We love making these pretty gift bows when we are feeling overwhelmed with projects & need to see something finished. It is our way of dealing with stress…… We offer free gift wrapping in our shop & our customers are always asking how we make our fancy bows. Here is a little how-to so you can make your own!
You just need some paper raffia & a pair of scissors. We always keep a variety of colors in stock. We buy ours from Nashville Wraps.
Step 1: take one color of the paper wraphia & cut 6 pieces that are 6 inches long.
Step 2: Peal each 6″ slice of paper raffia completely open
Step 3: Layer all 6 pieces together – one on top of the other. Then cut points on either side.
Step 4: Cut a long piece of raffia (enough to go around your package) & one 12″ piece in a contrasting color. Lay 12″ piece of raffia down flat & then cross longest piece on top of that. Take two petals & pinch together in center. Lay at center point of the crossed raffia pieces. Take shorter piece of raffia & tie once in center of two petals. It should look like the image below:
Step 5: continue adding petals in the same way.
Step 6: Cut 6 more pieces of contrasting color (here we used pink) about 5″ long. Tie 2 pieces at a time in the same way you tied the petals. When you come to the last 2 pieces, tie a double knot & trim.
The next time you are in Art Star buying a gift – ask us to wrap it for you! You’ll get one of these lovely flowers to top off your gift!
We have decided to put together a series of what we are calling “crafternoons”, which will essentially be an afternoon of artist studio visits, demonstrations, make & takes, discount shopping & more! It has always been a goal of ours to integrate education into what we do at Art Star. We want to offer the public the opportunity to learn more about the artists we carry & to see first hand what goes into the work that they make & also get an intimate view into their daily studio practices.
Penelope Rakov with her dog Ella / a pair of lovely glass earrings & a necklace, both set in sterling silver
Here are the details & Full Itinerary for the day!
Saturday, September 15th
10:15am-approximately 2pm $25 per person, limit 10 people per Crafternoon (must have 5 to run)
10:15am– Meet up at Penelope Rakov’s studio at the Crane Building.
You will get an intimite view of Penelope’s studio + her full line of jewelry.
Penelope will also talk about her work & give a demonstration on her process.
coffee, tea & snacks will be provided.
Bonnie & Susan from Kaye Rachelle in their studio / Knot Placemat / Sunday Stroll Linen Pillow
11:45am – approximately 2pm Meet at Art Star where Kaye Rachelle will be set up with their latest line of homegoods. They will talk about their work & demonstrate a simple paper stencil technique. Everyone will get a chance to print onto a tote bag or tea towel & take it home! Finger foods & refreshments provided.
You will receive 20% off any item purchased from Art Star or from any of the artists that day!
To learn more about Penelope Rakov & her work, visit her website or check out our blog post. To view her collection of work at Art Star, click here. (more added soon!!)
To learn more about Kaye Rachelle & their work, visit their website or check out our blog post. To view their collection of work at Art Star, click here (more added soon!!)
Are you professionally trained? If so, were did you study? I’m self-taught, mostly, although I did do some painting in college for my theatre degree — I used to paint costume design renderings, giant backdrops & set pieces and that sort of thing.
I love the humorous quality in your illustrations. When/how did you develop your current style? Or did you always work in this way? Thank you! :o) I guess my current style has been developing ever since I was a little kid and doodling all along… but I really started working more on my own work, experimenting with mediums, and finding my voice over the past four years or so, I’d say. It’s always going to be a work in progress. I think an artist’s style comes from all of the different influences that sort of seep into our subconscious minds from our environment, thoughts, and experiences, but also just from painting from a very honest place inside.
How do you come up with your incredible imagery? What inspires you?
You are nice. My images usually just pop into my head as whole pictures that I see. Then I quickly grab something and write them down so I don’t lose them. I get a lot of ideas when I’m traveling, particularly driving long distances by myself, which I do quite a bit of the past few years. I’m most inspired by traveling abroad or out in nature, as well as by Eastern philosophy. I love mountains and oceans and street art and Japanese pop art and animals and watching people.
Is exhibiting/selling your paintings and line of cards/prints your full time gig? Do you take on any freelance design/illustration work? Yes, I’ve been fortunate enough to be doing this full time for the last 2 years now. I do commissioned design or illustration work when time allows, and I would love to do more projects like that in the future.
Happy Home Notecard
What is a typical day like for you? Do you keep a regular studio practice? I don’t know if I have a typical day… I should probably work on that! I’m not super structured, and every day is marginally different, but I do work every single day, usually for many many hours…. most days include some combination of the following things:: coffee, computering, drawing or painting, typing invoices, packaging cards, visiting the Uptown post office, supply purchasing, hopefully having a little chat with someone out in the world, taking a walk or run, eating a nice dinner with my lovely fella, or seeing a friend, and maybe a glass of wine, trying to read a little.
How long have you lived in Chicago? What are your favorite places to visit there?
I’ve lived here for ten years now — it feels like home. I spend as much time as possible at the lake, which I am lucky to have quite close to my apartment, so I can just trot over there. There are great vintage shops in my neighborhood that I like to poke around in. I also like visiting restaurants. Probably too many restaurants. And the Hopleaf, which is a Belgian pub a few blocks away from home.
“Mixed Tape” digital print
What is you favorite summer beverage? Alcoholic:: a glass of rose or a good IPA
Non-alcoholic:: iced americano
Where else do you show your work? Any upcoming exhibitions or fun projects in the works? I have shown my work in little independent shops and galleries in the US and abroad. Right now, I’m painting for a few exhibitions — first up is a two-person show with Sandra Fettingis at Groundswell Gallery in Denver that opens on August 12, The Enormous Tiny Art show at Nahcotta in New Hampshire opening Sept 7, then a charity group show benefiting children with cancer at Leanna Lin’s Wonderland in LA opening Sept 8. Then I need to get going on designing my new holiday cards and 2013 calendars.
View our entire collection of work by Laura George Here
Also Find her here: her Blog, Etsy & Flickr
Peacock by Horrible Adorables / felt & mixed media
We are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting a solo exhibition by Jordan Elise Perme of Horrible Adorables! The exhibition will take place on October 10th – November 18th, 2012. An opening reception will be held in conjunction with Design Philadelphia’s Kick Off Event on October 10th from 5-9pm. Jordan will be at the opening, so come by to meet the artist & get a first look at the show. We will provide light refreshments & live music.
Detail of “Sherbet Fox” by Horrible Adorables (SOLD)
We don’t know what Jordan has planned for the show yet, but we are sure it will be nothing short of amazing!
To learn more about Jordan & her strangely wonderful faux-taxidermy creatures, check out our interview with her from 2011.
Photo by Mikey Ilagan, Courtesy of Night Market Philly
This local favorite street festival features the best of the city’s ethnic restaurants & gourmet food trucks in different neighborhoods throughout Philly. This Thursday it will be in our hood – NoLibs & we couldn’t be more excited! We will be set up at the festival, along with 9 other local crafters.
Guapos Tacos (one of my personal favorites) Photo by Mikey Ilagan / Courtesy of Night Market Philly
There will be more than 40 vendors offering Philly’s yummiest food for under $5. Yards Brewing Company will also be selling beer. Get FREE beer by signing up for LEVEL UP (this year’s sponsor) online with promo code FOODTRUST or at the event. LEVEL UP will also make a $5 donation to the food trust in your name when you sign up. I think I’ll do just that!
Photo by Mikey Ilagan / Courtesy of Night Market Philly
EVEN BETTER – become a “Friend of Night Market” for $50 & get FREE beer PLUS FREE food, cocktails & more!
My favorite dessert food truck: Sweetbox Cupcakes will be there! Photo by Mikey Ilagan / Courtesy of Night Market Philly
Photo by Mikey Ilagan / Courtesy of Night Market PhillyPhoto by Mikey Ilagan / Courtesy of Night Market PhillyPhoto by Mikey Ilagan / Courtesy of Night Market PhillyPhoto by Mikey Ilagan / Courtesy of Night Market Philly
We are excited that Jamie Fales from Noosed Kitty will be vending at our upcoming Art Star Craft Bazaar. Jamie is the brainchild behind the popular “I Fight Crime” kitty image. We recently collaborated on a T-shirt & magnet set with Jamie & hope to continue to work with her on future projects. Being huge fans of her work, we are especially excited to see what she will be bringing to this weekend’s bazaar.
I Fight Crime by Noosed Kitty
Did you go to art school? If so, where did you study? I went to school for fine art on Long Island, but it wasn’t til years after I graduated that I developed the style I’m currently working in. While in college I worked realistically, different than what I’m doing now.
What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
Art prints and originals. I’ll be displaying some fabric sculptures. And I’ll have brand new postcard sets and button sets. Plus, I’ll be giving away mini posters to the first 25 customers!
Art by Noosed Kitty
What materials do you work with? For two dimensional work I use mainly watercolor and graphite, some acrylic paint. Sometimes I work three dimensionally, customizing vinyl toys with sculpt and paint, or sewing and painting fabric sculptures. All artwork is made with time, love, and care.
How are your items made? Describe your process. It varies. I sketch all the time. Sometimes I sketch something and immediately go to work on a finished piece. Other times I’ll have sketches in my book for years that I’ll go back to and decide to work from. I create a layout first and then paint and pencil it. The custom vinyl figures and sculptures require a lot of planning before I start working on them, and then there’s prep work before I can start painting them.
Jamie's studio
Are you able to make your work full-time? If not, what do you do for your day job? I have a full time job at an outsourced HR and consulting company. I’m the office manager and I assist in the behavioral analytics department.
Who are some of your favorite artists? Femke Hiemstra, Chris Berens, Jeremy Geddes, Brandi Milne, Chris Ryniak, Paul Barnes… the list goes on and on but those are a few.
"Pink Leaves" by Noosed Kitty
What are you reading/listening to right now? Currently reading assorted graphic novels. Currently listening to Sam Cooke.
Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years? I’d like to see my tiny art business continue to grow. But if in 10 years I still have a small audience that enjoys what I do, I’ll be happy.
Visit Noosed Kitty at booth #122 at this weekend’s bazaar!
Holly Kerr – the lovely lady behind Holly Hue Clothing – in her studio
Did you go to school for fashion? If so, where did you study? I did not got to fashion school, but did go for Elementary Education. I have always been crafty and resourceful which is a trait I learned growing up with a single mom. I have been sewing since I was 12 yrs old, starting off with easier projects like pillowcases and quilts to eventually teaching myself pattern making and clothing construction.
What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar? I make up-cycled, one-of-a-kind hoodies and dresses with an a-symmetrical zipper that I call Hip Zips. I also make hand bags and tote bags.
screen printed piyo bag by Holly Hue
What materials do you work with? Recycled jersey and sweater knit for the Hip Zips. Canvas twill for the totes.
How are your items made? Describe your process.
I try to find bright colors, or the craziest and ugliest prints from the thrift stores. Everything is washed and then cut open at the seams to then be used as a fabric. I draft my own patterns and then the magic happens I guess. I love to color block and mix unconventional patterns. My hip zips definitely have an 80’s feel. I don’t really know what something is going to look like until I start pulling colors and prints together. It’s a very artistic ritual that keeps myself always excited about the process.
Are you able to make your work full-time? If not, what do you do for your day job? I do pretty much do this for a living. I also teach Zumba but that’s really a labor of love.
Women's Hip-Zip Hoodies + Dresses by Holly Hue Clothing
Who are some of your favorite fashion designers? Anna Sui, I love her bold prints and colors.
What are you reading/listening to right now? Can’t remember a time when I had the time to read, so it’s audiobooks all the way while I am working if I am not listening to Pandora.
AudioBook- Clockwork Angel
Music- everything from melodic hardcore to electronic indie.
Men's Hoodies/Vests by Holly Hue
Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years? I’ve been doing this for 7 years and to keep doing it at the same pace I have been is totally fulfilling to me. I love living in Buffalo and traveling all over the country for indie craft fairs as well as selling my stuff in indie boutiques, on my website and etsy.
Over 10 of our Philly based ASCB vendors will be set up & selling their wares at Race Street Pier this First Friday, May 4th, from 6-9pm to kick off the Pier’s summer series “Park After Dark”.
(left to right) Masters of None, Gilbert + Leona, Farmhaus Design
Many of our vendors will be providing craft demonstrations & interactive projects in silkscreening, letterpress, cross stitch, bookbinding, jewelry making & more! The event will also include live music by Olive Juice & our favorite Philly food truck – Sweetbox Cupcakes, as well as Rival Bros Coffee & Lil Dans. Free to attend & open to all!
Celebrate handmade in Philadelphia on May 12th & 13th! We were excited to find out that our friends over at the PA Guild of Craftsmen are hosting their Fine Craft Fair within 2 miles of our bazaar on the same weekend. We thought this would be a great opportunity to cross promote & really get people to support Handmade in Philly on Mother’s Day Weekend! We are huge fans of their Blog (check it out if you haven’t yet) & they have been very supportive of Art Star over the years. Hit up the Art Star Craft Bazaar & then head over to theirs!
porcelain plate by Lana Heckendorn
I was also excited to see that Lana Heckendorn (image above) is participating in this show. She was one of my favorite people over at The Clay Studio when I worked there years ago. I am blown away by her latest work! Please be sure to visit her when you are at the show.
The show will be held May 11-13 along Rittenhouse Square. Visit their website for more info!
We are excited to welcome new vendors Becki Hollen and Chris Bencivenga from Everyday Balloons! Visit them at Booth #76!
Becki + Chris from Everyday Balloons
Did you go to art school? If so, where did you study?
We both have BFAs from Edinboro University. That’s also where we met!
What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar? We will have a variety of items screen printed with our original illustrations: t-shirts for people of all sizes, handmade totes and bottle bags, paper prints and more.
Yellow Bunny Wine + Whiskey Bag by Everyday Balloons
What materials do you work with? We will try to print on just about anything we can get our hands on, but mostly we stick to paper, fabric, and ink of course. Something we’ve been experimenting with is screen printing on shrinky dinks.
a print in the works
How are your items made? Describe your process. Initially everything starts with a drawing, sometimes we incorporate found patterns and textures. Then we make the layers for printing by cutting ruby lith and using paint markers. All our prints are hand pulled by us regardless of the material we’re printing on. Our handmade totes and bottle bags are cut out and individually pieced together. Each one is one of a kind.
Are you able to make your work full-time? If not, what do you do for your day job? Right now, Everyday Balloons is our after hours gig. We both have full-time printing jobs. Chris works at Commonwealth Press, a screen printing shop, and Becki works at Sapling Press, a letterpress printing shop.
What are you reading/listening to right now?
The Zombies, First Aid Kit, and The Beach Boys. We wish we had more time to read. Right now there’s a few cooking blogs we frequent (Shutterbean and The Kitchn to name a few) to support our other hobby, cooking.
Bunny Onesie by Everyday Balloons
Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years?
We would love to be working for ourselves, making our art full time, and raising a family (and maybe some chickens) in a cabin in the woods.
We love making these pretty gift bows when we are feeling overwhelmed with projects & need to see something finished. It is our way of dealing with stress…… We offer free gift wrapping in our shop & our customers are always asking how we make our fancy bows. Here is a little how-to so you can make your own!
You just need some paper raffia & a pair of scissors. We always keep a variety of colors in stock. We buy ours from Nashville Wraps.
Step 1: take one color of the paper wraphia & cut 6 pieces that are 6 inches long.
Step 2: Peal each 6″ slice of paper raffia completely open
Step 3: Layer all 6 pieces together – one on top of the other. Then cut points on either side.
Step 4: Cut a long piece of raffia (enough to go around your package) & one 12″ piece in a contrasting color. Lay 12″ piece of raffia down flat & then cross longest piece on top of that. Take two petals & pinch together in center. Lay at center point of the crossed raffia pieces. Take shorter piece of raffia & tie once in center of two petals. It should look like the image below:
Step 5: continue adding petals in the same way.
Step 6: Cut 6 more pieces of contrasting color (here we used pink) about 5″ long. Tie 2 pieces at a time in the same way you tied the petals. When you come to the last 2 pieces, tie a double knot & trim.
The next time you are in Art Star buying a gift – ask us to wrap it for you! You’ll get one of these lovely flowers to top off your gift!
