Last year I heard so many wonderful things about Clover Market but had conflicts with almost every date. So yesterday I fought my way through the traffic of Philadelphia to get to Ardmore and see things for myself. It was a lovely day to be out and about, so lovely that I made it a family affair with Tom and Lucy. I met some new local vendors with handmade and vintage wares, including Made by Liddy, whose paper Kusadama balls made me want to get an early start to Christmas shopping (I’ve done it before). 

I even loved her signage, which was the nailhead-and-string effect that I’ve been noticing a lot lately. Nevertheless, Liddy’s booth was simple and inspiring - I’m looking forward to what she cooks up in the future!

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We recently joined the yupster revolution and bought ourselves a DSLR. Um, yeah. But it’s ok - we don’t think we’re photographers or anything. With the responsibility of owning such a beautiful machine, we thought we’d get to know her a little better. Enter Project Basho, a photography studio in Philadelphia with (affordable!) classes ranging from beginners to professionals. We scored a Living Social voucher, making it even more of a deal. Both Tom and I attended a few beginner’s courses, and love the down-to-earth, accessible atmosphere they have going on there.

I recently attended my first class - I’ll admit I was a little anxious stepping into a studio with my Canon Rebel not knowing much more than where the on/off button was, but soon I felt comfortable asking anything. Now my only problem is I want to take more classes. Fortunately, they have a rotating schedule of different classes, workshops, and tutorials that can easily fit into my schedule. Interested in taking classes? Be sure to tell them Mrs. Jamie Adjemian referred you - and score me some free bucks there, ok friend?

Not only do does Project Basho teach, but you can rent space, attend exhibits, teach, and much more in the converted studio. And please do check out the upstairs - the subtleties in architecture, such as reveals around doors instead of trim, pocket doors, curved wall, and even the center-screwed floor tiles all tie in to the calming energy of the studio. (Interior designers notice these sorts of things.)

Photo: Pia Johnson, as featured in the current show now Feb 11 - March 25.

I hadn’t planned to get to Art Star Craft Bazaar this weekend. In fact, as most things do these days, it sort of snuck up on me. However, after fellow Philly creative Susan over at Fleurishing kept tweeting about such lovely things, I squeezed a little time out of my Sunday afternoon to get over there and experiment with my new camera. Yeah, I looked all sorts of official with a camera - too bad I was so busy chatting that I didn’t notice my focus was way off.

Skylark Studio - I had seen Karen’s work before but it was lovely to see and touch it in person. She explained to me her continuous development of designs that have outlasted the indie scene’s anticipated expiration date, such as the birds and antlers that still seem to dominate sales. My favorite piece was a simple pendant with a new variation of her fish-scale design. Unfortunately, my camera skills were off to a rocky start and the photos didn’t quite turn out. No worries, though, as I was having a lovely time chatting with her! Quality time with an artist is worth a few blurry shots.

Kin Ship Press - They were featured etsy sellers this summer, where they share the inspirations and process. By the way, I need this mug to remind me to actually enjoy my coffee.

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In between my 9-5 job, part-time school status, and raising a 2yrs-old, I somehow missed the opening of Design Philadelphia yesterday. So now I’m reorganizing my schedule to see what I can manage to fit into my already packed week ahead. Smashing printers seems fun, as does drooling over DwellStudio in person or visiting the artist studio tours. I’ll let you know what I end up making via twitter. Hope to see you there, wherever that is.

A sweet place to grow some herbs, eh? Cedar Herb Box by Shift_Design

Photo by Sam Oberter

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On a miserable and rainy Saturday afternoon, I stopped by the Art Star Craft Bazaar. I was fumbling with my umbrella, coffee, and iPhone, and wasn’t able to get any good pictures. However, here is a roundup of some faves with photos by the artists & crafters themselves:

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The always awesome ReStore salvage shop in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia was recently used for a music video. Take a tour with Violet Violet.

Got $10? Feeling generous to do something for Earth Day? How about moseying on over to this Kickstarter page and helping a Philadelphia high school plant a veggie garden and paint a mural? I’ve been volunteering at my local US Green Building Council chapter (the DVGBC) for the Emerging Professionals Committee, helping to coordinate this event. It went from an idea of starting a garden for the new LEED Platinum Kensington High School for the Creative and Performing Arts to a green festival with over 100 volunteers and even a cameo by Mayor Michael Nutter. Yeah, it’s a pretty big deal. But we need YOUR help to make it happen. So c’mon, help some kids learn to grow some food. And put your mind at ease knowing you’ve contributed to Earth Day in some way.

I’m an interior designer, in case I never mentioned that. I live and breathe design in any form, really. Life is a composition for me. So trying my hand at photographic styling should come naturally, right? Well… sort of. I recently (translation: months ago but am just getting around to posting) borrowed my friend Gavin’s amazing kitchen and sweet camera skills to get creative. I severely underestimated the amount of time in preparation, which compromised our available natural light.  I guess it’s because I’m pretty specific when it comes to lining things up, assembling items on trays, etc. It’s what a designer does, right? We go crazy getting things just perfect. Luckily, Gavin’s kitchen (one of the many highlights in the 869 Compound) was rich with natural finishes and, being home to two skilled chefs, was also filled with fun accents like vintage baking pans and fresh produce to arrange (and rearrange several times).

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