Please introduce yourself.
"Hi! My name is Eileen. I live in a suburb of Maryland with my wonderful husband, two sons and our bulldog. Some of the things I enjoy outside of creating beads are being out in nature, hiking, listening to music, knitting, reading a good story or just hanging out with family and friends ..."

Why did you pursue making beads?
"I love creating one-of-kind lampwork beads and being able to share them with people who also like to create or just collect. I think it is so cool that people use the beads that I create to make wearable art that I could never have imagined. Hard to describe the feeling I get when someone shares with me their work with my beads, it's just so awesome …"

Where did you learn your craft?
"I consider myself to be self-taught but have been fortunate enough to have taken a few classes from artists that I consider to be highly regarded in the lampwork world."

What materials do you use?
"My beads are made with soft glass such as Morette/Effetre, ASK, Vetrefond, Lauscha and others. "

What is your process like?
"I found my artistic passion in melting glass. It is the most soothing thing I can do from a hectic crazy day. I light my torch, turn on the music and zone out in my creative zone. I let the glass flow into whatever comes naturally. I don’t usually have a plan of attack, design. I like to be spontaneous when creating. Having said that, there are times when I have a specific design or custom order to create, and I do my best to stay within my plan. After each bead is created, I tuck them into my kiln for a good night sleep so they will wake up sturdy and strong to last a lifetime ..."

Guess what readers? Eileen is participating in the final Baltimore by Hand Halloween giveaway! Up for grabs is her beautiful etched Day of the Dead skull bead (top center). Be the first to tell us what kind of torch Eileen uses and win. You can find the answer in her Etsy shop. Happy Halloween!

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
                       

Allison Fomich is an upholsterer, crafter, sculptor and mom. She finds inspiration in the natural world and works with a range of materials including fabric, metals and plastic. Maybe you’ve seen her copper nature jewelry around town – it’s made from natural specimens like acorns, pinecones or twigs that Allison dips in copper. Her one-of-a-kind stitched button rings are super cool and can’t be missed. I get compliments each time I wear mine!

Lucky for us, Allison has graciously agreed to participate in the Baltimore by Hand Halloween Giveaway. The prize this week is one of her adjustable button rings, made with a pumpkin print fabric (top middle). Be the first to name one local shop that sells Allison’s work and you will win. It’s that simple!

If you’d like to see Allison and other members of the Baltimore Etsy Street Team this weekend, don’t miss Art-ket @ the Market in Highlandtown on Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon. Visit the BEST web site for more details.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 10:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

This weekend, 70 bead vendors from all over the world will gather and sell their wares at The Bead Society of Greater Washington 48th Semi-Annual Bead Bazaar in Gaithersburg. The bazaar will take place 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $7.

There will be a ton of beads and a ton of books. You’re also encouraged to bring any “mystery beads” you might have, which the Bead Society’s experts can identify free of charge.

Visit the BSGW web site for directions and information on parking, a vendor list and bazaar discount card.

(Picture by me)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 10:37 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

JewelryInTheNet is seeking professional and amateur jewelry designers to participate in an open jewelry design competition. Prizes for winning designers include cash, trophies as well as the chance to auction off your pieces.

The last day to submit entries is Nov. 29. The competition is free to enter. Viewing and voting -- which is open to the public -- is from Nov. 30 through Dec. 31. Visit jewelryinthenet.com for more details.

(Source: JewelryInTheNet)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 11:00 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

In 2005, Jean-Baptiste Regnard and Kevin Sherry hit the road with a trunk full of handmade shirts. "We got the word out about us by driving around from city to city and quite literally selling shirts out of the trunk of a 20-year-old Cadillac."

Now, after four years of doing the marketplace circuit, traveling the country, and gaining an international presence in more than 90 stores worldwide, Squidfire has found a brick-and-mortar home in Hampden.

In some sense, Jean-Baptiste and Kevin have come full circle. They began creating their shirts -- which are designed and printed by hand using a manual press -- in a warehouse in Baltimore. They’ve participated in, as well as hosted, multiple craft markets and art festivals around the city. In December, they'll host a Holiday Art Market at the Lyric Opera House, which will feature 50 artists from up and down the East Coast.

You can see more of their work at squidfire.com, or visit their new shop on The Avenue. "Furniture is still being moved around, but we’re open," says Jean-Baptiste.

The Squidfire line not only includes T-shirts, but also tote bags, wallets and kid's clothing. It’s fresh, it’s cool and it’s here in Charm City.

Stag 2.0 women's t-shirt, Veggies lunch bag, Squid Hoodie for kids.

Kevin Sherry and Jean-Baptiste Regnard, the new Squidfire shop at 1100 West 36th St.

(Images courtesy of Squidfire)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 11:44 PM in Local crafters | Permalink
                       

Local crafter Dawn Doran will be teaching a class called “Fiber Jewels” at the Adornment Craft Center & Gallery on Nov. 8 and 15. As part of a two-part four hour workshop, the class offers an introduction to wet felting and beading with felt. For details on cost and registration, visit the Adornment Craft Center’s web site.

(Images courtesy of Dawn Doran)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 10:53 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

*NOTE - Because of the rain, the Great Halloween Lantern Parade has been rescheduled to tomorrow, 10/26, at 7:30pm*

Of all the things I’ve told you not to miss this year, the Great Halloween Lantern Parade is something you absolutely have to experience, hands down. It is by far one of the most creative and inspiring events in Baltimore, and it only happens once a year.

There is no registration or fee required. Make your way to Patterson Park at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday and join in the procession with thousands of fellow Baltimoreans, including ghoulish stilt walkers, costumed jugglers and drummers. The trek across the park ends with a beautifully rendered performance of shadow puppets and live music.

Want to make your own lantern for the parade? There’s a great tutorial on Carina’s Craft Blog (just scroll down toward the bottom of the page).

Dancing Skeletons at the parade.

(Photo courtesy of Norma Tub)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 10:59 PM in Events | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

What's better than shopping for fresh market goods and beautifully made crafts all in the same day? Join the Baltimore Etsy Street Team and the Charm City Craft Mafia this Saturday, Oct. 25, at Highlandtown's Art-ket @ the Market. Arts and crafts will be on sale during the regular farmers' market, from 8 a.m. until noon on Bank Street near Conkling.

Work by Block Party Press, Elisa Shere Jewelry and Tigerlilly Shop.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 8:43 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

Corradetti Glassblowing Studio's mini-glassblowing workshops are currently open for registration. They offer a blown glass pumpkin workshop this Saturday, Oct. 25, and a blown glass holiday ornament workshop on Saturday, Nov. 8. These mini-workshops are very popular and fill up quickly. To register, visit www.corradetti.com/mini_workshops.html.

Corradetti also offers intensive introductory glassblowing workshops and private instruction. To see the schedule, go to www.corradetti.com/schedule.html, or simply visit the studio, which also includes a breathtaking gallery and gift shop. The studio is located at 2010 Clipper Park Road, Suite 119.

(Image courtesy of Corradetti Glassblowing Studio)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 7:38 PM in Events | Permalink | Comments (2)
                       

MSN Green, which is the environmentally-focused "channel" of MSN.com, is trying to emphasize the importance of recycling and re-using this Halloween season. It makes a lot of good sense, considering how much trash is generated by the sweetest day of the year -- candy wrappers, store-bought costumes that are only worn once and other odds and ends (like eight rolls of toilet paper for your least favorite neighbor’s house … just kidding!)

Below are just a few of my favorite recycled costumes for kids, most of which were made using cardboard, tissue paper and fabric. For more costume ideas, visit MSN Green's Halloween Gallery.

Recycled Crocodile Costume by Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories, Recycled Witch Costume by Lizette Greco of Grecolaborativo, Recycled Samurai Costume by Instructables.

(Images courtesy of MSN.com)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 8:11 PM in Halloween | Permalink
                       

I have only “talked” with Mary Ellen Nichols via e-mail. Even so, I can honestly say that her enthusiasm for and love of her craft is palpable and contagious. It’s also very evident in her work.

Polymer clay is Mary Ellen’s medium of choice. Fun is her muse. She says, “I try to include a big smile with every purchase.” That’s not a tall order, considering that each piece is so genuinely cool. I have a personal preference for the cake toppers.

While perusing her web site, BeeTree by m.e., I noticed that Mary Ellen is not afraid to experiment. She has a healthy selection of clay goods including bracelets, buttons, floating candles, beads and magnets that range in theme from fantasy to floral.

It isn’t difficult to be swept away into this world of polymer clay – a material that is, according to Mary Ellen, very versatile: “It's a wonderful, easy to use medium that can be transformed into anything! Seriously... it can become ANYTHING! Best of all, if I don't love what I make...I just squash it flat and start over! Very therapeutic!”

Lucky for us, Mary Ellen is participating in the Baltimore by Hand Halloween Giveaway! You might just be the winner of her Vampire Pendant (below center). Just answer the following question: Where can you find some of Mary Ellen’s work for auction? Visit her web site for details, be the first to post the correct answer below, and win. Good luck!!

(Images courtesy of Mary Ellen Nichols)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 10:05 PM in Local crafters | Permalink | Comments (8)
                       

Don’t miss the 4th annual BARCStoberfest this Saturday, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in Patterson Park. The event will feature food, kids’ activities (like painting pumpkins), local artists, animal crafts, people crafts, a silent auction and adoptable animals. Gil Jawetz of buskerdog.com will be among the artists, as well as a few pet photographers. The silent auction will include a painting done by a monkey.

If you have a furry friend who likes to strut his/her stuff, consider signing up for the BARCStoberfest Dog Walk, which will raise money for rescued shelter animals. And while you’re there, stop by the Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest in the Canton Dog Park. Participants in the contest – which includes Most Baltimorean, Matching Dog & Human, Most Original, and Best Last Minute – may sign up between 11am-1pm.

Visit the Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter web site for more information about sponsorships and directions.

Some of last year's entries for Most Baltimorean (left) and Wizard of Oz (right).

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 4:05 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

The Baker Artist Awards, sponsored by the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance and the William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, are a celebration of Baltimore's artists. The awards consist of the privately juried Mary Sawyers Baker Prize and the voter selected Baltimore's Choice. The process is designed to open the nominations to the broadest possible community participation using the web. Up to three indiviudal artists could be awarded a $25,000 prize and several will be awarded $5,000. Artists are nominated and selected without regard to discipline.

To be eligible, you must be an artist at least 21 years old and have been a legal resident of the Baltimore region since September 10, 2007. Click here for details.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 3:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

On Oct. 15, thousands of bloggers will publish posts that discuss poverty in some way. It’s all part of Blog Action Day 2008 - an online movement that aims to raise awareness, start a global discussion and add momentum to an important cause. Click on the banner above to learn more about how you can participate.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 10:13 PM in Detour | Permalink
                       

For those of you who are last minute holiday shoppers (I know I am), mark your calendars now for the MICA Art Market, Dec. 10-13, 10 a.m.-6pm in the Leidy Atrium and Falvey Hall Lobby in the Brown Center.

This festive art sale features prints, posters, sculptures, mosaics, stationery, T-shirts, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, book arts, toys, wrapping paper, and more designed and created by MICA students, faculty, and staff. The Market fosters student professional development, peer to peer networking, and provides funding for need-based student scholarships.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 7:39 PM in Christmas, Events | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

Come on out and show your support for Main Street at the Taste of Waverly Village on Saturday, Oct.11 from 4-9 pm at 32nd and Barclay St. (the site of the Waverly Farmer's Market). Sample a variety of food from local restaurants, enjoy local bands and get started on your holiday shopping. There will even be a free kid zone.

Best of all, an entire section of the event is dedicated to local crafters. You'll find stained glass windows and ornaments by Fabulous Glass; all natural essential oils from Natural Aromatics; handmade journals, pots and wreaths from Waverly Wanderers; soaps by You and Me Soap; note cards by Sugar Paperie; children's clothing by Sweet Pepita; fine art paintings and screenprinted tees by Yummy & Company; handmade jewelry by Tigerlilly Shop, The Littlest Bean, CEK Custom Designs and For Queen Victoria.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:22 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

As a kid, Juliet Ames never imagined that she would one day break plates for a living. In 2006, after experimenting with mosaics and pendants, Juliet opened The Broken Plate Pendant Company. Now, as a full-time independent jeweler, Juliet’s necklaces, rings and belt buckles have appeared in numerous magazines and are sold in shops around the country. One piece recently made its way onto the Rachel Ray Show.

Juliet’s plates are from thrift stores, antique shops and department stores. They are “lovingly broken” with a hammer and tile snips into pieces that are then selected by color, shape and design.

Each piece is special and one of a kind. And speaking of special, Juliet is occasionally commissioned to transform sentimental pieces – like a broken family dish – into “wearable heirlooms.” What a brilliant idea! I’m now hoping that I accidentally break something at Thanksgiving dinner this year. …

Lucky for us, Juliet has agreed to participate in this week’s Baltimore by Hand Halloween Giveaway. That’s right. You can enter to win her Pumpkin Necklace (bottom center) by being the first to post the answer to the following question: Which famous technique does Juliet use when soldering her pendants? Visit the profile page of her Etsy shop for clues. Winners will be announced on Monday. Good luck!

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 8:22 PM in Halloween | Permalink | Comments (14)
                       

Have you ever wanted to make a quilt? Well, the African American Quilters of Baltimore might just be able to help you learn how. They hold meetings on the first Saturday of every month, September through June, at The Enoch Pratt Free Library Waverly Branch. All skill levels are welcome.

The African American Quilters of Baltimore was started in 1989 by three quilters seeking to find and build a community of other African American quilters. They have grown to include many members who are active in the community and participate in projects that include providing crib throws and quilts for preschool and abused children, and hats and comfort cushions to women recovering from breast cancer.

For more information about meetings or to see images of their stunning quilts, visit their web site.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 11:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

Darker Than Blue Café is hosting an exhibit of works by artist Matthew Rice. Born and raised in Baltimore, Rice's paintings are inspired by his own personal vision. He says, “My art reflects me with no outside influences. My favorite artist’s work is seen everywhere and in everything. The artist is God. Check the sky out daily. It is an ongoing canvas that changes every day. Like the oil paint that I love, God continues to add new layers to me, making me better with each stroke.”

Darker Than Blue Café is located at 3034 Greenmount Ave. For hours and directions, visit their web site. To read more about Matthew’s work visit www.mateoblu.com.

"BMore Blue"

"Manifest Change"

Matthew Rice

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:31 PM in Events | Permalink | Comments (2)
                       

Take a look at how crafters around town are celebrating Halloween...

The Owl and the Candy Corn Halloween Card by Miscelena, Witch Woman Original Collage Magent by Julie Grace.

Halloween Party Tags by Align With Design, Will You Walk into My Parlor Necklace by Block Party Press.

Day of the Dead Orange Man Skull by Dorset Hill Beads, jack o'lantern brooch by The Littlest Bean.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 7:02 PM in Halloween | Permalink | Comments (2)
                       

You might remember reading about Damanarie Hosler in my post about Artscape back in July. But did you know that besides being the genius behind Knitimals, she is also a prolific muralist whose work can be seen throughout Baltimore City?

At the moment, Danamarie is working on a mural at 539 E. 21st St., just past Greenmount Avenue. And whether or not your realize, you’ve probably seen her finished murals at Sylvan Beach Café in Mt. Vernon, Taharka Brothers Ice Cream in Mt. Washington, the Giant Supermarket in Waverly, the Baltimore City Health Department and the Baltimore Farmers' Market Downtown.

Mural at the Waverly Giant, sketch for the mural on E. 21st St., mural at the Health Dep't.

Danamarie is a wearer of many hats. When she’s not painting murals, teaching art classes or illustrating children’s books, she is most definitely crafting. Her latest creation: Knitimal masks. These hand sewn felt masquerade masks are modeled after Danamarie’s one of a kind Knitimals.

Knitimal masks.

As part of the Baltimore by Hand Halloween Giveaway Series, Danamarie has graciously offered to give a Knitimal mask to one lucky reader. Simply answer the following question: Which famous muppet does Danamarie have a crush on?

The answer can be found in her blog. Be the first to comment here with your answer and win! Winners will be announced on Monday.

In the meantime, keep your eyes open during your travels through Baltimore for one of Danamarie Hosler’s one of a kind murals.

(Images courtesy of Danamarie Hosler)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 11:12 PM in Halloween | Permalink | Comments (6)
                       

Come on out to the Women’s Industrial Exchange this evening for their trunk show and shopper’s social from 5-7 p.m. You’ll get to meet select artists and browse a wide variety of their work while sipping cider and munching on ginger spice cookies.

Goods for sale will include handmade aprons, bookmarks and original watercolors by Maria Louise High; handcrafted greeting cards by Michelda Middleton; sock monkeys by Joan Harris; knitted scarves and sweaters by Susan Davis and much, much more. From what I’ve heard, these items sell out very quickly, so be there on time!

Also join the WIE Crafter’s Circle above the shop from 6-8 p.m. (enter through the shop by 7:30).

Trunk Shows take place every First Thursday at the Exchange. Visit their web site for more information.

Earrings made from repurposed vinyl records by Sarah Cook, handmade card by Micshelda Middleton, bookmark by Maria Louise High.

(Images courtesy of WIE)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 8:09 PM in Events | Permalink | Comments (1)