Home for the Holidays with Baltimore Etsy Team

Hosting friends and family at home is one of the best things about the holidays. It always gives me a reason to get those things done around the house that I usually can't find time for, from hanging pictures, cleaning behind the fridge, dusting the moldings--to purchasing those special items that put a personal stamp on the festivities. Why not buy small, buy local, and buy from someone who makes the items they sell with love, care, and attention to detail.

Here are some special items for home from BEST members to help create a holiday atmosphere at your nest.

Welcome all your hons, with this fabulous mat from Damn Good Doormats.

Classically lovely laser cut ornament, from Holler&Whistle.

Let them get comfortable, with this pretty patchwork pillow, from Namoo.

Fill this gorgeous bowl from Wood Art for Living with ornaments, salad, cookies...whatever you choose to put in it will look beautiful.

Hoping to get some help in the kitchen with post-feast cleanup? A cute tea towel couldn't hurt. Here's an adorable retro print from Open Eyes Press.

Submitted by Clare Hayes, Fiorella Jewelry

It's time!

The BEST(see what I did there?) craft show in Baltimore

Merry Mart!

Sunday, December 1, 11am - 5pm

at the Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224

As always, full of great hand-made crafts by artists and craftspeople in Maryland, many living right here in Baltimore. Be sure to visit all three rooms (upstairs, main hall and down the ramp)

The Marquee Lounge will be serving brunch from Noon - 3pm (reservations suggested).

New this year - drop off the kids upstairs any time from 12-5 for free, teacher-led art activities.

Also, there is a photo booth, make your own personalized button, and take-away craft tutorials. 

See the Creative Alliance website for the full list of excellent craftspeople and more information. 

Here are links to the BEST members who will be there:

Susan Brandt

Nikdapooh

Holler & Whistle

JerseyGirlDesign

i felt fuzzy

Tigerlillyshop

Becca & Mars

Studio G

Fuzzy Mug

Doxallo

Mackwire

Hope to see you there.

written by Susan Brandt

Slow Cooker Spiced Applesauce

Applesauce is hands-down one of my favorite snacks.  If you've ever tasted it homemade, you know it's waaay better than anything you get at the grocery store.  As much as I love the made-from-scratch version, I don't usually have time during the busy holiday season to stand over the stove and stir apples as they cook down- that's where the slow cooker comes in!  Check out this easy recipe for

  Spiced Applesauce in the Slow Cooker by Lana Stuart.  

Peel, core, and quarter 6-8 apples, add lemon peel and spices (cinnamon, brown sugar, etc), and let the slow cooker work it's magic.  Added plus- your house will smell amazing all day!

If you want to try something a little different, take a look at this recipe for Slow Cooked Pears with Lemon and Thyme.

Happy slow cooking!

Photo courtesy Happy Home Fairy.

Random Baltimore Photo

Free Fiber Tasting at Baltimore Threadquarters

 

Visit Baltimore's newest fabric and fiber supply store Baltimore Threadquarters this Saturday 5-7 pm, discover what fiber is all about! If you haven't seen this store yet, this is a great opportunity to get your hands on some great supplies. Alpaca, cotton, wool, wool blends, synthetics... Learn what you do with it in this FREE mini skills workshop. Try your hand at needle felting, crochet, & more in their classroom!

AND as a bonus for this special event,  sample some locally made artisan hummus, spicy, mango-clementine, it's like a party in your mouth! Omg, you have to taste this stuff.

 

Baltimore Threadquarters recently restocked their designer cotton fabrics, Cascade yarns, vintage fat quarters, and charm packs for all you quilters out there. There is ample street parking, plus a free lot behind the building. Let's get those fall projects started, people!

For more info on the special events happening in the
Highlandtown Arts District

this month, check out the Ha! newsletter here

September Coupon Code!

Back to school shopping? We've got you covered! Throughout this month, participating BEST shops will be offering free shipping on everything in their shops when you enter the coupon code BESTBACKTOSCHOOL2013 at checkout! Stay tuned next month for a new code with a different deal!  Follow this link or put  "baltimoreetsyteam" in the Etsy search bar to find items from all of our talented members!

Yellow Pencil Necklace by Block Party Press

Call for Vendors—Merry Mart 2013

Creative Alliance, a non-profit multi-purpose arts center located in Highlandtown, is pleased to announce that vendor applications are now open for its annual holiday craft show, Merry Mart. Merry Mart will take place Sunday, December 1 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and will be held at the Creative Alliance, located at 3134 Eastern Avenue, right in the heart of Highlandtown.

Merry Mart is an annual juried holiday craft show that is looking for high-quality handmade arts and crafts from indie crafters.  Applications can be found online at:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dEhZWWtrb0tDalIwMVRJNUVFS0VkVXc6MA#gid=0

The application process must be completed and submitted no later than 11:59 PM on Tuesday, September 13th, 2013. Vendors will be notified of acceptance by Friday, October 4th. 

For more information visit our facebook page at:

www.facebook.com/MerryMartBaltimore

Or email us at MerryMart@creativealliance.org.

August Coupon Code!

Looking for a little something for that one last trip to the beach this summer? Throughout this month, participating BEST shops will be offering 10% off on everything in their shops when you enter the coupon code BESTAUGUST2013 at checkout! Stay tuned next month for a new code with a different deal!  Follow this link or put  "baltimoreetsyteam" in the Etsy search bar to find items from all of our talented members!

Seaborne Reliquary Pendant by Sihaya Designs

Recipe: Mango-Black Bean Dip

An easy recipe for black bean dip with mango; super simple to pull together, perfect for the hot summer months

Mango Black Bean Dip (makes 4 servings)

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1/4 red onion, chopped

1/2 mango, cubed

balsamic vinegar
olive oil

1 tbsp orange, lime, or grapefruit juice

1 tsp cumin

salt & pepper to taste

fresh cilantro (optional)

Add all ingredients to your food processor, and puree until well blended.  Taste to see if you need to add more salt.  Finish blending and place dip into a bowl.  Garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped red onion.  Serve with chips, pita, crackers, or cut vegetables.  Also makes a great spread for sandwiches.

Subtract the mango from the this recipe and you have a basic bean dip base that blends well with hot peppers for a spicy dip (try jalapeños), or avocado for a creamy dip.  A clove of garlic can also be added to boost the flavor.

All photos by Open Eyes Press.

Random Baltimore Photo

Cambodian dancers at the Maryland Folklife Traditions Festival, held at the Creative Alliance.

Photo by Open Eyes Press.