Art Star

Author: artstar-artstar

  • November’s Art Pick: Divided – An Election Party and Exhibition

    Running a shop, art space, and crafty business can be overwhelming with just two people.  So we tend to get stuck in our little Art Star bubble sometimes.  Erin & I have recently vowed to check out at least one art exhibition outside of Art Star at LEAST once a month.  Tomorrow night we will be attending “Divided – An Election Party and Exhibition“, which will be held at the Ice Box within the Crane Arts Building on Tuesday (election night!) beginning at 7pm.

    The exhibition/event is by artist + frequent Art Star collaborator (she made our latest line of mugs illustrated by Susie Ghahremani + we have some other special projects planned with her) and just all around awesome lady – Hope Rovelto & (I’m sure equally as awesome though we haven’t met yet) local artist Amanda Benton.  The exhibition will feature art made by the pair.

    Here are the details from the press release: “The main event will occur Tuesday, November 6, the evening of one of the most highly anticipated Presidential elections of our time. Beginning at 7:00pm, the artists will project live feeds of the election results from multiple news sources alongside an exhibition including politically themed broadsides, newspapers, ceramics, t-shirts, an interactive map of the United States, and more.

    With the support of several local businesses including Barry’s Home Brew, who will be providing beer, and The Dapper Dog Food Truck, who will be serving up some special “Obama and Romney Dogs,” the goal of the collaborators is to capture and critique the spectacle of political discourse in our media landscape. The division of the gallery into blue and red spaces will mimic and call attention to the passionately divided supporters of Republican candidate Mitt Romney and Democratic incumbent Barack Obama.

    From the artists: ‘The tension between the divided space is meant to mimic that of our two party system. We are a divided country. Our political debate reflects that and this show is meant to reflect that as well.’

    An admission price of $20 gets you your choice of a handmade ceramic cup, all the beer you can drink, games, art, music, and a chance to watch history being made with artists and citizens from the Philadelphia area. A $5 discount applies to all students with ID and anyone who shows up with an “I voted” sticker. A portion of the proceeds from the evening will go to the American Red Cross to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy.”

    We hope to see you there – after you vote of course!

  • Bisy Backsons at Art Star

    We’ve been super busy over here at Art Star HQ.  I always think of when Rabbit from Winnie the Pooh finds the sign on Christopher Robin’s door that reads “Bisy Backson” (which is supposed to read Busy Back Soon) or something like that………Then in the Tao of Pooh they explain that Rabbit is a “Bisy Backson” (always too busy) and that is so me!  At least that is what I took from it….
     We just released a new Art Star branded product – this annual weekly planner, in collaboration with the wonderful Julianna Swaney of Oh My Cavalier.  As you can see, I’ve got a good amount on my agenda this week.

    starting to fill out my weekly planner….complete with doodle collaboration with my hubby

    I know that I am not great about always remembering to write in these things, so we thought we’d make one that is dateless.  So if you don’t keep up, no worries –  you can add the dates yourself!  There are 52 weeks & some space for notes in the back.  We are so happy to be working with Julianna Swaney – her illustrations make me swoon!

    Check out our entire collection of Art Star branded products!  

    The holidays are right around the corner, so we’ve been looking for new artists & stocking up on all of our products.  We just got in a box from Paper Sparrow filled with prints, plush, party invitations, calendars, + notecards.  I really love her illustrations of animals, instruments and animals playing instruments.  Very sweet!  Above is a sneak peek of some of her work, which will all be added to the site soon!  Look out for a full blog post on her soon too!

    Ceramic Beer Cups by Hope Rovelto

    We’ve also just got in these ceramic cups by local artist, Hope Rovelto.  These are cast in ceramic from actual plastic party cups & feature Obama, John Stewart, Stephen Colbert, and more!  She does have Mittens but I just couldn’t carry that one – sorry!  These will be up soon too & I’ll also be posting a really cool exhibition/event that these will be a part of…..

     We are now fully stocked with 2013 calendars & planners!  Many of them are made in limited quantities, so grab one before they are gone for good!

    And finally, I decided to paint these doors with chalkboard paint.  It was driving me crazy the way it was.  It still needs a few coats, but I plan on using it to write a blurb about Art Star & also hang the magnets.  Maybe I’ll let our little customers draw on it too while their parents shop.  That might get too messy though.

    xo,
    Megan

     

  • Horrible Adorables Opening Recap


    We had so much fun hanging out with Jordan & her boyfriend Chris!  They drove up late from Cleveland early last week & stayed with my husband and I for a few days.  We had a fantastic turn out at the opening & many of the pieces found new homes.  We have a good amount still available though.  Go here to view all the work

    The show is up now through November 18th.  If you are unable to stop by, check out our set of installation/opening photos on Flickr

    Jordan had a fun idea to hide one of her little creatures in the neighborhood.  We handed out clues to everyone that came to the opening.  We decided to hide him in a wall of ivy in the back yard at Soy Cafe.  Jordan made him specifically for the spot, so he was hard to find b/c his scales matched the foliage.  Dominic Mambu found him towards the end of the evening.  I was impressed b/c it was dark out and you could just see his little face peering out.  Congrats Dominic!

    Thanks to all of our friends & customers that came out for the opening!  Here are some photos.  Go to our Flickr page to see more.

    Ben
    Marisha & Zay

     

    Rhea
    and the lady of the hour….Jordan!

    Extra special thanks to Jordan & Chris for making the long journey to Philly!! We had a blast!

  • Crafternoon #2: Janell Wysock + Rachel Sherman of Malagueta

    Our first Crafternoon was such a hit, so we are excited about our 2nd in the series!  We will be visiting the studio of textile artist Janell Wysock & then we will head back to Art Star for  a trunk show / make + take with Rachel Sherman, the lovely woman behind the amazing clothing line Malagueta.

    Janell Wysock’s studio & samples of her work

    Here are the details & full itinerary for the day:

    Sunday, October 21st
    10:15am-approximately 2pm

    $25 per person, limit 10 people per Crafternoon (must have 5 to run)

    10:15am– Meet up at Janell Wysock’s studio at the 915 Spring Garden Street Studios
    You will get an intimite view of Janell’s studio + she will talk about her work & give a demonstration on her process.  She will also have her collection of goods out & available for sale for 20% off  – for crafternooners only!  coffee, tea & snacks will be provided.

    sample of clothing designs by Malagueta

    11:45am – approximately 2pm Meet at Art Star where Malagueta clothing designer Rachel Sherman will be set up with her latest line of clothing.  She will talk a little bit about her work & then give a demonstration on one of the techniques used on her clothing (see images below) called Couching.  Bring a blank t-shirt, skirt, bag, or any other simple fabric piece to try out the technique.  All other materials will be provided.  Finger foods & refreshments provided.

    Sample of the Couching Technique that Crafternooners can try

    You will receive 20% off any item purchased from Art Star or from any of the artists that day!

    Register here or call us at 215.238.1557

    About the Artists: 

    Janell Wysock completed her BFA at Moore College of Art and Design in 2004. Since then, she has lived and worked in Philadelphia and successfully established her textile work by developing a strong following with her unique and creative woven works of art. Janell is a member of the 3 by Three collaborative with Melissa D’Agostino, and Rachel Sherman, of Maleugeta, who believe hand made local fashion is important to building a caring and sustainable community that respects local makers which, in turn, supports other various local suppliers, creating an over all smaller carbon foot print.

    Check out our interview with Janell here or visit her website for more info

    After receiving her BFA in Textile Design from Moore College, Rachel Sherman traded in her east coast lifestyle for a stint in Seattle. It was there, in 2002, that she launched her label “malagueta”, based on improvised surface manipulation techniques such as applique, couching, shirring, top-stitching, ruching, embroidery, piecing, and pin-tucking. Her inspiration: foliage, architecture, fruits, vegetables, insects, and machinery.

    Malagueta, in Portuguese, is known as a tiny, hot red pepper that grows in Brazil, where her mother was born and where Sherman has visited on many occasions. Her lively interpretations of color and pattern pay homage to her passion for nature and music. Her vibrant, modern and easy to wear creations found their way into independent boutiques down the west coast to Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles, then east to Tucson, Miami, and DC, where funky and feminine were embraced by a diverse clientele.

    Presently, based in Philadelphia, Sherman has reestablished herself on the handmade scene through local fine art festivals and indie craft shows such as Art Star Craft Bazaar, Crafty Bastards, Holiday Heap, and the SOWA Market.

    Visit her website for more info

     

  • New Goodies At Art Star

    We are getting tons on new items in! Everyday we get at least one package to open up, price, & put on the shelves.  Here is a little sneak peek of brand spankin’ new goodies – some are now on shelves + others will be in stock soon.

    NOW IN STOCK

    Skirts, Tops & Dresses by Jay McCarroll
    Earrings by Maria Eifebangles by Maria Eife
    Sculptures by The Maple Ridge
    Skirts by Erin Waxman
    Scout Handknits

    AND COMING VERY SOON….NEW Art Star Exclusive 2013 Calendars + Planner

    Kurt Halsey 2013
    Noosed Kitty 2013
    Weekly Planner by Julianna Swaney

    Stop by the shop to check it all out and keep an eye out for website updates.  Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest for most up to date info!

  • New Art Star Exclusive “Reading Octopus Mug by Susie Ghahremani”

    We teamed up with San Diego based artist Susie Ghahremani of www.boygirlparty.com to create this awesome mug.  Susie created this illustration just for us & we hope to continue working with her on new products.   Local ceramic artist, Hope Rovelto of Little Chair Printing printed the illustration on these mugs for us & she did such an amazing job.  I’m excited about future collaborations with these two talented ladies.

    Illustration © 2011 Susie Ghahremani/Boygirlparty.com. Cutting board by Farmhaus Furniture.

    I went and got a Pumpkin Butter Soy beverage from Soy Cafe across the street to test out the mug.  It was like drinking fall in a cup!  My favorite thing to do during the cold weather days is to curl up with a good book & drink a hot toddy made by my husband, Cisco.  That is what I will be drinking mostly from this mug.

    Have you ever made a hot toddy?  It is easy.  Just add as much Wild Turkey American Honey Whiskey as you’d like (usually just a finger or so) to hot tea.  Get an orange or lemon wedge & stick some whole cloves into it & plop that in.  The honey whiskey adds just the right touch of sweetness.  Enjoy!

    Susie Ghahremani is a 2002 graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) with a BFA in Illustration. Her artwork combines her love of nature, animals, music and patterns. Born and raised in Chicago, Susie now happily spends her time painting, drawing, crafting and tending to her pet finches and cat in San Diego, CA.

  • Paper Made! Book Signing & Kirigami Wallflower Make + Take with author Kayte Terry

    Art Star is pleased to announce a book signing with author and expert crafter, Kayte Terry on First Friday, November 2nd from 6-8pm.  Kayte will be here promoting her new book Paper Made!, which features over 100 really cool projects to make out of paper.  She will have books on hand for you to purchase/have signed & also will be demonstrating one of the projects in the book – the Kirigami Wallflowers.  Guests can try their hand at making them too & will get to take home what they create!

    an assortment of colorful Kirigami Wallflowers from the book

    I plan on making a bunch to incorporate into Art Star’s Window display.  I have a copy of this book & can’t wait to try some of the projects.  I love that many of the materials needed can just be found around the house, so you won’t need to spend any money to make many of the things in the book.  Some of my favorites include “Strike Your Fancy Matchbook” that you hide a secret message inside, a curio shelf made from layers of corrugated cardboard, a beautiful hanging lamp inspired by the designs of Tord Boontje, giant paper pom-poms, and too many wearable accessories to list here.

    So come by, have a boozy drink, make some colorful flowers with us & pick up a copy of the book!  And like every First Friday, all Art Star purchases (does not include the book) are 10% off.  See you then!  And hey, check out our facebook invite & let us know if you can make it.  Reservations are not required, but it will give us an idea of how much paper to have on hand. (maybe bring your own scissors if you can?) Free & open to all.

    Kayte Terry

    Kayte Terry is a trendsetter in the world of paper design and Visual Communication and Inspiration Manager at Anthropologie. Her previous crafting books include Complete Embellishing (Collins and Brown) and Appliqué Your Way (Chronicle).  Her work has appeared in Parents, Quick and Simple, Cutting Edge, Adorn, HGTV Ideas magazine, and on Etsy, Design*Sponge, GetCrafty, and others.  For more crafting ideas and inspiration, visit Kayte’s blog at www.thisisloveforever.com.

  • October 5th First Friday – Oktoberfest in NoLibs!


    This First Friday (October 5th from 5-8pm) in NoLibs we are kicking off the new fall season right –  with NoLibs Oktoberfest! Our wonderful neighbors over at Yards have generously donated beers to each participating retail establishment.  Each shop will have a different Yards brew on hand for customers to sample! Visit Yards’ website to check out the plethora of yummy beer they offer!  And as always, each shop will be offering a base discount of 10% off throughout the evening.

    Participating shops include:
    Arcadia
    Art Star
    Bloom
    Casa Papel
    City Planter
    Colors by Padmini
    Concrete Polish
    Curated Goods
    Duke & Winston
    Dylan Gallery
    Framing Philadelphia
    Jinxed
    Once Worn Consignment
    Swag
    and The Velvet Lily

    Happy Fall!

  • Enchanted Exchanges: Chirps and Chatter

    Enchanted Exchanges: Chirps and Chatter
    a solo exhibition by Jordan Elise Perme of Horrible Adorables
    October 10th – November 18th, 2012
    VIEW THE EXHIBITION HERE
    Opening Reception: Wednesday, October 10th, 6-9pm
    Free & Open to the public

    Art Star is pleased to announce a solo exhibition with Jordan Elise Perme of Horrible Adorables titled “Enchanted Exchanges: Chirps and Chatter”.  The exhibition will be on display from October 10th – November 18th, 2012.  An opening reception with the artist will be held in conjunction with Design Philadelphia’s Northern Liberties Kick Off event on October 10th from 6-9pm. Light refreshments will be provided.

    Ohio based artist Jordan Elise Perme creates faux-taxidermy sculptures under the moniker Horrible Adorables.  Jordan sculpts fantastical creatures from Styrofoam, adds eerily realistic glass eyes & then completely covers the form with cut pieces of colorful felt.  The finished piece is then mounted on a painted wood plaque, much like taxidermy.  The artist states, “I visualize existing animals and wonder what they would look like if they had strange features such as horns, a long snout or gangly teeth.  These new additions further distance the creatures from being a specific, recognizable animal and also give them an other worldly appearance.”  Each mounted beast is given its own sometimes pseudo-scientific name, such as “Perissadactylcom”, “Grufflebadger”, the humorous “Glitter Pony of Gemstone Cavern” or just simply “Gerald”.  Each piece is 100% handmade & one-of-a-kind.

    Jordan Elise Perme received her BFA in fiber & material studies from the Cleveland Institute of Art in 2009.  Since then she has been creating her “strange creatures & wonderful wonders” & selling them to collectors at craft shows across the country.  She also works as a freelance soft toy & repeat pattern designer for major toy companies.  You can purchase her pattern designs on Spoonflower & her line of Horrible Adorables are available for sale at Art Star, on her Etsy page, or at a craft fair near you!

    Learn more about Jordan from my interview with her in 2011

  • September Crafternoon Recap

    We had so much fun this past Saturday at our first ever Crafternoon!  We are definitely going to make this a monthly event – so please sign up for our email newsletter or follow us on Facebook/Twitter for updates!

    We met up at Penelope Rakov‘s studio in the morning & she treated us to donuts & coffee while she chatted about her work & walked us through her process.  Here are some photos from the visit.  Check out all the photos on Flickr.

    Penelope (far right) chatting about her work

     

    bars of colored glass that Penny uses to pull glass cane used to make her jewelry
    Penny showed us each step that is involved in her process. Here are bundles of pulled glass cane.
    after Penny talked about her work, we all got to shop her entire collection, which included new & older pieces. All crafternoon purchases were 20% off!
    We found a drawer filled with finished glass pieces that just needed to be set in sterling silver. A few of our crafternooners picked out their favorites from the drawers & Penny custom set them!

    After we were finished at Penny’s studio, we headed over to Art Star for a lovely spread of food from A Full Plate Cafe.  Bonnie & Susan of Kaye Rachelle were all set up & ready for us.  They chatted a bit about their line of printed home textiles & then we dove right into our make & take!  They created 3 simple chevron designs cut from acetate & crafternooners could choose their color/design/placement for their tote/tea towel.  We had tons of extra totes & towels, so everyone got to make a few.  The results were great!

    Bonnie & Susan with their three screens. They gave us step by step instructions on how to silk screen. The cut stencil technique is so simple to do at home. Their chevron designs were inspired by the One & Two Liberty Place Buildings right here in Philly. All three designs worked so great together – perfect for layering them onto the totes in different color inks.
    Bonnie & Susan showing us how to print. Everyone loved the minty green color they mixed! They chose the perfect fall palette – this green, mustard yellow, & navy blue. Susan suggested mixing a little of each color in with the color you choose so they all have the same tone & work nicely together.
    The lovely Lisa Castellano is the first one up to print her tote bag!
    Lisa with her completed tote bag
    Me (Megan) hanging up all the printed totes to dry.

    Thanks so much to Penny, Bonnie, & Susan for making our first Crafternoon so special.

    Visit their websites: http://peneloperakov.com/ + http://www.kayerachelledesigns.com/

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