Closed for the Season, aka Burned Out

Image from daveelmore on flickr.
This is how I feel! LOL. So, time for some relaxation and real family time.

After filling countless wholesale orders and doing 11 shows since September, I need a break. Brett and I have worked our poor fingers to the bone. But I must say it was all worth it. Lots of connections were made ie: possible NPR online selling for Mother's Day, a few boutiques and galleries in Pittsburgh and New Orleans, and the Alt Craft section of the American Craft Council's Baltimore show is just around the corner in February! We are in pretty good shape going into the new year.

Thank you all out there for your support. I appreciate each and every customer and the network of friends who have helped me this year. The Baltimore Etsy Team totally kicked ass this year, you guys are amazing!

Happy Holidays and have a great New Year!

Baltimore's Last Craft Show of the Year, School 33 Art Center

Head over to School 33 Art Center on Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Last Minute Maul. More than 20 local artists and crafters will be there, plus food and live music. The event includes works by Sweet Pepita, Biggs and Featherbelle, Sugar Paperie, Shiny Happy Things, Jaime Zollars, Pink Kiss Pottery and many more. Visit the School 33 Web site for a vendor list and more details. I personally will not be there, but I'll be cheering on all of my fellow burned out crafters!

Team Coverage, Baltimore Craft Feature

Our team is featured today on Etsy's blog! Profiles on a bunch of us and cool portraits from around the city, check it out!

Make Your Own Virtual Snowflakes

I love cutting paper snowflakes this time of year. I found this site one day while researching how to make them. I thought I would share this great site with all of you!

BEST's Last Trunk Show of the Year!

Shop local and get a last chance to purchase from BEST members at one of our favorite boutiques, doubledutch. There will be sweet treats to eat while you browse the wares. And when you make a purchase from a BEST member, you'll be entered in a drawing to win a $50 gift certificate to doubledutch! Give it as a gift, or treat yourself. Stop by this Sunday, December 14th, from 11am - 5pm.

We'll see you there!doubledutch is located at 3616 Falls Rd, Baltimore, Maryland 21211, just off the Avenue.[ Map / Directions ]

Chocolate Raindeer Cookies, Fun and Delicious Holiday Recipe!

My daughter made these with our wonderful caregiver yesterday! They were so cute and tastey, I thought I'd share;)

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
72 small pretzel twists
72 candy-coated milk chocolate pieces
36 small red gum drops

Directions
In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, cocoa powder, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour.
Divide dough into 6 equal portions. Wrap portions in waxed paper or plastic wrap. Chill for 3 hours or until dough is easy to handle.
On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough portion into a circle 6 inches in diameter. Using a knife, cut each circle into 6 wedges. Place wedges 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
For antlers, on each triangle lightly press a pretzel into the upper corners. Press in chocolate pieces for eyes. For a nose, press a red gumdrop into the dough triangle about 1/2 inch from the point.
Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 7 to 9 minutes or until edges are firm. Do not overbake. Cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool. Makes 36 cookies.

Green Giftwrapping Workshop

Step out of the cold and settle into bluehouse this Friday evening! Local craftsperson Shannon Delanoy, creator of Sweet Pepita children's clothing, will lead a fun & informative hands-on workshop on eco-friendly ways to wrap gifts using repurposed fabric & paper.Admission is free. Enjoy complimentary mulled cider & receive one-night-only discounts on selected merchandise.Supplies are provided but we encourage you to help out by bringing your own scissors & old t-shirts or other scrap fabric. This workshop will be held in The Café at bluehouseFriday, December 12, 2008 from 7:00pm - 8:00pm 1407 Fleet St., Baltimore, MD

Little Girl's Tree

Made with swirling beaded garland and berries, lots of decorations. Punctured paper, foot prints and silly valentine hearts left over from last year. We did collaborate a little, but she told me what she wanted me to draw -some of the leaves...

Such vision! I love it! LOL.

Merry Mart Holiday Sopping this Weekend!

No manic mall madness necessary! Do your holiday shopping at The Creative Alliance! 35 + handpicked artists sell some the best of Baltimore-made items.

Gorgeous turned vessels, elegant jewelry, whimsical stuffed critters, origami lights, felt applique, hand knits, housemade soaps, wacky fly swatters, photos in jars, totally cool totes, and much more.Artists:Dina Alexander Art Jewelry, The Broken Plate Pendant Co., SPAGHETTI KISS, Daedalus Books & Music, Sweet Pepita, Megin Diamond Designs, this chickadee, danamarie hosler & greenstarstudio, Dandelion Blu Jewelry, Bowerbox Press, Devin Mack, MackWire, Jennyjen42, Nancy Ziegenfus-McIntosh, The Littlest Bean, Linda Moul, Rebecca Patterson Baked at 275*, PINK KISS POTTERY, Jill Popowich Designs in Metal, Tu Vida Jewelry & Design, heidiroland - daring earrings!, Elisa Shere Jewelry, Baltimore Glass Works, City Neighbors Charter School , Sugar Paperie, Mark Supik & Co., Stephney Wallace, Yummy & Company...and many more!

See you there!

Baltimore Skyline, for the Citydweller

My sister sent me some Baltimore City and Chesapeake Bay Inspired items for this Holiday selling season. One of a kind items, limited supply! Get them while they are here;)

See you at Merry Mart this weekend!

Baltimore Magazine Shops Local!

Check out the December issue of Baltimore Magazine for full features on the movers and shakers in Charm City's Indie Craft community. Pick up a copy today for a full list of neighboorhood shops and websites that all support the local Baltimore economy. Happy holiday shopping;)

our turkeys

BEST supports the Maryland Food Bank

With Thanksgiving and the holidays here, the members of BEST want to take the time to give a little something back to our community. Several members will be donating money from the sale of the their items to the Maryland Food Bank.
The Maryland Food Bank provides nearly 14 million pounds of food annually to 1,000 Network Partners - including food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, low-income day care centers, after-school programs, senior centers, rehabilitation centers, and other feeding programs. They supply food for over 50,000 Marylanders each week who otherwise would go hungry or not eat enough, including families with children, the elderly, the homeless, the homebound, low-income workers, the recently unemployed, and people with AIDS and other health problems. For every $1 contributed to the Maryland Food Bank, they are able to provide 3 meals to Maryland’s needy families and individuals.

From November 27th through December 11th, the following participating BEST members will be donating the following:

jenmenkhaus.etsy.com - 10% from entire store
jennyjen42.etsy.com - 10% from entire store
blockpartypress.etsy.com - 10% from entire store
RobotZ.etsy.com - 10% from the entire store
yonpli.etsy.com - 10% from the entire store
yummyandcompany.etsy.com-10% from entire store
spatherapyworks.etsy.com- 15% from all soap sales
threewheelsdesign.etsy.com - 10% from entire store
bennyandheidi.etsy.com- 10% from entire store
vwstudios.etsy.com - 10% from entire store
lulaandme.etsy.com- 2% of all sales from store and shows
elisasherejewelry.etsy.com - 10% of all earring sales
thebrokenplate.etsy.com - $5 from each sale of Holiday Theme Plates

Take some time to visit these fantastic Etsy shops, support handmade and know that when you make a purchase between Nov. 27- Dec. 11th, you will be helping to provide food and services to someone in need this holiday season.

Here are some other ways to support the MD Food Bank:

Make a direct monetary donation to the here:

Purchase and donate food through the Food Bank's “Virtual Food Drive”

Deliver the food directly to the Maryland Food Bank at 2200 Halethorpe Farms Road. Please call 410-737-8282 to arrange your delivery.

Volunteer Opportunities

Shop Local Baltimore!

Thank you, Baltimore Magazine, for this amazing holiday shopping issue! It's practically a directory of indie crafters in Charm City, and it is so gratifying to see all of our friends together in one slick looking mag. Get a copy now, before we buy them all up!

Holiday Shopping of the Visionary Kind At AVAM

I am looking forward to this Friday and Saturday's American Visionary Art Museum's Bazzart. Many of my crafty Baltimore friends from across Baltimore and the region will be selling. Proven to be one of the best holiday shows in town, this one is not to miss!

Friday Evening • November 28 • 5:30–8:30PM: Bazaart PREVIEW PARTY & SALE

An opportunity to get the first shot at the original creations by 50 regional artists and craftspeople prior to the Saturday Bazaart extravaganza. Spend a relaxing evening strolling among Bazaart artisans and their wares while nibbling light fare, and perhaps enjoying a beverage. Music TBA. Location: American Visionary Art Museum, Jim Rouse Visionary Center, 3rd Floor. Admission to Preview Party & Sale: $20 at the door.

Saturday • November 29 • 10AM-5PM: BAZAART: Artful Holiday ShoppingA Holiday Marketplace of original creations by 50 regional artists and craftspeople. Painting, sculpture, papercrafts, metalwork, jewelry, textiles, mixed media, and other work that simply defies categorization. FREE ENTRY. American Visionary Art Museum, Jim Rouse Visionary Center 3rd Floor

New Christmas Tree Pins, Plushie Vinyl Cuties

These little 3 inch vinyl cuties will be up in the shop and for sale at Merry Mart and Bazaart. Had too much making these!

Brown and Blue Upholstery Fabrics

These fabrics are each striking in their own way. All bold in their graphic nature, use on a focal piece for some really eye popping interest. Or, some interesting pillows using these fabrics would modernize sagging decor.

The colors are contemporary, the chenille is super soft. All great stuff;)

Keep checking back for interesting and durable high quality fabrics. I will be doing a fabric post weekly from now on. Lots of exciting colors and textures in store! And if you see something you like, I can get it for you;)

My Sister is Awesome II

Green Apple Bike Reflector

Caution Bike Necklace

I have to say, I am always so impressed with her, you will be, too!

(drum roll) ...She is starting her New Blog!

Christmas Holiday Fiber Jewelry

Snowflake Brooch

Kimono Button Bracelet

Kimono Button Ring

I have been busy building up my holiday stock. I will have some super cute christmas tree pins soon! Check back;)

Officially Kicking off the Season! Baltimore Christmas Cards

Here is Brett's debut Christmas card line. Last year our loved ones all received block printed, hand pulled cards. This year, you can have some reproductions of your own to enjoy. Spread Baltimore's Holiday Cheer with these beauties.

I'll have these cards packaged w/ envelopes for sale in my etsy shop. Look for them at my table at the Holiday Heap show today!

The Annual Holiday Heap!

Are YOU ready for a rip roarin' craft show party? The Charm City Craft Mafia will be hosting their biggest show yet at St. John's Church Saturday Morning. This year's Holiday Heap is going to be SO great my head is going to explode, or maybe my hands will fall off.... tough call. I look forward to this show every year! See you there!

Virtual Trunk Show Today!

See some of Baltimore's BEST artisans and crafters at the Around The World Trunk Show on Etsy!

Start Time: November 13 at 7:00pm

End Time: November 13 at 9:00pm

Where: www.etsy.com/virtual_labs.php

btw, our B.E.S.T. participating shops will be offering a 10% discount throughout the show. check in to find out how to get it!

Great Stocking Stuffers

Danamarie Holser is one talented illustrator, teacher, mural painter, sculptor -the list goes on. I picked these coloring books up last summer for my daughter and I am so glad I did. Inside each one is problem solving, rhyming, and great imagery. In her shop you can find a wonderfully imaginative world of knitimals. Soaps, coloring books, games, pins, masks, plushies, lots of great gifts for kids and adults alike.

This one is from the Make Me a Knitimal ACTIVITY COLORING BOOK.

My daughter and I were exploring this one last night. To my surprise, this little guy was created. The triangle between his legs is a tail wagging. Not sure what all that other stuff is... LOL.

My Bedroom Mural

I am lucky to wake up to his beautiful Japanese inspired landscape every morning. I am not tired of looking at it yet and I find new joys in it almost everyday.

When we first bought our home the bedroom was first on the renovation list. The finishing touch was the beautiful mural my husband painted. With original art and years of experience under his belt, he created a beautiful piece for our room using gold leaf and tiny samurai. Beauty with a sense of humor, there is nothing better I could ask for to wake up to every morning.

If you would need any decorative painting in your own home in the future, please think of us and feel free to contact me.

Cottage Style

These pieces were for a Baltimore area customer. She was going for a soft country cottage style with these cottons. Really nice old rocker seat was made new with all new materials. A simple striped piano bench and fancy soft looking pillows coordinated with her other furniture for a complete look.

I am currently accepting new upholstery work. If you need an estimate, please contact me.

Black and White Upholstery Beauties

These 4 fabrics are each striking in their own way. All bold in their graphic nature, use on a focal piece for some really eye popping interest. Or, some interesting pillows using these fabrics would modernize sagging decor.

Keep checking back for interesting and durable high quality fabrics. I will be doing a fabric post weekly from now on. Lots of exciting colors and textures in store! And if you see something you like, I can get it for you;)

Change Has Come

I am in total awe of this nation. Never before have I expereinced the power of the people, seeing what change we can bring if we work for it. The apathy I felt and disconnectedness is gone.

When I see media footage from the past of the cilivl rights movement and the turmoil of the 1960's, it seems so distant, so far away from my life and our reality of what we live now. Obviously, my generation takes some of that struggle for granted, not knowing first hand what any of it really meant. We were taught of the the fights that were waged, the struggle it took and the hope and passion that was felt in this nation in the past. Now WE know -we have expereinced what this nation can be. I have seen it, felt it, and can now go forward really knowing what this nation can do.

I have never seen anything in my life living here as a citizen of this country, that moved me so much as when I saw what unfolded last night. But it is our country, our responsibility to make it what we want it to be. I now understand that we the people really do have the power here.

This is a great nation.

Handmade Arcade This Weekend!

This holiday craft show season I am doing something unusual. I am traveling to sell my jewelry somwhere that is actually more than 30 minutes away from my house! I have never ventured out to do this, I have only sold locally. Really excited about this trip.

There will be other B.E.S.T. members showing at the Arcade along with a ton of really talented indie crafters. Please come and check out this 2 day show! Handmade Arcade 2008 will take place on Saturday 11-7 and Sunday 11-5 at the Hunt Armory 324 Emerson, Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA.