Art Star

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  • Big News! Art Star Craft Bazaar coming to LBI, NJ this July!


    W    e have been hard at work beginning to prep for our 11th (yowsers!) Art Star Craft Bazaar (ascb) at Penn’s Landing Great Plaza on Mother’s Day Weekend AND we have big news to share!  We have also decided to host a 2nd Art Star Craft Bazaar at the Long Beach Island Art Foundation (LBIF) in Loveladies, NJ in July as well!

    The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences. The Art Star Craft Bazaar will take up the gallery spaces of the LBIF plus the entire grounds outside

    Last year the kind folks over at the LBIF approached us about bringing our ascb to them to help freshen things up and we were excited for a couple of reasons.  One, I grew up there.  I graduated from Southern Regional High School in gulp, 1996 and spent the summers there on the beach and at my high school job at the 7-11 right when you enter the island.  I haven’t lived there since i graduated high school but my family and many good friends still do.  Two, the foundation is a great organization that is dedicated to promoting the arts and sciences on LBI through their art studios, gallery, craft shop, workshops, classes and more!  The grounds are pretty big and can accommodate 100+ art/craft vendors plus food, music and make + takes.  I had helped install a show there back when I worked at The Clay Studio, so I am already very familiar with this wonderful organization that is literally a few steps away from the beach!

    the Gallery space within the LBIF that we will fill with our vendors

    They have hosted a craft show at the foundation in July for many years now and it is one of their biggest fundraisers of the year.  They wanted to try something new and we were more than happy to step in and try it out!  Because this is partially a fundraiser for the LBIF, we will be asking a small admission charge (to this show only, not our Philly show) of $5 and a portion of that will directly benefit them and help them to continue to promote and nurture good art/craft on LBI!

    the crowd at our Philly Art Star Craft Bazaar. The LBIF’s annual craft show already attracts 2-3k visitors and we hope to at least double that number this year!

    We are really excited about this newly added venue and hope for it to continue to grow like our Philly bazaar has over these past 11 years (and counting!).  We will be partnering with select businesses from the area (like our girls from School of Vintage) to get as many people as possible to the show and also hope to seek out some amazing local food vendors, musicians, etc that will compliment the vibe of our show.  If you think you fit the bill, please let us know!

    Applications are open to crafters/artists/makers from all over the country.  Apply today!

  • New Year / New Craft Show Display

    Every January, of every year, I start to think about organization and improving our space here at Art Star.  This year is no exception but with Clover Market right around the corner, Erin and I have been brainstorming low cost and creative ways to improve our craft show display set up.  We also need to think about a display that is light weight enough and that breaks down easily so transport is not a huge hassle.  One of my favorite ways to start brainstorming is to go on pinterest.  I found some great display options that I thought I’d share here with you.  We have an entire board dedicated to Craft Show Display Inspirations.  If you are a crafter who needs a display make over like ourselves, please follow us on Pinterest!

    pinned from Flickr (Ken Marten)

    Since most craft shows use a 10’x10′ display footprint, we try to squeeze in as much merchandise as possible without making the space look cluttered.  I’m always on the look out for creative ways to create a variety of heights.  I love this rustic table paired with chairs and stools.  A light weight, simple, yet creative way to create different shelf levels.  I also love the neutral tones of the furniture and bright pops of color from the plants.

    pinned from frenchbydesign.blogspot.com

    This stack of crates looks great and is super easy!  I think we will actually do something like this with our display this year.  Plus, you can cart all your merch in the crates. That’s a nice bonus!

    from Leah Jackson ceramics and display at Mr. Kitly. Repinned from pinterest – no direct link

    I love the clean lines of this simple step shelf.  Fits a variety of objects without looking too bulky.  Plus, you could store extra merchandise underneath.  It would just have to be made to break down and then put together easily for transport.  It probably won’t work for our purposes but it is a great idea and would be really nice in a gallery show or shop!

    Pinned from www.sfgirlbybay.com via the october issue of inside out magazine.

    This is one of my favorites! I love the peg board idea for easily hanging goods and shelves.  Looks pretty simple and low cost to create something similar too!

    pinned from https://www.etsy.com/shop/SqueezeMyHand

    We are always looking for unique ways to display lots of little things, like stationary.  I have seen a few crafters use old library card filing cabinets to display cards.  Looks really great and keeps the cards organized and easy for people to flip through.  I could see a little tag for each type of card (ie birthday, anniversary, etc) labeled on the front.

    Pinned from Kellimurray.com

    It is very important to incorporate your shop logo into your display. We are always changing this up!  Here is a fun DIY for a Batic Dye Wall Hanging.  I could see this idea being put to good use as a shop banner.

    Welp, those were just a few of my favorite display ideas that I’ve found on Pinterest.  I’m going to continue to pin these to two of our boards: Craft Show Display Inspiration and Display Ideas (which is mostly for shop display ideas) but really any of these can be utilized in a retail space, your office or your own home.

    Are any of you crafters out there also upgrading your show display? If so, please share your ideas or pins in the comment section!  Follow all our boards on Pinterest!

  • Holiday Market Early Bird Special + A Treasure Hunt!

    The early bird gets the worm!  Stop by our holiday market from 11am-1pm on Saturday + Sunday to receive 10% off in our Art Star booth PLUS at few other participating vendor booths TBA.

    We have an awesome new line-up of craft vendors this Friday through Sunday – check them out here.

    We will be hiding 2 signed Dr Dog records + 2 tickets to their January 31st show at the Electric Factory in one of the vendor booths on Friday at 4pm.  The first person to find it, gets to keep it.

  • Northern Liberties & Fishtown Holiday Shopping Spree

    Our annual neighborhood shopping spree is back and this time we have included a bunch of rad shops in both Northern Liberties and Fishtown!

    The spree is a progressive sale that aims to encourage people to explore their neighborhoods and shop local this holiday season. How does it work? Participating retail shops will be giving 10% Off during the shopping spree, right off the bat. Get a sticker on your spree card each time you make a purchase at a participating location. ($10 minimum to get a sticker)

    1 Sticker = 15% Off
    2 Stickers = 20% Off
    3 Stickers = 25% Off thereafter

    Shop at any location and in any order! Spree cards can be picked up at any participating location.

    Participating Shops

    Fishtown: Craft Foundry, Half and a Third, The Common Room, Toile, Jinxed

    Northern Liberties:  City Planter, Stump, Swag Boutique, Once Worn Consignment, Casa Papel, Art Star, Madison K. Live Life Fun

    BONUSES:
    Show your spree card with 3 Stickers at Bourbon & Branch and Jerry’s Bar in Northern Liberties and get 15% Off your food/drink order

    Need a sitter while you shop? Drop off the kiddos ages 4+ at NLArts (700 N. 3rd Street) for a Holiday Craft Workshop. Saturday ONLY from 2-6pm, $25 includes all materials

    Photobooth at Gravy Studio in Northern Liberties – show your card with all 3 stickers and get a free polaroid or purchase for $5 without stickers.

    Light Refreshments + Tons of Holiday Cheer at each Stop!

    Public Transportation: Get off at either the Spring Garden or Girard Stop on the Market/Frankford Line or take the 5 Bus or the 15 Trolley. Visit Septa.org for route details.

    Indego Bike Share – stations are in both Fishtown and Northern Liberties https://www.rideindego.com/stations/

  • Art Star Holiday Market Call For Vendors

    Art Star Holiday Market at WinterFest!
    A month long winter wonderland at the Blue Cross River Rink that will include ice skating, light shows, a pop up restaurant & retail shops housed within recycled storage containers.  We have been asked to curate the retail portion of the show, which will include a rotating roster of 12 artists and crafters Friday through Sunday every week from Black Friday through New Years.
    Detailed info on the Art Star Holiday Market can be found here
    Detailed info on WinterFest as a whole can be found here

    Vendor spaces are still available on specific dates.  If you are an artist or crafter and would like to participate, please fill out our Artist Submission form HERE (disregard general artist submission instructions found on that page) and do the following:

    Write ART STAR HOLIDAY MARKET in subject line
    Attach images and/or include a link to your website or etsy page in the message block
    Include the dates that you are able to participate in the message block

    Available Dates & Prices
    Sunday, Dec. 1st, 11-6 / $100
    Friday, Dec. 6th, 4-8 / $50
    Friday, Dec. 13th, 4-8 / $50
    Friday, Dec. 27th, 11-7 / $50
    Saturday, Dec. 28th, 11-7 / $100
    Sunday, Dec 29th, 11-6 / $100
    Monday, Dec 30th, 11-7 / $100
    Tues, New Years Eve, 11-7 / $100

    Vendor spaces will be within the shipping containers.  Most shipping containers will house 3 vendors (some 2) and each vendor will receive a 8′ (need to leave 4′ of this for foot traffic) x 12.5′ space.  Vendors must provide everything needed for set-up, display and sales.  We encourage vendors to be creative with the space and set it up like a small shop.  Containers will have lighting but will not be heated.  Electric will be available so vendors can bring a small space heater or additional lighting if necessary.  Shipping containers will be locked each evening by Art Star.  Free parking for vendors will be available in the attached lot.

    We will contact you within one week from the date you apply to let you know if you’ve been accepted to participate or not.  Contact us at info(at)artstarphilly.com with any questions.

  • Art Star is Now Hiring!

    We are looking for part time seasonal help in the shop beginning mid November through New Years.  Must be able to work Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and some Mondays from 11-7pm and additional days/hours when needed.

    Responsibilities will include opening/closing the shop, handling all sales, greeting and helping customers, and all that is involved in our daily shop operations.

    Requirements:
    art/craft background
    retail sales experience
    outgoing, friendly and warm personality
    ability to multi task
    self motivated
    live within the city and can easily get to the shop

    $10 per hour

    To apply, please drop off a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references (not your mom!) to our shop during store hours.  No phone calls.  We are only accepting applications in person so we can meet you.

  • DIY Silkscreen Kit Debut / Make + Take with Julie Lange

    The lovely Julie Lange of On3Designs has been hard at work creating a new line of DIY Silkscreen Kits, which she will be debuting at our DesignPhiladelphia Celebration / Closing party for Farmhaus + Friends on Friday, October 11th from 6-9pm.  Guests will be able to sample one of the kits on a piece of muslin to create their own one of a kind scarf to take home with them.  The make & take is completely free but we encourage visitors to purchase a kit to take home with them!


    Each kit will  include a screen, 3 stencils of 1 design, small package of textile ink (which can also be used on paper), a squeegee and directions.  There will also be refill packs for purchase that will include 3 stencils of 3 designs.  These kits are great for kids 10+ up or beginners who would like to learn how to silkscreen.  By using the kit, you will learn what you will need to do to create your own one of a kind designs!

    Here are some samples of what your finished scarf may look like but there are endless possibilities of what you can create!

    We did a wonderful blog feature on Julie & her line of hand printed purses and bags.  Click here to learn all about her and her work!

  • Current Exhibition: Farmhaus + Friends

    The Farmhaus & Friends Exhibition is now on view in our gallery through October 20th and is part of DesignPhiladelphia! We will be having a closing reception + DesignPhiladelphia Celebration on Friday, October 11th from 6-9pm. Julie Lange of On3Designs will also be at the event to debut her new Screen Printing on Fabric kits. Customers will be able to try them out for free! More details on this will be in my next blog post. In the meantime, check out Farmhaus & Friends online. I am slowly adding pieces from the show, so check back often!

    About Farmhaus + Friends:
    Ben McBrien of Farmhaus has brought his signature rustic modern style into Art Star where he has installed a version of his dream home, starting with a handmade bed and dining room table made from reclaimed and responsibly sourced wood.  The pro-surfer turned wood worker has also included carefully chosen pieces handmade by Philly friends, which complete the look of the urban beach loft that McBrien has created

    The friends of Farmhaus include: Project Runway Season 1 winner Jay McCarroll, ceramicist Audrey Cooper, graphic design/ tattoo artist Mike Ski, sculptor/designer Bill Curran, photographers Trevor Moran and Dominic Episcopo, woodworker Rachel Fuld, and master knitter Jane Likens who have lent their skills and work to help realize McBrien’s vision. Together they have created a home truly made by hand from quality materials and expert craftsmanship, reflecting Ben’s love and respect for his friends and the work that they create within his community.


    I hope to feature each of the participating artists on the blog – look out for that this week and next!

  • Help fund Jen Corace’s Kickstarter!

    Jen Corace is one of our favorite artists and we’ve been so lucky to work with her throughout Art Star’s 9 years,  so we were so thrilled when she told us about this awesome card game that she created with her brother, Jason Corace.  The game is called “Lords and Ladies – a game of Legacy, Gossip, and Intrigue.”  For those of you that are, like us, also obsessed with Downton Abbey, then this game is for you.  We would LOVE to see Lords & Ladies make it to stores (maybe even in Art Star) so please consider backing them.  They are getting so close to their goal of $16k, which they need to reach in 11 days.  There are also some fantastic prizes, which include copies of the game, original art from the game, and if you pledge the $600 they will create an illustration of you and add you to the game’s cast of characters!  Here is the link to the kickstarter.  Watch the video below!

  • Clover Market THIS SUNDAY!!

    The First Clover Market of this season is upon us!  This show makes me happy – I love doing it! Great mix of antiques, vintage and handmade PLUS it is very low stress for us vendors IMO due to proprietor Janet Long’s organizational prowess.

    Photo by Carrie Hill Photography, Courtesy of Clover Market

    We will be bringing a variety of items from our shop, which includes goodies from our own line of products (like our Hot Tots / I Fight Crime T’s and onesies) and a variety of pieces from the shop.  We hope to see you there!  The show is in Ardmore from 10-5.  Details: www.theclovermarket.com 

    Here are some more photos to get you in the mood for this fab show!  All these pics are by the lovely Carrie Hill Photography from the September 2012 show and were nabbed from Clover Market’s beautiful new website (jealous!!)

    Photo by Carrie Hill Photography / Courtesy of Clover Market
    Photo by Carrie Hill Photography // Courtesy of Clover Market
    Photo by Carrie Hill Photography // Courtesy of Clover Market
    Photo by Carrie Hill Photography / Courtesy of Clover Market
    Photo by Carrie Hill Photography / Courtesy of Clover Market
    Photo by Carrie Hill Photography / Courtesy of Clover Market
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