On average, America produces enough food to feed over 500 million people each year, yet over 49 million Americans, including 1 in 5 children, go to bed hungry. While we cannot eliminate food waste entirely, we can all do a small part to make a difference in the amount of food that is wasted.
Move For Hunger began with a simple idea: ask people to donate their food when they move, rather than throw it out. Coming from a family with four generations of movers, Adam Lowy saw how much food was thrown away each time people moved — perfectly good food that would end up in landfills — and found a way to get it to those in need in the local community.
Thus, Move For Hunger was founded as a non-profit organization to mobilizes the relocation industry to reduce food waste and fight hunger in local communities across North America.
Movers who partner with Move For Hunger collect unwanted, unopened, non-perishable food items and deliver them to local food banks. With this simple idea and growing network of 600+ moving companies, thousands of realtors, and corporate housing professionals, Move For Hunger has delivered over 5 million pounds of food to local food banks throughout North America, providing meals for more than 4.2 million Americans.
Get involved and join Move For Hunger to fight hunger in your local community!
For more information please visit www.MoveForHunger.org
Visit the Move For Hunger Activity Tent at our Art Star Craft Bazaar on July 25th + 26th in Asbury Park and Make A Donation!
First time ASCB booth mates Jamie Williams of Dop Dop Designs and Amber Zaraza of Phea Jean interview each other and find out what is in store for the upcoming bazaar! This first post features Amber’s interview with Jamie of Dop Dop Designs. Enjoy!
How and when did dop dop designs develop into a business?
Where does the name dop dop come from?
The name dop dop comes from my youngest son, Kiefer. When Kiefer was nearly 1, he didn’t say many words, but he sure loved flip flops. Having difficulty speaking, he would always call them dop dop’s. As time went on, he would say dop dop whenever he was happy. So, eventually, dop dop came to mean “all things good”. My design focus started with an emphasis on aprons due to Kiefer’s acid reflux and my need to protect my clothing during feedings. There were a ton of cute burp cloths and baby coverage, but nothing for me. So, I started designing aprons that were durable, easy to care for and pretty without being over the top. Therefore, I felt it only right to immortalize Kiefer’s role (and sweetness) in the development of my brand, In July 2011, dop dop designs became a legitimate business. Three years later, here I am expanding my products and hoping to transform your kitchens.
Describe the dop dop style.
My style is fresh, and clean but with an element of whimsy. Specializing in kitchen accessories, I like to merge utility and practicality with a dash of happiness and turn the things that we need into the things that we want. dop dop designs is all about versatility, quality, easy care, and pops of color. I put the extra care into production so that you don’t have to.
What inspires your work?
As for inspiration, I am totally inspired to create a comforting haven at the dinner table where my family and yours can reconvene at the end of each day. Life is full of fast paced activities, dinner shouldn’t be one of them. Even when my children are getting mac n’ cheese for dinner, I love how they feel like it’s the most special thing ever! Simply using a cloth napkin and a place mat transforms the everyday into an occasion. Many expected and unexpected events can become inspiration. Inspirational things (for me): sounds and smells of the ocean, walks in the woods, running water in the shower, blooming flowers, 80’s/90’s industrial music (oddly enough), old photo albums, and canning.
What items will you be bringing to the bazaar?
dop dop designs will be bringing a slew of items to the ASCB November 8th and 9th. As always, full and half aprons in fantastic fabrics will be available, potholders (deluxe and mini grabbers), reversible placemats, double-sided deluxe napkins, linen napkins, reversible table runners, and market tote bags made of vintage tablecloths~ perfect for any excursion. All items are made of 100% premium cotton and handmade in Chester Springs, PA.
What dop dop item is perfect for gift giving?
All of my items are the perfect gift for anyone who has recently moved into a new home or apartment, an avid cook, anyone who has recently remodeled their kitchen, or someone who loves to create intimate dining spaces. dop dop designs’ potholder gift sets are the perfect hostess gift, placemats and napkins are the perfect gift for the new homeowner, and a fantastic one of a kind market tote would please anyone with a heart!
What other artists at the bazaar are you excited to check out?
I am so excited to be a part of the ASCB this fall, not only as an artist/maker, but as a shopper! I’m a big pottery fan and love giving pottery as gifts….so, I’m looking forward to Little Flower designs for those needs. As a sewer, can’t wait to see Group Hug Quilts!!! Big quilt fan and love their work! For my nieces, I am sure to be hitting up Dahling accessories. AND, of course, I am looking forward to Phea Jean. Nobody works vintage fabric like Amber. Can’t wait!
Hi everyone! Eling from migration goods here. As a maker I rarely get enough time to properly shop at the events I am vending at, and this is doubly so during the fall + holiday seasons. I am always kicking myself at the end of a show because I haven’t had enough time to complete my own shopping!
This year I decided I would try to organize + plan my holiday shopping ahead of time for events that I know will have really great vendors– like, yup, the upcoming Fall Art Star Bazaar!
Here’s what’s on my list (so far)!
All of Dirty Ass Soap‘s soaps are so fun, but this ramen soap is definitely tops on my list for gifts this year (hope none of the potential recipients are reading this)
I’m obsessed with paper goods & can never find enough time to look at them all! But I’ll be making a point to find Bowerbox Press next weekend for this card & to check out all the rest of the lovely work in person.
Common Rebels also makes a ton of cute cat items, which I will be shopping for my cat-loving friends. Speaking of those cat friends, I’ll also be looking for this sweet cat lover scarf from Red Prarie Press.
And how cute is this stegosaurus from By Yivvie? Some tiny (or not so tiny) people I know may need a few of these plushes…
A couple other items I will be checking out for some potentially very lucky folks include this beautiful whale skeleton necklace from J.TOPOLSKI (I am saving up for this sloth bracelet for ME!)
I really hope I get a chance to see all of these things in person next weekend, but at least I’ve made my list, right? There are SO MANY talented artists + makers vending at the Fall Art Star Bazaaron November 8th + 9th. Don’t forget to check them out ahead of time here & make your own list!
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Thanks to Eling from Migration Goods for sharing her Art Star Craft Bazaar Shopping List! Be sure to stop by her booth to check out her line of adorable felt accessories and illustrated paper goods.
If you’ve been attending Art Star events for the past few years, you’ve probably seen Matt Eyer and Peter Oravetz’s shared spot full of robots and t-shirts. Matt creates limited edition graphic t-shirts, tank-tops, and hoodies inspired by Philadelphia under his brand Wear Liberty. Peter has been illustrating his Robots! series for almost ten years now in which you can find them in all walks of life from battling giant squids to drinking beers at the bar.
Peter Oravetz
This Fall bazaar will be Matt and Peter’s fifth Art Star event together and to celebrate they did a little interview with each other. Matt goes first with questions for Pete and then Pete follows up with questions for Matt. Enjoy and be sure to stop by their booth (#41) at the bazaar!
Matt Eyer: Why robots? Why not dinosaurs? Peter Oravets: Dinosaurs are so Cretaceous period…robots are the future! Not to mention that they’re made by us…we’ve essentially engineered a new species that could potentially think for itself. It’s inevitable that they’ll have some of the same ticks and hang-ups we humans do, especially when it comes to movement and gesture. It would be interesting to see how a robot might respond to the world with the outlook of an adolescent and a similar range of motion.
“Squid” by Peter Oravatz / graphite on paper (also available as a print)
Matt: How long does it take you to complete your big pieces? How many hours total and over how long of a time period do you work on them? Pete: They can take a tremendous amount of work. The more detailed pieces like “Squid” or “001” took about a month each but that was when I had more time to produce them. I’d say close to 60 hours a piece (not including preliminary sketch time). The small ones are much quicker but do take a lot of consideration and brainstorming as well.
“First” by Peter Oravetz / graphite on paper
Matt: Have you ever collaborated or do you plan to collaborate with any Philly artists or others? Pete: Yes, I have collaborated with a now ex-Philly artist…my friend Mike Studebaker of Studebaker Metals. We were getting into the business of making toy soldiers, lapel pins, and other tiny metal versions of the Robots but it never got off the ground. Partly because he moved away to Pittsburgh. He produces excellent work, I highly recommend his line of mostly male oriented metal-ware (tie-clips, mustache combs and the like.) Recently I have collaborated with Printer Martin Peeves to help produce my new series “Catastrophe”. Screen prints of those will be available at the Fall ASCB too.
Matt: Why black and white and no color? Pete: I have no simple answer for that. One of my works, the Robot Normal Rockwell self-portrait was re made into a color piece. It came out great but took forever and had to be done digitally. I have never been particularly good with markers and water-color and, truly, I would have to introduce that kind of medium into the Robots. They benefit from the precision and clean straight lines a pen offers. Beyond that, some of my favorite illustrators and cartoonists worked mostly in B+W. Perhaps the next evolution of them will be in color.
“Drunk on Oil” by Peter Oravetz / graphite on paper (also available as a made to order, hand inked print)
Matt: What’s next for the robots? Or will there be a new theme/series?
Pete: Like I just said maybe I’ll introduce some color! T-shirts are a must, that will happen soon; a lot of people have been asking if I have a book of them made. That might be my next big project… I’d like to make a children’s book of the bots telling a story without any sort of caption or written word, just images to get them thinking critically and come up with a story of their own. Kids have such great imaginations like that.
A new series of drawings! Yes! I have started a new, albeit depressing, series of drawings titled “Catastrophe” that deal with natural disasters and urban destruction. You won’t want to miss it. Great gifts for the holidays.
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Matt Eyer
Peter Oravetz: Wear Liberty is a specifically Philly themed line of apparel. Do you simply tell the designers “Give me Philly!”? Or do you ask for more specific themes like the Philly Skyline, Ben Franklin, or City Hall? Matt Eyer: All Wear Liberty designs are my ideas and concepts but I collaborate with a few different artists to come up with the final product. Usually I give them a very rough sketch (sometimes digital mock up) of what I’m going for and then tell them to incorporate their style into the design. So yes, it’s always very specific.
Pete: In the past your clothes have been displayed on the runway by beautiful models. That’s a big jump from craft fairs. How has that helped/hindered you? Has it inspired you to find other creative ways of getting the word out? Matt: Having Wear Liberty worn on the runway opened up a whole new side of things for me. I never considered myself a “Fashion Designer”, but when grouped with other mediums of art, t-shirts fell into the fashion world for the events I’ve done. It gave me a chance to present my brand to a new audience and it was very exciting to have beautiful models wearing my shirts! Because of those events, I’ve met people I might not have otherwise and it certainly helped in expanding the reach of Wear Liberty.
Philly Famous Zip hoodie by Wear Liberty
Pete: People always seem to ask you for screen prints of the designs on your apparel. Are you planning to make that happen?? (I promise I won’t get mad if we continue to share a booth, so long as you won’t get jelly when I sell robot t-shirts, just sayin’). Matt: I’m actually planning to have a small run of screen prints at the Fall ASCB! This will be the first time I’ve ever done it, so I’m just doing a small run to see how it goes. This one guy has been asking for a print of my Ben Franklin design since we started doing Art Star events in 2012. I hope he shows up to this one!
Founding Fathers Tee by Wear Liberty
Pete: Do you have any advice for the young creative type dreaming of starting their own clothing brand? Matt: Reach out to your favorite artists and/or brand owners. There are so many smaller, independent clothing companies these days and most of them are very willing to share their experiences with you or pass along some advice. Also – do events! Present yourself to the public. Even if you have the coolest clothes ever, no one will buy them if they don’t know about them.
Pete: You freaking love Pugs. What’s up with that? Matt: There’s not a logical explanation for that, which kind of bothers me cause I’m a very logical person. My family didn’t even have a dog growing up. There was just a point when I fell in love with them. Their cute faces, their funny grunts and snorts, and their amazing energy and personality. Oliver (my pug) will be 8 in November and my life has been ever the better since I’ve had him 🙂 I also have a pug tattoo!
Ben Franklin Tee by Wear Liberty
Pete: Have you considered a Wear Liberty line for dogs and/or babies? Matt: I have! I’ve been planning a Wear Liberty doggy line since the beginning, I just wanna do it right. I recently found a lady on Etsy who makes custom dog collars…so I think it should happen soon. Maybe Spring 2015? Stay tuned!
Pete: What’s your favorite color to wear? Don’t say grey, that’s really boring. Matt: Funny you say that cause I used to hate heather grey, but now it’s definitely one of my favorites. Recently I’ve really liked “coffee” colored shirts and also “cranberry”. Pretty much any of the American Apparel tri-blend colors. It also helps that their super soft and comfy. And I could never deny how good a design looks on black, plus black goes with everything.
Pete: What’s next for Wear Liberty? Matt: Wear Liberty will be expanding into more than just Philly designs very soon. I love Philadelphia which is a major reason why I started this brand but I feel that I’m limiting myself. I want to create designs that people worldwide can appreciate, but the roots will always be here in Philly.
We are thrilled to welcome new Art Star Craft Bazaar Vendor, Melissa Weiss, to our November 8th and 9th show at the 23rd Street Armory and as a guest writer on our blog today! Melissa is a studio potter from Asheville, NC. She digs all of her own clay off her land in NW Arkansas and each piece is made entirely by hand. Enjoy her post about her work and process. Be sure to check out her website and her booth (#47) at our upcoming bazaar!
Melissa Weiss in her studio
About 6 years ago on a visit to my land in NW Arkansas I dug a bucket of clay out of the ground and brought it home. I made a cup and fired it. It withstood the firing but had some issues. On my next trip to Arkansas I dug a few hundred pounds. I brought it back to my studio in Asheville, NC and started adding feldspars, sand and other commercially available dried clays. I made about 13 variations of clay bodies incorporating my hand dug clay in different percentages. I tested all of these variations with all of my slips and glazes and after hundreds of tests came up with a working clay body that was what I wanted based on functionality and aesthetics. The clay I dug from land is 25% of the body and this is the clay I use to make every single pot. The process is arduous but the reward is grand.
About once a year I drive to the land I bought in 2002 with friends. I was not a potter then. We bought 75 acres of wild woods an hour from town. This land is full of a beautiful iron rich, red clay. I dig about 1000 lbs on a trip and bring it home. This will enable me to make 4000 lbs of clay. I make clay at my studio in batches of 1000 lbs. I put the Arkansas clay in a 55 gallon drum and add water. I let it sit for a while and drill it up until it’s a slurry.
Then I screen it to remove the big rocks and debris. This now liquid clay is in a giant metal trough. I then add all my commercial ingredients and drill it up. At this point the clay is mixed and is the consistency of yogurt. I remove this liquid clay by the bucket full into racks lined with old bed sheets. The racks are basically wood frames with a chicken wire bottom. These racks get stacked upon each other until they are all filled with the clay. They will then sit for 2 weeks or more depending on the weather. At this stage the water slowly drains through the sheets and screen and eventually I am left with a useable clay.
the clay’s water slowly drains through bed sheets
The reason I do this is not to save money on clay. After all the labor and driving it costs much more than buying clay at the store. I do this for many reasons. The most basic is aesthetics. The clay I make looks different. It is imperfect and slightly varying. Small rocks and bits of iron remain, which melt out in the firings and give the pots a raw, wild look. This clay also feels different. It feels alive. It has a character and a life of its own. I also love the process of autonomy. I like being involved in the making process from the beginning to the end. The finished pot was made by me every step of the way. It gives me a connection to my work I don’t think I would have if the clay was more easily come by.
hand formed spoons made from Melissa’s own clay body
I work out of an 8000 square foot warehouse in an industrial section of Asheville, NC between the railroad and the river. It’s called SouthSide Studios which I founded in 2013. I run the studio which houses about 20 other artists working in a variety of media. My studio hours are dictated by the fact that I have a 10 year old in public school. I get to the studio by 8am, Monday through Friday. I work until 3 most days and later when I have the opportunity. I spend time there on weekends when I can. On average I spend about 40-50 hours a week in the studio.
I work in a rhythm. It starts with making clay, slips, glazes and washing ash for glazes. I then make pots. I usually have the pots I want to make laid out by weeks. This is dictated partly by orders and deadlines. This system seems to give me structure and keep me from becoming overwhelmed with too much to do. For example, I will lay out the month of making by Week 1: slab pots, Week 2: mugs and drip cones, Week 3: pitchers and animal pots, Week 4 thrown bowls and teacups. This is never rigid and I ALWAYS make or do something new in every cycle. When the making is complete I bisque fire all the pots. Then I glaze and decorate all the pots. They are now ready for the final firing. I fire the pots in a gas reduction kiln at the studio. The firing lasts about 10 hours. The kiln cools for a day and then I unload the pots. All the pots get their bottoms sanded to make them smooth. They then get washed and priced.
Everyday I am in my studio I feel grateful and lucky. So grateful that I do what I love for a living. It takes a strict discipline and sacrifice of certain things but they are all worth it. I will be making pots in my studio, listening to music with my dog and drinking coffee thinking – “I am at work right now!” I work hard and it feels easy.
Iron + White “V” Lidded Elephant Jar by Melissa Weiss Pottery
Purchase Melissa’s work at our upcoming bazaar or on her website here
The women behind Forge & Finish jewelry collective invite you into their Philadelphia studio to catch a glimpse of their creative process through these fun short films.
You can find their work at Booth #20 at our upcoming Fall Art Star Craft Bazaar on November 8th + 9th! Look out for more Guest Posts by participating vendors in the days leading up to the show. Enjoy!
Hey there! I’d introduce myself as the better-half of the better half of Art Star, but then Megan AND Erin would be fighting each other over who gets to kill me. Let’s just say that I’m the Official Art Star Helper Monkey, ASCB Artist Concierge, and their 24 Hour Personal Geek Squad all wrapped up into a tidy, Castro-cap wearing bundle of joy. Nice to meet ya.
The lovely ladies of Art Star asked me to pick some of my favorite vendors that are going to be at the Art Star Craft Bazaar this year and present them to you. I have to say, it was very tough to choose. There are so many amazing and talented artists this year. However, the assignment was five vendors and that’s what I’ve got for you. So, without any more of my yammering, here are my picks for Top 5 ASCB 2013 Vendors:
5. B. Goods
Here’s the thing: Amy, who owns B. Goods, is too clever. In fact, when I first saw what she was selling, it made me angry… that I hadn’t thought of it first. Not to gloss over the paper planes, rock/paper/scissors, or mini Polaroid designs she has but, you can get any text that you want put inside a speech bubble (assuming it fits)! Nicknames, inside jokes, memes, whatever you can imagine, she will do. The crazier, the better. It’s my go-to gift when I need something personalized and fun.
4. Meerwiibli by Sarah-Maria
You are a lady that likes clothes that are flipping adorable? Surely, you must know about Meerwiibli! Swiss Miss, Sarah-Maria, designs and hand crafts fantastically cute coats, shirts, dresses, skirts and more. The patterns and fabrics and colors make me SQUEE! I have to say, I do feel a bit left out. More men’s attire, please!
3. Laura Berger
The paintings and illustrations of Laura Berger make me think of a happy time. They also make me think of Adventure Time, by Pendleton Ward, which is never a bad thing. Her style, color palette and the overall perky tone of her work never fails to bring a smile to my face. I’m sad to say that I do not yet own a piece of her original artwork, but that is something that I hope to rectify at the ASCB this year.
2. Spaghetti Kiss
I never leave an ASCB without a shirt, hoodie or tie from Spaghetti Kiss. There are always new and interesting designs and I love the slightly dark, mecha-animal style of his illustrations. Mike, the artist behind it all, couldn’t be a nicer guy. I’m excited to see what he’ll have this year.
1. Twofour
New to the ASCB is Twofour and I was very intrigued when I saw the teaser image on the Vendor page. I can’t wait to get my hands on some of these pieces. The highly graphic designs, bright colors and weathered treatment are very appealing. I could always do with more wolves, rats and skulls. WANT!
Hi. I’m Heather. I have been volunteering at ASCB, I guess since the 2nd or 3rdyear – 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!
The lovely lady behind Dahling Accessories (formerly known as Lolo & Gretch when we first started), Gretchen Seel, reports on the early days of the Art Star Craft Bazaar & how far the show has come since then. Visit Dahling Accessories at booth #47 at this year’s ASCB.
Movers who partner with Move For Hunger collect unwanted, unopened, non-perishable food items and deliver them to local food banks. With this simple idea and growing network of 600+ moving companies, thousands of realtors, and corporate housing professionals, Move For Hunger has delivered over 5 million pounds of food to local food banks throughout North America, providing meals for more than 4.2 million Americans.
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