On Day 3, there was a half day of programming followed by the annual class photo, as seen to the right. The Summit of Awesome ended with the Make Something Awesome Party, sponsored by MailChimp. The party concluded with an ultimate Crafty Throwdown competition where one of our amazing volunteers Matthew won the title and a $100 gift certificate to Etsy.

Wondering what others had to say about the Summit of Awesome? Read on:

• Baltimore Etsy Street Team: The Summit of Awesome
• Baltimore Examiner: Local summit for craftspeople teaches marketing and selling your work
• Craftzine: Summit of Awesome, Day 2
• Carrie J Keplinger: Everyone Needs Some Awesome
• Poor Robin: Summit of Awesome
• The Scientific Seamstress: The Summit Awesome!
• Stylist Home: Crafters Unite for Summit of Awesome 2011
• Unanimous Craft: All Summit of Awesome Posts
• Isaac B. Watson: What I Learned At The Summit of Awesome , Who I Met At The Summit of Awesome

Photos from the 2011 Summit of Awesome are on Flickr here. If you attended the Summit as an attendee, volunteer or speaker we invite you to add photos to the group pool.

Now on sale are one and two-day passes to the Summit of Awesome! These are perfect for attendees who have time commitments and cannot make all three days of the conference or are only interested in experiencing certain programming. You can purchase your pass of choice to the Summit of Awesome here.

You can view the full schedule here to learn about the speakers and workshops taking place each day.

The Two-Day Summit Pass is for Thursday, October 20 and Friday, October 21. The pass priced at $150 gives you access to any of our learning sessions and workshops taking place on those days.

The One-Day Summit Pass is for your choice of Thursday, October 20, Friday, October 21 or Saturday, October 22. The price for a pass on Thursday or Friday is $100. The price for a pass on Saturday is $50.

Also new this year are special one-on-one sessions to either get your Etsy shop critiqued with Danielle Maveal, Etsy’s Seller Education Lead or pitch your craft book with literary agent Kate McKean! These sessions are both 15 minutes and Summit of Awesome registration is required to purchase a one-on-one session. You can choose the day you prefer to have your session and you will be assigned a slot and your session time will be emailed to you prior to the Summit.

Passes to the Summit of Awesome can be purchased here now. More information about the conference including speaker lineup, schedule and travel information is available here.

Hello Craft is looking for volunteers to help us at the 3rd annual Summit of Awesome, located at the 1840’s Ballroom, October 20 to 22.

Volunteers will receive awesome perks including a free one month web sponsorship on Hello Craft (125×125 pixels to be scheduled after the Summit).

Interested in being part of the Summit of Awesome? Please fill out this form now, as volunteers are accepted on a first-come, first served basis.

Since 2009, BCPS has started to deny various schools’ PTA organizations from producing their annual craft fairs — these fairs are typically the largest fundraising events for many PTA groups, whose profits are strictly used to help improve the schools and the schools’ communities. You don’t have to live in Baltimore to know that funding for anything education-related is hard to find and hard to get, so this ban is a huge blow to many PTA organizations who haven’t been able to come up with other profit-matching solutions.

The specific rule that has many parents up in arms, calls to “prohibit the activities, programs or events that monetarily benefit private individuals, groups or for-profit business entities.”

In a February 2nd Arbutus Times article, author by Jay R. Thompson, sorts out the point of contention, as “Nonprofits, such as PTAs, are exempt because they’re fundraising, not making a profit. The violation comes when such groups rent booth space to private vendors, such as a hot dog seller or a craftsman selling homemade wind chimes.”

A few of the most prominent and disturbing examples of craft fairs that were recently denied permits through BCPS, are the craft fairs that used to take place at Ridgely Middle and Perry Hall High Schools. The fair at Ridgely had been going on for more than 30 years. This community event raised thousands of dollars for the Ridgely Middle PTA, and just as important, students were given opportunities to make and sell their crafts at this event, giving them hands-on lessons and practical experience on conducting business in the real world.

Perry Hall’s fair was an annual town event that commanded so many people every year, the police would close down the street in front of the school to allow for more handmade vendors and other attractions. This fair’s profits helped fund scholarships, the school’s marching band and other organizations. The Perry Hall-White Marsh Business Association had put on this event since 1996 at the high school, but was banned as of 2009. They have since found a new home for the fair, but not all other BCPS banned fairs were as lucky.

Say what you will about community festivals, but there is something genuinely great about events that bring together all types of people to show their support and love for the neighborhood in which they live. Public schools are fantastic locations for events like craft fairs, as the rental rates are typically affordable, and on the flip side, reinforces to the public how important it is to support our community institutions, such as our schools.

The reasons given by BCPS for starting to enforce the rule just recently are quite baffling, although issues relating to liability seem to come up most often. While BCPS brass currently maintains their stance on this subject, talks are in the works with the BCPS PTA Council to hear all concerns and discuss resolutions. Hopefully we’ll have some happy news for Baltimore County crafters and shoppers in a follow-up post. In the meantime, you can find out more information on the following sites:

• Fox 45 Baltimore
• Arbutus Times
• CBS Baltimore

If you’re interested in how public school funding works on a larger scale, I highly recommend listening to the NPR story, Private Funding in Public Schools, which aired on February 3rd on the Diane Rehm Show. With all of the complicated issues surrounding corporate funding of our public school system, taking money from independent crafters and artists should be the least of BCPS worries.

I love living in Baltimore, Maryland. It’s largely a blue-collar city where creative folks are in abundance. Making stuff by hand as well as buying handmade and local are not only appreciated, but are also encouraged though individuals and organizations like the Charm City Craft Mafia, B.E.S.T., and the Creative Alliance (just to name a few). The newest member to this group is Baltimore Print Studios, which just officially opened up its doors in October.

I met with owner Kyle Van Horn at his grand opening party. His exhaustive enthusiasm is what you might expect from someone finally being able to see years of hard work, dedication and creative ambition come to fruition.

Here Kyle answers some questions about BPS for Hello Craft. You can also check out my shaky video of  the space from the  official grand opening party. If you live you Baltimore or the surrounding areas, put BPS in your plans and support this homegrown effort that is one of many making Baltimore a pretty swell place to live and craft.

What is Baltimore Print Studios all about? Baltimore Print Studios is a public-access screenprinting and letterpress studio. We will offer hourly studio rentals and one-day workshops.

What type of printing equipment do you have? On the letterpress side we have 3 Vandercooks and 2 tabletop Pilot presses. We also have 2 cabinets of metal type and a cabinet of wood type. On the screenprinting side we have a vacuum exposure unit, a washout sink with pressure-washer, 3 screenprinting tables, and a t-shirt press. Finishing out the shop we have a 4′x10′ work table with self healing mat, a registration hole punch, a paper guillotine, and 2 print drying racks.

I love the fact that BPS offers open studio time as well as classes. Can you explain what BPS has to offer for the pro-printer, as well as to a letterpress printing novice, such as myself. Thanks!  For the pro-printer, we’re offering a well equipped, well considered and easy to use studio. We want something that an experienced printer can walk into and use comfortably and efficiently, saving them time and keeping them coming back.

For the novice printers, we want very much the same thing. It’s easy to mistake owning a printing press with owning a shop. The press is a major piece of the puzzle to being able to print, but there are a thousand other little bits and pieces that make it all work smoothly. If you learn how to print in piecemeal studio, you will forever think that printing is difficult. But if you are taught with the right tools in a clean studio, it will at least be easier.

Do you also offer printing services, say for a band or an organization that needs some posters, invitations, or other hand-printed promotional paper goods? Absolutely. That’s the other reason I made a print shop — I want to print in it! Letterpress, screenprinting, both? – I’m interested! Please shoot me an e-mail.

Do you have any special printing equipment or class highlights that you are totally psyched about? I’ve taught letterpress plenty, and that will be fun in the new location, but I’m excited to have people come learn screenprinting in the shop. We’ll be offering workshops in t-shirt printing next spring sometime also, which I think will be a hit.

Was the original idea for BPS as it is now? Is this your first venture with a studio like this? Long ago I thought I would open my own shop, but I was always unwilling to commit to it because I was scared of having to move the shop if I moved cities.  I’ve been in Baltimore for 10 years now, and feel pretty settled.

This is the first actual shop I’ve owned. In my mind the shop has gone from a classic, old-school type-only shop, to a modern shop, and now has landed as a public-access shop. I’m really happy with what it has become.

North Avenue is on brink of becoming a hot spot destination with its close proximity to the artsy Charles Street and the Copy Cat Building, as well as the creative mainstays what include MICA, Loads of Fun, and The Windup Space. Was this the original location you had in mind for BPS or how did all the stars align? Stars aligning is the right phrasing. The space I’m in was looked at by many people before me, and every time something just didn’t fit. I looked around the city in neighborhoods that already had a supporting artist population; Remington, Southeast Baltimore / Patterson, and North Ave. When I saw this space the pieces started falling into place.

Baltimore seems to generate a good chuck of successful creative-types, including artists, crafters and musicians. I see BPS as being an integral part of this creative tidal wave that is sweeping across the city. How do you see BPS fitting in, within this local movement. I am very excited when I think about these possibilities. Baltimore is such a DIY kind of city. Want a gallery? Start one. Want to make a film? Do it.

I think we fit in perfectly with that. People here support each other’s crazy ideas, and everyone seems to be hands on. I’m hoping people will turn to us when they want posters or shirts or business cards, and realize they can do it their way for a good price.

As for the crafters, and there is a very healthy population of those in Baltimore, I’m hoping we develop a base of repeat clients that use us as their personal studio. We will offer a variety of pricing options that allow the people needing the most studio time the best prices.

What is the future dream for BPS? I know we’re just starting out right now, but we’d like to expand. If the shop grew, there would be a proper darkroom, washout room, we’d split letterpress and screenprinting into separate spaces (allowing more workshops and studio hours). Maybe we’d find some more toys to play with in the shop too.  Those are all dreams right now… in a few years maybe.

Anything else you want our readers to know about why BPS is totally rad? Gosh, you’re making us blush. We’re working hard this week at getting ducks in a row to open. We promised November, and we’re doing our best to keep it. Keep an eye on the website for news.You all — the artists, designers, and awesomely creative people in the city — you’re why we’re doing this. Together we can do great things.

Baltimore Print Studios is located at 18 W. North Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21218
Questions? Email print@baltimoreprintstudios.com.
Want more info? Check out baltimoreprintstudios.com.

Here, in ACC Baltimore Part 1, I’ll share some of our favorite shopper stories and images for the weekend.

Purchased: Stamped sterling silver earrings
Made by: Jennaca Leigh Davies

Reason: Bought them for her mother because she was ungrateful to her for a longtime.  She thought the earrings were very refreshing after lots to repetitive and expensive crafts.

Purchased: Feather Headband
Made by: GALVIN-ized Headwear

Reason: She’s an art teacher and likes to wear things that help her stand out from other teachers. Also, great example of colors and texture for students.

You may recognize this shopper (and her good taste) from Etsy, where she shares her handmade finds and seller tips as daniellexo.  Was nice to meet you, Danielle!

Purchased: Ceramic Bird Vase
Made by: Little Flower Designs

Reason: On her wedding day, she had a moment alone after walking the dog when she looked out the window and (being a city girl) saw her first blue jay ever.  She has been wanting something with a blue bird on it since.

Purchased: Plush ring
Made by: Raeburn Ink

Reason:  Because it is awesome, light weight & voluminous.

Purchased: Carnelian Earrings
Made by: imogene

Reason: Love the color and they match her pants!  She’s really loving the warm pumpkin rust color right now.

Purchased: Mug with butterflies
Made by: Justin Rothshank

Reason: She liked the unevenness and they way it feels in her hand.

Purchased: Wooden Flip-Car Toy with Ramp
Made by: Baldwin Toys

Reason: For grandson and his father who refuses to grow up. The toy is going to make them laugh and laugh.

Purchased: Purse
Made by: Laura Maclay

Reason: So darn cute! I love the look. Very simple but very professional.

Purchased: Puzzle piece hand cut glass necklace & earrings

Made by: Dena Pengas Glass

Reason: Love the color, way it felt, the idea, the fit.  Truly handcrafted & handmade.

Dena also makes really cool glass lego jewelry in a wide variety of colors. Above is a collection of her Lego earrings.  Visit her site to see the pendants, necklaces, cufflinks, rings and more.

I did some shopping of my own at Erica Gordon’s booth, aka Steele Toe Studios.  I’ve been a fan of her work for years and planned to pick up a recycled bike tube belt (the result of a collaboration between Erica and Alchemy Goods, makers of the famous Ad Bag).  While Erica helped other customers, I admired her recycled bike gear buckles and took the chance to hold her multifont buckle, an item I’d been eyeing online for sometime.  I couldn’t put it down.  I really enjoy the solid weight of the cast metal and different dimensions of the raised letters.

Also of note, was Erica’s clever use of a digital picture frame to showcase images of her at work with red-hot metal rods, which struck me as an extremely effective way to educate and engage shoppers not familiar with the creative process.

Like I said, the ACC Baltimore show is huge!  You can see more shopper photos in our Flickr pool.  In part 2, I’ll show you more work from the artists that caught my eye and offer some well-designed booth examples.

Each week, the Hello Craft Podcast collects stories of making and buying handmade.

This week, we have three stories from crafters who will be presenting their work at the American Craft Council Show in Baltimore at the Baltimore Convention Center, February 27 – March 1, 2009. We hear stories from Caitlin Phillips of Rebound Designs, Rania Hassan of Goshdarnknit and Shannon Delanoy of Sweet Pepita. All three tell us about past events that have made them the crafters they are today. For more information about the show, including times and ticket prices, check out craftcouncil.org/baltimore.

Click here to download the episode (right-click and choose “save as” on PC, or control-click and choose “save as” on Mac)

Learn how to contribute to the podcast!

Kim, Tina, Becky & I hosted Hello Craft’s first ever Shopper Show & Tell. Here are a few of my favorite pics from the day:

$10 brooch from Broken Plate Co.

Esti Gerson (one half of sisterly duo, Gerson Curse) and her mother stopped by to show off their jewelry purchases: Red Tree pendant from Yasha Butler Ceramics and The Last Acorn pendant from polymer clay artist, Block Party Press.

Evidence of handmade shopping success: Woven Wristcuff from Carlybird Weaves, Pacman cuff from In Hope, and corduroy hat from Endless Hats.

Play the slide show below to see all the happy shoppers with their handmade purchases. Be sure to visit Hello Craft’s Holiday Heap photostream for links to the makers’ online shops.

More pictures after the jump.

Holiday Heap volunteer proudly displays his print from illegible ink and NOVO graphic novel from Spaghetti Kiss (sequel to the one he has). Plush head made by Cotton Monster.

Double thumbs up: a sure sign of shopper satisfaction. Hoodie made by Popidiot.

Tamara of Block Party Press makes jewelry during the show while Tina Seamonster hands out Hello Craft goodies.

Annie of imogene demonstrates her nifty credit card swiper (more on that coming soon).

Presidential masks from wood cut artists, Pellinore Press were quite popular. The item sold out at the show, but you can still buy the Obama mask for $10 in their Etsy shop.

I love the shoppers’ hands in the above photo of Biggs & Featherbelle’s booth. Kasey and Kelly, the sisters behind the health conscious body care line, are in the midst of a whirlwind holiday craft show tour having spent Saturday at Holiday Heap in Baltimore and then rushing to the airport for their flight to Sunday’s Felt Club in L.A. Fortunately, you don’t have to travel to buy their goods. The full line of Biggs & Featherbelle body care is available online and several of their products, including their popular Eskimo Kiss lip balm, are distributed throughout the US.

Did you buy something at Holiday Heap or do you have other handmade gift ideas? Tell us about them in the comments.