Category: Gift Guide

Art Star Gift Guide: $25 and Under

Hi there! This is Megan, Co-Owner of Art Star. We’ve got so many great gifts to give this holiday season.You can shop for everyone on your list without breaking the bank. All of these items are quality, made in the USA goods that you won’t find in a big box store. You will feel good giving these thoughtful, unique gifts that support US independent artists, as well as our small business! So without further ado, here are my favorite gifts this season that are all $25 and under! (pssst, there is still time to buy online, as long as you live within the US! All our items ship out Priority 2-3 day and we ship out the day after you order!)

“Keep Going” digital print by Mai Autumn, 8×10″, $20, BUY NOW
I am impressed with anyone who can work in watercolors, b/c I am terrible at it. Mai Autum is a master and her delicate floral prints are some of my favorites in the shop. I love this simple thought – “Keep Going”. It is important daily rememinder and a lovely gift for any friend of family member.

Leather Star Key Rings by Mason Made, $15 each BUY NOW
Both guys and gals will love these simple leather key rings. Features a little snap on the end so you can hook it on your belt buckle or on a bag. I really love the contrasting thread detailing and I’m a sucker for anything with a star on it.

Bitch Please Bowl by Stanley Chester and Albert, $20 BUY NOW
I’m sorry to say, but this phrase runs through my head often. Get it for one of your snarkier friends. They can use it as a jewelry dish or for dips or a scoop of ice cream. Or they can just use it as a catch all. A daily reminder not to take things too seriously.

Made by Unicorns Woven Labels by Sublime Stitching, $4.50 BUY NOW
These are great for for all the makers in your life. Not to mention it is by one of my favorite lady crafters of all times – Miss Jenny Hart! Each pack includes 4 sew in labels.

Love Ornament by Mason Made, $10 BUY NOW
These babies have been wildly popular in our shop this season. You can really get one for any Philadelphian and we’ll dig it. Makes a great stocking stuffer, gift for a co-worker, or tie it to the top of a wrapped gift as a nice little extra something!

Felt Crowns by Opposite of Far, $24 BUY NOW
For the litte king or queen in your life! I love all products by Opposite of Far b/c they encourage imaginative play and are so very well made. These fit kiddos aged 3-5.

Sapele Turner by E&D Goods, $25 BUY NOW
Lovingly handmade from Sapele wood. These turners would be great for any aspiring chefs or home cooks in your life.

2016 Wall Calendar by Laura George, $25 BUY NOW
Laura George is one of my most favorite illustrators. I love the humor that she imbues into her work. She is my kind of lady! This calendar basically gets you 12 awesome pieces of art b/c it is designed so you can cut them out and frame each one when the year is through.

Enamel Pins by Yardsale Press, $8 each BUY NOW
I am so happy enamel pins are making a come back and equally as excited to see Yardsale Press come out with a line. Choose from a bunch of designs!

Package of 8 Recipe Cards by Wild Hart Paper Co., $12 BUY NOW
I love all of Wild Hart’s designs and these recipe cards are no exception. I think it would be really cute to fill each one out with 8 of your own signature recipes and give to a friend that just got married or bought a new house. Those personal touches are the best this time of year.

Bottle Openers by Woodshop Dropout $25 BUY NOW
These bottle openers work amazingly well. There is a magnet on each side – one to catch your bottle cap and another to attach to your fridge. I have gotten these for every dude in my life and they all love them. Great gift for dad or the bros. Of course, ladies would like this too. But guys are so hard to shop for!!

And that ends my first Gift Guide of the Season. I’ll try to post a few more before the holidays. Go here to shop the full range of products that we offer. Happy Holidays!

xo,
Megan

December 15, 2015
Affordable Art for your Walls

I don’t know about you, but I am ready for spring! I am sick of spending so much time indoors……Unfortunately, I think we have a few more weeks of cold and blah. Since I’ve been inside so much, I’ve been dreaming about redecorating my own space and hanging some new prints. Here are some of my favorites from the shop that are sure to bring some pops of color and happiness to your walls and (hopefully) a temporary cure for the winter blues. Most are motivational and remind me of sunny days to come, others just put a smile on my face.

This print is of an original piece titled “Root” from Jen Corace’s solo exhibition at Art Star. It is an archival pigment print on Hahnemuhle 100% cotton rag paper. We use Silicon Fine Art Printing here in Philadelphia, so it is extremely high quality. It is a signed, limited edition of 100 and is $40. Buy it Here.

You’ll see there is a theme here. I have plants and nature on my brain. This print is by Minneapolis based artist, Amy Rice. Amy is a prolific artists whose work we’ve carried since we opened in 2004. She is one of our absolute favorites! Luckily for my wallet, Amy offers a line of affordable art prints like this one. She enjoys painting/printing on antique letters, journal entries, maps and even high end wallpaper, like this one. This is a hand set and hand pulled letterpress print. I just love it! $40 Buy it here.

Another floral piece with a motivational phrase. I need it this time of year! I love Mai Autumn’s delicate watercolors, they are so beautiful! This one will also add a nice pop of color to any room! This piece is available in both 8×10 and 11×14, which are both standard frame sizes. Printed with archival inks on Canon Pro Luster Pape and $20/$35, depending on which size you choose. Buy it here.

A daily reminder – ha! Plus, it makes me laugh a little b/c there are seriously bobby pins all over my house. In the oddest places too! For this reason, I think they are the bane of my husband’s existence. Just kidding. This is a screenprint by Bryan Sculthorpe of Yardsale Press, who I fondly refer to as “talls” because he is a giant and I am a midget. Just $15 – buy it here.

My husband and I have already begun planning our camping trips! This reminds me that in a few months we’ll be sleeping under the stars. I. cannot. wait. This is an 11×17″ poster illustrated by Andrea Lauren of Paper Sparrow and it is printed with vegetable + soy based inks. $18. Buy it here.

And finally, this gem. Because I love art with a sense of humor most of all. It is titled “Reflecting Pool of Shame”. It is a reproduction of an original painting on top of a photograph by Mauro Biaocco of Naughty + Nice. It was printed using archival ink and paper. Don’t lie, you’ve been there! $20 Buy it here.

I hope you enjoyed looking at my favorite Art Star prints and maybe you are inspired to pick out your own. What are your favorites? Shop our online collection here. Or stop on by – there is WAY more in the actual store.

February 25, 2015
Our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide!

Looking for a unique gift for your special someone on Valentine’s Day? Look no further. We’ve put together a list of handcrafted goodies that will make your girl or guy’s day!

First, start with the card! We’ve got a huge selection of hilariously adorable ones by Laura Berger. $4.50 each

Does your lady have a devilish side? How about this Angel/ Devil Ring by Kasie Strohm. Handcrafted from sterling silver with a gold fill halo. $32, various sizes.

This piece by Amy Rice is a hand painted Gocco print of a lillium on correspondance from 1911, how romantic! $60

Looking for something a little less serious? How about this wood heart handpainted with acrylic by The Maple Ridge. Features a saw tooth hook on the back for easy hanging. This art piece is also extremely affordable, at just $40!

Speaking of hearts, we love these anatomically correct ones by Julie Moon. Made from sculpted porcelain, painted gold luster and decals, these brooches can be pinned to your sweetheart’s coat and kept close to his/her own heart! $50 each

Your lady is a total fox and so are you! So pick up this Fox Love Pendant by Audrey Laine Collection. Hand cut from sheet brass and hung from an 18″ sterling silver chain. $65

Your boyfriend (like us sadly) spends far too much time watching cat videos on the internet. I think he needs this belt buckle featuring cats barfing rainbows. Though, who doesn’t need one of these. $24.

Cock Tee. That’s all you need to know. Get it for your man. $28

You just moved in together! Pick up this screen print by Yardsale Press and hang it in your new bathroom, cuz its official! (Also available are Hers + Hers and His + His. I don’t have them online yet but they are available in store. If you’d like to purchase one of those online, just email us) $15

Our regulars know that we will gift wrap your purchases for free, happily! However, if you are weird like me and LOVE to gift wrap, pick up this gorgeous screen printed paper by Bonnie Kaye Studios and Do It Yourself! Or let us do it for you! $6 per roll.

Those are just a few great Valentine’s Day gifts ideas, we’ve got tons more. Come on by and we’ll help you pick something special out. xo – Megan

February 11, 2015
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
Art Nerd Gift Guides

Hey y’all! I am a contributor for an awesome blog called Art Nerd NYC. I promote handmade products in their GET IT! column. I just started a series of Gift Guides that I am posting each Tuesday and Thursday through the holidays. My first Gift Guide is for all the dudes in your life. Check it out to find the perfect Art Star gifts for everyone on your list!

A Bottle Opener + Key Chain in one by Andrew Zangerle / The Maple Ridge. Just 8 bones and one of my picks for Dudes on Art Nerd NYC!

About Art Nerd New York Art Nerd New York is a guide to cool, hidden, and unique New York City art and art history. We cover where artists lived, partied and died, public art works and the stories behind them, private installations for public consumption, historical sites full of secrets, and many things that you’ve never noticed before but stare you in the face daily. Written with approachability and wit, each entry is not only a good read, but also a well researched insight into the incredible city of New York.

December 3, 2013
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
Shop NoLibs Retail Spotlight on Arcadia

We decided to start a new series spotlighting retail shops in our neighborhood, Northern Liberties (us locals call it NoLibs). There are tons of really great shops right here in our hood. You could probably find something for everyone on your holiday shopping list. We feel it is extremely important to support independent retailers – especially this time of year. I could list all the reasons, but instead I’ll just list one important one from the 350 Project: “For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here. Spend it online and nothing comes home.” (see more reasons to shop local here). If you can’t make it to NoLibs, support an indie shop in your own neck of the woods!

So let’s start shopping! First stop: Arcadia. Located at 819 N. 2nd Street, Arcadia focuses on sustainable fashion. The shop is stocked with beautiful clothing, jewelry & accessories by small, and often hard to find, indie fashion labels. They also keep a well curated selection of vintage + recycled clothing.

Work by local artists adorn the walls & the shop hosts regular openings, trunk shows & other fun events (which always include a yummy, seasonal cocktail & we like cocktails….).

There is also a nice selection of unique gift items, like these candles. I especially love these little cactus candles, which I think would be a nice gift for a co-worker.

I am mesmerized by all the sparkly, handmade jewelry. I love the earthy/bohemian vibe of it all – lots of stones, crystals and wood.

My favorites are these chunky wood rings and bangles.

There is a great selection of bags & scarves. I love all the patterns & textures.

But my favorite thing about Arcadia are all the super cute clothes! I love all the prints & the fabrics. I got two of my all time favorite dresses here by designer Kelly Lane. They fit me so perfectly and are so comfy. Also, when you shop here you can feel good about what you are buying b/c the designers they carry all use sustainable business practices.

Now stop what you are doing and go check out Arcadia for yourself (or um, visit during the Holiday Shopping Spree cuz you’ll get a discount).

www.arcadiaboutique.com
819 N. 2nd Street
or visit their Rittenhouse location (it’s smaller than the NoLibs one and we are only telling you this b/c we care, we don’t just really want you to come up to our hood…tee-hee)
265 S. 20th Street

November 16, 2012
Happy Valentines Day!

Art Star artist, Amy Rice, has put up these 4 Valentines that you can download for FREE!
(click the image above to download)
*Tips: Use a heavier stock white paper and set your printer to the highest quality.*

Also, check out our new Valentines Day Section on our website
& pick up a token of love for your sweetie.
Enter Promo Code LoveBird for 15% off your purchase through Feb. 15th!

Here are some quick gift ideas:

stitch up messages of love with these kits by Chez-Sucre-Chez, $12.50-$14.50

"I Like The Way You Smell" print on wood veneer by Spread the Love, $27

You're Sweet letterpress notecard by Sycamore Street Press, $4.50

January 28, 2012
Father’s Day Gift Guide

I put together a list of Father’s Day gift ideas for all of you last minute shoppers! Not all of these items are up on the website yet, so this list is mostly for those of you that can stop in. Stop by the shop in the next couple of days & I can help you pick out the perfect gift for dad. If you aren’t close by & would like anything you see here, please contact us.

Happy Father’s Day to all you dads out there!

June 16, 2011
ASCB Volunteer Picks: Heather DeRonck

Hi. I’m Heather. I have been volunteering at ASCB, I guess since the 2^nd or 3^rdyear – a long time. My friend Patty and I started back then and more friends joined in over the years. Now there are about 5 of us who help out every year. We always work the first shift of the first day; setting up tables and helping vendors find their way to their booths and lending a hand with hauling their loot. So if you see a pack of small women trying to unload your car for you, fear not, we are there to help – not mug you.

Art Star Craft Bazaar is one of those events I look forward to all year. I squirrel away money for months, I make lists of whose booth I must be sure to get to, and what things I can’t go home without. Every year I make sure to pick up a couple of pieces of distinctive jewelry, a cute bag or two, a summery skirt, a fun print, and usually t-shirts for my husband. And that is just for myself, then there is time spent looking for stuff for my shop!

The aforementioned husband and I own Bicycle Revolutions, an independent bike shop in the Queen Village neighborhood here in Philly. One of the unique things about our store is that we sell all sorts of bicycling lifestyle items. We love supporting other small businesses and craftspeople and we stock loads of local + handmade hats, jewelry, shirts, and all kinds of bags – mostly from people I have met at ASCB. My first order of business for the day, once my shift is over, is to touch base with some of my favorite folks from previous years.

Endless Hats

First stop – Emily and Nick from Endless Hats. They are the nicest people and make the loveliest hats. Each year I buy more and more of them, our customers love these hats and so do I. They use repurposed fabrics: breezy linens, soft corduroy, cozy wool. Endless hats = perfect.

Vaya Bags makes cycling bags and accessories that are well made and look good; who could ask for more. The recycled inner tube bags and pouches make me week in the knees. I have more than one of the hip pouches and we have been selling them at the shop for a few years. They are incredibly handy, totally waterproof, and super sturdy.

Maureen Duffy Bicycle Carcass Necklace

Two year’s ago I met Maureen Duffy at Art Star and instantly fell in love with her bike carcass necklaces. She takes photos of abandoned bicycles and makes jewelry out of the image – genius! She also has lovely silhouette earrings that are affordable and so cute.

Horrible Adorables is a vendor I am so happy to see coming back. I didn’t make it to their booth until late in the day last year and missed out big time. Their plush taxidermy is so indescribably wonderful. I am not leaving without one this year.

Ipad Techee Sleeve by Rogue Theory

There are tons of amazing new vendors on the line up this year. My must see list is long, but the highlights include:

Rogue Theory makes small bags that are so perfect. From fabric choice to smart design, to impeccable stitching, to reasonable prices – they really have nailed it. Not to mention that they could very well be the nicest people on the planet. No, I do not exaggerate.

Amy Blasco’s jewelry is one of my favorite things ever. Her thought bubble pins are such a great gift (to yourself or someone else). I love anything personalized and being able to pick out just the right word or saying makes me too happy. I am starting a collection for sure.

Fabric Horse – I swoon, so many wonderful things. Carrie has created some often copied cycling accessories that are smart, practical, and fun. Lock holsters, utility belts, spats, tote bags, wallets and phone cases, oh my! We carry bunches of Fabric Horse stuff at the shop and they fly off the shelves.

I hesitate to even mention my last (but definitely not least) pick: Katie Henry’s Made by Hank. She is the first stop on my list as I am sure she will have a sell out. Her tough ruffle bags and sewn drawings are nearly impossible to get your hands on. I covet nearly everything she makes.

Thanks Megan and Erin for having such a great event year after year. You ladies are the best!

*No really, you ladies are the best – Megan

May 11, 2011