DC Craft Mafia

2011 Monster Craft Mash - October 29th!

2011-08-03T10:58:00.004-04:00

Announcing The 2011 Monster Craft Mash!

The DC Craft Mafia will be holding The Monster Craft Mash craft show outdoors in the parking lot at St. Luke's Episcopal Church at 1514 15th St, NW (15th and P).

We are very excited, as we had kickass crafters at May's Spring Thing, and we generated lots of traffic! The location is close to Dupont Circle Metro.

Please review the updated spooky guidelines before applying. We're super-excited to be working on this show and can't wait to see all of your amazing art and awesome creations!

Submission Form Coming Soon ....

Yarnbombing of Jimmy Valentine's

2011-06-15T09:22:00.001-04:00

Who - You! Me! Everyone we know!

What - Cover the facade (and marquee) of Jimmy Valentines with knit hearts. Size to be determined by you but preferably ranging from 6″-26″ (and preferably in the colors of red/white/pink).

When - NOW! Seriously. NOW. Start knitting! This is going be their part of Artventures on H St which is a cool event for H street NE. (I mean it’s all about art and food and who doesn’t like that?)

Where- Jimmy Valentines is located at 1103 Bladensburg Rd. NE Washington DC 20002. It has no sign. Really. That’s part of its charm.

Why - Because, to the best of our knowledge, there has never been a yarnbombing of this size in DC. This place is really rad and I can’t imagine a better pairing.

Once you’ve completed a heart (and told your friends) you are welcome to drop them off at Jimmy Valentines (1103 Bladensburg Rd. NE) or Little Miss Whiskey’s (1104 H street NE DC).

Please don’t keep this a secret! Tell your friends! Enlist your aunts! Let’s cover this building with yarn!

Free Law-Related Panel Discussions for Artists!

2011-06-03T12:46:00.000-04:00

Attention Artists & Crafters! Have questions about the law and your art business?

The Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum (ACM), co-sponsored by the Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts (WALA), will be holding a two-part panel discussion on the common issues and pitfalls attorneys regularly see with their creative business clients.

Targeting both emerging and existing entrepreneurs, this event can help you protect your creative endeavor and watch it grow. Bring your pads, pens and questions for our legal experts.

Part 1: Tuesday, June 21 at 7pm: Why Do I Need a Lawyer? Common Legal issues for Writers and Visual Artists.
Part 2: Tuesday, September 13 at 7pm: Why Do I Need a Lawyer? Common Legal Issues for Emerging and Existing Creative Businesses.

Both sessions will be held at the ACM located at 1901 Fort Place, SE, Washington, DC 20020. Completely FREE to attend, so why not?

Family Day: All Things Gullah - Call to Artists!

2011-05-29T11:25:00.003-04:00

The Smithsonian Institution’s Anacostia Community Museum is organizing a special event, Family Day: All Things Gullah, on Saturday, July 23 from 11AM to 4PM (In the case of inclement weather, the event will be held on Sunday, July 24th).

This is the close-out event for the museum’s current exhibition, Word, Shout, Song: Lorenzo Dow Turner Connecting Communities through Language. The event will be a last-chance viewing of the exhibition before it closes the following day on July 24th. It will be a fun-filled day for the whole family with live entertainment, storytelling, arts & crafts demonstrations and workshops, face painting, oral history presentations and a vendor’s marketplace. The event will conclude with hopefully the largest “Ring Shawt” ever recorded. This program is FREE and open to the public.

As a part of the Family Day, the Anacostia Community Museum invites artists and crafters from the DC, Virginia and Maryland areas to apply to become vendors. Applications received by June 17th will receive priority consideration.

To receive an application, please email Soyini George at georges@si.edu or call 202.633.4807.

DC Craft Mafia Spring Thing - TOMORROW!

2011-05-20T13:27:00.003-04:00

Spring has officially sprung. The DC Craft Mafia Spring Thing is TOMORROW - Saturday, May 21st from 11 AM - 5 PM, you don't wanna miss it!

Join us and more than 40 talented artists and crafters at what's surely to be an exciting day. We'll has a couple of musicians lined up, Fojol Brothers will be there and Lucky Dog Animal Rescue will be hanging out all day with an artist raffle and adoptable dogs looking for their forever homes.

The weather is going to be beautiful this weekend, so join us for a glorious Spring day of arts & crafts near Dupont Circle in Washington, DC! The Spring Thing will take place in the parking lot of St. Lukes Episcopal Church, only three blocks from Dupont Metro station.

See you there!

The Littlest Bean

2011-05-04T07:30:00.003-04:00

The Littlest Bean's work is driven by a curiosity about color, shape and texture. Using randomly cut fabrics, intricately cut felt, and an assortment of found media, artist Jen Menkhaus, creates one-of-a-kind accessories.

Each piece is carefully hand-cut without a template, hand-stitched and embroidered. Jen notes that she loves it when her work makes someone else as happy as it makes her.

Let Jen's artwork inspire a smile at the Spring Thing on Saturday, May 21st!

Tsai Fi

2011-04-28T07:56:00.002-04:00

Tsai-fi (pronounced sci-fi), a collection of twisted but adorably, cute artwork was launched five years ago as a creative outlet for artist Kimberly Tsai.

Kimberly is inspired by daydreams and her own world of make believe. The world of tsai-fi was created to be an escape from everyday life, so her love of fantasy movies is a huge influence for the art. The other two major inspiration areas include popular Asian culture and Kim's everyday life experiences.

Yep. Tsai Fi and her incredible artwork will be at at the DC Craft Mafia Spring Thing on Saturday, May 21st. Come say HI!

Fuzzy Mug

2011-04-25T16:16:00.002-04:00

FuzzyMug‘s Brooke Behnken is a professional graphic designer, business owner and a HUGE animal lover. When she’s not creating custom pet portraits, she volunteers her time and design know-how to local animal shelters.

Her own four cats and three dogs were her inspiration for FuzzyMug and they are often coerced (with many treats and promises of long hikes in the woods) to pose for Brooke’s portrait ideas.

Catch FuzzyMug at the DC Craft Mafia's Spring Thing on May 21st!

Lucky Dog Animal Rescues Joins the Spring Fling!

2011-04-25T10:47:00.004-04:00

Great news, crafters and craft-lovers! DC's own, Lucky Dog Animal Rescue joins the DC Craft Mafia's Spring Thing on May 21st!

So, whataya say we hold a raffle for them? They'll hang out with us, share some information and host a raffle, where all ticket sales will benefit their organization. Best of all, they'll have plenty of lovable dogs at the event looking for their forever homes! So, if your looking to adopt and adorable companion, now's a perfect time!

Exhibitors: If you would like to donate a small item (no more than $20) to the raffle on September, please contact the DC Craft Mafia for more info. This is completely voluntary, folks! No pressure at all.

Vendor List (AND more) is Up!

2011-04-22T11:14:00.006-04:00

Wow! We have so much awesome stuff in store for YOU at the frist-ever DC Craft Mafia Spring Thing on Saturday, May 21st!

The official vendor list has been added to the website, plus check out who we have performing that day: Dave Tieff, front man of the late Laughing Colors AND Snakehead Run with their original take on old-time acoustic blues.

Not only that but the well-known food truck, Merlindia's own Fojol Brothers will be parked alongside the Spring Thing tents ... serving up their unique brand of Indian/Ethiopian mobile cuisine.

It's gonna be a glorious day of crafts, music and food. Come and join us!

Jon Wye

2011-04-21T08:07:00.004-04:00

If you haven't heard of Jon Wye, you've been living under a rock. And not cool, little grooundhog nook, like those dudes in the Geico commercial, just a boring, old rock.

Did you know that Jon Wye was the first company to use belts as canvases? Yep. They create one-of-a-kind designs on the finest quality leather, and now the best cotton shirts around. They take pop culture and add their own influences. They make almost everything by hand in their workshop in DC, and they try their hardest to get all of their materials from the USA. Basically, they make awesome.

Jon Wye. DC Craft Mafia Spring Thing. Saturday, May 21st. Be there!

punkrockknits

2011-04-20T10:45:00.005-04:00

Looking for kick-ass, hand-knit creations? Well, then, you're in luck. Welcome to the world of punkrockknits!

Your senses are are in for a treat when they get a load of artist, Tracy Weidman's original designs:

Your eyeballs will go into sensory overload with the vivid, flashy colors.

Your hands will marvel at the soft craftsmanship of the fibers.

And your taste ... well, maybe that's one sense that will not be affected, but you get the idea!

Check out punkrockknits at the DC Mafia's Spring Thing on Saturday, May 21st!

Announcing the Spring Thing!

2011-04-19T11:12:00.003-04:00

Don't know about you, but I am super-siked for the first-ever DC Craft Mafia's Spring Thing on Saturday, May 21st! So let's get to it. Introducing our talented exhibitors. Let's start off with popular DC artisan, Herban Lifestyle.

Herban Lifestyle has been passionate about hand crafting natural and organic bath and body products for more than 10 years, ever since founder Mary Kearns learned to create herbal bath and body products for friends, family and visitors at her local farmers market. Today, Mary brings the same passion for sustainability, healing herbs, and aromatherapy to Herban Lifestyle.

There are over 30 Herban Lifestyle products all made with natural, organic and Fair Trade ingredients and packaged in recyclable containers printed on 100% recycled paper.

Visit with Mary and all of her organic products from 11AM -5PM at the DC Craft Mafia's Spring Thing!

December CRAFTY DRINKS!!

2010-12-13T21:28:00.002-05:00

Hey all!

Come meet us at Open City tomorrow at 5:30 pm for Crafty Drinks! Just down the block from Woodly Park Metro (red line), Open City has half price wine and pizza on Tuesdays. Bring your crafty pals, crafty ideas and crafty creations. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

~emily

http://craftydrinks.eventbrite.com/

The Holiday Heist is Ready

2010-10-17T17:41:00.006-04:00

Great news, crafters! The DC Craft Mafia's Holiday Heist application is up and ready! Wanna be part of the show this year? Apply online!

Since we got such an amazing response last year, we figured why not repeat history? So, this year, The Holiday Heist will be held at the same place--our favorite Vienna hottspot--The Soundry on November 21 from 10 AM - 5 PM.

There is a $10 application fee and if accepted, the booth fee is then $55. Hope to see you application in the mix!

Ballston A&C Market TOMORROW - October 9th!

2010-10-08T14:38:00.001-04:00

I can't believe our final show of the season is tomorrow. The summer has flown by! Won't you come join us on Saturday, October 9th from 10 AM to 3 PM at Welburn Square, to visit with your favorite regulars and to meet some new artists, alike.

Plus, Jane Franklin Dance will be performing excerpts from The Mouse of Amherst from 11 AM - 12:30 PM. Then, local faves, The Lynn Veronneau Triohits the Square from 1-3 PM!

It's going to be sunny and warm tomorrow--perfect weather for an art market. So, bring the entire family to the Ballston A&C Market. Support the trifecta--Artists Dancers & Musicians.

We'll personally thank you.

Happy Heads press release

2010-08-18T11:10:00.003-04:00

For more information, contact:

Emily Landsman (DC Craft Mafia) 202-258-1287

August 18, 2010

LOCAL KNITTERS AND CRAFTERS TO SHARE TALENT WITH

KIDS IN NEED ON AUGUST 22, 2010

The DC Craft Mafia is teaming up with Stitch DC to promote Happy Heads, DC, a local charity that benefits the District of Columbia’s youngest residents. An afternoon of knitting, food and craft giveaways on August 22 at Stitch DC’s Capitol Hill location at 731 8th St. SE will benefit Happy Heads, DC. Crafters from across the area have been invited.

Happy Heads, DC was launched during the 2003-2004 winter season by a former employee of the Safe Shores—The D.C. Children's Advocacy Center, a direct service nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and working directly with child victims of sexual and physical abuse in the District of Columbia. DC area knitters and crocheters were asked to pool their talents to make hats for children served by Safe Shores, many of whom did not have proper winter clothing protection.

In 2005, the program received attention from members of Congress, including Safe Shores supporter Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC At-Large), Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY 2nd), and former Congressman Bud Cramer (D-AL-5th), founder of the National Children’s Advocacy Center.

DC Craft Mafia is the local chapter of the national group Craft Mafia, which is dedicated to strengthening the independent artist community and educating the public on the importance of buying handmade crafts and performing community outreach. This will be Happy Head’s first event at Stitch DC. Participants are asked to make a donation of new school supplies, new toiletries or other items that Safe Shores needs in order to continue to protect and serve DC children.

Information on the upcoming August 22 event can be found on the Happy Heads' website at www.happyheads-dc.org

Stitch DC – www.stitchdc.com

DC Craft Mafia – www.craftmafiadc.com

Safe Shores – www.safeshores.org

Ballston Arts & Crafts Market TOMORROW - August 14th

2010-08-13T17:09:00.005-04:00

August 14th is TOMORROW and you know that that means! It's time for the monthly Ballston Arts & Crafts Market. The weather forecast looks perfect--86 degrees and partly cloudy--the perfect weather for an outside Art show.

So come join us from 10am - 4pm in pretty tree-lined Welburn Square to see a wonderland of handcrafted items by the area's most talented artists, like:

Herban Lifestyle

Bette's Bags

Mint Parcel

bLuGrn designs

The BumbleBee Studio

And SO many more! See you tomorrow!

Happy Heads update!

2010-08-05T16:21:00.006-04:00

Hi folks,

We're just over two weeks away from the big Happy Heads/DC Children's Advocacy Center/Stitch DC event!

Here's an update on the festivities...
Snacks will be available! Yum!
Free hat & scarf patterns for knit and crochet! Awesome!
Super hourly raffles! Cool!

Remember that this is a fundraiser for Happy Heads and the DC CAC. As such, we ask that you donate in order to participate in the fun. This list comes to us directly from the folks who work at the CAC. Please bring at least one of the following items:

School Supplies:
Calculators*
Colored Pencils*
Markers*Pencils
“Jumbo” kindergarten pencils
Filler paper*
3-ring binders*
Book Covers*
Erasers

Clothing/other Items:$1 Toiletries; baby wipes*, travel baby toiletries, deodorant, Vaseline*, Kleenex, hand sanitizer*, travel toothpaste and tooth brushes

Children’s socks*

Packaged children’s undies

Boys/Girls undershirts*

*indicates items of greatest need

Remember, please bring new items that you'd give to your own kids. You can also make a small monetary donation ($5-$10) if you don't want to bring items. Either way, CAC staffers will be with us to give you a receipt of your items if you'd like.

Then, hang around with us on what will most likely be a hot summer afternoon and knit some hats for kids for the upcoming snowy months!

Want to help spread the word? We'd love it if you would tell your craft and fiber friends, media friends and others who like to participate in their community in DC. Feel free to leave us comments if you have an idea.

Thanks again to Stitch DC and the DC Craft Mafia!

~emily

Ballston Arts & Crafts Market TOMORROW - July 10th!

2010-07-09T17:42:00.003-04:00

Woot! Woot! Guess what TOMORROW, Saturday, July 10th is! Yep-- it's the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market! And I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than with a laid-back stroll through pretty, tree-lined Welburn Sqaure. From 10:00am - 4:00pm, check out your favorite returning artists and newcomers alike.

Plus, this month, St. Coletta of Greater Washington is joining us! St. Coletta Shops will on hand to offer a variety of crafts by artisans with intellectual disabilities.

Here's a sneak peak of the artists showing THIS Saturday:

Grumpy Haters

BoxBoy Demented Decoupage

Holland Cox

Moonlight Bindery

Tuesday Tauchen Artwork

See you tomorrow!

Crafty Drinks Are Here Again!

2010-07-08T18:20:00.000-04:00

Izakaya (居酒屋) A type of Japanese drinking establishment which also serves food to accompany the drinks. The food is usually more substantial than that offered in other types of drinking establishments in Japan such as bars or snack bars. They are popular, casual and relatively cheap places for after-work drinking.

Come and beat the heat with us this Tuesday with Asian-inspired cocktails and sushi at Kushi Izakaya Gastropub!

Mmmmmmmmm I'm planning on trying one of everything, so this should be fun :)

Tuesday 13 July, 6-8pm
465 K St NW
Washington, DC 20001
www.eatkushi.com

Besitos,
Vanessa

Meet Your Maker: Mimossa Studio

2010-06-25T18:15:00.000-04:00

Oenophilia (pronounced /ˌiːnɵˈfɪliə/ EE-no-FIL-ee-ə), originally from Greek, is the love (philia) of wine (oinos). An oenophile (/ˈiːnəfaɪl/) is a lover of wine.

I absolutely love glassware; I try to keep a collection of glasses for every use: red wine, cordial, brandy, white wine, and the list goes on.

However when I come home from a particularly long day at work and I want to treat myself to a little Chardonnay, I have my own glass, to which it belongs to no set; all mine! I highly suggest endulging in this most oenophilic luxury. And if you can't keep your nose out of the decanter, then you have to have a glass (or six) from Mimossa Studio.

Oenophiles are lovers of wine.
About me
My name is Janitza (Jani) Macleay and I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. In 1989 my family and I moved to Virginia, where I met my husband. Due to his job we moved quite a bit and I spent that time raising my 2 beautiful girls. I have always enjoyed working and creating with my hands, from cake decorating to mosaic tiling.

After almost 10 years of moving, from Colorado to Texas, we got an opportunity to move back home to Virginia. Working on anything crafty took a back seat for a while, but now that my kids are getting older I found myself wanting to do something that I enjoyed for myself, and that's how Mimossa Studio started.

About Mimossa Studio
Ever since I was a kid I always loved working with my hands, from cake decorating to flower arranging, you name it, I have tried it. About a year ago I started painting on on Christmas ornaments and then decided to try painting on wine glasses. At first the results were not good but I kept trying and long and behold I fell in love with painting on glass.
The thing I love the most other than being my own boss, is the designing and creative part of painting. I get excited when someone wants to order a glass for a friends birthday, anniversary, bachelorette party, etc. and they are not sure what they want, because it gives the opportunity to design something just for them. Don't get me wrong, if somebody has something specific in mind I have just as much fun!
I know that every where you turn there's a display of hand painted wine glasses and they are beautiful but I like knowing that when people buy one of my glasses it's designed specially for them, no two are ever the same and in a way I get to be a part of their special moment.

Things we love:

This glass keeps your eye on the prize.

Want your craft to be featured here? Email us at dccraftmafia@gmail.com!

Besitos,
Vanessa

Happy Heads, DC!

2010-06-18T09:01:00.008-04:00

It's been nearly six years in the making, but Happy Heads, DC is preparing for its first real event, thanks to the Mafia!

Happy Heads, DC is a simple idea...use your crafty yarn-based energy to make hats and fun winter garments for kids in DC who don't have appropriate cold weather clothing. The program works through Safe Shores - the DC Children's Advocacy Center (CAC). The CAC conducts forensic interviewing of children of suspected physical and sexual abuse in the District.

We're going to meet August 22 from 12-5 pm at the *AWESOME* Stitch DC near Capitol Hill in DC. Come to meet and talk crafty talk with the Mafia, get knitting/crochet tips and participate in the program! Just bring a small donation of school supplies, new child's undergarments or other items on the CAC's most wanted list (more to come before the event) and make a promise to donate a new, handmade hat or winter garment to Happy Heads, DC later in the fall. That's it!

We'll have a few cool give aways and snacks galore!

Want to help? We'll need ideas for give aways, bloggers and local press folk to help us spread the word and promote the event. Leave your thoughts in the comments and I'll be in touch.

Special thanks to Marie at Stitch DC for hosting!

~emily

Ballston A&C Market This Saturday!

2010-06-11T10:28:00.006-04:00

Holy Craft--The June Market is tomorrow! Awesome. Swing by Welburn Square from 10:00am - 4:00pm to meet brand-new artists, like Moonlight Bindery, Glynt Pottery , Holland Cox, Yinibini,Space Moderne and popidiot.

And say, "hi," to your favorite retuning artists, Melissa Lew, Steven L. Miller Words & Images, Phil Barbato, BoxBoy Demented Decoupage and many more. And of course some of the Craft Mafia members will be there representing--Ninnycat Crochet & EHL Creations. You may even see a piggy bank or two from This Little Piggy.

The talent's off the charts. And that's just a taste who's joining us in Ballston tomorrow. It's gonna be a gorgeous day, so stroll through the Square. We'll have tons of crafts, demos, and froyo (Sweetflow Mobile!). A good time is practically guaranteed.

Call for Crafters: Demos Needed!

2010-06-07T11:53:00.000-04:00

The Fenton Street Market is looking for crafters who want to show off their talent!

Are you a crafter that loves to be in the spotlight? Do you love showing everyone how it is you do that crafty thing you do? Then contact Deb at the Fenton Street Market to find out more about demo opportunities! For the Saturday 26 June market, we would love to find crafters who use upcycled/repurposed materials for their work!

Debbie Lee, Manager
Fenton Street Market debbie@fentonstreetmarket.com
Twitter: @fentonstmarket

*Crafty business fact: opportunities to demonstrate your work help to promote your business and create great networking relationships in your local craft scene!

Besitos,
Vanessa

Meet Your Maker: Casstasstrophe!

2010-06-03T21:14:00.000-04:00

Meet Cassey, the talented and fun crafter behind Casstasstrophe !

About Cassey
I was born and raised in Iowa but spent my early adulthood traveling the world while doing a tour in the Navy as an aviation hydraulic mechanic. Although I've always considered myself creative and artistic, I ended up getting my degree in Engineering and moved to DC a few years ago to work for the government. Although my professional life is spent behind a desk as a drone, my free time has always been dedicated to crafts of one form or another.

About Casstasstrophe!
Sometime last year I came across a ton of shrinky dinks and I have been experimenting with new ways to use this extremely versatile medium. I started a collection of shrinky dink pendants which were decoupaged with beautiful Japanese Washi Paper. With the wide varieties of washi paper and the versatility of Shrinky Dinks, an endless possibility of pendants could then be created. I then experimented with painting Shrinky Dinks. When I found that using acrylic paints worked really well, I realized that I could then focus on intricate cuttings of the plastic. The effect was amazingly detailed silhouettes that would be nearly impossible to achieve else wise. Being a science fiction geek, my Star Wars collection was born! I have plans on bringing out a classic arcade collection this Summer which will include Pac Man, Donkey Kong, and Super Mario Bros. as well as some science themed ideas which will follow soon after. As a proud self-described geek, I always struggled to find accessories which would proudly declare my geekdom with out being too kitschy. I feel that my jewelry really fills a need for classy geek-ware accessories for women. I know that classy geek-ware sounds like an oxy moron but just because I'm a nerd doesn't mean I don't have style!

[R2D2 and C3PO pendant]

[Black Atom pendant]

Other examples can be found at my etsy shop!

Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to share my crafting with you! I hope that I can inspire other crafters to experiment and use well established crafting mediums in new and innovative ways!

Sincerely,
Cassey

Interested in having your wares showcased? Email us! dccraftmafia@gmail.com

Besitos,
Vanessa

DC Etsy Craft Party: 18 June!

2010-05-29T15:42:00.000-04:00

On Friday 18 June at 6pm, join the DC Craft Mafia, the Capital Region Etsy Street Team and fellow local crafters for the DC Etsy Craft Party!

This is a really fun way to meet fellow crafters, show off your creativity and/or learn a new craft! We will have local crafters doing demos, and other fun activites going on... Join the fun, RSVP and get the details here!

About the Etsy Parties
Let's celebrate! Today, along with ReadyMade and Meetups Everywhere (and you), we're launching Etsy Craft Party, a global initiative to energize your local community, make art together, and throw a party in your neck of the woods. We want to celebrate crafting together on June 18, 2010 (which just happens to be Etsy's birthday) with as many celebrations across the globe as possible.

Looking for an Etsy Party near you? Click here for the full list of Etsy Parties everywhere! Still can't find one close by? Start one of your own!

Besitos,
Vanessa

Meet Your Maker: Call for Profiles!

2010-05-29T13:26:00.000-04:00

The Mafia is looking to feature talented local crafter for our blog! Live in the DC/MD/VA area and want want some street cred? Send an e-mail to dccraftmafia@gmail.com with:

• Your name and business name (don't have one? No worries! We still want to hear from you!)
• A bio (short description of yourself and what you make)
• 2 pics of your work and a link to your site/blog/shop
• And tell us why you love to craft, and what your art means to you.

We look forward to hearing from you and sharing all the crafty talent that DC has to offer!

Besitos,
Vanessa

Annapolis First Sunday Arts Festival

2010-05-29T13:06:00.000-04:00

Swing by Annapolis, Maryland for the 2010 First Sunday Arts Festival on June 6!

For five hours – from noon until five — a portion of historic West Street above State Circle is closed to cars and transforms into a fun festival of live music, dance, art and crafts. The Festival, which continues around the corner into Whitmore Park, is free and a family affair for all ages. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon outdoors surrounded by talented performers, musicians, and over 90 booths of arts and crafts. Plus several of the West Street restaurants become outdoor cafes with perfect seating to watch the fun and people go by!

New this season to every First Sunday in Whitmore Park: Swing Dances!
• Swing Dancing, hosted by GottaSwing, will be featured at each First Sunday this year.
• Free Swing Dance lessons given from 1:30 – 2:00 p.m.
• Swing Dancing from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. accompanied by the New Legacy Jazz Band, followed by DJ-music that will keep the party going until 5:00 p.m.

Performing on West Street during the Festival …
• Sparks, Raymond and McCoy – have appeared throughout the region and perform an acoustic mix of folk and rock music — from 12-noon – 1:30 p.m. in Wiseman Park.
• Annapolis Arts Alliance Member Exhibit –showcasing the rich artistic life of Greater Annapolis – from noon until 5:00 p.m. in Stan & Joe’s side lot.
• Unified Jazz Ensemble – A local favorite, the UJE, as they go by, bring a creative trio of the area’s finest jazz musicians together — from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. in Wiseman Park.

Can't make it on the 6th? There will be four more opportunities to enjoy First Sunday’s activities in 2010: July 4, August 1, September 5, and October 3.

For vendor information, call: 410-741-3267 or click here!

Besitos,
Vanessa

Fenton Street Market Saturdays!

2010-05-21T15:09:00.000-04:00

The Fenton Street Market has a fresh roster of exhibitors for you this Saturday at the Fenton Street Market [Fenton St. & Silver Spring Avenue]. Stop by between 9 and 3 to see what's new! Highlights include:

•Spa time! Check out our new vendors with handmade soaps, bath salts, and more.

•Community Forklift onsite with architectural salvage.

•Share your vision for the future of Silver Spring: local architects standing by for your inspiration in the Village Square.

•Everybody's favorite teenage singer-songwriter, Cody Tracey, takes the soundstage with two live sets! Catch him before he's off to camp for the summer.

•The trains are rollin', courtesy of the Riverdale Model Train Club.

•Hot mini donuts and fresh crepes, of course!

Did you see the fantastic article on the Fenton Street Market and the neighborhood in today's Washington Post Weekend section?

They're online at www.fentonstreetmarket.com. See you tomorrow!

Fenton Street Market
www.fentonstreetmarket.com
Twitter: @FentonStMarket

Besitos,
Vanessa

You've Been Made: Laughing Moon Artworks

2010-05-20T14:05:00.000-04:00

Give a suave mafia welcome to Annie Lunsford of Laughing Moon Artworks, our newest addition to the DC Craft Mafia roster!

[Annie Lunsford]

Annie Lunsford has been a Free-lance Illustrator for many crazy years, specializing in colorful, whimsical styles, acrylic painting and digital.

[www.LaughingMoonArtworks.com]

Seven years ago, she started applying her art to various craft items. Her studio is in Arlington, Virginia.

[Hand-drawn art on t-shirts]

[Hand-decorated tile coaster]

[Nail Biter, hand-sculpted and painted]

[Two Moons Over Zondor acrylic painting]

Interested in becoming a Made Man? (Or Woman!) Contact us: dccraftmafia@gmail.com

Besitos,
Vanessa

Things We Love: Dachshunds!

2010-05-06T15:35:00.002-04:00

When I adopted Cocoa last year, I was instantly smitten (well, almost; paper-training isn't fun, and getting her just now to stay still long enough to snap this photo wasn't fun, either, lol).

Now, I always find myself saying a long "awwwwww! How cuuuuuuute!" whenever I find great little doxie-themed gifts like these:

[Little Dachshund Ring by MooshyGooshies]

[Keep Calm and Love Doxies Poster by The Lobster Pot]

[El Perro Caliente The Hot Dog by ChetArt] I really laughed out loud at this one; edging awesome.

Got a furry loved one? Search Etsy for a little something to show some love!

Besitos,
Vanessa

Ballston A&C Market This Saturday!

2010-05-05T14:21:00.007-04:00

Hey everyone! We just wanted to remind you that the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market's Opening Day is THIS Saturday!

Returning to Welburn Square on May 8, from 10:00am to 4:00pm, the market welcomes returning favorites and new artists alike. Experience local art at its best with handcrafted silver jewelry by bLuGrn design, demented decoupage by BoxBoy, upscale photography by Steven L. Miller Words & Images, cheeky plushes by Grumpy Haters, designer tees by Sharp Shirter and so much more.

Plus, we will also have an extra-special guest visiting the market this month. Arlington’s own, Homeward Trails Animal Rescue, will be on hand with information and an artist raffle to benefit their charitable organization.

Opening Day will also feature:

Live music Lynn Veronneau Trio (noon – 2:00)
FREE water bottles courtesy of ARLNow.com
FREE goodie bags full of healthy eats and coupons courtesy of Curves of Cherrydale (for the first 50 guests)
FREE demos by select artists

Conveniently located between North Stuart and North 9th Streets, across from the Ballston Metro, the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market is Arlington’s only 100% handmade market. Take the kids, the family and your out-of-town guests to the Square. And, grab some lunch while you’re there!

The 2010 Market dates are: May 8, June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11 & October 9. Buy local. The artists will personally thank you. See you there!

Cocktail Party & Fundraiser!

2010-05-03T13:48:00.001-04:00

THURSDAY MAY 20th 7pm-10pm

The Soundry is thrilled to announce the Second Annual Cocktail Party & Fundraiser to benefit The Starving Artist Theatre’s upcoming “Future Artist”–a unique children’s playwriting and directing camp.

Come enjoy signature cocktails along with great food from M&S Grill and yummy desserts courtesy of Topless Bakery.

With bellies full and warm you will be entertained with theatre antics, live music and a silent auction featuring original art, jewelry, food, gift certificates and more.

Tickets: $20 in advance ($25 at the door) and can be purchased online through Brown Paper Tickets or over the phone using Visa/MC/Discover by calling 703-698-0088.

Besitos,
Vanessa

PawCasso Charity Art Auction

2010-04-22T13:13:00.002-04:00

Things We Love: When arts & crafts meets great charitable causes.

Locally-based Homeward Trails Animal Rescue will be hosting their annual PawCasso Charity Art Auction on Saturday, April 24, 2010.

This great event is being held downtown at the historic Council on Foreign Relations, 1777 F Street NW - just blocks from the White House. This year's live art event will feature more than 60 amazing local artists as well as an upscale silent auction that includes items such as: private airplane ride, hotel stays, pet sitting, jewelry, beach houses and much, much more.

Homeward Trails rescues and adopts out an average of 1,700 homeless cats and dogs annually. This event benefits the Homeward Trails Medical Fund, which provides support to animals that come to Homeward Trails needing surgeries, specials medications, rehab or behavioral training. Animals needing such are often left behind in shelters, but Homeward Trails prides itself in taking in dozens of special needs animals annually and getting them the homes they deserve.

Support these wonderful efforts by purchasing tickets today. Limited tickets are available. Visit www.homewardtrails.org/pawcasso for more info or to purchase tickets online.

Facebook Event Page
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=286105648378

Fingered in a Lineup: This Little Piggy

2010-04-22T12:35:00.002-04:00

Mafiosa member Jessica of This Little Piggy was featured at The Indie Tot!

The Indie Tot’s Shop Showcases feature online stores who excel at creating great products for children – whether they’re handmade or simply top-notch in quality.

Way to go, Jess; we'll celebrate with gin gimlets and sidecars at the joint tonight.

Besitos,
Vanessa

And Ballston Arts & Crafts Market Begins May 8

2010-04-08T13:45:00.012-04:00

With the warm weather comes outdoor events, like farmers markets, concerts and of corse, arts & crafts markets. And we at the Craft Mafia can't wait! One show we're especially excited about is the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market.

Kicking off May 8th, and running the second Saturday of the month until October, this market features a bunch of Craft Mafia members. Here's 5 reasons to go:

1). bLuGrn design brings with her some super-cool silver jewelry designs (and Guapo!) on May 8th.

2). AprilMist and her beautiful paper beads will be sharing a booth with Artsy Fartsy on August 14, September 11 & October 9.

3). Ninnycat Crochet will showcase some new crochet designs on June 12 & October 9.

4). EHL Creations will grace the market with her Polaroid transfers on May 8th.

5). And since This Little Piggy's mama pig runs the Market, see if you can spot some little piggies making appearances throughout the summer on random tables and benches.

Come visit the Ballston A&C Market this season and say hi to your favorite Craft Mafia mobster!

Fenton Street Market Begins 17 April!

2010-04-02T10:12:00.002-04:00

Silver Spring's Homegrown Fenton Street Market Opens The Season on April 17th!

(Silver Spring, MD) Fenton Street Market, the exciting new outdoor market that made its Silver Spring debut last fall with two highly successful test runs, kicks off its inaugural weekly season on Saturday, April 17th from 9 am to 3 pm. Created by resident Hannah McCann as a way to bring together and celebrate the eclectic and vibrant Silver Spring community, Fenton Street Market promises fun and excitement from week to week! There will be 60+ vendors selling antiques, imported goods, crafts, art, and food, including delicious hot donuts and crepes from Crepes At The Market! The Market Stage will keep shoppers entertained with live music and a DJ spinning excellent oldies.

A new addition to Fenton Street Market this season will be the exciting Village Square. Sponsored by Downtown Silver Spring, the Village Square will feature fresh and inventive cultural programs that share one key idea: interaction. By showcasing the diverse and mulit-faceted talents, knowledge, and skills of area residents, businesses, and institutions, the Village Square will provide a space where the community can come together to learn and explore. The wonderful Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center will be there opening day from 11 am to 2 pm to demonstrate and instruct shoppers how to screen print and letterpress their own items! All shoppers are encouraged to bring their own blank printable items such as tee shirts and tote bags to print with a special image created for the occasion.

Fenton Street Market is held at the corner of Fenton Street and Silver Spring Avenue in Downtown Silver Spring. The Silver Spring Metro is a short walk away, and there is free parking in the public lots across Fenton Street. A number of wonderful independent stores and restaurants are in the immediate area for shoppers to visit and support while they're in the neighborhood, and Fresh Farm market runs a weekly Saturday farm market 4 blocks away.

Interested in becoming a vendor? Visit the Fenton Street Market website to find out how!

Besitos,
Vanessa

Crafty Spring Semester

2010-03-31T00:09:00.002-04:00

Starting in April, join me at First Class, Inc. for some crochet goodness.

Friday 23 April from 12-2pm I will be teaching Crochet 101, where you'll learn all the basics you need to get your first project started.

Come back the following week for Crochet 102 on Friday 30 April to wrap up the basics, learn basic motifs like granny squares and troubleshoot your current crochet project!

Still need another crochet fix? Learn quick and fun crochet patterns that can be done over a weekend at Crochet 103 on Saturday 8 May from 10am-12pm. Hope to see you there!

Besitos,
Vanessa

Cool things we saw at the American Craft Coucil

2010-03-19T11:08:00.012-04:00

So, last month some Mafia members made their way up to Charm City for the American Craft Council show. We did some demos and had a lot of fun.

Here is Ninnycat leading a crochet demonstration....

April and those awesome paper beads...

Ninnycat and Emily at the make your own greeting card demo...

After the super awesome demos, we had a chance to mosey around the show. There were some really amazing designers and artisans there, wow! We were really interested in the (too small) indy craft section. There, we found a bunch of crafters who really fit our style. We will post a few here now and some more next week.

Don Becker's odd puppets and marionettes were really awesome. Check out his one-of-a-kind creations at http://www.dbpuppet.com/

Juleann Benkoski's Wearable Jules line really clicked with me! She makes jewelry out of metal and felt! These birdies were so adorable, I had to bring home a clip for my hair. Visit her at http://wearablejules.com/

The 2010 American Craft Council Show!

2010-02-11T14:28:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to the winners of our 2010 American Craft Council Ticket Giveaway!

While visiting the largest juried craft show in the country, don't forget to visit our booth. Yep, the Craft Mafia will be there to have some awesome crafts on hand, PLUS we'll rock this show with FREE card and jewely demos by Ninnycat, EHL Creations & AprilMist.

Check out the 2010 American Craft Council Show deets:

More than 700 top contemporary craft artists will present their latest handmade works including jewelry, clothing, furniture and home décor items at the 34th annual American Craft Council Show in Baltimore, February 25-28, 2010 at the Baltimore Convention Center. The largest, juried indoor craft show in the nation, The American Craft Council Show in Baltimore has something for everybody. New this year, the retail show will consist of four full days with a special $6.00 ticket price Friday evening after 6 p.m. as well as a new Lawn & Garden category.

Tickets are available for a discounted price online. To purchase tickets online, or for more information about the show, visit www.craftcouncil. org/baltimore.

By the way, if you want to win cool, artsy giveaways like, free tickets and stuff, just join our mailing list!

SCF Ticket Giveaway!

2010-01-27T23:36:00.002-05:00

Have we got a treat for you!

We've got three sets of tickets to send you and a friend to the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival this weekend! And we won't even make you jump through hoops for them. See how merciful we are?

Simply post a comment on this blog post, or on our Facebook fanpage, and we will choose three lucky craft-lovers at random! Don't forget to include your e-mail address so we can contact you! Looking forward to seeing
You this weekend!

Besitos,
Vanessa

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival! 29-31 January

2010-01-22T19:24:00.007-05:00

Craft Season Heats up with Sugarloaf Crafts Festival in Chantilly, Va.
More than 250 Craftspeople to Display Handmade Creations January 29-31

Craft lovers will find a reprieve from the cold winter weather through the warmth of handmade creations at the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival in Chantilly, featuring more than 250 of the nation’s finest artists and craft designers at the Dulles Expo Center from Friday, January 29 through Sunday, January 31, 2010. The bustling marketplace will feature thousands of handmade items in every medium, including affordable and innovative functional and decorative pottery, sculpture, glass, home décor, furniture and home accessories, leather, fiber and textiles, fine art and photography.

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival artisans will be showcasing their one-of-a-kind work that will keep visitors warm through the blustery winter months. Dozens of the jury-selected artists at the show will display and sell wool sweaters, fleece-lined jackets and coats, alpaca wraps, thermal gloves, hats and caps – in a wide range of styles, from traditional silhouettes to contemporary flair. When it’s cold outside, artists are finding inventive ways to help keep their customer’s homes warm; at the show, they will be showcasing homemade candles, handcrafted andirons, elegant fireplace screens and whimsical hearth accessories.
The kitchen is often the warmest place in the house, and scores of Sugarloaf artists bring the joy of crafts to home-cooked meals with a full range of cooking and serving pieces – from earthenware pots perfect for chili and soups and one-of-a-kind whimsical mugs for hot cocoa, to casseroles, bowls and platters that are as functional as they are beautiful.
Also keeping visitors warm at the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival will be more than 15 specialty gourmet food exhibitors offering the season’s most popular treats, from chocolates and hearty soups to ciders and cocoa, jams, chutneys, and syrups.

Sugarloaf’s vibrant marketplace is complemented by a diversity of family entertainment. Throughout the show, master artists will demonstrate their expertise in paper making, copper spinning, ceramics, and furniture making. The Festival will also include eclectic musical performances by pianists Bob Geresti and Ngu Mbandi and acoustic guitarist Don Thomas. Children can become a part of their favorite fairytale adventures with special puppet shows from Middle Earth Studios.

The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival will be held Friday, January 29 and Saturday, January 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sunday, January 31 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Dulles Expo Center, located at:

4320 Chantilly Place Center

Chantilly, VA

Adult admission to the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival is $7 when purchased online, $8 for adults at the door, and free for children under 12. Admission is good for all three days, and free parking is available.

For more information about the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival, directions, or to purchase discount admission tickets visit www.sugarloafcrafts.com or call (800) 210-9900.
Additional show information, artist profiles, and special offers may be found on Sugarloaf’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sugarloafcrafts.

About the Sugarloaf Craft Festivals:
For over 30 years, the nation’s most talented artisans have sold their contemporary crafts and fine art at Sugarloaf Craft Festivals, rated as one of the top craft experiences in the country. Last year, more than 250,000 visitors purchased over $20 million in fine arts and crafts directly from the artists at Sugarloaf festivals.

Holiday Goodness, Pt. 1

2009-12-22T10:17:00.000-05:00

I've been toiling away, making my last-minute holiday cards and handmade gifts for anyone that I will be seeing this week.

Holiday Wishes card:

Snowman Joy card:

Winter Plaid card:

I got the Martha Stewart Encyclopedia of Crafts book for the Holiday, and I am swimming in crafty inspiration!

Ninnyboy and I are making homemade gift baskets for our families: We just finished bottling our own beers!

(FYI: Martha doesn't teach you how to make beer. In her book, B is for beading.)

The finished baskets will be posted soon!

Besitos,
Vanessa

Things We Love: Etsy's Gift Guide

2009-12-18T14:55:00.004-05:00

As an absolute foodie (and self-proclaimed fattygirl), I was so excited to see that Etsy created a gift guide dedicated to the aesthetic, and way of life, of slow food.

Besitos,
Vanessa

"Slow Food" On Etsy Gift Guide, December 2009
Slow Food, the global, grassroots movement that connects the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment, is right at home on Etsy. The vision of a "slow planet" is rooted in appreciating local farmers, gathering friends, telling stories, and taking some time out of our day to express our gratitude. These values, applicable to a wide range of consumer goods, is what Etsy is all about. Create a meaningful food experience from garden to table with each of the selections below. For more tips and inspiration, shop the Plants and Edibles Category and check out Slow Food articles on Etsy's blog.

Meet Your Maker: Maggie Mudd Photography

2009-12-02T20:53:00.000-05:00

The DC Craft Mafia would like to send a big Thank You to Maggie Mudd Photography for working the room during our Holiday Heist Craft Show!

Her work is beautiful and she almost effortlessly brings a warm and inviting atmosphere to her subjects.

Talent for Hire
"I've designed my blog as a way to network with anyone living in Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia in search of a budget friendly photographer. I photograph people, simply put. I come from a journalistic approach, paired with a background in choreography.

"This allows me to give direction to my clients, and lead my photo sessions in a way that creates unique images whlie keeping the photographs honest and natural.

"I photograph family, maternity, infant, engagement, "Love Birds", and senior portrait sessions. My focus is in wedding photography. I love to surround myself with joy and romance... photographing weddings is the best way for me to do that."

Jane of All Trades
"I have my degree in modern dance from Point Park University and I have been many things in my life; a dancer, a teacher, an FBI agent. I have always secretly been a photographer as well, and now I’m putting that passion before all the rest."

Why we love her
"Life is too short not to enjoy every second of it. My intention for my photography is for it to serve as a way to preserve these fleeting moments. I’ve made it my job to archive monumental occasions as well as any other wonderful, ordinary day you want to hold on to with a photograph."

Contact Maggie if you need a great (and affordable!) photographer for you and your family! She's still looking for weddings to photograph at reduced rates. "My wedding portfolio is growing, but is still small. I am searching for couples who are willing to trust me with the honor of photographing the most important day of their lives."

Email Maggie directly at maggiemuddphotography@gmail.com, and find more of her beautiful work on her website, and on her Facebook page!

Besitos,
Vanessa

Meet Your Maker: Pear & Peacock

2009-11-21T00:13:00.000-05:00

Erin McCloskey of Pear & Peacock is one of our fave Eco-crafters! Pear and Peacock is handcrafted precious metal jewelry.

Why the Earth loves her
"I strive to reduce environmental impact by using recycled precious metals and vintage beads," say Erin. "Sometimes throwing in a few hints of enamel for color here and there."

Why we love her
"I want my jewelry to inspire confidence in anyone who wears them. Pear & Peacock pieces are simple with a unique modern edge."

Find Pear & Peacock at Holiday Heist tomorrow!

Meet Your Maker: Palace of Varied Industries & Great Sock

2009-11-20T22:16:00.000-05:00

A Crafty Double Feature
Sisters Joanna (The Palace of Varied Industries) and Isabel (Great Sock) Church have been both artsy and crafty for most of their lives, and are bringing the family busiess to Holiday Heist!

Joanna Church, of Palace of Varied Industries, makes novelty pictures and other "small art," including animal silhouettes, shadow box scenes, and children's illustrations, using found frames, objects, and images to combine into one-of-a-kind decorations with a sense of humor.

Isabel Church, of Great Sock, makes stuffed toys out of socks (new and used-but-well-washed!) and other random scraps of material, turning them into frogs, cats, monsters and many more.

Toys are stuffed with bamboo fiberfill and average between four inches and ten inches or so and depend on the size, shape, and stretchiness of the sock.

(See Akimbo, above, my personal favourite!)

Why we love them
"Thanks to a steady diet of Muppet movies, Smothers Brothers albums, and similar family favorites, we love creating slightly odd things for others to enjoy. Happily, we are capable of sharing a booth: no sibling rivalry in our crafty world!"

Muppets and crafting? You're preaching to the choir, ladies :)

Besitos,
Vanessa

Meet Your Maker: Fisticuffs

2009-11-20T11:43:00.000-05:00

Fisticuffs' John Davis makes some cool f*#&ing stuff. Sure, I love dropping F-bombs. I love even more that Fisticuffs leather cuffs inspires me to wax poetic all up on this blog.

Fisticuffs makes handmade leather wrist cuffs/watchbands/dog collars from 100% recycled leather and found objects. And makes all that hard work look good.

Find Fisticuffs at Holiday Heist. F*#& yeah.

Besitos,
Vanessa

Meet Your Maker: Phil Barbato

2009-11-19T20:54:00.000-05:00

Fun stuffed toys that kids and adults alike can enjoy and appreciate. No, not from Mattel, from Phil Barbato!

His work isn't stocking stuffers; sometimes, they are stockings!

Meet Thorgrimm the Defeated:

And Ronald Jeremy Hyatt:

You've gifted many things over the years: Socks, ties, perfumes, Norelco shaving kits, and my personal favourite, the Barack Obama Chia Pet. Have any of these brought more than a pasted-on smile and a cardboard "thank you, I always wanted one!" from their recipients? Don't repeat the same mistake this year; give a Whiskerbear and get a genuine smile out of your friends. And for god's sake, return the Snuggie.

Besitos,
Vanessa

Meet Your Maker: Bette's Bag

2009-11-19T10:16:00.009-05:00

Betty and Maggie Mudd, the talented mother-and-daughter-designer team behind Bette's Bags have an interesting story to tell:
"Maggie purchased a very expensive designer bag and before she left the mall she saw another woman carrying the exact same bag. To tease Maggie, I made her a "One of a Kind" bag. She liked it and used it; friends and co-workers commented on it and wanted one of their own. We made several bags as "gifts.” After hearing from friends and family things like, "you two should start your own business,” “where do you sell your bag,” “do you have a website” and “how can I get you to make one for myself?," we started Bette's bags.

And that's how Bette's Bags all started. Lucky us!!
Betty's beautiful bags are all made individually from start to finish. They make one bag at a time so you can be assured that they put quality and care into every stitch.
Check out Bette's totes, handbags, purses, yoga bags, diaper bags, etc. at the Holiday Heist Craft Show this Saturday!

Meet Your Maker: Yinibini

2009-11-18T23:47:00.001-05:00

Soyini George's Yinibini exotic jewelry is made out of wood, precious metals, resin, seeds, beads, semi-precious and precious stones, nuts, and more, all intricately carved and designed to create unique style. Yinibini clothing and jewelry are known for that pop-art urban look. Silk-screened, embroidered or painted by hand, each item has its own cute personality!

Yinibini clothing and jewelry are known for that pop-art chic look. Silk-screened, embroidered or painted by hand, each item has its own cute personality!

Yinibini exotic jewelry is made out of wood, precious metals, resin, seeds, beads, semi-precious and precious stones, nuts, and more, all intricately carved and designed to create unique style.

Yinibini baby clothing and accessories are all hand made with tender loving care in a smoke-free and pet-free environment. Booties, hats, burp cloths and more, all made out of the most stylish of fabrics! Your baby will be Yinibini cute!

Find Yinibini this Saturday at Holiday Heist Craft Show!

Besitos,
Vanessa

Meet Your Maker: Lollibomb

2009-11-18T13:00:00.009-05:00

"Sugar Rush is a delectable blend of cotton candy, fresh vanilla, caramel, fig, raspberry, and sugary lemon drops..." That's not a recipe for dessert tonight. It's one of Lollibomb's most memorable scents! Handcrafted cosmetics and body treats have never been sweeter. Lollibomb has it all: delicious fragrances, fluffy whipped body frosting, mineral powder, luxurious milk baths made with soy milk, and even edible message oil (Me So Honey! Love it!)

Why we love them: Their products are 100% vegan with absolutely no animal by-products or harsh ingredients. Plus, they have a scent called, Tobacco Road. How rock'n'roll!

Pick up the scent of your choice at Lollibomb's booth at the Holiday Heist!

Meet Your Maker: Holland Cox

2009-11-16T20:46:00.001-05:00

Valerie Williams is the designer behind the one-woman-shop Holland Cox.

Her collection includes seven handbag styles and more than a dozen accessories, all handcrafted in the brightest and boldest fabrics. Everything at Holland Cox is always limited edition, and always made with love and care by Valerie.

Why we love her
"Holland Cox is a company founded on the idea that high fashion does not have to be mass produced, ridiculously priced, or covered in logos. We think fashion should be about being yourself while looking fabulous, not looking like everybody else. We strive to provide our customers with beautiful products that are well made, reasonably priced, and incredibly stylish. We also strive to support other independent businesses that share our ideals and emphasize handcrafting."

About Valerie
"After several months of rushing home after work every day to sit at my sewing machine or in front of my sketch pad and dream up things to make all evening, it occurred to me that my quarter-life crisis might be over. I really just want to sew all day long. One day I threw together scraps from two skirts I had just made and an old pair of pants I had recently converted to shorts. What I got was the very first Holland Cox handbag, although I didn't know it at the time...since then I've been working hard to make my dream of having my own business a reality, and here we are."

And here she is! Find beautiful bags by Holland Cox at the Holiday Heist!

Besitos,
Vanessa

Meet Your Maker: Space Moderne

2009-11-16T18:05:00.006-05:00

Space Moderne has really taken taken to gift of wine and punched it up a notch with their originally designed wine pockets! Each wine pocket is designed and handcrafted by Momi Antonio-Barnes and features unique designs with wool felt and/or embroidered stitches.

Talk about the perfect gift to bring with you to your upcoming Holiday parties! And don't forget to attach some handmade ornaments to the bottle, like these:

Stop by Space Moderne's booth at the Holiday Heist Craft Show this Saturday. I know. We can't believe it's this weekend, too!

Meet Your Maker: bLuGrn design

2009-11-16T10:34:00.006-05:00

We at the Craft Mafia love jewelry. We especially LOVE jewelry that combines the 3 C's: Critters, Creativity and the Chesapeake Bay. bluGrn design (pronounced blue green, right Lucia?!) does just that--

Critters:

Creativity:

Chesapeake Bay:
Little FYI: Most of the fossils used in these necklace were found on a little beach in the Chesapeake!
Check out bLuGrn design at the Holiday Heist Craft Show this Saturday!

Meet Your Maker: A.W.E. Designs

2009-11-13T08:29:00.001-05:00

Things we love: Dramatic copper jewelry
Deb Soromenho named her shop A.W.E. ~Artsy, Worldly, Earthy~ "because it describes perfectly how I feel about my work; artistic, earthy items with a worldly flair and an environmental lean."

Most of Deb's jewelry is made by mixing handforged sterling silver and copper with other natural elements.

"I work mainly with materials such as leather, hemp, & silk, dark woods, sterling silver & copper, semi-precious gemstones & freshwater pearls, and Swarovski crystals. I sometimes use re-purposed or vintage when I fall in love with something."

Need to get your jewelry fix? Visit A.W.E. Design's Shop at the Holiday Heist Craft Show next Saturday!

Besitos,
Vanessa

Meet Your Maker: Bee's Knees Studio

2009-11-13T08:09:00.001-05:00

Things we love: Painting
Bee's Knees Studio is a one-woman art explosion brought to you by Richmond-based artist Erica Vess. She's not much for writing bios, but she does have a plan for world domination which involves owls, cuteness, and the color blue. That's all she's at liberty to say at the moment.

With work ranging tiny 2" paintings to oversize fine art prints, from whimsical children's paintings to sleek modern design, there is something for everybody!

Why we love her
"Certainly, I have something for every budget. While my larger original pieces range from $95 to $300, the bulk of my stock is much more affordable: my tiny original paintings are $20, and the majority of my prints are $15 to $30."

Easy on the eyes and the wallet! Find Erica's work Holiday Heist next Saturday!

Besitos,
Vanessa

Meet Your Maker: Artmonger

2009-11-12T19:59:00.001-05:00

Six years of art school in New York never lent a hand to watercolor skills. I can only sit back and admire the work of talented artists like Michele Banks of Artmonger.

Michele creates beautiful paintings, collages and handpainted greeting cards. We are so excited to have her work at our show!

Michele Banks got her start as an artist in the late 1980's when she decorated her cubicle at Price Waterhouse in London with repetitive images of comic-book figures. Several years and three countries later, she quit management consulting, got married, had a baby (the sublime Isabella) and got back to those repeated images. By now she had advanced to clip art images of coffee cups and fish.

By 2000, the kid was in pre-school and Michele got to work in a serious way. Now she tackled subjects such as snails, hippos, fans, frogs and pigs. She even took an art class. In 2001, Michele had her first show, at Tryst, a cafe in Washington. She has been showing steadily in the region ever since. By 2003, Michele had mainly switched from collage to watercolor painting, although she still throws in some collage elements now and then!

Find Michele's wonderful watercolors online and next week at Holiday Heist!

Besitos,
Vanessa

Meet Your Maker: Beth Pohlman

2009-11-12T08:28:00.002-05:00

I must admit, I am so fond of silver. I'd be lying if I said that the Mafia doesn't covet every piece of jewelry that Beth Pohlman creates; her designs are the perfect balance between nature and design and stands out in all the right ways.

About her jewelry
"All of my work is designed and handmade out of sterling silver, making every piece unique and slightly one-of-a-kind. My designs are influenced by modern, minimal design and lush organics; I like to think of my work as organic geometry."

So just to be clear, for anyone who wants to know, these earrings are on my holiday wishlist:

And this necklace:

And these:

And that:

And that's it. I swear. For now.

Shop for me- I mean, for yourselves and your loved ones- at Beth Pohlman's booth at the Holiday Heist Craft Show!

Besitos,
Vanessa

Meet Your Maker: Creativ* Bee Designs

2009-11-11T21:28:00.002-05:00

Wait...Is that a Typo?
No. Creativ*Bee Designs is spelled differently from the norm, because Creativ*Bee Designs is just that...different from the norm..Who wants to be like everyone else?

Creativ*Bee Designs began in 2003 as the creative outlet of Raleigh artist & graphic designer Brandi Bowen. Her designs vary from one of a kind, hand painted silk scarves to her original oil paintings and ink drawings to reworked vintage pieces into original and unique jewelry.

The Jewelry
Only hand-selected semi-precious gemstones, pearls, vintage Czech glass,
brass, wood, and other natural elements, genuine sterling silver and gold filled findings are used in our design.

The Silk
Only 100% Silk is used in our Hand-Dyed Silk Scarves. Nothing more, nothing less.

The Artist
Once upon a time there was a little girl that loved to draw and paint and do anything artistic.
Years later the little Bee decided that she wanted to pursue her love of color and type and went to college to major in graphic design and photography. While in school, Bee soon discovered her love of jewelry design and fibers. Naturally, the little Bee had an idea and in 2004 launched her own business Creativ*Bee Designs.
In addition to her line of jewelry, Miss Bee also freelances and currently has several works of art in area art shows. Miss Bee has won several awards along her journey as an artist and designer. Currently, she can be found creating in her North Carolina studio or somewhere out and about looking for inspiration for upcoming designs.

What's Next to Come?
We will be adding Limited Edition Apparel, one of a kind Fiber Art pieces, Greeting Cards, Paintings and Limited Edition Photographs.

Is your name really Miss Bee?
No. Since she always creating something artsy in her studio, Miss Bee is a nickname that her friends gave her, and it just seemed appropriate.

We are excited to have Creativ*Bee Designs, along with 35 more talented artists at the Holiday Heist Craft Show!

Meet Your Maker: Block Party Press

2009-11-10T09:26:00.002-05:00

Polymer clay: The words evoke memories of sitting at my kitchen table, playing with Sculpey and cheering at the success of my baked-hard project (which usually were inscence holders; simple, as I'm no scultpor).

Those memories are a distant cry from Block Party Press, where artist Tamara Shea creates polymer clay jewelry, accessories and home decor by carving her own stamps and adding color with acrylic paint.

She also creates tree collages out of old catalogs and digital colored pen and ink drawings, which are available as prints, cards and other goodies.

Why we love her
"As with many artists, I have been drawing and making things for as long as I can remember. Sometimes my brain overflows with more ideas than my hands and my wallet can keep up with. I love texture, patterns, contrast, color (especially red, white & black and any pastel color paired with chocolate brown)."

"For fun, I love creating art with recycled items(trash). I am self-taught through much trial and error and a SAHM of 2 boys, although I guess I am a WAHM now. I hope you enjoy my creations, as much as I enjoyed creating them!"

Block Party Press will be partying with us at the Holiday Heist Craft Show next Saturday! See you there!

Meet Your Maker: Curls Studio

2009-11-09T22:46:00.002-05:00

Curls Studio creates original comic art and storytelling, greeting cards, character dolls and more!

With Carolyn Belefski and Joe Carabeo’s merged powers of design, illustration, photography, and filmmaking for the comic books Curls, Kid Roxy, Black Magic Tales, and The Legettes.

Carolyn makes illustrated greeting cards, notebooks, handmade plush dolls, and other merchandise that feature Curls Studio's stable of characters.

Find all of these fun (and anything but mundane, run of the mill comic stories you may think of) at the Holiday Heist Craft Show!

Meet Your Maker: Elisa Shere Jewelry

2009-11-07T14:33:00.001-05:00

Jewelry is a girl's best friend, right? Isn't that how the saying goes? And anyway, who needs diamonds when the jewelry is beautiful enough to stand on its own?

Elisa Shere Jewelry is just that: unique and attractive pieces that go beyond simply holding a precious stone in place.

Ms. (Metal) Smith
"My work is metalsmithed using hot or cold connections (never glue). Each piece of my jewelry is handcrafted from raw materials such as sterling sheet and wire and will last a lifetime, with proper care. I love to hunt high and low for unusual vintage elements to incorporate into my work. My work is currently an exploration of flower and pebble shapes."

Why we love her
"I love the relationship that women have with their jewelry. It makes us feel beautiful, feminine, powerful. It effects us in many ways, and even if a piece doesn't cost thousands of dollars, it is still precious to us. My biggest goal in jewelry making is to design something that becomes somebody's most treasured possesion. This is what inspires me to make jewelry."

Find Elisa Shere Jewelry on Etsy, and on 21 November at the Holiday Heist at The Soundry!

Holiday Shopping with a Conscience

2009-11-06T17:47:00.003-05:00

Holiday Heist, an arts and crafts show organized by the DC Craft Mafia, will be held Saturday, November 21st from 12 to 6 pm at The Soundry in Vienna, Virginia. The event is free and open to the public, and free craft workshops will be held throughout the day. All proceeds from raffle ticket sales will benefit The Washington Humane Society, who will be on premises 3-6pm hosting an open adoption for puppies and dogs that need homes. The Soundry is a former auto body shop that has been converted into an affordable space for local artists, independent (indie) crafters and musicians to create, rehearse, network, show, sell, teach, learn and promote.

Holiday Heist will feature a wide selection of handcrafted gifts from over 30 vendors, from fine art & photography, to clothing & accessories, jewelry, baby gifts and more! This is not only a great opportunity to shop local and support small businesses; this is a chance to find that unique something, that special gift that no one else will give (um, remember that Gap scarf set that you bought your best friend? She received two more sets just like it that year).

DCCM members April Stanley-Njari of April Mist Jewelry will teach paper bead making at noon as part of our free craft workshops program, and Vanessa Alsondo of Ninnycat Crochet will be on hand at 1pm to conduct crochet lessons. At 2 o’clock Laura Lee and Allison Lince-Bentley of the DC Threads Sewing Lounge will demo a simple and fun sewing project for beginners.

“Not only does our festival help local artists and satisfy a demand for handmade products, but it’s also a way to give back to the community,” explains Mafia member Erica Burns, of the group’s goal to raise funds for charity. “Since our first show, we’ve helped to raise funds for The Washington Humane Society. To add to the fun, we hold raffles for shoppers to win door prizes, with 100% of the raffle ticket sales going to the WHS. Everybody wins!”

“The Holiday Heist craft show is Sustainable Crafting philosophy at its best,” Vanessa explains. “Local craft and indie businesses, the Soundry, and the Washington Humane Society are all supporting each other to improve business, the arts, and lives, and to promote social awareness. The DCCM will continue to select venues, charities/organizations and vendors that either can benefit from or will foster Washington DC’s art community.”

This sense of community is highlighted by the fact that DC Craft Mafia is a part of a network of other sister groups which began in Austin, Texas and has spread nationwide to 30 cities. DC Craft Mafia represents the Metro DC area, Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland.

“We host Crafty Drinks, a monthly social networking happy hour for crafters and indie business owners,” says Shayne Rioux of Novelty Kitten. “It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, share resources and crafts. Even passers by, who don’t craft, stop by our tables to say hi and get in on some craftiness after seeing our promo signs!”

The Mafia looks forward to seeing you at the Heist!

Meet Your Maker: Jaime Zollars

2009-11-05T22:43:00.002-05:00

Things We Love: Fantastic, surreal dreamscapes.

Jaime Zollars finds inspiration in Flemish painters, fairy tales, and flea markets. She paints portraits of people and places far away, dwelling on dark dilemmas and pockets of whimsical fantasy.

Jaime illustrates for books, magazines, gallery walls, and her own amusement. She also chases after her one-year-old son Griffin as he chases neighborhood dogs.

The virtues of downtime
Were Jaime to have any leisure time, she'd most certainly spend it making fanciful paper toys for one and all.

Why we love her
Besides making silk screen and fine art prints for kids and adventurous adults, Jaime makes wonderfully wearable vintage soft t-shirts, cards, and gifts featuring sweet (and sometimes a little bit dark) fairy tale inspired artwork.

You know the dilly, yo: Find Jaime Zollars at Holiday Heist on Saturday 21 November at The Soundry!

Besitos,
Vanessa

Meet Your Maker: Jerseymaids

2009-11-05T21:59:00.001-05:00

Things we love: Photography that captures beauty, whimsy and charm.
That's why we are all about Jerseymaids' Polaroid imagery and jewelry.

Polaroid images made to look like little Polaroid earrings? I'm in looooove.

"Life is nothing more than a string if short and beautiful moments; images to capture, memories to solidify. This is a part of my 'Paris Through A Polaroid' series, and was shot in Paris, France in spring of 2009."

Très merveilleux!
This photograph was shot with a Polaroid 680 camera. It is printed professionally on archival, acidfree fine art paper with inks that last up to 200 years.

For more great items, please check out Jerseymaids' Etsy shop, and at our Holiday Heist Craft Show!

Besitos,
Vanessa

Meet Your Maker: Jill Popowich Designs

2009-11-04T21:04:00.002-05:00

Things that make me weak: dainty, feminine little things that make the perfect finishing touch to my look. Jill Popowich Designs does it for me.

About Jill
"Since I was a little girl, I’ve always loved jewelry and was intrigued with designing and making it. I attended the Maryland Institute College of Art where I received a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration. Since 1994 I’ve been working as an Environmental Graphic Designer, having the opportunity to travel the world working on large scale retail environments designing signage, sculptures and architectural details. It is this large scale 3-D work that re-sparked my interest in jewelry design and the opportunity to build something that can be interacted with on a personal scale."

"All of the jewelry in my shop is handcrafted by me. Since each piece is hand made they will all vary taking on a personality of their own making each one unique and special."

What inspires you?
I get inspired by everything I see and experience. I’m always up for a challenge and enjoy trying new things and solving new problems. Check back often and see what I’m up to.

A wise philosophy:
"A cocktail ring displays best with a cocktail in hand."

Shop for beautiful jewelry by Jill Popowich on Etsy and at the Holiday Heist!

Saturday 21 November 2009
12-6pm
The Soundry
316 Dominion Road
Vienna, VA

Meet Your Maker: Lala's Pequeños

2009-11-03T14:54:00.002-05:00

The designer. The mother. The name.
Mother of two very busy boys (7 and 8), Alessandra or “lala” as they call her, is the creative designer behind the lala’s Pequeños line.

A Noonie? Do tell!

Made from the softest fabric available, the Noonie™ was designed to create a perfectly cozy environment for your baby to be swaddled. Great for after bath lazing around or showing baby off in pictures.

Since it's launch, the Noonie™ line has been a hit with great response from new moms everywhere; it is a beautiful keepsake item that can be passed on for generations to come.

Why we love her
When she’s not fighting off evil empires or chasing frogs out of the house, her days are spent perfecting her designs for the little ones of the world. She is meticulous in her search for the perfect fabric and obsessed when it comes to softness. Lala also strongly believes it is essential to be environmentally conscious.

Why the Earth loves her
When she’s not in her studio, you’ll find lala traipsing through her other passion- a little rain forest called Rainmaker. She along with her family and business partners own a 1500 acre primary rain forest in Costa Rica.

In an effort to bring ecological awareness to the forefront, a portion of all proceeds from the Lala’s Pequeños line go to help preserve the Rainmaker Conservation Project.

Get your Noonie™ on at the Holiday Heist Craft Show!

Saturday 21 November 2009
12-6pm
The Soundry
316 Dominion Road
Vienna, VA

Besitos,
Vanessa

Charity Raffle: Prize Donations

2009-11-03T14:28:00.002-05:00

Hi there!
Bette's Bags, one of our wonderful vendors at this year's Holiday Heist Craft Show, has donated this beautiful mini-wallet for our raffle to benefit The Washington Humane Society.

Here's the inside!

This and many more great prizes to be had at the Holiday Heist Craft Fair!

Interested in donating a crafty prize for our charity raffle? E-mail us at HolidayHeist@yahoo.com

Besitos,
Vanessa

Crafty Drinks November: Arlington Edition!

2009-10-31T16:52:00.002-04:00

Yo crafty peeps! Timer for another happy hour already? Thank goodness.

This month, we're taking Crafty Drinks DC to NOVA to chill out at Galaxy Hut in Clarendon; beer, bar grub, and Pac-Man & Galaga (had to click on that link to know the reference? Damn whipper-snappers with your XBox and your air conditioning).

Come on out and meet your friendly neighborhood crafters, learn something new, make friends!

Tuesday 10 November 2009
5:30-8pm
Galaxy Hut
2711 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22201

Besitos,
Vanessa

Open Adoptions at Holiday Heist!

2009-10-31T16:13:00.002-04:00

This year we are very excited to announce that, in addition to donating all proceeds from our raffle drawings to the Washington Humane Society, we have also invited them to bring some very lovable, very sweet dogs and puppies that need homes for an open adoption during the Holiday Heist!

If you have the room in your hearts and in your homes, please come by to meet some wonderful companions who are looking for their perfect match.

Washington Humane Society (WHS) is the only Congressionally-chartered animal welfare agency in the United States, and has been the area’s leading voice for animals since 1870. As the only open-access shelter in the Nation’s Capital, the Washington Humane Society provides comfort and care to over 30,000 animals each year through its broad range of programs and services including sheltering, adoption, spay and neuter, CatNiPP, humane law enforcement, lost and found, human–animal therapy programs and humane education.

WHS enforces all of the District's animal laws under an 1870 Congressional charter, and all animal control laws under contract with the DC government. WHS operates the only open-access shelter in Washington, DC; a private shelter on 7319 Georgia Avenue, NW, and the DC Shelter (under contract by the Department of Health) on 1201 New York Avenue, NE.

In addition to the two animal shelters, WHS operates a low-cost National Capital Area Spay & Neuter Center, on 1001 L Street, NE, located in the heart of Capitol Hill, a new animal training facility located on 7315 Georgia Avenue, NW, and the administrative offices, located on 4590 Macarthur Blvd. NW.

WHS has ninety dedicated employees, twenty-two distinguished members on the Board of Directors and more than three-hundred and fifty active volunteers; now, you have an opportunity to be a part of their good cause.

Adopt a friend, donate money or enter our raffle for some great prizes. Either way, you'll feel great and help a furry friend find a home.

Besitos,
Vanessa

Door Prize Sneak Peek, Pt. 1

2009-10-31T16:03:00.002-04:00

This door prize is brought to you by the wonderful Joanna Church of Palace of Varied Industries:

This beautiful piece, as well as other great prizes, will be given away at the door of the Holiday Heist Craft Show! Yes, it's that easy; win a gift just for showing up.

Yes, we are that fabulous. You're welcome.

DC Craft Mafia's
Holiday Heist
Saturday 21 November
12-6pm
The Soundry
316 Dominion Road
Vienna, VA

Call for Volunteers!

2009-10-29T21:40:00.002-04:00

The Mafia is looking for a few good henchmen (and women) to help us plan the Heist. Lock-picking experience not necessary; we're willing to train.

We'll need some friendly faces to:
•Help greet patrons at the Welcome Booth;
•Assist vendors with setup/breakdown;
•Support craft workshop teachers;
•Advertise in the Vienna area (posting HH info at local shops, venues and such);
•Snap pics at our photo booth;
•Assemble goodie bags;
•Carry out hits, contracts & vendettas.

Let us know if you wanna be on the take:
holidayheist@yahoo.com

Got a crafty business? The Family will be happy to exchange juice for favors; free advertising on our site, blog and at the Heist.

Besitos,
Vanessa

Meet Your Maker: Lana Kole

2009-10-29T12:15:00.002-04:00

Lana Kole is a budding, independent design label and also a fabulous human being! Lana means "a beautiful place" and Kole means "a victorious people."

What inspires you?
At the Lana Kole Studio, we seek to inspire and encourage people by helping them make their living/work spaces more vibrant and beautiful with our modern and fun take on traditional interior decor. Everything we create will be designed with this objective in mind. We promise!

Inspiring our clients through our design is very rewarding. We hope this idea is reflected in each of our hand-crafted products. Our aesthetic derives from a love of nature and modern simplicities. Our designs are an eclectic collection of our own hand-drawn and original computer-drafted art work. The Lana Kole Studio has been in existence since January of 2008 and is based in Baltimore, Maryland (USA). We ship our handmade products all over the world. We are so excited that people in places like Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Africa, and Asia- all places we've never visited- have our products in their homes. It is truly humbling and inspires us to keep designing and keep inspiring.

We specialize in surface and textile design. Our product line includes vinyl surface graphics and vinyl lettering, fun stationery sets, and originally designed textiles that we use to make our collection of modern home decor. We are also currently designing a fabulous wedding and events collection. We're just getting started. We have many more products and ideas in store.

Why we love them: Six Degrees of Crafty Separation
We at Lana Kole believe in the power of social networking. It's Lana Kole's dream to appear on Martha Stewart, Oprah, and Rachel Ray show in 2010. If you know somebody, that knows somebody, that knows somebody, who knows a neighbor that knows somebody that knows these 3 fabulous ladies... please let us know.

If you think you can help, contact them here!

Find Lana Kole on Etsy and at our Holiday Heist Craft Show!

Meet Your Maker: Designs by Erdenesuren

2009-10-26T22:18:00.001-04:00

Erdenesuren Davaasuren designs and knits jewelry with marble stones and colorful recycled papers. She also designs and knits hats, scarves, laptop sleeves, wallets, purses, and gift boxes in her tiny bedroom in DC in addition to being a full time undergraduate student.

Why we love Erdenesuren: Her designs are multicolored because she strongly believes that life is so much less stressful and happier when things are handmade colorfully. We happily agree.

She tries to make her products as eco-friendly as possible by using colorful recycled papers, buttons, and marble stones. She designs her own patterns and she is constantly delivering new and awesome products in her effort to better the future of “all things handmade”.

She draws and paints on used scrap papers to use them as wrapped fillings in her knit jewelries.

Love to see more? You can find Erdenesuren at our Holiday Heist Craft Show!

Saturday 21 November 2009
12-6pm
The Soundry
316 Dominion Road
Vienna, VA

Meet Your Maker: Moonlight Bindery

2009-10-26T22:11:00.002-04:00

Moonlight Bindery's Katie Wagner makes the craft of bookbinding fun, beautiful and extraordinary.

Got writer's block? No worries; just procrastinate while playing with Legos.

"I had so much fun making these chalkboard journals. The journals are covered in black oilcloth that you can write on with chalk markers. Put a quote on the cover or your grocery list! The marker is erasable with a damp cloth."

We love it! Who knew that the outside of a book can be as much fun (or more) than the inside?

You can find these and more of Moonlight Bindery's wonderful books at the Holiday Heist craft show!

www.moonlightbindery.com

Fenton Street Market this Saturday!

2009-09-28T16:17:00.004-04:00

This Saturday 3 October, join me in Silver Spring for the Fenton Street Market! Among the diverse array of local artists you'll find photography, jewelry and clothing; I'm almost more excited to meet the other vendors than to be one!

Be sure to stop by and say hi to your Miss Ninny, and sit in for a free crochet demo if you have the time.

Fenton Street Market
Saturday 3 October 2009
9am-2pm
Corner of Fenton Street & Silver Spring Avenue

Besitos,
Vanessa

Crafty Drinks: October

2009-09-22T19:29:00.001-04:00

Hey there ladies and gents,

Tuesday 13 October we'll be making our way downtown to Rocket Bar for skiball, drinks and talking craft-shop.

Rocket Bar is a really fun space; pool tables and darts are plentiful, as are the selection of beers and cocktails. Plus, you can't beat the location: we'll be right across from the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro stop (Red/Green/Yellow lines), and if you're looking for a nosh after mingling, there are tons of great (and cheap!) eats in the area. I recommend Full Kee.

Their Hong Kong-style Shrimp Dumplings & Noodles Soup is to die for at $5.25. But I digress.

Stop by and meet fellow crafters, indie business owners and future friends. Get some BlogLove from the DC Craft Mafia and great crafty resources! It's all here, baby. Don't fight it.

Rocket Bar

714 Seventh Street, NW

Washington, DC 20001

Besitos,

Vanessa

Meet Your Maker: EHL Creations

2009-09-22T12:44:00.012-04:00

Love photography? We do, too! Meet Holiday Heist vendor Emily Landsman of EHL Creations and learn about the craft of Polaroid transfers.

•How did you first get into Polaroid transfering as your medium?
My photography teacher in high school first showed me the process. I was taking independent study art, so I didn't have a set plan for the year. My teacher encouraged me enter creative contests, try new techniques and experiment with the digital camera the school had just purchased in 1996. I stopped making prints about a year after that and picked it up again about three years ago.

Polaroid stopped making all instant film about a year ago, so the supplies we have now are very limited. We in the Polaroid community have our hopes set on THE IMPOSSIBLE PROJECT, a group of Dutch chemists and engineers who, with a number of investors, are working to reintroduce instant film by 2010. http://www.the-impossible-project.com/. I was able to visit them in the Netherlands two months ago. I put my story of the visit with photos on my web site at http://www.ehlcreations.com/.

I was just contacted by Save Polaroid Japan earlier this week. They saw my web site and asked if they could use some of the photos of the visit to let folks over there know about the project.

•How do Polaroid transfers work?
Image transfers are made by developing Polaroid pull-apart films on non-photographic surfaces, usually wet watercolor paper. I interrupt the development process after just a few seconds by placing the negative on the paper to continue developing, and then I toss the positive. I usually use 35mm slides and an enlarger that prints onto Polaroid film, but I sometimes use Polaroid cameras, too. Emulsion lifts are made by soaking fully dried photographs until the emulsion layer separates from the page. It can then be repositioned on almost any surface. I use watercolor paper and ceramic tiles, but I've seen them on all kinds of surfaces, even rocks!

I generally use a slide printer to make my transfer images, so I first select slides. I either use 35mm film or I will convert digital images to a slide at a photo processing location.

This is the slide printer (enlarger head) with a base for Polaroid 669 film. I also have a base for type 59 film.

I make most of my transfers on wet watercolor paper, so I soak the paper in hot water.

I print the image and then quickly separate the positive and negative. Here, I have pressed the negative on the paper with a brayer. The positive is pale and has little image and will be discarded.

After 90 to 120 seconds, peal back the negative and voila!

This is not always a simple process. I generally make two or three prints before getting it right. I leave them on the floor to dry overnight.

•What are your favourite subjects to photograph and transfer?
Flowers are always nice. They come out looking very delicate. I tend to like repeating images, a row of chairs, liquor bottles on a shelf, leaves. I'm good with still life and landscapes, but I'm working on my portrait skills!
Developing an eye has been an ongoing learning process. I think I've figured out what makes an interesting image.

•I couldn't help but notice how well received your work is at the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market. Congrats! How do you feel about the popularity of your labour of love?
Thanks! It's really quite flattering. I just started showing my work about a year ago, so I'm still new to taking compliments. I love photography and creating images, so it's really nice to know that other people appreciate the work I put into my prints. This is the first year I've applied to markets and fairs and some shows have been (much) better than others.

•Your work has a vintage feel. Is that intended?
It kind of comes with the transfer process. Because the photograph is separated in mid-development, some of the colors don't fully transfer and the image has a soft, dream-like etherial quality. I think the variable borders on each image also adds to that feel.

•Where can we find you and your wonderful work?
I just started tweeting (www.twitter.com/ehlcreations) a few months ago, but in that time I have developed some Twitter "friendships." I like to follow other Polaroid photographers, and I love it when they follow me! We trade info about Polaroid products and our latest images. It was also exciting to finally make it to 100 fans on Facebook so I could get my own user name! (www.facebook.com/ehlcreations) My full web site http://www.ehlcreations.com/ has lots of info on my prints, greeting cards, lifts, and my visit to IMPOSSIBLE B.V. in the Netherlands and upcoming shows, including Art on the Avenue on October 3 and the DC Craft Mafia Holiday Heist on November 21!

•What do you love the most about being an artist? How do you feel about the DC crafts scene?
I think DC has a pretty good craft scene...but I don't know too much about craft networks nationwide. Through my domestic travels for my day job I've been able to compare markets here and there, and I think we (in DC) lean more to the "craft" market and less to the "fine art" market.
I've met so many awesome people over the last few months through shows and events. Crafty Drinks was so much fun in July. It was really nice to chat with people who understand the satisfaction that comes from creating! Brainstorming different marketing opportunities, craft techniques and sharing our latest creations with each other has been really helpful. Plus, I have a bunch of new friends! I can't wait to meet up with everyone in September.

Thanks Em! We can't wait to see more of your work!

Besitos,
Vanessa

Want to see a complete who's who list of our talented vendors? Click here!

Cast Your Vote in the Craftiest Bastard Contest

2009-09-10T21:40:00.008-04:00

Show your support for the DC Craft Mafia's own My Ugly Kitty! Cast your vote for My Ugly Kitty as the 2009 Craftiest Bastard!

Want to learn more about the 2009 Crafty Bastards Arts and Crafts Fair? Click here.

Want to see the amazing craftiness of My Ugly Kitty? Click here.

And don't forget to vote!

Craftzine's Crochet-Along!

2009-09-09T19:52:00.001-04:00

Hi! I finally got back from Montreal, and ran to send this posting out to you; I received an email from the awesome Laura C. of Craftzine.com to let me know about their very first crochet-along! The first lesson with Tamie Snow (of Roxycraft) starts on Tuesday, Sept 7th at Noon PST.

Here is a picture of what you'll be crocheting:

Too cute, no?

Interested in participating in the crochet-along? Visit the Craftzine blog to get the materials list, pattern and more information!

Happy Crafting!

Besitos,
Vanessa

Crafty Drinks: September

2009-09-03T16:54:00.002-04:00

Crafty Drinks will be post-poned for one week, to Tuesday 15 September. It is not out of disloyalty to our crafty patrons, or worse yet, a sudden distaste of an after-work cocktail. I'm writing to you as I ride the Metro in Montreal!

The food is great, the people are nice and the city is beautiful. In the Crafty Drinks spirit, I've made sure to tote yarn with me wherever I go, and to have a drink or two along the way :)

Make sure to meet us to herald in Autumn and find out about all the great local craft events happening!

L'Enfant Cafe is our gracious host again for this month; October we hit downtown for ski ball and darts at Rocket Bar!

Tuesday 15 September 2009, 5:30-8

L'Enfant Cafe
2000 18th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20007
202.319.1800

Besitos,
Vanessa

Fire and Glass

2009-09-02T22:14:00.006-04:00

If you've ever wanted to get up close and personal with some hot glass before it takes shape, be sure to check out the Open House at DC GlassWorks on Saturday, September 12.

From the DC GlassWorks' Web site..."The event starts at 3:30 and will continue until 8:30 or so. Watch glassblowing demonstrations or try your hand at making a glass paperweight or flower."

Where: DC GlassWorks and Sculpture Studios, 5346 46th Avenue Hyattsville, MD 20781 -2307. Visit the DC GlassWorks Web site to learn more.

And if you're interested, check out the line-up for the fall schedule of classes. I had the pleasure of taking an introduction to glassblowing class with the group this summer and couldn't have had more fun. And I have a pretty nifty paperweight and some drinking glasses full of "character" to show for it. Good times!

Inspiration: DC 'au naturale

2009-08-30T21:52:00.008-04:00

If you're looking for a little creative inspiration as the work week begins, find an excuse to explore the greener side of DC. From the banks of the Potomac River to the tip of Rock Creek Park, inspiration abounds within the boundaries of the District. Here are just a few places to soak up the colors, smells and wonder of the natural side of D.C.

Morning, when the water lilies are in bloom, is a great time to take in Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. (free!)

Pack a picnic lunch and your walking shoes and head to the National Arboretum to explore the national herb garden, bonsai museum, fern valley and so much more! (also free!)

And, if you're looking for an excuse to come in out of the sun, round out the day with a trip to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History's (live) butterfly exhibit. (not free.)

Meet Your Maker: AprilMist

2009-08-21T15:36:00.002-04:00

Do you know what I love? Nice people. And even more so, nice people who make beautiful things. I truly believe that people who create beauty help the world go round.

So I'm always happy and grateful when I get to meet a great (and talented!) person to gush about. Without further ado, please meet April Stanley Njari of April Mist:

How did you come into crafting?

I grew up with Mrs. DIY herself, my crafty mom was never afraid to tackle any crafting challenge, from paper plate skeletons and Rainbow Brite costumes for Halloween, to making my wedding veil. That maker mentality stuck and creating continues to be a big part of my life today. I’ve been dabbling in a variety of arts and crafts from tie dye, pottery, sewing, floral designing, and knitting but it seems my most recent obsession making handmade paper beads has stuck.

What inspired you to use magazine paper as your medium to create your beads?

I started AprilMist in June after being inspired while stuck at London’s Heathrow airport for 12 hours (ugh). While flipping through fancy European fashion magazines, I realized the paper thickness, color quality, and designs were amazing! How could anyone discard this beautiful work of art after reading it? So, I started creating paper beads from the pages. Imagine how exciting it is to see paper (that would have been discarded) transform into intricately detailed beads! The process of cutting strips, wrapping them into the shape of a bead, and coating them with sealer is tedious, but stress relieving and mind numbing, I love it!

I've seen you work, and I'm in awe with how intricate your beadwork is.

Using my handmade paper beads, I create fun and sassy jewelry designs; my most recent trend has been creating cone and disk shaped beads and challenging myself to make the smallest bead possible (about 1/8 inch thick, so far).

Now that you're creating raving fans (I'm one! And did I tell you guys that she just opened her Etsy shop a month ago and she's already had over ten sales? As fellow Esty shop-owners know, that is a hella-impressive start!), where can we find you around DC?

After opening my shop, I met Vanessa at Ballston Arts & Crafts Market and got involved in Crafty Drinks. Through it I have received a TON of awesome advice and support from fantastic fellow DC crafters (thanks, guys!). In fact, at Vanessa’s encouragement I’ll be debuting my handmade paper bead fashions at the new Fenton Street Market in Silver Spring on October 3rd. Hope to see you there!

Thank you, April!
Besitos,
Vanessa

Hello Awesome

2009-08-21T11:56:00.008-04:00

Back in May, I had the good fortune of attending the Summit of Awesome, a weekend of seminars, workshops, and social events for crafters, which was presented by the wonderful women of Hello Craft, a group "dedicated to the advancement of independent crafters and the handmade movement, as well as empowering small business owners and educating the public to the benefits of buying handmade and teaching the joys of making."

At the Summit, I participated in a workshop of hand felting, in which I learned to make a bird. I then went on to create a couple of pieces of sushi, which I gave to my favorite local sushi chef (he has a big collection of fake sushi accessories that customers have given to him over the years). On a recent visit, I found that the felt sushi has been a great source of amusement for the restaurant patrons.

I'm looking forward to next year's Summit, but in the meantime, Hello Craft offers a blog full of great information for crafters, as well as opportunities to network and learn about the business of crafting. This Saturday, they are teaming up with the fabulous sisters, Kelly and Kasey, owners of Biggs & Featherbelle, to offer a behind-the-scenes look at how they run their an eco-conscious bath and body product business. The three-hour tour of their warehouse, located in the groovy Hampden neighborhood in Baltimore, will include several product making demonstrations and an overview of the day-to-day business of running a small craft-based business.

The tour should be a lot of fun. Kelly and Kasey have lots of wonderful, positive energy. I had the opportunity to meet them at the first annual Handmade Mart in SilverSpring.

For more information on the Biggs & Featherbelle tour, visit the Hello Craft website.

Big Tools

2009-08-16T20:00:00.005-04:00

I used to work in a rubber stamp store and as I'm sure any crafter can imagine, I usually spent most of my paycheck there. Two of my favorite purchases are the big tools that make paper crafting, especially when I'm cranking out multiples.

The Scotch™ ATG 700 tape gun lets you easily apply glue tape to just about anything, is permanent and comes in different widths:

The Carl® DC-238 is an 18" rotary paper cutter that can cut up to 30 sheets of regular weight paper at once! This is also available in 12", 15" and a massive 25" version and you can get scoring and perforation blades. We call it Big Carl in our house:

If you do a lot of paper crafts, these big tools are definitely worth the investment.

I'll blog about my shiny, new Cricut Expression® next.

Shayne
noveltykitten.com

P.S. We'll be posting the vendor list for November 21st's Holiday Heist soon!

Top Ten Reasons Why You May Have (But Shouldn't) Miss Crafty Drinks

2009-08-11T20:26:00.001-04:00

10. The summer is passing you by and all you've done is work, work, work.

9. You've been so stressed about the recession that you haven't gone out since...God knows when.

8. You have been crafting as a hobby for some time, but haven't met other crafters to hang with.

7. You gave up drinking for lent, and then just ran with it...

6. Between work, craft shows and Etsy, you have NO time for a social life.

5. You'd love to meet fellow crafters and artists, but you're too shy/intimidated to get yourself and your work out there.

4. Convenient, monthly social networking events just don't work for me.

3. I'll go next month... Did I say that last month? Definately next month, I swear...

2. I'm a douchebag that doesn't want to share his/her resources/experiences.

1. Wait, Crafty Drinks? I have to be down with this, starting next month!

Besitos,
Vanessa

New Market in Silver Spring! Call for Vendors!

2009-08-04T17:50:00.011-04:00

Yo! We're getting the word out to crafty folks in the D.C. area about another small market opportunity in downtown Silver Spring!

A funky new market is getting off the ground in the Fenton Street Village area of Silver Spring, MD, and they're looking an eclectic group of craftspeople, artists, vintage/antique dealers, and others with interesting wares or services. Booths are only $15 to make it easy for newcomers to test the waters. The Fenton Street Market debuts twice this Fall, 9/12 and 10/3, with plans to go weekly next spring.

Spread the word!

Besitos,
Vanessa

Antiques * Crafts * Books * Furniture * Imports * Music

We're launching a new outdoor market in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, to celebrate the eclectic character of a diverse community.

Join us for the inaugural markets on:
Saturday, September 12 and October 3, 2009
Corner of Fenton Street and Silver Spring Avenue
*Free parking in public lots across Fenton Street!*

Want to sell at the Fenton Street Market? Contact Hannah McCann via email or call 301-787-6749.

DIY: Matchbook notebook promos

2009-08-02T20:25:00.011-04:00

Want to show off your handmade goodness? Make yourself some handmade promos! Here's one that's fairly quick, easy and functional for recipients--matchbook notebooks!

What you'll need:
-cardstock or other fairly stiff paper
-thinner paper for the interior (I like to use orphan tractor-feed paper)
-stapler
-paper cutter (scissors would work too, but a paper cutter helps keep the lines straight)

You'll also want to somehow get your shop name on there. I like to print mine, but you could also hand write them, use a sticker/mailing label, etc. In addition to my shop name/url, I like to print one of my designs or something related to my shop on the covers. You could also use decorative paper, cut out images, use a rubber stamp, etc. (have fun with it!).

Getting started:
The size of these can really vary--it all depends on how big a matchbook you want to end up with.

The cover: I make six covers using one 8.5" x 11" piece of card stock. That means each cover piece is approximately 2.5" wide and 5.5" tall when cut. (This makes a finished book that is about 2.5" x 2.5")

Interior pages: You'll want your interior pages to be slightly smaller than the cover. With the above cover specs, my interior pages are approximately 2.25" x 2.25." How many pages you'd like to include in each book is also up to you. Experiment to see what works best for your books and stapler (12 pages works well for me).

Assembling:
Fold each cover piece approximately a quarter inch up from the bottom.

Insert your interior pages and place a staple in the center.

Fold your cover over so that it tucks into the flap above the staple.

If you haven't done so already, decorate your cover, add your shop name/url and start handing them out!

I may be the minority here, but...

2009-07-31T22:02:00.008-04:00

So with all this hot, humid, sticky, weather, I'm ready for fall.

The changing leaves...back to school supplies...hooded sweatshirts...college football...hot chocolate...my birthday! What's not to love?

So in honor of my want for fall, here are some of my favorite fall-inspired items on Etsy:

1. Wild Turkey - Feather Hair Clip by chelseaofthesea

2. The Wayfarer Purse in Corduroy with a Cherry Blossom Applique by peskycatdesigns

3. Autumnal - Leaf Shaped Sterling Hoops by sstargell

4. 1/2 lb Pumpkin Pie Caramels 8 oz by CaramelJubilee

5. Fox Woodland Forest Scene Wreath with Miniature Bobble Head by KnockKnocking

6. Autumn themed letterpress card by twotonepress

7. Squirrel on Table - 8 x 10 Fine Art Photograph Print by GreenRootsPhoto

8. Cinnamon Apple Peach - Cold Process Vegan Soap by HoneybeeSoapShop

You know what else is in fall?

Our fantastic Holiday Heist show! Did you get your application in? We'll be announcing the vendors soon!

Deadline to Apply for Holiday Heist in Two Days!

2009-07-29T15:24:00.011-04:00

The deadline for applying to the DC Craft Mafia's Holiday Heist Craft Show is fast approaching! Applications are being accepted through July 31st.

We are looking for great crafters across a wide variety of mediums. Since the Heist is just one month before the holidays, this will provide a great venue for selling (and buying!) fun, unique handcrafted items.

The Holiday Heist will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2009, at The Soundry in Vienna, VA, from 12pm to 6pm.

Please visit the DC Craft Mafia website for show and application information.

Illustration for The Holiday Heist by DC Craft Mafia's Vanessa Alsondo of Ninnycat Crochet.

Crafty Drinks August Chimay & Crepes Edition

2009-07-24T19:51:00.004-04:00

August's Crafty Drinks will be held at L'Enfant Cafe in Adams Morgan. Haven't been yet? You're missing out. Their crepes, both sweet and savory, are delish; I recommend the Nutella & Banana crepe.

And you can't miss their happy hour specials on their (awesome) selection of Belgian Beers: all Belgian beers are half-off 4:30-7:30pm on Tuesdays (paying attention? That's us!).

Be there or be square.

Tuesday 11 August 2009, 5:30-8
L'Enfant Cafe
2000 18th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
202.319.1800

Besitos,
Vanessa

An Abundance of Art

2009-07-23T21:34:00.007-04:00

America's largest free arts festival is all that and more! From our vantage point in the Artscape DIY section, we saw art cars on parade, heard live music throughout the day, savored tantalizing aromas from the food stalls across the way and met loads and loads of people! Thank you Baltimore!

Things we love: Everyone Needs a Whiskerbear

2009-07-21T15:40:00.005-04:00

While at the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market in July, I had the pleasure of meeting Phil Barbato, who makes these cute monster stuffies:

We were absolutely smitten with his booth, so naturally we had to share this.

The green one kinda reminds me of the Muncheechees (Anyone? Anyone? I may have just dated myself...). Could they look any happier? On his Flickr page, you can find hilarious profiles for his monsters, such as Thomas Ap Catesby Jones, a U.S. Navy Commodore during the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War.
Phil's favourite part about doing that crafty thing he does so well? "When I'm finally done with all the sewing and stitching and I turn the fabric inside-out and get to see my finished creation for the first time. It never gets old."

Besitos,
Vanessa

Holiday Heist

2009-07-18T09:04:00.004-04:00

The application deadline for DC Craft Mafia's Holiday Heist is fast approaching. Click here to apply by July 31st.

We'll have a lot of advertising opportunities available to anyone interested - more info on that is coming soon.

Crafty Drinks July: Success!

2009-07-15T10:52:00.003-04:00

The weather was gorgeous and everyone was in great spirits yesterday at Tryst for our second Crafty Drinks networking happy hour!

All types of creative and talented people stopped by, from managers of craft markets to crafters who just opened their first Etsy shop, to people who may not craft but were curious to check ot the scene!

Lots of business cards were exchanged, ideas were thrown back and forth and resources were shared. It was all love! We look forward to seeing everyone in August; check out the Crafty Drinks DC blog for all the photos, crafty resources and future dates and locations.

Besitos,
Vanessa

Just a quick reminder!

2009-07-14T09:26:00.005-04:00

If you live in Baltimore (or anywhere within a 3-hour radius of Baltimore) you should come check out Artscape DIY!

(Copied directly from their website - they said it best, why try to re-write it :))

Artscape features:

150+ artists, fashion designers and craftspeople;

visual art exhibits on and off site, including exhibitions, outdoor sculpture, art cars, photography and the Janet & Walter Sondheim Prize;

incredible live concerts on three outdoor stages;

a full schedule of performing arts including dance, opera, theater, fashion, film, experimental music and performances by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra;

family events such as hands-on projects, demonstrations, competitions, children’s entertainers and multiple street theater locations; and

delicious, international menu of food and beverages that is available throughout the festival site.

The DC Craft Mafia will be representing at booths C-6, C-7 and C-8 all weekend.

Stop by and say hi!

Hot time, summer in the city

2009-07-12T22:30:00.004-04:00

It's getting toasty out there. Here's some local hotness from our region's crafters on Etsy.

And if you'd rather be thinking about something cool, turn your thoughts to Holiday Heist in November...ummmm, crafts in November.

DC Craft Mafia

2011 Monster Craft Mash - October 29th!

Yarnbombing of Jimmy Valentine's

Free Law-Related Panel Discussions for Artists!

Family Day: All Things Gullah - Call to Artists!

DC Craft Mafia Spring Thing - TOMORROW!

The Littlest Bean

Tsai Fi

Fuzzy Mug

Lucky Dog Animal Rescues Joins the Spring Fling!

Vendor List (AND more) is Up!

Jon Wye

punkrockknits

Announcing the Spring Thing!

**December CRAFTY DRINKS!!**

The Holiday Heist is Ready

Ballston A&C Market TOMORROW - October 9th!

It's going to be sunny and warm tomorrow--perfect weather for an art market. So, bring the entire family to the Ballston A&C Market. Support the trifecta--Artists Dancers & Musicians.

Happy Heads press release

Ballston Arts & Crafts Market TOMORROW - August 14th

Happy Heads update!

Ballston Arts & Crafts Market TOMORROW - July 10th!

Crafty Drinks Are Here Again!

Meet Your Maker: Mimossa Studio

Happy Heads, DC!

Ballston A&C Market This Saturday!

Call for Crafters: Demos Needed!

Meet Your Maker: Casstasstrophe!

DC Etsy Craft Party: 18 June!

Meet Your Maker: Call for Profiles!

Annapolis First Sunday Arts Festival

Fenton Street Market Saturdays!

You've Been Made: Laughing Moon Artworks

Things We Love: Dachshunds!

Ballston A&C Market This Saturday!

Cocktail Party & Fundraiser!

PawCasso Charity Art Auction

Fingered in a Lineup: This Little Piggy

And Ballston Arts & Crafts Market Begins May 8

Fenton Street Market Begins 17 April!

Crafty Spring Semester

Cool things we saw at the American Craft Coucil

The 2010 American Craft Council Show!

SCF Ticket Giveaway!

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival! 29-31 January

Holiday Goodness, Pt. 1

Things We Love: Etsy's Gift Guide

Meet Your Maker: Maggie Mudd Photography

Meet Your Maker: Pear & Peacock

Meet Your Maker: Palace of Varied Industries & Great Sock

Meet Your Maker: Fisticuffs

Meet Your Maker: Phil Barbato

Meet Your Maker: Bette's Bag

Meet Your Maker: Yinibini

Meet Your Maker: Lollibomb

Meet Your Maker: Holland Cox

Meet Your Maker: Space Moderne

Meet Your Maker: bLuGrn design

Meet Your Maker: A.W.E. Designs

Meet Your Maker: Bee's Knees Studio

Meet Your Maker: Artmonger

Meet Your Maker: Beth Pohlman

Meet Your Maker: Creativ* Bee Designs

Meet Your Maker: Block Party Press

Meet Your Maker: Curls Studio

Meet Your Maker: Elisa Shere Jewelry

Holiday Shopping with a Conscience

Meet Your Maker: Jaime Zollars

Meet Your Maker: Jerseymaids

Meet Your Maker: Jill Popowich Designs

Meet Your Maker: Lala's Pequeños

Charity Raffle: Prize Donations

Crafty Drinks November: Arlington Edition!

Open Adoptions at Holiday Heist!

Door Prize Sneak Peek, Pt. 1

Call for Volunteers!

Meet Your Maker: Lana Kole

Meet Your Maker: Designs by Erdenesuren

Meet Your Maker: Moonlight Bindery

Fenton Street Market this Saturday!

December CRAFTY DRINKS!!