Divine Nursery Signs- Inspirational Art!

Tell us a bit about yourself

We are a small shop operated by retired educators, "Momaw and Popaw", as we are affectionately known by our beautiful grandchildren. In fact, the inspiration for our little business was Ava, our first grandchild. We also have a cute little grandson named Noah.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

Providing day care four days a week for Ava and Noah enriches our lives in so many ways. We look at the experience as an opportunity to play a significant role in their growth and development in many important areas.

Where do you get your creativity from?

“Momaw” provides the creative inspiration for our work, while “Popaw” handles the technical production activity. We both continue to be inspired in so many ways by Ava and Noah, since we do have to come up with creative and meaningful activities for them each day.

What got you into the craft hobby?

In our search for decorative wall signs with inspirational messages in pastel colors, we could never seem to find exactly what we wanted, so we decided to produce our own.

How would you describe your creative process?

Every sign we produce is lovingly handcrafted from quality blemish-free wood composite, utilizing water-based paints and inks in a silkscreen printing process. Each sign also comes with a decorative routered edge. Glitter is an optional feature for all lettering. Customers may purchase signs as displayed, but we also accept orders requesting specific sign and lettering colors.

What is your most favorite item that you have ever produced?

We work very hard to produce a quality product in every sign, and therefore we don’t really have a “favorite” to date. However, we are just now starting to produce an attractive new item in the form a “growth chart”, designed also as a wall hanging.

How did you get your business off the ground?

As relatively new crafters trying to get our little business “off the ground”, we are looking forward to showcasing our signs at various craft shows in the remaining months of 2011 and into 2012. In mid-August (2011), we opened a shop through “ETSY”, an online sales service specializing in handmade crafts.

What are your goals with your business?

Our goals are to celebrate the value of every child by producing a quality product which highlights encouraging messages and themes, and at the same time serves as a source of some additional retirement income.

    

What do you do in your free time?

We are very active in a vibrant and caring church. Most of our remaining “free time” is devoted to our craft and improving both quality and offerings.

What's the message behind your work?

Our purpose at Divine Nursery Signs is simply to celebrate every child by producing encouraging and uplifting messages in wood for his or her bedroom.

Check out Divine Nursery Signs this fall at the Avant-Garde Fall Art & Craft Show. This eclectic show will feature 67 of the areas most talented artisans and crafters. A portion of the show's proceeds will be donated to the North East Ohio Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Avant-Garde Fall Art & Craft Show

Sunday, October 23, 2011, 10:00am-5:00pm

Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church 

5500 West 54th St. 

Parma, OH 44129. 

For more information, contact Becki Cooper, at info@avantgardeshows.com.

LJDesigns- Vintage Meets Inspiration from Around the World

Tell us a bit about yourself..

I am originally from Boston but I live here in Ohio because I am studying at Oberlin College and Oberlin Conservatory of Music. I am majoring in vocal performance and art history with a minor in dance. My favorite color is green, my favorite number is 4 and my favorite word is smock (say it - it is such a satisfying word to say!). 

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

Well, since I am a student I am pretty busy studying and going to class but I also work on campus as a sexual health educator and I teach dance classes in Cleveland.

Where do you get your creativity from?

Despite what they might say, both of my parents are very creative. While neither one of them works full time in the arts, they certainly appreciate it; my dad is an avid collector of photography and my mom is a costumer for plays and musicals in Boston.

What got you into the craft hobby?

Ever since I was a baby my mom was always making arts and crafts with me. She would cover the walls with giant sheets of paper and let my brother and I color all over them and occasionally, if I was lucky, I could have a go at her sewing room. I started making jewelry with my grandmother when I was 5 or 6 because she had the most amazing collection of beads gathered during he world travels. Once I started beading I couldn't stop and so I taught myself everything from basic wire work to metal smithing.

 

How would you describe your creative process?

Being an art history major is a constant inspiration; I spend my days studying everything from Dutch masters to modern architecture. Having to analyze and examine such remarkable pieces of art and architecture is more inspiration than I could ever need! I really enjoy traveling (I've been to over 15 countries) and I think I draw a lot of my color palates from the places I visit. I try to pick up some supplies when I travel too - I like the idea that one of my necklaces could have materials from the States, Italy, Japan and Africa without the person wearing it ever knowing. I am also a big fan of recycled and reused materials. I use everything from chains from the '70's to old typewriter keys.

 

What is your most favorite item that you have ever produced?

This is a really hard question because I have gone through so many different styles and techniques of jewelry making. I have to say, I am really proud of this silver ring I made myself. It has little stripes painstakingly carved into it and then darkened. I think I made it when I was 15 or 16 and I doubt that I could make one as nice now!

How did you get your business off the ground?

I started doing holiday fairs when I was 12 because I wanted to make money to give to charities like Reach Out and Read and Heifer International (if you haven't heard of there organizations, look them up. They are amazing!). I think I really became a "business" when I started my Etsy shop (ljyobie.etsy.com) during my sophomore year of college.

What are your goals with your business?

I would love to make more online sales. Right now I use my Etsy shop as more of an online portfolio and I make most sales in person but I am a busy college student so craft fairs and such can be hard to schedule, online sales would be ideal.

What do you do in your free time?

What free time? When I have free time I do a lot of cooking. I love throwing dinner parties for my friends so I can try out tons of new recipes. If you're nice maybe I'll invite you to one...

What's the message behind your work?

I'm not really sure if my work has a message, in fact I think I like that it doesn't. I make one-of-a kind pieces so if anything I'm trying to convey a style more than a message. A lot of my pieces are vintage inspired and it is important to me to recycle and reuse materials but I don't want to beat people over the head with my ideas and philosophy. Wearing jewelry should make you feel good and I just want people to enjoy wearing my jewelry and maybe enjoy the details and materials I put in to it.

Check out LJDesigns this fall at the Avant-Garde Fall Art & Craft Show. This eclectic show will feature 67 of the areas most talented artisans and crafters. A portion of the show's proceeds will be donated to the North East Ohio Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Avant-Garde Fall Art & Craft Show

Sunday, October 23, 2011, 10:00am-5:00pm

Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church 

5500 West 54th St. 

Parma, OH 44129. 

For more information, contact Becki Cooper, at info@avantgardeshows.com.

Tempting Sweets- Edible Art!

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Missy, owner of Tempting Sweets. I grew up in the Cleveland area and have lived here most of my life.  I love city life and being so close to shopping and work. I currently work as a legal assistant at a small law firm in downtown Cleveland.  I love old movies, classic rock and roll, and collecting salt and pepper shakers. The 30s and 40s are my favorite period for movies and the art deco period into the 50s and 60s are my favorite times for shakers. I guess I'm just an old spirit :)

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I work full-time and try to spend as much time with family and friends as possible.

Where do you get your creativity from?

I would have to say real life - I enjoy discovering the versatility and functionality of chocolate and using it to create mini, edible versions of real life. I'm starting to get into 3D creations such as buildings and other structures.  I've made my first wishing well and will be working on a carousel soon.

What got you into the craft hobby?

Several years ago, I helped a friend make chocolate candy as part of her Christmas presents.  I learned a lot from her about technique and decorating.  Last year, I decided to pick it up again when I spotted molds that I really liked.  From there, it just sort of mushroomed.  I ended up making many of my own Christmas presents and realizing how much I enjoyed working with chocolate. 

How would you describe your creative process?

I look at the mold and think about what colors would work for whatever theme I'm working on.  I often go in with one vision in mind and as I begin to paint and decorate, something completely different emerges which is better than my original vision.  That sort of improvisation is a lot of fun.

What is your most favorite item that you have ever produced?

So far, it's a tie between the candy dish with purple and silver accents and the antique Ford.  The candy dish was one of those times where I thought I knew what I was going to do and ended up doing something completely different. I wasn't sure what to expect from the Ford but was pleasantly surprised at how well it came out.

How did you get your business off the ground?

I'm still getting it off the ground! This started as a hobby about a year ago and I realized I enjoyed it and was actually good at it. I started working with friends and people at work to get the word out about what I was doing.  I got some wonderful and positive responses, which gave me the courage to try branching out even more.

What are your goals with your business?

Right now, my goal is to continue enjoying what I do and continue improving in order to put out a better product.

What do you do in your free time?

I watch a lot of movies and try to read as much as I can.  My TV is pretty much set continually on TCM and I enjoy books on a wide array of topics, from biographies to novels and history.

What's the message behind your work?

I don't know that I have a specific message.  I just hope my work is pretty enough to get people's attention and delicious enough to keep them coming back.

Have a taste of Tempting Sweets this fall at the Avant-Garde Fall Art & Craft Show. This eclectic show will feature 67 of the areas most talented artisans and crafters. A portion of the show's proceeds will be donated to the North East Ohio Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Avant-Garde Fall Art & Craft Show

Sunday, October 23, 2011, 10:00am-5:00pm

Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church 

5500 West 54th St. 

Parma, OH 44129. 

For more information, contact Becki Cooper, at info@avantgardeshows.com.

Clearly Jess- Creations from a Fibers & Sculpture Artist!

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I began my studies of Fibers and Sculpture at Cleveland Institute of Art.  I am currently seeking a Bachelors or Fine Arts. I reside in New Albany, Ohio with my boyfriend and our 3 fuzzy children.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I work for a Columbus based restaurant chain and do everything from serve to supervise to handle their local store marketing.

Where do you get your creativity from?

I have had a lot of inspiration from some very wonderful people in my life.

What got you into the craft hobby?

I used to hand make a lot of the Christmas presents. It took a long time before I got up the courage to try and sell any of my crafts--it was really unnerving sharing my art with complete strangers.

How would you describe your creative process?

Typically I get inspired by a need I have or just think it would be fun to experiment with a material.

What is your most favorite item that you have ever produced?

Right now I'd have to say these neck and ear cozies I'm working on are my favorite. They're crocheted mini scarves and they're just so colorful and soft and fun to make.

How did you get your business off the ground?

I began creating many of my pieces strictly as a way to deal with the mid-winter woes in Central Ohio.  I realized that my art as therapy had turned into something more when many of my creations were being requested by others. With much coercion and love from my boyfriend and friends, I finally opened up an etsy shop at the end of last year and have been adding items ever since.

What are your goals with your business?

I like to tell people it’s to become so successful I can quit my day job (I think that’s everyone’s dream). Really, my goal is the same as every artist—the hope to be able to just concentrate on my art while making enough to live a simple and happy life.

What do you do in your free time?

I like to camp with friends (we’re hoping to start back-packing here next year). Also, reading or curling up with a crochet hook and some yarn and watching a movie.

What's the message behind your work?

It took me a long time to figure out my message. At first I thought it was having to justify why I made certain things or did things a certain way. Now I know it’s simply to have fun. Things need to be whimsical and fun and need to be accessible enough so that anyone can enjoy them. You can view more of my work at: www.ClearlyJess.etsy.com

Check out Clearly Jess' work  this fall at the Avant-Garde Fall Art & Craft Show. This eclectic show will feature 67 of the areas most talented artisans and crafters. A portion of the show's proceeds will be donated to the North East Ohio Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Avant-Garde Fall Art & Craft Show

Sunday, October 23, 2011, 10:00am-5:00pm

Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church 

5500 West 54th St. 

Parma, OH 44129. 

For more information, contact Becki Cooper, at info@avantgardeshows.com.

Diane Krupa- Wickless Candles You Can Enjoy!

Tell us a bit about yourself..

My name is Diane Krupa, and I am a Scentsy Certified Consultant. Scentsy began in 2004 when Entrepreneurs Heidi and Orville Thompson saw a small company at a home show.   

They were intrigued with the simple idea - a safe, wickless alternative to scented candles - and decided to buy it. It grew into one of the most successful direct selling companies in the world. Scentsy is a wickless, sootless, flameless candle.  It is an Electric ceramic warmer with scented wax.  I am new to sales, but I love it! I believe in the product so much that I think about it 24/7/365!

   

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I have a temporary/full-time job working as a Content Management Specialist, developing and updating content and web pages.

Where do you get your creativity from?

I've got to say, that I got my creativity from my Grandmother who taught me to crochet when I was 10 yrs. old.  I've been crocheting ever since.

What got you into the craft hobby?

I have loved crafts, sewing and crocheting ever since I was a little girl.  And now I volunteer teach PSR 2nd graders who love crafts in the classroom!

How would you describe your creative process?

My creative process of selling Scentsy to include something extra with each order, wrap it special, and make fancy  samples from the scented wax.  I have shells, roses, and hearts so far.

How did you get your business off the ground?

I got my business off the ground from Scentsy by working on a fabulous team, and my sponsor is awesome!

https://dianekrupa.scentsy.us

What are your goals with your business?

My goals with my business is to promote Scentsy and share my love for it.  Showing how relaxing the aromatherapy can be.  And so many products included.

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time, I prepare my samples, and circulate my business cards wherever I go.  As a Mom of a 16-year old daughter, I pretty much never sit still.  There is always a place go, party to attend, sporting event, or shopping.  And now that school is starting back up, I will be back and forth to the high school for so many events, I can't even count.

What's the message behind your work?

The message behind Scentsy is:  warm the heart - enliven the senses - inspire the soul. 

Check out Diane's Scentsy Products this fall at the Avant-Garde Fall Art & Craft Show. This eclectic show will feature 67 of the areas most talented artisans and crafters. A portion of the show's proceeds will be donated to the North East Ohio Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Avant-Garde Fall Art & Craft Show

Sunday, October 23, 2011, 10:00am-5:00pm

Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church 

5500 West 54th St. 

Parma, OH 44129. 

For more information, contact Becki Cooper, at info@avantgardeshows.com.