623 North 2nd Street Philadelphia, PA 19123 (215) 238-1557 Open Tue-Sat 11am-7pm; Sun 12pm-6pm
Friends, groups, couples – come one, come all! Get crafty and celebrate Valentine’s Day with us. Deadline to sign up is February 7th and the event is limited to just 25 people, so sign up ASAP. We will only hold the event if we get enough people to sign up, so tell your friends. If we end up not filling up, we will let you know and refund you in full. If you would like to sign up, please click here.
We will be set up at Clover Market here in Philly on Sunday! We will be bringing a mix of goods from the shop – clothing, jewelry, prints, Horrible Adorables, knitted items, bags, and more! We put together a new display just for this show. We will post pics of it soon. See ya there!
We are thrilled to welcome recent Philadelphia transplant, Ashley Gilreath to our roster of artists. Ashley graduated from East Caroline University in North Carolina with her BFA in metal design in 2010 and then went on to exhibit her work across the country, teach and hold various artist residencies, most recently at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Tennessee. Her multiple lines of beautifully sculpted jewelry are inspired by the “decay of memories, architecture, and heirloom objects”. We are really excited to carry a few of her lines of jewelry in the shop! Here is a look at each series of jewelry that we are carrying PLUS a statement by Ashley about each one. Enjoy!
Weathered + Broken Wood Series
Pieces within this series are inspired by broken and decaying wooden fences, barns, or farming equipment. I’m interested in the process through which these functional structures are built, utilized, and abandoned over time. I enjoy how splitting and water marks on the surface of the wood provides a visual timeline for the life of these crafted objects. – Ashley Gilreath
Water Castings
These earrings are made out of sterling and fine silver water castings. During the casting process the silver is poured into cold water and as it sinks it cools very quickly, and forms these little cups! Sometimes looking like nests, drops, or blobs, I save the best formed cups and fill them with colored glass! Enameling is a process that allows for fusing glass to metal, and it adds a wonderful reflective dimension to these earrings!
– Ashley Gilreath
Inscription/Book Cover Series
This body of work explores the tradition of writing notes and inscriptions upon the inside covers of books, and how a confluence of stories and people come together to create these objects. The words of the characters, the choices of the author, the artists of the covers, the writers of the secret inscriptions, and the owner of the book all effect how an individual would interpret the personal messages. Through time, as the book passes from hand-to-hand, these stories continue a dialogue whose original intimacy has faded.
– Ashley Gilreath
Botanical Jewelry
The designs in this series are directly influenced and inspired by the gardens of my past, specifically the hydrangeas that my mother rooted from her childhood home in Louisiana and brought with her to North Carolina. This transplanting of roots from one place to another directly reflects the paths we follow in life, and how home is given new meaning through time.
These flowers are so delicate, their blooming so quick and fleeting, yet their impression on our senses endures. I attempted to merge those characteristics into a wearable object, so that one could wear a shadow of the blossom.
Check out our full collection of Ashley’s Jewelry here and visit the shop to see it all in person! Any of her pieces would make a wonderful gift for Valentine’s Day!
Every January, of every year, I start to think about organization and improving our space here at Art Star. This year is no exception but with Clover Market right around the corner, Erin and I have been brainstorming low cost and creative ways to improve our craft show display set up. We also need to think about a display that is light weight enough and that breaks down easily so transport is not a huge hassle. One of my favorite ways to start brainstorming is to go on pinterest. I found some great display options that I thought I’d share here with you. We have an entire board dedicated to Craft Show Display Inspirations. If you are a crafter who needs a display make over like ourselves, please follow us on Pinterest!
pinned from Flickr (Ken Marten)
Since most craft shows use a 10’x10′ display footprint, we try to squeeze in as much merchandise as possible without making the space look cluttered. I’m always on the look out for creative ways to create a variety of heights. I love this rustic table paired with chairs and stools. A light weight, simple, yet creative way to create different shelf levels. I also love the neutral tones of the furniture and bright pops of color from the plants.
pinned from frenchbydesign.blogspot.com
This stack of crates looks great and is super easy! I think we will actually do something like this with our display this year. Plus, you can cart all your merch in the crates. That’s a nice bonus!
from Leah Jackson ceramics and display at Mr. Kitly. Repinned from pinterest – no direct link
I love the clean lines of this simple step shelf. Fits a variety of objects without looking too bulky. Plus, you could store extra merchandise underneath. It would just have to be made to break down and then put together easily for transport. It probably won’t work for our purposes but it is a great idea and would be really nice in a gallery show or shop!
Pinned from www.sfgirlbybay.com via the october issue of inside out magazine.
This is one of my favorites! I love the peg board idea for easily hanging goods and shelves. Looks pretty simple and low cost to create something similar too!
pinned from https://www.etsy.com/shop/SqueezeMyHand
We are always looking for unique ways to display lots of little things, like stationary. I have seen a few crafters use old library card filing cabinets to display cards. Looks really great and keeps the cards organized and easy for people to flip through. I could see a little tag for each type of card (ie birthday, anniversary, etc) labeled on the front.
Pinned from Kellimurray.com
It is very important to incorporate your shop logo into your display. We are always changing this up! Here is a fun DIY for a Batic Dye Wall Hanging. I could see this idea being put to good use as a shop banner.
Welp, those were just a few of my favorite display ideas that I’ve found on Pinterest. I’m going to continue to pin these to two of our boards: Craft Show Display Inspiration and Display Ideas (which is mostly for shop display ideas) but really any of these can be utilized in a retail space, your office or your own home.
Are any of you crafters out there also upgrading your show display? If so, please share your ideas or pins in the comment section! Follow all our boards on Pinterest!
With New Year’s and all, I’ve got party dresses on my mind. Here are some of my absolute favorites from our School of Vintage section in the shop. They’ve got tons of great stuff here, so if you are local, pop in to check it all out. And if you are interested in any of the dresses below, just let us know. Enjoy!
100% cotton with nylon layer on top, from the 1950’s, has all original tags and is in great condition! $139
The perfect little black dress, marked “Jane Hodges New York” from the 1950s. $99
Oh how I wish this one fit me!!! Marked 100% cotton and Made in the USA – BONUS! Also from the 1950’s. Comes with a little belt. $129
You’ll feel like a 50’s housewife in this gingham number! The skirt is slightly discolored but other than that it is in excellent condition! $65
This dress was made from an original 1950s wedding gown bodice, lining and crinoline. A new skirt was added, along with some other lovely details by the ladies of School of Vintage. $118. This is the perfect party dress!
We created two Art Star Exclusive 2014 Calendars this year with Jamie Fales of Noosed Kitty and Minnesota based artist Amy Rice. Each calendar features a full color image that accompanies each month and the calendar was designed so you could cut and frame the images once the year is through! Both calendars were designed in house at Art Star in collaboration with the artists and printed right here in Philadelphia at Fireball Printing!
We love Jamie Fales’ Narwhal illustrations so much that we asked her if we can do an entire calendar dedicated to this beloved animal. It includes some old favorites but also some new pieces that she made just for the calendar. Only 50 of these were printed, so it is sure to become a collectors item. Pick this up for $24 before it is gone!
Back by popular demand is our 2014 Amy Rice Calendar! We made one with her back in 2012 and her fans were so sad that we didn’t have one in 2013! This calendar is filled with a selection of Amy’s art work from the past year. We love how she combines her stencil work with antique letters and other found materials. Her use of color and pattern is absolutely stunning! Her adorable dog, Pumpkin, makes a few appearances too! Only 25 of these were printed. Grab one for $34 ASAP!
We also have a few different wall calendars by Paper Sparrow. These are single 11×17″ digital prints that feature 2014 at a glance. Choose from Two Foxes above, Animal Party or Instruments. These are just $15 a pop and fit in a standard sized frame.
This Thursday through Monday will be your last chance to get to our Art Star Holiday Market at Winterfest before Christmas. If you don’t know about our market and Winterfest already, read this post for the details.
We will be open from 11-8pm each day and the market features the best craft vendors in the biz! If you are already shopping in the city, we are just a quick walk from Old City – just head east on Market, walk down the steps and turn right until you see the tents!
I have assembled a group of 10 items by 10 different vendors that are participating and all these items are under $25. So come pick up your last minute gifts and maybe one or two for yourself 😉
Chalkboard Gingerbread House Ornament, $10 by B. Goods
Vending Friday Only, 11-8pm
Azul Dinner Napkin by Boutique Textiles, $12
Vending Monday ONLY, 11-8pm
2014 Mini Calendar by Eleanor Grosch, $10
Vending Friday + Saturday ONLY, 11-8pm
Hall & Oates Tee by Exit343Design, $20
Vending Saturday + Sunday Only, 11-8pm
I Am The Walrus 4/4S Iphone Case by Fuzzy Ink, $18
Vending Thursday through Monday, 11-8pm
Beard or Mustache Comb for Dad by Hannah’s, $9
Vending Thursday Only, 11-8pm
Felt Binary Bracelets by Maria Eife, $18 each
Vending Friday + Sunday ONLY, 11-8pm
Set of 4 Letterpress Medicinal Herb Coasters by Typothecary Letterpress, $10
Vending Thursday ONLY, 11-8pm
Antique Brass Locket by Yummy + Company, $22
Vending Thursday Through Monday, 11-8
2014 Narwhal Calendar illustrated by Noosed Kitty for Art Star, $24
Vending Thursday Through Monday, 11-8
The early bird gets the worm! Stop by our holiday market from 11am-1pm on Saturday + Sunday to receive 10% off in our Art Star booth PLUS at few other participating vendor booths TBA.
We have an awesome new line-up of craft vendors this Friday through Sunday – check them out here.
We will be hiding 2 signed Dr Dog records + 2 tickets to their January 31st show at the Electric Factory in one of the vendor booths on Friday at 4pm. The first person to find it, gets to keep it.
Awesome news!! We’ve got 2 Tickets to Dr. Dog’s January 31st concert at the Electric Factory to give away to one lucky winner!! And that’s not all – the winner will also receive 2 copies of their latest album B Room on Vinyl, which are both signed by all 6 band members.
Here’s what you’ve got to do to be in the running:
– follow @artstarphilly on instagram
– go to our Art Star Holiday Market at Winterfest this Friday (12/6), Saturday (12/7), and/or Sunday (12/8)
– Snap a picture of one of your favorite things at the Art Star Holiday Market or at Winterfest in general.
– Post the photo on instagram and tag us @artstarphilly with #ArtStarDrDog
We will choose the lucky winner on Tuesday, December 10th. Good Luck!
Dr Dog is also playing on February 1st at The Electric Factory.
Go HERE for Tickets.
Tickets for their January 31st show can be found here
Photo by Mitchell Leff
This past weekend was the opening of Waterfront Winterfest – a season long holiday celebration that marks the 20th Anniversary of the Blue Cross River Rink. It is truly a winter wonderland that will get you and your family in the holiday spirit. Plan to come for the entire Winterfest experience, which includes our Art Star Holiday Market (12 craft vendors selling within mini pop up shops, including Art Star!), The Lodge Bar + Restaurant, cozy Fire Pits where you can make s’mores, an incredible light show that begins at 5 every night and runs every hour, and of course – ice skating!! Take a little tour of Winterfest through these photos + be sure to come check it out in person! And come back often b/c we will have a new mix of craft vendors each day (see website for complete schedule.
Photo by Matt Stanley
Photo by Matt Stanley
Our vendors are set up within the recycled shipping containers that line the front perimeter of The Lodge Pop Up Restaurant + Bar. It is not your typical craft show set up. It is a smaller line-up of artists, but each have created their own mini shop within the containers. We invited only the best vendors who all create quality and unique handmade goods. We also tried to make sure we had a good mix of items each day, so there is something for everyone.
Photo by Matt Stanley
photo by Mitchell Leff
The recycled shipping containers create the walls of The Lodge Pop Up Restaurant, which is in the center and covered with a giant warming tent. It is nice + cozy inside. The food is by Award Winning chef, George Sabatino who is also known for creating the menu at Morgan’s Pier. My favorite has been the Sweet Potato and Kale Pocket Pies with a spiked hot cider. The restaurant opens at 5pm weekdays and 11am on weekends.
photo by Matt Stanley
There are also grab + go concession stands open the entire time where you can get sandwiches by Sardine Bar, hot chocolate, spiced chai, coffee, chocolate covered popcorn, and more.
photo by Matt Stanley
Winterfest is very family friendly. There are roaming performers, hoopers, stilt walkers, etc that will be sure to entertain the kiddos. If your kids are old enough, send them off ice skating or to the indoor arcade while you shop and grab an adult beverage!
photo by Matt Stanley
Get cozy around the fire pits and make some s’mores! If you are coming after 5, the light show is a definite must see!!
photo by Mitchell Leff
Don’t forget about the ice skating! The music they have playing is all really good too.
One thing I do recommend is to find street parking, walk, or take public transportation. The parking fee is $15, which is okay if you plan on staying for the whole day but if you just plan on coming for a few hours, there are plenty of other options. There is no fee to come to Winterfest, unless you are parking in the lot or ice skating. We hope to see you there!!
More Details Visit:
www.holidaymarket.artstarphilly.com
www.waterfrontwinterfest.com
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