03 December 2009

Season for Giving


Every year we struggle with what to get those closest to us, and more, what to get those that aren't so close to us. One of the best ways to get all of your shopping done is to visit one of the many holiday markets popping up around the city this time of year. Not only can you get most of your shopping done in one place; but often you can have fun doing it!

I know you're thinking of the holiday rush at Herald Square or the late night fights over digital cameras at the electronic store. But not only are holiday craft fairs more laid back then all that, you can find one of a kind handmade items that mean a whole lot more than a sweater from a department store. And for that secret santa at work, you can find the perfect this-means-a-lot-without-meaning-to-much- gift.

One of the most frequent Holiday Craft Fairs is Brooklyn Indie Market which is open every weekend until Christmas on Saturday from 11-7pm and Sunday from 11-6pm. It's a smaller venue but you'll find plenty of vendors there to help you cross those names off your list. And if you're the last minute kind, as I am, you'll be happy to know that they are open pretty late in the season.



Another frequent market is the Young Designers Market. This one is in Manhattan for all you Brooklyn-phobes out there. This is the spot for jewelry and one of a kind (or few of a kind) clothing and shoes. 268 Mulberry St (between Prince and Houston).


Brooklyn Flea is a market I could go to every weekend, if I had never ending funds that is. From their selection of Vintage Furniture and clothing to their kiosks of jewelry and nick nacks you can spend hours wandering around either of their two locations. And just when you think you're too exhausted to go on, hit up the food vendors for some tasty treats.

Artists and Fleas boasts a well juried selection of vendors in a great neighborhood for some laid back fun. And with their new vintage location opened right next door you're sure to find just what you're looking for. There are also a lot of brunch options so fill up on Mimosas (the energy drink for late risers) and get going!


If you're looking for more than just a flea market, try on one of the bigger one time only events around town. The Bust Holiday Craftacular is not to be missed.


The 3rd Ward Holiday Craft Fair is so much more than that. Located in the newly dubbed "cool brooklyn spot" Bushwick is the new part of Brooklyn booming with young Artists and designers. AdHoc and 3rd Ward are just two of many exhibition spaces located in this part of town. 3rd Ward has put together a craft fair to put all craft fairs to shame. Not only can you shop, you can learn how to make stuff while eating, drinking, shopping and listening to live music! I mean come on people, you don't have to leave the building. And this year it's occupying two floors at the Ward so wear some comfy clothes and get down there. The 3rd Ward Holiday Craft Fair is on December 12 from Noon-6pm.


The {New New}'s Handmade Cavalcade is back again this year. Get this you get a raffle ticket everytime you buy something. So the more you purchase the more likely you are to win some free stuff!

The bad news, the bigger craft fairs are over. the good news, they happen every year. So be sure to put them on the new calendar you get in the new year and check out the fairs that are happening through the holidays!

If you're gonna consume, do it right. Buy handmade!

28 October 2009

Day of the Dead




For all of you who were not able to brave the elements and head over to Brooklyn for Steampunk Day II here are some photos of what you missed.

Photos taken by Tsirkus are always amazingly eerie. For more of his work, check out Tsirkus.org.












Little Red Riding Hood goes Steampunk!


















The fashion show was quite inventive as usual...
Covered by NY Metromix.



Watch the Video






TimeOut NY covered the event again this year. Here's the recap.



For more photos from the Brooklyn Indie Market's Steampunk Day II check this out.

14 October 2009

Cold As...

Ok so, who's freezing already? Break out the jackets, nay, coats and scarves and brave the great outdoors while looking fabulous.

Or perhaps a cape would tickle your fancy...



































And nothing says Fall like corduroy.














But fall doesn't have to be all prep...maybe a feather or two...








So stay warm and cute, and enjoy the change of seasons with some new pieces for your wardrobe!

23 September 2009

Steampunk Day II


It's that time again! The second Steampunk Day hits the Brooklyn Indie Market on October 24th this year and we're expecting quite a fun and fantastical time. Come on down and check it out if you're able. The Brooklyn Indie Market happens every weekend but Steampunk Day comes once a year.


















Check out what's going on at this year's festivities

And some press from last year if you want to see what you're in for.
Hope to see you there!
Where?
Smith Street (between Union and President)
Brooklyn NY.
Look for the red and white striped tent.

08 September 2009

V is for Vintage...Among Other Things

Even if you don't love that the summer is fading, you should love that you get to add new pieces to your wardrobe. Here's some new, old pieces to love.






This yellow knee length skirt is great for many occassions. Made of course, of polyester, a staple in any vintage wardrobe. Bare legs or tights, belted or not, this skirt is sure to please.


This plaid skirt is sure to cheer you up on a cold day. It's bright colors and warm fabric will keep you looking chipper on those brisk Fall nights.
The silhouette is slim and sexy, and the elastic waistband can be quite forgiving. This skirt calls for high heels or chunky winter boots.




Cupcakes anyone? For all you bakers with a sweet tooth, this apron will help you pump out delicious treats while keeping your outfit spic and span (or you could always bake naked...no one?).



All this and more vintage at IMHandmade.etsy.com


Be sure to keep an eye out for new pieces. Handmade items and more vintage added all the time!








20 August 2009

My RadioActivity



Between two of the most gentrified, baby-loving neighborhoods in Brooklyn, there lies a magical place called Gowanus. In that place there is a canal, a canal so polluted the EPA wants to deem it a Superfund site, a place where the marine life in that canal has come to adapt to the horrific conditions that lie beneath. As long as that canal is dirty you can probably afford to live in Gowanus, when they clean it I'm sure the babies and condos will come in droves. My point? Get over to Gowanus and check out Littlefield (622 Degraw Street at 4th Ave) check out some art and music...come get your culture, before it's cleaned up.

If you were lucky enough to have a mom as awesome as mine growing up, then you're no doubt aware of the greatness of Donna Summer, come check her out Thursday night in Coney Island...for FREE!!!

Some times I get bummed because summer's ending, and then I think about the wardrobe change over. I feel like I'm getting new clothes every season when the wardrobe changes. Nothing is actually bought, but I rediscover all the pieces from last Fall and it seems like I'm getting something new. Maybe it's ADD, maybe it's not. Here are some things I will be buying:

A good boot is hard to find. You don't want it to look too femme, not too masculine either...these tipster boots may have just hit the nail on the head.

...and these are just pretty badass







Oxfords are great. Correction, men's oxfords are great. So when you find a pair of women's oxfords that are dope you better jump...I said jump!
Unfortunately you can't have these...they're for someone else. But Etsy is not only the best place to shop for handmade items; there are some great vintage finds that live there as well.

Ramona West constantly has great items. Very west coast attitude, which is great for us NYers. Cali vintage is definitely a different world than it's darker more serious NYC sister. It's as if someone has gone to every vintage store in LA and purchased all of the best stuff, which you now get to pick from. The price point is fantastic, so you don't always have to choose one or the other, you can just get both. Right now there's a clearance sale going on, so stock up for Fall with layers of vintage california.

Have a beautiful day!

27 July 2009

Last Days of Summer

Last Days of Summer


Just as you get used to peeing in a Port a John at an outdoor festival, or accept the fact that you're never gonna stop sweating it seems that the summer is already on its way out the door! The Pitchfork Music Festival was more than wonderful; beer, handicrafts and all the 90s bands you missed so terribly, Prospect Park continued to deliver amazing free concerts in their bandshell, and the "Pool Parties" in Williamsburg have provided the soundtrack to many a dance party.

But before the warm weather fades check out these Summer pieces that can easily transition to Fall.


These vintage plaid culottes are only for the sassy. They're a wool blend which works great for the Fall. The high waist and classic 70s color combination make these a wonderful vintage piece. You can wear them with heels until the Fall then, throw on a pair of your fav boots.


Tote bags are an NYC essential, keep your beach stuff in one now, and carry your extra layers in it during those chilly Fall days.


This preppy vest can give a girlie summer dress a little edge or go over a long sleeved tee on a cooler day.


This bag is a great transition from Summer to Fall, but it's also a great day to night bag.


This vintage skirt is so bright and cheery. It's heavy enough to keep you warm but flowy enough to breathe. The elastic waist band makes it super comfy. Wear it now with heels and later with boots. It also looks good with a low profile sneaker, think Keds or oldschool Vans.

Ready for Fall now? Great! Now let's go see some summer music outside before it's all over! seriously let's go!

ohmyrockness.com

02 June 2009

Hot Fun in the Summer Time


Summer is here!!! Thanks to everyone who came out to the Art Star Craft Bazaar. We had a really great turnout both days and couldn't have gotten better weather. I almost forgot how great Philly was, and how hard they party. Let's just say, vomit spotted on the street by nine, messy people spilling into traffic by eleven, 2,480 people per block cleaning up after the drunkenness on Sunday morn, seriously it looked like there was some kind of super early morning street fair that was over by 8am.


Here are some pics of the event for those who missed it.




We've been hard at work creating new summer pieces with a little glitz for these not so glitzy times. After all, all that glitters isn't gold.

This racerback tank offers pennies from heaven.



Feathers are all the rage, atleast they are on my head.

28 May 2009

Art Star Craft Bazaar Will Make You a Better Person

Come Visit I*M*Handmade at booth #71!
Art Star Craft Bazaar May 30th & 31st
Julie West Tote Bag Image
The 6th Annual Art Star Craft Bazaar is this weekend!!
Saturday, May 30th & Sunday, May 31st
11 am - 6 pm Rain or Shine
@ Penn's Landing Great Plaza
Walnut St & Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia
It's easy to get to the bazaar using public transportation. Click here for directions
Over 100 Artists & Crafters!
vendor promo image

including (from left to right): Colleen Heineman,
BirdQueen Designs: Jewelry by Gretchen Diehl, Brainstorm Print & Design, eieio, J.L. Schnabel, Spread The Love, Paper Satchel, Robert Siegel Ceramics, & Ray-Min Shoulderware

Click the image above to be directed to our complete list of vendors w/ links to their websites.

star iconLive Music Both Days!

Jack Mcbrearty of the beloved local band The Mural & The Mint has organized live music all day, each day. A full music line-up can be found here

star iconFree Raffle!
We will be raffling off 3 gift baskets filled with handmade goodies & donations from local businesses. The raffle will be free & the winners will be contacted after the show.
star icon Book Signing Saturday with Jenny Hart!
Embroidery queen Jenny Hart will be on hand to sign copies of her new books. Stop by booth #99. New titles will be available to purchase or if you've already got one of her books bring it by for her to sign. Visit www.jennyhart.net or www.sublimestitching.com to learn more about Jenny.

star iconGoodie Bags!
Plus- the early bird catches the worm! We will give out 250 tote bags (silkscreened w/ Julie West's incredible Art Star Craft Bazaar Log) per day filled w/ gifts from our sponsors, handmade donations by our vendors, & coupons to area restaurants & shops. The earliest arrivals will get a tote bag + first dibs on the coolest crafts! Stop by booth #102.
star iconGet your "Handmade Nation" Tickets!
Meet director Faythe Levine at Philadelphia's premiere screening of her documentary "Handmade Nation" on Saturday, August 1st, 2009 @ 6 pm. Tickets are $5 & available for sale during the bazaar at Art Star booth #101. For more info visit indiecraftdocumentary.blogspot.com

Art Star Craft Bazaar Tote Bag

ASCB tote bags will be available to purchase at the art star booth #102 this weekend or click here to purchase the above tote for just $5 (plus shipping)
SPONSORED IN PART BY:
Squam Art Workshops Scion Citypaper

Two One Five Magazine Rosen Group

Deleware River Water Corporation


Jen Corace Prints Coming Soon
New in the shop:
Jen Corace Limited Edition Prints
Click here for more info

Art Star is a gallery & boutique located in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia. We exhibit and sell handmade work & limited edition products by emerging artists across the globe. Hailed by Philadelphia Magazine as the "the cities first cutting-edge craft shop", we strive to carry work that is innovative & superbly crafted. We have also created & continue to support a growing network of burgeoning artists. Our exhibitions rotate every 6 weeks and our boutique offers shoppers everything from handmade clothes, jewelry & accessories to dolls, ceramics & prints.