Philly Makes!

As previously mentioned, quite a few of our team members recently participated in the Thing A Day project, making one thing each day for a month and then posting about it. I personally made it only halfway through…though I was continually making things, the daily posting requirement was very time consuming.

Some members of Handmade Philly and the Philly Etsy Team have decided to create a new project because we wanted to continue to have a place to share our projects and to see what others are working on. Philly Makes participants commit to making and posting one thing per week. We’re defining “thing” pretty loosely - it could be just about anything you make, even something cool you made for dinner or whatever. It doesn’t even need to be a completed project - if you have a work in progress you want to share, that’s cool too!

Want to join? Artists, crafters and designers can send an email to Jen with a brief description of what you make, how you would like your name listed in the Participants list, and your web URL if you have one!

Team Meeting February: 3rd Friday of Every Month!

Becky Lee demonstrated how to create a Treasury

Andrew told us about the Made in Philly catalog

Suzanne told us about her South Street storefront idea


Join us for the next meeting at 6:00 pm on March 20
at the Mew Gallery at 906 Christian St.

Thing-a-Day

Thing-a-day is a month long project; each participant commits to make one new thing (project, sketch, etc.) per day and share it on the group blog. Here is a link to the thing-a-day blog. Quite a few members from the Philly Etsy Team are participating. Here are links to their posts: Jen McCleary, Girls Can Tell, Miss Koco, RedRedOrange, MaryJo Rosania, Studio Captura, Sqrl & Bee Studio & Flying Fox Designs.

September 2008 Craftadelphia!

Another exciting show featuring the Philly Etsy Team at Mew Gallery—thanks to everyone who came out to show their wares and expand the team’s growing reputation as a group of creative artists eager to enliven the Philadelphia art scene. Even the wobbly economy couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the handcrafters and the customers who were wowed by their offerings. This is one cool group and our little corner of Philadelphia is making an impact on the rest of the city. Thanks to everyone who helped make this another wonderful day. Philly Etsy rocks!
Here are a few pictures from the show. If anyone has more to offer, please send them along.
(Text and Images by MWMDesigns)

Ahlen Moin’s science fiction paintings

Miss Koco’s eclectic wonders

Botodesigns’ Japanese-inspired art, dolls and clothing

Grace Christie’s meticulously made jewelry

Becky Augustine’s elegant jewelry designs

Bijoux by Allison’s fun jewelry

Tremundo’s original handbag designs

MWMDesigns setup and individual pieces

Etsy Friday Night Workshops

9-16-08 Update: Unfortunately, the Cheltenham Arts Center has closed down. We are in the process of finding a new location for these workshops. Check back for details...

[click to view larger image]

Craftadelphia!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by on Saturday! Next month's Craftadelphia! event, taking place on August 9th, from 11am to 4pm at Mew Gallery is already completely booked with vendors, so it promises to be a great show.

Craftadelphia! THIS SATURDAY!

This month's Craftadelphia will be featuring art, handmade crafts and live music by Nicole Erin Carey.
Event takes place THIS SATURDAY, July 12th at mew gallery: 906 christian street from 11am to 4pm. Now's your chance to buy handmade items directly from the artists. This month's vendors will be selling independently designed and produced purses, hats, jewelry, greeting cards, etc.

So, what's so great about buying handmade? According to the lovely folks over at buyhandmade.org, here are three reasons you can be proud to join the handmade movement...

1/ Buying Handmade makes for better gift-giving.

The giver of a handmade gift has avoided the parking lots and long lines of the big chain stores in favor of something more meaningful. If the giver has purchased the gift, s/he feels the satisfaction of supporting an artist or crafter directly. The recipient of the handmade gift receives something that is one-of-a-kind, and made with care and attention that can
be seen and touched. It is the result of skill and craftsmanship that is absent in the world of large-scale manufacturing.

2/ Buying handmade is better for people.

The ascendancy of chain store culture and global manufacturing has left us dressing, furnishing, and decorating alike. We are encouraged to be consumers, not producers, of our own culture. Our ties to the local and human sources of our goods have been lost. Buying handmade helps us reconnect.

3/ Buying handmade is better for the environment.

The accumulating environmental effects of mass production are a major cause of global warming and the poisoning of our air, water and soil. Every item you make or purchase from a small-scale independent artist or crafter strikes a small blow to the forces of mass production.

Not Your Grandma's Craft Show

The Philly Etsy Team is joining up w/ the Mason Dixon Etsy Team and organizing this event! It's being held at the Church of Divine Energy (48th and Woodland Ave.) on May 10th!

Please be sure to come out to the event to show your support! We are currently signing up vendors, so if you are interested in participating, contact Heather at zencreations04@yahoo.com. [Tables are $20 each.] Please be sure to include your name, shop name and dimensions of your table that you will be using at this event. Vendors, please remember that tables will not be provided.

We have a myspace page for this event. Add it as a top friend, forward the page to your other friends! Blog about this event! Post bulletins! http://www.myspace.com/notyourgrandmascraftshow.com