Monday, August 31, 2009

Q&A Gloria Freund

Good photography is an artform and photographer, Gloria Freund has it down to a science! Check out her fascinating interview right here.

1). Your photography is so bright, crisp and colorful. When did you decide to become a photographer, or have you always been one?
I've always taken pictures. What led me to do something more with photography, though, was my day job with the USG. I tend to see the potential of things ... which drives most managers to distraction. My last innovative effort—the larger and more successful it got, the more it aggravated my bosses, until finally they squashed it. Having invested so much, I was crushed. But, in due course, my frustration morphed into the birth of my photography as a serious sideline. Four years ago, I acquired my first pro-level underwater kit and from there, it has been a wild ride on the Far Side. Putting my creative juices back to work has brought back balance. It has evolved into a labor of love I could never have foreseen.

2). It seems you are very inspired by nature—sea life especially. What draws you to the ocean? And do you have a favorite undersea local to shoot? Growing up on a New England dairy farm, I was not ocean-oriented. What first drew me was not the ocean's life I have since come to appreciate. Rather, during a work trip to Israel I was visiting some Roman ruins that extended into the sea. Curious to see more, I rented snorkeling gear only to find it useless with the chop and depth. I resolved that I would learn to dive. Upon return, I called a friend who agreed to join me for scuba lessons. I've yet to circle back to that spot, but the journey since has been splendid. Beneath the waves, I have beheld some of the most magnificent wilderness on this planet ... seas not of vast emptiness, but full of sentient life. There is so very much yet to learn about that life! Yet, I want others to glimpse that life and understand how its fate is intertwined with our own fate, and subject to the choices we make.

My favorite is whatever locale I am at. I can spend entire dives on a table-size patch of reef. There, like Russian nesting dolls, you find life within life, within life. The slower you go, the closer you look, the more you see.

3). What three words would you use to describe your photography?
See life's unity.

Let me go beyond the three words, for it isn't just the amazing adaptations and relationships among reef creatures. We evolved from the sea; our bodies contain so many vestiges of our marine origins. The same ancient genetic toolkit that instructed the making of sponges and fish and marine worms, later made fruit flies, housecats, and human beings. See this unity in the fossil record, see it in our genes, in our embryonic development. See it too in the curious, cautious eyes of a cuttlefish or grouper looking into your own, in that exquisite fleeting moment of mutual regard. My favored pieces are those that somehow convey this profound unity.

4). Who or what would you love to shoot that you haven't already?
[I] would love to swim with palegics, such as whales, mantas and whale sharks, but I have not yet tired of giving the most odd and ordinary of critters a day in the sun.

5). Where can we find your craft outside the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market?
I am local and in the phone book. Folks can see my photographs on line at http://photobucket.com/, search term gfandac, although I ask anyone interested to then contact me directly. I also do a few fall Arts & Crafts shows: South Run Rec Center October 24-25, the Northern VA Handcrafter's Show in Vienna Thanksgiving Weekend, the Fairfax Arts and Crafts Show November 21 & 22, and the McLean Holiday craft show December 4-6.

Extra-bonus question: Quick! What’s in your pockets right now?
Chapstick, alas, always!

Find Gloria Fruend and her breathtaking photography at Booth #20, September 12th & October 10th.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

AprilMist

Have you guys met our new volunteer, April? If you were at the last Market, I'm sure you did! Well, not only is April a fantastic and helpful volunteer, she's also a talented crafter making the rounds in the District's best craft circles.

Check out April's interview with the Craft Mafia. Then, after you have finished reading, pick up one of her beautiful paper bead jewelry creations for yourself at her etsy shop. I plan to!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Beer Bottle Glasses

I'm on etsy all the time and constantly see cool things, but once in awhile I see something so cool I feel I must share.

YAVAglass takes empty soda, alcohol and beer bottles and upcycles them into drinking glasses. Whether they use Guinness bottles or not, this idea is BRILLIANT!

I wish they lived closer to Arlington. I would love to have them at the Market. Hey, YAVAglass, wanna make a road trip from Arizona to Virginia?!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

ShopArlington!

O.M.G. Shopping in Arlington has never been so fun! I just discovered this new, super-cool website called ShopArlington. If you like to shop (who doesn't?!) or you live, work or hang out in Arlington, you have got to check out this site!

ShopArlington is packed with the latest news on spanking-new stores and restaurants, reviews, daily specials, coupons and more. Plus, they have a FREE (ding, ding, ding!) savings card that you can easily download right on their website. How cool is that?!

A lot of awesome Arlington shops and restaurants, like South Moon Under, Lebanese Taverna, Robeks (BOGO free smoothies--sweeeeeet!), Passionately Pets, and more all offer discounts with the card, so what the heck are you waiting for? ShopArlington NOW!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Another Great Blog!

Check out another great blog about August's market from Sweet and Light. You know Sweet and Light. She's the one with the adorable Strawberry purses! She even makes some shout outs to her fellow Ballston A&C neighbors!

http://sweetandlight.typepad.com/sweet_and_light/2009/08/feelin-the-love.html

Thanks, Jayne! See you October 10th, in your usual--spot, Booth #13!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Q&A with Kitch Table Studios

1). Kitchen Table Studios is a family venture, correct? Tell us how you all began crafting together.
Well my sister and I have always been crafty together since as long as I can remember. My mother-in-law is very artistic and always working on some amazing thing. So, one day, following a few glasses of wine, we decided it would be fun to start up Kitchen Table Studios and begin selling our wares at local art markets & fairs. It’s great because it gives us an excuse to make more things and it’s just nice to spend crafty time together.

2). When I think about your vintage-style designs, the word “kitschy” always comes to mind. Then, I think of the name of your business, KITCHen Table Studios. Coincidence?
Ha-ha! I never noticed the word KITCH in kitchen before – I love it! I wish I could take credit for such creativity and puniness. But, we actually came up with the name because two of us live in teeny apartments and always had some project spread out all over our kitchen tables. Also, I’m the only one who really delves into the realm of kitsch. Conchita, my mother-in-law, makes beautiful mosaics and amazing hand-painted and tiled trays. My sister, Heather, is a great sewer and knitter and makes beautiful things, but she’s taking a break from joining us on our crafty ventures at the moment.

3). I love your Etsy site. You have so many designs to choose from! (One of my personal faves is the Emma Vintage Ring!) Do you have a favorite piece?
Ooh, that’s a good question! I’m not sure if I have an absolute personal favorite. But, my favorite things to wear that I make are the rings. So, if I had to choose it would be one of those. But my favorite things to make are the hair pins and enamel flower brooches. I have the best time dumping out my (getting out of hand) supply of vintage plastic and enamel flowers and putting them together in different combinations until I find one that strikes me.

4). What three words would you use to describe your craft?
Kitschy, retro, fun

5). Where can we find your craft outside the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market?
Well, you can find the jewelry I make on etsy any time. But, we also always try to do local shows throughout the year. We don’t have anything set up just yet, but in the past we’ve always done the Holiday show at Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, which is usually in early December.

Extra-geeky bonus question: Quick! What’s in your pockets right now?
Hee-hee, I’m wearing a skirt at the moment and it doesn’t have a pocket to be found. But in my bag, you can find just about everything.

Check out Kitchen Table Studios in Booth #8 on September 12th!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Natural Beauty Bijoux!

Rich with color and texture, Natural Beauty Bijoux's eco-friendly jewelry sure stands out in the crowd. Made with a variety of tropical palm tree seeds, Geraldine's colorful pieces amaze me every time I see them.

Catch Natural Beauty Bijoux's collection of South American-inspired jewelry September 12th!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

I'm Back!

Hey everyone! Sorry for the lack of updates, but this little birdie flew South(west) for a little vacation in Bermuda! But now I'm back and refreshed.

Let the posting re-begin!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Bette's Bag Blog

Oh! And when you are finished reading Pretty Little Fings' post, check out Bette' Bags blog for another wonderful review of Saturday's Market (and the Market in general!).

http://bettesbags.blogspot.com/2009/08/one-of-our-favortie-customerspenelope.html

Thanks, Betty! Oh, and Penelope is one of the cutest pugs evah! And, I used to work in a dog boutique, so I have known many a pug!

Pretty Little Fing Blog

Hey! Pretty Little Fings has posted a great blog about Saturday's Market (with some really cool photos!). Go check it out!

http://prettylittlefings.blogspot.com/2009/08/success.html

Thanks, Pang! By the way, I named my bat Sid. Ya know. Cuz he's so vicious.

The Sun Gazette Article is Online!

When you get the chance, check out this great piece The Sun Gazette wrote about The Ballston Arts & Crafts Market and the addition of Arlintgton ArtWorks on Saturday, August 8th.

Laurie and her friends had a great time selling their beautiful glasswork and educating the public about the benefits of their wonderful community arts program. Thanks, guys!

Monday, August 10, 2009

Photo Shoot from the August 8th Market!

As promised, here are some snapshots from last Saturday's show!

Baltimore's best right here in Arlington: lolojane!

Handmade pendants galore by award-winning artist, Melissa Lew Bradford

I love Creative Art & Soul's banner (and sandcarved jewelry!)

Who are you? Who who who who. Sorry Pretty Little Fings. I couldn't help it.

I couldn't have said it better myself, Luvs Mommy.

Arlington ArtWork's glasswork glistened in the August sun.

Emily from EHL Creations hard at work.

Karma Krafts by Kimberly amazes each and every month.

Vintage Redesigns. One word: Wow.

This is one of the most amazing pieces of artwork I have ever seen. Thank you Waylan House.

Darcy Nair's beautiful Celtic music was a nice, peaceful touch this month

Get ready for Autumn with Pumpkin Patch hats by YarnChef!

OMG. I can't handle all the cutenss by Sweet & Light!

Carroll Hill's amazing handcrafted wooden bowls

Reinvented Elegance makes the best use of dried flowers, wouldn't you say?

August was a Blast!

Well, whoever said August and craft shows don't mix was nuts! The August 8th show was a complete hit! Some people even had their best show yet! I can't hide my excitement. The Market just keeps getting better and better thanks to you guys ...

And thanks also goes out to:

1). Our awesome volunteers, Kathy and April. Your hard work is totally appreciated.

2). The wonderful folks at Cosi for donating the yummy raspberry mojito ice teas on a hot August day!

3). And Scott at the The Sun Gazette for visiting the Market and covering Arlington ArtWorks!

I will have tons of pictures from the August Market on the blog later this morning. What can I say? We rock!

Friday, August 7, 2009

The Sun Gazette


Great news! The Sun Gazette plans to pop by some time tomorrow and do a little story on the Market. How cool is that?! I don't know about you, but I read this paper every week!

So, when Scott swings by with his cameras, show him what you got!

The Map!

Hey guys! Are you planning to visit your favorite artist at the Market tomorrow? Well, just ask for the booth number and your on your way! Here is the map so you know exactly where to go.

See you tomorrow!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

This Saturday!

This Saturday's forecast: 86 degress, partly cloudy.

Whose ready for a Market?!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

The Market this Saturday

It’s that time again! Sun, fun and the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market! And as usual, we have a colorful ad running in the print edition of the City Paper and an online ad running all week on City Paper Online.

Plus, we have event listings in Yelp, Yahoo Events, and online and print community calendars all over the place! In the meantime, be sure to keep sending those emails out to all of your lists, posting about the Market on your sites/blogs and distributing the postcards and posters. If you run out, you can always get more at the market.

And, remember, we have also created a public Facebook event page, so all you Facebook-users, feel free to 'invite-away' using that, too.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Q&A: Pretty Little Fings

This week, the Ballston A&C Market interviews Pang from Pretty Little Fings, one of the best plushers in the business.

1). Pang, you are my plush hero. Please tell us the story behind your name, “Pretty Little Fings.”
Why thanks, Jessica!! That's an honor. I really don't have a good story ... lame, I know. I really like it when children miss pronounces the word "thing" (they usually say "fing"). So, I started calling my plushies Fings. Then one day, one of my friends said, "Aww, this is such a pretty little fing," and it just clicked.

2). Pickles, and bats and whozits—oh my! Do you have a favorite little fing?
It's hard to choose because I love all of the Fings ... but, if I really had to, I would chose a new piece I'm currently working on, B the Button Monster. He sits in the corner of your closet and steals a button off of your shirt while you sleep so he could add it to his collection. The idea came from when my boyfriend kept finding that his shirts all had at least one button missing.

3). What three words would you use to describe your craft?
Quirky, cuddly, and radioactive ... um, just kidding about the radioactive part ... how about cute!

4). What do you like best: coming up with your ideas or actually executing them?
The best part is executing them. I always carry about a little notebook for doodling, so when I actually sit down and try to make the doodles come to life, it can be challenging to get it to look like the way I envisioned it.

5). Where can we find your craft outside the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market?
You can find the FINGS on Etsy (prettylittlefings.etsy.com). Currently, I have some plushies in Stitch Wars show and in October, I will be a part of Plush You in Seattle!

Extra-geeky question: Quick! What’s in your pockets right now?
70 cents!

Visit Pang in Booth #16 on Saturday, August 8th for all her super-radioactive, er ... I mean cute pretty little fings.