Washington Kastles Mascot Joins the Ballston A&C Market on April 9th

JUST ANNOUNCED!

Here's another exciting addition to Opening Day of the Ballston A&C Market on April 9th! 

Topspin, the mascot of the Washington Kastles, DC's professional tennis team featuring Venus and Serena Williams, will be on hand from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM to take photos with kids and hand out free Kastles temporary tattoos!

Get your picture taken with Topspin!

Holland Cox - April 9th!

The bright colors, the vivid patterns -- everything about Holland Cox reminds me of Spring!

And did you know that every handbag at Holland Cox is carefully handcrafted by designer Valerie Williams from her original patterns? Each and every one is limited edition, so there will never be more than three of any colorway! You won't see Holland Cox handbags being carried by everyone. Nope. Only those who know why handmade is better than mass-produced, and why personal style is better than being trendy will sport a Holland Cox.

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

Then, pick up your own Holland Cox original at the Ballston A&C Market Opening Day celebration on Saturday, April 9th!

VOTE for Solar Crêpes!

It's down to the wire! In one corner we have the heavy hitters NYC-based Red Hook Lobster Truck with their lobster rolls.

In the other corner, hailing from Ballston's own Welburn Square, we have local favorites Camille and Danna, from Solar Crepes!

Both have fought hard to make it to the Washingtonian's Food Truck Fight finals, so who's taking home the crown and bragging rights? Our vote is for our friends in the pink truck - SOLAR CREPES. Not only do these friendly gals use only sustainable, natural and overwhelmingly local food, they are LOCAL! From the area. In our own backyard.

Voting ends at 10AM tomorrow, so VOTE TODAY for Solar Crepes! And then catch them in the Square at the April 9th Ballston Arts & Crafts Market Opening Day celebration.

Lampwork Beading Demos by Dragonfly Designs

We have so many cool things in store for both exhibitors and visitors at the Ballston A&C Market's Opening Day celebration on Saturday, April 9th!

Throughout the day, Dragonfly Designs will hold free demos to show you how they create their beautiful lampwork beading.

Catch them in action on April 9th! 

Creative Art and Soul - April 9th!

Guess who's back on Opening Day, April 9th -- Market favorite,  Creative Art and Soul!

Creative Art and Soul's Kristian McIntyre creates unique and colorful engraved semi-precious stone and glass pendants. She uses a process known as sandcarving (sandblasting) to create hip, cultural and expressive jewelry that's fun to wear. Whether you choose a traditional symbol for your conservative brother-in-law or a contemporary design for your artsy sister, Kris' pendants are created with heart and soul in mind.

Check out the pendants on SATURDAY, APRIL 9th - OPENING DAY of the Ballston A&C Market!

Opening Day TWO WEEKS AWAY!

Spring is in the air ... and it's hard to believe that the the Opening Day  of The Ballston Arts & Crafts Market is just TWO WEEKS AWAY on April 9th! Come join us at Arlington's ONLY 100% handmade event, which includes 35 handpicked artist each month from April through October.

The Opening Day celebration will be held on Saturday, April 9th from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM in pretty, tree-lined Welburn Square, which is right across the street from the Ballston Metro. 

The April 9th Opening Day Market also offers:  

• FREE admission   

• FREE live music by jazzy duo, Stone/Wright (noon - 2 PM)   

 • FREE eco-friendly bags to the first 50 visitors, generously provided by ArlingtonVirginia.com, Arlington's Social Media Community  

• FREE lampwork beading demos throughout the day by Dragonfly Designs 

• Offerings by St. Coletta Shops featuring a variety of crafts by artisans with intellectual disabilities 

• Delicious made-to-order crepes by local favorite, Solar Crepes 

Look to the right to check out all of the amazing artisans we have lined up for OPENING DAY, APRIL 9th!  Let's all work together to expose both alternative and traditional arts and crafts in the DC area. 

Funky Finds Sponsors the Ballston A&C Market!

Yay! This is so exciting! Funky Finds is now an official sponsor of the Ballston A&C Market!

Established in March 2006, Funky Finds has remained dedicated to promoting independent artists, crafters & designers worldwide. The goal of their network is to help artisans make a living doing what they are most passionate about … creating unique handmade items.

And they've generously donated some cool swag items to the market, so get your own funky find on Saturday, April 9th, Opening Day! 

AdMo PopUp Shop Opens this Sunday!

Announcing Opening Day of the AdMo Pop-Up Shop THIS Sunday, March 27th! In coordination with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the AdMo PopUp Shop will have cultural & arts exhibits, demos and performances for kids & adults!

Come to the most unique part of the District to find some of the most unique items around.

This shop is only open for two weeks though, so don't miss it!

Start Early - Mother's Day Guide

Although Mother's Day isn't until May 8th, why not start thinking about this special day a bit early this year? Get all of your Mother's Day shopping done and out of the way at the Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, April 9 - Opening Day!

Below, check out this Mother's Day Guide of some of the coolest hand-crafted gifts your Mom will be sure to love - by artists exhibiting on April 9th.

Happy Mother's Day cards by Fast Snail

Brooch that goes with almost verything by Warped

Mother of Pearl necklace by Jewelry Link

Pretty spring-green bag by Betty Bags

Feminine hand-stitched book by Purple Skirt Press

Colorful floral totes by Holland Cox

All-natural soaps of every fragrance by Herban Lifestyle

Elegant earrings by Ashley Buchanan

And that's just a sample. We'll have 35 exhibitors; so, help support your local artists at the Ballston A&C Market Opening Day celebration on Saturday, April 9th!

Craft Mafia Spring Thing - Saturday, May 21st!

Cool, new show alert! APPLY today for the DC Craft Mafia's Spring Thing!

Join the Craft Mafia for a glorious Spring day of arts & crafts three blocks from the DuPont Circle in the District! They'll be more than 20 talented artists and crafters there ... and they just may even have a few surprises up their sleeves.

Applications being accepted until April 1st. Don't miss out on this awesome juried show.

Stone/Wright - Soulful & Organic Music on April 9th

The Ballston Arts & Crafts Market isn't all about awesome crafts. It's also about awesome music! Opening Day features the soulful music of Stone/Wright!

Accomplished musicians who have performed internationally, Stone/Wright have an intense musical chemistry that is organic and fresh. In addition to original songs, the duo's live performances include unique interpretations of rock, R&B, jazz and blues classics.

From noon to 2:00,  catch a FREE  performance by Stone/Wright at the Ballston A&C Market's Opening Day celebration on Saturday, APRIL 9th!

Moonlight Bindery's Back on April 9th!

Moonlight Bindery is awesome. Why? Well, I simply can't get enough of their funky LEGO books for one thing.

But that's not all they do! The artist, Katie Wagner, mixes traditional bookbinding skills with fun and unique materials to create books made from LEGO pieces (as we know!), wallpaper, Shrinky Dinks, cork and cool papers.

This talented bookbinder can make a book out of anything!

Catch Moonlight Bindery at the Ballston A&C Market on OPENING DAY, APRIL 9th!

Laughing Moon Artworks Returns April 9th!

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.

Sister team, 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 most recently, in the AdMo Pop-Up Shop logo and the DC Craft Mafia postcard.


Now catch this duo at the Ballston A&C Market on opening Day, Saturday, APRIL 9th!

FREE Eco-Friendly Tote Bags at Opening Day - April 9th!

This is SO cool! Our friends at ArlingtonVirginia.com, Arlington’s Social Media Community, will be on hand for the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market Opening Day celebration on Saturday, April 9th with FREE eco-friendly tote bags for the first 50 visitors.

Now, you'll have something cool to carry all of the awesome new handmade goodies you buy at the Market.

I can't wait for the Market to begin!!

Grumpy Haters on April 9th!

Fanciful, fun and fantastic. Get your monster plush fix at the Ballston A&C Market's Opening Day celebration on Saturday April 9th with Grumpy Haters!

They'll have plenty of adorably quirky monsters to choose from whether it's a gift for the kid in your life, or the kid in you (I own two!). And if monsters, aren't your thing, no worries. Grumpy Haters also creates handcrafted cats, owls, scented hand- embroidered satchels and Little Frellas (left!).

Take your pick at the Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, April 9th!

Ashley Buchanan's Hand-Cut Jewelry Designs

I am so lucky. I get to organize an awesome indie art market. And because of that fact, I have get the chance to run across amazingly talented jewelry designers, like Ashley Buchanan.

What makes Ashley's jewelry stand out? Well, all you have to do is check out her designs and see! Ashley hand-cuts all of her stunning jewelry from brass or sterling silver sheet metal and powder coat most pieces.

Well, I know I'll be buying a bunch of Ashley's pieces when she joins the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market on Saturday, April 9th for our first market of the season. And then, I'll be buying more of her work when she returns in July!

ArlingtonVirgina.com & The Ballston A&C Market

This is so cool! Look what our friends over at ArlingtonVirginia.com did for us. They created a site specially devoted to the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market to help us promote Arlington's only 100% handmade indie art market!

Check it out: http://www.arlingtonvirginia.com/shopping/various/ballston-arts-crafts

ArlingtonVirginia.com and its Social Media Team's mission is to Drive Revenue, Create Awareness, and Connect Businesses within the Arlington community.  Look for ARL-deals for great coupons and discounts from your local businesses. Meet your neighbors around town at events, festivities and enter Contests to win great prizes!  All in one place - ArlingtonVirginia.com!

Thanks so much guys!

Warped & Morewarped

There is so much to loved about Warped bags, where do I start? Not only are the look and feel of these colorfully intricate bags unique and just plain cool, they are each hand-spun by artist/designer Jennifer David in her basement studio in Virginia.

Get your own, original Warped bag at the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market Opening Day celebration on Saturday, APRIL 9th! 

Herban Lifestyle Interview on Voice of America!

It's not like I need to tell you this, but it looks like I'm not the only one obsessed with Herban Lifestyle and their artisan fuzzy soaps. (Love me some fuzzy soap!)

Check out this great article on the Voice of America website about Herban Lifestyle and owner/creator Mary Kearn's complicated process of making environmentally friendly soaps. Not as easy as one would think! And that's what makes Mary's soaps so special ... that and many of them are fuzzy! ;)

http://www.voanews.com/learningenglish/home/business/Learning-How-to-Make-Soap--117618523.html

Visit Herban Lifestyle at the Ballston A&C Market on OPENING DAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 9th (and then in May, July, September & October)!

LLS' Team in Training Artist Raffle - April 9th!!

At the end of last season, a whole bunch of you filled out a vendor questionnaire for the Market. One of the questions you answered was "If we organized a raffle to benefit a local charity, would you be willing to donate a piece of your artwork?"


Well, just like last season, a whopping 100% of you who completed the poll answered YES to that question. So, let's make it happen again! Our charity of choice for April is:

THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY'S
TEAM IN TRAINING

Team In Training trains over 1,000 athletes in the area each year in preparation for a number of marathons, half-marathons, triathlons and century rides. In return, our participants raise money for their cause.


So, whataya say we hold a raffle for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on SATURDAY, APRIL 9TH? They'll hang out with us from 11 AM - 4 PM, share some information and host a raffle, where ALL ticket sales will benefit their wonderful organization.


Crafty April-sellers: If you would like to donate a small item (no more than $20) to the raffle on April 9th, please contact Jessica@iloveballston.com for more info. This is completely voluntary, folks. But if you decide to donate a little something, I bet karma will bless you from above. And I'll give you a big hug. 

Anastassia Designs

Because July's market was rained out last year we decided to start a month early this year--in April. So, July's loss is April's gain!

Colors, colors and more bright colors. I think that's one of the coolest things that stand out about Anastasia Designs' jewelry collection. Anastassia Designs focuses on creating unique and beautiful jewelry using silver, gold and stones. All items are handcrafted using stones and metal that have been sourced from eco-friendly suppliers whenever possible.

Visit Anastasia Designs at the Opening Day celebration on Saturday, April 9th!

Our Awesome Vets & Newbies!

Every day we keep adding to the roster at the Ballston A&C Market. This season is going to the be the best yet! I mean check out the talent we have lined up--both the wonderful art market veterans and fantastic Ballston newbies! Here's just a sample of what you'll find at this year's market.

The Veterans:

Warped

lolojane

Grumpy Haters

Claytastic

The Newbies

Jill Popwich Designs in Metal

FuzzyMug

Funnelcloud Studios

Kaylala Organic Apothecary

See you OPENING DAY - Saturday, April 9th!

Get the Word Out!

OMG! I can't believe the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market is only ONE MONTH AWAY on April 9th! I hope you are as excited as I am. If you are, please spread the word.

Let your family, friends and fans know all about our awesome indie market. After all, we are Arlington's ONLY 100% handmade event. We've earned some bragging rights!

So, follow and repost our tweets on Twitter. We're BallstonMarkets. Friend us on Facebook (Ballston Partnership) and post our April 9th Opening Day Event on your profiles.

We also have a cool button to use to promote the market online! (above!). Just drop this HTML code in your website or blog and let everyone know you are participating in the Ballston A&C Market:

<a href="http://ballstonarts-craftsmarket.blogspot.com/"> <img border="0" src="http://iloveballston.com/ArtMarket.jpg"></a>

And exhibitors--As soon as you pay your booth fees, I'll snail mail you a bunch of super-cool postcards you can drop off at coffee shops, place on bulletin boards and hand out to your upcoming craft fairs.

Together, we can make the Ballston A&C Market even bigger! The Opening Day celebration is on Satruday, April 9th from 10 AM - 4 PM in pretty, tree-lined Welburn Square, which is conveniently located right across the street from the Ballston Metro.

Shout it from the rooftops--our art market kicks out some serious craft!

Q&A with Nikdapooh Designs

I'm getting really excited for the 2011 Ballston Arts & Crafts Market season, so I decided to re-post a cool interview with Nikki from Nikdapooh Designs. I hope this will help you get into the crafty spirit, too!

Come visit Nikdapooh Designs at the Ballston A&C Market on Opening Day - Apirl 9th!


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!)

St. Coletta Shops on April 9th!

On Opening Day, April 9th, the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market will have a special guest joining us for the day: St. Coletta of Greater Washington! The mission of St. Coletta is to serve childrenand adults with cognitive disabilities and to support their families.

St. Coletta Shops offer a variety of crafts by artisans with intellectual disabilities. Won't you stop by and help us support this wonderful organization?

YarnChef Creations

Spring is in the air... although it's a bit windy. April is the perfect time to start the A&C Market, don't you think? And while there's still a crisp breeze floating through Welburn Square, take advantage of crochety-goodness with YarnChef Creations on April 9th!

YarnChef Creations' Kathy Nolan has been crocheting since she was 8 years old, and when you look at the craftsmanship of her pieces, you can tell that practice makes perfect.

Kathy's shawls, scarves, hats and more are the perfect springtime accessory. Pick one out for yourself at the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market on April 9th - Opening Day!

Drew Smith Photography

Do we know great photography, or what? Meet Drew Smith Photography!

Drew Smith is an award-winning Northern Virginia-based photographer experienced in nature, wildlife, travel, wedding, event, location and fine art impressionistic photography. His work has been exhibited throughout the United States and can be found in private collections. Drew also has extensive editorial experience, having served as Executive Editor of Nature's Best Photography magazine.

Drew's images have been published by Audubon, Nature's Best Photography, Washington Post, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Traverse Magazine, the National Wildlife Federation, the North American Nature Photography Association and many more.

And now you can see (and purchase!) Drew's photography for yourself at the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market on Opening Day April 9th and August 13th.

Meet Us at the Market - April 9th!

Don't forget! The Ballston Arts & Crafts Market is coming up on April 9th! This is an all-indie, 100% handmade event, which includes 35 handpicked artist each month from April through October to further our mission: To expose both alternative and traditional arts and crafts in the DC area. 

The Opening Day celebration will be held on Saturday, April 9th from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM in the pretty, tree-lined Welburn Square, which is right across the street from the Ballston Metro. 

Spring is just around the corner. Keep looking to your right to see our talented list of exhibitors. I add more each day!

Meet Purple Skirt Press on April 9th - Opening Day!

April 9th, Opening Day of the Ballston A&C Market, is shaping up to be one amazing day for indie crafters. Let the introductions begin!

Meet Purple Skirt Press! You probably remember BethAnne and her handcrafted books from last season, right? I mean, it's hard to forget that intricate binding! And each book contains unique papers and materials from various travels and experiences. Plus, many books use "rescued papers," or paper that would have been otherwise been thrown away.

Each book is purely unique and the uses limitless.

Visit Purple Skirt Press on April 9th - Opening Day of the Ballston A&C Market! We'll be in Welburn Square (aka The Ballston Circle) from 10 AM - 4 PM.

One More Month to Go - April 9th!

OMG! It's March! You know what that means, right? Only one more month to go before Opening Day of the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market on April 9th!  

And we're ready for another colorful season of handcrafted work by the area's hottest artisans! Kicking off next month on Saturday, April 9th, then returning to Welburn Square the second Saturday of every month until October, The 2011 Market promises even more of  the amazing art you've come to expect in Ballston.  

Welcome back returning faves, like Yinibini Baby, Melissa Lew, YarnChef, and EHL Creations.  And get ready to add some brand-new favorites to your list, like Sande's Handmade Books, Tsai-fi, UglyKittyReDeux and many more.

Come visit us Opening Day on April 9th for what's sure to be  yet another exciting experience in indie arts. And, in the meantime, follow the Ballston A&C Market on Facebook and Twitter.