Win a FREE $25 Gift Certificate from ArlingtonVirginia.com

Don't forget! Besides the awesome videos, web coverage, free tote bags and more, ArlingtonVirginia.com will now raffle off a $25 gift certificate every month for the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market in 2011.

The next market is on Saturday, June 11th! So, don't miss your opportunity to win a $25 certificate that can be used at ANY artist booth at the market!

Go to ArlingtonVirginia.com and register!  Do you love it? I love it.

Funnelcoud Studios - June 11

Funnelcloud Studio makes bold and graphic art with a focus on printmaking. Colorful and modern screenprints and linocuts reflect both artist, Rachel Roellke's, love of graphic design and her education as an architect.

Geometric patterns and text-based art are common themes in my artwork, which also includes paintings, illustrations and papercuts.

Come say hello to Rachel and see her intricate designs in person at the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, June 11th!


P.S. Eat more cheese!

June 11th Sneak Peak

The June 11th Ballston A&C Market is only two weeks away! Before you know it, we'll be back on the Square with best independent artists and crafters this are has to offer! Here's a sneak peak at some of the talented artisans who will greet you when you visit us.

Red & Main

FuzzyMug

Funnelcoud Studios

bLuGrn design

Emily Dolenz Photography

UglyKittyReduex

Holland Cox

Artologica

See you Saturday, June 11th!

Ashleybug Organic Bibs & Burb Cloths - June 11th!

Maybe I have a little baby fever going on, but, seriously--how cute are these little organic bibs and burp cloths by Ashleybug?

Perfect for drooly little ones, Ashleybug bibs and burp cloths are made with soft organic cotton with vintage designs making them one of a kind. Great for everyday use and they make perfect baby gifts!

All items are handmade with custom organic sateen fabric exclusive to Ashleybug and backed with absorbent organic flannel.

See Ashleybug's adorable handmade creations in person at the next Ballston Arts & Crafts Market on Saturday, June 11th!

Snakehead Run Performs the Ballston A&C Market on June 11th!

Fresh from their DC Craft Mafia Spring Thing and Taste of Arlington performances, Snakehead Run brings their unique acoustic jug band energy to Welburn Square at the June 11th Ballston A&C Market from 12 noon to 2PM. And, I, personally can't wait!

Check out Papa Denny, Bro Mark  and Son Bunch in action playing "On the Road Again," one of my favorite blues tunes.

I love 'em and you will, too!

Lost Dog in Ballston/Clarendon

Hey everyone! This isn't craft-related, but it is very important. Have you seen this little Boston Terrier in the Ballston/Clarendon area?

Zoe disappeared from North  Quincy St. and North 25th St. yesterday, May 24th. Her mom, Mary is worried sick. She is  a Boston Terrier  who  is a little timid, but very very friendly. She comes when whistled to, clapped at, called. Responds to "Goodie" and "Good Girl."

If see her, have any information on Zoe or wanna help, contact Mary at mjstoopman@aol.com or call 703-524-2464.

Thanks!

Jenny Wren Jewelry - June 11th!

Artist, Jenny Lowe,  (Jenny Wren Jewelry) has been making jewelry for nearly 20 years. Over the past several years she has incorporated sewing and other techniques into her designs. She has also also made a conscious decision to use more repurposed objects and recycled materials in her jewelry.

Jenny crafts because it’s exciting, relaxing, stimulating, therapeutic and tons of fun. There isn’t a day that goes by that she's not making something or thinking about the next thing she's going to make. And that's why the Ballston A&C Market thinks she's awesome.

You will, too! Come visit Jenny Wren Jewelry at the Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, June 11th!

Udacha - June 11th!

Udacha's, (Ukrainian for "good fortune")a artist/designer, Kate Krezel, turns the fanny pack up a notch. In fact, I wouldn't even refer to these babies as fanny packs ... they're more like soft, fashionable belt purses or belt pouches ... or bouches! Kate cleverly calls them "urban holsters."

Anyway, they are fabulous and Ballston--you're in luck! Udacha will be at the June 11th Ballston A&C Market with a bunch of urban holsters to choose from.

Remember: The Ballston A&C Market is 100% handmade by 100% local artisans.

Pocketful of Posey - June 11th!

Yay! The adorable bag designs of Pocketful of Posy is back for the June 11th Ballston A&C Market! We're talking tote bags, handbags, wristlets, wallets, makeup bags, business card cases and zip pouches and more!

PoP uses all designer fabrics, bright colors and fun prints. Plus. many of their bags are adorned with hand-embroidered designs or handmade appliques.

Don't miss out on your chance to own a Pocketful of Posy original on Saturday, June 11th--their only appearance at the Ballston A& Market ttis season.

DC Craft Mafia Spring Thing - TOMORROW!

Attention Craft Show Fanatics! The DC Craft Mafia is holding an awesome craft show TOMORROW - Saturday, May 21st from 11 AM - 5 PM, called Spring Thing and you don't wanna miss it!

Join the DC Craft Mafia and more than 40 talented artists and crafters (many of who are Ballston A&C Market artists!) at what's surely to be an exciting day.

The DC Craft Mafia has a couple of musicians lined up, Fojol Brothers will be there and Lucky Dog Animal Rescue will be hanging out all day with an artist raffle and adoptable dogs looking for their forever homes.

The weather is going to be beautiful this weekend, so join us for a glorious Spring day of arts & crafts near Dupont Circle in Washington, DC! The Spring Thing will take place in the parking lot of St. Lukes Episcopal Church, only three blocks from Dupont Metro station.

See you there!

Haute Hilary

You all know I love unique handmade crafty stuff. So, when I saw the bag designs from Haute Hilary, I knew they would be a perfect fit for the Ballston A&C Market!

Bags by Haute Hilary are created in Virginia by talented artist, Hilary Martin, who draws upon what may be the largest collection of vintage pattern envelopes ever assembled! The images from sewing patterns rescued from estate sales and flea markets are used to create these faboo handbags.

Cool, right? Haute Hilary will be exhibtiing at the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, June 11th. See you there!

Washingtonian Article on Me & the Craft Mafia

Hey, everyone! I'm kinda excited about this, so I thought I'd share. The Washingtonian did a piece on lil' ole me and the crafty group of artists I'm with called the Craft Mafia. Check it out:

http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/shopping/shoparound/19549.html

We're holding a the DC Craft Mafia Spring Thing THIS Saturday, May 21st. The weather is going to be beautiful this weekend, so join us for a glorious Spring day of arts & crafts near Dupont Circle in Washington, DC! The Spring Thing will take place in the parking lot of St. Lukes Episcopal Church, only three blocks from Dupont Metro station.

Hope to see you there!

**Big hugs and thanks to writer, Lisa Rowan and Daisy McClellan of Lanyapi Designs.**

Artologica - June 11th!

There's one word that I think of when I see Artologica's bacteria-based artwork: Neat-o-rama. Yah, that's right. I said it ... I'm bringing it back!

Artologica creates original paintings that explore the intriguing beauty of natural phenomena. Artist, Michele Banks, uses an old, traditional medium, watercolor, to create pieces that are anything but old-fashioned.

All of her pieces are one-of-a-kind, hand-painted originals. So far, Michele hasn't made prints of her work. She just prefers to paint another one!

Catch the incredibly unique artwork of Artologica at the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, June 11th!

More Great Press!

And the great press just keeps coming!

Check out these fun pictures from our friends at ArlintgonVirginia.com. They were at the Market practically all day, giving out FREE eco-friendly tote bags, taking pictures, chatting it up with the artists, chowing down on some yummy crepes and just keeping us all company at Saturday's Market. What a great day. :)

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.155043604562924.37329.100001718561931

We'll see you guys back again on June 11th!

Ballston Patch Covers Saturday's Ballston A&C Market!

Have I ever mentioned how much I love the Ballston Patch? Well, I do. They were so awesome to swing by last Saturday and cover the Ballston A&C Market!

Check out their article and see if your favorite artist made their camera roll!

http://ballston.patch.com/articles/ballston-arts-crafts-market

See you guys next month at the June 11th Market!

Interlaken Soap Company

Bath time has never been so peaceful ... and fun!

At Interlaken Soak Company, they create artisan-quality bath-and-body care products with a focus on using all natural ingredients in small, handcrafted batches.  They have unique items for the whole body from the tops of your fingers to the tips of your toes.

When it comes to baths, Interlaken Soap Company's where it's at. Check 'em out at the next Ballston A&C Market on June 11th!

Saturday's Market!

Phew! What a day. Even though it rained a bit in the morning, the Ballston A&C Market was a blast on Saturday. Thank you to all of the shoppers and the exhibitors who braved the weird and soggy weather. You guys are total rock stars!

Join us at the next Market on Saturday, June 11th. But in the meantime, check out some awesome photos from May 14th!

Beeps' Peeps adorable car mat--Yep got one for myself!

The rain didn't keep visitors away. There was a steady stream all day.

Hope Augustini's back at the Market with beautiful new designs

Ten East Read. 'Nough said. ;)

Mustache mania with Fuzzy Ink

Kaylala's best seller--Boo-boo ointment

 Full Saction Press representin!

Brighter Day Beads at work

Cute, cuddly monsters by Red Table Press

J-Guden entertaining the entire market. He was SO good!

Whimsical pottery by Claytastic

Beautiful handpainted bracelets by Pattern to the People

The ground was a bit soggy for yoga. We'll try again next week, Kim! :)

Handcrafted silver designs by Baltimore's best, lolojane

Lil' pillows by Grumpy Haters

Knotty Daughter aprons

See you JUNE 11th!

Today's the Day!

Woohoo! The Ballston A&C Market is still on for today--showers or shine! And according to Accuweather, things aren't so bad! One shower at noon? No problem!

http://www.accuweather.com/us/va/arlington/22201/forecast-hourly.asp

So come swing by Welburn Square (aka the Ballston Circle) from 10AM - 4PM. If things stay like this, we'll be here all day!

Winner of the Gift Certificate for May 14th!

Congratulations to Tyfanny K. for winning the first ArlingtonVirginia.com $25 Gift Certificate for tomorrow's Ballston A&C Market! See you tomorrow--rain or shine!

Be on the look out for the next round!

FREE Eco-Friendly Tote Bags THIS SATURDAY May 14th!

Don't forget to pick up your FREE eco-friendly tote bag at the Ballston A&C Market THIS SATURDAY, May 14th! First 50 visitors get one absolutely FREE!


Our friends atArlingtonVirginia.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 this Saturday.

Q&A with Knotty Daughters

 1). Aprons, aprons and more pretty aprons! So. Why aprons? 
We recently started telling our apron story on our blog.  The April 11th post entitled “How the Magic Started” outlines how we turned the corner from being a hobby to a business.  Here is an except:

“Lindsey, being the crafty designer she is, made the first set of aprons for Christmas gifts in 2009 All her friends loved the aprons…and not just because they were free.  Fast-forward three months when Beth came to visit Lindsey in Sioux City, IA.  To be clear, Beth doesn’t really cook, have any desire to and honestly, doesn’t really care for taste in her food – extreme, yes.  But (!), when Beth saw Lindsey wearing the apron she thought it was cute and though, cooking isn’t high on her list, business and gifts both were.  That afternoon Lindsey and Beth sat down played with some numbers, went on a two-hour shopping trip to Micheals and Gordmans (just another wild afternoon in Iowa!) and talked about the idea of creating a company.” In May we also introduced magnets to our collection that are made largely out of the remnants of the apron fabric.  They have quickly become as popular as the aprons as shows.

2). Here’s a thinker: What would be the title of your memoir? Why? 
Winning  Why not?  It pretty much says it all.

3). Apart from creating things, what do you like to do?
I like to workout and work on my real estate business that my husband and I own.

4). What three words would you use to describe your craft? 
Unique, empowering and bold.

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

We are located in a number of stores in Virginia, Iowa and Illinois. In Virginia, we are at Radiance Med Spa in Old Town Alexandria and A Show of Hands in Del Ray.  We are working to get into more stores every week, check for updates at our website in the “Where to Buy Them Section."

Random Bonus Question: What’s your favorite mythological creature?  
I can’t say that I really have one … but, the first on that comes to mind is Pandora.  I think she had a box of some sort that when opened unleashed unparalleled mayhem on planet earth. Pandora sounds – very knotty.

Grumpy Haters Returns on May 14th

Yah! Grumpy Haters returns to the Ballston A&C Market this Saturday, May 14th with a brand-new posse of stuffed creatures, like frellas, plush cupcakes, minions, owls, cats and more!

Plus, little stuffies isn't all they create. Check out their girly-girl embroidered hair accessories for all ages. And I love the hand-emboridered cushions and lavender sachets.

 Stop by the Market THIS Saturday and say Hello to Grumpy Haters. They'll be in their regular spot, Booth #27, so pick up some plushies and more while you're here.

Saffron Offers FREE Yoga Class at the Ballston A&C Market!

Don't forget! This Saturday at the May 14th Market, not only do we have an amazing array of talented artisans lined up for you, but Saffron Yoga will also be at the show from 12 noon to 2 PM with FREE yoga classes for the entire family.  

And donations will be accepted to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training.

Saturday, May 14th -- Crafts, yoga and crepes. What a nice relaxing Saturday!

Exhibitor List for May 14th!

Check out the Exhibitor List for & map for THIS SATURDAY, May 14th. Pretty, awesome, huh? ;)

Jen-A-Fusion

Hope Augustini

BoxBoy

A-Z Jewelry

Studio 617

Warped

The BumbleBee Studio

Artsy Fartsy

Sande’s Handmade Books

Claytastic

Yinibini Baby

Kaylala Organic Apothecary

Jules' Jewels

Herban Lifestyle

Mary Ellen Larkins

Ten East Read

Melissa Lew

lolojane

Grumpy Haters

Creative Art and Soul

Steven L. Miller

Bette's Bags

Pattern to the People

Red Table Press

Fuzzy Ink

Brighter Day Beads

Love to Create

Nikdapooh Designs

Full Sanction Press

Beeps' Peeps

Gypsy Tailor

Wild Hare Fiber Studio

Jillory

May 14th Market is THIS SATURDAY!

Woo hoo! The May 14th Ballston Arts & Crafts Market is THIS SATURDAY! Have you RSVPed on Facebook, yet?  If you dig handmade crafts, good music and FREE yoga, you have to swing by. It's gonna be a awesome!

Here's a sneak peak of the exhibitors we have lined up for this Saturday! And I'll post the full vendor list soon. In the meantime, just look to the right. :)

 

Herban Lifestyle

Grumpy Haters

Fuzzy Ink

Beeps' Peeps

Sande's Handmade Books

Jule's Jewels

Red Table Press

BumbleBee Studio

Ten East Read

lolojane

And this is just a sampling! I'll have more for you later on in the week!