5 Handmade Stops in Philly

Wanna submit your own handmade stops in a county or town or region of PA?  Just send links to nick@pacrafts.org. This one comes from Amy Blasco of Crafty Balboa (April Showers is on April 24).

1 -Nice Things Handmade - One of the newest gallery-boutiques located in South Philly, Nice Things features local favorites as well as artists and crafters from all around the country.  Owner Elissa Kara keeps the shop stocked with clothing, accessories, jewelry, ceramics, prints, photographs and some much more.  Each time you visit Nice Things Handmade you are bound to discover something new.  Nice Things participates in Second Saturdays, a monthly event, by hosting a gallery night and has plans to offer workshops such as sewing and silk screening. While you are in the area don’t forget to grab one of Philly’s finest delicacies, the cheesesteak! 1731 E. Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148.

2 – Art Star - Located in the Northern Liberties section of town Art Star is one of Philadelphia’s premier handmade stops.  Browsing their selection of goods is like walking through a carefully curated gallery. Be sure to check out their exhibition space which features a new artist every six weeks, opening March 27^th, The Souvenir Shop, will feature the work of 25 ceramic artists from all over the country.  Art Star is also responsible for the annual Art Star Craft Bazaar, a huge outdoor art/craft market showcasing the wares of over 100 local and national artists, registration is still open! 623 N. 2^nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123.

3 – “A Love Letter for You” – Philadelphia is home to over 3000 public art murals, it’s hard to turn a corner without bumping into one.  One of the Mural Arts Programs newest projects is “A Love Letter for You”, a collaboration between artist Stephen Powers and The Mural Arts Program to create 50 rooftop murals, expressing a love letter from a guy to a girl, along the Market Street corridor.  Hop on the Market Frankford line for the best view of this collection.  The Mural Arts Program accepts artist’s submissions for murals and offers opportunities for volunteers.

4 – Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby – Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby is an event in Philadelphia not to be missed!  The derby is not so much a race as it’s a design competition and parade of human powered vehicle floats.  All the floats and vehicles are created by individuals or teams and must represent a specific theme, awards go out for Best Art, Best Theme, and Best Breakdown to name a few.  The derby is held in conjunction with the Trenton Avenue Arts Festival, an all day arts and crafts fair with live music, local vendors and local food!  Registration is still open for both the Derby and the Arts festival so get your creating on. 2515 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125.

5 – Pterodactyl - Pterodactyl is bringing art and art making to the public through classes, studio spaces and events.  Check out the classes offered; they have a little bit for everyone from “Simple Sewing for Everyday Life” to “Contemporary Concepts of Bone as a Material”.  Looking for a space to show your work, or have a great idea for a show? Pterodactyl accepts proposals to curate exhibitions in their gallery space. 3237 Amber St. Box 3 Fifth Floor North, Philadelphia, PA 19134.

bonus stop – bahdeebahdu -“Emergence” is a group exhibition currently showing at bahdeebahdu in association with The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA), Philagrafika 2010, and FiberPhiladelphia. The work represents the complexity of ordinary life – shifting the perceptual patterns of the world. Participating artists working with clay, printmaking and fabric explore this concept in a world of stability and change. 1522 N. American Street. Philadelphia, PA 19122.

Where would you go from here? Share your favorite handmade stops in Philadelphia in the comment section below.