Handmade Philly Etsy Treasury

Just wanted to show some love to my fellow Handmade Philly Etsy Members.  I created an Etsy Treasury of some of the coolest items handmade by Philadelphians.

Handmade Philly

Niesha Kennedy-Robinson is a lover of things handmade.  Besides being a wife and a mother, she is the owner and operator of Wee Bit Trendy, a small online shop that provides Handmade Faux Treats for Baby.  She loves DIY (why buy when you can DIY), and doing PR for Sharp with Art Group and West Park Arts Festival.

Indigo Bleu Design & Culture Center

In the Fall of 2013, Philadelphia-based marketing and management firm, Indigo Bleu Design Concepts will launch their most new brand project the Indigo Bleu Design & Culture Center (IBDCC).

IBDCC

IBDCC

Conveniently located in the Parkside section of West Philadelphia, IBDCC, will serve as a creative anchor for the shared use of established and up and coming artists, designers, and the surrounding community. Located at the tip of West Philadelphia’s Centennial district, IBDCC will be a centralized location for creation, social and professional networking and the celebration of the Arts and Culture.

As launch pad for creative professionals and independently operated entrepreneurial firms IBDCC will feature a shared co-op workspace, office suites, design studios, and an open layout gallery/event space.

Indigo Bleu Design Concepts provides business development services, professional coaching and mentoring, design and marketing services to start ups and non-profits.

By providing diverse leasing options on work and office space and networking and retailing opportunities for tenants, IBDCC hopes to serve as enriching resource to its tenants, enhance the vibrancy of the Parkside area by revitalizing the Arts scene and hosting public Arts & Culture events and activities and increase the revenues generated for and through Philadelphia’s creative sector.

Tenants will enjoy the following amenities:

  • Flexible and reasonable leasing options
  •  A secure work space with 24 hour access
  • A convenient location with access to public transportation just 15 minutes outside of Center City
  • Onsite event space and catering services
  • Discounted tenant-rates to event space rental
  • Free Wi Fi
  • Free lot and street parking

Please note: Spots in the co-working space start at 300/month (utilities included) and office spaces start at 500 + utilities.

Niesha Kennedy-Robinson is a lover of things handmade.  Besides being a wife and a mother, she is the owner and operator of Wee Bit Trendy, a small online shop that provides Handmade Faux Treats for Baby.  She loves DIY (why buy when you can DIY), and doing PR for Sharp with Art Group and West Park Arts Festival.

Handmade Philly Member Feature: Danni M

Danni Morinich, a member of Handmade Philly was given the opportunity to create a soap for The Italian Market Visitors Center. She lives in the neighborhood, she was not only honored to be asked, but so pleased at the result.

If you’re in the neighborhood for the Italian Festival Saturday, May 18th and Sunday, May 19th, stop by and see how she worked with the Italian Market Visitors Center to create a soap with an appearance that pays homage to the originators of the market in fragrances that are a nod to the importance of food in the market.
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These gems make perfect gifts for the tourist, the foodie or those who still call Philly home while taking up residence elsewhere.

This soap is available exclusively at the Italian Market Visitors Center 919 S. 9th Street (Just south of 9th and Christian between Montrose Street and Salter Street (215) 278-2903.

Niesha Kennedy-Robinson is a lover of things handmade. Besides being a wife and a mother, she is the owner and operator of Wee Bit Trendy, a small online shop that provides Handmade Faux Treats for Baby. She loves DIY (why buy when you can DIY), and doing PR for Sharp with Art Group and West Park Arts Festival

Featured Handmade Phillyer: Meet Alyse Schulte

Alyse in Mexico City
Alyse is a graphic designer and currently runs an Etsy Shop called Random Lake. Random Lake sells a variety of items in the shop and all items are design and made by Alyse. Let us take a peek into her world.

Where does your shop name “Random Lake” come from?

The name Random Lake comes from a small town right outside where my aunt lives in Wisconsin. Not only is it a beautiful town, I felt the name described a lot about me and my design.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?

I grew up and went to school in Florida. I moved to Philly about two years ago and love everything about it. I am a graphic designer, I enjoy freelancing and all the people it has allowed me to meet and work with.
Why do you do what you do?
I love how stimulating all the creativity in my life is. I am always searching for new ways to express my ideas, which is what led me to creating Random Lake. It allowed me to design for myself and then share with everyone, instead of vice versa.
How do you stay fresh?
I keep a very open mind when coming up with ideas for projects. I love trying all new types of projects and if I’m stuck with a print design, I’ll move over to jewelry design or a different medium until my ideas make their way out.
How do you create when you don’t feel particularly creative?
If I am not feeling very creative, it always helps me to look at what other people are doing; a lot of times my inspiration comes from seeing what others are capable of. During the weekends, when I want to get away from my computer, I love taking day trips out of the city. I enjoy going hiking or exploring interesting places in the area. One of the last places I’ve been in Philly that really stood out to me was The Cliffs, (the house where Sarah Franklin sewed bandages for soldiers during the Revolutionary War) in Fairmount Park.
When did you start?
I have been designing as long as I can remember, but I started Random Lake in February 2013.
Where do you want to go with this?
A dream of mine would be to run a kind hybrid between a graphic design shop and boutique. For now though, it would be great to see Random Lake expand and become recognized in the community.
Brownstone Earrings

Brownstone Earrings

Adjustable Deer Ring

Adjustable Deer Ring

Who is on your Ipod?
I listen to a little bit of everything. Some of my favorites are Rilo Kiley, The Weakerthans, AA Bondy, and Wye Oak. One musician that can always motivate me is Buddy Holly, its hard to be lazy when I hear him. I also love a lot of different podcasts, including WTF with Marc Maron and Comedy Bang Bang.
Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?
A lot of historical sites and stories inspire me.The most recent project that I have developed has been dedicated to the USS United States. I’ve been keeping up with the news of the plans to destroy the ship for scrap metal if enough money isn’t raised over the next month. I designed a poster to help raise money to preserve the ship.
SSUS_Poster
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
I really love doing personalized projects. People are always so grateful and love to see their designs and ideas in motion.
Did you ever feel like giving up?
 My creativity usually comes in marathon sized packages. I’ll spend every waking minute for weeks working on things until every idea inside of me has come out. This usually leads to a period of time where I don’t do much in the way of designing or crafting. I have learned to develop hobbies that don’t require much room for variation to keep myself productive. I have taken up canning and gardening for those times when I just can’t work in the studio.
What is the first craft project you remember making?
I remember making my own play-dough with my Mom when I was a kid. The first part of the process, I remember thinking we were making cookies, when I found it was a toy, it was even better.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new etsy seller, what would it be?

I am a new Etsy seller myself, and I would definitely say put your all into it. Every time you have an idea, do it! You’ll most likely end up with an awesome piece for your shop.

Do you listen to music when you create?

I usually have music, a podcast, or the tv on, but it’s really only background noise. I usually in my own head when I am working.

Have you had formal training?

I went to UNF in Jacksonville, Fl for Graphic Design and Digital Media. My classes were really small and it was a tight-knit group.
Where do you live & how does it influence you?
I live in South Philly, just off Passyunk Ave. I have a small house with my boyfriend and I have enough room to have my own studio. Our house and neighborhood is a dream come true, we have great neighbors and a little garden on our patio. Being happy with where I live has definitely made an impact on how I work. I spend less time fantasizing about what I could have and I have started creating and working with what I do have. A lot of my work is inspired by the city and the different personalities the neighborhoods take on.
Alyse_ReadingViaduct
Alyse’s first craft show is going to be the 30th Street Craft Market on June 15th in Philadelphia. She’s very excited about it, so hopefully you’ll make a visit to her booth and let her know that you saw her interview on Handmade Philly.  You can shop with Alyse Schulte at her Random Lake Etsy Shop, Read her Blog at Made By Alyse.
Interviewer: Niesha Kennedy-Robinson is a lover of things handmade.  Besides being a wife and a mother, she is the owner and operator of Wee Bit Trendy, a small online shop that provides Handmade Faux Treats for Baby.  She loves DIY (why buy when you can DIY), and doing PR for Sharp with Art Group and West Park Arts Festival.

Artists’ Garage Sale At The Mt. Airy Art Garage!

Find Your Heart’s Delight At Our Upcoming Artists’ Garage Sale At The Mt. Airy Art Garage!

FINAL Garage Sale (new)

With the arrival of Spring, garage sale season is upon us and here at MAAG, it’s no exception. So, on Saturday, May 11, from 10 AM-3 PM at 11 West Mt. Airy Ave., we’re holding an Artists’ Garage Sale and inviting all of YOU!

Our artists are looking to lighten their loads and clean out their spaces—all to your advantage! There is something for everyone, art lovers, parents of budding young artists, schools, and artists alike. If you’re an artist, especially those working on a budget, this is the place for you. Perhaps you’d like to start an art collection, or maybe you’re a parent who needs to restock your kids’ crafts, or an art-lover looking for a good deal. Regardless of your incentive, these deals will not disappoint!

Most items will be priced to sell, ranging from only $1-$30 (for that extra special original piece), so be sure to stop by. Just look at the array of items that have already come in:

  • Original artwork/Original glass work
  • Paints
  • Tins and storage boxes/ Art containers and display boxes
  • Sculpture stands
  • Art magazines and books
  • Tools
  • Drawing materials, inks, sketchpads
  • Frames/Canvas
  • Letterpress supplies
  • Handmade paper
  • And much more…

They say, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” and, in this case, it truly applies! With materials and supplies priced this low, it would be foolish to miss out. So, bring your appetite for an aesthetic deal and get ready to find a deal that’s bound to please!

The Mt. Airy Art Garage’s Artists’ Garage Sale runs from 10 AM – 3 PM on Saturday, May 11 at 11 West Mt. Airy Ave., Philadelphia PA 19119. Admission is FREE and all proceeds will support the Mt. Airy Art Garage. All leftover art/supplies will be donated to schools in need that are participating in our current Rain Barrel Project.

Handmade Mother’s Day in Philly

Posted On May 2, 2013

Filed under Uncategorized

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With Mother’s Day just about a week away, if you haven’t started to shop now, maybe you should start to shop now! Mother’s Day is May 11th.  I figured I could help you out by suggesting some Handmade Gifts for Mom, after all she is your favorite girl.  Most of us that are a part of the Handmade Philly group have Etsy stores, so I scoured Etsy and found some pretty unique handmade Mother’s Day Gifts, all created by local artists and crafters right here in the city!

Click here to check out the Treasury of Philly Mother’s Day Gifts

Capturea

Capture

Happy Shopping and Happy Crafting

Niesha Kennedy-Robinson is a lover of things handmade.  Besides being a wife and a mother, she is the owner and operator of Wee Bit Trendy, a small online shop that provides Handmade Faux Treats for Baby.  She loves DIY (why buy when you can DIY), and doing PR for Sharp with Art Group and West Park Arts Festival.

Philadelphia Sculpture Gym – Philly Food Truck Fund Raiser

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In anticipation for the opening of the Philadelphia Sculpture Gym, PSG held a Philly Food Truck Fundraiser last month featuring local food trucks, breweries, musicians and artists.

The Philadelphia Sculpture Gym is a community based workshop space for artists that has a wood shop, metal shop, mold making and casting area, small foundry, classroom and gallery. It operates like a gym membership in that you pay a monthly membership fee for access to the equipment. They also offer classes in a variety of processes for every skill level.

For more information on workshops and membership please visit the website: http://www.philadelphiasculpturegym.com

Photographer and Publisher: Ellen K. Bonett

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