Category: events

  • 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

     

  • 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

  • Art Star Crafternoons

    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.

    First up is a visit to glass jewelry artist, Penelope Rakov’s studio in the Crane Arts Building + a demo/make & take with home textile designers Bonnie & Susan of Kaye Rachelle Designs.

    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!

    Register here
    or call us at 215.238.1557

    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!!)

  • Horrible Adorables Solo Exhibition at Art Star

    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.

    Click here for the Press Release  

  • Night Market comes to NoLibs

    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

    Thursday, May 24nd, 7-11pm RAIN or SHINE.
    on 2nd Street between Fairmount & George
    http://nightmarketphilly.org/northernliberties.php

    Some more photos…..

    Photo by Mikey Ilagan / Courtesy of Night Market Philly
    Photo by Mikey Ilagan / Courtesy of Night Market Philly
    Photo by Mikey Ilagan / Courtesy of Night Market Philly
    Photo by Mikey Ilagan / Courtesy of Night Market Philly

    Ahhh, Philly is awesome. NomNomNomNom

  • PA Guild Fine Craft Fair

    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!

  • CraftLAB & Art Star Thursdays at the PMA

    We were tickled pink when the Philadelphia Museum of Art asked us to partner with them on their upcoming exhibition Craft Spoken Here.  We have assembled a line-up of regional craft experts to demonstrate their techniques during Art Star Thursdays at the museum every Thursday beginning May 5th (seriously, pinch me!)  The museum also invites craft groups to book a comfy space to craft in the middle of the exhibit, among incredible pieces from their collection! Knit, crochet, embroider, bead – whatever you want!  Just contact the museum to book in advance.  Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity.  More info below!

  • Paper Hearts Party w/ Sweetbox Cupcakes

    A Valentine’s Day Shopping Party!!
    February 13th, 5-8pm

    Save 10% off your total purchase and get free V-day inspired gift wrap during store hours on February 13th and 14th.

    ………and during our party only……….
    get a free handmade paper flower (made by moi) with $50+ purchase
    (while supplies last)
    Cupcakes by Sweetbox available for purchase
    Sip on a complimentary cocktail while you shop! 

     

    Enjoy these yummy Sweetbox Cupcake photos!
    I can’t wait to eat one (or five)

     

     

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