Meet the Neighbors 2: Nice things… handmade

On my next neighborhood excursion I went south, down East Passyunk Ave, to Nice things… handmade. Owner Elissa Kara just celebrated her second anniversary of opening, and her shop was bustling with preparation when I went to visit. I first met Elissa at her Island of Misfit Toys Holiday Hurrah in December, but we didn’t get much time to chat, so it was nice to get to sit down with her and learn more about her handmade enterprises.

Elissa is a Philadelphia native. She grew up around South Street, worked at the White Dog Cafe in West Philly, and sold her own art before opening Nice things. It was never her plan to open a handmade shop, but after two similar businesses closed she realized how much she loved these shops and felt strongly that people in Philadelphia need them. Before she knew it, ideas started rolling, a storefront was found, and Nice things… handmade was born!

If you ever have a spare afternoon Passyunk Avenue is a fun place to explore. Elissa loves the community vibe in South Philly and Passyunk especially, where there are a lot of young women business owners. What struck me the most while talking with her is how friendly and nurturing she is. Other artists and customers came in during our conversation and Elissa took time to talk to all of them, offer them some advice, guide them to a perfect gift, or just say hello. She shows about 100 artists at any time, 75% local and the other 25% from the rest of the country, and Elissa makes things for the shop as well, like her popular knitted hats in the first photo. With a background in painting, bookmaking, ceramics, and anything else you can think of, you can feel her enthusiasm for handmade everywhere.

After talking with Elissa it is impossible not to be excited about making and buying handmade. And the shop name? That’s a tribute to her mother, who had her own shop called Nice Things. And in a way, I think that family sentiment sums her up.

Nice things… handmade, 1731 East Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia
www.nicethingshandmade.com/

Ashley was born and raised in rural Pennsylvania, and received her BA in Anthropology and Art History from the University of Delaware. For the past four years she has lived in London, working on Portobello Road. She has recently returned with her husband to live in Philadelphia and now works full-time as a stained glass artist, ABJ Glassworks. Discover her blog, etsy shop and FB page..