Charm City Craft Mafia-Holiday Heap 2013

I was the lucky winner of 2 early bird tickets to Holiday Heap from Downtown Diane via Twitter.  The Heap took place on Saturday at 2640 Space, the former church turned cultural center on St Paul St.  Organized by Charm City Craft Mafia, Heap brings together the best of the best of local artisans and crafters.  If you were looking for an unusual gift for someone, chances are you would find it there. 

Early Bird goodie bag design by Annie Howe

Soaps, Oils, Handbags, Belts, Prints, T-shirts and more lined tables in two rooms chock full of creativity.  One of my favorites was "Bmore Papercuts" by Annie Howe.  This MICA trained artist cuts intricate full scenes from a single sheet of paper. Her design adorned the screen printed goodie bag that was given to all early birds.  

Early Bird tickets were a mere $15 and included coffee from Zekes, pastries, 10% off coupons for all vendors and the goodie bag with an amazing assortment of other small hand made items. In mine, I was lucky to receive a hand quilted key chain by Namoo, a sketchbook from Utrecht Art Supply, several hand crafted greeting cards by Sugar Shop & Paperie, chocolates, cookies, soaps and much more.  I am not too proud to say some of these goodies will be re-gifted as stocking stuffers!  

As I walked around the two rooms, I was greeted by friendly smiles, delicious smells and tons of interesting things to look at.  I was happy to see one of my favorite vendors from many different Baltimore art festivals including Artscape, Fisticuffs Leathers, had a table at the Heap. And I found a new interest in comic books due to Spaghetti Kiss.
 
If you were able to make it to Holiday Heap this year, lucky you! If not, I highly recommend going next year as you'd be hard pressed to find such a wide selection of unique and hand made gifts anywhere else in Baltimore. 

 

A look inside the goodie bag! Well worth the price of an early bird ticket by itself!

For more info about Charm City Craft Mafia, click here. 

For more info about Baltimore Photo Social, click here.

6th Annual Canton Lamp Post Lighting

 

 

This is the second year BPS has participated in this event, and just like last year, Smalltimore and the O'Donnell Square Business District Association did a great job of organizing a fun, family friendly time.  The businesses of the Canton Square out did themselves when decorating their lamp posts, and brought the merry with free hot chocolate, games for the kids and caroling by the Adeline Singers.  

Tim Konig started the festivities by singing the National Anthem, just before the lamp posts were lit. Santa arrived shortly after and greeted kids as live acoustic music by Lotus Song & The Black Light Asylum filled the air.  


 

The booth was super busy and we were happy to include an array of funny holiday themed props this year! 

Lotus Song & The Black Light Asylum

Lotus Song & The Black Light Asylum

he Black Light Asylum

The best part was, a portion of all proceeds were donated to the Believe in Tomorrow Children's Foundation. 
See some of the best photos from the night below.  You can see all the photos over on our Facebook page.

Click here for more info about Baltimore Photo Social.