Holiday Heap Vendor: Maneating Flower

A common gripe among my guy friends that I wrangle out to these craft shows is that it's a lot of the same stuff aimed towards the ladies. These flasks with letterpressed leather are sure to be a hit for that someone in your life who likes to nip some Wild Turkey in style. Maneating Flower also makes a range of cool works on paper and printed patches!

Holiday Heap Vendor: Space Moderne

If you're a slob like me, you probably find yourself going to more dinner parties than hosting them. Space Moderne makes a variety of unique sewn-felt goodies, like that awesome wine bottle cozy above, just for you. I love the addition of more home good crafters this year!

Holiday Heap Vendor: Pellinore Press

I am always a sucker for smart woodcut prints, and am so excited to see the work of Pellinore Press in this year's Holiday Heap! I first met John and Ursula during Artscape when I was sneaking around and soliciting printmakers for a portfolio exchange. Their cards and prints are sharp and clever, and would make a wonderful gift for the print nerd in your life!

Holiday Heap Vendor - The Candy Thief

Speaking of headwear, (and felt for that matter).... are you not drooling over these headpieces by The Candy Thief? This is one vendor that we actually squeal over at jury-meetings each year. We then get distracted, and talk about all the things we've already purchased from Casey Dwyer (the one woman factory behind this spectacular shop) and how we're gonna up that collection ASAP (okay, maybe we don't say that...but it's what we're all thinking, right team?) These headbands are the perfect cross between the urge to play dressup, and the urge to function like an adult. Beware the power-boost of positivity you will feel when you get a good look at yourself in the mirror with one on. Not to mention the steady stream of compliments.

Holiday Heap Vendor - Endless Hats

I'm always somewhere in between thinking I can pull off a really cool hat, and thinking that, no, I can't. However, I'm always happy to see a good one. If I decide I can pull one off (or think of a loved one I'm willing to make cooler), I'm heading straight to this table at Holiday Heap! Endless Hats started in Bloomsburg, PA just a couple years ago and they also sell new & used lp's on ebay & amazon (as "endlessrecords"). Loving this army style hat in all different fabrics in their etsy shop.

Holiday Heap Vendor - The Littlest Bean

The Littlest Bean empress Jen Menkhaus is strong(est)-arm behind our dear friends The Baltimore Etsy Street Team (B.E.S.T.): A group of awesome Baltimore crafters (many of them are also in the Craft Mafia) running an award winning blog, making art, and supporting & promoting craft & DIY all over town. On top of this, she is super-mom of two, sewing maniac #1, tamer of colorful felt, and creator & collaborator extraordinaire. Her craft fair table draws me in like a kid to a candyshop. It is, to give an understatement, a rainbow explosion of happiness. You don't want to miss it. And believe me: there is no way you will if you come to Holiday Heap!!!
One of Baltimore's Finest, for sure.

Holiday Heap Vendor - Vaya Bags

My husband is obsessed with the bag he bought a few years ago from NY based Vaya Bags at the very first Holiday Heap. He uses it so often that some might mistake what used to be a red and gray bag for a brown and brown one. We are testimonial that these suckers hold strong, and last. He also recently bought one of the belts made of recycled bike tires. I love the colors she chooses, the recycled approach and the great quality. You can request custom colors & styles, and some even come with cool landscapes sewn into the design.
Thrilled that they will be joining us again this year!!!!

Holiday Heap Vendor - The Broken Plate

Juliet Ames of The Broken Plate is the definition of a renaissance woman. Like it's not cool enough that this Baltimore mom smashes plates and makes them into jewelry for a living. She's also had her work featured on Rachael Ray (the woman, her body, and her show), and in countless publications all over the country, and has the coolest and most fitting tattoo I've ever seen. Her work is constantly fluctuating, she is always taking risks, collaborating with other artists, and going in new directions - all while managing a fan base that ranges from you to your great great great grandmother (and that priceless heirloom plate of hers that you dropped on the floor last week). Did I mention she also makes cufflinks, gentlemen?

Holiday Heap Vendor- Jaime Zollars

This image from Jaime Zollar's holiday card set makes me sad and melty and happy and glowy, all at the same time. Visit Jaime at the Heap to see more beautiful illustrations, silkscreens, and even buttons!

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.)

Holiday Artisan Market - TOMORROW!

Village Learning Place is putting on their annual Holiday Artisan Market tomorrow night!
A portion of all artist's proceed will be donated to benefit Village Learning Place's awesome community programming.
Go check it out from 7-9 pm.
Free admission, Food & Bevereges.

Village Learning Place
2521 St. Paul St.
Baltimore, MD 21218

www.villagelearningplace.org for more info

Torkwase Dyson & Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum

Torkwase Dyson & Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum
Creative Alliance - Main Gallery.
3134 Eastern Avenue
Baltimore Maryland 21224

Opens Sat Nov 7, 5-7pm.
Performances Thu Dec 3, 7:30pm.
open through December 19
Free.

Matt Bovie and Vicki McComas Art Opening

Art Opening - Matt Bovie & Vicki McComas
Thursday, November 5, 2009
5:00pm - 7:30pm
Meredith Gallery
805 N. Charles St.
Baltimore, MD

Trademarking info via Design*sponge

A helpful tutorial on Trademarking for your business is up today on Biz Ladies at Design*Sponge. A problem we all worry about constantly as artists & designers. Check it out!