A curious contest is currently taking place within the walls of MICA’s Fibers Department …

Three weeks ago, MICA fibers students were approached by J SHOES and asked the following question: 'Could a contemporary shoe be transformed into an entirely different object with an entirely different purpose?'

Students chose from boxes of “half pair” shoes that were leftover from J SHOES’ collection of design phase samples and set out to make something creative and functional.

The resulting designs will be unveiled this evening at 5:30 p.m. in MICA’s Rosenberg Gallery. Three winners will be chosen by a panel of top judges: the MICA Fibers Department chair, Style Magazine Baltimore editor, US J SHOES marketing manager and J SHOES representatives. The "shoes" will remain on display through Oct. 15th.

(Images courtesy of MICA)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 10:14 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

The American Craft Council is accepting applications from crafters for the AltCraft section of the ACC show in Baltimore next year. There will be 15 spaces available.

AltCraft was added to the American Craft Council Show in Baltimore in 2008 as a way to showcase artists whose work illustrates the innovative techniques and materials of the burgeoning new handmade craft movement.

Every year more than 700 artists present their work at the American Craft Council Show in Baltimore, attracting a crowd of 25,000 enthusiasts to the largest juried, indoor craft show in the nation. The average booth is valued at $1,500, but the cost of participation is just $400 to indie crafters, which includes a skirted table, electricity and lighting trusses in a shared space. Plus, there’s no application fee.

This is a great opportunity to showcase your work and gain national exposure at one of the most established craft shows in the country. Applicants are eligible only if they have NOT shown in an American Craft Council show previously. Show dates are Feb. 27-March 1.

The deadline is Oct. 23.

You must submit:

• (3) low-resolution images of your work
• A brief description of your work (materials, dimensions, techniques)
• Your contact information (mailing and email addresses)

Send submissions and inquiries to Erika at altcraft@craftcouncil.org.

Finalists will be announced in November.

Silk Cuff by Carly Goss, who was the only Baltimore crafter to participate in AltCraft at the ACC show in San Francisco this year, and Faux Bling Earrings by Tally Locke, a Washington based crafter who was also at AltCraft in San Francisco.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 7:11 PM | Permalink
                       

I went to the trunk show at Lovelyarns on Sunday and had a blast. I came early, and Sue graciously allowed me to photograph the set-up. Hundreds of skeins of exquisite hand-dyed yarn were piled on tables in back of the shop and on the deck. Wine and hors d’oeuvres were served while people mingled and browsed. I talked with Lindsay Henricks of Storm Moon Knits and Terry Todesco of Crash into Ewe, who explained the intricacies of dyeing and painting yarn.

As always, the atmosphere at Lovelyarns was warm and cheerful, and I’m so glad I went. I could go on and on, but the bundle of bright blue curly mohair I bought is calling my name.

Palm Abacus from Crash into Ewe, Lindsay and Terry, Yarns by Storm Moon Knits.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 8:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

Local crafter Karen Park of Benny and Heidi is a self-proclaimed fabric addict. She started sewing in an effort to quit smoking and the habit stuck (the sewing, not the smoking). She says, “I still have that same basic Singer I got at Kmart years ago as well as much healthier lungs.”

Karen collects and uses all kinds of fabric in her designs. Her online shop Benny and Heidi is patchwork pillows and bags in traditional patters, done in modern fabric combinations with lots of pinup girl prints thrown in for good measure. When asked what inspires her work, Karen explains that her mood has a lot to do with it: “My mood dictates which sewing I work on when I get home from my day job.”

After the holidays, Karen will open a second Etsy site for pillows, bags, and clothing made from her collection of Central Asian fabrics. I’ve seen entries in her blog about some of the fabrics from that collection and they’re stunning. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with.

In the meantime, you can enter to win the Witch Girl Wristlet (top middle). But you have to answer a question first: What inspired Karen to first begin experimenting with patchwork patterns? You can find the answer on Karen's blog and I'll give you a hint - it's on the second page. Be the first person to post the correct answer to this question, and you will win!

Over the next few weeks, Baltimore by Hand will offer giveaways just like this one in celebration of Halloween. Stay tuned!

(Images courtesy of Benny and Heidi)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 8:19 AM in Local crafters | Permalink | Comments (2)
                       

My first visit to Lovelyarns in Hampden was just last week. I recently picked up knitting in an effort to quit smoking and it’s becoming a bit of an obsession. For two years now, Lovelyarns has won Best of Baltimore’s Best Knitting Shop and it’s no wonder.

Even if you’re an experienced knitter/crocheter, Lovelyarns will leave you speechless after the first few moments you walk in the door. Splashes of color and texture abound with samples of beautifully made scarves, hats, socks and adorable amigurumi peppered throughout the shop. It’s inspiring.

Owner Sue Caldwell was so helpful and made me feel welcome, even though I know so little about yarn. She took the time to print me a pattern and demonstrate a cable stitch even though she was on her way out the door to the Best of Baltimore party! She also told me about the second annual Lovelyarns trunk show, which will take place this Sunday from 4-6 p.m. The show will feature hand-dyed yarn from local crafters, food, wine and of course, knitting. Stop by for some fiber-y fun!

Also, be sure to visit the Lovelyarns Web site for more information and read about upcoming classes.

Hand-dyed yarns from Crash into Ewe, Ellyn Cooper Yarn Sonnets and Storm Moon Knits.

(Images courtesy of Crash into Ewe, Storm Moon Knits and Bloom Kitty)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:26 PM | Permalink
                       

You don't want to miss the Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair on Sunday in D.C. Presented by the Washington City Paper, Crafty Bastards is an all-day extravaganza of handmade alternative arts and crafts, and it’s free to attend. Read more here, and/or take a sneak peek at some Baltimore crafters who will be there:

The Broken Plate, Art School Dropout, Block Party Press

Sweet Pepita, Red Prairie Press, Bowerbox Press

Imogene, Pistolstitched, Dandelion Blu

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 10:00 PM in Events | Permalink | Comments (4)
                       

Local painter Michael Owen will open a portrait show at Mobtown Studios Thursday from 6-9 p.m. The exhibition features a selection of paintings that Michael recently finished for the new Hilton Baltimore Convention Center and Hotel. The paintings are portraits of Baltimore legends, including Fredrick Douglass, Francis Scott Key and Charles Carroll.

Michael made 22 portraits in total for the Hilton, which will be on permanent display there in the form of one-of-a-kind giclee prints. The pieces at Mobtown Studios are the original paintings and are available for purchase. After the opening, Michael’s work is available to view by appointment only.

Mobtown Studios is a new recording studio, located in Charles Village at 2603 N. Charles St. For more information, visit www.MobtownStudios.com.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 8:31 AM | Permalink
                       

Remember when I blogged about The Little Black Box back in July? Well it just so happens that my very own Little Black Box arrived in the mail recently, sent courtesy of LBB owner Kimberlee Keane. Needless to say I was very surprised to receive such a generous and heavenly scented gift; it smelled like freshly baked cookies!

Opening a Little Black Box and rifling through its contents is not unlike sorting through a triumphant night’s worth of Halloween booty – it’s exciting. Among the loads of goodies inside, I found greeting cards, lip gloss, jewelry, stickers, candles and soaps. Take a look:

Custom promos and graphics by Sassy Cat, custom embroidered luggage handle wraps by Bin Hog, and handmade soaps from Soap Scent-sations (that's what smelled like cookies!)

Cards made from recycled materials by Wendy Conrad, custom promotional mirror by Promos in a Snap!, and heavenly (I mean HEAVENLY) scented candles by Kathie Storie.

Stickers and accesssories by Always Amy, candles, lipgloss and body spray by Aromalite, and elegant handmade earrings by Janna Culbreth.

Everything that came in The Little Black Box, recipe cards by Terri Taylor and loose tea by Blue Raven Tea.

Unfortunately I couldn't photograph everything tonight before my darn camera battery died. Among the treasures that are not pictured is a beautiful handmade magnet from Designs by Tami, some really cool Pirate Booty soap in berry bling scent from Soap Sushi, a couple of fun tags and buttons from DAMdesigns, and an adorable zipper pouch with a matching pocket mirror from Midnight Creations.

It's hard to pick a favorite, but there were a few items that I kept coming back to again and again. I found the Blue Raven tea particularly enchanting. It came with its own tea bags and rock sugar and was blissful to drink! The pomegranate lip balm from Aromalite is, in a word, perfect (I consider myself a lip gloss aficionado). I also loved the magnet from Designs by Tami, which I put it on my fridge immediately. My all time favorite item however, was Terri Taylor's "Bite Me" recipe card, with the little bite in the corner. I want an entire stack of them. She actually only included one, but my picture of it wasn't very good so I borrowed the photo you see above from Terri's Etsy shop.

Overall, everything I received in my Little Black Box was thoughtfully wrapped and beautifully presented. Each of the crafters who contributed to this box did so with generous effort and care. I'd like to extend a personal thank you to all of them - as well to Kimberlee - for making my weekend a fabulous one. And if you would like to purchase your own Little Black Box, visit the web site for details.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:20 PM in Shopping | Permalink | Comments (3)
                       

Congratulations to local crafters Annie Chau and Ali Dryer for winning this year’s Best of Baltimore!

Best Local Jewelry Designer: Imogene

Annie Chau has an affinity for woodland creatures and organic shapes; her lovingly sawpierced metalwork breathes new wildlife into the local craft scene. Check out her commemoration of this year's BOB, etched in sterling silver (below left).

Best Local Etsy-er: Pistolstitched

Ali Dryer’s handbags are a wonder to behold and it’s difficult to choose a favorite. When I first saw them in person, I was speechless. Had Rachel Zoe been on Bravo at the time, I would have known to declare “I die.”

(Images courtesy of Annie Chau and Ali Dryer)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 8:58 PM in DIY fashion, Local crafters | Permalink | Comments (2)
                       

Sowebo Arts of Southwest Baltimore will now be curating shows at Baltimore Pho. Pho's fantastic atmosphere and cuisine located at the heart of Hollins Market combined with Sowebo Arts' unique artists' styles are sure to be a perfect blend.

Work by local artist Kim Tyson will comprise the inaugural show opening on Sept. 27 from 6-8 p.m. Be sure to stop by to experience the art combined with Baltimore Pho's delicious Vietnamese delicacies. The show will run Sept. 25-Nov. 11.

Sowebo Arts Inc.
www.soweboarts.org

The Baltimore Pho
www.baltimorepho.com
1114-16 Hollins Street • Baltimore, MD 21223 • (410) 752-4PHO (4746)

(Post submitted by Kristen Faber of Sowebo Arts Inc.)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:40 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

If you missed the Design*Sponge Biz Ladies Series in July, but are still interested in professional development and business tips, I have some good news to share.

Maryland Art Place and Maryland Lawyers for the Arts (MLA) will offer a series of free professional development workshops for artists this fall. These workshops are open to the public and include:

Protecting Your Work: Copyright Issues
Sept. 27, 2-3pm

Marketing Your Work
Oct. 11, 2-3:30pm

Protecting Your Work: Navigating Contracts
Oct. 25, 2-3:30pm

The folks who lead this series are experts in the areas of art and law; they have a wealth of professional experience to share, which you can read more about here.

To reserve a space at any or all of these workshops, call 410-962-8565 or for more information, visit www.mdartplace.org.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 5:54 PM in Events | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

Indie Collective -- the online showcase of independent artists, artisans and designers -- is accepting advertisers for its 2008 Holiday Shopping Guide.

There are three ad options -- Gold, Platinum and Silver -- each with its own benefits. They range in price from $20 to $60 with additional upgrade options available for a few bucks each. The Indie Collective website attracts around 450 viewers daily and the Holiday Shopping Guide will have its own dedicated section within the site. Participating crafters will have their work showcased alongside 3,000 other talented indie designers.

All in all, this seems like an easy and affordable opportunity for exposure. Visit Indie Collective to secure your space.

Happy advertising!

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 2:50 PM in Local crafters | Permalink
                       

If you’ve never considered wearing a crown before, I promise that you will after seeing the work of Emily Zych. Inspired by vintage fashion and crafted from mostly organic materials, her handmade crowns are brimming with whimsy and romance.

I asked Emily a bit about herself and here’s what she had to say:

What inspires you?
I draw my inspiration from vintage styles, hats mostly, also nature is a big one. I use a lot of natural materials, so my work has a very natural feel. Even items that aren’t natural at all (like my pom pom clips) I like to think have a look of wildflowers or seeds in the wind.

What made you want to become an artist/crafter?
I have always been artsy/fartsy, as long as I can remember. Art was always my favorite subject in school, and I can clearly remember making my mom a glued-together dress for Christmas one year. I’ve just always been fascinated (and deeply entertained) by the process of creating.

I would never label myself an “artist.” I feel like what I do is all good in its own right, but can never compare to a sculpture or painting. I think my work lives somewhere in the land between fashion and art.

What is your process like?
Most of my work is done on the weekends, while watching old movies. I usually have to force myself to sit down and do it. But once I start, it all sort of flows out of me – like this wonderful creative release.

You can find Emily’s work for sale in her Etsy shop, Which Goose, or read more about her daily doings in her blog.

(Images courtesy of Emily Zych)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 11:05 PM in Local crafters | Permalink
                       

Baltimore Clayworks recently released its Fall 2008 class and workshop schedule. You don’t need any prior experience with clay to participate – just a willingness to experiment and maybe get a little messy.

Clayworks instructors are leading classes for children, adults and seniors on a range of topics: handmade picture frames, miniature mosaic portraits, animal sculptures, instruments and porcelain dolls are among the many incredible things you could learn to create.

Community classes will be held at the Pimlico Road Arts and Community Center and they vary in cost from $5-$50. Clayworks is also offering a series of free hand-on workshops for youth and adults (space is limited and reservations are required).

And if you aren’t interested in taking a class, you must visit their gallery and shop in Mt. Washington. For more information or to register, visit the Baltimore Clayworks web site.

Instructor Herb Massie with student at Pimlico Road (left), Clayworks gallery in Mt. Washington (right).

(Images courtesy of Baltimore Clayworks)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 8:59 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

I realized today that I haven't done a post that’s really geared toward crafts for kids. The cool thing about crafts for kids is that they’re typically easy to do, so even if you’re not a kid, you might try something that you’ve always wanted to without feeling intimidated by the process.

The following tutorial is from the blog That Artist Woman. It’s a simple step-by-step on making batik with Elmer’s Galactic Glue. You will also need pencil, wax paper, fabric, acrylic paint, paintbrushes, and a sewing machine or needle and thread. I’ve included a few photographs from the original post, where you can see the tutorial in its entirety. Enjoy!

(Images courtesy of That Artist Woman)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:23 PM in Projects for children | Permalink
                       

I am home with a head cold – sniffling, sneezing and trying to determine what to write about today. Typically I write my posts before I go to bed but it just wasn’t happening last night…

So here I sit with a cup of coffee, perusing Indie Fixx while listening to Garrison Keillor read a poem when suddenly I see something that makes my heart skip a beat: necklaces by Stone & Honey. They’re made from slices of Brazilian agate and delicately hand cut sterling silver…each piece is brilliant, beautiful and one of a kind.

Teresa Robinson is the creator of Stone & Honey, a sister site of Smallthings Designs. She’s an independent jeweler living in Oregon and her story is a good one. As a college student, she studied abroad in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where she took a jewelry class “on a whim.” She graduated with a degree in studio art, but had trouble finding her niche. She says, “After stints as a temp, tile shipper, and art teacher, I still hadn’t found something that felt like it really fit. And I kept thinking about that damn jewelry… I still had a little stash of silver left over from my time in Mexico, so I pulled it out, taught myself to cut glass, and got to work.”

Funny how that happens; we think we’re on one path and almost by accident, end up on another. Teresa supports herself as a full-time jeweler and it’s evident that she loves her craft. “I think I really have found my dream job,” she says.

Here is the best part: you can enter to win one of Teresa’s pinwheel agate necklaces through Indie Fixx! You have until Sept. 12, to leave a comment on this post. In fact, you can leave multiple comments for multiple favorites, which will up your chances of winning. Good luck!

(Images from Stone & Honey)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 12:10 PM in Detour, Shopping | Permalink | Comments (2)
                       

The other day, I received one of these postcards in the mail…

Upon further research, I learned that photographer Marisa Williams is selling these to raise money for the Obama campaign. This particular image was originally taken by another photographer – Steve Jurvetson – who granted Marisa permission to alter it for her own use. The card is entitled “Bright Future” and is available in her shop.

Marisa’s postcard prompted me to investigate what other politically-inspired crafts were out there and here's what I found:

Tell Your Mama to Vote for Obama t-shirt by Octopedal Arts (left), McCain/Palin Finger Puppets by Mullish Muse (right).

Earrings and Necklace by DIY or DIE.

And for your information, Mullish Muse's puppet polls indicate that the race is "neck in neck." We'll see. In the meantime, is anyone up for making a Bill O'Reilly punching bag? I think a tuft of gray Babydoll Southdown raw fleece would suit him well.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:58 PM in Shopping | Permalink | Comments (4)
                       

Feel like taking a day trip next weekend? Drive down to the Ballston Arts + Crafts Market in Arlington, Va. Now in its fifth year, the Ballston Arts + Crafts Market features a ton of independent crafters, artists and designers. Sponsored by the Ballston-Virginia Square Partnership, the market runs every second Saturday through October, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in Wellburn Square at Ballston Metro. Baltimore crafters Dandelion Blu, This Chickadee and Nik-da-pooh Designs will be there. For a full list of vendors, check out Ballston Market blog.

(Image courtesy of Ballston Arts + Crafts Market)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:53 PM in Events | Permalink | Comments (2)
                       

The Greater Homewood Community Corp. and Waverly Main Street are seeking participants for the second annual Taste of Waverly Village.

The Taste of Waverly Village will gather restaurants and crafters on Oct. 11 at the site of the Waverly Farmers Market for tastings, live music and shopping. It's a wonderful way for restaurants and crafters to meet new customers.

This is a really great deal for crafters. 10x10' spaces are $30 each or $40 if you share with someone. Hurry, there are only 30 tables available!!

Click here to download the Craft Vendor Application. Applications are due Sept. 26. For more information, please contact Main Street Manager Laura Kindseth at 410-258-6295 or lkindseth@greaterhomewood.org.

(Photo of sunflowers at the 32nd Street Farmers Market courtesy of The Greater Homewood Community Corp.)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 3:55 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

The members of the Baltimore Etsy Street Team (BEST) will be collecting unused craft supplies at this year’s Hampdenfest. All items will be donated to Art With a Heart, which lost a significant amount of their art materials in a fire earlier this summer.

Founded in 2002, Art With a Heart is a nonprofit organization that provides interactive, hands-on arts activities to underserved individuals in Baltimore. They teach more than 1,100 arts classes a year.

If you can’t make it to Hampdenfest on Sept. 13 but would still like to donate, visit the Art With a Heart web site for more information (see below for a list of needed supplies).

Most Needed:

 Deco Markers / Paint Markers
 Elmer’s Glue
 Erasers
 Fabric Glue / Fabric-Tac
 Hot glue guns and glue sticks
 Glue sticks
 Markers
 Masking tape
 Mod Podge
 Paint brushes
 Pencil sharpeners
 Pencils
 Single hole punchers
 Scissors
 Scotch Tape
 Tacky Glue

Also Needed:

 Aluminum foil
 Beads
 Disposable/plastic bowls
 Elastic string
 Glitter glue
 Jewelry hardware
 Mat board
 Mat cutter
 Mini hot glue gun sticks
 Paper towels
 Puffy paint
 Screw gun
 Sculpey clay
 Self-hardening clay
 Tag board/poster board
 Thread
 Watercolor paper
 Wire

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 10:20 PM in Events | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

As a crafter, I regularly photograph my work. I post my pictures online, share them with friends, and I even scrapbook some of my favorites. But I always wonder if there is something more I could be doing with my photography, especially since it is such an important part of my work.

While perusing some local crafter blogs this week, I came across Val Lucas of Bowerbox Press. Last year, she responded to a call for entries from Lark Books, a small but prolific publishing company that produces a gorgeous selection of books about almost every craft imaginable. The company was looking for images of handmade books, so Val dug through her slides from college and sent in photographs of her book, “Plans d’Aix.”

She says, "The publication process was easy for me, as I just had to send in my slides and cross my fingers. I heard back a few months later that my images had been accepted and that the book would be published in May 2007. It finally came out in July 2008 – well worth the wait!"

Val Lucas' "Plans d'Aix" - back and front view.

If you get a chance, visit Lark’s web site. Their books are loaded with stunning photographs of some really incredible craftwork and it’s evident that they pick only the best images for publication. "I have learned that impeccable photos are essential,” says Val. “Only one of my photos made the final cut even though both were accepted. Having an up-to-date cache of photos is the first step in applying for books or shows."

Lark is always accepting artist submissions and book proposals. I think I might send something in and you should too! After all, wouldn’t it be neat to see images your work printed on the glossy pages of a beautifully bound book instead of always on the computer screen? I think so.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 10:20 AM in Tips | Permalink
                       

Goods 4 Girls is an organization that seeks to help young women gain access to better menstrual products. For many girls, access to sanitary pads is simply unavailable.

Companies such as Proctor and Gamble donate tampons and pads to young women around the world, but the environmental impact of distributing disposable supplies is becoming an issue of concern.

Goods 4 Girls solicits hand-sewn menstrual pads in place of disposable ones. They provide coordination for women who are interested in sewing and/or donating new, reusable pads to areas of Africa where obtaining quality menstrual products is difficult.

If you are interested in donating, click on the image above for more information, pad patterns, and links to articles about menstrual health issues that young women and girls around the world are facing.

(Image courtesy of Goods 4 Girls)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 8:55 PM | Permalink