ballston arts and crafts market

This past weekend we spent the day in Arlington, VA. It's a place we absolutely love. Maggie lived there for many years before moving to the country when Sweet Cheeks was born. John Boy (Betty's son and Maggie's brother) still lives in Arlington, and we love coming up for visits to his awesome apartment on Wilson Blvd. This time of year is our favorite not just because it's wedding season, but because it's also craft season! In addition to photographing and managing our photography business, Betty also owns Bette's Bags. She designs and makes one of a kind hand bags and accessories. Although our weekends are filling up with photography commissions she still makes it out to the Ballston Arts and Crafts Market when she can. This was the opening Saturday for the market, and while Betty sold her handbags like hotcakes... Maggie got some photos of the amazing artwork that was for sale. Take a look at why we can't get enough of this craft show...

Betty's tent was pretty much empty by the end of the day, so it's a good thing we got these shots early before the bags were gone. Check out some of her work here...

Next up... April Alayne and her fantastic artwork, jewelry and fashion. Her work is some of the coolest stuff we've seen in a long time.

We loved these rings... couldn't help but get a "ring shot". Ha! Bridesmaids gift? We think so!

And what about something for the Groomsmen in your life? These printed T shirts from Jon Wye are awesome.

There were a lot of great baby items for sale too...

Ashleybug organics makes organic bibs and burp clothes. We love her fabric choices!

The ever amazing Babus Toys makes hand knitted and felted baby toys. The rainbow teething rings are Turner's new favorite toy to chew on... thank you Babus for being so generous and giving him one at the show!

US Wood Toys was on hand with their hand painted wooden push toys. They even worked on some toys at the show! We love their creations, in fact, Turner had to take a turtle home ;)

There were monsters everywhere!

Red & Main Studio does some stellar work. Look at the details! These little one of a kind treasures are so cool. We love them!

Clay Monster makes one of a kind ceremic and stonewear pottery. We seriously need some of these.

Finally, we stopped by Herban Lifestyle and checked out her fuzzy soap. Yep, we said fuzzy soap! Check out her shop to learn more.

There were sooo many more vendors at the show, but these are just a handfull of some of our favorites.


The "Ballston days" as we call them have become a family affair. Betty and the Hubs are of course at every show. Maggie, her husband Stew and Sweet Cheeks are usually there for the day too. Most of the time John Boy comes to hang out for a while so long as he isn't busy with cool, young person things to do. We've also become great friends with the Market Manager... Jess. Jess puts on one hell of a show and we have no idea how she does it. Not to mention she's got a new baby at home!

Speaking of babies... here are some photos Betty got of Turner and Griffin meeting for the first time! They're the official Ballston Babies! (While they did get together at the end of last year's market season, they were both tiny and slept through that play date, so this was the first real one).

Check out the Ballston Arts and Crafts Market. There is something for everyone here! Some vendors set up shop every month the show runs, and some rotate. We hope to see you at the next show! Come by Bette's Bags tent and say hi. We'd love to meet you.

Happy hump day!