The second Saturday of the month means our credit card bills are due, but we're trying not to think about that so much. Especially 'cause it also means it's also time for the Ballston Arts and Crafts Market. Last month's event was gray and rainy, but this one will be ... oh, wait, it'll probably be gray and rainy, too. Damn.
No matter. Stroll past tables and tents of pottery, photographs, sock monkeys, felted bunnies, huge plastic rings and rudely hilarious T-shirts, all created by local artists. Looking for some unique summer accessories? Don't even think about going to a mall -- especially not the lousy Ballston Commons Mall right across the street -- because the market also hosts makers of jewelry, handbags and other accessories that will have everyone asking, "Where did you get that?"
Vendors include BoxBoy Demented Decoupage (popular from his old Eastern Market Days), Herban Lifestyles and really creepy puppets -- which are actually much smaller in person than their eerie Web site pics would have you believe.
Our fave picks last month? 1.) vintage barrettes in the shape of lovebirds that looked straight out of a 1940s Navy tattoo. 2.) felted cartoon-ish bats with button-up wings. Bizarre, yes. But we still want one. Badly, and for no good reason.
Go early before all the good stuff disappears, but stay close because the live music starts in the afternoon.
2009 Season:
Second Saturdays May-October, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.:
6/13, 7/11, 8/8, 9/12 & 10/10 in Welburn Square at Ballston Metro
Arlington, Va.
Music Lineup:
June 13 - The Constituents
July 11 - Jerry Wade & Pat Kisicki (11 a.m.-2 p.m.); The LoveJoy Group (2-4 p.m.)
Aug. 8 - Darcy Nair
Sept. 12 - Jeff Severson
Oct. 10 - Melissa Branin
