Pyramid Atlantic Book Arts Fair!

Hey y'all! If you will be in the Baltimore area in November you definitely want to check out the

12th Biennial Pyramid Atlantic Books Art Fair & Conference

Going into its third decade, the fair showcases book art, limited edition prints, fine papers, and specialty tools along with exhibitions and book arts related programming. 

"This three day event will connect international artists, scholars, collectors, publishers, and art lovers. Serving to inform and inspire, the Book Arts Fair and Conference is a celebration of the printed form and the book as art."

The fair is taking place November 16-18, at the Silver Spring Civic Center, at Veteran's Plaza

Find out more about the fair at their website, or keep up to date by following their blog!

P.S. The Mafia's own Val Lucas of Bowerbox Press will also be in attendance selling prints!

Takoma Park Street Festival

Attention artists/crafters and musicians! The Takoma Street Festival is looking for vendors and performers for their annual event, coming up on Sunday, October 7th!!!

Accepting applications now!!!

The festival will take place on Carroll Avenue in Takoma Park, between Willow Street and Rt.410

Festivities to include live music, artisans, and children's activities!

For more information visit their website or email Laura Barclay at takomaparkstreetfestival@gmail.com

2hands Market

Crafters- the adorable 2hand Indie Craft Market is currently accepting applications for vendors! 

2hands was started by a group of four designers from the Annapolis area, and the market specializes in local and sustainable goods. 

The market will be held at Holy Grounds @ Severna Park Community Center on Saturday, November 3rd, from 10am to 3pm!

2hands Market is also a showcase for musicians and songwriters!

For more information on the market, becoming a vendor, or performer check out their website or email info@2handsmarket.com

P.S. You can also expect to see the Mafia's own Kacey Stafford of Found Studios at the event!

Pirates and Wenches! Oh My!

Argggg! If you are looking for a fun (and slightly silly) way to spend your Sunday you may want to check out the Pirate & Wenches Fantasy Weekend taking place over in Rock Hall, MD.

The festivities include:

+ Buccaneer Ball

+Live Pirate Encampment

+Street Performers

+Merchants, Artisans, and Crafters

For more information on events and schedules visit The Rock Hall Pirates website.

Etsy Craft Party

Since most of you are already Etsy users you may have heard about their upcoming Craft Party 2012, but just in case we wanted to remind you about this exciting event on Friday, August 24th!

The Etsy Craft Party is actually hundreds of crafty get-togethers being hosted all around the world. Go to the Craft Party page to sign up as a host or to find a party already being planned near you!

 Parties with at least 25 registered guests by August 12th will receive a free box of supplies from Michael's!

The theme this year is "Wish You Were Here", and Etsy has published a .pdf file with tons of great craft ideas working off of this theme.

Here are some fun photos from last year's global craft parties:

To start receiving emails about the Etsy Craft Party visit the website or email info@meetup.com

Summer Printmaking Workshops at BPS!

(photos from bmore media & Simon Goes)

Itching for a late summer activity? We HIGHLY recommend the Sunday workshops at Baltimore Print Studios!! There are two this month with spots still open if you act fast!

Sunday, August 12th – Intro to Letterpress – $140 one-day letterpress workshop covers all the basics of letterpress printing. Attendees will learn how letterpress printing works, how to hand-set wood- and metal-type, print from type and polymer plates, and how to troubleshoot printing and press issues. Students will leave the class understanding how to operate the presses safely and efficiently. This class will provide you the skills to return and rent time to print your own work during our regular studio hours. All supplies will be provided. Please dress in comfortable clothes and shoes. We will break for lunch at one of the area restaurants. The workshop costs $140. Payment must be made at time of registration.

Sunday, August 26th – Intro to Screenprinting – $140 one-day screenprinting workshop covers all the basics of screenprinting. Attendees will learn first hand how properly coat, expose, print from, and clean a silkscreen. Differences in inks, printing substrates, screen mesh, and filmwork will all be discussed, and various multi-color registration techniques will be covered. This class will provide you the skills to return and rent time to print your own work during our regular studio hours. All supplies will be provided. Please dress in comfortable clothes and shoes. Be prepared also to get either inky, wet, or both. We will break for lunch at one of the area restaurants. The workshop costs $140. Payment must be made at time of registration.

Already a printmaking pro? You can rent press time, burn screens, set type, and print away at BPS for a small hourly fee. To check out rental costs visit THE WEBSITE.