the beauty is in the details

Latina Gilyard of SoleStitch uses recycled/repurposed materials to make these unique statement pieces. No two items are alike.

All images courtesy of Latina Gilyard.

chaos is bliss (and well-organized)

Browsing through the selection of goods at Organized Chaos is like taking a blissful dip in a pool of torn and studded denim. Seriously, these threads are rockin'. And don't be fooled into assuming that tearing, studding or tie-dyeing are easy tasks. Each piece was obviously crafted with care and a discerning eye for the sexy. American Apparel can go to h-e-double hockey sticks. These shorts (and bow ties) will turn heads AND break necks!

Images courtesy of Organized Chaos.

meet the makers of 2hands market

Jill Davolio, Ally Tierney and Carleen Birnes are three designers from Annapolis who met quite by chance and share a love for making things. In 2008, they put their hands and heads together and launched the 2hands indie craft market to showcase emerging independent designers. Now in its fifth year, 2hands is known for its diverse selection of high caliber handmade wares and has become an indelible part of Maryland's craft scene.

Who are the women behind 2hands?

There are three of us behind 2hands market. Our skill sets are so unique to each other. Jill is a graphic designer, illustrator and professional musician. When she sings, you will literally be transported to your happy place. She loves working with felt and lace to create headpieces and jewelry. Ally is a classically trained Shakespearean actress. She learned how to sew backstage making costumes for performances and has since traded in velvet and satin for leather and canvas to create handbags and jewelry. Carleen made a career switch from corporate PR to opening a bead store in the early aughts. Now she splits her time between teaching jewelry classes and creating a line of jewelry for Whole Foods.

How did you all meet?

It was kismet. Ally took one of Carleen's metal clay classes, and they became instant friends. Jill met Carleen one day at the library after their kids started coloring together. Ally quickly made her way into the mix thanks to her mutual love of crafting. Thus the trio was born. After working together so successfully on the market, Jill and Ally decided to open a wedding styling and accessories business, aptly named 2hands studios

On the 2hands website, you mention developing a dialogue and connection with customers. How does that happen?

This is the magic of an artist-driven market like 2hands. Shoppers get to meet the actual creators behind the wares that they fall in love with. Artists get to tell their stories, sharing what inspired the design along with how it's made. The artist and the shopper connect on a meaningful level. There is undeniable value in that exchange. This is the experience we endeavor to provide for everyone selling at the market and walking through the door.

How has 2hands evolved and what are your plans for the future?

This is our fifth 2hands market! The first market consisted of seven vendors (including the three of us) in a tiny space at a neighborhood cafe. Jill took turns performing while working her booth! With each new market, we've grown a little more, always staying true to our mission of showcasing independent emerging artists, against a backdrop of live acoustic music. This year we plan to expand to 40 vendors! We will keep the market an annual event in November, and possibly add another market in the spring with a nod toward weddings...we're excited for what the future holds.

August 6 is the deadline for accepting applications to this year's market, scheduled for November 3 on the historic Holy Grounds at Severna Park Community Center. That's only six days away! Apply now!!

specks and keepings showcases baltimore artists

Specks and Keepings is featuring a new collection of Baltimore-born handmade objects. Artists Natalie Ebaugh, Jessica Hans, and David Ubias have joined the ranks of this most whimsical online shop - all under the auspices of crafter extraordinaire, Hillery Sproatt. Stay in the loop by signing up for the Specks and Keepings mailing list or send an email to info@specksandkeepings.com to make an appointment for a studio tour.

All images courtesy of Specks and Keepings.

new works by matt muirhead at 13.5 winebar

Last night, I attended the opening of Matt Muirhead's current exhibition at 13.5 Winebar in Hampden. Up until May 11, the show is a collection of new work and includes some of the largest canvases I've seen yet plus an assortment of small pieces (hanging at the end of the long bar). Since I am not a seasoned art critic, all I can tell you is that my eyes went soft at the sight of these paintings. I lingered in front of each one while folks ate their dinners amidst faithful fans. Words that came to mind: stirring, offbeat, unearthly, transcendent. Go see for yourself.

Merry Mart Applications are UP!

Attention crafters: Merry Mart applications are available now through October 11th!

Hosted annually at the Creative Alliance, this "warm and fuzzy" indoor show will take place on Sunday, December 5th and feature local handmade goodness of all kinds including clothing, jewelry, ceramics, bath and beauty, toys, and...well, you get the idea.

This year's event will be coordinated by BEST members Jen Menkhaus and Allison Fomich. Also this year, Merry Mart will have an online presence and juried vendor selection.

Vendors may apply online at http://merrymartbaltimore.blogspot.com/p/home.html.

Shoppers, mark you calendars ASAP!

Holiday Heap Applications are UP!

Hey there crafters, it's that time of year! Applications are open for Holiday Heap 2010 - one of Baltimore's favorite indie craft holiday shopping events!

This year's Heap will be held on December 4th from 10am-5pm at 2640 St. Paul Street (St. John's Church) and will feature over 40 juried vendors from across the nation. Also included will be crafty demos from area crafters, a burrito truck, photos, and lots and lots of holiday cheer.

Deadline to apply is October 8th at midnight. Apply here now!

buy and/or sell crafts in patterson park

Mark you calendars for the Patterson Park Flea Market & Craft Fair, on September 11th , 9am to 3pm. Location is on Lombard Street at Patterson Park Ave.

Want to sell your crafts? Spaces are only $25 (or $30 on the day of the market). Email bhfleamarket@yahoo.com or call 410.675.0148 for more information.

In Good Fashion

Get your tickets for the In Good Fashion Fashion Show Charity Event on September 25th, from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Clipper Mill Pool.

Produced by Form Boutique and Urbanite Magazine, the show will feature exclusive fall fashions from Form and debut the new Form clothing label by shop owner Aimee Bracken and local designer Julie Bent (the creative force behind LOT 201).

In Good Fashion will benefit House of Ruth Maryland, and all guests are asked to bring at least one item of women's clothing in good condition to donate to Ruth's Closet.

Pre-show offerings include a silent auction, swag bag, and the oppportunity to shop Eye Candy, No Worries Cosmetics, and Rebecca Myers Jewelry.

Light fare and cocktails will be provided by Zia's Cafe and Woodberry Kitchen.

Space is limited and tickets must be purchased prior to September 8th. Tickets are $80 (VIP) and $55 (general). Contact Aimee Bracken at Form Boutique for more information: aimee@formtheboutique.com or 410-889-3116.

lovely news from lovelyarns

Check it out: new yarns, fall classes, hats and mittens for Hampden Elementary School, and a big 'ole Trunk Show on September 12th! That's just some of the most recent lovely news from Lovely Yarns. For details, visit their website or just head over to Hampden for some of the most droolworthy yarns in town.

Image courtesy of ArtYarn.

Happy Birthday Shine Collective!

Since their first days on Hampden's Avenue, Shine Collective has been a champion of indie design and local art. Join them in celebration of their 8th birthday, this evening at their brand new space in The Foundry at Clipper Mill.

Awesome sales, new items, and vintage goods will be plentiful. Light refreshments will be served. Festivities begin at 7 pm.

Shine is located at 2010 Clipper Park Road, #105. For more information, visit their website or call 410.366.6100.

Handmade gets hot for Valentine's Day

Looking for a hot, sweaty, and potentially dirty way to celebrate Valentine's Day this year? Why not enroll in a glass blowing mini-workshop at Corradetti Glassblowing Studio? Put on your sexiest pair of rough-and-tumble jeans and head over to their Clipper Mill location, where you'll learn to tranform molten glass into a 3" floating heart solid paperweight.

Choose between two workshops (multiple one-hour time slots are scheduled througout each day):

• Saturday, February 6th - open to ages 8 and up. Cost is $55.


• Wednesday, February 10th - for adults only, this workshop includes wine and cheese from Woodberry Kitchen. Cost is $65.

Spaces are filling quickly, so register online today!