggly, soft sensory balls for babies and toddlers by Namoo. Safe for play, gently throw and roll on the ground. Colors, patterns, texture and shapes, awaken baby's mind and interests. Don't have a baby? They also make great pin cushions!

Bangle bracelets by Block Party Press

New Potholders by Jennyjen42

New smaller 11 x15" prints by Open Eyes Press will be available in the Mason Jar, Egg Beater, and Meat Grinder designs

New 10x10 inches mixed media original, "Growth Spurt- Green" by Found Studio

We hope you enjoyed the sneak peek. We can't wait to see you on Saturday!!

Pile of Craft is coming!

It's almost that time, Baltimore!

Pile of Craft is almost here!

Mark your calendars, folks. This year's Pile of Craft will be taking place on June 25th.

For more information, including a list of all the amazing vendors (so you can start making your shopping list), follow this link to the Charm City Craft Mafia's Pile of Craft page.

Pile of Craft is June 26th!

Did you notice the sun shining and the snow melting? That means Pile of Craft is just around the corner! Mark your calendars for June 26th! The annual juried event brings together artists and crafters from Baltimore and beyond to sell their wares in a marketplace setting.


Applications will be up soon, so be on the look out. In the meantime, be sure to save the date!

My New Favorite Shirt

... was handmade in Baltimore!

I finally got myself something for a change at Pile of Craft. The only trouble I had was deciding which one of these beautiful pieces from Red Prairie Press to get. Because you know I want them all!


Blue Lace Ladies Cap Sleeve Tee


Folk Garden Tunic in Plum

I chose the first one with the Queen Anne's Lace print. I love how delicate and feminine it is. But see, my birthday is around the corner and I'm feeling pretty confident that if I drop enough hints, my husband will be giving Rachel a call soon for more of her beautiful tees!

Pile of Craft.....presents Gifts that make us Smile!

In these tough economic times...boy have we heard that statement enough these days....wouldn't you like to surround yourself with things that make you smile? Not sure what those things could be? Well many vendors at the Charm City Craft Mafia's Pile of Craft will assure you many an item that will put a smile on your face. And if you're thinking I don't deserve such a present but maybe my best friend who has been down in dumps lately.... could use a smile and a hug..here's the place to find it. Nothing exclaims loving like a handmade item! Here are some examples of some sure smile makers!

wavio the KNITIMAL one of a kind Art Doll by greenstudio
Birdy Bath Tote by Jennyjen42
Drawings for Books by motobus

I heart you tile by Kiss My Crafts

Youthlight Shines

My husband introduced me to freelance photographer Marshall Clarke years ago at MAP's annual fundraiser Out of Order. His kindness was striking and sincere. My husband, a college professor, had recently sent his students to help Marshall with the Youthlight Photography Project

The Youthlight Photography Project is a comprehensive thirty-five week after school photography and media literacy program targeting youth ages 11-18 and is based in the Baltimore City communities of Hampden and Southwest Baltimore. Youthlight delivers a comprehensive, creative, youth-centered after school program to address the artistic, emotional, and cognitive development of middle and high school participants. Youthlight achieves these goals by providing students with a safe space to create, positive adult role models, empowering activities, leadership development, and alternatives to violence and high risk behavior.

Girl with Space Candrea, age 15

At the time, I was tutoring kids after school at the Hampden Family center. It was no surprise, then, to run into Marshall one evening there at the center. My students, suddenly renewed with energy at the sight of him, alerted me to his presence shouting, "Hi, Mr. Marshall!"


Youthlight student taking photo

The Youthlight Photography Project empowers middle and high school age youth to document their lives, explore their creativity, build leadership skills, and encourages them to engage as activists in their neighborhoods through the creation of photographic images and community media.

You see, Youthlight provides these kids with much more than an education. It gives them something to create, something that they have artistic control over, something to be proud of.

The Charm City Craft Mafia is so proud to be sponsoring Youthlight Project at this year's Pile of Craft! Come meet and talk with Marshall and his students about the work they're doing. The students, of course, will be exhibiting and selling prints. And be sure to purchase a raffle ticket for a chance to win a basket of way crafty goodness from Mafia members and the Baltimore Etsy Street Team. All money raised will be donated to Youthlight.

We cannot wait to see Marshall's students shine.

Pile of Craft is this Saturday at St. John's Church in Charles Village from 10am to 5pm.