The Music of Katie & Logan - July 9th

Music makes everything better, and that even includes craft shows! On July 9th, we have some extra-special guests joining us at the Market. Meet local acoustic duo, Katie & Logan!

Katie & Logan are a Northern Virginia based muscial team featuring two guitars, vocal harmonies and the occasional harmonica and ukulele (yah!).  Thier song list ranges anywhere from artists such as The Beatles, James Taylor, and Janis Joplin to Taylor Swift, John Mayer and The Black Eyed Peas.

Come check out some FREE, fun live music at the next the Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, July 9th from noon - 2 PM!

Jill Popowich Designs in Metal - July 9th

Since she was a little girl  Jill Popowich, the talent behind Jill Popowich Designs in Metal, loved jewelry. She was intrigued with designing and creating.  As an adult, Jill works as an Environmental Graphic Designer and has had the opportunity to travel the world working on large-scale retail environments designing signage, sculptures and architectural details.

It is this large scale 3-D work that re-sparked her interest in jewelry design and the opportunity to build something that can be interacted with on a personal scale.

And, you can now interact with Jill and all of her colorful and wonderful jewelry designs at the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, July 9th!

July 9th Sneak Peak

The July 9th Ballston A&C Market is only about 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. You don't wanna miss this show!

Beeps Peeps

Fuzzy Ink

NAMOO

Herban Lifestyle

Melissa Lew

pretty.hot.hoops

Grumpy Haters

Jill Popowich Designs

Oh, and SO MUCH MORE! Check out the blog every day for more artist profiles and interviews ...

Q&A with Red & Main

1). What can I say? Your clay creations are just so friggin’ awesome. I really want to start a collection! So, where does the name, “Red & Main” come from?
It's a fairly convoluted story.  I was thinking of names for my store and my top option was Ceramasaurus Rex.  A friend also suggested Kiln Me Softly, which earned big points for punny-ness. I thought about both of those names and then imagined myself doing an interview (like this one). While both names were super fun, it was also impossible to take me seriously when I thought about them like that.  So, I started brainstorming again.  My husband's last name begins with "R" and mine begins with "M".  I started thinking of things about myself that made me unique that began with "R" or "M".  My bright, Special FX brand hair was obviously the first thing that came to mind.  So, there was "Red" and the "Main" just came naturally.  

2). Yetis, Bigfoot, Green Globs of Candy-Loving Happiness and two-toed sloths. What other mythological and/or peculiar creatures are on the agenda? Perhaps a griffin? ;)  
I'm working on two new projects right now.  The first is a series I call "Emoti-Monsters," which are little blob monsters expressing one type of emotion or action.  Thus far, I've completed sculpting Joy, Contentment, and Deviousness, but I have lots of others planned. The second is a project that involves things that scare me, or used to scare me as a child.  I take those scary things and create new, cuter versions of them.  There was a cartoon Jackalope (One Eyed Jack from Tiny Toon Adventures if anyone is wondering how a Jackalope could possibly be scary ... look him up) that scared the piss out of me when I was little.  The new, adorable Jackalope is in my kiln right now for his glaze firing.  It's nice to be able to associate new things with thoughts that aren't positive. And ... there might be a griffin in my kiln. Maybe.  Who knows.  

3). Can you tell us a little bit about your creative process? For example, do you sketch your critters before sculpting them, or do you just dive right in?
I love making lists, so I usually have a working list of the items I'm looking to create.  I'll pick one item from the list, grab a lump of clay, roll it into a ball and start in. Usually, I can tell right away where features should go and how the little guy will take shape.  I'm not much of a illustrator (but I desperately wish that I was) so drawing in advance would be a little silly.  Maybe that could be a new featured series for me:  Things Made From Clay and Poorly Drawn on Paper.  

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

I think I'd pick challenging, supremely enjoyable and consuming.  

5). Where can we find your craft outside the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market?  
I can be found on Etsy.  I'm also on my blog.  My pieces can be viewed via Etsy Mini there, too.  

Random Bonus Question: Who would win in a fight--a yeti or a ninja panda? 
 I babysat a friend's son last year and we watched Kung Fu Panda multiple times for six hours straight.  Needless to say, this experience taught me that Ninja Pandas are not to be taken lightly.  So, I'm going with Ninja Panda for the win in the Yeti/Panda match up.  Plus, Yetis are slow ... and want hugs. I doubt their tubby little arms would be suited for 12 rounds of panda throw down.

Fuzzy Ink - Returns July 9th!

Fuzzy Ink is dedicated to the loving creation of mustache-clad apparel (and more!). Armed with a unique sense of style and an under-appreciated sense of humor, they work frantically to bring the freshest designs to the unkempt mustache kingdom.

Each shirt, from the custom-stamped tag to the artwork, is designed and hand-printed in their underground lair. Additionally, they are committed to making and selling only clothing that they would proudly sport themselves.

Get your own Fuzzy Ink design when they return to the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, July 9th!

Denise's Knits

Denise's Knits are hand-knitted elegant fashions, plain and simple.

Artist, Denise Strothers, create custom-made sweaters, hats, scarves, shawls, ponchos, shrugs, baby items and so much more. Denise's Knits uses fine yarns that are sure to keep sweaters looking beautiful forever.

Their garments are made with mastery intricate details and the most vibrant colors of every season. Plus, any of the sweaters can be made in the color and size of your choice--just let Denise know what you want at the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, July 9th!

Q&A with NAMOO

1). You design monkeys, farm animals, whales and so much more! I LOVE them all! Your playful illustrations and quilted creations are so sweet, fun and colorful. Is NAMOO your full-time job? 

Thank you! My print inspiration comes mostly from my preschooler. We play, doodle and craft a lot together at home and some of them get printed on baby bodysuits and totes that I make. For the amount work that I put into my business —considering I work all night during the busy craft season— I could say that NAMOO is my full-time job, but currently it is a part-time job. My daughter attends preschool part-time and I work on my business when she is away from home for preschool or at night after she goes to bed and when my husband takes time off work. One day it will be a full-time.

2). I read on your etsy site that NAMOO is a sister team—you (insung) live in Maryland and your sister lives in Seoul, Korea. Wow! That must be challenging. Would you mind telling us how your creative process works since you guys are far away from each other? 

We exchange our opinions on business direction of NAMOO, design inspirations, craft show exhibit ideas, etc., through e-mails, phone and Skype. She finds craft materials from the fabric district (it is an amazing place where you can find high-quality fabric and craft items from Korea and Japan) and introduces them to me from time to time. As she works as a graphic designer in the city, she handles most of our marketing materials including logos, tags, business cards and banners. We hope to run NAMOO together once again in the US. My husband helps a quite bit with marketing and description verbiage, as well, whenever I ask him. It is a family adventure.

3). What do you like best about exhibiting at craft shows? 
Getting the booth set-up in the morning before the show is cumbersome but I love the process of creating a space with items that I made. Every show I try a bit of a different approach but try to maintain the same look and feel while making the 10' x10' or less space more inviting. I recently had a customer who came to my booth standing right in the middle and said, “I wish I could stay in your booth all day. It is a little heaven for me!” I enjoy meeting people who appreciates craftsmanship, fresh modern fabrics and craft ideas from overseas, i.e. Japan, that I often incorporate into my design.

4). What three words would you use to describe your craft? 
Circles. Warm. Boundless,    

5). Where can we find your craft outside the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market? 
I sell on Etsy. You can find my items in ArtSpring in Silver Spring, Maryland. I attend craft shows in Maryland, DC and Virginia. From time to time, I venture out to further cities. My show schedule gets updated in my blog. Please feel free to check it out!

Random Bonus Question: Who would win in a fight--a yeti or a ninja panda? 
Oh! I love this question. Ninja panda! Hi-yah!

NAMOO and their baby-chic designs will be at the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, July 9th!

Diversion Designs - July 9th

The gals over at Diversion Designs say it best:

"When basic black is not enough and personality is a must, choose a design that suits you and your lifestyle. Whether it be a corporate environment or a creative one, our collections are tailored to accommodate every individual. All bags are made from the finest quality leather and highly durable fabrics able to sustain daily use."

Yoga bags, tote bags, laptop bags--they have it all. Pick up a bag to suit your individual personality at the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, July 9th!

WeirdGirl Designs - July 9

Melissa Yates Tomlinson is WeirdGirl Designs. And just for the record, I've met Melissa and have seen her designs, and I don't think she or her creations are "weird." Unique. Cool. Modern --Sure! But weird? Well, okay ... maybe a little. But, that's what makes her fused glass artwork so special!

Melissa has been perfecting the art of fused glass for a little over four years now and she also has been teaching the medium for three.

Check out her handmade plates, bowls, jewelry, wine racks, and more at the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, July 9th!


Let's keep Ballston weird. ;)

Inkonly - July 9th

Why the name "inkonly?"  Because artist, Karen Waltermire, creates her incredibly unique portraits of imaginary people in pen and ink only!

Karen's cards, jewelry, magnets and more are fun, hip, humorous, funky--you name it! They put me in a good mood and I think they will make you happy, too.

Say hi to Karen and her colorful artwork at the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, July 9th. And in the meantime, check out her etsy shop! Cool, right?

Amy Manson Pottery - July 9th!

Amy Manson has been creating with clay for the past nine years. She uses high-fired stoneware and porcelain, and enjoys glaze colors and themes, which can be found in nature. Amy tries to incorporate a combination of family, prayer, meditation, nature and the creation of pottery into every single day of her life as part of her own personal growth and transformation.

"It gives me great insight and joy to create a one of a  kind piece of  artwork. I hope others enjoy viewing and  utilizing the pottery as much as I enjoyed making it!"

Her passion for clay certainly shows in her work! Enjoy Amy Manson's pottery in person at the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, July 9th.

Jerseymaids - July 9th!

Jerserymaids is a one-woman show lead by artist, Lauren Beacham. A photographer and Polaroid enthusiast, Lauren has many different collections in her shop--from prints to jewelry, home decor to lighting. It's quite a shopping experience!

Catch Lauren and all of her unique Polaroid creations at the next Ballston A&C Market on July 9th. 

I can't wait!

The Ballston Patch Covers Saturday's Market

The Ballston Patch wrote such a fanatastic article about Saturday's show, I just have to share it with you here!

Nothing screams summer like an outdoor market under the sun. Art vendors showcased their work on Saturday at the Ballston Arts and Crafts Market in Welburn Square.

A large crowd of Arlingtonians came out to shop and soak up the sun while the acoustic mandolin-toting blues band Snakehead Run provided the upbeat tunes. The market meets every second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..

Under the tents was an impressive array of handmade pieces ranging from professional photographs to silk-screen printed pillows. Plus, the vendors are just as lovely as their crafts.

Bette of Bette's Bags greets customers with a friendly smile. Her stand also draws attention with its collection of colorful bags with great summer patterns.

"My daughter purchased an expensive designer bag and got tired of seeing other people wearing it. That's when I got the idea of making one-of-a-kind bags!" said Bette. Bette's Bags has its own website (www.bettesbags.com), but holds an even larger selection up for sale on its Etsy page. Check it out here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/bettesbags.

If you are looking for the perfect gift, bLugrn Design has beautiful jewelry made by the young and hip D.C.-dweller Lucia Hamilton. With colors like gold and teal, these accessories are perfect additions to a summer wardrobe. You can find their unique and trendy designs for women and men on their website: www.blugrndesign.com.

If the crafts did not strike your fancy, the market even held a free Saffron Yoga class on the grass in the middle of the square! After the free class, you could pick up a delicious organic crepe from the Solar Crepes truck situated on the edge of the market.

The next Ballston Arts and Crafts Market will be held on Saturday, July 9 at the same time. Gather your family and friends for this festive summer event you will never forget!

Thanks, Abby & Ginny, for the awesome write up!!

June 11th Market was AWESOME!

Did you make it out to the June market? If you did you were greeted with friendly, awesome artists, yummy crepes, fun music, free yoga and more! 

The Ballston A&C Market continues to succeed and thrive thanks to YOU the artisans and loyal visitors. Not to mention the great weather! Thanks, Mother Nature, for holding off those storms. Much appreciated. 

Now, here's some pics from Saturday's show:

It's a Yeti Party at Red & Main. Everyone's invited!

Jillory's new "banana seed" jewelry

Organic baby adorableness by Ashleybug

Jules' Jewels & Friend!

So much to choose from at FuzzyMug

Lucia from bLuGrn design is HOT. Tee hee.

Stunning glasswork by Wunder Around. LOVE the orange

Emily Dolenz Photography enjoying some down time

 I love these feminine, pretty silkscreened pillows by Birdtree Philosophy

Newbie Botodesigns was a HUGE hit at the Market. Hope you'll be back!

Another huge hit -- Snakehead Run. As usual, you guys rocked!

Saffron Yoga offers FREE Yoga in the Square. Thanks Kim!

Upcycled earrings by UglyKittyReduex

Guess who!

Colors galore by Pocketful of Posy

See you at the next market on July 9th!

Ballston A&C Market TODAY - June 11th!

Never mind this crazy weather weirdness! Rain, shine -- who cares ... come out TODAY - Saturday, June 11th and spend a couple hours strolling along pretty Welburn Square, chatting & shopping with one of the things that makes Ballston special, the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market - the ONLY 100% handmade market in Arlington!

We'll be there from 10 AM - 4 PM doing what we do best -- delivering unique, handcrafted goodies to the people! And while your here, pick up an organic crepe from Solar Crepes, listen to the bluesy styling of local fave, Snakehead Run (noon - 2 PM), or take a FREE yoga class from Saffron Yoga (noon - 2 PM).

And get there early to receive your FREE tote bag courtesy of ArlingtonVirginia.com.

C'mon, ya'll! It's June! :)

Father's Day Gift Guide at the Ballston A&C Market!

The Ballston A&C Crafts Market, THIS SATURDAY, June 11th, is the perfect place to pick up a  cool, crafty gift for Dad! We have everything for the nerdy dad to the stylin' dad! So, check out the awesome manly offerings our artists have in store for you this Saturday from 10AM - 4PM.

Botodesigns

UglyKittyReduex

FuzzyMug

Red & Main

Interlaken Soap Company

Artologica

Steven Miller Words and Images

Don't forget about Father's Day on June 19th!

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

Don't forget! This Saturday at the June 11th 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.

Saturday, June 11th -- Crafts, music, yoga and crepes. What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

Exhibitor List for June 11!

Yah! I'm so excited for Ballston A&C Market on June 11th. Check out the map and the awesome artisans we have lined up for THIS SATURDAY!


Botodesigns
Artologica
FuzzyMug
A-Z Jewelry Design
Karma Krafts
Emily Dolenz Photography
Interlaken Soap Company
bLuGrn design
Wunder Around
little blue studio
Fast Snail
Jules' Jewels
Udacha
Mary Ellen Larkins
UglyKittyRedeux
Melissa Lew
Jenny Wren Jewelry
Haute Hilary
Grumpy Haters
Steven L. Miller
Bette's Bags
YarnChef Creations
Avner Ofer Photography
Pocketful of Posy
Funnelcloud Studio
Babus Toys
Holland Cox
Jillory
Ashleybug
Purple Clover Art
Lisa K. Rosenstein
Red & Main
Knotty Daughters
Birdtree Philosophy

See you THIS SATURDAY - June 11th!