Holiday Heap Vendor- SpotOn Designs

Ahhhhh this ring. I sort of want to get engaged to myself as a reason to buy it, but then that sounds like a really bad Hollywood script.

I think I'll still visit Penny from Spot On Designs at Holiday Heap and ask if I can try it on...

Holiday Heap Vendor - Biggs & Featherbelle

Is there anything more enviable than siblings who are BFF's? Not to me. That's the best. So, it always makes my heart soar when I see that I'll be at a craft fair with Baltimore firecracker-sister-duo Biggs & Featherbelle (alias Kelly & Kasey). Not only are they a riot to be neighbor to when you're stuck behind a table for 8 hours, but they smell pretty good too. I use their products personally (who in the craft world of the general Baltimore area doesn't? anyone?) and highly recommend them. In fact, before typing this very blogpost, I just lathered up my hands with one of their new tequila scented bars. The sisters sell their products at fairs across the country as far as California and in stores as well known as Whole Foods Market and - at busy times of year - are known to employ their entire family in the soap studio they inhabit near Clipper Mill in our own fair city.
check them out at www.biggsandfeather.com

Holiday Heap Vendor- Needle Noodles

I'll be the first to admit, I am partial to the needle arts. It's so up my alley. BUT! Even if you've never picked up a crochet hook, Needle Noodles' awesomeness in yarn will inspire you. I must make this crocheted veggie tray for my next party... I know I have friends who would try to eat it. Totally.

Holiday Heap Vendor- Anschtecka & Hillery

Meet another Holiday Heap newbie this year Anschecka & Hillery, creations of Maryland Institute College of Art grad Hillery Rebeka Sproatt (born and raised in far away LA, California). She has an exquisite eye for detail that carries through her work of tiny sewn embroidered treasures, stuffed mobiles, as well as collages and prints on paper!

Jay Ryan at Atomic Pop Tonight

One of my all round idols, and a top reason I run a screenprinting business is Jay Ryan.
I love his work, his music and his business.
He will be having a book signing for his new book of poster art tonight at Atomic Pop.
I just found out, or I'd have blathered about it much sooner than this, mind you.
Here is the info: http://www.micaprintmaking.com/

I highly recommend you try and go.

Holiday Heap Vendor - Tugboat Printshop!

Holiday Heap is now two weeks away, and I can't wait. The crowds, the music, the pretty lights, too many coffee's, and my husband dressed as an elf, dancing around the farmer's market with ukulele to entice potential shoppers. I can't WAIT!

Currently, I have my shopper eye on Tugboat Printshop and their beautiful woodblock prints of nature & ocean scenes. Paul & Valerie run the shop full-time out of their home in Pittsburgh, PA and sell at fairs & stores all over the country. They even have a frameshop in their basement, and do all of their own custom framing! I already have a small collection of thier prints, and plan to keep it growing!

www.tugboatprintshop.com

Round the Mountain this Saturday!

Round the Mountain is here again! Last year this show sold out before the doors even opened, so if you want to hear some pretty killer acoustic roots music, you better head over to the Creative Alliance website now and order your tickets today for Saturday's show.

Caleb Stine hosts Round the Mountain, an Evening of Acoustic Roots Music in Baltimore

Saturday, November 14, 2009
Doors open at 7pm
Show starts at 8pm
The Creative Alliance - 3134 Eastern Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland

This year the lineup includes Arty Hill, Ken Kolodner, Jim Eagan, Danny Noveck, Dan Isaacson, Kevin Griffin Moreno, our favorite host, Mr. Caleb Stine and of course, the lovely ladies whose stage name changes with every year that passes... The Shape Note Sisters!

The Shape Note Sisters are:

• The Charm City Craft Mafia's own Carly Goss,
  
• frequent Pile of Craft and Holiday Heap vendor, Kathy Fahey, and
  
• Baltimore's sweetheart, Ms. Patty Ruehl (who builds houses for a living. Take that!)

In the past, our beloved Katherine Fahey has designed the incredible posters (like the beautiful blue one up above), t-shirts, and other merchandise for the show and (wo)manned the merch table like there's no tomorrow. On Saturday night, Ms. Fahey will join Patty and I on stage as our unwavering alto. Kathy also organized a recording project, enlisting the help of talented friends, Timothy Bracken, Katie Feild and Michael Patrick O'Leary. So, that CD you've all asked about every year? Thanks to Kathy and all our friends, it will be available for sale this Saturday, November 14 at the Creative Alliance. We'll sign autographs and take pictures if you're into that sort of thing. :)

(Photo of The Shape Note Sisters courtesy of the fabulous Michael Patrick O'Leary.)