Joining Us This Week:

Pazmino Pottery:

Goodwill of Greater Washington:

Baltimore Bumble Crafts:

Larry Stevens Art:

Great Ape!:

Community Programing:

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 pm: Goodwill Donation Drive

10:30 am: Live Music by Capital Accord Chorus

10:30 – 11:30 am: Kids Yoga at the market with Sky House Yoga

11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Teens/Adults Yoga at the market with Sky House Yoga

1:00 – 3:00 pm: Social Ramble

Riverdale Model Train Club will have a super-sized edition!

Have you met Etsy? Etsy is the largest online handmade and vintage marketplace, but it is much more than a marketplace – it is a community, much like Fenton Street Market, and you can find shops for a lot of our vendors on Etsy. We even have a Fenton Street Market Etsy Team where you can find all our vendor Etsy shops in one place.

Every year, Etsy has a global craft party. All over the world, groups of Etsy sellers and craft enthusiasts come together to make and craft. This year’s craft party theme is “Craft for Community.” We really wanted to host an Etsy party this year, and we couldn’t think of a better activity than to craft in the name of Bonifant Street where many of our local small Silver Spring businesses (just like us) call home.

For the party, we will “craft bomb” Bonifant Street in between Fenton Street and Georgia Avenue to highlight these small businesses. A team of FSM vendors will also work to create three crafty window displays along Bonifant Street for the occasion.
What is “craft bombing,” you may ask? It is a craft explosion in a public place to lift up the community and in our case, stimulate more economic growth for our neighborhood small businesses. It is similar to “yarn bombing” – find examples here and here. But we will craft bomb together, as a party and it’ll be lots of fun! Be sure to RSVP today!

The second annual Silver Spring GreenFest will take place on Saturday, October 5 from 10:00am – 4:00pm. In addition to green businesses at the market, there will be a full program of eco-minded speakers, demonstrations and community-related events inside the Civic Building.

We are looking for environmentally and community-minded businesses and organizations to participate as vendors at the market. This will be a great opportunity to reach the over 4,000 customers that visit FSM each Saturday.

Prospective vendors should first consult our FAQs to learn about booth fees and market procedures. Then, submit your application by July 15th via email: megan@fentonstreetmarket.com  Preference will be given to local companies and small businesses that actively contribute to sustaining our local community.

All applications should include the following information:

1. Name
2. Business name
3. Email
4. Phone
5. Address
6. Website (if you don’t have one, please attach 2-3 product pictures)
7. Vendor Statement

• Brief description of goods/services to be offered, and how you would engage shoppers
• Explanation of how the products or services you sell promote a green and sustainable lifestyle and/or work environment
• Description of how you carry out your business in a green and sustainable way

1. Who are you, where are you from and what do you sell? How are you known at the market?

I am a seamstress. I come from East Cost Tanzania. Normally I should just say I am from Tanzania, but put that way, in relation to my business. What I sell is fashion accessories made from traditional African made fabrics – Kanga cloth is my specialty, followed by Kitenge and Kikoi ( as we call hand woven cloth).

Also, I share stories and create awareness of the Swahili culture. I think people need information from the native as opposed to information wrote by visitors on  what they captured during their few days visits in the Swahili coast. I appreciate their effort, and wish to compliments and correct when possible.

At some markets I am known as the Kanga Lady and some just the Swahili Seamstress.

2. How did you get started in your business and what is your future vision?

Fenton Street was my first market to vend. Prior to that, I used to sell on consignment to a vendor who used to vend at D.C. Eastern Market. She moved away to the other state. My first products in Fenton Market were Kanga cloth, Kanga bags and some mixed handicrafts from Tanzania. Megan was among my first buyers (Kanga bag) and Laura Costas ( Kanga clothes). She is regular FSM visitor) and my regular customer and devoted motivator. That is worth mentioning for FSM Customers – most of them become vendors’ friends.

On my early days on FSM, I met Emily Morris, who worked lived and work in Tanzania for 7 years representing a non-profit organization based in WA DC, -EDC. She was very excited to see Kanga again. We ended up talking for a while, and she introduced me to Empowered Women International, then the journey with EWI begun in Spring 2012, onwards.

3. Why do you do what you do? What is so special about your business?

I chose to do this because I love art and I love Swahili culture and all that it offers. I am missing a lot of what is available there in this part of the world. Even at the Smithsonian Museum, the Swahili Coast is only place in Africa which, is  either not represented or with very little representation to notice. Unfortunately, I don’t see representation in other African art, crafts and culture.

As a Swahili native, and skilled artisan I decided to do this to make a contribution, in my own small way. I have been my mother’s helper, and as an adult, I opted to resign from a white color job to work in the handicrafts field. My presence in America is an opportunity and a platform for my advancement and inclusion of the Swahili coast’s skills in the wider market.

4. What do you love most about Fenton Street Market?

What I like about Fenton Street Market its POSITION, Diversity and A Very Nice community of vendors and visitors. Last but not least, I with I could composed a song about FSM.

ALL THE BEST.

Meet Nora of Nora Makes! Nora is a very talented screen-printing artist residing in Greenbelt, MD. Her bright and awesome work can be seen from miles away, as neon is kind of her thing. Nora designed and printed our limited edition 2013 Fenton Street Market poster and we are so excited for her to join us at the market! You can actually hang out with Nora at her studio in the Greenbelt Community Center on the first Sundays of each month where the artist community opens their studio doors to the public for a day of fun!

1. Who are you, where are you from and what do you sell? How are you known at the market? 

Hi! My name is Nora and I make cards, posters and other paper goods. Everything I sell is designed and hand printed by me in my studio at the Greenbelt Community Center. This will be my first time selling at the Fenton Street Market [Saturday, June 15] and I’m really excited to be a part of such an awesome event!

2. How did you get started in your business and what is your future vision?

I became interested in screen printing and block printing a few years ago during a summer internship at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center. I met a lot of great people there, including some printing experts who were happy to show me the basics of the craft. Later on I took a screen printing class during my senior year at Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, and I really fell in love with the medium. Since graduating two years ago, I have been working as a freelance graphic designer, while also planning to continue printmaking. Last summer I was accepted into the Greenbelt Community Center’s Artist in Residence program and got my own studio space. I’ve been teaching myself more about printmaking, and have started selling my work in craft shows and online.

I look forward to exploring screen printing further, including making larger prints. I have a show this summer where these will be featured, and I’d like to continue finding ways to show my work.

3. Tell us why you do what you do. What is so special about your business?

I come from two generations of printmakers and grew up surrounded by art. I got my BFA degree in graphic design, which meant that most of what I did in school was done in front of a computer. I love the hands-on, DIY quality of printmaking but everything I learned about design has helped me to create cards and prints.

Cards and prints are a great and inexpensive way for people to own and share art. I love the idea that my cards can be sent in the mail and that people also save them. Although my designs are reproduced many times, each print is special. No two are exactly alike because they are done by hand.

4. What is your favorite thing about FSM?

Fenton Street Market gives artists the opportunity to share their work directly with the community. I love meeting new customers and exchanging ideas with other vendors. I always discover the best gifts at craft shows and some of my best finds have been from the Fenton Street Market.

Find Nora on Saturday at the market, on Facebook, Etsy and check out her awesome blog!

Joining Us This Week:

Shel’s Studio: Shelley is back this week with her tent full of ceramics so hold tight to your kids! If you don’t remember Shelly, read up on her in her FSM Vendor Profile! She is often joined by another Silver Spring potter, Marina- who’s Etsy shop we are addicted to. Also on an unrelated note, doesn’t Dad needs a new mug?

KittyKatKards: These origami folded cards are some of the most unique cards we’ve ever seen! Check out her Father’s Day folded editions, just in time for the big show on Sunday.

Bhavna’s Henna: There is so much Summer fun to be had at the market this Saturday! Bhavna is back so we can jam out at the Blues Fest together with new henna tattoos.

Nora Makes: Don’t you love our newest Fenton Street Market printed posters?? They were designed and made by this talented lady! Nora will join her posters’ debut at the market this Saturday with lots of her own work in gorgeous neon colors! Wear your sunglasses folks, it’s sure to be bright out.

Printed Wild: Speaking of prints, this lady has the Print Fever. Eva handmakes all of her own pieces from start to finish. She designs her very intricate prints, prints on fabric, sews her bags and pillows and has adorable packaging. Welcome her, also a new vendor, on Saturday and spruce up your couch with this pillow. Unless we get to it first.

Community Programming:

10:30 am: CREATE Arts Center arts and crafts table for kids

10 am – 3 pm: Blues Festival Stage 

Joining Us:

Project Runway Star Valerie Mayen of Yellow Cake Shop will join us on the plaza! Valerie is a fashion designer with a bit of a retro vibe. Check out her work on Etsy and then go to Pyramid Atlantic’s Kiki DC to see her judge some of DC’s newest design talent!

Speaking of retro vibes, Diament Designs will debut at the market this Saturday with her collection of vintage inspired and vintage-upcycled jewelry.

Pick up a new summer outfit from Roc the Bloc - handmade limited edition and often hand-printed clothing.

Have you stepped in the oasis of the Dorjebajra Tibet Shop yet? They join us on the plaza every Saturday with a double wide booth stocked full of Tibetan treasures. Pick up something unique for Dad this Saturday!

Programming:

10:30 am – 12:30 pm: Join the Action Committee for Transit and their new campaign for Safe Walk to School. They will be at the market on Saturday with art supplies for kids to draw how they like to travel to school!

1:00 – 3:00 pm: Bead Class at the market

8 p.m. tonight: Kiki DC, DC’s premier fashion design event!

Joining us This Week:

Elsen Oils is back again! If you don’t remember this awesome couple, read up about them and all their natural hair and body products  in their FSM Vendor Profile.

Luri & Wilma, the DC-based eco-chic magazine for smart ladies, makes their debut at the market this week! They just launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the transformation of their monthly online magazine to a quarterly print magazine. Yes, Print! Check out their first printed edition and keep an eye out for them on Saturday accompanied by Studio Moody with graphic posters and prints.

M. Poss: The artist formerly known as B. Poss is back with a new Men’s accessories collection of necklaces, bracelets, cufflinks and bowties. Stock up for your Father’s Day gifts!

Jenny Lola Studio: Ivy of Jenny Lola Studio is back on the plaza again with her quilted compact blankets. Before you take that long summer road trip, pick one of these up on Saturday to make the ride all the more comfortable.

Community Programming & Activities:

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Live Music by Zach Parkman

12:00 p.m.: Puppet Show

1:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Learn about the new Silver Spring Library!

Enjoy the ride with the Riverdale Train Club

Take a moment to find your inner peace with the Meditation Museum

Meet Katie of Catherinette. She brings her amazing leather wallets, bags, device  cases and even more to the market!  You may have seen her at FSM from time to time and even at the new Grant Avenue Market in Takoma Park. We are a huge fan of her vintage upcycled leather work and know you will be too. Get to know her even better below..

1. Who are you, where are you from and what do you sell? How are you known at the market?  

My name is Katie Stack and my company name is Catherinette. People have started calling me Catherinette, and although it’s not my name, I think it’s cute.  I am originally from Orlando, Florida.  I have lived all over the East Coast and Chicago, and have been living in the DC metro area for the last 5 years.  My work is predominately handmade leather goods made from industrial salvaged leather. I also make resin belt buckles featuring vintage paper goods, and artisan dyed scarves.

Late May has hit and we are as anxious for summer to start as you are. We’ll help sooth your nerves with some yoga at the market this morning. This season from May to September on the fourth Saturday of the month, we will host two free yoga classes by Sky House Yoga in Silver Spring. They will have our morning Community Programing time slot and break it into two one-hour yoga sessions – for kids at 10:30 and for adults at 11:30. More details on each class at the bottom.

Come early to the market for a chance to ring the market bell!

Joining Us This Week:

Katie Stack of Catherinette is back with her leather wallets, belt buckles and silk scarves. Get to know her via her new FSM vendor profile here on the site!

Yakitoko – Graphic t-shirts and posters

TyniseNicole Jewelry and Things - Nicole’s old culture mixed with new culture jewelry is a great find at the market. We especially love her brass work and the new amethyst necklaces!

Get your own Funny Face Painting done at the market this Saturday!

Community Programming:

10:30 am: Live Music by Raycurt

10:30-11:30 am: FREE Yoga Class by Sky House Yoga

11:30 am – 12:30 pm: FREE Yoga Class by Sky House Yoga

These 60 minute classes will stretch, open, and strengthen the body while incorporating breath work that will relax and focus the mind.  These classes are suited for all levels of experience and will focus on standing, balancing, and hip opening postures. Bring your yoga mat and towel and join your community members for a delicious yoga experience!  Kids and pets are welcome!

1:00-3:00 pm: Sewing Demo by Sarah Gingold of Think Outside the Store. Check out her website and studio full of vintage treadle sewing machines just down the street from us on the corner of Thayer Ave. and Fenton St. in DTSS.

The Riverdale Model Train Club is back again!