Friday, May 7, 2010

Tomorrow's Market!

I am so excited for tomorrow's market! Are you? Now, I know the forecast is calling for some rain in the early am, but I really think that we'll be fine and rained out by 10:00am. It's going to be a beautiful day.

Check it out!

BelleMie Designs

Melissa Lew

Grumpy Haters

FSall Selection

Wild Hare Fiber Studio

See you all tomorrow!


Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Tweeting at the Market

The Ballston Arts & Crafts Market has decided to step into the Twitterverse! (Finally, I know.) I'll be tweeting about the Market all day on May 8th, so if you have a special message you'd like me to send out to The BallstonMarkets followers, let me know.

For example, if you'd like to alert our 300+ followers to a sale you'd like to run, I can tweet something like, "Visit EHL Creations at Booth #5 from 2:00-3:00 and receive a 20% discount off all magnets."

Skies the limit--well, 140 characters, actually. But, I'll be strolling the Market ALL day, so just holla and I'll tweet.

Artsy Fartsy Recycled Plastic Jewelry!

You won't believe it's plastic ... but it is! Artsty Fartsy's unbelievably colorful jewelry is made from genuine recycled plastic that artist, Susi Dupris, finds everywhere, from detergent bottles to credit cards.

Artsy Fartsy creates earrings, necklaces, bracelets and even flower-shaped plastic brooches, all prettier than the next.

Artsy Fartsy just wants us all to "Make your statement by wearing "BLING" that's GREEN!"

Catch her green, artful jewelry at the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market on May 8th, Opening Day, at Booth #2, inside the circle.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Sign Up for Your OWN Unflattering Portriat


I just think this is the coolest thing. Like mentioned before The Misanthrope Specialty Company's own Reverend Aitor will be minding the Company table. He has graciously agreed to make himself available to bring out the ugly in four lucky Virginians. (This is a tough job, people! Arlington's HOT!) Just follow this link and sign up for your own portrait session. Only four slots are available, so don't dillydally!


The Misanthrope Specialty Co. & Sweetie Pie Press

I'm so excited. On May 8th, we'll have two extremely talented artists in one booth space! Specializing in "Unflattering Portraits" (oh, you know you want one!) The Misanthrope Specialty Co. is sharing a booth with Sweetie Pie Press who will have plenty of colorful buttons to add you your collection.
Thanks for stopping by on your way across the country, guys! Seriously, you don't miss these fabulous artists on Opening Day. Check 'em both out in Booth #30.

Monday, May 3, 2010

EHL Creations

What happened to good ole Polaroid pictures? Well, EHL Creations is bringing the art of Poloroid transfers into the mainstream. Check out the amazing images, foils & tile lifts, greeting card designs and brand-new magnets collection--all made from the art of Poloroid transfers.

So, what is Poloroid transfers? Well, stop by the Market on May 8th, to ask the artist herself! EHL Creations' own, Emily, will be at Booth #5 all day to chat all things Poloroid.

This Saturday!

O.M.G. I cant believe the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market is this Saturday. Opening Day. Are you psyched? Okay, here's the vendor map. Check out your location and if you have any questions, just gimme a call. I'm always here. Rain or shine. Just like the Market. :)

See you soon!

Saturday, May 1, 2010

I Love Grumpy Haters

If there is one thing folks know about me, is that I love handmade plushes. I can't get enough of 'em! So, if you're a plush artist and I see you at a show, get ready for an automatic fan. Now, if you are a plush artist who specializes in monsters, well, get ready for an automatic sale.

That's why I was so excited when plush artist, Grumpy Haters signed on with the Market. Cute, clever and sarcastic, her quirky monster plushes are right up my weirdo alley.

Check out Grumpy Haters at the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market on May 8th at Booth #29. Then, swing by in June, July, September & October to stock up on your own minions.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Thank You Taster's Choice!

Ya know, I just wanted to thank our friends over at Nescafe Taster's Choice. They have been so generous to the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market and will be hooking up all of the vendors on May 8th with delicious coffee and breakfast treats in the a.m.
You guys rock!

Sharp Shirter in May!

Oh, man, I love t-shirts. I especially love tees with rhinos and shotguns, lumberjack vs. bear fights and fish & bicycles. Good thing Sharp Shirter is around cuz they have these designs and way more!

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. Now selling in 60 stores worldwide and with a range of over 100 products including laptop and ipod skins.

Nice work, Dan. Pick up one of Sharp Shirter T-shirts or a laptop skin on Opening Day, May 8th, at Booth #3.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Flash Mob in Ballston!

Join The Ballston Partnerhip, Bowen McCauley Dance and America's Got Talent Dance semi-finalists, The DC Cowboys for an energetic and fun public participation in the Flash Mob "street premiere" ofAbba favorite Mamma Mia on Sunday, May 2.


This Flash Mob experience is one of seven to take place in the area as part of Dance Metro DC "Dance Is The Answer" campaign - an annual convergence of dance-related events that includes performances, classes, video showings and other special happenings between April 15 and May 2 coinciding with National Dance Week.


Two Mamma Mia performances will take place on May 2 -- 1pm at Dupont Circle in DC and at 3pm at Ballston Common Mall. Flash mobs have become a world-wide phenomenon the last few years, with the age of viral videos and social networking. Dance/Metro DC in collaboration with some of the area's most creative choreographers, will create opportunities for potentially hundreds of men, women and children who want the thrill of dancing among the masses and sharing in a feel good public event. Through live rehearsals as well as well as on-line tutorials, the public is invited to take part in these Flash Mob dances that will be performed live from April 15 - May2, 2010. Online tutorial of Mamma Mia can be found HERE on YouTube.


Here's how it works: A choreograp
her creates a sequence of movements and demonstrates them in a video online. They also teach it live in pre-scheduled group rehearsals. Through digital networking, teaching the dance to others live, and spreading the word among friends by every means possible, the public makes sure the dance lives and thrives! As the actual live performance dates come near, the times will be posted at www.danceistheanswer.org and Tweeted/Facebooked, along with a geographic location. Dancers show up, and it's a Mob of synchronicity, choreography and fun.

Monday, April 26, 2010

The Lynn Véronneau Trio

Not only is the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market a fantastic destination for this area's best artists, it's also is a great venue to catch up on the local music scene! On May 8th, Opening Day, The Lynn Véronneau Trio will perform their own style of smooth jazz and pop music.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Q&A with Warped


1). So, please tell us how you came up with the name of your business, “Warped.”

The short answer is, of course, that I'm crazy as all get out. But, actually, the name comes from the act of weaving itself. On the loom you have a warp and a weft. You weave with the weft onto the warp. It would be a lot clearer if I had diagrams, boring lectures, and some sheep milling about. Suffice it to say, I wanted a one-word name for the business that described a little about me (nuts) and a little about what you would find when you got there (weaving). And there you have it: Warped.

2). Even though it was difficult to decide, I picked a favorite bag! I really like Silver Dahlia. Do you have a favorite bag style—something you enjoy making the most?

That one is one of my new favorites. I'm itching to take it out for a spin. The only thing between me and that bag is the perfect pair of silver shoes …

My favorite style to make is the clutch, I think for its absolute simplicity. When there are no handles to worry about (and I spend A LOT of time worrying over the perfect handles) there is such freedom of expression in the details of the bag. I can take my time working on the embellishments that I truly enjoy, like leather ruffles, deconstructed ties, handmade flowers, or vintage button detailing. Just this minute I am imagining pleats and insets for some new fabric that came off the loom today. Things I think are only possible with the simple lines of a clutch.

3). If I saw someone on the street with one of your bags, I would say, “Hey, that’s gotta be a Warped bag!” What inspired your distinct style? Or, if too difficult to express, what inspires you?

I would say that in the beginning there were two things that inspired me: a) my need for a navy and cream bag for a wedding I was attending and b) the need to create something on the loom that was NOT a place mat, scarf or shawl. Now that I have been doing this for a few years, there are a lot of things that inspire me, and I think some are not what you would necessarily expect. The more obvious sources are fashion magazines and the less obvious are modern art exhibits and books. I am usually inspired by a set of colors and shapes, or a mood, or a place more than I am by a specific style or trend. And, I have a wall in my workroom where I have taped up designs, magazine clippings, vintage photos, fabric bits and so on, for further inspiration. I will, however, admit to being overly enamored of ruffles and flowers right now. A bit trendy, but I am having way too much fun to stop.

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

It holds stuff.

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

In my basement. Family joke. Currently it resides also at: www.morewarped.etsy.com.

Bonus question: Quick! What’s in your pockets right now?

A lucky penny I found in a puddle outside the Target today. Usually, I have empty pockets and a full bag.

Thanks, Jen! Visit Warped at the Market in May & July!

Sweetflow Mobile!

Miss the old ice cream truck from childhood? Good thing Sweetflow Mobile has made their own and put a Sweetgreen spin on it. And good thing Sweetflow Mobile will grace us with their scrumptious frozen yogurt on May 8th, Opening Day!

In the meantime, check 'em out on Twitter or Facebook and keep an eye out as they drive through the streets blasting the latest tunes and dishing out their delicious frozen yogurt with fresh toppings!

I am a frozen yogurt fanatic, so I'm especially stoked for their visit. Yummy!

Monday, April 19, 2010

PawCasso This Saturday!

What could be better than art and animals?

Locally-based Homeward Trails Animal Rescue will be hosting their annual PawCasso Charity Art Auction on Saturday, April 24, 2010. This great event is being held downtown at the historic Council on Foreign Relations, 1777 F Street NW - just blocks from the White House. This year's live art eventt is featuring more than 60 amazing local artists as well as an upscale silent auction that includes items such as: private airplane ride, hotel stays, pet sitting, jewelry, beach houses and much, much more.

Support these wonderful efforts by purchasing tickets today. Limited tickets are available. Visit www.homewardtrails.org/pawcasso for more info or to purchase tickets online.