Art Star

Tag: philly

  • An Interview with Bmore Papercuts

    I cannot believe the Art Star Craft Bazaar  is in just a few days! Time flies so fast! Oddly enough, we are totally ahead of the game + prepared!  Here is a little interview we did with first time bazaar vendor,  Demaris Howe of Bmore Papercuts.  Her intricate cut paper pieces really wowed us, so of course we wanted to learn more.  Visit her at booth # 44 this weekend!

    Art Star: What will you be selling at the Bazaar?
    Demaris Howe: I will be selling one of a kind papercuts that I design and cut by hand, I will also be selling prints made from my original papercuts as well as some limited edition t shirts for men and  women.

    AS: Describe your process.
    DH: I begin by sketching my ideas – then I fold my paper and cut what I can that will be symmetrical and then unfold the piece and cut anything that is not symmetrical like words or images.

    AS: Are you professionally trained? If not, how did you learn your craft?
    DH: I have a fine arts background but the way I got into papercutting was from working as a shadow puppeteer for 10 years with a Baltimore based visual arts organization- We made hundreds of shadow puppets and I made the connection between silhouettes and
    papercutting mostly as a way to make gifts for friends.

    AS: Are you able to make your work full time? If not, what do you do for a day job?
    DH: I have transitioned into papercutting full time over the last year.

    AS: Where would you like to see your craft business in the next 10 years?
    DH: I would love to be using my papercuts to design textiles, surface design and I would love to do some book illustrations.

    AS: Any exciting projects in the works?
    DH: I have some fun large scale papercuts in the works for some restaurants in DC and Baltimore.

    AS: What is your favorite thing(s) about Philadelphia?
    DH: The Mummers Parade and Spiral Q Puppets!!!

    AS: What are you reading / listening to?
    DH: I love listening to podcasts while I work- My favorites are Professor Blastoff, Comedy Bang Bang, How Did this get Made and of course After the Jump from Design Sponge!

  • ASCB Shopping List: Baby + Kids

    We’ve got a great group of vendors making things for the little ones in your life! Is it weird that I just want all of it in my size?  Here’s a list of vendors that will be selling goods at our upcoming Art Star Craft Bazaar for babies + kids.

    1. As the Crow Flies & Co: The West Philly husband  + wife behind this line of goods is Wilder + Mike Scott – Straight. Mike makes broken plate jewelry and wife Wilder makes vintage inspired skirts + dresses for kids.  Also, I hear that she is now making matching apparel for us grown-ups too.  Yes PLEASE!  I would totally rock this fox dress!

    2. Cutesy but not Cutesy:   Every cool kid in town owns one of Diane Koss’ super awesome monster plushies!  We love her new fuzzy monster hoodies too! If you’re lucky, you’ll see Diane prancing around the bazaar in her huggable monster head piece.

    3. Oh Hello Deer Cute screen printed tees + onesies for babies + kids, plus these awesome printed super hero tops with a cape that can velcro on + off. 

    4. Olive  + Bo Philly crafter, Lori Thomson of Olive + Bo stitches modern quilts, mobiles and plush rattles for babies and kids.  Her grey, black + white palette always includes a nice pop of  color like neon yellow or purple. These simple, yet striking, geometric designs would be a stylish addition to a kid’s playroom, bedroom, or nursery.

    5. The Opposite of Far What kid doesn’t like to play dress up?  Jessica Near of The Opposite of Far is travelling all the way from Indiana to bring Philly her popular line of felt animal masks + tails.  Her vast collection includes zoo, woodland, barnyard animals and more! You can also find a smaller selection of non-animals, including super heros and robots.  And, um, P.S., she also makes adult sizes.

    6. Sewn by Shylo Shylo Egenski makes the most precious clothing + accessories for women and children in Wilkes Barre, PA.  Her peplum + halter style dresses for little girls are particularly adorable and are made from vintage bed linens.

    7. Sundae Matinee Rosalie Hick’s fun + quirky animal portraits are made with stitched fabric + felt and are sure to bring a smile to your face.  Napoleon Longslice, Roxie Fox, Bobby Feathers and others each come with a handwritten “Life Details” card.  Though these aren’t made specifically just for kids, I think little ones will really have a fun time coming up with stories about each of these funny characters.  The little felt pillows and framed portraits would look great in a playroom or nursery too.

    8. Tadpole Creations Renee D’Amico creates an ever expanding line of handcrafted goods for little ones. Her booth is always bright, colorful and cheery and filled to the brim with the sweetest plush toys + rattles, appliqued onesies + bibs, baby quilts, purses, DIY kits and more.  Renee’s creativity is boundless and I always love to check out her latest creations.

    9. The Wind and The Sail Laura Stantz’ line of sweet+ modern plush toys are a favorite among bazaar shoppers and we are happy to welcome her back to our line-up again this year.  Her plushies include hippos, giraffes, kangaroos, and more! Most have move-able limbs and all are superbly crafted and made from top quality materials.  Her collection of goods also includes happy vegetable baby rattles.

  • Northern Liberties Spring Sidewalk Sale THIS WEEKEND!

    We will be slashing prices on tons of stuff!  Outside we will have $1-$5 bins and racks of clothes marked down.  We will also fill our back gallery space with sale items.  Expect discounts between 20-80% off select merchandise! Light refreshments provided.

  • An Interview with Marcus Benavides of Red Light Press

    Red Light Press is Marcus Benavides’ Fine Art Printing Press that specializes in limited edition woodcuts, lithographs and other prints on paper.  This will be Marcus’ first year participating in our Art Star Craft Bazaar, so we were interested in learning more about him. Visit his booth #50 at our upcoming bazaar or check out his website

    Art Star: What will you be selling at the bazaar?
    Marcus Benavides: I’ll be selling Woodcut and Lithographic prints.

    AS. Describe your process. 
    MB: I carve tiny marks into wood, roll those carvings up with oil based inks, and reproduce the images on paper. I also draw images on Bavarian Lithographic Limestones, chemically alter the stones with acids and solutions, roll the image up with ink, and print the image on paper.  Both of these methods are printed with the help of Lula, a 100 year old, cast-iron, hand-cranked printing press.



    AS: Are you professionally trained?
    MB:  I received a BFA, MA, and an MFA in printmaking. I’ve been making prints for 10 years and I’ve been making art as far back as I can remember. Years of honing my craft, sharpening pencils, and grinding down stones can only stem from a love of hard work and printing beautiful images.


    AS: Are you able to make your work full time?  If not, what is your day job?
    MB: Sadly, I am not. I work at a commercial print-shop here in Philly.

    AS: Where would you like to see your craft business in 10 years?
    MB:      Owning a printing press allows me to make multiples of not only my own work, but collaborations with fellow artists. I would like to see Red Light Press’s expanding portfolio include more collaborative prints. I want to provide an artistic outlet for the ideas of like-minded individuals. Today, this is achievable with local artists; however, in the future I hope to build a fund for visiting, nationally-recognized artists.

    AS: Any exciting projects in the works?
    MB: I am currently in conversations with two local artists about printing collaborative prints.  That, and I’m working on a new piece entitled “Surf Mothers Must Die!”

    AS: What is your favorite thing about Philadelphia?
    MB: Dim Sum Garden’s soup dumplings.

     AS: What are some of the inspirations for your work?
    MB: I’m inspired most by the things that scare us as civilized beings; Indecency, the Grotesque, the Occult, Rebellious Behavior, Moralizing Folklore, and the Sleaze and Grime of back-alley cultures. I’m also influenced by the pop culture and cartoons of my childhood.

    AS: What are you reading / listening to?
    MB:      I listen to a lot of early Blues and Rock & Roll music. Mostly stuff from the 30’s to 50’s. But my taste runs the gamut of music genres.


    AS: Anything fun readers might be interested in knowing about you or your business?
    MB: I grew up in South Texas.  I have a rifle-scope scar on my left brow.  That, and I have a collection of voodoo and Mexican witchcraft paraphernalia.

  • ASCB Shopping List: Clothing, Part 2

    Part 2 of our Clothing Shopping List.  Click here to check out Part 1. Find all these vendors at our upcoming Art Star Craft Bazaar! (please note: the vendors may not be selling these exact styles. It is just an example of the type of work they make)

    6. Ace Blakley by ChaCha N’Kole
    Local Philly designer ChaCha N’Kole  creates classy and stylish pieces with an edge.  The best part is that she makes a wide range of sizes to fit all body types – Small – 3X.

    7. Better Than Jam Brooklyn based Karin Persan’s pieces are handmade from start to finish.  Each piece is one-of-a-kind and made from her own hand printed fabrics.

    8. Jay McCarroll
    This Season 1 Project Runway winner will be back with all his latest spring designs.  Jay expertly pairs bright patterns and colors that you would never think to put together, but it really works!  I love his new line of maxi dresses!

    9. Luksin Daria Norviaan will be joining us all the way from the coast of Maine.  Her line of earth friendly clothing is made from organic cotton and other sustainable fabrics.  Each piece is hand dyed and screen printed with her own original drawings. 

    10. Nicole’s Threads
    Nicole’s Threads is an eclectic line of handmade women’s clothing, using mainly organic cottons, bamboo, hemp, end of the mill fabrics mixed with vintage prints to create one-of-a-kind looks! You’ll also find cute button jewelry, cuff links, and other sewn accessories. 

    11. Phea Jean Amber Zaraza of Phea Jean hand sews the cutest summer dresses and capelets made from primarily vintage and upcycled materials.  I love how she mixes color, pattern, and texture to create her one-of-a-kind pieces.

    12. Pretty Pretty Rebel
    Leah Delfiner creates “fun pretty girly rocker clothes for badass chicks”. Her adorable line of clothing is inspired by 80’s punk rock music + cult icons.  Think lots of pink, lace, & skulls!  She will also be debuting her rockin’ line of kids clothes!

    13. Sardine Clothing Co.  Maryanne Petrus Gilbert is the lady behind this line of skirts + accessories made from recycled clothing.  She brings new life to some of the most awesome t-shirts that she finds at thrift stores by turning them into the perfect A-Line Skirt!

  • Philly Art Star Craft Bazaar Deadline TODAY

     You have until Midnight Tonight to apply for our May 10th + 11th Art Star Craft Bazaar at Penn’s Landing Great Plaza right here in the city of brotherly love.  Click the image to head straight to the application!

  • Holiday Market Gift Guide – Under $25

    This Thursday through Monday will be your last chance to get to our Art Star Holiday Market at Winterfest before Christmas.  If you don’t know about our market and Winterfest already, read this post for the details.

    We will be open from 11-8pm each day and the market features the best craft vendors in the biz! If you are already shopping in the city, we are just a quick walk from Old City – just head east on Market, walk down the steps and turn right until you see the tents!

    I have assembled a group of 10 items by 10 different vendors that are participating  and all these items are under $25.  So come pick up your last minute gifts and maybe one or two for yourself 😉

    Chalkboard Gingerbread House Ornament, $10 by B. Goods
    Vending Friday Only, 11-8pm
    Azul Dinner Napkin by Boutique Textiles, $12
    Vending Monday ONLY, 11-8pm

    2014 Mini Calendar by Eleanor Grosch, $10
    Vending Friday + Saturday ONLY, 11-8pm

    Hall & Oates Tee by Exit343Design, $20
    Vending Saturday + Sunday Only, 11-8pm

    I Am The Walrus 4/4S Iphone Case by Fuzzy Ink, $18
    Vending Thursday through Monday, 11-8pm

    Beard or Mustache Comb for Dad by Hannah’s, $9
    Vending Thursday Only, 11-8pm

    Felt Binary Bracelets by Maria Eife, $18 each
    Vending Friday + Sunday ONLY, 11-8pm

    Set of 4 Letterpress Medicinal Herb Coasters by Typothecary Letterpress, $10
    Vending Thursday ONLY, 11-8pm

    Antique Brass Locket by Yummy + Company, $22
    Vending Thursday Through Monday, 11-8

    2014 Narwhal Calendar illustrated by Noosed Kitty for Art Star, $24
    Vending Thursday Through Monday, 11-8

    View this week’s complete vendor line-up here 

  • What to expect at Waterfront Winterfest

    Photo by Mitchell Leff

    This past weekend was the opening of Waterfront Winterfest – a season long holiday celebration that marks the 20th Anniversary of the Blue Cross River Rink.  It is truly a winter wonderland that will get you and your family in the holiday spirit.  Plan to come for the entire Winterfest experience, which includes our Art Star Holiday Market (12 craft vendors selling within mini pop up shops, including Art Star!), The Lodge Bar + Restaurant, cozy Fire Pits where you can make s’mores, an incredible light show that begins at 5 every night and runs every hour, and of course – ice skating!! Take a little tour of Winterfest through these photos + be sure to come check it out in person! And come back often b/c we will have a new mix of craft vendors each day (see website for complete schedule.

    Photo by Matt Stanley
    Photo by Matt Stanley

    Our vendors are set up within the recycled shipping containers that line the front perimeter of The Lodge Pop Up Restaurant + Bar. It is not your typical craft show set up.  It is a smaller line-up of artists, but each have created their own mini shop within the containers.  We invited only the best vendors who all create quality and unique handmade goods.  We also tried to make sure we had a good mix of items each day, so there is something for everyone.

    Photo by Matt Stanley
    photo by Mitchell Leff

    The recycled shipping containers create the walls of The Lodge Pop Up Restaurant, which is in the center and covered with a giant warming tent.  It is nice + cozy inside.  The food is by Award Winning chef, George Sabatino who is also known for creating the menu at Morgan’s Pier.  My favorite has been the Sweet Potato and Kale Pocket Pies with a spiked hot cider.  The restaurant opens at 5pm weekdays and 11am on weekends.

    photo by Matt Stanley

    There are also grab + go concession stands open the entire time where you can get sandwiches by Sardine Bar, hot chocolate, spiced chai, coffee, chocolate covered popcorn, and more.

    photo by Matt Stanley

    Winterfest is very family friendly.  There are roaming performers, hoopers, stilt walkers, etc that will be sure to entertain the kiddos.  If your kids are old enough, send them off ice skating or to the indoor arcade while you shop and grab an adult beverage!

    photo by Matt Stanley

    Get cozy around the fire pits and make some s’mores!  If you are coming after 5, the light show is a definite must see!!

    photo by Mitchell Leff

    Don’t forget about the ice skating!  The music they have playing is all really good too.

    One thing I do recommend is to find street parking, walk, or take public transportation.  The parking fee is $15, which is okay if you plan on staying for the whole day but if you just plan on coming for a few hours, there are plenty of other options.  There is no fee to come to Winterfest, unless you are parking in the lot or ice skating.  We hope to see you there!!

    More Details Visit:
    www.holidaymarket.artstarphilly.com
    www.waterfrontwinterfest.com

     

  • Art Star Holiday Market Opening Weekend!

    The first Art Star Holiday Market weekend is coming soon – Black Friday through December 1st!  Here is a little teaser of the types of goodies you will be able to buy.  Check out the opening weekend’s  full vendor lineup on the website! 

    Left to Right: Julie Moon, Peg + Awl, Cutesy but not Cutesy, Typothecary Letterpress, Hannah’s, Fuzzy Ink, Boutique Textiles, Yardsale Press, Inedible Jewelry

    Shop for the perfect holiday gifts in recycled storage containers, ice skate, grab a beer + drink from The Lodge pop up Restaurant, enjoy a light show by Klip Collective, sit around the fire pits & make some s’mores + so much more – all in one spot!  Free to attend!!

    Check out our FACEBOOK invite, let us know if you can come & help spread the word!

  • Winterfest Progress

    We visited the site of our Art Star Holiday Market at Winterfest today.  I thought we’d share a little sneak peek of how the space is shaping up.  It is still in progress, but the site ops guys are working very hard every day to have it ready for the opening.  Our vendors will be inside the storage containers shown & they have added some of the greenery. It is going to be a winter wonderland!!  More updates coming soon – including some fun giveaways.  The Facebook invite was posted today – please help us spread the word.

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