Philly is a city known for its vibrant and unique art scene, and what better time to support local LGBTQ artists than the holidays? We chatted with three Philly-based LGBTQ crafters about their collections, what inspires them, and what they love most about the City of Brotherly Love.

 

 
 
 

Nicole Krecicki, Rainbow Alternative

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rainbowalternative | Twitter: @lgbtshirts

 Rainbow Alternative is an independent clothing line by Nicole Krecicki, which focuses on LGBT-related and pop-culture inspired designs. Nicole uses hand-cut stencils and spray paint for a one-of-a-kind look with a street art edge.

 “When I started Rainbow Alternative in 2008, I never really planned for this to be more than a hobby, but after going to countless LGBT Pride events and seeing the same ‘slap-a-rainbow-on-it-and-they-will-come’ t-shirt stands, it hit me. I wanted to create a line that was unlike anything else out there; something original and stylish, that people would want to wear, anywhere,” says Nicole.

In the past couple of years, the line has expanded from t-shirts to include hoodies, baby/childrens clothes, pinback buttons, neckties, and vinyl record wall art. The line has been so successful that Nicole was able to quit her day job in April and focus solely on Rainbow Alternative, a “full-time labor of love.”

The Ewing, NJ native has been calling Philly home for the past seven years. “Philly’s got a really great craft scene. I love the different neighborhoods (especially the gayborhood!), the culture, the people I’ve met, and the independent artists/hand-made community that I’m so proud to be a part of,” she says. “My girlfriend and I travel around, vending different events, and Philly is definitely where our heart is. The people are great, the art is amazing, and there’s a real sense of community.”

She draws inspiration from the things she loves: the LGBT community, 80’s and 90’s pop culture, her overall love of “all things ridiculous,” and her girlfriend, Nicole Wiegand of Night Owl Designs (featured below). “My lovely lady is my ultimate inspiration and motivator. I can’t tell you how lucky I am to be able to grow with her, personally and professionally – she is the most supportive partner a girl could ask for!”

 Nicole hopes to have a physical storefront one day, but in the meantime, you can check out Rainbow Alternative at  www.rainbowalternative.etsy.com. She also does custom orders, and can be reached at Nicole@rainbowalternative.com.

 

Nicole Wiegand, Night Owl Designs

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ShopNightOwlDesigns | Twitter: @NightOwlJewelry

Nicole Wiegand started out making kitschy jewelry and housewares for family and friends, usually inspired by pop culture icons and cult oddities.  These kitschy jewelry and houseware items soon became Night Owl Designs after she participated in a craft show: “I never really intended for this to be a business venture. I always made things for myself and friends, but never to sell. A friend asked me to do a craft fair with her, and it all kind of just took off from there,” she recalls.

Although originally from South Jersey, she’s been living in Philly for the past five years, and loves the expansive history/music/art scene and the sense of community found here: “I love so many things about Philly. The handmade scene here is so encouraging. People really know why buying local/homemade is important. It’s just an incredible city.”

Nicole hopes to keep expanding her customer base and creating fun, nostalgic pieces. “I want to leave people with that amazing feeling you get of familiarity and comfort when remembering that one movie or band you love.”       

Speaking of love, she credits her girlfriend (Nicole of Rainbow Alternative) as her biggest inspiration and best source of encouragement and support. “She’s a great person to bounce ideas off of, but at the same time can bring me back down to earth when my stress level goes nuts. She inspires me to keep working hard and to keep my integrity intact. I’m incredibly lucky.”

Check out Night Owl Designs online at http://www.shopnightowldesigns.com, and you can email Nicole directly at Nicole@shopnightowldesigns.com.

 

Kellie Brown, Karma Kollections

Facebook: Karma Kollections Twitter:  @KarmaKollection

 Philadelphia native Kellie Brown believes you can never have too many accessories, and started hand-crafting wristwear and neckwear under the name Karma Kollections in early September 2011. She began creating custom pieces, made to order, for local sororities (Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta) and a youth organization (Philadelphia Freedom Schools).  “I wanted to create fresh, new accessories for people to enjoy and wear, so Karma Kollections grew out of that,” she says.

 At 23 years old, Kellie balances the jewelry line, work (she graduated nursing school from Community College of Philadelphia), and maintaining her relationship as a mentor with youth all across the city. She particularly likes the art and history in her hometown: “We have amazing art here in the city, and many people don’t realize that. I also like the diverse culture. Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods, and I appreciate that because I like variety.”

Unique Jewelry at Karma Kollections

Inspired by her ancestors, family, friends, fashion, art, and music, Kellie is looking forward to the official launch of the online store on December 17. “My goal is to create fresh new accessories for people to enjoy and wear, and for Karma Kollections to grow into whatever it is meant to be. Young or old, no matter your walk of life, we all believe in Karma!”

You can view and purchase jewelry form Karma Kollections after December 17 at http://www.karmakollections.com

She can be reached via email at info@karmakollections.com.

Contributor, Lauren Z.

 [box] Lauren Z. is a freelance writer and editor based in SouthPhilly. She graduated from Temple University magna cum laude with a degree in Communications. During the day,she’s an SEO Specialist and in her free time she handles marketing and public relations for Phierce Philly. If you would like to share an upcoming LGBT event or tip with Lauren please contact her at lauren.zumpano@gmail.com  [/box]

 

 

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