Experimental Animation at TU on Thursday!

Experimental Animation Show Trailer from Phil Davis on Vimeo.

UPDATE: 12/16 - THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO SNOW! RESCHEDULED FOR NEXT SEMESTER!

Hey look! Towson does experimental animation!
Towson University Electronic Media & Film Department Presents An experimental Animation Show - tomorrow!!

AN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMATION FESTIVAL!
{Student work from 2010}
Thursday, December 16th
5pm-7pm
Van Bokkelen Hall
Room 204

This Saturday - Letterpress Cards at BPS - for $35

Hooray! Workshops have begun at Baltimore Print Studios - and just in time for the holidays! Take one of three Holiday Card making workshops this weekend - 11am, 1pm or 3pm and for $35 you get to take home 30 hand letterpressed cards of your own design!!! awesome!!!

CLICK HERE for more info.

MICA Art Market this week!

Cards by Erin Wallace
Painting by Becca Stadtlander

Maryland Institute College of Art's ART MARKET opens today and runs through Saturday! Be sure to stop by the fair for hundreds of awesome art-themed gifts like Paintings, Stationary, sculpture, ceramics, knitwear, jewelry, wrapping paper and apparel. Always one of my favorite events at the holidays, extremely inspiring, and a great place to go when you didn't get to shop at Holiday Heap, because you were selling your own heap of crafts!!

MICA ART MARKET
Wed Dec 8 - Sat Dec 11
10am-6pm each day
Brown Center (that big Iceberg on Mt. Royal Ave.)
Mt. Royal Ave
Baltimore, MD

see you there!

We Love You, Baltimore!

Be proud, Baltimore. Our annual Holiday Heap raffle raised $859 for Heart's Place Shelter! Congratulations to the winner of the raffle, Erika S!!!


Of course, we love you for so many reasons. Thank you, thank you and thank you all so very much for coming out to support our hard working craft community, our artists and our makers. But thank you most of all for your generosity and your kindness.


There is no greater place on Earth than right here. A million times thank you.

Meet Holiday Heap's tigerlillyshop

Allison of tigerlillyshop claims that running her own business closely resembles the life cycle of the perennial tiger lily. Here's what else you can expect of our Holiday Heap vendor!

In three words or less, please tell us about yourself.
urban nature collector

If your work had a theme song, what would it be?
birds singing

It's a typical Wednesday night. Where are you?
fighting sleep on the couch watching "cool tv" videos

If you could create a craft, other than your craft, what craft would you craft?
it's a toss up: lace making or heavy metal fabrication

Grilled or deep fried?
grilled, unless they are pickles.

Print on a Letterpress at Holiday Heap!

If you come out to Holiday Heap this Saturday (and you should, of course- you don't want to miss it!) you can stop by Bowerbox Press's table and learn a little bit about letterpress printing. Val will have a small tabletop press set up and you can print a holiday card to take home, for free!
Even kids can give it a try.

Here's a sneak peek at what you can print.



The press is a Kelsey 5x8, a small press marketed to boys in the 1900s. It's still pretty easy to find this kind today, they were made up until the 1970s. Keep your eyes open at flea markets and antique stores and you might get lucky!

Meet Holiday Heap's Sweet Pepita!

Everything changed once Sweet Pepita was born. Shannon Kline and her husband have always been environmentally conscious but now Shannon will be the first to tell you that it feels a little more urgent. So here she is, sewing her butt off and keeping our favorite little miss monkey paws out of the trash. Ahhhh... life with Pepita.

In three words or less, please tell us about yourself.
working mom guilt

If your work had a theme song, what would it be? 
I Love Rock N Roll by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts!

It's a typical Wednesday night. Where are you?
On the couch with my husband and dog watching the scary show - unless it's too scary.

If you could create a craft, other than your craft, what craft would you craft?
I'd carve tiny wooden chairs for dioramas.

Grilled or deep fried?
Fried. Always fried.

Meet Holiday Heap's Found Studio!

Found Studio's Kacey Stafford is drawn to vintage fabrics & lace, smelly old book pages, and handwritten letters & notes from 50+ years ago. She ritually visits her favorite thrift shop in hopes of finding goods to repurpose in her art. 

In three words or less, please tell us about yourself.
Squirrely, Squirrely, and more Squirrely.

If your work had a theme song, what would it be?  
Pencil Thin Mustache by Jimmy Buffett

It's a typical Wednesday night. Where are you?
Usually eating dinner with good friends!
 
If you could create a craft, other than your craft, what craft would you craft?
I would really like to sew, but I'm afraid my brain doesn't work that way! Darn it!

Grilled or deep fried?
Is this a question?  DEEP FRIED!!

Meet Holiday Heap's Red Prairie Press!

Red Prairie Press = Original designs, hand screen printed, on comfy clothing. But our favorite Rachel Bone can't be summed up quite as easily. (This is why I'm asking the tough Nancy Grace questions of all our Holiday Heap vendors!) 

In three words or less, please tell us about yourself.
Tone-deaf Singalong Enthusiast

If your work had a theme song, what would it be? 
Sloop John B by the Beach Boys or that MaNAmana song the muppets sing?

It's a typical Wednesday night. Where are you? 
Watching movies and inventing new snacks with Phil.

If you could create a craft, other than your craft, what craft would you craft?
Hand painted signs, or braided rugs. Oh, or cake decorating.
 
Grilled or deep fried?
Grilled.

Meet Holiday Heap's Phampersand Press!

It’s Busy-Busy-Business Time at the Phampersand Press Studio (also lovingly known as Phu's dining table and front corner of her living room) as she prepares for the annual Holiday Heap. I don't know how she keeps the cat off of all her prep supplies but someone she has that little man under control! 

In three words or less, please tell us about yourself. 
Bookish Sass Machine 

If your work had a theme song, what would it be?
 The Sky Lit Up by PJ Harvey 

It's a typical Wednesday night. Where are you? 
At hot yoga, followed by negating the workout with tacos and margaritas with my BFF. 

If you could create a craft, other than your craft, what craft would you craft?
 I would love to learn all about blown glass.

Grilled or deep fried? 
Deep fried. topped with bacon crumbles.

Meet Holiday Heap's Bowerbox Press!

Bowerbox Press is owned and operated by MICA graduate, Val Lucas. Val rescued a 1901 Colt's Armory letterpress from a basement in Baltimore, and after two months of cleaning and restoration... Well, you'll see her masterpieces at Holiday Heap!

In three words or less, please tell us about yourself.
Bird Nerd Printer

If your work had a theme song, what would it be?
It's the song my press sings while I'm working- ka-CHUNK ka-CHUNK ka-CHUNK!

It's a typical Wednesday night. Where are you?
In front of the small press in the living room printing cards, or folding & packaging what's dry from last week.

If you could create a craft, other than your craft, what craft would you craft?
Ceramics. I took a few ceramics courses and loved it!
 
Grilled or deep fried? 
Grilled, unless it's a candy bar!

Meet Holiday Heap's Carlybird Weaves!

If I were to describe my Charm City Craft Mafia friend, Carlybird Weaves, I would say this Amazon indie crafter is a weaving, loud-hymn singing, old-timey listening, hula-hooping rascal. (Actually, I think she may have said it first...)

In three words or less, please tell us about yourself.
Weave.  Sing.  Over-think.

If your work had a theme song, what would it be? 
This is impossible (see above--I over-think everything)....but maybe North Salem, a lovely fire and brimstone shape-note tune written in 1799.

It's a typical Wednesday night. Where are you?
Drinking a beer, trying to figure out how to organize my time and space.

If you could create a craft, other than your craft, what craft would you craft? 
Books.  I love handmade books!

Grilled or deep fried?
Grilled (cheese).

Meet Holiday Heap's HVM Designs!

HVM Designs is a one-woman crafting factory, powered by Charm City Craft Mafia member, Heather von Marko. In business since August 1st, 2005, operations have taken over the third bedroom of the family's small row house! 

In three words or less, please tell us about yourself.
Wears many hats.

If your work had a theme song, what would it be?
"If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out" by Cat Stevens.

It's a typical Wednesday night. Where are you?
Home, next to kids, yarn in hand, slippers on feet.

If you could create a craft, other than your craft, what craft would you craft?
POTTERY OMG. 

Grilled or deep fried?
Grilled.

Every Ticket Helps

For the past four years, St John’s United Methodist church has graciously hosted each incredible show the Charm City Craft Mafia has organized. But the church has been host to a much greater mission for more than twenty years now.


During the blustery cold December of 1987, in response to a news broadcast highlighting lack of available shelter for the homeless, Carol and Rich Berman approached their church's congregation at St. John's United Methodist Church with the idea of opening an emergency homeless shelter.

The vision was to improve the well-being of the community as a whole, and to help break the cycle of homelessness by providing quality, compassionate service to people in need.

In January of 1988, Heart's Place Shelter opened its doors in the basement of St John's church, providing shelter, clothing and food for men, women, children, and families.

...it continues today.

Heart’s Place Shelter provides much more than the basic necessities to men and women and families in need. They work to create plans for each individual to gain independence and become healthy and self-sufficient. They provide three meals a day, laundry services, hot showers and safety.

You can help Heart’s Place Shelter this holiday season by purchasing a raffle ticket (or three!) at Holiday Heap on Saturday, December 4th 2010 at St. John’s church. One lucky person will win a HUGE basket filled with a collection of handmade goods from members of the Charm City Craft mafia as well as from many of our super talented vendors! Think Biggs and Featherbelle, 2hawks2fishes, Namoo, Found Studio and so many more!

All money raised from the raffle will be donated to Heart’s Place, and the more money we can raise, the more people they can help.

Holiday Heap is this Saturady, December 4, 2010 from 10am to 5pm at 2640 St Paul Street, Baltimore MD 21218, inside St John's Church.

Meet Holiday Heap's El Jefe Design!

Simply put: El Jefe always delivers heavy-weight design.

In three words or less, please tell us about yourself.
Failed rock star.

If your work had a theme song, what would it be?
Rollins Band's Hotter and Hotter.

It's a typical Wednesday night. Where are you?
Either putting my two boys to sleep, wrapping posters for shipping, or catching a concert.

If you could create a craft, other than your craft, what craft would you craft?
I think my wife would appreciate it if I started making jewelry.

Grilled or deep fried?
Sigh. Deep fried.

Meet Holiday Heap's littlest bean!

When Jen (aka the littlest bean) was a child, one of her favorite things was opening a brand new box of crayons – 64 glorious colors hidden in a little cardboard box. She loved the limitless variations that were possible. As she got older, even though her wardrobe began to consist of mostly black, she still gravitated toward colorful bits like a raven. Buttons, yarn, fabric, beads, even glass rod… She would take it all home.

In three words or less, please tell us about yourself.
Loud, loving spaz.

If your work had a theme song, what would it be?  
Hmmm, my work?  I'm not sure... but the song that's in my head most often while I'm working is "No Sleep 'til Brooklyn."

It's a typical Wednesday night. Where are you?
Sitting in the living room, watching movies and cutting felt.

If you could create a craft, other than your craft, what craft would you craft?  
I love installation work. I could dream up installations forever and ever.

Grilled or deep fried?
Grilled.

Meet Holiday Heap's jennyjen42!

JennyJen... The name given to her new life... 42. The age where she became a kid again. This painter-turned-seamstress has a mission to create a unique line of handmade gifts that are fresh, practical and have a fun sense of spirit and nostalgia to them. Her narrative pillows and tote bags are inspired by the bird parties that are frequently held around JennyJen’s bird feeder in her Baltimore backyard.

In three words or less, please tell us about yourself. 
flexible work-a-holic

If your work had a theme song, what would it be? 
Let me think... Bluebird by Buffalo Springfield.

It's a typical Wednesday night. Where are you? 
Dinner, sweat shopping, and relaxing with my English fellow.

If you could create a craft, other than your craft, what craft would you craft? 
Making plushies!

Grilled or deep fried? 
Grilled.

Meet Holiday Heap's Elisa Shere Jewelry!

Elisa Shere Jewelry is all about rustic sterling silver jewelry made from recycled materials. The jewelry is carefully handcrafted from scratch using recycled, non-mined sterling silver that was processed in an earth friendly refinery. How cool is it that she has also eliminated most chemicals from the studio?!

First things first. Congratulations to our new Holiday Heap Mom!


In three words or less, please tell us about yourself. 
Super woman.

If your work had a theme song, what would it be?
I've given this some thought and I think my work would have more of a soundtrack than just one song. My work varies based on my love of color/feminine themes and my love of organic/geometic themes. So, I would say my soundtrack would be "The Royal Tenenbaums". Lots of interludes, energetic sounds, more introspective songs. It makes sense.

It's a typical Wednesday night. Where are you?
Right now, either snuggling my new baby or trying to get a few minutes up in my studio making beautiful jewelry for Holiday Heap.

If you could create a craft, other than your craft, what craft would you craft?
I wish I could sew or knit. I've always been terrible at these, but would love to learn.

Grilled or deep fried?
If I had to choose just one, I would say deep fried.

Meet Holiday Heap's Tasha McKelvey!

When googling "Tasha McKelvey," you'll find her listed under "handmade clay goodness." Her woodland and garden-inspired pottery is sure to be a huge Holiday Heap hit.

In three words or less, please tell us about yourself.
Pottery Making Fool

If your work had a theme song, what would it be?
The Beatles' "Blackbird"

It's a typical Wednesday night. Where are you?
Hanging out or in the studio working - if I'm lucky I might get to have a beer.

If you could create a craft, other than your craft, what craft would you craft?
Quilting, I just love quilts and patchwork!

Grilled or deep fried?
Deep Fried!

Meet Holiday Heap's City Sparrow!

All City Sparrow items are hand made in her Baltimore City row home. Production is overseen by City Sparrow's nosey cat, Gizmo.



In three words or less, please tell us about yourself.
fabric plants bicycles

If your work had a theme song, what would it be?
that's a really hard question. i love music and listen to it all the time, especially while i'm sewing. maybe something by frank sinatra would be appropriate.

It's a typical Wednesday night. Where are you?
cooking dinner and sewing while friends are in the basement making music. i love the sounds and smells of productivity.

If you could create a craft, other than your craft, what craft would you craft?
i would paint or draw. i'm really terrible at both.

Grilled or deep fried?
deep fried all the way.

Meet Holiday Heap's pidge pidge!

pidge pidge is run out of a cozy third floor apartment in upstate NY with a grumpy cat, Pigeon. The old floor loom and pidge pidge are sandwiched between a sewing machine and a giant stack of fibers in a tiny red room.



In three words or less, please tell us about yourself.
fibers freak!

If your work had a theme song, what would it be?
David Bowie's "Sound and Vision"

It's a typical Wednesday night. Where are you?
I've got off from the day job on Thursdays! I'm cooking a lazy dinner and then weaving late into the night, listening to reruns of Car Talk and This American Life... Maybe a little internet as well.

If you could create a craft, other than your craft, what craft would you craft?
I loved the pottery class I took in college. All of my bowls and cups were lumpy and weighed a ton, but if I had a little natural talent...

Grilled or deep fried?
Roasted :)

Meet Holiday Heap's The Broken Plate!

The Broken Plate Pendant Co. is where boxed up, unloved, dishes from Grandma come alive and are given a renewed purpose.

In three words or less, please tell us about yourself. 
I Break Plates.

If your work had a theme song, what would it be? 
Breaking Dishes by Rhianna

It's a typical Wednesday night. Where are you? 
Watching Modern Family.

If you could create a craft, other than your craft, what craft would you craft? 
I wish I could sew!

Grilled or deep fried? 
I want to say grilled, but we all know it would be deep fried.

Meet Holiday Heap's 2 hawks 2 fishes!

2 hawks 2 fishes comes with a disclaimer: 2 hawks 2 fishes is not responsible for any magical effects these hand made goods may have. We can't wait to see her at Holiday Heap this year!

In three words or less, please tell us about yourself.
walker, not talker

If your work had a theme song, what would it be?
At My Window by Townes Van Zandt

It's a typical Wednesday night. Where are you?

Home, playing my guitar for my 2 cats.

If you could create a craft, other than your craft, what craft would you craft?

Songs.

Grilled or deep fried? 
Grilled, definitely.

This Sunday at the Metro Gallery...

the alps >> a bizarre bazaar
november 28 :: metro gallery :: 2-10pm

1700 North Charles St

Baltimore, MD

This Sunday, from 2-6pm the Metro Gallery is hosting an array of holiday gift making workshops, a few craft vendors, and some good-vibe ambiance with live music and hot toddies! Later on from 6-8pm, a friendsgiving (byo leftovers), and afterthat a dance party. What a great way to spend a sunday and get your craft on! Facebook invite here!

WORKSHOPS by >>
matt muirhead :: stenciling cards
katie feild :: pop-up holiday cards
annie howe // bmore papercuts :: alt. snowflakes paper-cutting
julie bent // lot201 :: recycled, fingerless, felted glove-making

ALT-GIFT FAIR with goods sold by >>
pellinore press
motobus
zensations by jen
+ MORE

MUSIC by >>
martin kasey
Peaks [patrick rife]
+MORE
-------------
2-6pm WORKSHOPS + ALT-GIFT MKT.
6-8pm henna tattoos, films by scott braid + eric hatch + a FRIENDSGIVING feast [byo-leftovers + drink our hot toddies]
8-late pm dance party

Meet Holiday Heap's motobus!

Holiday Heap's vendor, motobus, is really interested in 'zakka' - the things that make people feel happy. so she draws! she make lots of buttons. and when she has more time she makes other things too!  

In three words or less, please tell us about yourself.
me make cute.

If your work had a theme song, what would it be?
"doo do doo doo ..."

It's a typical Wednesday night. Where are you?
Honey, I'm home!

If you could create a craft, other than your craft, what craft would you craft?
I'd like to be more industrial and make more usable things or be magical at baking.

Grilled or deep fried?
Both.  I'm from Texas, they're both on the plate and the plate is BIG.

Meet Holiday Heap's Sew Ono eco apparel!

"Recycling is love." Sew Ono is sustainable fashion. Made from reconstructed thrift store finds and friends and family discards. Not part of the fashion industry, part of the eco fashion movement.

In three words or less, please tell us about yourself.
I Heart Recycling 

If your work had a theme song, what would it be?
Strutter by KISS

It's a typical Wednesday night. Where are you?
On the couch hand sewing buttons.

If you could create a craft, other than your craft, what craft would you craft?
Screened t-shirts with ambiguous phrases.

Grilled or deep fried?
Grilled. Unless it's a Snickers!

Meet Holiday Heap's Cutesy but not Cutesy!

Diane Koss carried around stuffed animals throughout her childhood. Today, she makes one-of-a-kind monsters for her shop, Cutesy but not Cutesy.

In three words or less, please tell us about yourself.
Fluffbeast Connoisseur

If your work had a theme song, what would it be?
REM's Furry Happy Monsters. Hands down. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwfMstI3bpA

It's a typical Wednesday night. Where are you?
I'm on my living room floor surrounded by fluff, laptop by my side chatting with some of my favorite fellow business owners, listening to Pandora radio, and possibly eating a cupcake of sorts.

If you could create a craft, other than your craft, what craft would you craft?
In college I was a jewelry designer for a little while and I miss working with metals sometimes.  But I also have always been interested in printing (screen, letterpress, etc) and bookmaking.  So maybe that, since it's something I've never really done for an extended period of time before.

Grilled or deep fried?
Grilled.

Meet Holiday Heap's Hillery Rebeka Sproatt!

Hillery Rebeka Sproatt lives and works in Baltimore, where she makes prints, drawings, and embroidered objects. She is a collector of small things.

In three words or less, please tell us about yourself. 
more cute socks

If your work had a theme song, what would it be? 
A poorly sung song that I made up.

It's a typical Wednesday night. Where are you? 
In my studio working or walking the dog.

If you could create a craft, other than your craft, what craft would you craft? 
I would like to learn how to weave. I want to draw with weaving.

Grilled or deep fried? 
Deep fried.

Meet Holiday Heap's Biggs & Featherbelle!

Sisters Kelly and Kasey Evick created Biggs & Featherbelle in January 2003. A magazine article inspired the pair to make 'melt and pour' glycerin soaps as Christmas presents. With backgrounds in the Fine Arts and Fashion, the two had fun creating unique recipes, packaging and clever names for each item. The gifts were a big hit then and now seven years later, they are still providing products that everyone enjoys!


In three words or less, please tell us about yourself.
The Soap Sisters.

If your work had a theme song, what would it be?
Ozzy Ozbourne - Mama I'm coming home. It's hard not to sing it when you are cutting up hundreds of bars of Momma Bar....everyone does it. Corny....yes.

It's a typical Wednesday night. Where are you?
Eating a late dinner at home trying to wind down and watching survivor.

If you could create a craft, other than your craft, what craft would you craft?
Anything with fabric!

Grilled or deep fried?
Grilled and preferably with cheese!

Meet Holiday Heap's Bmore Papercuts!

The Charm City Craft Mafia could not be more excited about this year's Holiday Heap! With only 17 days left before St John's Church is packed with artistic mayhem, let's introduce you to some of our show's amazing vendors and let you see what really makes these crafters tick!

Meet Bmore Papercuts!

In three words or less, please tell us about yourself.
Papercutter. Puppeteer. Performer.

If your work had a theme song, what would it be?
No specific song but something with accordions in it like the
soundtrack to Amélie!

It's a typical Wednesday night. Where are you?
Yoga.

If you could create a craft, other than your craft, what craft would you craft?
Anything related to printmaking, silkscreen and letterpress.

Grilled or deep fried?
I should say grilled but my true answer has to be fried.

[Editor's note: There will be a quiz - with prize! - at Holiday Heap about these favorite vendors. Keep reading. More details soon.]

HOLIDAY HEAP 2010 VENDOR LIST!

just a few of the HOLIDAY HEAP 2010 Crafty Vendors!
It's HOLIDAY HEAP COUNTDOWN TIME! Just over 3 weeks to go!!
Our complete Vendor list is up on the Charm City Craft Mafia website!

CLICK HERE TO PREVIEW!

Holiday Heap 2010 is December 4, 2010. 10am-5pm at 2640 St. Paul Street in Baltimore. This is the EIGHTH juried craft show we've organize together, and we are so excited to introduce you (or, reunite you, as the case may be) with all of the 46 talented participating artists. We are also excited for the Curbside Cafe burrito truck, The coffee from Red Emmas, the music, the holiday cheer and the fine people of Baltimore coming together to buy local + handmade for the holidays.

Help spread the word by RSVPing on "The Facebook!"

Craft as Economic Catalyst (Ignite Baltimore 6: Megan Auman)

Becket Hitch - a New Craft Market in Baltimore

Guess what - It's NOVEMBER already. Nearly winter! Time to start thinking about holiday shopping, candy, and cold weather.
A great time to kick the season off with some craft fairs, don't you think? While you anxiously twiddle thy thumbs awaiting this year's Holiday Heap - why not check out a posh NEW type of fair in Baltimore's Woodberry neighborhood.

Introducing Becket Hitch, a makers market at Woodberry Kitchen. Becket Hitch will be an intimate pop-up shop style market of about 11 artisans - all offering handcrafted products with an emphasis on high quality and great design. We have our eyes on the Jewelry of Ashley Buchanan + K. Flick Studios, and the scandinavian knits of Churchtown Chapeau Co. (Check out all the talented vendors here)

Becket Hitch is November 13th from 10am - 3pm. There is a small cost to attend, but tickets include entrance to the market, valet parking at Woodberry Kitchen, small bites and a drink (yes, an alcoholic one) while you shop!
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online or at the door. Can you remember a time when you spent less than one bajillion dollars eating at Woodberry Kitchen? Us either (because we order the entire menu). So this is a fantastic deal.

for more info, visit - www.becketthitch.com
for one of the best meals you'll ever eat, visit - www.woodberrykitchen.com

Alt Craft Deadline - November 16

The American Craft Council is now accepting AltCraft applications for their flagship show in Baltimore and Atlanta.

This bustling section celebrates the innovative techniques and materials of the burgeoning handmade movement. This is an opportunity for talented artists and indie designers to gain national exposure at a well-established show.

They will be accepting 30 artists for Baltimore and 10 for Atlanta.

As part of the Council’s commitment to indie crafters, the cost of participation includes pre-setup of a skirted table, seating, electricity, lighting and trusses.
More info at www.craftcouncil.org

Holiday Heap Update

An enormous THANK YOU to all of the talented artists & crafters who applied to Holiday Heap 2010.
We had the hardest time yet going through 100's of very qualified applications to find the best possible mix for our fair.
We really are humbled at what terrific work is being made in Baltimore and beyond and are so glad to get to see it all.

Our applications have closed for this year, and we'll be announcing our vendor list shortly. In the meantime, gear up for what is sure to be the best fair to date!!

xoxo
-CCCM

Pratt Library Altered Book Competition!

Feeling creative? Grab one of those unwanted books and turn it into a work of art. The Enoch Pratt Free Library is proud to announce its 2nd annual Altered Books Competition.

An altered book is any book that has been recycled into a work of art. They can be rebound, painted, burned, added to, drilled or otherwise adorned. As simple as adding a drawing, or as complex as creating an intricate sculpture.

All entries to the competition are due at 1pm on Saturday, November 20. There will be a teen (13-18) and an adult (18+) category. Prizes will be awarded to the top three altered books for each category. The top 20 altered books will be on display at the Central Library starting December 10th.

My librarian mother would be mortified, but at least you'll be recycling!
To get involved, visit www.prattlibrary.org/alteredbooks.

Open Studio Tour!

I would venture to say that most artists in Baltimore would be thrilled to invited you into their studios just about any day of the week for a cup of tea, or a coupla Bohs, especially if you had some dollars burning a hole in your pocket, but you know... that can be a little intimidating for some, and what if you don't have dollars but you just have a giant crush on a local artist (art crush, romantic crush...we don't judge) and want to see what makes them tick? Enter School 33's annual Open Studio Tour!

Sadly, I won't be able to participate this year (I swear it has nothing to do with the fact that my studio is in desperate need of a vacuum and a mop), but if I were around this weekend I'd be sure to take a look at the following studios in all their art-makingest glory:

Colin Campbell Studios

Laurie Flannery

Make Studio

... and sometimes people who aren't technically part of the tour will have their door ajar, too, so don't miss this opportunity to barge right in...

For more info, go to School 33 and get it.

Current Space Seeks Crafters/Artists/Hoarders for Holiday Sale!

Current Space is interested in having a mixture of items for sale during their fundraiser. They are looking for folks interested in selling their crafts, artworks and/or rummage inside the new gallery space while music, food and drinks are being enjoyed around Current Space grounds.

Fundraiser is November 6, 2-8pm
Current Gallery
421 N Howard St
Baltimore, MD 21201

Table/selling space - around 4'x6' is $25
Sellers must provide their own table or are welcome to sell their goods on the ground.

To RSVP, or for further questions please email:
currentspace@gmail.com
Subject: FUNDRAISER

MICA Hosts Jewelry Open House

Are you interested in taking more jewelry classes, or just want to see a jewelry studio? MICA is hosting an Open House to meet jewelry center faculty and learn about courses offered through the certificate program. Guests can view demonstrations and get a tour of the facility. Refreshments will be served.

For directions, visit http://www.mica.edu/spcs.

The Open House is on Tuesday, Oct. 19, from 6–8 p.m. at the Jewelry Center at Meadow Mill, 3600 Clipper Mill Road, Suite 103, Baltimore.

Letterpress Printmaking at the Baltimore Museum of Industry

Ever wanted to letterpress print your own holiday cards, but don't have a half-ton printing press? Now is your chance! The holiday is approaching and it's time to create your very own personalized holiday cards using vintage printing presses at the Baltimore Museum of Industry (BMI) on Saturday, October 30, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.



The class will begin with a tour of the museum’s print gallery featuring an overview of the history of printing, and an equipment demonstration. Each participant will use vintage printing presses, typeface, and images to craft 12 personalized cards with envelopes.

The cost is $40 per person including supplies. Reserve your spot by Wednesday, October 27, 2010 space is limited. For more information or to register contact 410-727-4808 ext. 132 or Gena Morris at gmorris@thebmi.org.

About Baltimore Museum of Industry

Founded in 1977 as a project of the Mayor’s Office, the Baltimore Museum of Industry is a private, nonprofit organization established to celebrate the past, present and future innovations of Maryland industry and its people through dynamic educational experiences. The Museum is a leader in innovative education of Maryland industry and a major attraction for Baltimore, Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region. Hours are Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Monday museum is closed. The Museum is located at 1415 Key Highway. Parking is FREE

My Paper Crane at Atomic Books

Heidi Kenney of My Paper Crane will be here to discuss her work and process and to also sign copies of her new book, Every Day's A Holiday.

Date: Friday, October 15th
Time: 7-9PM

Location: Atomic Books. 3620 Falls Rd. Hampden, Baltimore.

Cost: Free

Heidi Kenney will be coming to Atomic Books to give a chat on her work and process, and to sign copies of her new book, Everyday's A Holiday (Chronicle Books). She also plans to have some amazing cupcakes–and a little goodie bag for all attendants to take home at the end of the night.

ABOUT EVERYDAY'S A HOLIDAY
In this festive how-to book, Heidi shares a year's worth of classic and not-so-classic projects that the whole family will enjoy, from the National Bird Day embroidered handmade book to the St. Patrick's Day mini leprechaun pin.

HEIDI KENNEY

Heidi Kenney created her blog (www.mypapercrane.com) as a venue to showcase her handmade art projects. Her work has been featured in many galleries and she sells her creations to a number of select shops. She lives with her family in Pennsylvania.

Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=151805148176359

Baltimore Print Studios Opens on North Ave Sunday!

Come join us as we celebrate with Baltimore Print Studios - their grand opening is Sunday!!!!
Baltimore Print Studios will be a community access printmaking facility offering equipment & workshops for letterpress and screen printing. The opening event will offer a tour of all the equipment & processes as well as refreshments & good company.
Come meet founder Kyle Van Horn and your fellow Baltimore printmakers from 3-7 on Sunday, October 17th (THIS sunday) and get more info on this new and exciting Station North Arts District landmark!!
Free, no experience required!

Baltimore Print Studios
18 W. North Ave (next to the Windup Space)
Baltimore, MD
Facebook Invite HERE.

Holiday Craft Fair Time!

Richmond Craft Mafia's handmade holiday show

It's Holiday Craft Fair application time already, and deadlines are already passing by! our own HOLIDAY HEAP is due THIS FRIDAY!!!!! We don't want you to miss out, so here's a shortlist of the MANY fairs in the area & beyond that we think are worth applying to! (got a good one we missed? email charmcitycraftmafia@gmail.com and tell us!):

Holiday Heap - December 4 - Baltimore (due October 8)
Merry Mart - December 5 - Baltimore (due October 11)
One of a Kind Show & Sale - November 11-14 - New York (ASAP)
Handmade Holiday - December 12 - Richmond, VA (Due October 20)

GET THOSE APPLICATIONS FLYING!!!!

All Crafty, All Weekend!

Looking for something to do this weekend? It's a craft takeover! For those not heading down to DC for Crafty Bastards, check out the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival up in Timonium. There will be over 250 artisans and crafters from all over the country. (Plus, Mother Nature is about to get crafty too- we've felt the chill in the air, so keep your eyes open for changing leaves and fall color!)



Also, don't forget that this is the LAST WEEKEND to apply for this December's Holiday Heap, the craftiest show in Baltimore. So get the best images of your work ready, and click here to apply!


image from flickr user tigerlillyshop

Crafty Bastards THIS SATURDAY October 2nd

Vegetarian Friendly Mounted Beasties by Horrible Adorables
Crushworthy Hand Printed Homegoods by Home Sweet
Snazzy Hand Sewn Bike Messenger Bags by Vaya Bags
Smashing Headwear by The Candy Thief
Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair in DC is coming up this weekend!
On Saturday, some of the greatest crafters in the country will descend on Adams Morgan for a day of shopping, food, entertainment, prizes, music & crafty fellowship.
It is an event not to be missed, and well worth the short trip from Baltimore!

Many of our own Mafiosos (Spaghetti Kiss, Pink Kiss Pottery, Sweet Pepita, Red Prairie Press, Cotton Monster, Carlybird Weaves...) will be there representing Baltimore along with some veteran CCCM show vendors like The Broken Plate Pendant Co, Biggs & Featherbelle, Dandelion Blu, Fisticuffs Leather, Tugboat Printshop, Tasha McKelvey, The Candy Thief and more! To check out the awesome vendor lineup, you can CLICK HERE!

Above are some personal favorites... but if I listed all of my favorites, most of the vendor page would be here. Truly & consistently my favorite show of the year!

Book Festival This Weekend!

It's that time of year again! The Baltimore Book Festival is here!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: The Baltimore Book Festival is September 24-26, 2010.

In 2010, the 15th annual Baltimore Book Festival welcomes more than 225 celebrity, nationally known and local authors including Holly Robinson Peete, Rodney Peete, Barbara Bradley Hagerty, Nigel Barker, Ree Drummond, Michele Norris, Sherri Sheppard, Judge Glenda Hatchett, Jesse Ventura, Warrent St. John, Amy Dickinson ("Ask Amy") and Matt & Ted Lee.

Our Children's Bookstore Stage is once again packed with your favorite authors and illustrators. Highlights include: Judith Viorst, Michael Buckley, Peter Earnest, Nikki Grimes, Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier and Carrie Ryan.

And as always, there will be tons to see & do... a great weekend for the entire family.
http://www.baltimorebookfestival.com for more info!