Tag: philly

Meet Art Star Craft Bazaar Vendor Jamie Langhoff of Seeing in Fabric!

What, at first, appear to be paintings, are actually sewn fabric art.

Self-taught artist, Jamie Langhoff, creates vibrant urban scenes with just fabric, thread, scissors, and a 1968 Singer sewing machine. Finished artwork is mounted onto ready-to-hang canvas panels.

Each scene features many dozens of tiny hand-cut fabric pieces. Creating these scenes requires a slow and careful building of many pieces of fabrics, and many layers. All of the fabrics she uses in her artwork are recycled–scrap, remnants and re-purposed clothing. Many of the fabrics Jamie uses are donated to her by her lovely fans.

Threadwork and stitching techniques are central to the realism and painterly aspects of Seeing in Fabric. Eschewing the dazzling digital age of newer sewing machines, Jamie enjoys the reliability and rustic sturdiness of her vintage 1968 Singer.

By using a color palette of thread in over 200 different colors, but just 2 basic stitch types–straight stitch and zigzag–Jamie creates a multitude of “shading”, “brushstroke” and “drawing” effects. Her stitching technique involves a free-flowing and rapid style, requiring an extreme amount of concentration and skill, but also trust and confidence in her sewing machine.

As a self-taught artist, Jamie constantly pushes herself to experiment with her techniques. Through her artwork she shows the world how to “see in fabric” in order to see the vibrant and strange beauty in our modern urban world.

Jamie will be be traveling from Washington, DC to join us at our 12th Annual Spring Art Star Craft Bazaar at Penn’s Landing Great Plaza on May 9th + 10th. Make sure to stop by her booth #101 to see these incredible pieces in person. These photos are so beautiful but the pieces are even better in person. Visit her Etsy Page for more!

April 3, 2015
Art Star Pop Up Market at Spruce Street Harbor Park

We are excited to announce that our Art Star Pop Up Market will be back at Spruce Street Harbor Park this Summer Season! The Market will take place every Saturday from May 23rd – September 26th from 11-4pm and will feature the work of up to 20 curated art + craft vendors. Each participating vendor will be set up al fresco style under a tree lined walkway within the popular park. Shoppers can expect a variety of handmade goods at an affordable price range and the vendor line-up will change each day.

The Spruce Harbor Park is located along the Delaware River between Lombard and Walnut Streets. The park features a pop up restaurant and bar, a boardwalk, games, live music, family friendly activities and the most popular attraction – HAMMOCKS! Apparently, the SSHP hammocks were THE PLACE to take a selfie in Philadelphia last summer!

Bonnie Kaye Studio staged a picnic at last year’s market and displayed all her goods on butchers paper. http://www.bonniekayestudio.com/

APPLY TO BE A VENDOR!
We are now accepting submissions for the first few weeks of our Art Star Pop Up Market. Each vendor will receive an 10′ wide x 5′ deep space. Vendors are required to bring everything else needed for set up and display. You may bring a tent (though it is not required) but must leave 5′ of your tent open for customers to walk through. For this show, we are going for relaxed, beach vibes, so you are welcome to go all out with your display or you could simply just bring a blanket and lay out your goods on the ground! We are charging vendors $35 per space / per day.

We are now accepting applications for the following dates: May 23rd, May 30th, June 6th. (Look out for another Call for Vendors for all the later dates)

How To Apply:
Email us at info@artstarphilly.com with “SSHP Submission” in the subject of the email
Attach 3-5 digital images of samples of the items you wish to sell
Include a link to your website or etsy page
List the date(s) you would like to participate on

DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THE ABOVE DATES IS April 30th, midnight.
You will notified of your acceptance by Friday, May 1st.

April 2, 2015
NoLibs Sidewalk Sale This Weekend!

It’s spring cleaning time so that means SALES SALES SALES! We need to make room for all the new items we are getting in. We got together with our neighborhood retailers to offer up a weekend of discounts. This is the best time to shop in Northern Liberties!

We will be sticking our clearance items out on the sidewalk for you to rummage through. Clearance stuff will be marked up to 80% off. All regular prices goods inside will be 20% off and we will take an additional 10% off indoor sale items.

Also participating are Agora, Bloom, City Planter, Once Worn Consignment, Ritual Ritual, and Swag. So grab your favorite shopping buddies and head over to Northern Liberties for a day of shopping this weekend! Visit our FB event invite to see the type of discounts each shop is offering.

Fuel up at our following faves:

Quick Bites/Coffee/Tea: Soy Cafe, Random Tea Room, One Shot Coffee
Breakfast/Brunch: Honey’s or Cafe La Maude
Good Beer or Cocktails: Abbaye, Jerry’s, 700 Club
Dinner/Lunchy Noms: Abbaye or Bourbon + Branch (good cocktails too)

March 25, 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
Genevieve Geer’s Le Puppet Regime Opens Friday!

Enjoy this fun trailer for Genevieve Geer of Le Puppet Regime’s solo exhibition at Art Star. The opening reception will be this Friday the 13th from 6-8pm and will include snacks, light refreshments, Cut and Paste Photobooth and first dibs on this incredible work! And find out who is really pulling the strings 😉

Learn more about Genevieve and her work here.

February 11, 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
Clover Winter Market 2015

We will be popping up our 10×10 shop at the upcoming Clover Winter Market! We hope you will come out to visit us + around 50 other vendors selling handmade, vintage, and antique goods.
The 23rd Street Armory is on 23rd Street between Market + Chestnut Streets. There is a $5 door fee (kids under 12 get in for free)…..But may we suggest you purchase a VIP Pass for $20? This gets you some awesome stuff including admission at 9am (a whole hour to shop before the general public arrives), and a swag bag of goodies + coupons donated by vendors! There is a coupon to use at our booth too!

Here are some of the goodies you will find in the VIP Swag Bag
Purchase VIP tickets OR 2 for 1 tickets HERE

Visit www.theclovermarket.com for more information

January 12, 2015
NoLibs + Fishtown Holiday Shopping Spree

The annual NoLibs Holiday Shopping Spree is back and this year we’ve expanded to include our friends in Fishtown! Mark your calendars for the largest Holiday Spree to date!

Art Star is pleased to present the annual Holiday Shopping Spree, which will be held on Saturday, December 6^th from 11-8pm and Sunday, December 7^th from 11-6pm. The spree will take place in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia and has expanded this year to include Fishtown shops as well. 16 retail shops will be participating in the spree. The more you shop at each location, the more you save!

Here is how the spree works:
1st Participating Store: Customer receives 10% off their purchase + a spree card w/ one sticker on it

2nd Store: Customer shows spree card w/ 1 sticker & gets 15% off their purchase + a 2nd sticker

3rd Store: Customer shows spree card w/ 2 stickers & gets 20% off their purchase + a 3rd sticker

Once the customer’s spree card has 3 stickers, they will receive 25% off at any additional participating store that they shop at throughout the event.

Participating Shops
NoLibs: City Planter, Philly Phaithful, Ritual Ritual, Art Star, Casa Papel, Once Worn Consignment, Bloom, Swag Boutique, Jinxed at The Piazza

Fishtown: The Art Dept, Adorn Boutique + Showroom, Toile, Catch & Release Merchants, Craft Foundry, Jinxed Fishtown, Two Percent To Glory

The spree was conceived in 2006 by local retailers Art Star, Arcadia Boutique, and Conspiracy Showroom as a way to encourage shoppers to support independent boutiques in the Northern Liberties neighborhood. Now in its 8^th year, the spree has become a shopping tradition for hundreds of Philadelphians looking for unique gifts to give for the holiday season!

Each shop will be serving up light refreshments and plenty of holiday cheer! Support your local independent retailers this holiday season!

Special thanks to friends + neighbors at Liberties Parcel for sponsoring this event!

November 18, 2014
An Interview with Amber Zaraza of Phea Jean

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 Jamie’s interview with Amber of Dop Dop Designs. Enjoy!

How did you find sewing and what influenced you to turn your skill into a business? I began sewing around the age of 12. I found my mothers old Kenmore sewing machine and an assortment of my grandmother’s notions and thought I could make things. I didn’t have any fabric so I cut up clothing that I got at the thrift store. Of course I had no idea what I was doing but managed to make a very simple cross body handbag out of an old blue and white houndstooth polyester suit. I took a crystal clasp off of one of my mothers sweaters to use as a closure and wore that bag for years. I was immediately hooked! I took sewing classes in high school where I was able to hone in on my skills and really learn proper techniques. I went to college for fashion design and during that time made handbags for myself, and then friends, and soon after strangers were asking me where and how to order. So in 2005, phea jean was born, sort of by accident, but once the ball started rolling I just went with it and I love it! It’s still funny to think that I originally set out to be a bridal designer!

Where did the name phea jean come from? Settling on a business name seemed daunting at first- what name would I always want to be associated with and never be tired of?! phea jean, of course, had to be it…phea (Phyllis) and Jean are my two grandmothers, both wonderful and strong women in different ways and both very dear to me.

Describe your personal style and how that translates into phea jean.
I love vintage clothing…dresses, coats, hats, etc. The fabric really draws me in, as I find the bright colors and bold patterns hard to resist. I use primarily vintage fabric because I find it so intriguing, I, too, sometimes find inspiration in vintage styles. For example, one of my hat patterns is loosely based on the cloche style made popular in the 1920’s. I also just really like unique, funky pieces. I like when unexpected fabrics are used for traditional silhouettes. I love mixing fabrics and patterns which I do in my designs. In my personal style, I pretty much go for it- wearing and mixing things that other people wouldn’t think to, but somehow (most of the time) ends up working. I never take fashion too seriously, but I want to look good. I want people to look good (great!) in my designs but I also want them to have a good time with the pieces and mix and match them together.

What inspires your work?
I am inspired by all the vintage fabric patterns and textures. I “treasure hunt” in attics, basements, estate sales, thrift stores, etc for fabric and I never know what I will bring home, so I have to let each piece speak to me and inspire me as it comes. I’m even often inspired by buttons and will sometimes start with the buttons and design around them. Everything I make is one of a kind and even though I have patterns in place, I do very little planning when it comes to the production aspect of sewing. My process consists of looking around my studio and seeing what catches my eye at the moment.
My clothing designs are definitely inspired by women, of all shapes and sizes. I really try to accommodate different body types and design pieces that will fit a variety of sizes. I want anyone to come to my booth and be able to find something flattering and leave feeling confident.

In a literal sense, I am inspired to make things that I want or need for everyday life. My head is cold, therefore I should make hats. I need a specific size/shape handbag so I’ll make it.

What items will you be bringing to the bazaar? phea jean will be bringing things to keep you warm: Plenty of hats and scarves of course. I’ll also have my unique wrap tops and ponchos for stylish winter clothing options.

What item is perfect for gift giving? The scarves are a great gift and an easy way to spruce up any outfit. At $35-$45 you really can’t go wrong.

What other artists at the bazaar are you excited to check out? Considering the shows are our only chance to do our holiday shopping I am excited to see and support all the other vendors! First thing, I’ll be hitting up my booth mate dop dop designs for a housewarming gift. I’m also a huge fan of miss millie and will be dropping hints to my partner on which of her latest work I need to have. I’m interested to see the coffee drip cones from Melissa Weiss Pottery and the jewelry by Maureen Duffy.

November 6, 2014
Eling of Migration Goods Shares Her ASCB Shopping List

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)

Also on my list for gift shopping (and in the category of food related accessories): The everything bagel necklace from inedible jewelry

and the amazing Old Bay Seasoning earrings from Flat Rat Studio. (Their pet portraits are totally on my own wishlist too).

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.

More paper goods please! I can’t wait to see Sarah Ryan‘s sweet cards + illustrations up close!

For my book-loving friends (and me too), I’m very excited to pick up these bookmarks from New Academy Press, and this super-cute tote from Common Rebels too.

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.

If my friends/family are very very good, they might find themselves the recipients of one of these gorgeous spoons or sake cups from Melissa Weiss Pottery (I’m coveting these ramen bowls for myself).

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!)

and the beautiful printed work of Bonnie Kaye Studio — so good!

Finally, I’m really excited to see these diorama & miniature pieces from metamorphosis metals up close!

And I won’t be leaving without a print for myself from Naughty & Nice. I’m pretty sure I want Tag You Are It (below), but I’m also eyeing The Terror of the Sea…

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.

November 3, 2014