Category: crafts

Christie’s Paper Garland Tutorial

Tutorial + Photos by Christie Sommers

Try this inexpensive and easy tutorial to spruce up your place or decorate for a party. Paper garland is a great way to reuse old travel maps. You can also use colored or decorative paper purchased at your local craft shop.

You will need:

*paper….at least the thickness of printer paper, newspaper may be too thin.

*a sewing machine set to straight stitch, threaded in color of your choice

*scissors OR (rotary cutter, straight edge, cutting mat)

*a paper punch (I used a Fiskars 1/2″ paper punch) You can get creative with a vast assortment of paper cutter shapes found at your local craft store in the scrapbook section. Don’t go with anything smaller than 1/2″ because it will be difficult to feed through the sewing machine.

Start by cutting your paper into strips. I cut mine into 1″ strips. Just be sure your strips are larger than your paper punch shape.

Go nuts punching out your shapes.

Do a little math to find how many circles you will need to make the length of garland you want. In my case (2) 1/2″ circles equals roughly 1″ of garland.

With your sewing machine set to straight stitch & threaded in the color of your choice, begin feeding each circle under the presser foot. The feed dogs will take it from there. Have a pile of circles very close by and place one circle right after the other without overlapping.

Before you know it you will have yards and yards of garland!

To store: you can carefully wrap around a piece of cardboard until you are ready to use..

Enjoy!
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Christie Sommers is the designer and maker behind West Oak Design. She handcrafts small batch and one of a kind goods for home, women, and kids in her Wyndmoor, Pa studio. www.westoakdesign.com

January 15, 2015
Art Star Fun Times – This First Friday!

This First Friday from 5-8pm we are having a fun little party in the shop! Our first Artists in Residence, Kelly Kozma will have her studio doors open for you to peek in, meet her and check out her work in progress. We will also have some free beer and snacks from our neighbor, El Capitan.

PLUS!
Little Chair Printing will be set up with her heat press. You will be able to choose from her huge collection of 80’s iron on transfers (think cute kittens, unicorns, etc) and heat press your own Tee. We encourage you to grab a few, cut them up and create a fun collage. If you bring your own T-shirt, you can heat press it for just $5. If not, we’ll have some on hand for you to buy for an additional $5. Here is a photo of what our customers created the last time Little Chair set up:

Click on the photo to check out all the pics from our last event with Little Chair Printing!

Our friends from Cut + Paste Photobooth will be set up with all her fun props for guests to jump in and get their photos taken. You will get one free photo to take home with you too!

Photo by Chris Kendig, taken at this year’s Art Star Craft Bazaar.

And there’s more! Our brand new, handmade games will be set up for you to play! The Ring Toss was made by Cisco Griffin (bowling pins donated by our friends at North Bowl). Play as much as you want during the course of the evening, but each guest will get 1 game where you can rack up Art Star discounts to redeem this night ONLY! Each large ring you get on will get you 5% off, and each smaller ring you get on will get you 10% off. If you get all the rings on in one game, you will get 70% off – though it’s pretty hard to do that. Are you up for the challenge?

Photo by Chris Kendig. Kids playing our Ring Toss at our recent Art Star Craft Bazaar. Handmade by Cisco Griffin with Bowling Pins donated by North Bowl.

And just for fun… Play our Corn Hole game handmade by Andrew Zangerle!

Kids playing the Corn Hole game that was handmade by Andrew Zangerle. Photo by Chris Kendig.

We hope to see you this Friday for these Art Star Fun Times! Please go to our Facebook Event to invite friends and let us know you are coming! Free to attend but we hope you will do some shopping too 😉 We’ve got in lots of new goodies!

June 4, 2014
An Interview with Bmore Papercuts

I cannot believe the Art Star Craft Bazaar is in just a few days! Time flies so fast! Oddly enough, we are totally ahead of the game + prepared! Here is a little interview we did with first time bazaar vendor, Demaris Howe of Bmore Papercuts. Her intricate cut paper pieces really wowed us, so of course we wanted to learn more. Visit her at booth # 44 this weekend!

Art Star: What will you be selling at the Bazaar?
Demaris Howe: I will be selling one of a kind papercuts that I design and cut by hand, I will also be selling prints made from my original papercuts as well as some limited edition t shirts for men and women.

AS: Describe your process.
DH: I begin by sketching my ideas – then I fold my paper and cut what I can that will be symmetrical and then unfold the piece and cut anything that is not symmetrical like words or images.

AS: Are you professionally trained? If not, how did you learn your craft?
DH: I have a fine arts background but the way I got into papercutting was from working as a shadow puppeteer for 10 years with a Baltimore based visual arts organization- We made hundreds of shadow puppets and I made the connection between silhouettes and
papercutting mostly as a way to make gifts for friends.

AS: Are you able to make your work full time? If not, what do you do for a day job?
DH: I have transitioned into papercutting full time over the last year.

AS: Where would you like to see your craft business in the next 10 years?
DH: I would love to be using my papercuts to design textiles, surface design and I would love to do some book illustrations.

AS: Any exciting projects in the works?
DH: I have some fun large scale papercuts in the works for some restaurants in DC and Baltimore.

AS: What is your favorite thing(s) about Philadelphia?
DH: The Mummers Parade and Spiral Q Puppets!!!

AS: What are you reading / listening to?
DH: I love listening to podcasts while I work- My favorites are Professor Blastoff, Comedy Bang Bang, How Did this get Made and of course After the Jump from Design Sponge!

May 7, 2014
ASCB Shopping List: For the Home

Whether it is an accent pillow, vase, printed textile, decor piece or whatever, the Art Star Craft Bazaar is the place to find that perfect handmade addition to your home! Here are a few of our picks “for the home” to help you plan your shopping strategy.

1. Boutique Textiles Lauren Rossi’s small local company, Boutique Textiles, prints the most gorgeous, colorful patterns on tea towels, napkins, pillows, fabric yardage + more! Booth #25

2. Hannah’s Hannah Simmons is the lady behind this line of products all made from local, sustainably harvested cherry trees. Simmons, along with her father Jonathan, create everything from hair accessories to these very useful and aesthetically pleasing IPhone Stands. Booth #100

3. happydespina ltd Every home needs a chalkboard! Lucky for us, Chicago based artist, Despina Papadeas cuts them into cool shapes. Find everything from the United States, hot air balloons, instruments, to any adorable animal you could think of, and much more! Booth #27 4. jennyjen42 Baltimore based, Jennifer McBrien, draws birds with her sewing machine on fabric. The result is really beautiful! She also adds elements of felt applique, which adds a splash of color that contrasts nicely with the simple black stitching. Her line includes pillows, kitchen aid / sewing machine covers, pot holders and more! Booth #63

5. littlegreenthings Leah Boelman of littlegreenthings makes unique, reclaimed wood art pieces that she paints and also hand embroiders. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and her selection is huge, which makes it kinda hard to choose – there are so many good ones! She stitches up outlines of states, rvs, bikes, love notes, inspirational sayings, pretty much anything you could think of. Find the perfect piece to hang in your home! Booth #30

6. Nikkuu I love Melissa Moore’s line of wood planters! These are made from a variety of woods and cut into different geometric shapes. Some are painted with a pop of bright yellow or turquoise, while the wood is left to shine on others. These are great for air plants. Buy a bunch to set on your windowsill or coffee table. Booth #81

7. Peg and Awl Husband + Wife duo, Margaux + Walter Kent’s goods always begin as an item that they need for their own home and family. All their products are made from old things – reclaimed wood, antique gunsling leather, vintage zippers, etc, that are given new life in the form of housewares, accessories, jewelry and journals. This apothecary cabinet is made from reclaimed cypress and finished with milkpaint. Made to hang in your washroom to store all your toiletries. Booth #93

8. redraven studios Pittsburgh based artists, Amy Hamley, makes this gorgeous line of porcelain keepsakes. The home collection includes planters, jugs, good luck horseshoes, whiskey decanters, and more. The pure, white porcelain shines in each piece and is sometimes accompanied by a line of gold luster or a pop of color. Booth #78

9. Rider Dirt Work I am in love with local Philly ceramicist, Lauren Rider’s, line of henna inspired pottery. Each wheel thrown porcelain piece is glazed and food safe. Use as your everyday dishes or for display. Booth #84

10. Taylor Ceramics Art Star artist, Cara Taylor, is traveling from Easthampton, Massachusetts to sell her porcelain planters, vases, pots, and jewelry. The surfaces of her pieces are kept to a minimal so the simple, yet beautiful details in her forms, carvings and glazing can be appreciated. Delicate line work, hand formed ridges and beading adorn these stunning pieces. Booth #103

11. The 807 Faye Zimmerman of The 807 makes unique wood shelving for the home. Display your collections in an interesting way with her triangle, gem, arrow, and zig-zag shapes. She also makes fun, hand cut wood banners with phrases like “uhghhh” and “cheers bitches”. Booth #48

12. Trinity Framing Last, but certainly not least, our friends from Philadelphia’s premier custom framing shop will be selling their awesome ready made frames that they hand make from reclaimed wood. Bring all the prints you score at the show over to them and pick out the perfect frame. I also hear that they will be giving out coupons for custom framing with purchase. Booth #53

May 3, 2014
An Interview with New Academy Press

New Academy Press, founded by Justin George and Michael Burch, is a collaborative screen printing shop in Pittsburgh, PA. New Academy Press will be vending at our Art Star Craft Bazaar for the first time this year, so we were interested in learning more about them. Check out our interview and come visit them at the bazaar at booth # 110!

Art Star: What will you be selling at the bazaar?
New Academy Press: We will be selling screen printed paper goods, such as illustrated prints, postcards, bookmarks, and paper sculptures.

AS: Describe your process.
NAP: We take original illustrations and designs and screen print them by hand. Some of our prints are then cut, torn, folded, and glued to create 3-dimensional paper sculptures.

AS: Are you professionally trained?
NAP: Justin holds a BFA in printmaking and Michael has one in photography.

AS: Are you able to make your work full time? If not, what do you do for your day job?
NAP: We work full time hours for New Academy Press, but to stay afloat we also spend additional time as a bartender and restaurant manager.

AS: Where would you like to see your art/craft business in the next 10 years?
NAP: We would like to move our operation out of our living room and into a larger, dedicated workspace allowing us to increase our creative output, and eventually spread our love for art making through teaching classes and workshops.

AS: Any exciting projects in the works?
NAP: We are currently working on a suite of new prints for a gallery show in August at the Irma Freeman Center for Imagination here in Pittsburgh.

AS: What are your favorite things about Philadelphia?
NAP: So many things! Michael spent a brief time living in Philly, and the things he misses most are the Museum of Art, bicycle lanes and beautiful old buildings. Justin enjoys the Mutter Museum and Ben Franklin.

AS: What are some of the inspirations for your work?
NAP: We are heavily influenced by past eras of scientific exploration, design and manufacturing. We love learning about the people who have spent their lives searching for answers and discovering new things about the natural world.

AS: What are you reading / listening to?
NAP: That is a very big question. We love talk radio, podcasts and audiobooks that teach us about this crazy universe, but when it comes to getting thing done we like really loud rock music.

May 1, 2014
ASCB Shopping List: Baby + Kids

We’ve got a great group of vendors making things for the little ones in your life! Is it weird that I just want all of it in my size? Here’s a list of vendors that will be selling goods at our upcoming Art Star Craft Bazaar for babies + kids.

1. As the Crow Flies & Co: The West Philly husband + wife behind this line of goods is Wilder + Mike Scott – Straight. Mike makes broken plate jewelry and wife Wilder makes vintage inspired skirts + dresses for kids. Also, I hear that she is now making matching apparel for us grown-ups too. Yes PLEASE! I would totally rock this fox dress!

2. Cutesy but not Cutesy: Every cool kid in town owns one of Diane Koss’ super awesome monster plushies! We love her new fuzzy monster hoodies too! If you’re lucky, you’ll see Diane prancing around the bazaar in her huggable monster head piece.

3. Oh Hello Deer Cute screen printed tees + onesies for babies + kids, plus these awesome printed super hero tops with a cape that can velcro on + off.

4. Olive + Bo Philly crafter, Lori Thomson of Olive + Bo stitches modern quilts, mobiles and plush rattles for babies and kids. Her grey, black + white palette always includes a nice pop of color like neon yellow or purple. These simple, yet striking, geometric designs would be a stylish addition to a kid’s playroom, bedroom, or nursery.

5. The Opposite of Far What kid doesn’t like to play dress up? Jessica Near of The Opposite of Far is travelling all the way from Indiana to bring Philly her popular line of felt animal masks + tails. Her vast collection includes zoo, woodland, barnyard animals and more! You can also find a smaller selection of non-animals, including super heros and robots. And, um, P.S., she also makes adult sizes.

6. Sewn by Shylo Shylo Egenski makes the most precious clothing + accessories for women and children in Wilkes Barre, PA. Her peplum + halter style dresses for little girls are particularly adorable and are made from vintage bed linens.

7. Sundae Matinee Rosalie Hick’s fun + quirky animal portraits are made with stitched fabric + felt and are sure to bring a smile to your face. Napoleon Longslice, Roxie Fox, Bobby Feathers and others each come with a handwritten “Life Details” card. Though these aren’t made specifically just for kids, I think little ones will really have a fun time coming up with stories about each of these funny characters. The little felt pillows and framed portraits would look great in a playroom or nursery too.

8. Tadpole Creations Renee D’Amico creates an ever expanding line of handcrafted goods for little ones. Her booth is always bright, colorful and cheery and filled to the brim with the sweetest plush toys + rattles, appliqued onesies + bibs, baby quilts, purses, DIY kits and more. Renee’s creativity is boundless and I always love to check out her latest creations.

9. The Wind and The Sail Laura Stantz’ line of sweet+ modern plush toys are a favorite among bazaar shoppers and we are happy to welcome her back to our line-up again this year. Her plushies include hippos, giraffes, kangaroos, and more! Most have move-able limbs and all are superbly crafted and made from top quality materials. Her collection of goods also includes happy vegetable baby rattles.

April 28, 2014
An Interview with Marcus Benavides of Red Light Press

Red Light Press is Marcus Benavides’ Fine Art Printing Press that specializes in limited edition woodcuts, lithographs and other prints on paper. This will be Marcus’ first year participating in our Art Star Craft Bazaar, so we were interested in learning more about him. Visit his booth #50 at our upcoming bazaar or check out his website

Art Star: What will you be selling at the bazaar?
Marcus Benavides: I’ll be selling Woodcut and Lithographic prints.

AS. Describe your process.
MB: I carve tiny marks into wood, roll those carvings up with oil based inks, and reproduce the images on paper. I also draw images on Bavarian Lithographic Limestones, chemically alter the stones with acids and solutions, roll the image up with ink, and print the image on paper. Both of these methods are printed with the help of Lula, a 100 year old, cast-iron, hand-cranked printing press.

AS: Are you professionally trained?
MB: I received a BFA, MA, and an MFA in printmaking. I’ve been making prints for 10 years and I’ve been making art as far back as I can remember. Years of honing my craft, sharpening pencils, and grinding down stones can only stem from a love of hard work and printing beautiful images.

AS: Are you able to make your work full time? If not, what is your day job?
MB: Sadly, I am not. I work at a commercial print-shop here in Philly.

AS: Where would you like to see your craft business in 10 years?
MB: Owning a printing press allows me to make multiples of not only my own work, but collaborations with fellow artists. I would like to see Red Light Press’s expanding portfolio include more collaborative prints. I want to provide an artistic outlet for the ideas of like-minded individuals. Today, this is achievable with local artists; however, in the future I hope to build a fund for visiting, nationally-recognized artists.

AS: Any exciting projects in the works?
MB: I am currently in conversations with two local artists about printing collaborative prints. That, and I’m working on a new piece entitled “Surf Mothers Must Die!”

AS: What is your favorite thing about Philadelphia?
MB: Dim Sum Garden’s soup dumplings.

AS: What are some of the inspirations for your work?
MB: I’m inspired most by the things that scare us as civilized beings; Indecency, the Grotesque, the Occult, Rebellious Behavior, Moralizing Folklore, and the Sleaze and Grime of back-alley cultures. I’m also influenced by the pop culture and cartoons of my childhood.

AS: What are you reading / listening to?
MB: I listen to a lot of early Blues and Rock & Roll music. Mostly stuff from the 30’s to 50’s. But my taste runs the gamut of music genres.

AS: Anything fun readers might be interested in knowing about you or your business?
MB: I grew up in South Texas. I have a rifle-scope scar on my left brow. That, and I have a collection of voodoo and Mexican witchcraft paraphernalia.

April 23, 2014
Crafty Hearts Party!

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.

January 23, 2014
Art Star Holiday Market Shopping Guide for 11/29

We cannot believe that the Art Star Holiday Market is now LESS than a week away! I’ve put together some eye candy to get you pumped and ready to shop. These are the artists you will find on opening day – Friday, November 29th from 11-8pm. And remember, the mix of vendors will be changing each day, so keep coming back!!

Black Heart Letterpress makes cheeky greeting cards, coasters, and bookmarks. Expect some great letterpress holiday cards too!

Bregga + Co makes impeccably well made leather wallets and card holders. Any of his items would make perfect gifts for the special dudes in your life.

Cutesy but not Cutesy has been a staple at all our shows throughout the years. She makes the most adorable plush monsters that I am sure you all know and love by now. These monster hoodies are her latest hit – they just got a full spread in Real Simple Magazine! Go Diane!

Endless Hats are another craft bazaar regular. Their hats are extremely well made from recycled textiles and like their name states, their styles seem to be endless. I’m sure they will have a ton of cozy winter hats to warm your noggin while you ice skate.

Fabric Horse makes top notch bags, utility belts, lock holsters and more for the lady or gent on the go. My hubby got me one of these superhero utility belts in my favorite colors – pinks/reds/oranges and it is seriously my most prized possession b/c it hold everything – cell phone, wallet, keys, tools, bike lock, etc.

Fuzzy Ink makes the best silkscreened T-shirts, hoodies, cell phone covers + more. His illustrations are quirky, cute and typically involve a mustache or two. I am in love with this new barber shop quartet T. So many dudes on my holiday list would appreciate this.

Julie Moon is currently a resident artist over at my old stomping grounds – The Clay Studio. She is originally from Toronto and makes incredible ceramic sculpture. We carry her line of jewelry and skulls at the shop, which is what you will most likely see from her at the holiday market. I just added the above Tribal Necklace to the website- it is one of my favorite pieces in the shop right now!

This Totes Amazeballs bag is made by local master printmaker, Marisha Simons. Marisha teaches various printing classes at the University of the Arts and is in the midst of rolling out a line of products that will be debuting at the Art Star Holiday Market. Expect beautifully printed cards, totes, mugs, table runners, dishes and more!

Erin & I have both been huge fans of Megan Auman’s jewelry for years now, so we were tickled pink when she accepted our invitation to participate in the market. Megan has both her BFA + MFA in metalsmithing, so you know her jewelry pieces are built to last. Pick up a bold statement piece like the necklace pictured or opt for a simpler leaf design in sterling silver or steel. She also makes a line of vibrant pillows and scarves in fabrics she also designs – girl does it all!

Mimi McPartlan is a new artist for us. She is from Cape Cod and is currently a resident artist at The Clay Studio as well. She received her BFA from Alfred University and worked at Klein Reid in Brooklyn before coming to Philly. She makes stunning slip cast ceramic work. Expect modern and well designed functional pieces like mugs, plates, cream + sugar sets, butter dishes and more!

Another craft bazaar regular, Peg + Awl, will be set up selling their ever expanding line of reclaimed wood housewares and accessories, hand bound leather journals, jewelry and more. Margaux and Walter Kent are the husband/wife duo behind this incredibly popular handmade brand. What I love about them is that all of their items were first made for themselves and their two little boys to use in their daily lives. That in itself makes each piece truly authentic and really made with love.

Stay tuned for my Shopping Guide for 11/30 + 12/1, which includes a new mix of artists!
www.holidaymarket.artstarphilly.com

November 23, 2013
Art Market at Tyler this Friday and Saturday!!

Erin and I were honored to jury this year’s Art Market at our alma mater – Tyler School of Art. We were so impressed with the pool of applicants and think we picked out a strong group of artists that include Tyler alumni & student groups. The show takes place this Friday from 12-7pm and Saturday from 12-5 at Tyler School of Art. View Map / Directions here. 26 artists will be set up selling their handmade goods, which include fine art, jewelry, accessories, glass, prints, pottery and more! Get started on your holiday shopping while supporting a talented group of artists & Tyler. A portion of the proceeds from the Art Market at Tyler benefits scholarships to the Tyler School of Art. Here are some highlights of participating artists’ work to get you in the spirit. A full list of participating artists can be found here.

Steven Hagan Designs

Dianne Koppisch Hricko

Mira Ramchandani

J.A. Christensen

Michael Neville Design

October 10, 2013