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Handmade Philly
A suitcase full of new clothes
Oct 13th
There are very few things in this world that I love more than a pile of new clothes. Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to volunteer at and participate in the Philly Swap o Rama Rama. It was my first time there and let me tell you – it was so much fun!
I volunteered at the Handmade Philly table at which we were making monster pins or collage pins. We were a kid friendly station and had sooo many creative people sit and chat with us throughout the day. And of course, periodically I’d meander to the swap tables and snag some sweet additions to my closet.
I saw less and less of the items I provided with each visit to the tables which made me a happy camper. And I seriously ended up swapping out all the fabric in my wheelie suitcase for clothing! I managed to complete all the alterations to make everything fit within a day or two which really made the whole experience worthwhile.
Thanks a million to Megan for putting the whole thing together! And I don’t know who got Urban Outfitters to open up their headquarters but it was AWESOME!! I wonder if there are any openings for accountants….
Photo credit: Allison Ostertag
So many creative minds out there!
Jul 2nd
Recently I had the joy of attending an interactive storytelling hour at my library. The main reason for me going (since I have no children with whom to tag along 
) was that I’m the treasurer of my Friends group at my library. Brief background, we’re a fund raising arm for the library. They never have enough money to cover all the fun programs or all the great upgrades necessary, so we raise money to provide what we believe will further the interest in and use of the library by the community. 
Anywho, the Friends sponsored the library’s summer reading program so I was there to recruit more families. Serendipity happened when I realized that I knew the woman who was performing – Victoria O’Neill! And when I say “I knew”, I mean “I chatted with online via Handmade Philly and email but never actually met in person”.
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New art for all
Jun 30th
Recently I organized an art swap, just because it’s always nice to have someone else’s art grace your walls. I love seeing everyone else’s point of view and am all about jumping on the swap bandwagon. Now if only I could get enough courage to join a quilt bee…
I’ll start by showing off the item I received. My inspiration word to Jen was infinity (as in the math symbol, not Buzz Lightyear ) and she came up with this fantastic piece of art! And just my luck, it’s in my fave colors of blue and silver!! She must’ve known.
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Papa’s Day – it’s coming!
Jun 10th
I write a monthly gift guide for Handmade Philly and thought you might be interested in it too! Hope you find something good!
Oh my goodness, it’s almost father’s day! Don’t worry though, you still have a week and a half to pick out and order up the perfect gift. My dad is a traditional manly man. He works with his hands all day and I just can’t use a tie as a back up gift for him. Good news, I have a whole community of crafters to rely on – thanks Handmade Philly!! Hopefully you can find something suitable for your dad too, no matter what he enjoys. Click on the photos for more info!
I don’t know about your dad, but mine always needs a notebook to keep track of things (mainly car maintenance – thanks dad!!!) Pick up a small journal or notepad from readwritebooks which Dad can easily slip into his pocket or keep in his glovebox.
Does Dad’s space need a little brightening? Choose any of the sweet, bright, manly prints available from Pragyak.
This might be the coolest thing ever. Give Dad a way to see you every day with this awesome snapshot pin from Amy Blasco Jewelry. Dad can swap out the pics as you change your hairstyle and he can use this pin as a (large) tie tack or attached to his laptop case.
We all know how much Dad appreciates his afternoon beverage, so show him your love with a can cozy available from Grey Overcast Creations.
If Dad spends lots of time in the office, I’m sure his coffee routine could use a change of pace. Mix it up a bit by gifting him this lovely new mug from Bohner Designs.
Something else to brighten up Dad’s workspace – a terrarium! Pick up this small terrarium in person in Philadelphia from Felt & Kept (no shipping available!).
I don’t know about your Dad, but mine eats on the run every single working day. Set him up with this flatware set so he always has some utensils handy. It also comes with a cloth napkin and sandwich bags!
Clean up Dad’s act with this lovely soap dish holder from Light Mosaics. It’s gorgeous for catching light at the kitchen sink or in Dad’s bathroom counter.
These custom felties from Sqrl & Bee Studio are just too cute to pass up! Pick up one that resembles Dad, or maybe one that resembles you to grace his workspace. Even better, get one to stand for all your siblings so Dad can always have his family nearby!
Hopefully you found something in this guide that your Dad will enjoy! Don’t forget about the tons of other items available from Handmade Philly artisans that weren’t included in this particular guide.
Happy Fathers’ Day!!
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