What To Do This Weekend
Spring Art Opening & Trunk Show
Tonight you have not one, but two reasons to head to Arcadia Boutique’s NoLibs store. In addition to celebrating the opening of “Persona,” the latest collection of work by artist Anastasia Alexandrin, Arcadia’s new line, Dusen Dusen will be debuting all the flowy, feminine blouses and dresses from their Spring 2012 collection for one night only. And, as always, they’ll be offer guests cocktails, snacks, live music and a little shopping incentive (15 percent off all sale merchandise). Designer Ellen Van Dusen will also be in attendance should you want to pick her brain. Friday, 6-9pm. Free. @ Arcadia Boutique (819 N. 2nd St.)
4th Annual PBR Crafting Challenge
If you thought Pabst Blue Ribbon was only good for drinking, prepare to be amazed. Using the poor man’s beer of choice as their inspiration, independent artists and crafters from around the area have concocted a plethora of handmade crafts and vintage goods to showcase and sell for this beloved annual event hosted by Craftypants Philly. We’re talking everything from apparel, accessories and home décor to towels, beer cozies and prints. In addition, prizes will be awarded to the vendors with the most creatively festive tables. While perusing the array of handmade PBR treasures, guests will be treated to complimentary refreshments (i.e PBR) and live music. Several local restaurants will also be going head-to-head this year in a PBR-infused chili cookoff. Saturday, 3-10pm. $8. @ 2424 Studio’s (2424 E. York St.)
We’ve all seen a few scattered yarn bombs around the city, but for her latest exhibition, featured as part of FiberPhiladelphia 2012, Philly-based artist Melissa Maddonni Haimes has spruced up the winter landscape outside of the Schuylkill Center, bombing thirty separate tree trunks with brightly colored yarn cozies and other nontraditional materials. To celebrate the opening of “Cold Comfort,” guests are invited to come and have a little fiber arts fun of their own from 1-3pm, taking part in a few knit and crochet workshops, led by Haimes herself. Saturday, 1-4pm. Free. @ The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education (8480 Hagy’s Mill Rd.)
Potato Party
Each Sunday this month, Tattooed Mom is welcoming folks to come and enjoy brunch and discounted drinks while partaking in their popular “Potato Head Arts & Crafts” event. They’ll supply the spuds and an array of accessories and encourage you to share a pic of your Potato Person online once complete. All you have to do is drag your ass out of bed. I can assure it’ll be worth it. Sipping on a mimosa while freeing your inner child is a hell of a way to spend your Sunday afternoon. Sunday, 1-11pm. Free. @ Tattooed Mom (530 South St.)
Three Valentine’s DIY Events This Weekend
While drugstores have been painted red and pink for the past month, with February now less than 24 hours away, now’s the time for all you lucky love birds out there to really start thinking about that perfect Valentine’s Day gift.
And since no V-Day gift is ever complete without a card, I figured I’d give you a heads-up on these three workshops going down this weekend.
While snacking on pub grub and knocking back a few brewskies, Blackheart Letterpress welcomes you to print and customized one of their new V-Day-themed cards using their collection of old wood type. They’ll also be bringing along their selection of really cool, handmade prints, cards, coasters and bookmarks for you to purchase. If you can’t make it out this Sunday, don’t worry—another edition of LFL will be held at Community Cultural Exchange (706 South St.) next Saturday from 4-8pm. Sunday, 1-6pm. Free. @ Tattooed Mom (530 South St.)
Once again Fleisher Art Memorial invites you to come and learn about the printmaking processes as you create your very own Valentine’s Day cards from designs by several Philly artists. Three different workshops will be held throughout the day. The first two are open to all ages while the 5 p.m workshop is strictly 21 years and up (since wine and light refreshments will be served). Space is limited so be sure to register ASAP. Sunday, 10am-12pm, 1-3pm, 5-7pm. $10-$20. @ Fleisher Art Memorial (719 Catherine St.)
Local paper artisan, Jessica Eldredge will guide you through a love-inspired card-making afternoon, providing her hand-dyed papers and any other necessary supplies. Jessica also has a Make-Your-Own-Card Kit available for you to buy both in-store and online. Though the workshop is technically free, you do have to spend a minimum of $27 at Square Peg in order to score a seat. Fortunately, the handmade artisan boutique is currently stocked with a slew of one-of-a-kind items that would make for a perfect Valentine’s gift—from jewelry and clothing to home décor and bath and body products. Saturday, 2-4pm. @ Square Peg Artery & Salvage (108 S. 20th St.)