I typically consider Friday a day for reflection, what with the week winding down and the weekend on the horizon. The prospect of temporary freedom makes it difficult for me to concentrate on the world inside of my cubicle and I begin to daydream about all the things I want to accomplish during the upcoming days: clean the house, do the laundry, shop for groceries, bake a pie, and craft until my fingers fall off.

Of course, I never get around to all of it (usually the pie is left out) and by Sunday evening, I'm in a snippy mood. It's at that point, when the sun has set and there's no more daylight by which to photograph the earrings and necklaces I spent all afternoon beading that I inevitably think, "What if I could just take a year off to pursue my craft?"

It's a thrilling dream, to be an independent artist or crafter, and I'm still in the dreaming phase myself. But, while perusing some crafty blogs last weekend, I came across an inspiring post written by Sherry Insley of Dandelion Blu. It's about her decision to leave her job as a teacher and pursue her work as a jeweler on a full-time, independent basis. Her words are honest, funny and heartening and I wanted to share them with you. I think you'll appreciate what she has to say.

Have a good weekend!

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 10:02 AM in Local crafters | Permalink | Comments (4)
                       

Looking for something artsy to do this evening? Come to the Sowebo Arts Gallery at Zella’s for the opening of “Remembering New Orleans,” a photographic memoir by artists Joanne Drummond and Matt Achhammer. The evening will feature music by Gary Richardson and the Alan Thomas Duo along with tasty N’awlins delectables. Be there or be square.

Date: Aug. 28
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Zella’s Pizzeria, 1145 Hollins St.

The show will be on exhibit through Sept 28.

Regular gallery/pizzeria hours:
Mon. and Wed. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Thu., Fri., and Sat. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun. 12:30-10 p.m.
Bar Hours: Thu., Fri., & Sat. 11:30 a.m.–midnight
Closed Tuesdays
www.zellaspizzeria.com

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 7:29 PM in Events | Permalink | Comments (0)
                       

The Baltimore Women’s Film Festival and The Charm City Craft Mafia have teamed up to present a documentary film fest and craft supplies swap. You should not miss this event, which will feature a series of films created by and about women in craft as well as a Q & A session with Mary Dalton (director of the short film, "Knitting Lessons").

Date: Sept. 14
Time: Noon-3 p.m.
Location: The Creative Alliance at the Patterson (3134 Eastern Ave.)

Admission is $10, $8 for members, students and anyone who brings supplies for the swap. Tickets are available here or by calling 410-276-1651.

For more information about the films being featured, visit the Charm City Craft Mafia blog.

Image from the film "Fresh Women".

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:07 AM in Events | Permalink | Comments (0)
                       

What do knitting and groceries have in common? A good cause.

On Sept. 9 from 8 a.m.-10 p.m., 5 percent of sales at Whole Foods in Mount Washington will be donated to the Greater Homewood Adult Literacy & ESOL Program.

The day’s events will include live music, healthy snacks, crafts for kids, and a gathering of knitters from around town for a “Knit-In for Literacy”. Knitting instruction for beginners will be offered so if you can, bring some extra yarn and needles for the newbies.

(Poster design by Meredith Ragsdale of The Innovative Press)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:54 PM in Events | Permalink | Comments (2)
                       

The Crofton Craft Fair, which is host to more than 120 crafters twice a year, is currently accepting applications for vendor spaces. This event is a 30-year-old tradition and is sponsored by the Crofton Town Club. All proceeds will be donated to charity.

This is not a juried event, but only handmade items will be accepted. Vendors get a 10' x 10' space for $50. It's a great deal for a great cause! Applications are available here.

Date: Sept. 27 (rain or shine)
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: The Crofton Country Club, 1691 Crofton Parkway

For more information, email Ashley Fuchs at ashley.fuchs@gmail.com.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 6:56 PM in Events | Permalink | Comments (3)
                       

It might seem a little early to be thinking about the holidays, although I did see Halloween candy at the grocery store yesterday! Anyhow, if you're a crafter and you'd like a place to show your wares, now is the time to start gearing up for the Charm City Craft Mafia's Holiday Heap.

The show will be held at St. John's Church in Charles Village on Nov. 15 from 10-5pm. Applications - available HERE - are due by midnight Oct. 5. There's a $10 application fee/$65 additional for accepted vendors for a 6' table.

Hope to see you there!

(Photo of last year's Holiday Heap courtesy of CRV Images/Chad Van Pelt)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:38 PM in Events | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

Tennekka Brewington: full-time retail manager, mother of 2-year-old twin boys and button-creator extraordinaire. She describes herself as “so random,” which is what inspired the name of her shop, Modnaros (so random spelled backwards). She says, “I’ve always been a big fan of minimalism and the abstract and would describe my personal taste as Rothko meets Kandinsky. It’s like a random pairing but it’s me!”

Tic Tac Whoa-Mustard (left), Summer Rain (right).

Her process for making buttons is an organic one. Typically, she waits until she stumbles across materials that inspire her before she begins a new set. “My favorites right now are ties and scarves I find at local thrift shops,” she explains.

Princess Plaid (left), Square Dance (right).

Each batch of buttons has its own unique texture and graphics given the range of found materials used. And Tennekka provides crafting suggestions with every listing like: “a closure for your new favorite purse”, “a ponytail holder or hairpin”, “spice up an old cardi by switching out the old ones.” I personally think that they would make a great set of rings or work well in the center of a pillow...the possibilities are endless.

Orange Juice (left), Marbelene (Right).

With this new venture, Tennekka has learned quite a bit about being a crafter and a mom. She advises, “Just find the time to do what makes you happy. Don’t worry about if anyone will think it’s pretty or whether or not you’re going to get all your mismatched socks sorted. You’ll be so happy you found the time. A mom is a very hectic job in itself, but since I started dedicating some time out for myself, I’ve become better at being a mommy too!”

To see more of Tennekka’s work, check out her shop. And for those of you who might be new to craft or who may have recently joined Etsy, visit her blog, wEtsy Behind the Ears.

(Photos courtesy of Tennekka Brewington)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 10:56 PM in Local crafters | Permalink | Comments (4)
                       

Have you heard of Raverly? It’s an online knit and crochet community of more than 160,000 people worldwide, and it’s full of interesting resources and features. Membership is free but you have to request an invitation to join.

If you become a member, Ravelry will give you a profile page and your own personal "notebook" where you can bookmark you favorite projects, patterns and products. They have a library of knit and crochet books that you can browse for ideas. There are also groups that you can join, as well as knitting swaps, contests, a help forum and a mini-mart that’s loaded with cool things to buy.

Right now, Ravelry is running its Ravelympics contest. Check out their blog, Unraveled, for more information.

(Image courtesy of Ravelry user annypurls)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 8:50 PM in Tips | Permalink | Comments (9)
                       

Over the last few months, I’ve been photographing what I consider some of the most artfully packaged handmade goods that I’ve purchased through the mail. It began with a bracelet from Kira Ferrer and though I was excited to open it, I was so delighted with how beautifully wrapped it was that I had to take a picture first.

There’s certainly something to be said for presentation, particularly with online purchasing. In some sense, thoughtful packaging enlivens the ritual of opening up a tattered yellow mailer that you’ve waited days or weeks for. Something as simple as a pretty piece of ribbon or a handwritten tag adds an element of surprise and personalizes your purchase in a way that makes buying handmade so special.

Kira Ferrer uses Japanese paper and delicate ribbon to wrap a silver bracelet.

Photographs from Nanako Koyama in pretty green paper and twine (left). Handmade bangles from Natuure are wrapped with handwritten tags made from dictionary pages (right).

Handmade supplies from Mimosa come with a piece of chocolate (left). Paper goods from of machines are adorned with hand-stamped tags and wrapped with thread (right).

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 1:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
                       

OK, so we all people-watch (admit it!). And I don’t know about you, but sometimes when I’m sitting at a bar or having coffee at Donna’s, I like to stare at people’s faces; to study them. Forget about the outfit, accessories, or even the gestures – just give me a fascinating face to look at and I’ll be entertained for hours (or at least until I finish my latte).

I guess that’s why I’ve been staring at the faces in Erin Fitzpatrick’s "Baltimore Portrait" series, which will be on exhibit at Rocket to Venus from Aug. 24-Oct. 12. A Baltimore-based portrait artist, Erin began the project while bartending at Holy Frijoles in Hampden. She says, “I decided to paint all of the people who I worked with.” The faces in Erin’s portraits belong to Baltimore’s “twenty-thirty something” crowd, many of whom requested to participate as subjects in her series. “I was originally only going to paint 20 pieces,” Erin explains, “but the response from people who wanted to be painted was so incredible that I’ve turned this into a large-scale endeavor.”

Erin begins each portrait by photographing her subject under natural light to elicit highlight, shadow and mid-tones. The only backdrop is the grain from the plywood. Simply stated, there’s nothing that competes with or distracts from these faces – they just smirk, smile, snarl and stare back at you, each in their own fascinating way.

To read more about the "Baltimore Portrait" series, visit Erin's blog.

All images courtesy of Erin Fitzpatrick.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 11:11 PM in Events | Permalink | Comments (0)
                       

If you are like me and are partial to Southwest style jewelry, you must see the work of Christy Lisak of Sage and Thistle. After being in business with her mom (also a jeweler) for many years, Christy moved to Baltimore in 2005 and started her own line of necklaces, earrings and dreamcatchers. When I first saw Christy’s shop, I was smitten with just about everything she had.

Each of Christy's dreamcatcher earrings are handmade using gold, silver and a variety of stones and Swarovski crystals. Her necklaces (which make me long for the West) range from very traditional to contemporary and are made from only the finest beads and stones. Her hanging dreamcatchers are made from genuine feathers with glass Crow beads and leather lacing.

Carnelian Dreamcatcher Earrings (left), Snowdrift White Dreamcatcher (middle), Southwest Style Turquoise Necklace (right).

Christy credits her mom with learning the ins and outs of the jewelry biz. “I had about 15 years of experience working with her and watching her business grow before I started my own," she says. "I knew what to expect from shows, I knew what to look for in a promoter, I knew how to set up a table display (let’s face it, my mom usually put me on tedious layout if I could go to the show with her!) and I knew not to panic if I hadn’t made a ton of sales in the first hour.”

Though all of Christy's work maintains a very genuine Southwestern vibe, each item is unique. She says, "I try to have something a little different, something that says 'I made this' in each piece, no matter if it's a necklace, earrings, or a dreamcatcher."

Natural White and Turquoise Dreamcatcher (left), Genuine Ruby Dreamcatcher Earrings (middle), Southwest Beauty (left).

(Photos courtesy of Christy Lisak)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 8:30 PM in Shopping | Permalink | Comments (0)
                       

Burlesque Peacock Rose Hairpiece by xLiiLiix, $65 (photo by Jimmy C of Luminous Impression)

Zombie Sculpture TV Shadow Box by Dawn Campbell of Little Atoms, $18

Derby Skate Pendant by Momi Antonio-Barnes of Space Moderne (she's a Charm City Roller Girl), $25

Poe Earrings by Jillian Roberts, $8

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:01 PM in Shopping | Permalink | Comments (0)
                       

Monica Stroter of Sugar Paperie first came to Baltimore from the Midwest to study Fibers at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Now an elementary art teacher, she creates greeting cards out of found and rescued materials in her spare time. She says, “I seem to have made it my mission to rescue all things pretty. I also adore old things and the history that they reveal.” Monica’s cards are adorned with vintage fabric and laces, old maps, buttons, trims and specialty papers. Each of her “paper confections” exemplifies what wonders can be made with the simplest of materials and a whimsical imagination.

What you will need:

Heavy duty cardstock and a coordinating envelope
Scissors and rotary cutter
Metal ruler
Elmer’s glue
Tacky glue
Toothpick
Paintbrush
Found objects (fabric, paper, trimmings, beads, charms, etc.)

Step 1.

Using a paintbrush, apply a very thin layer of Elmer’s glue to the back of the fabric and trim. Place the fabric onto the cardstock and slip the trim underneath. Press firmly for a few seconds.

Step 2.

Use a rotary cutter and metal ruler to trim the fabric so that it is flush with the edge of the cardstock.

Step 3.

Select a small adornment to adhere to the fabric. Remember that it should be relatively flat so that it can be sent through the postal service. Using a toothpick carefully spread a tiny bit of tacky glue onto the back of the object. You may need to explore other adhesives, but tacky glue will work for many materials. After affixing your object, allow it to dry.

Step 4.

Compose a love note or a thoughtful well-wish, and send it to someone special! It will be sure to bring a smile!

Charming Lace and Floral (left), All Girl (middle), Batik Thank You (right).

(DIY and photos courtesy of Monica Stroter)

If you would like to submit your own DIY project to Baltimore by Hand, email me!

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 7:29 PM in DIY projects | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

Creativity 350, sponsored by Craftster and 350.org. Entries are due by Aug. 15, which is a perfect excuse for you to leave work NOW and go make something that incorporates the number 350 – the most important number on the planet.

Indie-Fixx Craft-Off Contest, in honor of the site’s second anniversary. Entries are due by Sept. 6 and you must incorporate the number 2 in your design…all of these numbers, sheesh!

Photos courtesy of indiefixx and 350.org

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 10:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                       

Hoorah for the Baltimore Etsy Street Team! Why, you ask? Only because they’ve been awarded Best Locally Made Crafts by Baltimore Magazine.

BEST is a co-operative group of local crafters who are dedicated to promoting, sharing, teaching and doing craft in the Baltimore area. The group is open to all Baltimore-area Etsy sellers and is driven by a small core group of active and committed members.

Founded by Jen Menkhaus and Shannon Kline in 2007, BEST has grown to include 29 members. “I wanted to start this group as a way to bring together people who work in an often solitary environment to support each other and each other’s craft,” says Jen, who manages the BEST website and oversees membership – all in her spare time. “Some weeks I don’t sleep much, but for me it’s totally worth it if it helps someone stay in business doing what they love.”

Visit the BEST blog for upcoming events, seller profiles and information about becoming a member. I myself am not yet a member, but I'm planning on becoming one...you should too!

Group photo taken by Tya Anthony of eyeni photography.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 11:00 PM in Local crafters | Permalink | Comments (4)
                       

“Eve, look at that tree. Now look at this tree. Do you hate that tree because it doesn’t look like this tree? You’re a tree. I’m a tree. You’ve got to love your body Eve. You’ve got to love your tree!”
-excerpt from The Good Body

The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt has kicked off its third annual “Love Your Tree” Poster art campaign. Inspired by Eve Ensler’s award-winning plays, The Good Body and The Vagina Monologues, the campaign is intended to promote a healthy body image and celebrate diversity.

The contest is open to all Maryland middle, high school and college students. Entries will be accepted Sept. 15-Dec. 12. Only two-dimensional media is permitted. Selected posters will be exhibited during National Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention Week and one poster will be selected for reproduction. Visit the Center for Eating Disorders web site for more information.

Photos courtesy of the Center for Eating Disorders.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 8:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                       

Here are a few handmade treasures that I’ve recently fallen head over heels for from local artist Kelly Laughlin. Enjoy.

assorted watercolor creature cards, $7

recycled stab bound journal, $18

fire blasted pink agate necklace, $20

lines and lines small journal, $7

Photos courtesy of Kelly Laughlin.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 11:55 PM in Local crafters | Permalink | Comments (0)
                       

Nicolette Le Faye is a trapeze artist, musician, ballet dancer, and self-described “crappy figure skater” who has been designing clothing since she was 9. As you can see, she's got quite a knack for using Baltimore City as a fitting backdrop for her fantastic vintage-inspired designs. I think she'd be a great candidate for Project Runway so I'm sending Tim Gunn a link to this post - B-more represent! To see more of her work, visit her online shop, Nicolette Le Faye: Designer and Vintage Apparel and Costumes.

Owlet in My Pocket Apron, $32 (left), Spandex Ballet Dress with Pegasus and Suspenders, $65 (right).

Photos courtesy of Nicolette Le Faye

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 3:30 PM in Local crafters | Permalink | Comments (3)
                       

Founded in 1880, the Woman’s Industrial Exchange works to support underserved men and women by providing them with opportunities for selling, refining and marketing their handcrafted items.

Located in downtown Baltimore, the organization is housed in a historic building that features a gift shop, meeting room, seven recently renovated apartments and the oh-so-wonderful Sofi’s Crepes.

Join them Thursday, Aug. 7, from 5–7 p.m. for their semi-annual sale of handmade goods. And from 6-8 p.m., you are welcome to bring your own handmade projects to share with everyone there.

WIE will also be hosting a series of Artist Trunk Shows, beginning this fall. For more information, give them a call at 410-685-4388 or visit their web site.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 6:57 PM in Events | Permalink | Comments (0)
                       

“I’ve been a bead collector and bead fan for many years,” says Anne Madison, a local jeweler and the creator of Atelier-Beads: an online shop that sells one-of-a-kind rosaries made with gemstones, vintage beads, organic and other unusual materials.

Anglican Rosary: Light and Life II (left), Grand Duchess Elizabeth, Abess (middle), Anglican Rosary: Gaudate (right).

Anne began her jewelry business seven years ago. “When the planes hit the World Trade Center on 9/11, I picked up my rosary and kept it in my pocket for most of that very long day, praying when I could. I actually broke it due to worrying it around in my pocket.” While searching online for supplies to repair her rosary, Anne discovered an abundance of beads and findings that inspired her to experiment.

“My rosaries are decidedly not your mama’s beads. In addition to gemstones, I use seeds, nuts, and organic materials; trade and ethnic beads, antique and vintage – almost anything that will help me create a certain mood or feeling.” Aside from making traditional Catholic rosaries, Anne also makes Anglican prayer beads, Juzu (Buddhist prayer beads), rosary bracelets for men and women, and original jewelry.

Janani Luwum, Archbishop (right), Necklace: Lapis Princess (middle), Rosary in the Irish Style (right).

I must also mention that Anne’s website is incredible; it’s attractive, cohesive, and easy to navigate. Her product photos are professional-looking and each piece is accompanied by a beautifully written story. She advises, “Be fiercely critical of each and every component – keep working at it until it shines. Be certain that your visitors have a comfortable shopping experience, that they feel secure about their money, and that they can navigate your site easily. Those are the keys to making people welcome and showcasing handmade work.”

Anne’s prayer beads can also be found at St. Bede’s Books on West University Parkway.

Photos courtesy of Anne Madison and Cas Webber.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 10:28 PM in Shopping | Permalink | Comments (3)