I’m an engineer by trade, and use my hobbies to keep my right brain happy. I’ve been married to the world’s best guy for 23 years, and between us we have 3 children (32, 21,and 19), one fabulous son-in-law, and 2 grandchildren (8 and 1). My family is wonderfully patient with my hobbies, which I switch every few years. As my husband says, the hobbies come and go, but the stashes of supplies keep building up! This is my first Avant-Garde Art and Craft show I'll be participating in!
I just started making miniature gardens this summer. It pulls from a lot of my other craft phases, which I really like. It’s been a real kick to learn about small plants – their foliage, watering needs, root systems, etc. Plants are really pretty amazing in their resiliency!
When I turned 29, I found myself at a life changing crossroads. I was newly single, had quit smoking, and was mad at the world. I started my first serious craft, watercolor painting, during this time. From then on, I’ve always had the need to create with my hands. I get a little nuts when I haven’t made something in a while!
No words come to mind to describe my creative process. Typically I just dive in and adjust as I go.
My hope is that everyone adopting one of my little gardens will buy themselves a few moments of fun and tranquility every day. I hope the owners make them their own by adding personal touches. They are a ZEN-sational way to get away from it all without leaving the room.
Meet Robin Payne from EarthLight Art Source...
I RobinAnne Ralls Payne created EarthLight Art Source in 2007 as a business to express my lifelong dedication to art. The name EarthLight Art Source reflects not only my deep love of nature but the desire to help with the conservation of our planet through artistic expression and exploration of its beauty and natural resources.
The moment of inspiration, that spark in the creative process is what keeps me going! Sharing, teaching and watching others find their spark is my primary goal. For me colors in a sunset, the shape of a cloud, or the twist of a branch is a thing to be savored, respected and shared, and will forever provide a variety of subject matter as well as a profound sense of wonder.
As well
as painting I enjoy working with a wide variety of materials, I love all
forms of collage, including handmade paper and paper casting. I work in clay,
found-object assemblage, silk and glass. My exploration, fascination and expertise in so many
different areas always provide an opportunity to find the perfect way to
express an idea, experience or feeling.
I currently teach part time with two
different organizations dedicated to the life enrichment and art education of
adults with disabilities, children and seniors. I find this exciting and very rewarding.
Meet La'Shea Nichole Scott from Nikole Hanna Accessories...
My Name Is La’Shea Nichole Scott and I’m the owner and creator of Nikole Hanna Accessories. I was born and raised in North East Ohio. I’ve been crafting fashion accessories since I was about 12 years old. Since before that age, I was always into anything fashion, clothing, jewelry and accessories related. I only loved Barbie dolls back then because I loved buying them clothes and styling their outfits.
When I got to middle school that is when I realized my true love was for fashion and accessories, hence I started making my own accessories. After I graduated from high school I went to college (Miami International University of Art and Design) in Miami, Florida and received my Degree in Fashion Merchandising. After graduation, I moved back home to Ohio and had the worst time finding a job. Yup, the hardest and worst time. After three years of being home and having my daughter (who will be one this year), and soul searching and employment searching for the right position, I decided to reintroduce myself to my craft that I grew up doing and loved. That is when I decided to start my own business, and named it after my daughter Savannah and myself.
This will be my very first Avant-Garde Show. And also my very first show as an independent crafting business.
As a crafter, I have always found my inspiration from art and fashion. I love to mix colors and textures for my accessory pieces just like any other artist, like painters or clothing designers. When I’m working on new pieces and collections, my creative process is all about research and channeling my own inner style. This can then be interpreted into my accessories.
When I create pieces I love the fact that it goes from a transitioning process. From loose beads scattered on my work bench to being organized into the pattern I want them to go in to the stringing and bonding them together to prepare for their new home for the customer. Nothing makes me more proud other then being a mom, then creating my own style of art in jewelry and accessory making.
Nikole Hanna Accessories mission and message is to encourage, promote, and compliment women and their own unique personal styles. Our slogan represents who we are and what we believe in and that’s, “An Accessory Is Only A Compliment To Your Style”. We want to inspire self-love through style and fashion, individuality, and freedom of expression through style and fabulousity all at once! This brand is not like any other accessory brand, we are a movement and a lifestyle, and will be promoting just that through our accessories.
Our accessories are for all women, of all backgrounds, religions, ethnicities and economic statuses. We cater to everyone. And our motto is that our pieces are “Made For Women By Women”.
Check out these featured vendors at the 2012 West Side Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show. This eclectic show will feature up to 200 of the most talented artisans and crafters. A portion of the show's proceeds will be donated to Drink Local. Drink Tap. a local non-profit that works in communities to educate people about our local water sources and also helps orphans in Uganda gain access to clean drinking water.
