Over the next few days, Baltimore by Hand will feature information on some of the local artists and crafters participating in MICA's annual Art Market. 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. This year's Art Market will take place 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 10-13 in the Leidy Atrium and Falvey Hall Lobby in the Brown Center. More Info.

Robin Brunelle is a 20-year-old junior graphic design major at MICA. He is originally from Pittsburgh, Pa., where he worked at the Andy Warhol Museum throughout high school.

Almost all of the work he will be selling was made specifically for Art Market (or in a class with Art Market in mind). Robin will be selling zines, buttons, cards and CDs of his own music. This year's event will also see the debut of merchandise based on Robin's beat poet alter-ego Donatello X. There will be T-shirts, poetry books, spoken word albums and more.

Kerry Cesen was born in Cleveland in the late 1980s. He was raised in the countryside of northeastern Ohio, spending most of his time exploring nature. In summer 2005, Kerry moved to Baltimore to study illustration at the Maryland Institute College of Art.

The work that will be for sale in the 2008 Art Market consists of handmade skateboard designs, T-shirts, lithograph prints and custom paintings on aerosol cans. Changing environments, nature, urban living, decay, deconstruction, revitalization and rebirth are some forces that inspire the artwork.

Tim Mason is a graphic design undergraduate at MICA. He designs web sites, packaging and printed materials in addition to T-shirts.

Tim, who is also a Geek Squad technician, says he designed antiSOCIAL as a celebration of the growing geek subculture. antiSOCIAL elevates these technology enthusiasts from outsiders to the "in crowd."

Nisha Ranmath loves knitting and jewelry-making aside from fine art and animation. Nisha tries to use interesting and cuddly yarns to make her stuffed animals special. Nisha has been knitting for three years and loves making animals and gloves.

Biographical info courtesy of MICA

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 5:39 PM in Events, Local crafters | Permalink
                       

One Christmas, when I was around 7 years old, I made myself a stocking out of felt and hung it outside on the porch. I was actually being sneaky because I already had a beautiful, personalized needlepoint stocking made by my great grandmother (my felt one paled in comparison). I made the second hoping that Santa would fill two instead of one. He didn’t.

Below are some beautifully handcrafted items that are positively perfect for stuffing stockings this holiday season. So Santa, if you happen to be reading Baltimore by Hand, can you do me a favor and be sure not to overlook any stockings this year -- no matter how poorly constructed they might be?

Sketch Book by Of Machines, Ipod Case by Space Moderne, Ice Cream Sandwich Bath Cookies by Anita Crafty Creations.

Magic Lantern Suncatcher by Vintage Aimee, Pet Zombie in a Box by Little Atoms, Custom Coasters by Green Room.

Magnet Set by Block Party Press, Custom Initial Felt Brooches by Jen Menkhaus, Enamel Rings by Dandelion Blu.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:08 AM in Christmas | Permalink
                       

On Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the American Visionary Art Museum will host Bazaart, a holiday marketplace of original creations by 50 regional artists and craftspeople. The event is free and includes paintings, sculpture, paper crafts, metalwork, jewelry, textiles, mixed media, and other work that simply defies categorization.

But wait! There’s more. On Friday from 5:30-8 p.m., AVAM will host a Bazaart Preview Party & Sale. For those of you who wish to avoid the holiday hubbub, this is a nice, quiet opportunity to shop, chat with the artists and enjoy light refreshments. Cost is $20 at the door.

Look for Bob Benson (creator of the shimmering mirror tree that stands on Key Highway), Refiner's Fine Folk Art (found object art and carvings by visionary artist Tom Steck), zombie goods by Little Atoms, Knitimals by Danamarie Hosler and a multitude of crafts from the Baltimore Etsy Street Team.

Both events will take place on the 3rd floor of the Jim Rouse Visionary Center, which you’re welcome to tour while you’re there (for free). Ongoing exhibitions include the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre automata, Baltimore Screen Painters, Emily Duffy's Bra Ball and more. More info.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 8:53 AM in Events, Shopping | Permalink
                       

Kristen Becker is starting a fresh trend. Her online shop, Kir DeVries, offers an eclectic mix of home decor, personal accessories and gift items, many of which are independently made. Kir DeVries affords the practicality and selection you might find at a big box store -- but with a more personal and neighborly touch.

"We welcome special requests and love discovering new ways to make shopping personal again," says Kristen.

With a background as a graphic design professor and community activist, Kristen acts as creative director for the business. She creates the copy, oversees the site design and development, makes her own graphics and promotional materials and photographs most of the products herself. She says, "It's not unusual for me to get a creative idea in the middle of the night and find myself pulling up Photoshop at 4 a.m."

We Dream in Color Plastic Fantastic Trio (left), Box Wars Men's Tee by Karl Addison (one of Kristen's former design students).

I asked Kristen about what she looks for when seeking out indie products to showcase on Kir DeVries. "I think every boutique has its own aesthetic and style, so certainly you look for artists and designers who fit with your style," she says. "I have learned through trial and error that quality is paramount. You want customers to be as pleased with the actual item as they were with the pictures online. Any words or information that conveys the level of quality and craftsmanship is persuasive. It's also nice when you can see that artists do a lot to promote themselves -- whether it be from having a press page on their site or a blurb about their accolades on their product sheet."

Kristen also offered some advice to crafters and artists who are simply looking to expand their online reach: "Although the Internet provides opportunities and exposure for artists, it also shows us how many people are working on the same ideas. I think it's sometimes better to take a chance and be really daring with your creative idea than to stick in the comfort zone of what is already being well received."

(Images courtesy of Kir DeVries and Partybots)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

Unique Boutique will take place on Saturday at Hightops Backstage Grill. More than 25 local crafters and vendors will showcase their wares, including handcrafted jewelry by CEK Custom Designs, organic beauty products by Raw Olive, handmade aprons by Mama’s Apron Strings, handknit scarves by Mikki Buchness, note cards and stationary by Limited Edition Stationary, and much more. Proceeds will benefit the Maryland Food Bank and Fuel Fun for Maryland. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. More info.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 5:57 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

Below is an eclectic selection of lovely handcrafted baby gifts. Perfect for this holiday season.

Pixie Hat, $14 (left), Bird Parade Mobile, $72 (center), Mouse Slippers, $15 (right).

Camo Dad Sling, $55 (left), Paris Tutu, $24.99 (center), Embroidered Stroller Cover, $25 (right).

Maternity Shirt, $32 (left), High Top Booties, $9 (center), Maple Rattle, $29 (right).

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 8:42 AM in Christmas | Permalink
                       

The College of Notre Dame Alumnae Association is looking for local crafters to participate in their festive and fun annual Holiday Bazaar, which is scheduled to take place on Dec. 6 from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The event is free and vendor spaces are filling quickly. If you’re interested in participating, contact Joan Drebing at joandrebing@gmail.com.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 5:05 PM | Permalink
                       

Make your way to the Belvedere Hotel this evening to attend Art for Change – a free annual fundraiser hosted by the Women’s Law Center of Maryland. The event will feature a silent auction that includes more than 70 items donated by local artists including photographs by A. Aubrey Bodine, handcrafted jewelry from The Broken Plate Pendant Company, ceramics from Baltimore Clayworks, accessories from Deluxe Junque, and much more.

Money raised at Art for Change will benefit the Women’s Law Center of Maryland, a nonprofit organization that protects and promotes the rights of women and children through advocacy and free legal representation to victims of domestic violence.

The Belvedere is located at 1 E. Chase St. A self-parking garage is available at 1017 N. Charles St., around the corner from the main entrance of the hotel. The event runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the John Eager Howard Room. For more details, visit the Law Center’s web site at www.wlcmd.org or call 410-321-8761.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 2:36 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

I came across Dreamandawake while browsing Flickr the other day. It’s a Paris-based fashion line created by Swedish designer Amanda Ericsson, who takes vintage garments – mostly dresses – and transforms them into contemporary pieces. I’m in love with her photographs and they way she presents her work, with punchy video clips and a beautifully designed web site. Dreamandawake is available for purchase in Paris, Milan, Stockholm and Gothenburg. And of course, if you aren’t headed abroad anytime soon, you can purchase one of Amanda’s dresses online. Also visit her blog or Flickr page to see more.

(Images courtesy of Dreamandawake)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:29 AM in Detour | Permalink
                       

Are you in the mood for a little burlesque? Come see Glitterama, this Saturday at The Creative Alliance in Highlandtown. Performances by Little Luna, Paco Fish, Short Staxx and Greggy Glitterati. There will be singing, dancing and some awe-inspiring aerial acts. What's even more cool is that most of the performers build their own sets, props and costumes by hand! Shows begin at 9 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.creativealliance.org or at the door. Be there or be square.

(Image courtesy of Lizzie Cavanaugh-Broad)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:23 AM | Permalink
                       

Statement jewelry is hot right now, but as far as I’m concerned, it's always in. When I first came across Liz Walunas on Etsy, aka Lizzy Lu Baltimore, I was thrilled with everything in her shop. Liz is a local crafter whose pieces are big, bold and one-of-a-kind. I just love her work, and I think you will too. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the following interview with Lizzy Lu.

Tell us a little about your background as a crafter.
"In high school, I was the girl with green hair and a nose ring and I wore about six or seven necklaces and rings on every finger, everyday. So, when I started college it was no surprise that I started into the metalsmithing/jewelry-making course track at Towson University. About a year into it, I started working for a pretty well known designer and discovered the world of costume jewelry and fell in love with it. I was there full time for five years, randomly taking jewelry classes at MICA whenever I could afford it. "

What materials do you use?
"The materials I use are mostly brass, and I get materials from all over. In costume jewelry, it's a challenge to make your work really stand out because you wind up using the same pieces that are available to other designers, so I cut and solder and color and really modify the pieces I get to make them my own. As far as my beads go, I like vintage Lucite from the 1930s for the colors and I like anything big, bright and heavy. I use a lot of glass and crystal and a stone called Howlite."

How would you describe your style?
"It's kind of a monster hybrid. So far, all of my designs have been one-of-a-kind. I'm in the middle of recreating a necklace for a customer (she wanted it but it sold before she bought it herself), but it will never be exactly the same. I feel like my end product usually looks like it was based on some obscure fairy tale that I don't know; that or a weapon of sorts. I know the rings I design are huge, but I love that. I love huge jewelry and I love that when ladies try on my rings they almost always do an air punch."

Where do you sell your work?
"Right now, I just sell on Etsy and at Milagro (different groups of jewelry) but I aim to eventually open a shop with my other crafty friend so we can hang out and make jewelry all day. That's my dream."

(Images courtesy of Liz Walunas)

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

Well, it’s that time of the year. Funny how it feels like summer was just yesterday and now we are all gearing up for the impending holidays, which will be here before we know it. Over the next few weeks, Baltimore by Hand will feature a gift guide of sorts that showcases an eclectic selection of handmade wonders from crafters in Baltimore and beyond.

This week’s focus is on cards and gift tags, because who wants to buy a pack of generic looking holiday paper goods from Target or WalMart? The following items are unique, handcrafted and one of a kind. And they’re only a few clicks away from accompanying your festively wrapped gifts.

Cards and tags by Maclancy, Studio Flower Power and Miscelena.

Cards and tags from Gallagher4205, Joanna Goldman and Align With Design.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:30 AM in Christmas, Shopping | Permalink
                       

Just in time for the holiday season, the Charm City Craft Mafia's Holiday Heap will take place this Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at St. John's Church in Charles Village. More than 50 crafters from Baltimore and beyond will be selling just about anything - clothing, toys, jewelry, paper goods, ceramics and much more. The event is free, and while you're there, enter to win a basket full of goodies from Craft Mafia members. Visit the CCCM blog for details.

Necklace by Silly Pretty Things (left), headband by The Candy Thief (center), greeting cards by Sugar Paperie (right).

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
                       

Come on out to the Village Learning Place for its Holiday Artisan Market, this evening from 7-9 p.m. More than 20 local crafters will sell their wares, and refreshments will be served. Village Learning Place is a non-profit library and learning center in Charles Village, located at 2521 St. Paul St. This event is part of VLP's 2nd Wednesdays series, and 20 percent of all proceeds will benefit the organization. For more information, call 410-235-2210.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:44 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

This Saturday from 7-11 p.m., the Maryland Institute College of Art will host the Kegger Experimental Fashion Event at the Main Building Atrium. Twelve clothing lines that were designed and produced by MICA’s experimental fashion class will be presented, with influences ranging from ornithology to the Napoleonic Wars. The show will address issues of indulgence, consumption and beauty through wearable material media. Sounds intriguing, right? Tickets are available at the MICA store for $5.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 4:26 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

I will be unable to upload images for the next few days. I wanted to tell you because frankly, the blog seems a little naked without pictures and I didn’t want you to think that I was skimping on content. It shouldn’t be too long before things are back to normal.

On another subject, have you heard about the current show at the Walters Art Museum? Bedazzled: 5,000 Years of Jewelry opened on Oct. 19 and will run until Jan. 4. If you’re into vintage jewelry (or even if you’re not), this exhibition is a must see. It includes more than 200 highlights from the Walter’s stunning collection, which happens to be the most wide-ranging private collection of jewelry in the United States. The likes of Tiffany & Co., Rene Lalique and countless other pieces exemplify how the art of jewelry making has evolved throughout the ages.

Several events are happening in conjunction with the exhibit. This week, a workshop entitled Basic Sketching, Rendering & Jewelry Design will be offered on Wednesday from 6:30-9 p.m. The cost is $50 for members; $100 for non-members. On Thursday, the museum will host College Night: Bling! Bling! Bling! which is free to college/university students and faculty and includes a tour of Bedazzled as well as live music, refreshments and a student art exhibition. Pre-registration is recommended.

Bedazzled is a special ticketed exhibition. Tickets can be purchased at the museum or through Ticketmaster. Visit the Walters Art Museum web site for more details.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 9:13 AM in Events | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

Handmade Arcade is Pittsburgh’s largest independent craft fair and it’s happening this Saturday and Sunday. More than 100 vendors from Pittsburgh, the Ohio Valley, the Midwest and the East Coast will be there.

This year, the Arcade is celebrating its fifth anniversary with a new location at the historic Hunt Armory located at 324 Emerson St. in Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood. Also new is the pre-fair Early Birdie shopping event on Saturday from 8-11 a.m. A limited number of passes are available online for $15.

Founded in 2003, Handmade Arcade began at a time when there were no craft fairs in Pittsburgh that catered to the DIY craft community. Since then, the Arcade has grown exponentially and received coverage in The New York Times, Venus Magazine and on National Public Radio.

In addition to innovative crafts, many of Pittsburgh’s favorite eats will be sold. There will also be enameling demonstrations and and keychain making activities going on.

For more information including directions and a list of vendors, visit Handmade Arcade’s web site.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 4:42 PM | Permalink
                       

Looking for an inexpensive way to advertise for the holidays? Patuxent Publishing Company is offering local artists and crafters the opportunity to advertise in their Holiday Listing, which publishes Thanksgiving week (Nov. 24-28). For $50, you can have your shop name and/or Web site placed on a full-page ad that will circulate throughout Maryland to more than 130,000 readers.

For more information, contact Mollye Hubbard at mhubbard@patuxent.com. Deadline is Nov. 14.

(Editor's note: Patuxent Publishing Company is part of Baltimore Sun Media Group.)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 8:02 PM | Permalink
                       

Don't miss this week's Shoppers' Social and November Trunk Show at the Women's Industrial Exchange, this Thursday from 5-7 p.m.. One-of-a-kind greeting cards by Miscelena will be the featured items of the evening.

Also stop by the Crafter's Circle, from 6-8 p.m., which is open to all crafts you can do at a large table.

The Women's Industrial Exchange is located at 333 N. Charles St. Visit their web site for details and directions.

Individually handcrafted cards by Miscelena.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 7:06 PM in Events, Local crafters | Permalink
                       

Have you heard of Spoonflower? It’s a wonderful site that custom prints anything you design onto premium cotton fabric. Designs can be created in Photoshop or by using Spoonflower’s free design programs.

Spoonflower was launched earlier this year by an eclectic team of crafters and Internet wizards, and already has a following of more than 10,000 people. I took a quick tour through the site and uploaded an old photograph, just to see what would happen and I have to say it was pretty easy. Oh, and fabric is $18/yard.

Visit Spoonflower’s beautiful blog or browse their Flickr photo gallery for some more inspiration and just imagine the possibilities! Pillows, curtains, clothing, plushies, quilts, window seats, bedding, handbags … I feel a new craft obsession coming on.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 7:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

Well, it’s Monday and I’m already making plans for next weekend. This week is First Friday in Hampden, and Shine Collective will host Built in Baltimore from 6-9 p.m. at 1007 W. 36th St. The event will feature new collections from local designers and artists Hadieh Shafie, Hillery Sproatt, Ulmaut, Nicolette LeFaye and more. Light refreshments will be served.

(Graphic courtesy of Shine Collective)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 8:48 PM in Events | Permalink