Thursday, July 29, 2010

Q&A with Campbell Photography

1). I’m putting it out there—I’m a big fan of your photography! When did you decide to become a photographer, or have you always been one?

I’ve been taking pictures for a long time, but it really began when I was around 10 years old

. My parents had a friend who worked for Kodak and he would send us film and cameras to play around with, so we always had camera gear around the house. I then took my love for photography to college where I received a degree in Film/Television. So, a passion that began with a box full of cameras–decades ago–became my career.

2). It seems you are very inspired by nature. Do you have a favorite location to shoot?

I love to shoot close to home. I live in Carroll County, Maryland where there are lots of streams, parks and lakes close by. Sunrise, sunset, fog, rain and snow are the best times for nature photography. When the world decides to stay inside, I’ll go take a hike at a local park with my camera.

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

Three words? That tough. How about: Keeping It Simple. When I photograph a subject, I try to keep the composition as simple as possible. Every picture should have one subject; it could be a lone tree on a hill, a dewdrop on a flower petal, or the light streaming through the clouds. If an image becomes too cluttered, the viewer becomes distracted.

4). The colors in your work are absolutely stunning. STUNNING. Have your photos been edited or are the colors completely natural?

I get that question all the time. In my opinion a digital camera cannot perfectly capture an image the way the human eye sees it. So, I do take the original file from the camera and post-process it. It’s more about how I felt or what I saw when I went out to make a photograph; I try to capture a mood not just an image.

5). Where would you recommend we go to find great shots?

There are tons of great places around the Metro area! You could head out to Great Falls, The National Arboretum, any nearby park. It all depends what you like to photograph. There are great shots everywhere. The trick is to slow down, take a look around, and see the world through the (fresh) eyes of a child.

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

Ninja panda or a yeti. I'm going to go old-school and throw it out to the yeti. Any creature that frolics in the mountain-thin-air of the Himalayas could definitely kick some panda butt.

Find Campbell Photography at the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market on August 14th!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Jane Franklin Dance in October!

Now, I know it's three months away, but I'm really excited about this ... Jane Franklin Dance will perform preview segments of their 2010-2011 season featuring the part of their upcoming performance, “The Mouse of Amherst” exclusively at the Ballston A&C Market on October 9th!

This performance is especially for children by the dancers of Jane Franklin Dance. Mark your calendars, folks! This is completely family friendly (and fun!).

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Marissa Molinaro

Did you know the best artwork is right here in Arlington? Yep. It just takes artists like Marissa Molinaro to keep visiting the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market with her cool, unique and completely usable glassware!

If you haven't seen her designs, now's the time. My faves are the beer bottles transformed into drinking glasses. I have the whole collection of theStone IPA glasses. (I gotta thing for Gargoyles.)

I bet you can find your favorite beer in drinking-glass form at the August 14th Arts & Crafts Market where Marissa will be in her usual spot, Booth #32.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Congrats Mary Ellen Larkins!

I love spreading good news, especially good news that has to do with Ballston Arts & Crafts Market artists! So, congratulations goes to Mary Ellen Larkins, C’ville Arts Cooperative Gallery’s featured artist during the month of August!

Mary Ellen will be at the Gallery on August 6th from 6:00pm to 9:00, during the Historic Downtown Mall's First Friday event.

Check out Mary Ellen's work for yourself by visiting her blog. This very busy artist then returns to the Ballston A&C Market on September 11th in her regular spot, Booth #31.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Q&A with The BumbleBee Studio

1). The Bumble Bee Studio is such a cute name. Is there a story behind it or, simply a love of bumblebees?

The bumblebee is very symbolic. According to 20th century folklore,the laws of aerodynamics prove that they should be incapable of flying, yet they do it anyway! So, for me, the bumblebee represents the notion we can accomplish anything that we set our minds to, even that which we are told is impossible!

2). So, what’s with all the lavender? Explain to us the benefits.

Known as a balancing herb, lavender provides relaxation and melts away stress. It can be used as a spiritual pick-up to help chase away the blues. Its beautiful scent is thought to enhance romantic desire, ease the symptoms of irritability, tension, fatigue and anxiety. Lavender can also relax, calm and ease pain in the body and the spirit.

3). What three words describe your craft?

Soothing, Renewing, Balancing and Pampering. Ooops … that is not three!

4). You were asked to be one of the exclusive boutique vendors to hand out swag at the Oscars. Tell us what that experience was like.

It was surreal. Very overwhelming, expensive, over-stimulating and tiring … but so worth it! I met some lovely people, made some great contacts, had a lot of laughs and was hugged three times by Sheila E. It was a good day.

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

My products can be found on line by visiting me at TheBumbleBeeStudio.com or TheBumbleBeeStudio.Etsy.com, at the Artful Gift Shop in Vienna, Virginia, Spa 29 in Atlanta, Georgia and as far as Impact Gallerie in Montreal, Canada. (Just in case you happen to be in Canada or feel like traveling there to see the full line of BEE products!)

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

LAVENDER … I never go anywhere without it! Actually, I am still putzing around the house in my PJs … no pockets. (So great to work from home!)

Buzzzzz~~!!

A-Z Jewelry Design

I'm someone who believes less is more, ya know? Someone who really appreciates the beauty of simplicity. So, I think that's what really caught my eye when I saw A-Z Jewelry Design.

What I really like about A-Z Jewelry Designs is that the focus is truly put on the simple beauty and timeless quality of gemstones.

A-Z Jewelry Design's owner/designer, Linda Blackbourne, also owns ArtSpring, Pyramid Atlantic's Community Shop.

So, catch A-Z Jewelry Design with Wheeler Willis in there usual spot, Booth #16, at the August 14th Ballston Arts & Crafts Market.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Welburn Square is Green!

Did you know that the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market is an environment-friendly event? Yep. Instead of using all conventional electricity, Welburn Square uses mostly solar power to keep the Market bright and our musicians plugged in.

Every little bit helps. And I'm just happy we're doing our part to keep Arlington a little greener.

Monday, July 12, 2010

August 14th Sneak Peak

Although a month away, let's get stoked for the August 14th Ballston Arts & Crafts Market with a sneak peak at the artists exhibiting their kickass designs! It'll be here before you know it ...

Bumblebee Studios

Fast Snail Creative Greetings & Designs

bLuGrn design

Artsy Fartsy

Marissa Molinaro

And you bet we'll have more pics up of your favorite artists and newcomers alike in the coming days. Get psyched!


Saturday, July 10, 2010

July 10th Market Cancelled

Hi everyone. I'm sad to say we have decided to cancel the A&C Market today, July 10th. With this kind of rain, the artists can't risk their product and with the thunder & lightning reports, metal tents aren't the safest place to be under.


But, we will see you next month - August 14th!

Friday, July 9, 2010

Weather Tomorrow

Yep. I know. Looks like the weather may be kinda dicey tomorrow. Keep in mind that we advertise the Market rain or shine, so the show must go on. Now, I know that some reports have a high percentage for rain, but I just checked Accuweather and it says the majority of the day will be cloudy with a t-storm at 1:00. Check out the report:


That's really not too bad. I think folks may be happy to get some shade, plus the temperature is only going to 85 degrees (as opposed to 103!)

If you have any questions, just call or email me! I'll keep you posted if things change.

Thanks guys!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

The July 10th A&C Market!

Guess what this Saturday, July 10th is! Yep-- it's the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market! And I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than with a laid-back stroll through pretty, tree-lined Welburn Sqaure. From 10:00am - 4:00pm, check out your favorite returning artists and newcomers alike.

Plus, this month, St. Coletta of Greater Washington is joining us! St. Coletta Shops will on hand to offer a variety of crafts by artisans with intellectual disabilities.

Here's a sneak peak of the artists showing THIS Saturday:

Grumpy Haters

Bette's Bags

Creative Art & Soul

Herban Lifestyles

Laughing Moon Artworks

See you this Saturday!



Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Q&A with BoxBoy Demented Decoupage

1). You have so many fun and quirky designs it blows my mind! Do you have a favorite design or motif you enjoy creating the most?

Yes ... the scary clowns. I am terrified of clowns for some reason ... and this has been an acquired adult phobia. No clown has ever done me wrong and I am not too wimpy to refrain from watching a scary clown movie (the indie, Dead Clowns, immediately comes to mind). So many people share this phobia, so I don't feel too silly. My favorite boxes, thus, are "Can't Sleep ... Clowns Will Eat Me" and "I Like You ... I'll Kill You Last." So creepy, so wrong, but so funny. And people still ask why the decoupage is demented!

2). You are very well-known crafter in the DC/NOVA area! What has surprised you most about having your own craft business?

That people even recognize/remember me in the first place. About 10 years ago after I first moved here, I did a show in Northwest DC and one of my customers remembered me from my Atlanta, Georgia show days. I was flabbergasted (yet still humbled). The nice lady even purchased a huge mirror I had done. I don't travel a lot, but I have had several people remember me from my shows in Pennsylvania and occasionally I get the "Hey, BoxBoy!" when out and about. I love it. It makes me feel important because I have no ego to bruise ... besides, nobody can remember that my name is Paul. I love being called BoxBoy. Believe me, I've been called a lot worse!

3). What three words describe your art?

Kooky. Fun. Creative. (KFC) ... A few of my passions are anagrams, punnery and word play. I just think these things up on the spot. This was no exception.

4). So, I know you love custom orders. What's the most unique (read: weird!) custom order someone has commissioned?

Oh, easy, easy answer! My very favorite customer in the entire world lives in Southern California, and she started her BoxBoy collection with Joan Crawford/Mommie Dearest and "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane" boxes. The former boxes, of course,include tiny wire hangers. She has purchased/ordered so many bizarre things from me that it staggers the mind. Her first request was a depiction of Linda Blair's Regan from The Exorcist, and a website viewer recently related how freaked out they were when they stumbled across it. Touche for BoxBoy!

I finally broke down and "did" FaceBook, and reconnected with my favorite customer. Recent orders have been a Richard Ramirez/Cocoa Puffs framed piece from my "Cereal Killers" line, a Jesus as a Raptor image with a scary John Lennon head and a Rev. Jim Jones with Kool-Aid package framed piece. However, the tour de force was a Scott Peterson "shrine" box that included a "lacy" doily on the inside adorned with fishhooks. Now that's truly sick and I can't tell you how much it warmed my heart to make it for her. She was absolutely thrilled and I told her it is such a comfort to know that there are like-minded demented people in the world.

5). BoxBoy is everywhere! Where can we find your demented decoupage outside the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market?

My main gig is the Flea Market at Eastern Market on SUNDAYS on the Hine School playground side -- every week (weather permitting) from April through Christmas. I am also participating in the inaugural season of the Alexandria Art Market in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria on the first Saturday of each month through November. My big upcoming fall shows include Arts on Foot in DC (pending), Adams Morgan Day, Art on the Avenue, Takoma Park Day, Clarendon Day and the Downtown DC Holiday Market (pending). All my events are listed on the website.

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

Good heavens, man ... yeti hands down. Pandas are herbivores; yeti eat meat. I recently saw the very, very bad third Brendan Fraser Mummy movie that featured yetis. They kicked some major butt. Besides, the yeti (aka abominable snowman) in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer was just about to feast on all sorts of human, elf and Bambi flesh before he had his teeth yanked by misfit nitwit Hermie the "eclectic" elf. Read between the lines here ... that poofy hair, puh-leeze!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Happy Heads, DC Big Launch Event!

Attention Crafters! This is big news: Happy Heads, DC's first big event will take place at the District's awesome yarn shop, Stitch DC!

Happy Heads, DC works to benefit children served by Safe Shores, the DC Children's Advocacy Center (CAC). Help a child in DC this coming winter by donating a hat, scarf, or other winter garment.

Come to the event to knit with others, or just to learn. They will have crafty chatter, lots of food, giveaways throughout the afternoon and more!

What should you bring in order to participate in the fun? Simple: a donation of needed goods (list to be provided by the CAC soon) OR a small ($5-$10) monetary donation. We also ask that you promise to make a hat for the winter.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Q&A with Holland Cox

1). I absolutely love the brilliant colors you use in your handmade bags and accessories. It was difficult, but I picked a favorite pattern: Sakura (ah, cherry blossoms!). Do you have a favorite pattern?

It's really hard for me to pick a favorite, because I usually love whatever I've gotten most recently the most. But, choosing from my current collection, I am really enamored of the dragon prints. I love that so many different colors can be paired with them, and I love how dramatic they are while still being quite elegant. (e.g. Chinese New Year envelope clutch and Purple Dragon Obi belt.)

2). How many years have you been in the craft biz?

December 2009 was my 5th Anniversary in business! But this March (2010) was my 1st Anniversary doing Holland Cox full time, and my 1st anniversary on Etsy.

3). Do you do custom orders to match an outfit, per say? If so, was the strangest custom order you ever had to fulfill?

I absolutely love doing custom orders ... fo

c

using on a single customer and making something just for them is very rewarding for me. I get all kinds of wacky suggestions from random people, but the most unusual custom or

der I actually completed was a set of envelope clutches for bridal party (six—they were all different) in silver and teal silks. It sounds crazy, but they turned out beautifully, and the brid

e told me her bridesmaids loved them.

4). What three words describe your art?

Colorful. Whimsical. Stylish.

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

Online, Covet in Arlington and at a number of craft shows. I keep a running list on my blog.

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

Oh, definitely ninja pandas. Pandas seem sweet and docile, but they are crafty like that.

Visit MInt Parcel on July 10th!

Don't know about you, but I'm a sucker for all things cute, sweet and simple. So, when I saw Mint Parcel's adorable digital artwork ... well, I just about freaked.

Little Bulldogs, Flying Piggies, Fuzzy Monsters and much more lovable critters can be found at Mint Parcel (Booth #22) at the July 10th Ballston Arts & Crafts Market.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Holland Cox - July 10th!

With only one week to go to the July 10th Ballston Arts & Crafts Market, I'm kinda on pins & needles ... awkward dissolve into stuff made with pins and needles!

Whether Holland Cox makes her bright, colorful bags and accessories with actual pins and needles or a sewing machine, it doesn't really matter. The entire collection is completely handcrafted by designer, Valerie Williams.

Snatch one up at the July 10th Ballston Arts & Crafts Market. Holland Cox will be in Booth #16, next to her unintentional (!) partner-in-craft, Moonlight Bindery--the famous LEGO book maker (whose in Booth #15.)