February 2nd Deadline - THIS Wednesday!

It's officially down to the wire, folks. The February 2nd deadline is THIS Wednesday and I'm up to my eyeballs in awesome applications! Thanks to everyone who emailed me their apps already. Keep 'em coming, Crafters!


Don't be left out this season! After February 2nd, submissions will still be reviewed, but are subject to space availability. So, send me your applications TODAY to get in on Arlington's only 100% handmade art market!

To download (then email me) your submission form, click HERE. 

1). Save submission form to your computer
2). Open using Adobe Reader. If you need to, GET ADOBE READER.
3). Fill in form, then save again
4). Email to Jessica@iloveballston.com

I hope to see both new and returning applications in the mix come February 2nd! If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to contact me via email at Jessica@iloveballston.com or on my cell at 202.536.9714.

Herban Lifestyle

Herban Lifestyle has been passionate about hand-crafting natural and organic bath-and-body products for more than 10 years, ever since founder, Mary Kearns, learned to create herbal bath-and-body products for friends, family and visitors at her local farmers market.

Today, Mary brings the same passion for sustainability, healing herbs, and aromatherapy to Herban Lifestyle, which was launched in 2008.

There are over 30 Herban Lifestyle products including massage oils, soaps, lip balms, scrubs, bath salts, and body balms‚ all made with natural, organic and Fair Trade ingredients and packaged in recyclable containers printed with vegetable ink on 100% recycled paper.

Q&A with Moonlight Bindery - From May 30, 2010

Thought I'd pull this interview up from May 30, 2010! Thanks, Katie!

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 shopMoonlightBindery.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!

Grumpy Haters

Grumpy Haters is really for anyone who can see the humor in continuing to do anything occasionally akin to poking yourself with a stick because somehow, you still have hope. Plus, you like to make stuff. And the money is no slap in the face either, is it?

Grumpy Haters promises to never, ever tell you to Keep Calm and Carry On, but rather embraces the occasional and well-deserved seller freak-out.

Plus, artist, Holly McConnel, makes cool monster plushes. Check out Holly's other shop, Ananada Tree for more colorful stuffies!

Holland Cox: Handmade Classics

Every handbag at Holland Cox is carefully handcrafted by designer Valerie Williams from her original patterns. Every one is limited edition: there will never be more than three of any colorway! You won't see Holland Cox handbags being carried by everyone, only those who know why handmade is better than mass-produced, and why personal style is better than being trendy.

And handbags aren't the only thing Holland Cox is known for. Check out the Holland Cox etsy shop for more fashionista shopping!

Amazing Music for 2011!

Ya know, awesome visual, tactile arts aren't the only thing the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market is known for. We also love to incorporate music into each and every one of our shows. Because, after all, music is definitely an art form!

And I'm sure you'll recognize some familiar faces from last season joining us in 2011, like fan-fave jug band, Snakehead Run in June and Market favorite, Veronneau in September.

New faces and sounds will be announced soon, as well! I just started the booking process and I can't believe how much amazing talent is in the DC area. It's gonna be hard to choose!

February 2nd Deadline - One Week Away!

OMG. I can't believe the February 2nd deadline for the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market is only ONE WEEK AWAY!


Don't be left out this season! After February 2nd, submissions will still be reviewed, but are subject to space availability. So, send me your applications TODAY to get in on Arlington's only 100% handmade art market!

To download (then email me) your submission form, click HERE. 

1). Save submission form to your computer
2). Open using Adobe Reader. If you need to, GET ADOBE READER.
3). Fill in form, then save again
4). Email to Jessica@iloveballston.com

I hope to see both new and returning applications in the mix come February 2nd! If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to contact me via email at Jessica@iloveballston.com or on my cell at 202.536.9714.

A-Z Jewelry Design

Simplicity of the gemstones. That is what A-Z Jewelry Design is all about.

A-Z Jewelry Design, by designer, Linda Blackbourn truly focuses on the simple beauty and timeless quality of  gemstones. Using only the most beautiful, natural stones and precious metals, A-Z  Jewelry Design offers beauty, creativity and individuality.

Go shopping atLinda's etsy shop, then check out her amazing boutique in Silver Spring, MD--ArtSpring, The Pyramid Atlantic Community Arts Store!

Ready, Aim, Sharp Shirter!

Sharp Shirter was founded by Dan Lachman in 2004, the same year his dad told him to stop playing videogames and do something productive with his summer.

What started as a way to keep his father off his back has now blossomed into an expansive company that offers much more than just t-shirts.

Go, Dan!

Sweet and Light

Sweet and Light is Jayne Hudgins. A one-woman operation that has evolved after years of crafting just for fun. Jayne has been making clothing, bags and accessories for family and friends for over 10 years, and now everyone can enjoy her designs at the Sweet and Light Shop!


All of Jayne's items are created with love and care. She specifically works with natural fibers, like linen and cotton, but is happy to offer products made with vintage fabrics, as well. Many of the fabrics used are remnants or scraps from companies that manufacture high-end home fashions. 


Sweeeeeeeet.

LazyDog Art by Susi Hooban

You've never seen pet portraits like this. Artist, Susi Hooban of LazyDog Art, puts her special artistic and colorful flair into every puppy and kitty painting she creates.

Not only does she get every spot, freckle and fuzzy stripe of your precious furbaby, she "gets" their personality. Just look at the eyes. She captures their jubilance, quirkiness, sophistication ... or whatever else makes your pet unique.

She just gets it.

The Application Monster

Although he has received tons of awesome applications for the 2011 Ballston Arts & Crafts Market already, the Application Monster wants more. What can I say? He's insatiable.

To download (then email me & the Application Monster) your submission form, click HERE. 

1). Save submission form to your computer

2). Open using Adobe Reader. If you need to, GET ADOBE READER.
3). Fill in form, then save again
4). Email to Jessica@iloveballston.com

So, send those submission forms in TODAY and quench this greedy little monster's thirst for all things cool. Deadline: February 2nd.

Super-fly monster created by Pretty Little Fings. Thanks, Pang!

Campell Photography

Any photographer will tell you that photography is more than a point and click mentality. It's vision. It's passion. And it's art. It takes much more than a pretty sunset to make a photo your own.

Check out Campbell Photography and see what I mean. Joseph Campbell admits, "The tools may have changed but the fundamentals still remain: good light, composition, and subject."

With a love for the outdoors and watching how the light changes across the landscape, Joseph's goal is to capture those passing moments and to share with others the simplicity, the beauty and the wonder of our natural world.

Cool Artist Statement by JerseyGirlDesigns

I see a lot of well-written and creative artist statements. But sometimes, one really gets my attention! So, I thought I'd share with you this cool artist statement design by JerseyGirlDesign.

Way, to stand out, Jersey Girl!

Refined Creations

Artist and designer, Lisa Latendress, handcrafts jewelry using silver precious metal clay (PMC) in a way that is described as “organic” and “rustic."

Each piece of silver is free-formed, hand-carved, or created from one of her handcrafted mold designs. And, many of her one-of-a-kind designs bear words of wisdom and inspiration.

Refined Creations has so many stunning pieces, I can't pick a favorite. Can you?

Two Weeks to Go - February 2nd Deadline!

We have only about two weeks to go before the February 2nd deadline hits us. After February 2nd, submissions will still be reviewed, but are subject to space availability. So, send me your applications TODAY to get in on Arlington's only 100% handmade art market!

To download (then email me) your submission form, click HERE. 
1). Save submission form to your computer
2). Open using Adobe Reader. If you need to, GET ADOBE READER.
3). Fill in form, then save again
4). Email to Jessica@iloveballston.com


I hope to see both new and returning applications in the mix come February 2nd! If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to contact me via email at Jessica@iloveballston.com or on my cell at 202.536.9714.

Yinibini Baby

This frigid, ridiculously icy day makes me long for the the warmth and sunshine of a faraway Caribbean island (with a nice Malibu Painkiller in hand!).

Maybe checking out Yinibini's bright, smooth Caribbean-inpspired fashion design will warm me up! Not only does artist, Soyini George, create colorful jewelry, she also designs soft, beautifully made baby necessities, including burp clothes, bibs, blankets, tees, onesies and more under the brand Yinibini Baby.

Wild Hare Fiber Studio

Wild Hare Fiber Studio is the home of fiber artist, Melissa Yoder Ricks. With a background in fine arts and a life-long passion for yarn and needles, Melissa aims to support and encourage creativilty and quality in all manner of fiber arts by providing unique products for fiber enthusiasts.

Wander around Wild Hare Fiber Studio and enjoy all of the bright and beautiful colors of Melissa's handspun and hand-dyed yarns, spinning fibers and original handcrafted items.

If it Ain't BOXBOY, It Ain't Demented!

Being involved the craft world for a couple years now, I notice their are definitely DC craft-stars out there ... meaning there are certain crafters that are always on the scene. Certain folks that you are happy to catch at all the cool, local craft fairs, and automatically know their work as soon as you see it. And BoxBoy Demented Decoupage is one of those awesome artists!

"BoxBoy makes very few sweet,  pretty boxes ... flowers and Victoriana and cute little animals  just don't cut it, thank you.  If it  ain't BoxBoy, it ain't demented!"

And that's what we absolutely love about Paul and his demented creations. Viva La BoxBoy!

Lanyapi Designs - Charming!

Lanyapi Designs is where artist/jeweler, Daisy McClellan, makes new and re-pursposed vintage jewelry inspired by nature, travel and romance.

She believes everyone deserves a little something extra, so come inside her etsy shop or look around her blog. Discover what makes Lanyapi unique. Lots of new surprises and baubles always popping up!

Free shipping, too, on any of Lanyapi's' charming designs!

popidiot - Tees for the People

You don't need to be a genius to understand a popidiot shirt. There's nothing to get. It's all right there on the front between your neck and your belly button.

Life is complicated enough. That's why the folks at popidiot stick with the simple pleasures: robots, monkeys, spacemen and hula girls.

I like their philosophy.

Laughing Moon Artworks

Laughing Moon Artworks really does it all. From digital and traditional illustration to graphic design to tees, to even crafts, this sister team pulls no punches when it comes to crisp, colorful and creative artwork.

Sisters Annie and Linda Lunsford specialize in light-hearted, whimsical illustration styles, with an eye for light and colors. Their illustrations have appeared everywhere--on magazine and book covers, posters, coloring books, and even a Christmas card design for Ringling Brothers!

And, of course, at the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market.

Brighter Day Beads - Bringing the Happy

If you're ever having a tough day, look toward Brighter Day Beads to cheer you up! Carolyn Raich's sweet, youthful designs always seem to put me in a good mood.

And she has so many adorable beaded designs to choose from--wide-eyed puppies, Alice in Wonderland with a kawaii spin, chubby hamsters ... and even designs for the boys: robots, monkeys, etc. And each piece is double-sided. Bonus!

Brighter Day Beads is also available for necklace-making parties. This is a fun and unique activity for children age 6 through teens. Carolyn brings all the supplies needed to your home or venue and helps your guests design and create their own beautiful wrap necklaces!

Let the Brighter Day begin!

Nikdapooh Designs - Art with Personality

What I love about Nikdapooh Designs is that each little piece by, artist/sculptor, Monique Roberson, has a huge amout of personality.

Nikki creates mix media art, draws illustrations and makes jewelry in her small basement studio. And, a lot of her work is made using repurposed materials that would be otherwise thrown away!

Definitely one of Baltimore's best emerging artists (and proud to say, a Ballston A&C Market regular!). Thanks for inspiring us, Nikki!

BelleMei Designs

I love, love, LOVE BellaMei Designs. Designer Ni Santiago's jewelry is so colorful and feminine, (not to mention very affordable!) I want to own her entire line!

The rose rings, the vintage pieces, the sparrow necklaces, you name it--I want it.

Good thing she's a Ballston Arts & Crafts Market participant. Hope to see you in 2011, Jenny!

And the 2010 Winner is ...

Remember when you filled out those surveys awhile back and one of the questions asked you to share with us your favorite artist from 2010? Well, we have a winner! It was a very close count, but ...  

CONGRATULATIONS GRUMPY HATERS! 

Your fellow artists and crafters voted you as their favorite Ballston Arts & Crafts artist for 2010! As promised, you will receive a free day at the Market! Thanks to all who participated in the survey. Your answers and suggestions were very helpful are being implemented into the 2011 season wherever possible.

Now, let's get those application packets in for 2011!

One Month Until the February 2nd Deadline

We have exactly one month before the February 2nd deadline hits us. After February 2nd, submissions will still be reviewed, but are subject to space availability. So, why not get your application in now and secure a spot in Arlington's only 100% handmade art market?


To download (then email me) your submission form, click HERE. 
1). Save submission form to your computer
2). Open using Adobe Reader. If you need to, GET ADOBE READER.
3). Fill in form, then save again
4). Email to Jessica@iloveballston.com


I hope to see both new and returning applications in the mix come February 2nd! If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to contact me via email at Jessica@iloveballston.com or on my cell at 202.536.9714.

April Reminder

Just a reminder to those artists who were scheduled for the canceled July market last season. 


If you want to participate in April's make-up market for free, you have to have your submission packet sent to me by February 2nd. Thanks!