Art Star

Tag: housewares

  • Meet the Maker: Nicole and Luke of vestige HOME

    vestige HOME a creative brother and sister duo
    words and photos by vestige HOME

    We moved around quite a bit growing up and learned to rely on our own ingenuity and creativity for entertainment. Tinkering, exploring, and creating with our hands was a daily activity.  We both joined the service after high school, Luke enlisted in the Coast Guard and Nicole joined the Navy through ROTC.  Many different jobs and years later, we find ourselves tapping into the strengths of one another and building a small business.  It’s a bit of a unique setup and thanks to the Internet, FaceTime, and modern shipping services, we make it work.  Luke works out of his studio in Oakland, California and Nicole works out of her studio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with each of us visiting every few months to share time in the studio together and participate in shows.

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    Photo by Lauren Gibson Photography

    We create functional pieces that we hope will encourage people to cook, gather, and make their homes a more beautiful sanctuary.  We believe that handmade goods offer a deeper connection than those that are mass-produced.  The special care taken in creating unique pieces and supporting a local, creative community adds a richness to our lives.

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    Photo by Lauren Gibson Photography

    3 copy 4 copyWe work in a wide variety of mediums and we both enjoy exploring and continually learning new things.  Every day is different as we juggle the administrative activities of running a business as well as designing, prototyping, testing and producing our pieces. Wood, metal, and a bit of textiles are the mediums that we are currently working in.

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    We strive to give our customers the best experience possible.  Thoughtful touches like gift wrapping our shipments and including a handwritten note are a standard part of how we do business.  We are always grateful when a customer decides to purchase a piece from us that they will either give as a special gift to someone or cherish in their own homes.

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    For more sneak-peeks and behind the scenes content follow vestige HOME on Instagram @vestigehome, and for more info, check out www.vestige-home.com We look forward to seeing you at the vestige HOME booth #79 this Mother’s Day weekend!

  • An Interview with Jamie Williams of Dop Dop Designs

    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!

  • 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 #274. 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

  • 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!

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