A fresh face on Manayunk’s Main Street, Molly Cygan’s The Little Apple

A little piece of the O.C. has landed on Manayunk’s Main Street! Entrepreneur and Southern California native Molly Cygan opened The Little Apple boutique in February with an Etsy meets Anthropologie feel to the charming, and now popular, shop. Cygan, a 2006 Berkeley grad who boasts an art history degree, was inspired years ago by her boarding school days at Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. “The seeds were definitely planted when I was at boarding school at Exeter. Here we were-lots of young kids in a small town with disposable cash—but nowhere to spend it. I was determined when I went back for my five year reunion (at Exeter) to start looking into opening a little boutique. And, of course, when I returned the downtown was packed with great shops-so clearly a few other people had the same idea! So, I kind of gave it up at that time but still wanted to pursue opening my own shop when the time was just right,” explained Cygan.

That time came last fall. After Berkeley, Cygan lived in New York City briefly before moving to Philadelphia this past October with her fiancé, who is in medical school at Drexel. (They will be tying the knot at her parent’s house in Cal July 3rd.) It was then that she started to rethink the idea of her own storefront. “I started to check out some spaces around the city and nothing seemed to be a fit. Then, some of my fiancé’s friends suggested that I look into Manayunk and that’s when I found this space on Craig’s List. It needed some serious TLC but I could see the potential,” said Cygan.

The long, bright 900 square foot boutique is directly across from La Colombe coffee and down the corner from the new Saxby’s. It has old world charm accented by Cygan’s terrific sense of style that includes kitschy pick me ups—a fish stapler—to serious home décor accents—a preppy footstool by Main Line designer Chairloom (chairloom.net). The Little Apple boasts a vintage tin ceiling that Cygan had painted white, stain glass accents and gorgeous, original hard wood floors.

The Little Apple is a marvelous retail start-up in Manayunk where you'll find new, vintage and repurposed home goods, unique gifts and cards.

Cygan’s research found the building was built around the civil war and was once a cigar shop with the owner’s home above. Among the shops eclectic and fun mix of items are Lucia Candles, Louella Press stationery, jewelry from local Etsy artist Tree and Kimble, and vintage seltzer bottles. “I feel like the store has something for everyone and I try to find something new to bring in weekly—accessories, kitchen and entertaining accents, hostess gifts. And, my products are affordable, which I think is really important to shoppers these days,” said Cygan.

Once Cygan secured the Manayunk store front, she purchased, and admittedly devoured, Retail for Dummies and sought out advice from key business advisors—who encouraged her to jump start her brand on Twitter and Facebook immediately. “That same night I opened my Twitter account it was instantaneous feedback and interest. And the Facebook page has been active and growing—I am meeting a lot of people through it and they are walking through the door here. Social media is my main source of marketing—and it’s been amazing,” said Cygan.

Shop online with The Little Apple’s online store.

With her pending nuptials about a month away, Molly was inspired to begin a collection of bridal gifts and accents at Little Apple, including the line of flower pins and hairpieces (very SJP!) part of the Etsy store, Cultivar. A recent AML Etsy Phavorite, Cultivar’s line is made from reclaimed fabric and recycled beads. A customer came across the selection of artist Katie’s Reims pins and commissioned her one-of-a-kind bridal hairpiece from Reim. Cygan is considering expanding to a bridal registry for her customers.

For those who can’t make it to Manayunk but want to browse and shop online, Cygan recently launched an online store with her product line (thelittleapple.bigcartel.com) and is developing her website. “There seems to be so much going on in Manayunk right now. Saxby’s just moved in a few stores down and there’s a lot of new retail surrounding me, so I think this is a great space. And, I’m staying open late to accommodate the people who come to Manayunk to dine out after work and need to grab a gift, or who are looking to shop while they are here. It’s a great feeling and I am having a lot of fun with my store,” enthused Cygan.

More Info on The Little Apple

Online Store: thelittleapple.bigcartel.com

Publisher’s Product Pick: Adorable Rose Petal Cake Servers!

Address: 4353 Main Street, Manayunk

Phone: 267-335-4968

Store Hours: Wed through Sat 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday Noon to 5 p.m.

Facebook: The Little Apple

Twitter: TheLilAppleStor

Website: www.thelittleapplestore.com

Bryn Mawr’s Verdad was the sophisticated setting for Wednesday Night Whinos’ successful launch party.

AroundMainLine.com kicked off an exciting new ladies social club, Wednesday Night Whinos, at Bryn Mawr’s Verdad on the evening of March 3rd! Over 40 ladies from our AML Facebook fan page and Twitter group came out to Verdad to connect and celebrate the launch of Whinos, enjoy wonderful tapas food and Spanish wine and win fantastic prizes.

Verdad head chef Nick Farina, formerly of Bryn Mawr’s Blush, is a good friend of the AML family. In October of 2008, AML hosted our emagazine’s launch party at Blush and have been working with Farina ever since. Verdad proved the perfect central location for the Whinos kickoff party with delicious tapas food served all night long in the bar area.

WNW is a fun, new group of ladies from across the Main Line and Delaware Valley who enjoy socializing, networking, and making new connections with other business women, moms and fun gals. Wednesday Night Whinos is free to all local women 21 and over, and is the suburban region’s first women’s club that is inclusive and welcoming to all. There are no membership fees or obligations with WNW-local ladies can attend at their convenience and leisure and keep connecting with other Whinos daily on AML’s Facebook fan page. WNW is also forming an enthusiastic local group of followers on Twitter @WedNightWhinos.

Lovely ladies and new friends converged for the exciting start of AML’s Main Line ladies social club.

AroundMainLine.com is now 18 months old and going strong! So I thought it was due time to connect with all the fantastic women that have been brought together through AML—and create an opportunity to form friendships and business connections with new friends across the Delaware Valley!

In addition to WNW, AML also is hosting regular Monday Night Meetups (open to both men and women) at various businesses across the city and suburban region. Save the date for our next Monday Night Meetup at Hob Nob Home in Wayne May 3rd. Full, fun details will be coming to AML and AML’s Facebook fan page soon.

Wednesday Night Whinos’ March Launch Party Sponsors

Belle Vie Photography
20 lucky WNW attendees received fun swag bags, valued at over $100, sponsored by Heather Berkenstock of Belle Vie Photography. A premier Main Line infant and children’s photographer, Heather’s beautiful photography is featured frequently on AML. Looking for a fantastic family, newborn, or baby photographer this spring? Contact Heather: heather@belleviephotography.com

Black Walnut Winery
Chester County’s Black Walnut Winery provided complimentary wine to the attendees. Black Walnut is located in a renovated bank barn and is a member of the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail. Check out their website for upcoming events at the winery!

The staff of Wayne’s Salon d’ Artiste, the Main Line’s premier day spa and salon and WNW party sponsor, joined the enthusiastic group of over 40 local women who helped launch Wednesday Night Whinos.

Salon d’Artiste
AML client Salon d’Artiste offered generous raffle items for the party, including a $50 gift certificate to the salon and beauty and styling products for lucky winners. Become a fan of the salon on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @SalondArtiste—and look for their friendly staff at upcoming Wednesday Night Whinos events coming this spring!

Two Paperdolls
Two Paperdolls, located in Wayne, is a full service graphic design agency provided beautiful letterpress note cards for Wednesday Night Whinos. Two Paperdolls also designed the fun logo for WNW!

Penelope & Anastasia
Royersford resident and popular Etsy jewelry designer Pamela Wanner Kucera provided beautiful earrings from her collection, Penelope & Anastasia, for our fun WNW raffle. Click here to check out Pam’s fun Etsy shop and booming biz!

Deme
Main Line aesthetician Danielle DiJulio Casey offered $50 gift cards to the lucky winners of the gift bags. Deme, with locations in Wayne and Center City, offers aesthetic medical and dental services including dental medicine, plastic surgery, skin care, psychiatry, nutritional counseling and more.

The Little Apple
Manayunk boutique The Little Apple provided chic matchboxes and fun notepads for the bags. Stay tuned on AML for a full feature on the ‘Yunk’s hottest new retail space. And, click here to see a slideshow of the shop on AML’s Facebook fan page.

Beethoven Wraps
Wayne’s premier gift shop, thirteen years running, provided fun candies, hostess napkins and entertaining accessories to complete our chic WNW swag bags.

Wednesday Night Whinos is AML’s official ladies social club. Logo design courtesy of Two Paperdolls.

Mark your calendars Main Line ladies! AML will be hosting our next fun Whinos event at Beethoven Wraps on Wednesday, April 14th. Our next two Wednesday Night Whinos are coming up in April and May to downtown Wayne!

What: Wednesday Night Whinos in Wayne

When: April 14th, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Beethoven Wraps, Lancaster Avenue downtown Wayne

Details: Check in at Beethoven Wraps with a business card and your email address to win amazing prizes and enjoy an awesome Whinos Night Out in Wayne! Because of the overwhelming response, other Wayne shops will be staying open late to help expand the fun shopping experience. Stop in next door to Blue Horse Boutique and Finer Things, and head down to the corner to shop at Fresh Ayer.

Facebook Event: So we can plan accordingly please RSVP here on our AML Facebook WNW event page or kindly send an email to: rsvp@aroundmainline.com

Want to host a Wednesday Night Whinos around the Main Line or Philadelphia region? Shoot us an email at: info@aroundmainline.com

Cultivar hairpieces and bouquets are ideal for brides, bridal parties or the Main Line fashionista who wants to embrace her inner Coco Chanel. Photo courtesy of Mary Kate Timbers (kateslens.com)

Katie Reim came about the idea of using recyclable materials for hair pins and Victoriana headpieces in February 2009 while recovering from brain surgery. One year later, Reim has a clean bill of health and a successful Etsy shop. Reim is also a local artist with a line of perfectly charming illustrations of some of the Delaware Valley’s most beloved landmarks and events. I chose Cultivar, Reim’s booming accessory business on Etsy, as party of AML’s ongoing series, Etsy Phavorites. Her gorgeous clips, headbands and pins are irrestible and so SJP, I knew my AML gals will appreciate the selection!

Each piece of the Cultivar collection is constructed by hand using cleaned, recycled fabrics (mostly acquired at a Philadelphia Salvation Army) and buttons, in addition to new and reclaimed beads. Want to check out the designs in person? Look for Cultivar pieces at Manayunk’s new chic boutique, The Little Apple.

Reim designs custom bridal bouquets for approximately $125 that will never wither and can be cherished as a family heirloom.

Etsy Site: cultivar.etsy.com

Started on Etsy: In February ’09 with Cultivar-Reim was bedridden while recovering from brain surgery and started making fabric flowers on the couch to pass the time. Before she knew it, her living room was full of one-of-a-kind fabric flowers. Reim describes her thirst for creativity as “creative A.D.D.”

Company Slogan: Blooms Cultivated from Recycled Fabrics

Publisher’s Pick: So perfect for Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July and beyond is ‘Picnic in the Park,’ a hairclip and brooch priced at $26.

Price Range: $8-$85 and up

Etsy Sales: 898 to date

Current Items for Sale: 91

Hometown: Originally from Maryland, Reim currently resides in Roxborough

Blooms for Brides: Katie regularly creates custom headpieces for brides and bridal parties for summer garden weddings, or for those brides looking for a funky twist on a reception hair piece. “I really enjoy working with brides; it can be a lot of fun. We also offer coordinating fabric boutonnieres, headbands for flower girls as well, you name it.” Since she is shipping around the country, Reim asks the brides to email her pictures of the dresses, floral arrangements and consults on the wedding locale and colors to construct the appropriate pieces.

Picnic in the Park, perfect for Memorial Day and Fourth of July, is handmade with reclaimed fabrics and an antique scarf. It can be worn as a brooch or hair clip. $26

Reim’s Etsy Experience: “Etsy is a wonderful community, all the artists want to help and support each other out-as opposed to viewing each other as competition. I regularly get feedback from other sellers and advice, which has been great,” said Reim.

Giving Back: Reim gets satisfaction out of supporting the Salvation Army, stopping by weekly to find shirts, cool buttons, beads and fabrics to ‘tear up’ and ‘cultivating’ them into her one-of-kind pieces.

Kudos: Reim’s portfolio and talents can be seen on her website, katiereim.com. She boasts a 2006 Golden Addy award in illustration from the ad club of New Orleans.

Other Interests: Reim is a professional freelance illustrator (katiejeannereim.etsy.com) when she is not focusing on her other love, painting. Her whimsical interpretations of the Manayunk Bike Race and Philadelphia landmarks (Boathouse Row) are reminiscent of famed children’s illustrator Richard Scary.

Obamalot: The nation’s first lady, Michelle Obama, has been lauded for her feminine fashion sense that includes designs with floral appliqués and accents. So, Cultivar’s feminine accessories are right in step with the nation’s most prominent style figure. Last year, Mrs. Obama sported a vintage green paper maiche flower pin (on a Jason Wu canary yellow sleeveless sheath) while in Rome www.mrs-o.org. Cultivar’s one-of-a-kind cloth flower pins offer the same chic look for the Philadelphia fashionista.

A full collection of Cultivar’s designs can be found on Etsy.com at cultivar.etsy.com. Her other Etsy sites include katiejeannereim.etsy.com and a line of t-shirts, cirrusskooter.etsy.com. Katie’s professional portfolio can be viewed at katiereim.com.

Know a great Etsy vendor that’s based in the Delaware Valley? Send us their link for consideration for our Etsy Phavorites series. Contact: info@aroundmainline.com

Fly Like an Eagle
From Robson’s personal collection, an extra large 48" vintage cast metal wall eagle, $125

Interior designer Kelly Galvin Robson has a love of everything vintage. Her prolific Etsy site is brimming with irresistibly preppy, distinguished home accents-from an old set of German framed bird prints to cocktail glasses, Vera linens, milk glass, a vintage large brass horse head door knocker, McCoy pottery and more. If you are a fan of the AMC series Mad Men (the Golden-Globe winning series which depicts the lives of a group of Madison Avenue advertising executives in the ‘60s) then you will fall in love with High Street Market’s uber-chic retro collection. “I love the Philadelphia area, and I just love the creativity here among the design community. When I worked for a very high profile interior design firm in L.A., our clients always challenged us to find these amazing, one-of-a-kind pieces. They were not interested in hiring us for a living room that ended up filled with mass produced items. Every day there was the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of discovering special items for their home,” explained Robson.

But, Robson, an Orange County native, found the scarce amount of L.A. flea markets impossible to source regularly for those perfect vintage treasures. So when she and her husband moved to Bucks County a little over a year ago, she was thrilled. “I love how easily I can go to a bunch of flea markets and antique stores in one afternoon here. It was not that convenient in L.A., they were not that prolific and just working through the traffic was nuts! The Philadelphia suburbs are a treasure trove for me as a designer.”

Robson scours suburban Philadelphia flea markets regularly for great treasures for her booming Etsy shop.

Robson’s prices are also very competitive, substantially less than a local antique store. “Keeping my price (points) at a certain level has been the key. I could raise my prices but then I would be losing my customers and not offering the great value that High Street is known for,” explained Robson. And Robson’s taste has a charming country feel-in a mod Ralph Lauren way. She emphasizes that, in the current economy, clients don’t want to take risks with home design and prefer to keep it classic. “I know what I like and I have been in this business long enough to know what will stand the test of time for a home. I do like a little bit of an edge with my home accents—classic pieces with detail, interesting color palettes, something that makes a statement,” explained Robson.

One of the best parts of High Street Market’s line is her comprehensive collection of vintage Vera table linens (not to be confused with known designer Vera Bradley) which she will be circling back into her Etsy store come spring. Vera Neumann started designing linens during World War II—and is best known for her bold table linens and striking silk scarves. Neumann was an artist turned textile designer who created a booming business with her husband and who once employed designer Perry Ellis. “I adore Vera’s line-it is so timeless. She has these bright bold colors, geometric patterns and graphic images that are so appealing.”

Large sized pink depression glass square serving bowl on a pedestal, $56

Etsy Site: highstreetmarket.etsy.com

Started on Etsy: April 28, 2008

Price Range: $18 and up

Sales on Etsy: 1,942

Current Items for Sale: 134

Blog: www.highstreetmarket.blogspot.com

Email: highstreetmarket@gmail.com

Hometown: Orange County, Los Angeles

Current Residence: Bucks County

Age: 27

Occupation: Interior Designer

Undergrad: American History, University of San Diego

Graduate: Interior Design, UCLA

Freelance Interior Design Consulting Business: Kelly Robson Design

The Name: Robson and her husband lived on High Street in the Lehigh Valley for a few months when they first landed on the East Coast, thus the name inspired her Etsy shop, High Street Market.

Blog Love: If you want to find some amazing design inspiration, just take some time to visit Robson’s blog, highstreetmarket.blogspot.com. From a shout out to fellow Etsians who just landed commercial deals with a Robson retail favorite Urban Outfitters, to her personal win at landing a stunning Windsor Chair at a yard sale, Kelly has created a warm and welcoming space filled with constant inspiration, whimsy and breathtaking taste.

Vintage Frog Box, $34
Robson suggests this is perfect for keeping taller items together (like q-tips in the bathroom, or business cards in the office).

Thanks for the Memories: “When I was growing up, my grandparents entertained in such style. When we would go over to their house in Orange County at Christmas, and everything was meticulously set up-the ice bucket on the wet bar, the different dishes to hold the condiments. Everything was sterling or silver plated and everyone was allowed to use them, the children included. We have these amazing wine glasses in my family that were inherited from my great grandmother; they are stunning and a family heirloom, of course. But, we use them all the time. There is never a second thought about saving them for a ‘special occasion.’ It’s something I just believe in, making use of these wonderful objects.”

L.A. Confidential: Robson hails from Los Angeles, and brings a wealth of design experience as she worked for one of the premiere interior designers, who shall remain nameless, in the city of lights. She is still retained on a consulting basis with them.

Movie Buff: “When I watch a movie, I am obsessed with the set décor. I find myself not paying attention to the storyline sometimes because I’m too enamored with the vintage wall paper or the wicker furniture on the porch! I am always looking for inspiration and paying attention to details and design.”

Robson’s Etsy Favorites:

13 Bees (“This gal used to work for Gucci, now she sells vintage clothing on Etsy.”)

Virginia Geiger Jewels (“Perfect wedding accessories!”)

Alicia Bock (“I am a huge fan of her photography.”)

The Leather Store (“Handmade leather handbags…gorgeous!”)

Dog Art Studio (“Custom dog portraits…so darn cute!”)

Publisher’s Pick: Vintage black Halls ironstone ball jug pitcher, $48

Mad Taste: Robson’s taste, although classic, is also very en vogue at the moment as the popular AMC series Mad Men has inspired a resurgence of interest in all things ‘60s. Think Sinatra in his heyday and what Ol’ Blue Eyes would be reaching for at his living room bar…come happy hour.

Future Plans: “I love having my Etsy shop, but maybe a few years down the road I would love to develop my blog into my ‘virtual’ brick and mortar store. That is what everyone is doing in L.A.; they are always on the cutting edge of what is working in business. I have customers who come to me for freelance design consultation and then buy on my Etsy shop—and they are from all over the United States. That is the new wave of commerce and the way business is headed, especially in interior design. You can’t limit yourself to a geographic region and it’s just better business not to-my customers from Etsy have been from Austin, Texas, Australia, New York City, and San Francisco. Make the world your client base! That is the beauty of Etsy…and beyond.”

A full selection of Kelly Galvin Robson’s collection can be found on her Etsy store, highstreetmarket.etsy.com. Kelly’s decorating tips and trends are available on her blog: www.highstreetmarket.blogspot.com

Know a great Etsy vendor that’s based in the Delaware Valley? Send us their link for consideration for our Etsy Phavorites series. Contact: info@aroundmainline.com

‘Peppermint’, $115
“We do our research and we want people to look twice at our arrangements. Right now I am using a lot of cabbages and artichokes in my designs-finding unique greenery, unusual combinations of flowers,” explained O’Brien.

Think outside the box, er, the vase. That’s the advice of renowned Philly floral designer Donna O’Brien from Northern Liberties’ Beautiful Blooms. Beautiful Blooms is a full service décor design company that works with discriminating clients to create event concepts-from dream weddings, corporate events, bar/bat mitzvahs, intimate dinner parties and more. O’Brien’s bustling business was recently honored by The Knot as a Best of Weddings Winner 2010 as one of the best florists in Philadelphia.

Holiday centerpieces and wreaths in 2009 don’t have to follow any rules according to O’Brien, who prides herself on setting trends and concepts within the international design industry. Beautiful Blooms Boutique has created several floral designs and custom cedar or pine wreaths (ideal for the corporate client/thank you) that can be purchased for the holidays or throughout the winter season. These designs can be picked up or delivered ($55 or over for delivery) in Philadelphia. Variegated white, red and peppermint poinsettias wrapped in chic metallic paper have been flying out the door, said Donna, for delivery to several Philly corporations for office décor and gifts.

The talented team at Beautiful Blooms can also create custom arrangements throughout the year. “I love using different types of leaves in the centerpieces. Tulips are in season now, they come in season late fall with great colors and most people really do not think of them as a fall or winter flower. Tulips can be most unexpected but hearty and beautiful with fall and winter designs. With our containers, we are also trying to use different shapes and have the container as an accent to the arrangement,” explained O’Brien.

Red Velvet, $55
This beautiful “cone” vase is a hand blown piece made by a local student artist. It is a beautiful gift item and complimented with red ilex berries and dusty miller.

Beautiful Blooms is working with local artists to use their hand blown glass vases so the Blooms’ client also receives a beautiful one of a kind keepsake with their flowers. Popular local Etsian and glass designer Penelope Rakov is one of O’Brien’s celebrated artists (spoton.etsy.com). Her stunning, petite hand blown vases are available in O’Brien’s Northern Liberties retail location and are a perfect compliment with a romantic collection of flowers or sophisticated hostess gift.

O’Brien and Kendall Brown of Eclatante Event Design, located in dual retail spaces at their NoLibs walkway, are available for private home and party planning for the holiday and winter season throughout the Delaware Valley. The duo has a growing Main Line clientele and will offer full party design consultation, custom holiday planning, corporate design and more.

This arrangement is created in a white container with a mix of calla lilies, hydrangea, kale, privet berry, roses and accented with port orford cedar.

In addition, O’Brien’s design workshops were such a success this fall that she will be carrying the concept into 2010. On Saturday, January 30th is a ‘Go Green’ Workshop from 11am to 2pm. “We really consider ourselves trend setters in the industry. The workshops are a great way to connect and pass on what we are learning and seeing with our clients. The monochromatic look is still strong in floral design-but a mix of textures is a key area-as well as incorporating unique elements. If a hostess needs one conversation piece, knockout centerpiece for the holiday season, we will be offering four or five different specialty items to order for the season,” explained O’Brien. Beautiful Blooms now has online ordering available too through their website, beautifulblooms.com.

Holiday Floral Design Centerpiece Tips from Donna O’Brien of Northern Liberties’ Beautiful Blooms Boutique

• The woodland holiday theme remains hot this season. So, O’Brien recommends using fruits and nuts to decorate with your centerpiece. Beautiful Blooms recently did a design for a television segment where the whole arrangement was created this way. Flowers look great mixed with these non-floral elements from nature.
• Try arrangements that are allgreenery or have herbs mixed in.
• When in doubt, go with a monochromatic look. If you are not feeling so creative, sticking with one color scheme is always a safe bet, advises Donna.
• Instead of the expected clear vase, unique containers are fun-experiment with hand blown vases from local art galleries and neighborhood shops!
• Bring the outside in. Mix materials you have in your yard with fresh florals from Beautiful Blooms. For example, lay branches on the table and add small mix and match cups of flowers to enhance the look.
• Mix and match containers. Take things from your home such as gravy boats, teapots and pitchers and fill them with flowers-it can fun and eclectic! Vintage sugar bowls are super preppy.
• Floating flowers look romantic and are elegant and easy.

Beautiful Blooms Boutique is located at 1021 North Third Street, Suite 201-301 in Northern Liberties. Visit beautifulblooms.com, email info@beautifulblooms.com or call 215-925-3111 to place a holiday order, schedule a corporate delivery in the city, or inquire about an upcoming wedding or event. Interested parties can also place an online order via beautifulblooms.com.

In the upcoming New Moon movie, Jacob Black gives Bella Swan a dream catcher for her birthday. Fallen Hearts’ pewter pendant with turquoise colored enamel accents, $24.

If you have not been privy to the media buzz surrounding this Friday’s release of New Moon, the second installment of the Twilight saga, then well, you must be living in a cave. Although considering New Moon’s storyline is based on a troubled vampire, perhaps a cave is a good place to emerge from just in time for the November 20th theater debut. The highly anticipated flick is based on author Stephenie Meyer’s four book blockbuster—of which 70 million copies have been sold and subsequently translated into 45 languages across the globe. Last November’s Twilight earned $70 million in its first three days and has since grossed close to $400 million worldwide.

With her Twilight-inspired Etsy store Fallen Hearts, West Philly jewelry designer Desiree ReDavid (pronounced Ree’-David) has tapped into the tens of millions of Twilight fans, known collectively as a Twilighters. Starting her sensationally successful jewelry line was, as ReDavid explained, “a happy accident.”

The movie, New Moon, is expected to draw over 100 million fans to theaters starting this Friday, November 20th.

Working in a used bookstore in Havertown two and half years ago, Desiree befriended a regular customer who encouraged the Delaware County native to discover the Twilight series of novels. “I had not heard of it before, I went out and bought the book and really enjoyed it. I really did not know it had such a popular following. Within a few weeks, I had read all three books (the series is now a four part saga) and I was intrigued by the part of the series where Bella was given a bracelet,” explained ReDavid. A little bit of online research turned up a few interpretations of a Twilight-inspired line but the budding designer did not think they hit the mark.

So, ReDavid made herself a one-of-a-kind bracelet and a couple of customers who came through the bookstore commented and asked where they could purchase the piece. Desiree decided to put a few early pieces up on Etsy last fall to test the market and she had three sales in a matter of minutes. A few months later, she quit her current job to invest her time and talents in Fallen Hearts. Now, a year later, she boasts 1,000 sales and a very promising future. “I’ve had so much encouragement from my family and friends. It’s very exciting, what has come from the store. This is something that I don’t know when it will end so for me right now as an entrepreneur, it is a great time to flourish and enjoy this success.”

Etsy Shop: fallenhearts.etsy.com

Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/FallenHeartsJewelry

Twitter: twitter.com/FallenHearts

Renesmee Locket, $30
Inspired by the necklace that Bella Cullen gave her daughter, Renesmee, for her first Christmas is the most popular piece in the Fallen Hearts line.

Time on Etsy: April, 2008

Sales: 1,000

Price Range: $9-$50 (approx)

Selection: Over 150 pieces of stunning Twilight inspired pieces make this Etsy shop quite tempting for New Moon fans!

High School: Friends Select & Homeschooled

Hometown: Colwyn Borough

Current Residence: West Philadelphia

Custom Pieces: Twilight fans can order customized, one-of-a-kind treasures working with ReDavid and their artistic vision.

Mom Bond: Desiree ReDavid grew up in a creative family—her mother is a writer and artist. When she was 13, Desiree and her mom took a class at a bead shop on South Street. After a few classes at Moore College of Art and Design over the years to learn the finer points of jewelry design, Desiree took it upon herself to make jewelry as regular gifts for friends and family before launching Fallen Hearts.

Materials: ReDavid uses the finest quality metals along with real crystals, gemstones and glass beads. “There are many young girls who are part of the Twilight phenomenon so it was important from the beginning for me to make this line very affordable and high quality at the same time,” explained ReDavid.

Midnight in Forks ring, $20
Vintage Brass Filigree Blue Goldstone Ring

Customer Love: “I get emails every single day from Etsy clients who compliment me on the line. It really is truly amazing to have that kind of constant interaction as a designer,” enthused Desiree.

Favorite Part of Etsy: The blog, The Storque, is a must visit every day for Desiree.

Globetrotter: At last count, Desiree has shipped her jewelry to over 23 countries in the past year. “The Twilight craze is huge here in America, but it has international appeal. Every time I get an order on Etsy from a country that I have not shipped to, I get a little thrill. It’s really unbelievable.”

Best Seller: Renesmee Locket, $30

The Meadow: ReDavid’s bracelet called ‘The Meadow’ is a translation of an encounter between Bella and Edward’s intriguing afternoon swooning in a field. A pivotal part of the Twilight series, Desiree uses an antiqued brass chain chocked full with gorgeous beads and charms as her interpretation of this key chapter.

Publisher’s Pick: Liquid Topaz Twilight Inspired Crystal Drop Necklace, $20, with its rich amber crystal is a subtle nod to the series. ReDavid explained the inspiration for this piece: “Edward Cullen’s honey smooth voice and golden eyes are the inspiration behind this elegant necklace.”

A Handful of Desiree’s Favorite Etsians:

For art, www.etsy.com/shop/stilettoheights is one of my favorites. I have an original of hers and it’s just stunning.

www.etsy.com/shop/andreakett is a newer discovery, and I’m having such a hard time narrowing down what to order first. I want absolutely everything listed in this shop!

Looking at www.etsy.com/shop/wiggleperfume instantly makes me feel about ten times more flirty & fancy. Her perfumes smell just as good as they look, too.

www.etsy.com/shop/stitchandswash actually made the bag that Bella carried in the Twilight movie. She made me a custom bag in grey instead of brown and it is hands down my favorite ever. Stitch and Wash’s line is amazing quality, and the seller is fantastic to work with!

A planter from www.etsy.com/shop/giddyspinster is definitely on my ‘gifts to myself’ holiday shopping list.

www.etsy.com/shop/savor has the most delicious soap in the whole world.

And I fully intend to torture my cats with these awesome hats www.etsy.com/shop/ToScarboroughFair

A full selection of Fallen Hearts Twilight-inspired jewelry line, with over 150 pieces to choose from, can be found on ReDavid’s Etsy Shop at fallenhearts.etsy.com. To inquire about custom orders, email: desiree@fallenhearts.net.

Know a great Etsy vendor that’s based in the Delaware Valley? Send us their link for consideration for our Etsy Phavorites series via: info@aroundmainline.com

AML CEO and ePublisher Sarah Lockard.
Photo courtesy of Vida Carson

You’ve probably noticed our popular ongoing series on AroundMainLine.com called ‘Etsy Phavorites.’ It’s a fun tribute to Philadelphia-based Etsians who are successfully running an e-commerce business through Etsy.com. For those of you still new to Etsy-in essence, Etsy is an incredibly successful online marketplace that allows small business entrepreneurs to sell handmade items, including art, photography, clothing, vintage items, craft supplies, food and much more. Many people refer to it as an ‘EBay for artisans and handcrafters.’ Time Magazine recognized Etsy as one of its’ Top 50 Websites for 2009.

On October 29th, a special article on Philadelphia-based Etsians from yours truly was featured on Etsy’s popular blog, the Storque. Check out the Shop Local Philadelphia piece and our selection of incredibly talented Delaware Valley entrepreneurs successfully selling their wares on Etsy. Some names (Krista Peel, Pearl Stationery, Jadite Kate) you will recognize through our features on AML or through our cool “Etsian of the Night” series on our Facebook Fan page. Over a hundred people commented on our Shop Local feature on Etsy, it was so cool to read the comments about our Etsy artists and the gorgeous photos that made the article so successful. Special thanks to AML staff photographers Kristen Hudson-Nichols, Laura Kicey and Vida Carson who worked very hard with me to coordinate this exceptional opportunity.

Philly Etsian and artist Katie Reim looks out onto the Schuylkill River. Reim’s successful Etsy shop, katiejeannereim.etsy.com, features paintings of popular Philly landmarks, including Boathouse Row.

Our thriving AML Facebook page has given us a greater and instantaneous platform to find, celebrate and discuss many other Etsians from the Delaware Valley-and beyond. And many of these talented women have worked with us on fun Facebook giveaways. If you have not joined our Facebook Fan page, come check it out for yourself!

We were thrilled with the opportunity to be featured on Etsy and even more excited when our dear friends at Philly’s number one news station, NBC10, wrote a fantastic piece on AroundMainLine.com. NBCPhiladelphia.com continues to evolve its dynamic website and content and we were super pumped to see the article on AML entitled, “Philly’s First eMagazine Gets Etsy-ized.”

NBCPhiladelphia.com also put together a cool coordinating slideshow showcasing nine of our Etsy picks and personal photos of the artists. Check out the full feature and NBC’s own favorites from each Etsy shop!

Thank you Etsy.com and NBCPhiladelphia.com for this amazing opportunity to celebrate the wonderful city I love and call home, Philadelphia! Go Phils!

Sarah Lockard
AroundMainLine.com CEO and ePublisher

Pearl Stationery’s charming line of trick or treat favor boxes, ideal for your chic Halloween party.

Philadelphia native Stephanie H. was invited to a card making class about a year ago with her cousin. It seemed to awaken her child within. Stephanie had a passion for scrapbooking, crafting and paper projects as a little girl—spending hours working her way through stationery kits and playing with stamps, construction paper and embellishments. And, thus, a few weeks after her class, Pearl Stationery-her popular line of high-end custom stationery-was born.

Now thriving on Etsy.com, an online store for artisans, collectors and hand crafters, Stephanie finds inspiration abounds from just her daily life. “I was riding the train into work one day this summer and noticed all the men in their business shirts that looked so crisp-white with the pinstripes. I thought the designs were very intricate and clean and summery, so my mind started thinking. A few weeks later, I put together a set of cards from that one thought. Inspiration can come from anywhere and with stationery, you can really go in so many directions-have fun, be creative,” enthused the young designer.

As part of her fall line, Pearl’s selection includes these autumnal shades accented by charming quotes from well-known authors, like Emily Bronte. “Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.”

Since her launch last year with her incredibly affordable line (over half the price less than any retail or custom stationery store), Stephanie, 23 and a Lansdale native, has prospered with her business [keenly] referred to in short as P.S. or Pearl Stationery. Stephanie is very inspired by the seasons, especially her weekend jaunts down to the Jersey shore. “I found this Martha Stewart anchor punch and I just worked around it, and created something my own. I love the shore, love summer. Handcrafting is back, and Etsy obviously is providing this cool technology to support the resurgence of this industry. People get great delight in sending something handmade and when someone takes the time to send a friend or loved one a card, thank you note…it is special and something that is really appreciated.”

Etsy Site: pearlstationery.etsy.com

Started on Etsy: March 2008

Price Range: $1.50 and up per invitation/item

Sales on Etsy: 90

Email: pearlstationery@yahoo.com

Hometown: Lansdale

Age: 23

High School: North Penn

College: DeSales University

Occupation: Events Editor

Invite your guests in style with Pearl’s understated, yet elegant, Thanksgiving invitations.

A Sale Down Under: An Etsy customer from Australia recently a placed an order with Pearl Stationery. “That really made me excited to think someone in Australia, on the other side of the world, appreciates my stationery and will be using it to send thank you notes to their friends! It’s pretty cool,” said Stephanie.

Attention to Detail: Every piece of Pearl Stationery is handmade and created by Stephanie herself-every ribbon is hand tied, every embellishment glued by hand, every stamp perfectly centered and placed on her invitations, every piece of paper meticulously handled when it comes off the printer. “I am very careful and precise with all my products; it is my name behind it. It’s time consuming but that is what my customers expect and appreciate.”

Spook-tackular Selection: Halloween parties are right around the corner, and Pearl Stationery has created the coolest invites around. Wow your guests with the shabby chic look of Pearl’s classic-meets-contemporary Trick or Treat invitation. The original design is custom printed with hi-definition ink on smooth pumpkin orange cardstock & hand-embellished with mini Swarovski crystals. Pearl’s line comes with a matching black linen envelope. Stephanie recommends writing the recipient’s address on the front using a white gel pen (not included) for a chic look. $2.50 per, 5 x 7. Visit Pearl Stationery.

Etsy Love: “I am always amazed by the talent on Etsy, I find myself getting caught up in the photography, the pottery—really everything. Etsy gives me, as a handcrafter, this awesome appreciation for people with so many levels of talent.”

Seaside Heights: Pearl’s seasonal lines are just what Main Liners and consumers alike, who appreciate a creative eye and great value, are looking for. Her summer barbeque and nautical-themed party invites are simple, clean, and preppy and have wide appeal.

Send seasonal sentiments this fall with this series of greeting cards, hand stamped inside in chocolate ink with the greeting “Warmest Wishes.”

Publisher’s Picks: We can hardly wait for Turkey Day here at AML, one of our favorite holidays. So, we are ordering Pearl’s Rustic Leaf Table Setting Set-an adorable Menu and Place Card Duo for Thanksgiving Dinner. The holiday line boasts ever-so-slightly distressed edges and chocolate brown ink on smooth ivory stock card. It is not only chic but super affordable, one menu and one place setting is only $1.50 for the pair!). Visit Pearl Stationery.

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie’s customized wedding invitations are one part of her booming Etsy-based business. One of her favorite brides had a Hawaiian-themed wedding with a magenta and black color scheme. “I did not want something in your face ‘Hawaiian’, it was very fun to work with a cool, contemporary color theme of black and hot pink and make it work in a sophisticated fashion,” explained Stephanie.

My Best Friend’s Wedding: Stephanie’s best friend is getting married in July 2010, so she is working closely with her for an elegant, custom invite. She will work with local brides within the greater Philadelphia region to develop stunning, yet affordable, wedding stationery. “I really enjoy working with brides and having that one-on-one interaction. They take their invitations very seriously so it’s a rewarding creative process for me.”

In The Works: Pearl Stationery can provide Save the Date cards, Holy Communion invites, bridal and baby shower invitations and more. Stephanie will be expanding the line to include other selections this fall, due to customer request, including some custom family party invites for Yours Truly!

A full selection of Pearl Stationery’s custom stationery and invitations, from wedding to holiday themes, baby announcements and more can be found on her Etsy site at http://pearlstationery.com. To inquire about custom orders, email: pearlstationery@yahoo.com.

Know a great Etsy vendor that’s based in the Delaware Valley? Send us their link for consideration for our Etsy Phavorites series. Contact: info@aroundmainline.com

Lohse was discovered on Etsy by a writer for NBC’s hit show, The Office, who came across her illustration of the character ‘Dwight.’ Lohse was commissioned to do work for their wrap party last season and now has strong ties with the show’s producers and cast.

The four pack of Golden Girls fridge magnets did it for me. Working through some late night leads on Etsy for the AML Phavorites series, I stopped dead in my (online) tracks. Before me was a mesmerizing collection from West Chester artist extraordinaire El Lohse and her kitschy, interpretation of pop culture icons entitled ‘elloh’. Her endless array of work, acrylic paintings, brought me instantly back to some of my fondest childhood memories and the TV shows, movies and characters that were a part of it. El’s art includes odes to Sixteen Candles, Mr. T, John Cougar Mellencamp’s hit song Little Pink Houses, Willy Wonka, The Golden Girls, Mr. Rogers, The Sound of Music and more. I found myself entranced with each piece on her Etsy site as my mind went into memory overdrive!

My delight in elloh is shared by many a fan, and customer. Lohse is one of the Delaware Valley’s most successful Etsy artists, having sold over 2,700 pieces of her fine work in less than two years. Even a call up to my corporate Etsy connections (mind you they manage a database of over 250,000 vendors) garnered an immediate, “Oh, sure, El Lohse is a great Etsian!” That’s when I knew Lohse’s line of art, entitled elloh (purposefully spelled with a lowercase ‘e’) was a fantastic pick for our Etsy Phavorites series.

elloh.etsy.com

Lohse (El is short for Ellen) grew up in a close family of five (a sister and three brothers) in Haverford. Her father’s family hails from New York City, where she spent some of her early childhood. So, her work surrounding Audrey Hepburn and Breakfast at Tiffany’s draws from her younger years in the Big Apple. Her TV viewing time, especially on sick days, was spent soaking in classics with her mother and sister, like Meet Me in Saint Louis, Rear Window, and Jane Eyre as well as modern day series such as Bill Cosby’s Picture Pages and countless episodes of Different Strokes. In third grade, El’s teacher asked the class who everyone’s favorite actor was. Lohse’s response? Gregory Peck. But, her nod to eighties icons is the most compelling and charming part of her prolific collection.

Outside of her prints, Lohse is expanding to greeting cards, mugs, magnets and more. Her ‘Thank You for Being a Friend’ Golden Girls note cards have wide appeal.With the bicentennial of Abe Lincoln’s birthday, she has also spent time this year developing a series in recognition of the sixteenth president. “I am always open to suggestions for new projects, what people want to see as well. I enjoy getting ideas from strangers and those who appreciate my art,” explained Lohse.

Lohse’s awesome array of pop culture art celebrates the child in all of us. Depicted is the famous scene with Willy Wonka’s Violet.

Etsy Site: elloh.etsy.com

Started on Etsy: December 23, 2006

Price Range: $15-$60 (approx)

Sales on Etsy: 2,737

Website: artbyel.com

Blog: www.dailyode.blogspot.com

Blog Highlight: Lohse’s blog, dailyodeblogspot.com, has little gems of wisdom and insight into daily experiences and her creative process. We love her nod to Pippi Longstocking, and author Astrid Lindgren’s quote from the famed children’s book, “…there is no child that inspires me more than the child I once was.”

Twitter: twitter.com/elloh

Hometown: Haverford

Age: 32

Occupation: Artist

Lohse’s love of The Golden Girls includes this work, thank you cards and clever fridge magnets.

High School: Haverford High

College: Rhode Island School of Design, Illustration

Current Residence: West Chester, PA

El’s Favorite Work in her Collection: Golden Girls (I grew up watching them), Breakfast at Tiffany’s (I love the movie—the fashion, the setting, Audrey and George Peppard), The Office portraits (Dwight and Jim especially), Ode to Olive (she reminds me a lot of myself at her age).

Publisher’s Pick: T-Time, Ode to Mister T and a cup of Early Grey

Artistic Inspiration: Beatrix Potter, Maira Kalman, Al Hirschfeld, Red Grooms, Frida Kahlo, Edward Gorey, Alice Neel, Art Spiegelman, Van Gogh, Mary Cassatt, Early Flemish art, Ben Shahn, Mary Blair and Charles Schulz…just to name a few.

Former Life: Lohse taught classes at the Main Line Art Center, among other creative ventures. She also worked as a wedding photographer in Philadelphia. One of her fondest memories was a wedding that was held at The Top of The Tower downtown-the groom had an intense fear of heights. “It was fairly humorous because we could not take photos outside, that is when I decided to move out of the wedding industry.”

The Office: A writer for NBC’s hit show, The Office, found Lohse on Etsy and her illustration of character ‘Dwight.’ So, Lohse was commissioned to do work for their wrap party last season and now has strong ties with the show’s producers and cast.

Favorite Restaurant in West Chester/Hangout: Breakfast: ‘DK Diner‘; Dinner: ‘Teca‘ now that Vincent’s is closed.

Little Miss Sunshine…Ode to Olive $35

Favorite Place to Grab Coffee in West Chester: My local Wawa, Fennario’s or my kitchen where I pretend to be a barista.

Downtime: Reading, yoga, being outdoors, watching movies for inspiration and seeing them locally at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute, dreaming of places I’d love to visit, playing my guitar horribly but happily, going online and checking blogs, Etsy, Twitter, Yahoo…for entirely too long (that’s what happens when your work is online. :)

Hobbies: Traveling, thrift store shopping (it’s always an adventure!), film and documentaries, painting/drawing for myself and not for business, photography, working on stained glass projects, reading (fiction, nonfiction and especially children’s books), writing, sculpture, yoga, music, laughing with family and friends.

El’s favorite Etsians: mincingmockingbird.etsy.com, elsita.etsy.com, girlscantell.etsy.com

A Great Gift: Since Lohse’s work spans the pop culture gamut (from Hitchcock to Mary Poppins, Say Anything, 30 Rock and more) her affordable art makes an awesome holiday or birthday gift—and a guaranteed conversation piece for years to come.

Kudos: Lohse was contacted a few weeks go by the courthouse of Monroe County, Alabama to send her collection of work that is an ode To Kill A Mockingbird. Author Harper Lee’s hometown is nearby Monroeville. The woman who requested the art found Lohse on Etsy.

What You Talkin’ Bout Willis?: On the horizon for more elloh work-odes to Different Strokes, Goonies, Gone with the Wind…and more. Lohse is also going to bring back a very popular line of coffee mugs around her Breakfast at Tiffany’s work as well as develop a ‘Tiffany’s calendar.

A full selection of El Lohse’s art can be found be found on Etsy.com at elloh.etsy.com. Lohse’s blog is: dailyodeblogspot.com. Website: artbyel.com

Know a great Etsy vendor that’s based in the Delaware Valley? Send us their link for consideration for our Etsy Phavorites series. Contact: info@aroundmainline.com

Amber Resin and Glass Necklace, $55.
Peel’s pieces are all one-of-a-kind, handcrafted works of art using some of the earth’s most gorgeous gemstones.

Artist Krista Peel is a self-proclaimed “rock fanatic.” Peel grew up surrounded by the picturesque plains of Cheyenne, Wyoming where her childhood days were spent appreciating the undisturbed elements of nature. “It was very serene, and as a child in a rural area I was surrounded by these intricate rocks and stones. There were not the distractions children have today, so I developed a very keen sense of the land around me and nature,” explained Peel.

Fast forward to 2009 and Peel is one of the most successful Philadelphia-based jewelry lines showcased on Etsy.com, the world’s largest online marketplace for designers and artists. That’s quite an accomplishment considering the tens of thousands of designers from the Delaware Valley who showcase their wares on the site. “Etsy allows me to have an audience that I can interact with. It really is a friendly community, a positive environment of artists that all support each other. And, looking around at the company of awesome talent on Etsy is so inspiring for me to keep producing beautiful pieces. Whenever you are in a situation like that (as a designer) there is nowhere to go but up. Etsy has been just great.”

Castaway
Peel discovered these beautiful shell fragments recently at the Jersey shore and converted them into one-of-a-kind wonderfully dimensional earrings, a perfect complement (and conversation piece) to any summer outfit, $25.

Gem lovers will be salivating as they peruse Peel’s collection (kristapeel.etsy.com) and her crisp cornucopia of semi precious gemstones and vintage materials. Among the dizzying-and delightful-choices of materials that are mounted on silver and gold wires: amber, blue chalcedony, moonstones, opalite, green quartz, dark brown freshwater pearls, pale green jade, smokey quartz, lava rocks, rainbow flash labradorite, apricot moonstone, lapis lazuli, vintage salmon acrylic, Botswanan agate, milky white sea glass…and more. “It’s always evolving what I design with, what I gravitate towards and how I find my materials. I started out in bead shops looking around at the endless possibilities-after a course of time some stones appeal to me more than others. I just found micah and a slew of quartz rocks on my mother’s property in Delaware. So, this morning I already researched how to take raw materials and translate them into beads,” explained Peel.

Howlite dyed large yellow turquoise nuggets on silver hand formed earwires, $27.

Etsy Site: kristapeel.etsy.com

Started on Etsy: May 2007

Price Range: $19 and up

Sales on Etsy: 275

Website: kristapeel.com

Hometown: Cheyenne, Wyoming

Current Residence: West Philadelphia

Age: 35

Education: Art Institute of Chicago

Current Favorite Gem: Crab Fire Agate

Publisher’s Pick: Agate and Vintage Lucite Nuggets Necklace, which boasts tones of chestnut, cinnamon and beige, is the ideal fall statement piece for your wardrobe-$75

Favorite Etsy Sites: dressgreen.etsy.com, dikua.etsy.com, spartasoap.etsy.com, lolabags.etsy.com, jennanewton.etsy.com, threesistersink.etsy.com

Favorite Etsy Shopping Feature: Peel loves the Time Machine 2 feature on Etsy, where shoppers can browse very quickly over recently listed, about to expire, or recently sold items. “I visit and browse there all the time!”

Favorite Philly Coffee Shop: Satellite Cafe, 50th & Baltimore

Favorite Place to Dine in West Philly: Vientiane Cafe

Last Etsy Purchase: Peel and her husband Zak purchased their wedding rings from Etsy jewelry designer Zoe and Doyle (ZoeAndDoyle.etsy.com)

Design Philosophy: “I really want my pieces to be these small, sculptural objects that are unique and beautiful and simple. And, with my jewelry, it is also about the touch and feel of the gems, the material, the antique resin or sea glass.”

Design Crush: Jonathan Adler (www.jonathanadler.com)

First Job: Helping her father who was a renowned taxidermist in Cheyenne. “My dad would ask me to go out and gather grass and elements for the animal so it was mounted correctly. I think that really forced me to study nature and this intricate world inside a world, and the details it offers. Wyoming has such a neat geology. There’s no doubt that shaped my view of nature and the art it offers.”

Huge nuggets of green gaspeite turquoise and multi-toned botswana agate faceted beads hang on silver wire, 17" long, with a handmade silver clasp, $85.

Hitting the Books: Peel has a voracious appetite for literature that explores the history of rock formations.

Future Plans: “I feel like recently I have just gotten my (artistic) voice, and I’m ready to extend my line beyond earrings to necklaces and other pieces. Ideally, I would like to evolve into interior design as well.”

Backyard Find: The collection of quartz materials recently discovered in her mother’s Delaware backyard will someday be transformed into beautiful and unique pieces for Peel’s ever-evolving line.

Pet Project: Peel and her husband Zak Starer, a video tech at Moore College of Art, started a groundbreaking program for visiting artists called PhiladelphiaArtHotel.org. In the beginning of July, the art hotel (currently their home in West Philly) welcomed its first artist to its residency program for about a week’s stay. Having a designated period of time where artists can focus on their work can be crucial for their creative process. By the end of ’09, there will be a new building and locale for the visiting artists. “If, through the hotel program, Zak and I can enrich the art community each and every day, that will be one of the most rewarding personal ventures and a dream come true,” enthused Peel.

A full collection of Krista Peel’s designs can be found on Etsy.com at kristapeel.etsy.com. Her other sites include kristapeel.com and philadelphiaarthotel.org. To contact Krista directly email: kristapeel@gmail.com

Know a great Etsy vendor that’s based in the Delaware Valley? Send us their link for consideration for our Etsy Phavorites series. Contact: info@aroundmainline.com