Rocky River Fall Show Update!

Cyndi Brunnet from Crafting Memories...

I am a divorced mother of two who always loved to fiddle with crafts ever since childhood. I used to enter my crafts (mostly cross stitch and paper twist back then) in the county fair and have won numerous ribbons. Back in 2008 a friend and I decided to take a jewelry making class and we had so much fun, we decided to try and do a craft show with our new-found talent. I haven't looked back since!

I have been doing craft shows since 2008 and in 2014 started promoting my Etsy shop to broaden my reach. I also love Pinterest!  I get so many ideas from there. I also get inspiration from my children-it is amazing how a simple conversation can all of a sudden get your creative juices flowing. I love seeing the look on someone's face when they "zoom" in on one of my items, knowing that I put a smile on someone's face-that is inspiration in itself.

I originally started out making jewelry, but there were so many jewelers, I decided to broaden my horizons and started making French Memory Boards. I have added to my line with other craft items such as key fob/zipper pulls, cupcake onsies, diaper babies, pinback buttons, some upcycled crafts but still stay true to my memory boards. I always loved to tinker with crafts ever since I was a kid...so I always knew I had it in me, I just had to find what I liked to do best.

My creative process... I look to see what is trending, then I see how I can incorporate that into my crafts. For instance, gray is supposed to be popular this fall, so I am looking for fabric with grays to make memory boards.  Owls and nautical are still very popular, so I search for themed fabrics/ribbon for the boards and key fobs.  My pinback buttons are a variety of sayings-something catching my eyes, and next thing you know, it is a button. As for my upcycled crafts, I look at ways an item can be used again.

My goal in five years.. I am trying to build up my Etsy following and hope the shop takes off to where I have a steady income stream. I love doing shows, but want to cut back to only doing the ones I truly love to do and not be forced to try and fill up my calendar with a show every week-end.

The message behind my work.. Memories, the majority of my items relate to memories. You purchase the item because it triggers a memory, whether it is a favorite pattern, character, being purchased as a gift or being used to display memories (photos).

Meet Richard Gullet from Dark Designs...

I am a retired teacher, I taught Anthropology, Ancient History and World History as well as being a life long doodler - I call my drawings "Doodles on Steroids". I have been doodling since my days in the lecture halls of the university - when the lectures got boring, my pen started moving - creating unique little drawings in the margins of my notes - then as a teacher, I continued to produce interesting little designs in the margins of my staff agendas. Eventually I began to actually attempt to draw my designs in and of themselves and not as a response to a boring situation. 

As the years progressed, so did my drawings, becoming larger and more intricate. None the less, I drew these designs for my own personal entertainment keeping them tucked away in my note books till friends and family urged me to finally display them in 2012 

I am inspired by the mythologies of native and ancient peoples and I am fascinated by the artistic styles of M.C. Escher and the Native American artists of the North West Coast Native American Indians.

How I got started.. A good friend of mine - Charlie Hall - was the woodshop teacher at the school where I taught and I would help him prepare for his shows and sometimes go to the shows and help out. So when it was suggested that I too get involved I had a bit of experience and encouragement which helped.

I discovered my talent by accident - to me I was just "filling space and time" with my silly little designs till I was pushed into the art fair scene and found that other people than relatives and friends liked my work.

I base my work on the mythologies of Greeks - Romans - Egyptians - Celts and Native Americans. I then base my drawings on a creature from their mythology and then hide numerous other animals within the body of the image - I call the hidden designs my Dark Designs - designs hidden in the dark - most don't see them at first glance.

My five year plan... I have no grand plans - I enjoy going to the fairs and talking to people - however, one project I am considering is the production of a book - one that would include my most popular drawings and their corresponding myth. It is basically written/drawn - I just need to get the cash together to have it published - don't know if there would be any demand but I would be fun to try.

I am not sure there is a deep message to my work however, I would hope it would encourage people to take the time to appreciate the artistic styles and mythologies of other cultures - to ovoid the superficial glance and to look deeper into the drawings to gain a greater understanding as well as to have fun.

Meet Kari Gall from Sugar Bear Gourmet Popcorn.. 

My husband and I are the owners of Sugar Bear Gourmet Popcorn LLC, a home based business located in North Olmsted, Ohio. We have two children. We have been serving up gourmet popcorn for almost two years now.

We find inspiration in flavors and spices to create new products to delight the palate. We got into the business when my husband was a cook. Around that time we decided we wanted to create fun and unique snacks for people to enjoy! We did this by experimenting  with spices, flavors, and colors. We have always loved popcorn and it was the perfect medium to showcase it on!

Flavor ideas come to us through experiences with food and events that happen through our day to day routine or a customer will request a flavor for us to develop for them for a special person or event they are having. We make gourmet popcorn in custom flavors and colors. We can create over 200 flavors!

Our goal in five years... We want to focus on custom orders, events (baby/wedding showers and parties), and fundraising for schools and organizations.

The message behind our work is to allow people to experience something new and fun in popcorn. The sky is the limit with flavors and colors with Sugar Bear Gourmet Popcorn LLC. Sweet, savory, cheesy, salty, or spicy…we can make it happen.

2014 Rocky River Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sat. Nov. 14 (10am-5pm) & Sun. Nov 15 (11am-5pm)

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:

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Rocky River Vendors In Action! The Story Behind the Craft!

Meet Annie Berry from Zensational Organics LLC...

Helllooooo! My name is Ann (Annie) Berry, I answer to both ha ha! The name of my company is Zensational Organics LLC.

I started Zensational Organics 3 years ago. I became aware of what I was putting on my skin. After doing tons of research there was a reason why my skin was not in good condition. It was dry, flaky, and itchy plus I had roseacea. Lo and behold I was spending hard earned money on chemically laden soaps and lotions. I went on a mission to make decadent body products that were great for my skin. Voila....Zensational Organics was born.

I make my products as organic as I can. Did you know your skin on the average is only 3/16" thick?  Everything you put on your skin is absorbed into your bloodstream. To me, that is very scary so I did not want to put anything toxic on my skin ever again. One of my lotions and potions is named "Whippity Bobbidy Boo" a dynamite body butter that has absolutely all organic unrefined ingredients. (I do wake up in the middle of the night and name my concoctions. I really do need more sleep LOL). 

Anyhoo... If the ingredients are refined the nutrients are stripped from the product. I want to give you and I the best I can. Also, you will not find any fragrances in Zensational products. I only use organic essential oils.  Fragrances are toxic and made with many chemicals. I don't care for the word "natural" either, natural is so very misused and misunderstood.  Many "natural" products contain herbicides and pesticides and that in my book is NOT okay. Therefore I stick to "organic".  

It is so exciting for me when people stop and see me and want to try on a lotion and their response is WOW that's pretty awesome. The many men and women that stop and ask about Organics keep me going. Organics and health are definitely a huge passion for me. Zensational Organics is getting bigger and better all the time, thanks to all of you looking for a healthy chemical free life!

Some of my products: Whippity Bobbidy Boo, Rescue Lotion, Awesome Salve, Body Sprays,  Rescue Lip Balm, Insect Repellent

Soaps:  Lovely Lavender, Calendula Citrus, Guinness Bandit, Gone Surfin, Ocean Breeze, Goats Milk Baaa, Unscented, Peace Love and Patcheulli,  Bee Buzzer Medina Honey, Bow Wow Wowza, Cocoa Butter, Lemongrass, Ocean Dunes

Bath Teas: Ah-Mazing, Spicy Fantasy, Nirvana

My motto... STOP the chemicals go ORGANIC with Zensational Organics. For more info: visit: www.zensationalorganics.com or contact me directly at: annie@zensationalorganics.com. Stop on by my booth, I truly would love to meet you!

Meet Natthamol Chen from Natt Clay Flower...

My name is Natthamol Chen. I always have interest in arts however, never really get serious about it until I discovered the art of Clay Flower Making. I have been making Clay Flowers for almost a year. Starting from a regular trip back to Thailand to visit my family, since then I have been creating various types of flowers and applying this art to different merchandises. This is my first time joining Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show!

The amazing beauty of real flowers inspires me to create as most realistic-looking clay flower as I possibly could. Also, personally it makes me calm and focused in the same way as meditation would. The first time I saw my stepmom's flower creation during my trip to Thailand, I was simply blown away and surprised by how realistic those flowers looked. I signed up for one class as I only had little time. After that one class, I have been experimenting and finding out my own technique to make my flowers as realistic looking as possible!

My creative process... Everything starts from a blob of white clay. A special blend of Thai and Japanese air dry clay is super fine and stretchy. With just bare hands and small precision tools, I am able to create certain curves and forms with various sculpting techniques. Petal by petal,each flower is handcrafted and hand-painted to create realistic-looking flowers.

My goals in five years.. I would love to be a regular at the Avant-Garde shows as well as have my pieces exhibited at local art galleries.However, the most important thing is to share my passion with more and more people who are interested. 

The message behind my work: Beauty of a simple flower brings peace to inner soul! 

Want to get in contact? Reach me at 216-466-2447 or via email at natt.clayflowerart@gmail.com. I can also be found on Facebook at: Natt Clay Flower.

Meet Melanie Sloan from Bride of Frankenstein...

Hi, My name is Melanie Sloan. I am a married mother of 4, living on the west side of Cleveland. By day, I am a software tester & analyst in the IT department for a major auto insurance company. But designing and creating jewelry (and more) is what really mirrors my heart and my passion. My creations reflect my style and my greatest passions.

I’ve been designing and creating jewelry for many years… but only selling my creations since February 2014. Creating and upcycling is a really great stress reliever for me. And within the past year, I’ve discovered that sharing my passion thru my Etsy shop and craft shows/boutiques is truly inspiring and fulfilling for me.

This is my very first Avant-Garde show! To say that I am excited would be a total understatement. I’m on cloud 9 right now!

I find inspiration in ways that others may find strange. I could be watching a movie, and a certain scene will give me a feeling that I immediately want to recreate in the form of jewelry. Or, I could be out clothes shopping with my 14 year old, and some of the prints or colors on an item of clothing may give me a great idea for an upcycled jewelry box. I’ve always felt that I view the world just a bit differently than the average person. I’m always thinking of how I can recreate a certain emotion or feeling.

Honestly, I attribute my creative gene as just that… something inherited. My mother has always enjoyed crafting, for as long as I can remember. I have fond memories of her making beautiful creations, of all kinds. When I was about four years old, my mom would work late into the night at her sewing machine, creating the most beautiful Strawberry Shortcake bedspread, set, and curtains for my bedroom. I loved that bedroom set! My mom is just so talented. My brother inherited the creative gene as well, and he displays this in his work as a chef. And I give credit to my father for my bravery to start selling my creations. My dad is the bravest person I know. My husband is my biggest fan. He gives me so much support and encouragement. I’m really a lucky lady.

How I got started.. I remember as a teenager, being discouraged after days of shopping, not being able to find a lot of things that were my idea of “cool”. So I started creating my own jewelry and t-shirts and accessories. I figured if I couldn’t find what I wanted at the store, that I would just make what I wanted. It was very fulfilling to me. Still is. As my confidence grew, I began creating more complex things.

My creative process.. I really do not have a process. My brain is just wired in a way where I can draw inspiration from my surroundings. I feel so blessed for that ability. And once that inspiration really hits, I cannot be stopped. It’s almost like being in a trance… once I am inspired, there is no rest until I express that feeling accurately into a work of art that can be worn or displayed.

Where I see myself in five years.. I’d love to think that my business will pick up enough that I can transition over to it full time. But that is an extremely aggressive goal. So I’ll be happy with still feeling the intense feelings of pride and amazement that I get when I can share one of my creations with a happy customer. Is there anything better than someone else feeling the wonder and emotion that I intended them to feel with one of my creations?

Although a lot of my pieces have a dark theme to them, I feel the true message behind my work is happiness! That’s what it is all about. That’s what life is all about. Doing something you love, something that makes you feel just…happy. I tell my kids all the time, the meaning of life is to be happy. Spread happiness. Strive for happiness. Do something that makes you happy. Designing and creating makes me happy. I want my creations to bring happiness to others. If I can do that, then I have succeeded in life!

2015 Rocky River Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sat. March 21st (10am-5pm) & Sun. March 22nd (11am-5pm)

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:

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TWITTER

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Fall Festive Vendors!

Meet Lindsey Ahrens from Lindsey Ahrens Jewelry...

Hello!  My name is Lindsey Ahrens and this is my second time participating in the Avant-Garde show. I’ve been making jewelry off and on since I was in high school, selling things to friends. I was reintroduced to beading after spending hours with my daughter at a bead store while on vacation in Florida.

I get my inspiration from seeing other jewelry and the types of things my friends wear. My seven-year-old daughter also helps me, as she has a great eye for designs. I enjoy putting together different beads and materials to create various designs to construct unique pieces. While I’ve made and sold jewelry to family and friends in the past, I only recently started selling in retail stores, craft shows and online.   

As a past customer at the Avant-Garde shows, I’m honored to be a part the show this year. You can also view more of my work at my Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/lindseyahrensjewelry.

Meet Barbara Gorman from Driftwood Designs...

I have been retired since 2007, after working as a clinical dietitian for Cuyahoga County for almost 30 years.  Unfortunately, my retirement wasn’t by choice, but the result of an accident.  I had a fall and suffered a traumatic brain injury.  Amongst many losses, I lost my ability to speak coherently and wasn’t able to return to work.  A portion of my therapy involved stringing beads to encourage my brain to be more focused. 

So, my therapy was actually the beginning of my fascination with making jewelry.  A couple of classes later in soldering and I was off and running. I started doing shows rather slowly.  I remember that first church basement show.  I only sold a couple of pieces, but I loved doing the show.  Today, shows are my primary venue for selling my jewelry.

I have always been artistic.  As a young kid, I remember, on vacation, scrounging through last night’s bonfire for a few half-burned sticks of charcoal to draw with.  Working as a scientist all my adult life, I always had the feel that there was an inner artist in me, just “trying to get out”. 

I am inspired by numerous things in my environment.  I use the natural materials that exist near where I live: beach glass, beach rocks, driftwood and any other debris that washes ashore on the beaches of Lake Erie. I see jewelry designs in architecture; in fashion and certain aspects of nature (I love flowers and leaves).  I am also inspired by the “cluttered workbench” process. I leave most of the random parts & pieces leftover from a project out.  Very often I will see some new combination that will inspire me.

There is no overall theme to my jewelry, but many customers describe my work as having “simple lines, with a Zen-like quality”.  Sounds good to me.

My husband is my biggest supporter.  He’s retired also and lugs the giant tent and tables to all of my shows.  

Meet Ellen and Sandy Dublo from Vintage Lites...

Sandy is semi-retired from Miceli Dairy Products as a production supervisor. Ellen is employed by Cleveland Clinic Home Care as an Admissions Coordinator Nurse. We are married, living in Strongsville. We have been making lamps for about 5 years, but have been selling them only since last fall.This will be our first Avant Garde Craft Show.

Ellen has always has a creative side. I sew, knit, paint, do tile and workworking- always open to new ideas. Sandy is the golfer. Together we enjoy music and sing in our church choir.

We enjoy tasting wines and saw many examples of wine bottle made into lamps. However we decided to put our own twist on this process with adding a shade, stacking the glass grapes to create dimension, and adding the cork. We try to stay true to the style of the bottle. The glass grapes should enhance the shape and color of the bottle.

How we got started.. We gave a lamp to friend who owns a wine store for his birthday. Later he told us several people wanted to buy his lamp, but he did not want to part with it. So we stocked a few in his store, and the rest is history.

We enjoy doing this as a couple. Sandy cleans the bottles, drills them, and strings the lights. Ellen takes it from there. We derive satisfaction with recycling materials in a pleasing way. We have also  done work for people who have a special bottle that is meaningful to them and want to preserve it into a lamp.

The message behind our work is that we LOVE wine! And we love sharing the gracefulness of the lamps with others who appreciate wine as well. Just FYI, we do NOT empty all those bottle ourselves - we have lots of friends who "help" us!

Meet April Hardin...

I’m happily married (12 years) and we have a son named Kanyon (he’s 4).  Marie, my sister, has been married for 26 years and she has 3 children (Anna, Sean and Ian) and an adorable grandson named Mason. :)

I’ve been crocheting for about 12 years, but only started making and selling hats and accessories this year. Marie has been crocheting for as long as I can remember! This will be the first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show for my sister and I!

Where we get our creativity from.. The girls in our family have always had knack for arts and crafts. It just seems to be something natural for us.

How we got into our hobby… Our great grandmother taught my sister how to crochet and then when I was old enough, my sister taught me. It’s something we both truly enjoy. We love being able to make something that someone can wear or give as a gift. It’s a good feeling.

What made us want to start our own business? It’s a great way to make some extra money and it’s enjoyable. My goal is to have this as a nice side job once we decided to add on to our family. That way I can work from home and spend as much time with my children as possible.

How would we describe our creative process? Both of us use the crochet skills that we have and incorporate creative ideas from many resources such as books and on-line sites. We are always open to suggestions and requests. By being open to requests, we can make the products people want, the way they want them.

We really enjoy about our work is seeing the smile on people’s faces when they find something they fall in love with. Plus, having something handmade and unique makes you stand out from the crowd and that’s kind of fun! 

The message behind our work is that all of our items are made with love and care and we want to extend that to the people who decide to purchase one (or two) of our items. :)

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.

2012 West Side Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sunday, October 14, 2012, 11:00am-6:00pm

Lacentre

25777 Detroit Rd.

Westlake, OH 44145

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

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