Artologica Returns August 13th!

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, August 13th! 

Ashley Buchanan's Hand-Cut Designs Returns!

Great news, craft and jewelry lovers! Ashley Buchanan returns to the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, August 13th!

What makes Ashley's jewelry stand out from the crowd? Well, all you have to do is check out her designs and see for yourself! Ashley hand-cuts all of her stunning jewelry from brass or sterling silver sheet metal and powder coat most pieces. The end result is ultra-feminine works of wearable art.

Well, I know I'll be buying a bunch of Ashley's pieces when she visits ... and I have feeling you may, too! ;)

Wunder Around - August 13th!

The imagery in Wunder Around‘s jewelry and art incorporates original photography of unexpected or off-the-beaten-path bits of nature and Americana.

Artist, Beth Hess’ free-form, blown glass features fluid, functional pieces for home, office or gifting.

Wunder Around – Where glass addict meets photo nerd!  Meet the "photo nerd" herself at the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, August 13th!

Q&A with FuzzyMug

1). I am a HUGE animal-lover, too! Maybe that’s part of the reason I am so drawn to your work. Tell us a little bit about how you started FuzzyMug and why. 
I don't know. I've just always been an "animal person." We grew up with lots of pets and I have always felt a special bond to them. When I graduated from college, I started volunteering for The Maryland SPCA in Baltimore and now have three rescue dogs and three cats of my own. FuzzyMug really started when I made a set of note cards for my friend for Christmas 2009. I had taken a really great photo of her dog and wanted to do something special with it and sort of figured out the portrait process I use right there. Once other people saw the note cards, and it just sort of took off and orders started coming in. Most of my friends have pets, too, so it wasn't hard to find my audience.

2). What has been your biggest crafting achievement, so far?
I really love being able to give back and help shelters across the U.S. I send out a lot of Custom Portrait gift certificates for silent auctions and raffles to raise money for animals in need. It's pretty rewarding to be able to help so many different organizations who are doing their best to help animals in need. I am also pretty proud of the DIY screen printing set up I have going in my garage. I took screen printing in college but had to turn to YouTube for a refresher when I decided to take it up again last spring. It's amazing what you can learn by searching YouTube!

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

4). Who are your favorite crafters?
I'm a member of Baltimore Etsy Street Team (BEST) and have to say that it is really a talented bunch. I am a sucker for beautiful design and the great attention to detail that's exhibited in Jill Popowich's jewelry designs. I also love the soft colors, geometric patterns and gorgeous craftsmanship in NAMOO's work. I can't make jewelry or sew, so I am fascinated by what they are able to create since I really have no idea how they do it!

5). Where can we find your craft outside the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market?  
We love Fenton Street Market in Silver Spring and are there quite a few times a year and always have FuzzyMug stuff available on Etsy and at Marlow, McCrystle & Jones Florist in Lutherville, MD.  

Random Bonus Question: Who would win in a fight--a yeti or a ninja panda?  
Going to have to go with Yeti. Seems like he could move a little faster.

August 13th Sneak Peak!

Only a couple weeks to go before the August 13th market and, boy, do we have some serious artistic talent line up for you! Here's a sneak peak at what's in store ... can't wait!

Kaylala Organic Apothecary

Red & Main

NAMOO

Sharp Shirter

Tsai-Fi

Fuzzy Mug

Autrefois Designs

Wunder Around

And that's just a sampling! Visit the Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, August 13th to see tons more authentic, handmade artwork by the area's best artists!

Alternate Histories - August 13th!

Artist, Matthew Buchholz, takes classic images and puts a sci-fi spin on them. It's like he is remaking history … with monsters and robots!

Realistic and humorous, Alternate Histories uses entirely digital sources to refashions archival images to include monsters and science-fiction elements, drawing the viewer’s eye to search for the anachronism. Matthew has long been fascinated with the quality of vintage illustrations and photographs, as well as the wealth of inspiration from low-budget science fiction films. He uses a variety of archives and computer programs to complete the work.

Personally, I can't get enough of this stuff. And, you won't be able t0o, either--trust me. Check out Alternate Histories truly unique creations at the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, August 13th!

Scrap DC - August 13

SCRAP (School & Community Reuse Action Project) is a non-profit organization that inspires creative reuse and environmentally sustainable behavior by providing education programs and affordable materials to the community.

The SCRAP Creative Reuse Center combines a retail shop offering an ever-changing variety of materials suitable for art, craft and school use with a public workshop room, inspirational ideas and instruction. Re:Vision Gallery presents fine art made from at least 75% reused/reclaimed material.

 Check out SCRAP DC for yourself at the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, August 13th!

Nikdapooh Designs Returns August 13th!

Yah! Ballston A&C Market favorite Nikdapooh Designs returns to Welburn Square August 13th with  new and amazing ornaments, sculptures and jewelry!

Artist, Monique Roberson Langley is an urban mother of two creating unique whimsical artwork of fun creatures and colorful clay sculptures using a mixture of repurposed materials. Monique designs and sculpts without molds and bakes in a little oven all from her Baltimore basement studio.

Say hello to Monique and her creative creature creations and more at the next market on Saturday, August 13th!

Hot Days of Summer

Hi there everyone. I have decided to get my Mom on a little early and write a little something about the hot weather this weekend.

For all of you who have shows this Saturday, did you know it's going to be hitting 100 degrees in the DC Metro area? Yikes. 100 degrees! Okay, okay. Some places only 98 degrees, but still ... that's really hot!

So, please remember to bring the appropriate necessities on these hots days. Keep in mind, not all shows offer free water, so bring plenty of bottled liquids AND ice with you.

Oh! And, have you seen these portable, battery operated fans? Inexpensive and pretty cool, they may be helpful in a heat wave, too!

Just play it safe folks and the heat will be more manageable.

Katharine Watson - August 13th

Meet artist, Katharine Watson!

All of her intricately created items are hand block-printed with original designs carved from linoleum blocks. Katharine finds her inspiration in textiles, stone carvings, Indian architecture and patterns all around her.

Each piece is individually hand-printed, so not one tea towel, greeting card, coin purse or journal is alike.

Want a Kathatine Watson original for yourself? Then, visit the Ballston A&C Market's next show on Saturday, August 13th and see what all of the fuss is about.

JerseygGirlDesign - August 13

Beautiful, simple, handmade ... sparkly goodness. That's what JerseyGirlDesign is all about! Jewelry designer, Lauren Brownlie uses gemstones, crystals and glitter all encased in resin to create her colorful, one-of-a-kind rings, earrings, necklaces and more.

Come check out the sparkly goodness at the next Ballston A&C Market on August 13th!

Good news, Ballston! Avner Ofer Photography returns to the Market on August 13th.

If you take one look at Avner's work, you'll realize that traveling and photography are crucial in this artist's life. Traveling to many remote and of-the-beaten path locations, Avner attempts to capture intimate moments and glimpses into other cultures. And does so successfully, I may add!

His photography speaks for itself. You'll see at the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, August 13th.

MOTHERBORED - August 13

MOTHERBORED believes there's beauty beyond that nasty bug or virus computers can catch. Saved from their death at your local landfill, artist, Michelle McLaughlin, recycles and upcycles desktop, laptop computers and other electronic components.

They all have colorful motherboards and gadgets awaiting her discovery. Using as much as possible from the computers, Michelle leaves little to no scrap trail behind!

July's Market was SO Much Fun!

Not much to say really ... except that Saturday's market was AWESOME! The weather was bright and sunny, the visitors were aplenty, the band was so much fun and the art was fantastic (of course!).

Thanks go out to you all who braved the annoying construction. That was a weird surprise, but whatevs. It really didn't effect things much.

The Ballston A&C Market continues to succeed and thrive thanks to YOU the talented artisans and wonderful supporters. Now, check out some photos from July's show.

One word: NAMOO. Amazing.

We LOVE Valerie & her handmade Holland Cox bags!

Jill Popowich Designs in Metal & Design by Night hard at work. Hope you had fun B-more!

Amy Manson Pottery is so cool and unique

Diversion Designs has much more than shoulder bags ... but I love this design

Poraroid jewelry at its best by jerseymaids

A fanciful design by Beep's Peeps. I think I may own them all!

Fuzzy goodness by Market regular, Herban Lifestyle

Look at this pretty, smooshy face!

So many beautiful crocheted items to choose from coutesy of YarnChef Creattions

Thank you eveyone for my AMAZING and artistic baby gifts!

Katie & Logan sounded sooooooo good.

Yep. It's a Griffin. And it's all mine from Red & Main. THANKS, Meg!

Pretty.Hot.Hoops were hoopin' all day!

Tons of sparkling goodies were a hit from love & glitter

It's Liz from Fast Snail. Hi, Liz!

See you all at the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, August 13th!

Ballston Arts & Crafts Market TODAY!

Yah! It's gonna be a sunny, beautiful day today! And, I can think of a great wat to celebrate the summer weather -  spending a couple hours strolling along pretty Welburn Square  (aka The Ballston Circle), chatting & shopping at one of the things that makes Ballston special, the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market!

We're  the ONLY 100% handmade market in Arlington! So, come visit us! We'll be at the Sqaure from 10 AM - 4 PM doing what we do best -- delivering unique, handcrafted goodies to the people! And while your here, learn how to hula-hoop with FREE demos all day, take a FREE yoga class (avalable noon - 2 PM) and listen to some awesome live music (noon - 2 PM).

Plus, FREE totebags from ArlingtonVirginia.com and Dominion Power!

It's gonna be great day. Come on out the market and support your local artists TODAY - Saturday, July 9th!

Ballston A&C Market Sneak Peak at TOMORROW'S Market!

Sneak peak time! I'm so excited for the market tomorrow, and I hope you are, too! Here's some of the amazing artwork we have lined up for you craft-lovers out there. And, remember, this is just a taste. You have to swing by Welburn Square TOMORROW from 10AM - 4PM to see it all. And you won't want to forget your wallet. ;)

Laughing Moon Artworks

MurderMitten Creations

EHL Creations

Holland Cox

Amy Manson Pottery

Melissa Lew

Red & Main

NAMOO

Beep's Peeps

Drew Smith Photography

inkonly

WeirdGirl Designs

See you tomorrow - Saturday, July 9tth!