This past weekend marked the opening of Spruce Street Harbor Park and our first Art Star Pop Up Market of the season! People came out in droves to check out the park, lay in the hammocks, play the boardwalk games, and shop our market. The weather was perfect and the energy was amazing! On market wasn’t the only thing happening at the park. Candy Coated was set up providing hands on screenprinting, there were face painters and craft tables for kids, performers, a DJ, and our friends over at Inliquid brought in knitter Melissa Maddonni Haims to yarn bomb the flagpoles (amongst a handful of artists scheduled to create on site installations throughout the season). Also on view are murals by 8 Philadelphia artists (more on that soon, we are waiting on final placement of two important murals) It really felt like a celebration of how awesome our city can be! Please come check out our next Pop Up Market this Saturday from 11-3. Our full vendor line-up can be found here.
Here are some photos from the day – please check out our Flickr set for more.
Anthropolis Designs at Art Star Pop Up MarketAs The Crow Flies and Co at the Art Star Pop Up MarketBonnie Kaye set up a little picnic to display her hand printed textiles and accessories at our first Art Star Pop Up Market!Candy Coated busy providing hands on screen printing for SSHP visitorsKasie Strohm was selling her super cute sterling silver animal “ear” ringsTadpole Creations – We captured this adorable moment with Renee and her daughter. SO CUTE!Wear Liberty’s was set up and selling his awesome silkscreened teesYarn Bombed poles at SSHPOur friend + neighbor, John with his pup in the #visitphilly chair
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 StanleyPhoto 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 Stanleyphoto 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!!
We visited the site of our Art Star Holiday Market at Winterfest today. I thought we’d share a little sneak peek of how the space is shaping up. It is still in progress, but the site ops guys are working very hard every day to have it ready for the opening. Our vendors will be inside the storage containers shown & they have added some of the greenery. It is going to be a winter wonderland!! More updates coming soon – including some fun giveaways. The Facebook invite was posted today – please help us spread the word.
We are thrilled to announce that we will be participating in this year’s Crafty Bastards Fair in DC! We have heard so many incredible things about this show over the years and are so thankful to have the opportunity to participate this year for the first time ever!!
For those of you that have not heard of Crafty Bastards, it is very similar to our annual Art Star Craft Bazaar. The show features some of the best makers from across the country, a beer garden, DC’s best food trucks, family friendly activities + more at Union Market in DC on September 28th + 29th from 10-5.
We have partnered with Crafty Bastards and are able to offer all of you some special deals if you plan to make the trip to the show. You won’t be disappointed, we promise!
There is a small fee to enter Crafty Bastards ($5 for the day / $10 Weekend) but we scored you a special deal – a weekend pass for just $8! Because one day will not be enough, believe me! Enter Promo Code Vendor2013 when purchasing a weekend ticket and you will get the discount!
For those of you who want to take a trip to DC for Crafty Bastards, check out the Courtyard Marriott. It’s conveniently located within walking distance of the festival and they are offering a special rate of $126 per night, September 28th and 29th. Book your room today via this link or by calling 1-800-321-2111 and mention the Crafty Bastards room block. If you plan to stay and shop for the weekend, don’t forget to enter discount code VENDOR2013 when buying your tickets to get a special $8 weekend pass!
Speaking of comfort, we know how shopping for great crafts can make one, well, parched! With that in mind, Crafty Bastards for the first time in history will be serving craft beer. In partnership with New Belgium Brewing, there will be an outdoor beer garden featuring several of New Belgium’s amazing Belgian-inspired beers, plus food from local vendors and food trucks. We have a special discount code for you craft beer lovers, a single day pass and 2 beers for $10 when you enter the discount code CRAFTYBEERME when purchasing your ticket online.
We hope to see you there! Be sure to visit our booth and say hi!
Our friends from The Clay Studio were teaching the art of claymation at our bazaar a couple weeks ago. Attendees of the show really got into it & created some great stuff! The Clay Studio put together a little video of all the creations made during our bazaar. We love the finished piece aptly titled animal parade! Lots of little animals and dinosaurs fighting, snacking and falling in love. And there is also a pretty great little bowling scene. Our customers (big and small) are so talented!! Thank you to The Clay Studio for providing this treat!
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!
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?
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
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.
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.
