Q&A with Penelope Designs

1. Button, button, who’s got the button? Sorry! Couldn’t help it. I love your button jewelry. How did you come up with the concept?

Several years ago, a friend of mine gave me some gorgeous antique buttons from her late mother's yarn store, thinking I could use them for the sweaters that I knit. But, they were just so beautiful, I felt that they deserved to be highlighted on their own, not just brought out every now and then when someone wore the sweater. So I started thinking of all the different ways that buttons could be made into jewelry - earrings, bracelets, necklaces, etc., and began experimenting with different techniques. So I now make everything from the simplest post earrings with basic colorful plastic buttons, to the most elaborate necklaces made with antique shell buttons from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Buttons are so versatile, they really are just like another form of bead to me!

2. You knit cute little hats, crochet wire jewelry and are an active member of etsy CREST. You are quite a busy lady! Do you craft full time or do you have a “day job?”

Funny you should ask that! I just started yet another home based business this year, doing professional organizing. I am definitely over extended, but I think that is how I operate best, being a highly energetic person. My PO business, Order Your Life, is going great, and fulfills the "orderly" part of my persona, whereas the Penelope Designs business fulfills the creative side of me, so I am very lucky to be able to do both!

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

Whimsical, elegant, unusual.

4. What do you enjoy creating most of all and why?

I am an "ADD Crafter" and always love creating different things, but the one thing I do always love making are my crocheted wire necklaces. There is something very soothing about doing the crochet stitch with fine gauge wire and I can use different combinations of beads, crystals, and pearls with each necklace and I never know how it will come out looking until it is done!

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

The best place is my website at my etsy site, but I don't have even close to all my current products listed on it! The other best place is my basement studio, where I sell out of my Bethesda home to anyone who needs a quick birthday, holiday or bat mitzvah gift. Just call me at 301.351.3944 for a private appointment!

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

Exsqueeze me? Ninja pandas prolly - they are so cute!

Find Penelope Designs at the FINAL market of the season on October 9th!

Q&A with Bettes Bags!

Because I love Bette's Bags, I decided to repost their Q&A from last season. Enjoy!

1). Bette’s Bags is a family business with your daughter, Maggie, correct? Please tell us how it all began.

Actually, we are now more than a mother/daughter team. Dad (has been there since the first show) and Stew (Maggie's fiancee) are our roadies. They help us lift, carry and set up our tent and in return all we have to do is buy them lunch and dinner. Bette's Bags began as a joke really. Maggie purchased a very expensive designer bag and before she left the mall she saw another woman carrying the exact same bag. To tease Maggie, I made her a "One of a Kind" bag. She liked it and used it; friends and co-workers commented on it and wanted one of their own. We made several bags as "gifts.” After hearing from friends and family things like, "you two should start your own business,” “where do you sell your bag,” “do you have a website” and “how can I get you to make one for myself?".

In September 2007 we set up our first space at the Arlington Court House Market (renamed Arlington’s Urban Village Market at Court House). Maggie lived and worked in the area at the time and was very familiar with that market. We were so happy and very surprised at how well did at our first show. We continued at that market until it got too cold then spent that winter making bags in preparation for the following spring. And the rest, as they say, is history.

2). I tried to pick a favorite bag, but I can’t! You have too many beautiful designs? Do you have a favorite bag style—something you enjoy making the most?
We can both honestly say that EVERY NEW bag we make immediately becomes our new favorite. We actually have to plan on making ones for ourselves and NOT allow ourselves to keep each one that we make.

3). You’re an animal-lover, like me! Have you ever considered expanding into little dog carriers or even poo bag bags?
Oh my ... we are animal lovers aren't we! Although we have never considered making any "pet-specific" bags, several of our customers have purchased our tote bags for their pets needs. We have such a hard time making all of the bags and knitted accessories that we try not to add any additional products to our line.

4). What three words would you use to describe your craft?
Unique, Modern, Quality

5). Where can we find your craft outside the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market?
The first place to look is our website, http://www.bettesbags.com/, which lists all shows and markets for the upcoming fall and winter season. (People who sign up to receive our newsletters and get coupons before each show.)

Bonus question: Quick! What’s in your pockets right now?
A leather thimble, paper clip and ink pen … so McGuyver!

Find Bette's Bags in their usual spot, Booth #30, at the FINAL Ballston Arts & Crafts Market of the season on October 9th!

Me! Me! Me! And the Ballston A&C Market

Toot. Toot.

So, the great folks at the Arlington Connection did a feature story about me, your humble market manager of the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market. Please check it out and tell me what you think:

Market Manager with Artistic Flair

Delia: Thanks so much for this wonderful and oh, so flattering article. Your support of market is very much appreciated.

The Lynn Veronneau Trio October 9th!

Ya know, The Ballston Arts & Crafts Market is also about supporting our local musicians. Visit us on October 9th (from 1 -3 PM) and listen to the warm, jazzy melodies of one of out favorite bands, the Lynn Veronneau Trio

Sneak Peak at October 9th!

October 9th is our FINAL outside Market of the season (we'll start back up in April 2011) so, naturally, we saved some of the best art for last. Check out some of the amazing artists who will be spending some time with us at Welburn Square (aka The Ballston Circle).

Fast Snail Greetings & Design

Keith Patterson

Raiycrafts

Holland Cox

Sweet and Light

Marissa Molinaro

Bette's Bags

popidiot

Jewelry Link

Herban Lifestyle

And that's only the beginning! See you October 9th!

The Return of Christine Krizsa

I'm proud to announce a cool addition to the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market on October 9th--Christine Krizsa. It's been an entire year since Christine has visited the market with her unique photography design jewelry. And we're happy to have her back!

Check out Christine's orignal blend of photography and genuine silver jewelry at the nest Ballston A&C Market on October 9th!

A Big Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the September 11th Artist Raffle for the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. The raffle was a huge success and the AWLA raised over $250 dollars all thanks to you and your very generous donations.

September 11th's Market

Wow, what can say? Saturday was such a beautiful day!

Thanks goes out to the Constituents, for entertaining us with their unique flavor of "world music." You guys were great! Big hugs to Delia with the Arlington Connection and Noreen with the The Patch for coming out and supporting the market. I'll let everyone know when their articles come out. And, of course, thank YOU the artists. Without you our little market would never happen.

The sun, the amazing talent, the outstanding band, and the cupcakes. I'm a happy Market Manager. I hope you had fun, too.

Okay, now check out some pics from Saturday's show:

Grumpy Haters

Pocketful of Posy

Melissa Lew

Phil Barbato

Creative Art and Soul

The Constituents

BellaMei Designs

popidiot

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington

The BumbleBee Studio

Babus Toys

Reinvented Elegance

Herban Lifestyle

Warped

Purple Skirt Press

DragonFly Key

See you all for our last show of the season, October 9th!

Tomorrow's Market!

According to our friends at Accuweather, tomorrow promises to be another beautiful and sunny day!

http://www.accuweather.com/us/va/arlington/22201/forecast-details.asp?fday=2

So celebrate the perfect weather with a trip to the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market. Maybe even get some early holiday shopping done. So many talented artists in one place; we make it easy to support your local artists.

And don't forget the Animal Welfare League of Arlington will also on hand to answer any adoption questions and to hold an Artist Raffle where you could win a handcrafted prize from one of the 35 vendors who will be there.

Fun in the Ballston sun!

Cupcakes & Crafts Part Duex

Okay, so I know I mentioned this before, but Sweetbites Mobile Cafe is making their Arlington debut at the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market THIS Saturday.

So, let's give them a big Arlington welcome. They'll be swinging by around 9:30 AM to supply us Market folk with delicious breakfast treats (banana bread!) and stick around for awhile to brighten visitors' day with super-yummy cupcakes! Yah cupcakes!

Moist muffins, luscious cupcakes, sweet buttery cookies, decadent mini-cheesecakes and other confections--made in the European tradition with quality ingredients, no preservatives and loving care will all be at your fingertips.

Cupcakes & crafts. Is their a more perfect combination?

Q&A with Pocketful of Posy

1. Doxies, hippos, cowgirls—you use so many cool fabrics for your designer wristlets, pouches and bags. Do you have a favorite design or motif you enjoy creating the most?

We are definitely fabric addicts! We are frequent visitors to local fabric stores, but most of our fabric comes from online sites where we can get designer fabrics. Our favorite designers are Joel Dewberry, Heather Bailey, Amy Butler and Michael Miller. But, right now our favorite fabric is a Japanese import of tiny hippos.

2. Have you always been into designing wearable art, or is this something new for you?

Kelley is new to sewing, but Heather has been sewing since she was a kid. Heather's mom taught her to sew when she was 10 and the first thing she made were a pair of Jams—the brightly colored, tropical-print shorts that were popular in the 1980s. Heather hasn't made any embarrassing 80s-era clothes lately and instead focuses most of her sewing time on making bags and accessories for Pocketful of Posy.

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

Fun, fun, fun! We try to make things that will make you smile.

4. What kind of music (if any) to you enjoy listening to while your crafting?

Kelley likes to cut fabric watching her favorite TV shows like Mad Men and The Closer, and Heather likes to sew listening to NPR. One of her favorite weekend rituals is to listen to a recording of The Diane Rehm Show's "Friday News Roundup" while making her latest creations.

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

Come see us at our next show, Falling for Handmade, sponsored by the Capital Region Etsy Street Team (CREST), on Saturday October 16th from 10-4 at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg. We also sell some of our items at our website and we take custom orders.

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

The ninja pandas of course!

Find Pocketful in Posy (Booth #5) at this Saturday's Ballston Arts & Crafts Market on September 11th!

Sneak Peak at September 11th A&C Market

I can't believe the September 11th Market is this weekend. Talk about time flying. Well, as usual, here's a little sneak peak at some of the talented artists who will be showing that day. Can't wait to see everyone!

popidiot (Booth #14)

Phil Barbato (Booth #15)

Warped (Booth #1)

Babus Toys (Booth #8)

Herban Lifestyle (Booth #2)

Melissa Lew (Booth #33)

The BumbleBee Studio (Booth #13)

BellaMei Designs (Booth #22)

Amanda Beckham Artwork ( #21)

Claytastic (Booth #12)

See you in the Square this Saturday, September 11th!