Q&A with Moonlight Bindery

1). The first time I saw your LEGO-based books I was completely delighted. How cool! Do you find that your fan base for these books is younger or does it mainly consist of folks who enjoy the nostalgia (like me!)?

It is a combination of both of those groups. I have young kids who want to grab them and start playing with them right away and older people who feel a nostalgia for the LEGO of their youth. There is also a subset of older fans who still actively play with LEGO!

2). Which type of books do you enjoy making the most?

The LEGO-based books are the most fun. The Coptic sewing style is time consuming but more interesting and challenging than some of the other binding styles I make. On the other hand, I enjoy pairing unique paper and cloth to make my case bound books. The photo albums I have started making with inset Verkade cards are a nice combination of case bound but with the extra detail of the inset art on the cover. I guess I like it all!

3). What three words would you use to describe your craft?

Exacting, Tactile, Fun!

4). Please tell us about your other shop on etsy, NotNewShop. Are vintage treasures another passion of yours?

The vintage interest stems from my youth following my mother to estate sales, antique stores and flea markets. It was her passion, but after a while it became mine too. I started out collecting inkwells and antique pens. It just sort of took off from there!

5). Where can we find your craft outside the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market?

I have an Etsy shop MoonlightBindery.com. I have also show at regional yearly craft fairs like Arts Star Craft Bazaar and Crafty Bastards.

Bonus question: So, ninja pandas or a yeti. Who would win?

Definitely yeti!

Check out Moonlight Bindery at Booth #11 at the June 12th Ballston Arts & Crafts Market.

Wild Hare Fiber Studio

Bright colors and soft textures. That's what Wild Hare Fiber Studio is all about. Hand-spun and colored, the yarn from this artisan can't be beat.

You have to see it in person to experience the cozy feel and vibrant colors owner, Melissa Yoder Ricks creates. Good thing the Studio will be not only selling original fibers and handcrafted items at the June 12th Market, she will also be spinning on location!

So, watch Melissa in action in Booth #27 at the Ballston A&C Market.

Cool, New Artists at the June 12th Market

There are so many cool, new artists joining the Market on June 12th, I get all giddy just thinking about it. Here, take a look ...

Moonlight Bindery

Space Moderne

Holland Cox

FatDog Jewelry

Glynt Pottery

See? Told ya.

Q&A with Nikdapooh Designs

1). Well, I gotta ask. What’s the story behind the name of your business, Nikdapooh Designs?

Nikdapooh is one of my favorite nicknames that I was given as a little girl by my mom and uncle. Nikdapooh is a mix of Nikki (my nick name from Monique ) and Winni the Pooh (the cute bear). I'm gonna say it means very cute, friendly and makes you smile. (I'm still like that, of course!) Not to mention very pooh-like. I use Nikdapooh Designs as my business name now because I want my work to bring out that happy inner child that some of us adults forget about in our everday lives.

2). From the doe-eyed "Fish Out of Water" to the sweet Orioles Wall Hanging, I love how each piece seems to evoke a darling personality. Is there a favorite "character" you like to create?

I love to create fun characters that make my 9-year-old say, "I want that one, Mom!" with a big smile on her face. That means I did something right in my book.

3). What three words would you use to describe your craft?

Three words I would describe my craft as would have to be ...

Eco-Inspired because I love upcycling materials for my craft and having my friends involved in saving things that I can repurpose into art.

Family Friendly because Nikdapooh

Designs is all about family interaction, conserving and fun crafts for

everyone.

Unique because I work from the heart and my imagination. I really want to share all those random artsy ideas that run through my mind all day untill the middle of the night.

4). I have seen a surge of amazing talent emerge from Baltimore in the past few years. How would you describe the Baltimore craft scene?

The Baltimore craft scene is one big melting pot family. I've meet many crafters in shows over the years and when I see them again we embrace each other like a family reunion. I have been inspired, schooled and put in my place by my family of artist/crafters here in Baltimore and mostly because they walk different paths in life and come from all over the world.

5). Where can we find your craft outside the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market?

You can enjoy Nikdapooh Designs crafts on my Etsy shop. And, if you like blogs, check out my blog.

Bonus question: Quick! What’s in your pockets right now?

Nothing, I'm wearing a house dress. (Can't believe I just told you that!)

Visit Nikdapooh Designs and her beautiful mixed media creations on June 12th Market at Booth #5.

Lanyapi Designs' Hidden Treasures

The locket is a classic piece of jewelry. What I especially love about this charming staple piece is that it always opens up to find something special inside. It hides a treasured secret. Now, jewelry like that has always captured my imagination, therefore my attention. Perhaps that's why I am so drawn to the Lanyapi Designs.

According to her blog, Lanyapi Designs', owner Daisy Bandera, "love(s) making jewelry with little secret compartments. I adore designing necklaces with secret love letters and lockets with unique storage space."

Well, how perfect--I love buying them! Check out Lanyapi Designs' compartment and vintage jewelry at Booth #20 at the June 12th Ballston Arts & Crafts Market.

Q&A with Clean Slates

1). So, please tell us how you came up with the name of your business, “Clean Slates.”

I came up with the name for my pottery, "Clean Slates," because I use this phrase a lot! Whenever I needed to solve a conflict with my darling offspring (four kids!), I would stress the importance of accepting responsibility, apologizing and then moving on -- learning from the lesson -- a fresh start. A clean slate. The pottery is actually clean slates!

2). I love the bright, vivid colors you use in your pieces. When did you decide to become a potter?

I decided to become a potter the first time I touched clay! I got a summer job with the City of Fairfax in the art workshop many moons ago. A very talented art teacher worked there and introduced me to the wheel. I just loved it! I worked there for five summers. I put this love on the back burner for 20 years to raise my children. In 2002, I got back into and was lucky enough to get my own kiln.

3). What three words would you use to describe your craft?

earthy, functional, unique

4). What inspires you when you are designing?

[My inspiration comes] mostly through food! I love to create pieces that are functional and great for entertaining. I love the bright colors for a "Cinco de Mayo" party! I also get inspired by the ocean. I make the shells that have soft, peaceful colors; or blues to represent waves.

5). Where can we find your craft outside the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market?

At this time I just participate in local shows, such at the City of Fairfax in the fall or the Middleburg Holiday show. I do not have a website at this time.

Bonus question: Quick! What’s in your pockets right now?

A hole is burning with all the money I make selling pottery. I can still dream!

Catch Clean Slates and her magnificent pottery at Booth #12 at the June 12th Market!

The A&C Market at Taste of Arlington

Taste of Arlington was a HUGE success. And best of all, it opened the door to a lot of new visitors to the A&C Market. Amazing weather, creative crafts, delicious food, great music and awesome people. What a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Thanks everyone! Check out some pics from yesterday's show.

Laughing Moon Artworks charming creations.

Herban Lifestyle's Fuzzy Soap. I bought the one in front!

Jewelry Link's unique woven metal necklace. First I've seen of its kind.

Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty!

We draw the crowds!

EHL Creations beautiful ceramic tiles.

Bette's Bags (and felt brooches!).

Yellin Moon's hand-crafted children's dresses.

LazyDog Art and an active muse.

Quite possibly the cutest little hat I've ever seen, Ninnycat Crochet.

The photo doesn't do justice to how Melissa Lew's Moonrock piece absolutely glows.

Taste of Arlington may have had yummy food, but we had free candy courtesy of Love to Create!

The Green Leaves is my favorite Creative Art & Soul pendant.

I have to thank the raccoon in BoxBox's attic for inspiring my fav BoxBoy box.

Reinvented Elegance her her new broken plate hewelry. Fantastic!

The Ballston Arts & Crafts Market will be back in Welburn Square Saturday, June 12th with many new vendors joining us that month.

Taste of Arlington--TOMORROW!

Oh, boy. I can't believe Taste of Arlington is tomorrow. Time really flies, doesn't it?

Personally, I can't wait to feed my face full of the best food Arlington has to offer--and that's A LOT of good stuff. Ah, music, sunshine, tasty treats and, oh yah--let's not forget about all of the talented artist artists who will be struttin' their jewelry, tees, children's fashion, decoupage, paintings and more in Welburn Square tomorrow. Yep, we'll be there in our usual spot, with all sorts of handmade goodies.

Swing buy and pick up something handcrafted and completely awesome from local faves like ...

Laughing Moon Artworks

Jen-A-Fusion

Herban Lifestyles

BoxBoy Demented Decoupage

Artsy Fartsy

Sunday. May 16th. Welburn Square. See you there.

Lyon Park Spring Fair Today!

If you live in the Lyon Park community of Clarendon, stop by the Community House for the Annual Spring Fair TODAY!

Starting at 11am and ending at 3pm, bring the kiddos, play some games, eat a hot dog, snag a cupcake, shop some crafts and even ride a pony. Yep, there will be ponies! So, come by and support your neighborhood is a fun way. I'll be there helping out for the majority of the day, so pop by and say, "Hi."

Did I mention the ponies?

Get a Taste of Art at Taste of Arlington

Are you curious about just who will be the artists making cameos this Sunday (May 16th) at Taste of Arlington? Well, here's a ... ahem ... taste:

Lazy Dog Art

Gloria Freund 'n' Friends Photos

Creative Art & Soul

Bette's Bags

bLuGrn design

See you Sunday!

Q&A with Fast Snail

1). I like the name of your company, “Fast Snail.” It makes me smile. What's the story behind it?

I'm glad that it makes you smile, because that is one of the main reason that I do what I do! The informal motto at Fast Snail is "speed is relative." "Fast Snail®" is because we are moving forward, maybe seeming slow to others, but always forward.

2). I noticed on your website you have a lot of Washington D.C.-themed items. What I like about these items is that although they are all about D.C., they are not your typical touristy stuff. They are original and fun! Do you find visitors of the District enjoy these the most?

Interestingly, I sell most of these to people who live in the D.C. area. If not for themselves, many people buy the Washington-themed items as gifts for friends, relatives, and colleagues who have lived, visited, studied or worked in D.C. at some point or who are still in the area.

Like the Eiffel Tower and Paris, everyone has a great story about their connection to D.C. or affection for particular monuments. I love hearing them when I meet customers in person.

3). So Paris or D.C.?

Paris hands-down, but j'adore D.C.!

4). What three words would you use to describe your craft?

Thoughtful, fun, original.

5). Where can we find your craft outside the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market?

• 24-7 on my website, www.fastsnail.com

In several stores in the D.C. area:

• A Show of Hands

• Après Peau

• The Artful Gift Shop

• Crème de la Crème

• Embellishments

• inkthis

• Name Droppers

• The Picket Fence

• Politics & Prose

• PULP DC and later this summer, P-Town PULP in Massachusetts.

• The Madeira School

I participate in several other fairs and markets during the year, and those are listed at fastsnail.com.

Bonus question: Quick! What’s in your pockets right now?

My phone and my glasses

Taste of Arlington!

Attention foodies AND crafties! Have you ever been to Taste of Arlington? Taste of Arlington is an annual event that transforms the Ballston area into a lively street festival, complete with local entertainment, lively sponsors, children's activities, and lots of noteworthy restaurants. Over 40 restaurants participate in this spectacular community event, which draws an average

of 15,000 people each year who live in the greater Washington, D.C. area.

And this year, the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market will be joining the fun. One street down from the festival, we'll be setting up shop in our regular spot, Welburn Square, to celebrate the festival vibe.

So, when your belly gets full, walk it off a bit and stroll through the A&C Market to purchase some awesome handmade crafts by local faves, like Ninnycat Crochet, Artsy Fartsy, Herban Lifestyles, bLuGrn designs, Laughing Moon Artworks, Bette's Bags and so many more. You know, the Market regulars!

The weather will be beautiful, so see you Sunday, May 16th!

Windy City!

I don't have an anemometer, but I think there may have been a hurricane in Welburn Square yesterday! :)

Although the wind gusts must have reached over 40mph, Opening Day of the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market was a windy, yet fun adventure. To those of you who weathered the wind, major props (and great sales!). For those who just could not risk their inventory, I completely understand. Maybe we can get a "wind" date. I'll see what I can do and keep ya'll in the loop.

The day, itself, was beautiful. Thanks to the vendors, the supporters, the many visitors and everyone else who made Saturday's Market a success. Here are some cool shots from Opening Day!

Artsy Fartsy's colorful flower brooches.

The wind didn't scare the visitors. They kept coming!

Bright, vivid pottery makes me happy, Clean Slates.

.

I wish Marissa Molinaro could have stayed longer. Stoopid wind. See you in June!

Homeward Trails Artsit Raffle raised $200 for animal welfare!

bLuGrn design's booth was busy ALL day.

The unique handcrafted pens were a hit.

Brighter Day Beads' fantastical ocean friends line.

.

Wild Hare Fiber Studio hard at work.

Nice shot Sharp Shirter.

Bags, bags & more beautiful bags by Warped.

Words cannot discribe how awesome Grumpy Hater & her pluses are. See you next month!

SweetFlow Mobile graced us with their delicious & healthy frozen yogurt.

BoxBoy's Day of the Dead work. Loves it.

BellaMei Designs's stunning pieces.

See everyone again June 12th!