Author: artstar-artstar

  • Meet Ashley Landon of The Knotty Owl

    Next up in our series of Art Star Craft Bazaar Vendor Profiles is Ashley Landon of The Knotty Owl.  Hailing from Rochester NY, Ashley creates hand-cut jewelry (no laser cutting here!) made from local, reclaimed lumber.  Find her at the ASCB at Booth #93.

    Walnut and Cherry Chevron Necklace by The Knotty Owl

    Art Star: Did you go to art school?  If so, where did you study?
    Ashley Landon: Technically yes, I graduated from Brooklyn’s Pratt Institute for Industrial Design in 2011. I worked for the Fine Arts Department in the wood shop however, so I like to think I got the best of both worlds since most of my time was spent surrounded by fine artists.

    AS: What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
    AL:  I will be selling my hand-carved and painted wooden jewelry and adornments.

    AS: What materials do you work with?
    AL: I use found, salvaged, locally harvested, and otherwise locally purchased lumber. My favorite woods to work with are cherry, walnut, maple, redwood, and the fallen branches from a silver maple tree in my backyard. I assemble my pieces with sterling silver and brass chain.

    The Knotty Owl Studio


    AS:
    How are your items made? Describe your process.
    AL: All of my pieces are made from start to finish in my small wood shop and studio, conveniently located in my basement. Every wooden component starts as part of a rough piece of lumber, which I re-saw myself. I absolutely love the “analog” methods of creating my jewelry, and prefer to have hands-on control of every aspect of my process rather than using laser cutters. Once the wood is milled flat, I draw my rough shapes, and cut them out very carefully on a bandsaw. I use a belt sander and hand files to shape each piece, and finish the rest of the sanding by hand. I paint all of the designs on my pieces, apply the wood finish, and assemble the pieces into their final jewelry designs once they’re dry.

    AS: Are you able to make your work full-time?  If not, what do you do for your day job?
    AL: I’m lucky enough to call The Knotty Owl my full-time gig, doing the occasional wood-based commission job or furniture repair project on the side. I’m also part of a business partnership, Dichotomy Rochester, and we are preparing to open our first retail store this summer in Rochester, New York.

    Carved Raven Skull Pendants by The Knotty Owl

    AS: Who are some of your favorite artists?
    AL: My favorite artists/designers are the husband and wife duo Charles and Ray Eames. Their design principles have significantly informed my creative style, and they’re both incredibly inspiring on a personal level. I’m also and avid fan of Frank Lloyd Wright, and the fact that he so fully considered his designs from the architecture of each house, to the tableware that would adorn it’s interior. Other favorites are Hans Wegner and George Nakashima.

    AS: What are you reading/listening to right now?
    AL: I’m about halfway through Vonnegut’s Cat Cradle (for the second time), and have been switching back and forth between listening to The XX and every Modest Mouse album made before 2001.

    AS: Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years?
    AL: I plan to eventually expand my wood shop into a space that could properly house a larger collection of tools, and possibly an assistant, to help me keep up with orders while I continually work on new designs. Being in sole control of every aspect of my little business (as many of us sole proprietors are) is so overwhelming at times, leaving very little mental stamina to keep producing new work, and I’d love so much to change that within the next year or two. My main goal is to help my father retire within the next year, as he is my part-time expert sander on the weekends, and we really enjoy working together. The process of starting this business has been such an incredible learning experience and blessing, and I’m content to continue planting the seeds of my business and helping it grow naturally. I’d also like to get back into furniture design and larger scale woodworking projects in the near future.

    Spirit Animal Brooches by The Knotty Owl


    AS:
    Are there any bazaar participants that you are excited to check out this year?
    AL: I’m extremely excited to finally see Horrible Adorables in person (I’ve loved their work on Etsy forever), and Twig Terrariums (I’m an obsessive collector of terrariums), but realistically I’ve been to every vendor’s website over the past week and am thrilled to be in the presence of all of them next month!

  • Meet Debby Weiss of Rebe

    Red Check Dress by Rebe

    Welcome to our 2nd installment of Art Star Craft Bazaar vendor profiles!  Meet Debby Weiss, the talented artist behind the clothing/accessories/housewares brand, Rebe. Debby travels all the way from California to do our show & we are happy to have her back again this year!

    Art Star: Did you go to art school?  If so, where did you study?
    Debby Weiss:
    I did not go to art school. I went to the University of California @ Davis in the mid 1970’s and went back and forth between science and art. I did graduate with a B.S. degree in textile design.

    AS: What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
    DW:
    I design and make woman’s apparel. I do not like to think of it as fashion since fashion seems to represent trends. I create things that I feel will work for all ages and functionality and will be able to incorporate into a persons wardrobe for decades to come. As a woman I once met described it as art for “around the body.”

    AS: What materials do you work with?
    DW: I work with primarily woven and knitted fabrics, sustainable when I can find what I want. I have recently taken up knitting, making sweaters and will be making blankets so I get to work with yarns. I also incorporate all my scraps into stitched pieces that have first been collaged and they are meant for the wall. And I have brought macramé back into my life for both functional pieces and design inspiration.

    AS: How are your items made? Describe your process.
    RW: I first sketch my ideas, and then find fabric, although I often find the fabric and that leads to the design. I make a pattern, cut and sew. I am always letting pieces help dictate what is next by seeing how they function together.

    I also try to take in how pieces are fitting my customers so I know how to alter for sizing for the majority of our varying shapes.

    AS: Are you able to make your work full-time?  If not, what do you do for your day job?
    DW: My business, Rebe is my full time work for the past 6 years. For the first 7 years I worked as an ultrasound technician.

    The Paola Sweater in Brown by Rebe

    AS: Who are some of your favorite artists?
    DW: I am inspired by many Japanese designers, not one in particular. I had also grown up with Marimekko designs in my life and still love it. I love Moroccan textiles. It is more the pieces by the masses than an actually artist that inspire me. I loved seeing Nick Cave’s Sound Suit Exhibition. I guess I would say just about anything with textiles inspires. Ghee’s Bend quilts too have been a great inspiration.

    If it was not for my daughter (artist & bazaar participant) Hillery Sproatt I might not have ever been brave enough to have started Rebe. I always made and sold things but seeing her amazing talent gave me the courage as a mother to help guide her by taking a risk in starting a business and following my passion as I have tried to encourage all my daughters to do.

    Rachelle Dress by Rebe

    AS: What are you reading/listening to right now?
    DW: I love listening to stories while I work such as This American Life and Radio Lab.

    AS: Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years?
    DW: I hope to have a studio with a brick and mortar shop that perhaps I can include a bed and breakfast in. I always thought it would be in the Bay Area but not sure yet. At 57 I am still trying to figure out where I want to be when I grow up, but I am having an amazing time traveling the country with my art and doing what I love.

    AS: Are there any bazaar participants that you are excited to check out this year?
    DW:
    I have been blessed to meet some amazing artist and absolutely wonderful people on my journey. I am looking forward to walking the show and seeing all the work each person has put their heart and soul into.

    Check out Rebe’s entire collection online at Specks & Keepings and at our upcoming bazaar.  Check out our entire line up of vendors here.

  • Meet Diane Koss of Cutesy but Not Cutesy

    We will be posting Art Star Craft Bazaar Vendor profiles pretty regularly now through the big weekend – May 11th & 12th!  First up is Cutesy but Not Cutesy.  Meet the maker behind the brand – Diane Koss.

    Art Star: Did you go to art school?  If so, where did you study?
    Diane Koss:
    I started out as a psychology and biology major at The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ.  That only lasted about one semester until I switched over to be a Fine Arts Major with concentrations in metalsmithing, photography, and performance art.  Unfortunately, there were no classes in monster-making, that came later!

    Cutesy but not Cutesy also offers silkscreened monster T’s for All Ages!

    AS: What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
    DK:
    This year I will be selling my hand-stitched furry monster plush along with fur-lined monster hoodies with horns for infants through adults.  I also have screen-printed t-shirts for kid’s and adults, hand-painted dishware, and a brand new line of monster plush called The Grumpsters!

    A couple of Diane’s “Grumpsters”

    AS: How are your items made? Describe your process.
    DK:
    All of my traditional monsters are hand-stitched without machines. I usually work in an assembly line-like system where I cut them out all at once, then stitch all of the bodies, then stuff them all, and then add the face, horns, and bird to each one to give them their own personality.  I use black thread in order to highlight each stitch that I make, I think it gives them more character and adds to the handmade feel of them. The hoodies and The Grumpsters are all individually sewn on my workhorse of a sewing machine.  The Grumpsters have added a whole new level of excitement for my process since I get to piece together their little outfits before stitching them all together!

    Cutesy but not Cutesy HQs – where the magic happens!

    AS: Are you able to make your work full-time?  If not, what do you do for your day job?
    DK:
    I have been a full time monster-maker for almost 5 years now. It’s been a very long journey as I learn more and more about what works for my business and for me, as an artist.  But in the end, the pay off at the end of each year of knowing that I’m able to support myself with my own two hands and a needle and thread is worth every bit of struggle I face.

    Diane makes adorable monster hoodies for all ages!!

    AS: Who are some of your favorite artists?
    DK:
    I am completely obsessed with and inspired by Louise Evans of Felt Mistress. Her work never ceases to amaze me. I also love the art of Washington based Illustrator Justin Hillgrove. His monster illustrations are just so incredible.  I also had the opportunity of running into Austin based illustrator Graham Franciose while at a show in Austin a few years ago and I have been completely smitten with his work ever since.

    “Soaring” by Justin Hillgrove, acrylic on canvas

    AS: What are you reading/listening to right now?
    DK:
    I just started reading “At Home: A Short History of Private Life” by Bill Bryson, one of my favorite authors. And I just started re-watching the entire series of “Felicity” on netflix while I work.

    This guy may just make an appearance at the bazaar!!

    AS: Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years?
    DK:
    Ideally, there would be a few employees in a well-organized, sun-drenched warehouse space shipping out monsters to all corners of the world. And possibly a store front.

    AS: Are there any bazaar participants that you are excited to check out this year?
    DK:
    Gosh, do I have to choose?! I can’t wait to see them all! I must admit, though, I always love seeing the art of Laura Berger and I might have to finally snag a piece from Horrible Adorables for my new home!


     Thanks Diane for sharing this with us!  Visit her at the Art Star Craft Bazaar (booth # coming soon!) on May 11th & 12th or her Etsy page.  Check out the rest of the amazing vendors selling at this year’s bazaar here.

  • Andrew Zangerle’s Top 5 ASCB Picks

    We have been showing work by Andrew Zangerle (The Maple Ridge)at Art Star for a few years now and he has participated in our bazaar for several.  We consider him a member of our Art Star family at this point.  We asked him to choose 5 of the Spring Art Star Craft Bazaar vendors that he is most excited to check out.  Here are his picks:

    Going through this year’s vendor list for the Bazaar with the intent to high-light five that stand out to me was a lot harder than I thought. This is going to be an incredible year with some really amazing crafters. Here’s my list:


    1. Fabric Horse. Fabric Horse makes (among other great things) these amazing Utility Belts! I seriously need one of these. It’s like a Fanny-pack and a Tool Belt had a baby…and that baby made you look like a Superhero. Why wouldn’t you want to have one of these?

     2. Buffalo Craft Company. I believe this is Buffalo Craft Company’s first time showing in Philadelphia. Mark and Katie are really nice and incredibly talented people. The Cuff bracelets are definitely my favorite item of theirs. If I were a woman I’d want several.

     3. The 50/50 Company. This print by The 50/50 company really stood out to me because I love patterns and the aesthetic qualities of the United States. They have a bunch of other prints and t-shirts. I know a lot of the time it’s hard to find a gift for a guy at a craft show so I’d highly recommend you check out The 50/50 Company.

     4. Horrible Adorables. The taxidermied felt creatures from Horrible Adorables are amazing. They all have so much personality and charm. They also come in a bunch of different sizes, too!  You get the sense that these creatures aren’t exactly mounted as trophies for your wall, but are in fact being displayed in their natural state. That they’re lively and playful and know magic…weird magic.

     5. Twig Terrariums.  The summer is just around the corner and I’ve been getting really excited about having plants around again. The great thing about Twig Terrariums is that they not only have ready-made terrariums you can pick up, but also have an assortment of kits so you can have fun creating your very own unique environment. They all look amazing.

    Like I said–it was really hard for me to narrow it all down to just five, but I hope this helps you get pumped for this year’s Bazaar! And I know that all you true craft show attendees are going to hit up every vendor booth at Penn’s Landing. (don’t forget to stop by and say hello to me, too!)

    Special thanks to Andrew for taking the time to share his favorite vendors with us!  Please check out our selection of The Maple Ridge’s items here or visit his Etsy page.  Check out our full Vendor Line-Up – what are your favorites?

    And look out for more picks from our friends soon!

  • Art Star Craft Bazaar Street Team

    We are looking for Art Star fans to become members of our Art Star Craft Bazaar Street Team!  Distribute our bazaar cards in exchange for Art Star store credit.  We are looking for people to flyer the following areas: Manayunk, Wayne, Chestnut Hill & any other shopping destination outside of Philadelphia – including New Jersey.


    Here’s how it will work:
    – We will mail you postcards & a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope
    – You distribute them
    – Pick up a business card from each place you hit & return all the business cards that you collect in the Self Addressed Stamp Envelope we included with the postcards
    – We will give you $2 in Art Star Store Credit per place you hit (valid ONLY in our shop in Philly, Online or at our booth at the bazaar, not valid at another ascb vendor’s booth)

    Some things to know:
    – Always ask if you can put them out (some people don’t let you put out cards)
    – Be friendly & courteous – some may ask you about the bazaar, so look on the site for general info before hand
    – Some places don’t have business cards, so its okay if you grab a menu or postcard to send us
    – It is good to drop off 15-20 postcards per location

    Types of places to hit up:
    restaurants/bars, coffee shops, libraries, art centers, museums, boutiques, theaters, salons – really anywhere where there are people that will pick ’em up

    Contact us if you are interested!

     

  • Hello Dear Friend Necklace Instagram Giveaway!

     Our first Instagram giveaway!!  We will randomly select 1 instagram follower who reposts this photo with #artstarphilly as soon as we reach 300 followers.  Spread the artstarphilly love!!

  • Free Fare: A Collection of Landscape Inspired Prints by Shawn Hileman

     Free Fare
    A Collection of Landscape Inspired Prints by Shawn Hileman

    April 13th – May 26th, 2013

    Opening Reception: Saturday, May 13th, 6-8pm
    Free & Open to the public

    Art Star is pleased to announce Free Fare, a collection of landscape inspired prints by Philadelphia printer & graphic designer, Shawn Hileman. The exhibition will be on display from April 13th – May 26th, 2013.  An opening reception with the artist will be held on Saturday, May 13th from 6-8pm. Light refreshments will be provided.

    Shawn Hileman’s first solo exhibition at Art Star will include a series of screenprinted abstract landscapes based on the desire to explore the world. The work will take the viewer on a journey that spans from desolate desert to mystical mountain side castles. An illustrated collection of ephemera will accompany the expansive fields of color and texture. With a keen graphic eye and a lust for playful illustration, the prints will feature a symbiotic relationship between paper and ink

     Shawn received his BFA in Graphic Design from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and has since worked as an Art Director and Freelance Graphic Designer / Printer.  He started Masthead Print Studio in 2010, which serves as a hub for local Philly printmakers to create & show their work.  The Studio features monthly exhibitions, curated by Hileman & other Masthead members, as well as special events & lectures.  His freelance clients include Urban Outfitters, Academy of Music, World Café Live, and Electric Factory, amongst many others.  He also creates his own line of silkscreened posters & prints, which you can find at Masthead, Art Star, Etsy & Little Paper Planes in CA.

     

  • Put a Dik Dik on it!

    A few days ago my husband & I were convinced that the Pygmy Goat was the most adorable animal we’ve ever seen, but thanks to BuzzFeed’s post we are now all about the Dik Dik!

    Source: Courtesy of the Chester Zoo via Buzzfeed

    It looks like a mix between a miniature deer & giraffe, but it is a mini antelope from South Africa.  They are between 20-28 inches long & weigh 7-16 lbs.  Sounds like the size of my cat – I wonder if they’d get along b/c I want one!!  So crafters, I’d love to see you put a Dik Dik on it.  What is your favorite animal that you’d like to see plastered all over everything?

    See more cuteness over on Buzzfeed.com  

  • Art Star Craft Bazaar Jury Process

    Our mountain of Art Star Craft Bazaar Applications

    The Art Star Craft Bazaar Deadline was this past Tuesday & we just finished jurying the show!  Erin & I carefully reviewed each application & chose artists whose work best fits our overall “Art Star” vision and aesthetic.  We also do our best to create a balance of different types of items (like jewelry, men’s accessories, t-shirts, baby items, etc). We put each application in a category & chose a handful of artists whose work we felt was the best from that category.  That way our show offers something for everyone.

    Every year there is one category that is especially competitive.  Last year it was screen-printed posters/prints but this year it definitely was jewelry.  We could have juried an entire show of jewelry – the applications in this category were insanely strong.  But we can’t do that, so we had to choose and that is always the hard part.

    I have to say that this pool of applicants was the strongest we have ever seen.  We are so immensely grateful to everyone that applied.  Though we hate having to turn people down, it is important that we do.  That way we can be extremely choosy & curate what we feel is the best show possible.  We can’t wait to share our line-up for this year’s show. We think it will knock your socks off!

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