Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Little Flower Designs

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Little Flower Designs, handmade by Linda Johnson. My wares are handmade by me in my Huntingdon Valley, PA studio. I make simple forms then hand etch and glaze my illustrations onto each piece. My work features birds, flowers, trees, text and other nature inspired themes.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

My favorite holiday tradition is putting up our christmas tree, especially now that we have a little one! I can't wait to see her little face light up when she see's the lights and all the ornaments. My personal tradtion is buying a new handmade ornament from a fellow crafter. I love knowing who made our ornaments and hope to pass this tradition onto our daughter. And of course sharing the season with family and friends!

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?

Shoppers can find many lovely gifts at my table including, cups, bowls, platters, vases and holiday ornaments.

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Kittner Studio

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I just started selling on Etsy ;) and can be found at etsy.com/shop/KittnerStudio. I am making my jewelry using frit, resin and marrying them with my hand made, mixed metal bezels. I've also been creating many little found treasure collages from vintage liquor  and cigar labels. I will also have a selection of assemblage work made from found pieces, including playskool blocks.

Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration usually comes in the middle of the night when all is quiet and I process the happenings of the day. Or in the middle of the day, when I'm singing along with Aretha, Ella, Bonnie or any of my other Ipod studio mates.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

My Favorite holiday tradition is celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas by having a Jewbilee tree.

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Queens Metal

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Queen's Metal. We make bold jewelry for fearless women! Our pieces are mixed metal creations we forge and carve ourselves. Sometimes we make a model in wax and then cast it, sometimes we work with metal in wire and sheet. Our pieces are fun, easy to wear, but still make a statement.

Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration comes from everywhere! A lot of ideas come from traveling. Our new harpoon series comes from driving up the Pacific Coast Highway and stopping to visit an old whaling community.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation with my brothers.

What is your favorite thing about Baltimore during the holiday season?

I love driving around and looking at all the lights and decorations. The Inner Harbor always looks beautiful.

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?

So much new stuff! Lots of funky new bracelets, an awesome series of carved and cast "gems" and arrows.

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).

Queensmetal.com

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, NAMOO

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My shop name is NAMOO which means “tree” in Korean. I work with fabric and make housewares for babies, toddlers and homes. I also make bags and accessories with fabric. I collect fabrics, both new and old, from various locations. I often try to explore traditional patchwork techniques from many different parts of the world. I love combining traditional crafting with contemporary textile.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Wrapping Christmas gifts on late Christmas eve

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?

Quilted bags and scarves for friends!

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).

www.namoo.etsy.com

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Fisticuffs Leather

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Fisticuffs Leather. Hand build wrist cuffs and watchbands made from reclaimed and recycled leather and found objects.

Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in everyday items such as bags and belts. I can see a design within every little thing I pick up.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

My favorite holiday tradition is decorating the house with all the lights.

What is your favorite thing about Baltimore during the holiday season?
My Baltimore holiday favorite is Holiday Heap, of course!

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?

My cuffs are constantly changing. I have some new wrap cuffs and what I'm calling the "scrap cuff" due to all the little extra pieces of leather I'm left with during the process of making loads of cuffs.

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).
My website lists all the stores where you can find cuffs to buy, as well as future shows we'll be attending.

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Tigerlillyshop

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Tigerlillyshop. I take collected nature things that I collect around Baltimore like budding branches, acorns, leaves, feathers and preserve them with metal.  I make one of a kind metal jewelry and preserved elements cast from nature or encased in copper using the electroforming process. I also make a line of button jewelry using kimono fabrics. 

Where do you find inspiration?

I collect specimen around Baltimore, seeking out spaces where urban life meets the natural landscape in parks and city gardens. I find oak trees that drop the tiniest acorns, maples that throw giant "helicopters", and secret places in Patterson Park's natural treasures.

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).

You can find my work locally at Emporium Collagia in Fells Point or in my etsy store: tigerlillyshop.etsy.com

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Bmore Papercuts

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one of a kind papercuts, made form mailing envelopes and exacto knives

What is your favorite thing about Baltimore during the holiday season?

The Hampdem Christmas Parade! Hands down!

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?

I will have new prints of my papercuts available made in collaboration with Common Seed Press

Other than javascript:void(0)Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases?

Trohv in Hampden

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, greenstarstudio

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greenstarstudio is a collection of decorative and functional art pieces, prints, wearables, dolls and more, designed with children in mind & using ecologically responsible methods and materials. Starting January 2011, I'll be officially launching *might, the new home of my work for kids. 

Where do you find inspiration?

I am currently sharing my life with my 13 month old. We spend most of our days pretending to be the dog, painting in the bathtub & tearing magazines into teeny tiny little pieces. You can't get more inspiration than that!

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?

I'm VERY excited to be premiering two new fabric games--- super soft, portable & guaranteed to entertain little hands and minds for a long time (or at least long enough to let you get dinner started or go to the bathroom by yourself... which is all any of us can ask for!). 

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases?

greenstarstudio.etsy.com
mightMIGHT.etsy.com

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Holland Cox

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Holland Cox (www.hollandcox.com). I design and make by hand fabric fashion accessories for people who make their own rules! I love using fabric rather than leather because of the endless possibilities of combining color and pattern. All my handbags are one-of-a-kind.

Where do you find inspiration?

I am inspired by the individuals I see who make an effort to put together their own look. My customers don't like looking like everybody else, and are not inspired by shopping at the mall. Bright color and bold patterns thrill me, and finding ways to create accessories that are stylish and sophisticated but still *fun* is what I love the most!

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?

I have new belts in several widths that are perfect ways to put your personal spin on any outfit, even boring work-appropriate ones.

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Bee's Knees Studio

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Bee's Knees Studio is my creative outlet for all things cute, bright and silly. I create my original paintings using acrylic or watercolor paints and then publish them as digital prints, cards, and stationery.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

As a kid, I always loved the cross-stitch advent calendar my mother made. It was a big tree with a tiny cross-stiched ornament for each day and I would get very upset if anyone else got to hang my favorite ornament (Rudolph!).

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?

Brand new for Holiday Heap I have hand-painted owl ornaments which are super cute. Hoot hoot!

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).

You can find me online at http://ericavess.com or http://beeskneesstudio.etsy.com

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Articipe

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Articipe (art + recipe = articipe) I create hand lettered recipe prints to decorate your kitchen or any little nook in your home. They make great gifts to any cook in your life and are also a great way to memorialize Grandma's best recipes for the whole family. When I make the prints, I hand draw each letterform on my computer with the help of my trusty tablet. The fun part is that I never know how a print will turn out until I'm done. I have to play around with the type and words to get everything to feel just right or convey the right idea, and am always surprised with the results!

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

My favorite holiday tradition is cooking! Go figure. I love cooking at any time, but around the holidays there is just something extra special in the air that makes it so much for fun to cook for people I love.

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores)?

I can also be found online at Etsy.com: etsy.com/shop/articipe

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Catherinette by Katie Stack

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My name is Katie Stack and I am the owner and maker of Catherinette by Katie Stack. Because my pieces are made of cast off remnants from the garment and accessory industry (and therefore the pieces I get are sometimes odd shapes and very small pieces) I often have to stare at a piece of leather for a few days before I am ready to cut into it.

Where do you find inspiration?

When I am deciding what I want to make I think of my own life as a person who commutes for 3+ hours a day to my day job is as a costume craftsperson and milliner for a large Shakespeare theatre. I ask myself what might make that commute easier and a little more fashionable? can I fit a book, a laptop, and a bottle of water into that bag? Will this look nice as a wallet and a clutch bag? Would I carry that bag for more than one season? Since I am often surrounded at my day job with European military research many of my designs reference those classic and utilitarian details- nice topstitching, riveted corners, double buckles, an open body of the bag so it can be used for many purposes etc.

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?

This season I am working on pieces that are affordable (around $20-$40), useful- belt clips for transit cards, different wallet styles, and fun! No one has a ton of expendable income right now, so I think it is nice to spend that money on something that will make you smile.

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases?

My work can be found in a few locations. Most notably on etsy.com at www.Catherinette.etsy.com at ArtSpring in Takoma Park and at www.Lovefeasttable.com

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Foxfire Pottery

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Patty Bilbro/Foxfire Pottery. High-fire functional stoneware with a layering of shino glazes and brushwork illustrations. I will also be selling new narrative sculptural work.

Where do you find inspiration?

My background in psychology, humor, human interactions, animals and our relationship to them.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Eating good food with my family.

What is your favorite thing about Baltimore during the holiday season?

I'm new to Baltimore, so I'm looking forward to discovering the city during the holidays.

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?

I'm debuting some new sculptural work.

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).

Online at www.pattybilbro.etsy.com, Constance Williams Gallery in Asheville, NC, Over the Mood Gallery in Floyd, VA, Mudfire Gallery online and in Atlanta, GA, The Society for Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh, PA or you can always contact me directly.

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, The 50/50 Company

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The 50/50 Company specializes in highly detailed black and white line-art. All original art is created with pencil, pen, and ink. We produce silk screened apparel and prints that can be found by visiting www.the5050company.com or www.etsy.com/shop/the5050company.

What is your favorite thing about Baltimore during the holiday season?

We’re super excited to set up shop in Baltimore and really looking forward to getting some natural inspiration from the Aquarium! See you soon!

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Pidge Pidge

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I run pidge pidge out of a cozy old train station apartment in Pennsylvania with my grumpy cat, Pigeon. My old floor loom and I are sandwiched between my sewing machine and a giant stack of fibers. Here, I hand weave scarves playing with patterns and texture and create fun, unexpected color combinations.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration anywhere I spot unique color combinations- in nature, magazines, online and at craft shows! I try keep a notebook with me (more likely the backs of envelopes and scraps) to jot ideas down to interpret later.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

I love cooking in the kitchen all day with family to make Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner- any excuse to be warm and cozy and come up with elaborate dishes (probably with cheese or cream..) together.

What is your favorite thing about Baltimore during the holiday season?

Visiting family when we are in town and holiday heap!

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?

I have recently handsewn a collection of purses and clutches incorporating my woven designs!

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).

I will be selling my wares December 4th at Merry Mart (at the Patterson) and have an etsy shop: www.pidgepidge.etsy.com.

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Dandelion Blu

List your shop name and give a brief description of your work and process.
"Dandelion Blu" is a handmade jewelry studio specializing in kiln fired enameling and metal smithing. I like the combination of glass on metal and the opportunity to include color and images into my pieces. Enameling is a process where powdered glass is applied to metal in layers and fired at 1500 degrees till it fuses. The process can be unpredictable, and no 2 pieces are ever exactly alike

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?
New for 2011 are enameled wine charm sets! 6 different enameled charms on wine rings. Perfect for hostess gifts! New Reversible Graffiti Necklaces, contrasting color combinations, hung on colored cable necklaces. Also new styles of enameled hair pins, and mirrored Acrylic Dandelion Pendants.

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).
Dandelion Blu can be found at www.dandelionblu.etsy.com, Doubledutch Boutique in Hampden and The Delaware Center for Contemporary Art.

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, five8ths

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five8ths garments are crafted one at a time from high-quality natural fabrics, handmade with attention to detail in design, construction, and finishing techniques. They are polished, yet comfortable and suitable for casual occasions. Available in standard sizes, semi-custom, and bespoke, five8ths clothes allow the wearer to look their best.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration from a simple lifestyle, in which the environmental and social impact of the items we acquire is carefully considered. I am also inspired by the process of designing and sewing itself--I take pleasure in extended periods of concentrated work, and the experience of growth as I work towards mastering my craft.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

The Thanksgiving feast! Thanksgiving combines 2 of my favorite activities--vegan cooking and get-togethers!

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Open Eyes Press

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Open Eyes Press is a screen printing and hand sewn crafts business that focuses on making eco-friendly housewares. I do all of my own printing in my in-home studio here in Baltimore.

Where do you find inspiration?

I get a lot of inspiration from vintage advertisements and fabrics. It's always interesting to look at the combination of graphics and colors that were used during a specific time period. I actually have a small collection of magazines that I look at from time to time, some of which date back to the 1920's.

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).

You can find my products online at openeyespress.etsy.com, or locally at Paradiso in Hampden. For a full list of my retail locations in the US, please check out the sidebar on my blog.

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Wooly Baby

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Wooly Baby. I'm Josie Marsh, the designer behind Wooly Baby. My slippers and hats are handmade in Pennsylvania from upcycled wool sweaters and leather jackets. When I was unable to find wool, high-topped, leather soled slippers for my baby, I made my own from thrift store clothing. Simply styled in a variety of colors, Wooly Baby slippers are available in newborn through adult sizes.

Where do you find inspiration?

Having my daughter was my initial inspiration to quit my corporate day job and figure out something that I could do at home with her. My design inspiration comes from vintage clothes and shoes and the designs in the sweaters that I find. I am inspired to use only recycled materials when I learn about the astonishing amount of trash (and used clothing in particular) that this country creates. My inspiration to grow and improve my business comes from my background as an industrial engineer and also from my finance-minded husband. And finally, my customers are wonderful inspiration and support; without them would not exist!

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).

You can find my slippers here: www.woolybaby.etsy.com

Meet Holiday Heap Vendor, Vaya Bags

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Vaya Bags: Queens, NY. We make handmade bike messenger bags and accessories out of recycled bike tubes and scrap sailboat awnings.

Where do you find inspiration?

A lot of the color inspirations I get from nature and national geographic magazines! Some of the most unique color combinations turn out to be the most striking.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Eating!

What is your favorite thing about Baltimore during the holiday season?
Holiday Heap of course!

Do you have anything new that shoppers can look forward to?
I have a new Pannier / Messenger bag hybrid that hooks onto your bike rack and also converts into a messenger bag.

Other than Holiday Heap, where can we find you for purchases (online or stores).

www.vayabags.com or at my store in Queens!