January 5, 2010 • 11:58 pm
Some of the members of Handmade Philly met up a while back and went to the 33rd Annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, held at the Convention Center. We took the opportunity to meet tons of artists, and the work we saw! Wowza. Here are a few photos, but seriously, if you get a chance to check this show out next year, go for it! I’m going to have to post a few times to cover all of the artists I met and photographed…so let’s begin:


http://cliffleeporcelain.com

www.rocketman.info
I took a video of Bill’s work but had some trouble uploading it. In the meantime, check it out HERE.
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Filed under: Local Events
A few of the members of Handmade Philly stopped by this exhibit while it was up (back in November! I’ve been kind of swamped so didn’t get to post about it til now!)…Anyway, the work was amazing. It’s hard to show how huge the pieces are (GINORMOUS!), so take note of the people at the bottom of the photos. These balloon sculptures are definitely unlike anything I’ve seen before. If you get a chance to check out this dude’s work in the future, run don’t walk. Afterwards, since we were in Fishtown, we decided to stop by Fishtown Airways, the artist market and co-op which is located at 200 E. Girard Ave. They have a ton of creative energy, and lots of cool events. Stop by just to take a peek if you get a chance, or if you need to do some shopping.




Filed under: Uncategorized , exhibit, handmade philly, outing, Philly
December 15, 2009 • 6:46 pm
Filed under: Uncategorized
December 11, 2009 • 10:56 pm

Philadelphia Independent Craft Market, Holiday Edition

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During Philly’s first snow shower, 7 members of Handmade Philly displayed their handmade crafts at the Philadelphia Independent Craft Market, Holiday Edition. Holiday shoppers also enjoyed free Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer!
Over 5 awesome bands played their original music while we all browsed for that special one-of-a-kind gift. Many thanks to 2424 Studios in Fishtown for allowing the use of their magnificant gallery space.
” Quote – 2424 Studios, Philadelphia’s newest work studio community. Located in Fishtown at the corner of York and Gaul streets, right off of I-95, and convenient to public transportation, 2424 Studios consists of over 100 work studios and/or office suites that range from 350 to over 6,000 square feet. The rents start at $399 per month and units are now available! Also located within 2424 Studios is the “Skybox,” an unparalleled and climate controlled event space of over 6,200 feet that is for tenants’ use, for community use and for rent to the public. 2424 Studios is now open to the public so please feel free to come by any time to take a look. “
Money raised by the Craft Market benefitted the 941 Theater. Thanks Julie for organizing another great show!

Dreaminginnuclear.etsy.com

becksbuttons.etsy.com

pigeonsintheattic.etsy.com

sqrlbee.etsy.com

sayhibeth.etsy.com

pheajean.etsy.com

LilithsApothecary.etsy.com
Not done your holiday shopping? You can always find the Handmade Philly’s members by searching Etsy for “Philly Team“.
Filed under: Handmade Philly Events, Local Events, Shops & Galleries , 2009, 2424 Studios, Art, becksbuttons, Community, craft show, crafts, dreaminginnuclear, Fishtown, handmade, handmade philly, holiday, lilithsapothecary, phea jean, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Independent Craft Market, Philly Etsy Team, pigeonsintheattic, SayHiBeth, shopping, sqrl & bee
November 18, 2009 • 3:58 pm
Saturday, Nov 21 & Sunday, Nov 22
11am to 5pm
376 Shurs Lane in Roxborough/Manayunk
http://www.sardineclothing.com/CTC/info.html
Dust off your sewing machine, fire up your glue gun and hold on to your once-worn leather mini. Cut the Craft—Sardine Clothing’s celebration of local, handmade, upcycled and sustainable goods—proves the most colorful crafts are made from stuff stored in the basement. Showcased items include Fisticuff’s etched and beaded arm-ware made from old leather belts, baking mittens and dishtowels adorned with silkscreen diagrams of vintage machinery courtesy Girlscantell and soft, colorful, environmentally responsible plush toy by Zoooguu.
As longtime sustainability advocates, Sardine owners Maryanne Petrus-Gilbert and Scott Bills feel a strong connection with the handmade crafts movement. “Upcycling is the next big wave in crafting,” Bills explains. “We’d like to raise awareness that some of the coolest products are in fact sustainable.” He also points out that the best materials don’t have to be purchased. By reusing materials, artists have kept their prices reasonable while getting more creative. “The uniqueness of the products at this events can inspire you how to be creative in reusing the stuff you’ve got just lying around the house, ” Bills says.
True to their values, the Petrus-Gilbert and Bills team create product lines from clothing salvaged from charitable organizations, thrift stores and churches and sell them at local shops. Their Tee-Skirts—colorful, hand-sewn skirts from used t-shirts—are a top seller, taking third place at Baltimore’s Crafty Bastards. Support Sardine and nearly 30 other original vendors, many of them Etsy members, by heading out to Cut the Craft this weekend. With all the eco-friendly affection, you might even score some rare-yet-responsible holiday gift grabs.
- Dana Henry
Filed under: Uncategorized
November 13, 2009 • 8:40 pm
Thanks to Handmade Philly (I won tickets to attend this event!), I spent a good part of last Sunday walking around the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, taking in all the the crafts I could. From homemade pies to handmade glass beads and leather bags, the festival really offered a wide array of crafts.
Debbie Smith, of “Debbie’s Treasures” was kind enough to let me photograph some of her intricate glass beadwork. The earrings below really caught my eye and were on the fancier side, but she also had bright, colorful jewelry that could have come straight from Mexico. She makes all the beads by hand herself and then decorates them with the fine lines of glass that really make these earrings sparkle. Christmas gift anyone?

Handmade glass bead earrings
When I walked by the next piece, I started wishing I had more funds available. Barr Jozwicki, a metal sculptor from Massachusetts, really blew me away with his work. I think his most impressive sculptures were those of different trees, but he also had little towns made entirely out of metal. I can only image how long each sculpture must take him, but it definitely paid off. Kudos to Barr. I’ll look for him when I’m a little richer and looking to decorate my place.

Metal tree sculpture
My boyfriend, Zach, came along with me and he literally stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the work of “Severyn”. As a budding screenprinter, he appreciates good screenprinting. Severyn first dyes their shirts by hand and then screens extremely intricate designs on them, coming up with a final product that I definitely want to buy. You can see some of their work in their
online store.All in all, the festival was definitely eye opening for a newcomer to the handmade scene. I look forward to going to (and maybe even participating in) this event next year.
-Jasmine Patel
Filed under: Uncategorized
November 10, 2009 • 5:25 pm

This past Saturday, I hurried down Passyunk Avenue to acclimate my best pal with the adorable kitsch and charm of my new favorite local shop, JimmyStyle. With goodies perfect for sprucing up the home, body, and baby (let’s face it, they’re pretty boring on their own), and a sweet gray shop cat that contributes to my decision that the shop is, indeed, a favorite, JimmyStyle carefully creates whimsy in its bright, welcoming space. They also provide a perfect environment for artists and authors to showcase their creations, which writer/stylist/craft lady Kayte Terry demonstrated the second we stepped in the door. Kayte set up shop at Jimmystyle this weekend for the release and signing of her second book, Appliqué Your Way – a hands-on guide to all things “reborn, recycled and repurposed.” With step-by-step illustrations, photographs and patterns for over 35 projects, all packed into a lay-flat wire-bound book (with a pocket for templates! So clever!), Kayte’s book will teach you how to revamp everything from skirts to scarves.
To accompany the book’s debut, Kayte lead a DIY workshop, created spectacular wall art to display at the shop (it’s for sale, people!) and developed kits (in conjunction with her adorably crafty mom) with everything you need to make one of the book’s projects, a felt ornament.
Check out her book and art, on sale and ready for perusing this month at Jimmystyle. And send my regards to the cat.
Appliqué Your Way, published by Chronicle Books, is available for $19.95. The craft kit is $22 and makes 3 ornaments.
Kayte Terry
www.thisisloveforever.com
loveforever.etsy.com
JimmyStyle
1820 East Passyunk Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
267-239-0598
www.shopjimmystyle.com
Filed under: Uncategorized