Showing posts with label home decor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home decor. Show all posts

Friday, March 20, 2026

🌸 Rocky River Spring Handmade Market – Meet the Makers

🐢 White Dog Crafts – Jody Pelasky

At the heart of White Dog Crafts is storytelling—layered, intentional, and deeply personal.

Jody Pelasky creates intricate 3D layered shadowboxes and paper art pieces that feel both artistic and emotional. What started as a creative outlet has grown into a thriving handmade business with over 1,000 sales and a loyal community of repeat customers.

Her inspiration comes from everywhere—dogs, seasons, pop culture, meaningful quotes, and the small, everyday moments that deserve to be remembered. Each design begins with a story and evolves through careful planning, color selection, and precision layering.

Every piece is assembled by hand, layer by layer, making each one truly unique.

🐾 And of course, no creation happens without her fluffy white studio assistant, Shiloh.

Jody’s journey into paper crafting began as a creative escape, making gifts for friends and family. Over time, she realized her work resonated deeply with others—and that connection is what continues to drive her.

✨ “Handmade matters.”

Looking ahead, she hopes to continue growing through shows, collaborations, and custom work, while staying true to the heart and intention behind every piece.


🎭 4Shorts – 3D Printing & Crafts (Jon Short)

Creativity runs deep for Jon Short, the artist behind 4Shorts – 3D Printing & Crafts.

Blending technology with traditional artistry, Jon creates everything from 3D printed pieces to needle crafts and handmade puppets. While he has been creating for years, he recently took the leap into turning his passion into a full-time business.


Art has always been part of his life. Inspired by his grandmother, who worked in ceramics, drawing, and painting, Jon grew up surrounded by creativity. While his background is rooted in performing arts like music and acting, visual art has always been a passion—and now, a profession.

His approach is simple but powerful:

✨ “Bringing imagination to life.”

Ideas come from everywhere—nature, everyday needs, imagination—and are refined until they become something tangible to share with others.

With this being his second Avant-Garde show, Jon is excited to continue expanding his online presence and dreams of one day opening a brick-and-mortar space.

🌐 www.4shorts3dprintingandcrafts.com


πŸͺ΅ Cartwright Collective – Heidi & Brent Cartwright

What started with a meaningful inheritance has grown into a beautifully crafted business rooted in family and tradition.

Cartwright Collective is a husband-and-wife woodworking duo that locally sources their wood and transforms it into stunning, handcrafted pieces. Every item is created in their garage workshop, where Brent carefully planes and works with the natural grain to bring each design to life.

Their journey began in 2019 after inheriting tools from Brent’s father and grandfather. What started as a Christmas gift—a tree-shaped charcuterie board—quickly gained attention online, leading to custom requests and the launch of their Etsy shop.

From there, the business grew organically.

Creativity runs in the family—Heidi grew up surrounded by makers, from jewelry to woodworking—and that influence continues today as they raise their own children with the same appreciation for creating.

Their process is thoughtful and iterative. Ideas are constantly evolving, refined again and again until the final piece feels worthy of becoming part of someone’s home.

✨ “Intentional and artisanal.”

Every piece is made by hand—cut, sanded, and finished with care—ensuring that what customers bring home is not just functional, but meaningful.


🎨 Sadie Kai Redesign – Briana Yamane

For Briana Yamane, art is more than something you create—it’s something you feel.

As a Japanese American artist, wife, and mother, Briana draws deep inspiration from her heritage and upbringing. Surrounded by Japanese art forms like painting, origami, and calligraphy, she developed an appreciation for beauty, balance, and intentional design early on.

Her work today blends modern minimalism with texture, creating calming, neutral pieces that bring peace into everyday spaces.

But her journey into business didn’t start with a plan—it started with a shift in perspective.

After becoming a stay-at-home mom, Briana began looking for something that was just hers. She started painting and upcycling dΓ©cor in her own home—transforming old vases, lamps, and mirrors into something new.

What began as a personal project quickly grew when friends and guests began encouraging her to sell her work.

Her creative process is deeply meditative. Working late at night or during quiet moments, she paints while listening to calming music, fully immersed in the experience.

✨ “Be still. Be present. Be mindful.”

Her goal is simple yet powerful—to create pieces that bring a sense of calm and tranquility into a busy world.


🎨 Julie Smolinski – Acrylic Pouring & Repurposed Creations

After a 50-year career in the medical field, Julie Smolinski is embracing a new chapter—one filled with creativity, color, and exploration.

Through acrylic paint pouring and sewing with repurposed fabrics, Julie has found a beautiful way to express herself and give new life to everyday materials.

Her journey into art began unexpectedly. Encouraged by her husband to watch paint pouring videos (instead of crime shows!), she quickly became captivated by the movement, flow, and unpredictability of the medium.

And just like that—she was hooked.

For Julie, the magic lies in the process itself. The way colors blend, move, and naturally form something entirely unique.

Her work reflects her love for nature, creativity, and sustainability—transforming the ordinary into something beautiful and functional.

This will be her first Avant-Garde show, and she’s excited to share her creations and connect with others.


🌿 Awakening Body Products- Vedelia Tompkins

Founded in 2011, Awakening Body Products is rooted in both care and purpose.

What began in 2007 as a solution for a mother’s son struggling with severe eczema has grown into a full line of all-natural skincare products designed to soothe and heal sensitive skin.

Created by a Registered Nurse, every product is thoughtfully formulated to support conditions like eczema, psoriasis, burns, and rashes—while also helping to reduce scarring.

Their product line includes:
✨ Whipped Mango Body Butters
✨ Soaps
✨ Lotions
✨ Beard Oils
✨ Soy Candles

With a wide variety of scents—from Almond and Brown Sugar to Coconut, Grapefruit, and Vanilla Bean—there’s something for everyone.

Their best-selling soaps include Goat Milk, Honey Oat, Aloe with Cocoa Butter, and Oatmeal Honey with Mango Butter.

πŸ’› Their mission is clear:
To provide natural, effective products that truly care for your skin.


πŸ›️ Join Us in Rocky River!

These makers—and so many more—are what make the Rocky River Spring Handmade Market such a special experience.

From handcrafted woodwork and layered paper art to sustainable skincare, original artwork, and imaginative creations, there’s truly something for everyone.

✨ Come shop small, support local, and connect with the stories behind the products.

We can’t wait to see you there! πŸ’›

2023 Rocky River Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Saturday, March 11 (10am-4pm) & Sunday, March 12 (11am-4pm)
Rocky River Memorial Hall (Next to Rec)
21016 Hilliard Blvd.
Rocky River, OH 44116
For more information, contact Becki Silverstein, Event Coordinator at Becki@ag-shows.com
Visit us on:
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
PINTEREST

Friday, November 7, 2025

Tis' the Season to Shop Local!

Meet Gary Board from A Board and a Dream... 

I have been interested in woodworking for most of my life, but I got away from it for a long time when I was working a corporate job. After almost 30 years in that world I finally had enough, and A Board and a Dream was born. I have only been doing this as a business since the beginning of 2025. This will be my first show, so I am excited but also nervous about it.                                                                                                

The inspiration to my one off pieces is to find the beauty in things that would normally be discarded, like recycling pallet wood or using off cuts from the lumber yard that some might consider scrap.  When making pieces for specific clients I want to help them bring their vision to life and give them the best piece possible.  I also make epoxy resin crafts, and even that started out as a way to use resin that was left over from my charcuterie boards.

I got into woodworking doing projects with my dad as a kid.  The interest was fed through the years watching Norm Abram on “The New Yankee Workshop” until I finally started making pieces for family and friends.

I discovered my talent just by trying it.  My first project was a toy box for my nephew, and when people liked it I realized I might be able to be good at it. My creative process is to look at a specific material and see what it lends itself to, and then I follow that vision until it comes to life.

In five years I hope to be doing more custom work for clients, but still making one-of-a-kind pieces that I ship all around the world. The message behind my work is that it is never too late to follow a dream.  I feel lucky to be able to do this full time, so I put everything into my work so I can continue to do so.

Meet Greg Burgoyne from GB Food and Craft...
My name is Greg Burgoyne, I have been cooking and baking professionally for 20 years. I have a passion for baking and crafting in multiple mediums. I enjoy making and selling flavorful food items that can be used to spice up others home baked goods and drinks. 

I have been professionally cooking and baking for 20 years and graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in baking and pastry arts. This will be my first Avant-Grade show, I am also signed up for the Solon Avant-Grade show in December 2025!
What Inspires me are the items that I find around me. I enjoy repurposing items into something that is useful and adds whimsy to the everyday. My Grandmother was crafty when I was growing up and I always enjoyed art and the creative building process. I have always enjoyed being creative and in high school I discovered cooking and baking which lead to creating with food. On the side I always did small art projects for personal enjoyment and as gifts for others.
My creative process is mostly about the materials, and what I can make the materials into. In five years, hopefully I am still creating and maybe on a larger scale. I hope people see the usefulness of repurposing items even if they are a little damaged and inspired to create both crafts and food with wonderful ingredients available around us.

Meet Katie Mandovi from Cakes by KT...
I am the owner/operator of Cakes by KT and officially began my cake and dessert business in January of this year. I am professionally French-trained in pastry and have worked in the pastry and wedding industry for over 12 years. I studied and worked in Chicago for about 8 years before returning home to Cleveland to start my business. I have been running my business for only 10 months with Cakes by KT, but I have been in the Food & Beverage industry my whole career.
What inspires me are My friends and the natural world. I am always looking for inspiration in nature's colors and in the joy of my friendships! I have baked with my dad for as long as I can remember. We would always bake chocolate chip cookies, and then in college I would always bake for my friends!

I discovered my talent when I took on my first job as an overnight baker in Chicago at my favorite bakery, Floriole. I ended up moving into the management position and found a true passion in pastry. I also enjoyed leveling up my skills and knowledge every chance I got!
I really would love to have my very own studio space, where I can have tastings with wedding couples, and host events and classes! I love love and all love is important and deserves to be celebrated! I just love being a small but sweet part of someone's day and brightening up moods.

Meet Jacie from Humbled Hooks...
Humbled Hooks was created just a year ago when I attended my first craft show with Avant-Garde in November. It started off as a shy homeschooled teen (me) looking for a hobby. I stumbled across a kit in a craft store, and well, long story short, I never finished it… but, a few months later, I followed a tutorial and made my first crochet plush, a turtle! I absolutely LOVED making him and wanted to share all of my creations with the world. So, after practice and a lot of trial and error, it was time to start my own business!

Meet Lori Zrimsek from the Willow Tree Studio... 
Hi! My name is Lori Zrimsek and I am pretty new to the craft show business. This will be my 5th craft show and my 2nd Avant-Garde art & craft show. I began creating home decor items after a serious injury that landed me in a wheelchair for the month of December last year followed by months of physical therapy.  I needed something to keep myself from going crazy. My husband and I recently completed a home renovation and I have a beautiful craft room that I finally decided to put to some good use. I have always tinkered with making arrangements and little projects when I would get an idea and need to scratch that creative itch but this really turned into something on a whole other level.  I would wake up in the morning excited about getting in my craft room and getting to work on whatever I had dreamed up the day before.  

This resulted in me creating rustic home dΓ©cor pieces including Christmas centerpieces, wreaths, garland, ornaments and tabletop trees.  Each piece begins with an organic foundation such as grapevine or straw wreaths or repurposed wine corks. I often incorporate natural twine in varied shades, finished with simple or intricate star toppers and wood bead details when making the trees. Some embrace a more whimsical spirit and are decorated with bright pom-poms in traditional Christmas colors or unexpected combinations like gold, pink, and blue. Others are wrapped in tinsel ribbon and embellished with candy-like beads, faceted gems, and starburst toppers, adding a touch of sparkle and joy. 

I aim to create decor pieces that feel both nostalgic and fresh, grounded in nature but inspired by the magic and wonder of the season. My hope is that each creation brings warmth, joy, and a sense of welcome to the spaces they inhabit.

 As the holiday season passed and I was still limited in my activities I became curious about jewelry making-something I have never done but has always fascinated me. The versatility of materials and the endless potential for design immediately captured me. I now create handcrafted earrings, necklaces, and bracelets using natural stone, wood, glass, and wire. Each piece blends color, movement, and style—designed to spark imagination, appreciation, or simply catch the eye. Each piece I create, whether a simple earring or a complex multi-strand necklace is meant to stir the imagination and spark appreciation. I make jewelry that feels intentional and personal, with a mix of bold, modern forms and timeless, flowing designs. My collections range from geometric and contemporary to earthy and organic, offering variety while staying true to a handcrafted aesthetic.
Jewelry, to me, is more than adornment. It’s a quiet way to connect, to stand out, or to carry a bit of beauty with you wherever you go.
This venture is so much more than just a creative outlet; it became a source of quiet strength that gained momentum until I listened to that inner voice telling me to try doing all of this as a business.  What an amazing, exhausting, fun, terrifying ride it has been and continues to be. With my husband supporting and encouraging me I took the leap. I feel like every day I learn 10 new things, and as I complete 1 thing on my to-do list 20 more things quickly take its place. I'm 56 years old, a stay at home mom, all of my children are grown and it has always been a dream of mine to own and operate my own business.  With the help of my youngest son, Matthew, who recently decided to become my business partner, we launched our website: THEWILLOWTREESTUDIO.NET. I don't know what the future holds for me, my son, or our company but I know I will enjoy learning, creating, continuing meeting fabulous people, and embracing whatever comes my way.

This business is a daily reminder of the strength we find in ourselves when we slow down and begin again. I create to share joy, to express beauty, and to connect—with nature, with others, and with the part of ourselves that finds comfort in handmade things.


Meet Lisa DuPeow from Charmed Abstracts...
Hi, My name is Lisa DuPerow and I am looking forward to participating in the Avant Garde Art & Craft Shows again! I have done two shows so far this year. and I began working in abstract art/fluid painting and mixed media in 2023 as a form of relaxation and recharging. I opened "Charmed Abstracts" in August 2024. 

What inspires me is transforming everyday objects into meaningful/inspirational art on glass, canvas, wood or jewelry. Each item is thoughtfully and prayerfully infused with love and intention. 

I also offer custom charms to celebrate life's special moments, memories and inspirations - making each piece truly one-of -kind. My faith, family, special causes and nature inspire my creative spirit. 
How I got into my craft... I never thought of myself as artistic (still have trouble thinking that way haha), but I was looking for a way to relax and recharge after spending many hours caring for others. I am a registered nurse who works in senior living and dementia care. As the nursing director, it can be quite overwhelming at times and rewarding. 
My five year plan... My husband Mark of 30 years and our amazing son Matt, both encourage and support me to keep pursuing this journey! They see how happy it makes me, and because of that I plan to retire from nursing in two years and pursue my craft full time. 

My message is using art that inspires to bring joy, peace, calm and the reminder that beauty surrounds us every day. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in your shows! 

2025 ROCKY RIVER FALL AVANT-GARDE ART & CRAFT SHOW

Rocky River Memorial Hall (next to rec)
21016 Hilliard Blvd.
Rocky River, OH 44116
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Saturday- 10:00am-4:00pm, Sunday- 11:00am-4:00pm

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Less than 48 hours, Rocky River!



Meet Stephanie Agatonovic from Funky Eclectic...
I am Stephanie Agatonovic, the creative mind behind Funky Eclectic.
I am a stained glass artist specializing in creating unique glass pieces in the timeless Tiffany style. With a background in fine arts, I seamlessly blend artistic expression with the intricate craftsmanship required for stained glass work.

I first started working in stained glass in 2022 and have been in love with the medium since. 

I have a BA in Art Education with a minor in Fine Art. my current focus is stained glass, but I still often work in oil, watercolor, and other mediums.
I pull inspiration from everywhere; a conversation, dreams, a phrase, pop, culture, history, nature, etc. I never know what will spark a new idea.

My love for art in the multitude of mediums and styles led me to the word eclectic.
The funky part is how I would describe my taste in colors, subject matter, and life. That is how Funky Eclectic came about. 

Meet Julie Blake for Mae's Baby Boutique…
Hi! I’m Julie, the creative and maker of Mae’s Baby Boutique! I just celebrated 8 years of business! I have participated in a handful of Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows over the past 8 years. 
I originally started sewing as a stress reliever, and for something to do during our long, boring winters.

I’m inspired by the smiling faces and sweet snuggles of little ones Mae’s goodies!


Now I’m so passionate about it, I sneak in as much sewing as I possibly can! My mom taught me to sew as a young teenager but it had been so long that I had to relearn and fine tune my skills. 
The trends of baby showers and nurseries change fast, I’m just trying to stay up to date on the trending patterns! I really hope to be able to dedicate more time to my business, participate in more markets and have products in some local boutiques! 
My message: Spoil the sweet babies in your life with the highest quality and softest, baby accessories made right here in Ohio. 


Meet Diane Lourghren from Loughren Design…
Loughren Designs is my outlet for creativity and relaxation. I have enjoyed art since I was a child but did not have the self confidence to major in art in college. I graduated from Cleveland State University with a degree in occupational therapy and a minor in art.

I have practiced OT for over 30 years and find that this work is much like creating art. Every patient that I treat is like a work of art and their success is the reward of a job I enjoy. I am lucky to have grown up in Lakewood, Ohio and my love of Lake Erie comes from spending all my childhood summers boating on Lake Erie. 


Finding beach glass has always been exciting to me! You will find me out there on a cold day when the ice is still melting. From searching Cleveland's beaches for beach glass and unique driftwood, to drilling the glass and designing the pieces, I love every aspect. 

I was recently challenged to add watercolor backgrounds to my pictures and as challenging as it is, I think it adds to the pieces. You are never too old to learn something new! I hope you enjoy the jewelry and art I make and custom orders are always welcome!

Friday, November 10, 2023

It's Show Time Rocky River!

Meet, Hope + Joy collective..

Joy has been crafting for over 30 years making themed journals, 3-D scrapbook layouts, and mixed media art.  Hope has always loved bling and pretty things and has been apparel oriented since she was 4 years old. Hope has always had a flair for fashion, and decided this year to take to doing more with her passion.  Joy began her crafting journey with scrapbooking, and it evolved into being more art focused.  Hope’s creation process for the jackets truly comes from a free artistic space where each piece is curated uniquely as ideas come to mind.  Joy loves to be in her studio making anything.  She gets inspired by many things and just loves to create.  Creative play always has its rewards!

We are grateful for each day and opportunity, and we are trusting God to do what He wants with us and this business.  Through our business, we strive for our customers to proudly share their faith and feel beautiful in the designs we create!  Our goal is to spread hope, joy, and faith with every piece, and together with our customers make a difference.

 

 

Meet Brad M Coates from BMC Artworks…

The outdoors is my canvas. I love hiking in the woods. I love structures and buildings. My eye captures the subject and my imagination adds the detail.  I want my creations to bring pleasure to the viewer...for the viewer to stop, take a moment and experience what I see.  My medium is photography.  I digitally enhance what I see using various tools.  Nature is my inspiration and I love to share my interpretations.  But … I do take an occasional twist to the industrial side. I specialize in taking a beautiful photograph and letting my creativity do the rest with color and detail.



Meet Maia Langlois from Fairy Teeth…

My Name is Maia Langlois I am a freelance illustrator and art lover and I started my small business Fairy Teeth Illustrations in order to kickstart myself about being serious about being a full time artist that hopefully one day I can support myself and my family with. Art is quite literally my biggest passion and I cannot imagine a world without it to the point where I now want to pursue it as my dream job! I went to school for my BFA in illustration and plan hopefully to succeed in further business ventures other than just freelance work within my community. Fairy teeth is a love child of hard work and growing passions for my craft and art pieces that I like to share with others. It's silly, macabre, cute, and whimsical like me as a person and I know it is a brand that reflects the wonder I felt when first discovering art.   I've been making art literally my entire life, I even went to college for a degree for it! but the only other art fair I've ever been to was in 2021 at a Coventry art fair in Cleveland which was super fun.  This will be my very first Avant-Garde Show and I'm super excited! 


 

What inspires me to create is all the color and stories I can see and hear within our world. It makes me often think that that type of wonder and excitement that I personally feel should be shared more with the world, and that as long as I feel that love for creating through making my work all is right.

My grandmother when I was very young dabbled in all kinds of art which I was often put right by her side soaking it all up, I miss her every day but she gave me the greatest gift I could've ever asked for, a love for the arts.  I discovered my talent when I was in the 2nd grade in my art class. I remember my teacher always looking at my work praising me for my talent and my parents kindling my obsession with drawing- I drew on everything from walls to napkins to desks everything I never had felt such peace doing anything else.

My creative process often starts with a vague idea that then I explore by writing down things I think surrounding it and are synonymous then to thumbnailing and always asking for feedback on how others view the idea, often I have a lot of iterations of something before I decide on what will be the final result.


Hopefully in five years of my business I will have a studio and a online site with steady income as well as many other business paths to get passive or active income from, I never want to find myself stagnant when I can discover more things to do creatively, maybe one day I could even have a storefront where i can sell my own and other creative peoples' work.


My work does not always have a message but I often think about what story can this pieve tell, sometimes of metamorphosis and inevitable change and sometimes of raw emotion and just simple expression.

my Instagram is @Fairy_Teeth_Illustrations feel free to check me out! 

 

 

Meet Christine Barnie from The Nerdy Necklace Chick…

I'm a 40-yo mom of three amazing and spunky kids (5b, 7g, 9b) and one shelter dog who was 9 months old when I got her (16g). My degree is in environmental science with a focus on geology, so I love rocks and minerals! I grew up with a love for sci Fi and fantasy and other nerdy things.

How long have you been doing this for? I've been making jewelry for about four years now, but last month was my very first craft show. 


The things I love! Finding beautiful beads of my favorite stones or my favorite books or sciencey things.


I received a necklace for my birthday one year from a small local seller and thought it looked like a fun thing to make, so I tried it and loved it! My favorite is shopping for new stone beads to add to my collection! 


Ideas just come to me. Lol! My favorite is my solar system necklace. I spent months finding the right stones to fit the planets and sizing and spacing everything just right. But most of the time I just use a beautiful stone as a base and just play with it!  In the next 5 years, I hopefully just see myself enjoying making jewelry and seeing my pieces out and about would be cool!


2023 Rocky River Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Sat. Nov. 11 (10am-4pm) & Sun. Nov 12 (11am-4pm)
Rocky River Memorial Hall (Next to Rec)
21016 Hilliard Blvd.
Rocky River, OH 44116
For more information, contact Becki Silverstein, Event Coordinator at Becki@ag-shows.com
Visit us on:
LINKEDIN