Get Ready for this year’s Great Halloween Lantern Parade

October is here, so in my family, this means we start preparing for our annual lantern parade festivities. Participating in the parade is a family tradition ever since I went (pregnant) that first memorable evening. Watching the lanterns wind through the night in Patterson Park, I knew this event was something I wanted to share with my family year after year. It is truly magical. And we are planning an extra cool lantern this year!

Parade Director Molly Ross, her band of loyal artist-assistants, and volunteers from all over converge this month to make this event happen. If you want to get involved, opportunities abound. Beginning October 11 there are lantern making workshops for children and adults through the Creative Alliance. This year Nana Projects’ stilt walking class for beginners offers a custom pair of stilts for $35.00. (Omg, that sounds fun!)The Parade Studio in Highlandtown hosts open studio time for people tackling larger projects and offers advanced lantern making workshops. 3323 Eastern Ave. Call 443-919-6980 for hrs. & info.All workshops are free, most require registration. Donations are welcome.
If you would like to see this Great Halloween Lantern Parade in all its glory, pencil it in on the calendar. Sat. Oct. 24, 7:30

Favorite Etsy Sweater Shop

I'm feeling a chill in the air and can't help but shop for fuzzy knits! I've got a thing for sweaters (and bags, but that will have to wait for another day). The perfect sweater makes my day. Every couple of years I hit on a sweater that I just can't stop wearing and it makes the whole season worthwhile. This year, I'm coveting a sweater from DesignByNihan from Istanbul.


Her Etsy shop is filled with my favorite colors, gray of every shade and black. I'm completely sold on gray or black, but she also makes sweaters to order and can knit them in a variety of colors.


Besides sweaters, DesignByNihan also makes accessories like bags, hats, and scarves, all knitted with the same care and attention to detail you'll find in her sweaters.

Random Baltimore Photo

Photo by Jeff Kubina; click here for more info.

Festival on the Hill

In a town noted for its many neighborhood festivals, Bolton Hill's Festival-on-the-Hill stands out as the longest running and certainly one of the best attended. They'll be celebrating their 55th Festival on October 4th starting at noon.

This year's festival has added a unique community service opportunity. Groups will be gathering at 9 a.m. to work on three significant neighborhood projects--one at the nearby Memorial Apartments residence for seniors, one at the Eutaw-Marshburn Elementary School, and one involving collection of food for a local food pantry. Following their
morning of hard work, the service team members will gather with the rest of us for an afternoon of food, fun, and crafts. Festival-goers will enjoy music by local group Mambo Combo, a kids' zone, lots of delicious food, and of course the opportunity to shop among some
outstanding local artists. BEST members Erica Roberts and Anne Madison invite you to stop by their displays.

55th Annual Festival On The Hill
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Noon to 5:00 pm
1400 block Bolton Street
Proceeds benefit community organizations and charities.
For further details call Memorial Episcopal Church 410-669-0220

Fenton Street Market: This Weekend!

Stop by the Fenton Street Market this Saturday from 9-2 in Silver Spring. Their first market in September was a huge success- and was featured in Daily Candy's DC Weekend Edition!

BEST crafter Jennifer Wilfong of Yummy & Company will be there, displaying her goods along with 60+ vendors! The market is located at the corner of Fenton Street and Silver Spring Avenue. It's a great neighborhood market and is kid and dog friendly!

Friday Finds!

Fall's here and already, its gone to the Dogs!
I find as the weather changes, my mini dachshund, Mason, and I spend more time outdoors. The cool weather inspires longer walks and more frequent trips around the park. Which got me thinking... if I pick up a new fall wardrobe & new bedding for my own cool weather nesting, shouldn't i do the same for him?


Eco Dog Coat by AnniesSweatShop


Snuggly Pug Alien Hat by Jessicalynneart


Dog Sweater by PawPad


The Great Pumpkin Dog Hat by BeanTownHandmade


Unique Tough Dog Bed Cover by Bow Wow Beds

Post written by: greenstarstudio

The Maryland SPCA’s Shop-A-Paw-Looza

October means it’s time to get a jump on your Holiday shopping with The Maryland SPCA’s 5th annual online auction – Shop-A-Paw-Looza! So, grab you favorite 4-legged friend, cuddle up in front of the computer, and get ready for a unique shopping experience that you can feel really good about.

There are loads of incredible items up for auction including weekend getaways, spa treatments (for you and your pet), gourmet dining experiences, and local treasures from a few of B.E.S.T.’s own! Out bid other animal lovers and take home gorgeous jewelry from Yummy and Company or one of the nifty custom pet portrait packages from FuzzyMug.

You just can’t beat competitive purchasing for a great cause!

Want to help out even more? Donate goods and services to the auction throughout October by going to the website and clicking on “Donate” in the bottom left. And remember, all Shop-A-Paw-Looza proceeds help The Maryland SPCA care for and find loving homes for animals in need.

Auction runs October 2 – 27, 2009
Website: www.mdspca.cmarket.com

Written by FuzzyMug

October 3rd: International Day of Felt

image by greenstarstudio


image by The Littlest Bean

Saturday Oct 3rd 2009 is the United Nation's International Year of Natural Fibers. It will be the first year felters from around the globe will join together displaying their felt by exhibiting it outside their homes and studios. The theme this year is yellow through red.
There's so much you can do with felt.. wear it, display it, share it - enjoy it!

Click here for more info.

Written by: Deb of GlowGirl

Help BEST Fight Cancer!

This October, you can shop local, handmade AND healthy! Join Spa Therapy Works and greenstarstudio to help raise money for Cancer Research & Awareness.



Spa Therapy Works will make a contribution to 2009 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer - Baltimore, MD. From now through October 11, purchase any marked PINK OCTOBER product and we’ll donate 10% of the total of the sale to the American Cancer Society.
Visit her blog for more details.


And, today, greenstarsudio announced her October charity of the Month will be The Cancer Research Institute (focusing on Cancer of all kinds) in honor of a dear friend. From today through October 31st, 5% of ALL of greenstarstudio's etsy sales will go directly to the Cancer Research Institute! And on OCTOBER 15th, she'll donate 15% of all sales.
You don't need to include a code or to do anything but fill your cart and enjoy the benefits. For more information, visit the greenstarstudio blog.

So shop and know you're supporting a good cause. Now's a great time to stock up on birthday & holiday gifts, and let your purchase do double duty, in helping spread awareness and good health.

Adornment Adored

October 3rd – November 6th, 2009
Opening reception on Saturday, October 3rd, from 6 to 8 pm.
Admission is free.

Baltimore Clayworks hosts the exhibition Adornment Adored, a showcase of body ornamentation using clay and clay-like materials. This exhibition runs October 3rd – November 6th, 2009 with an opening reception on Saturday, October 3rd, from 6 to 8 pm. Admission is free. Adornment Adored , focuses on beautiful and exquisite jewelry made with ceramic, polymer clay or PMC elements. A diverse range of styles and voices on display for you to then take home and become your own personal art gallery!

(Image – Recycled Temporama China Necklace by BEST member, The Broken Plate Pendant Co.)