Meet Some of Our Rocky River Vendors!

Meet Jackie Pecon from Babies Comfort Design...

Hi, my name is Jackie Pecon. I’m an Eastlake resident of 14 years and I find the area very nice. I’m a mom and a grandma that loves her grandkids. Other grandparents play with their grandkids and send them home. I want to keep them. I work full-time and sew the rest of my time. I’m very busy with craft shows and my Facebook page featuring all of the items I make. 

I have been sewing for many years. Every time there would be an occasion of someone getting married, having a baby or even getting sick, I would make a quilt, baby blanket or a throw blanket. It would bring a smile to their face and they knew that someone cared enough to take the time to make something so lovely. A few years ago, my daughter had her own daughter and the question was raised about what can the baby wear to keep her warm and safe inside the car. It has been a big concern that small children cannot wear coats in car seats because it has been found unsafe. The coat adds bulk and they have found that the child can slip out of the car seat on impact. So I got to thinking, did some research and that’s when I started making Car Seat Ponchos and Car Seat Covers. All the seat belts go under the poncho or the car seat cover. Car Seat Covers provide them with privacy and protects them from the elements and unwanted touching. 

I started making NOT your parents sleeping bags. I never knew what a big hit these were going to be. It started off as a gift to my granddaughter and then took off from there. I have so many prints and colors to choose from. These are perfect for going to grandma’s house, daycares or even the overnight Girl Scout camp outs. They fit perfect on the cots.

You can fine me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BabiesComfortDesignsByJackiePecon/?epa=SEARCH_BOX

Meet Jess and Liz from Telluric Studios...
Hello! We are Jess and Liz, the founders of Telluric Studios. Telluric Studios is a small design studio that specializes in handcrafted home goods. We met in architecture school at Kent State University, and have subsequently redirected our this passion towards experimenting with small scale design and materials such as concrete and clay. 

Telluric Studios was created in 2019, and focuses on producing objects that are inspired by local nature. Many of our designs incorporate found materials such as glass, driftwood, and rocks from Lake Erie. In designing new products we honor the materials by creating new forms that amplify their natural characteristics. Telluric Studios has been a therapeutic, creative outlet that allows us to bond with each other as well as nature. 

Through choosing a name for our business, we expressed our mutual affinity and appreciation for the earth and its gifts. "Telluric" means "of the earth" and the symbol we chose represents the Divine's intervention with the earth. The 2020 Rocky River Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show will be the Studio's official public debut, and we are very excited to meet new people and share our work!

Meet Holly Zewalk from Zewalk Jewelry...

I’m a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art with a BRA in illustration and a minor in ceramics. I grew up in a family of artists, my mom is a painter. My father started with enamels before switching to lost wax casting of jewelry. Both of my parents had exhibited in a number of local art festivals. Personally, I have done a few local exhibits with my ceramic sculpture work. 

This will be my first Avant-Garde show but over the years I have exhibited work in Clifton Music and Art Fest and another show that is no longer around. Since 2014 I have been an exhibitor at the Berea Alive and Well art fest that is held in September with the jewelry. I hope to expand to be doing more shows as this is just a hobby for now.

Over the years, I made my own jewelry creations that my dad created and casted into silver and sold. It was just recently when my father was terminally ill that I learned to do the casting process and have taken over the process of making the jewelry. Instead of sculpting in clay, I’m creating in wax. The message behind my jewelry is one of a kind handmade pieces that will be cherished for years to come. 

Meet Milka Ambler from Eklektik Motef Studio...

My name is Mikki Ambler. I am a mother of two grown boys and happily marring for 20 years. I am the Creator and Lead Designer of Eklektik Motef Studio- Forever Wood Flower Decor. I worked as a Healthcare Administrator for two leading Dialysis Companies in the Cleveland Market for nearly 17 years. I grew tired of the pull between work/life balance, or lack there of, so when our youngest was in his senior year of high school, essentially leaving me and my hubby empty nesters, I saw this as an opportunity for me to “Do Me!" So that is what I did. I resigned from my leadership role and responsibilities, took 5 months off to enjoy the remaining months of our sons senior year, and here I am. Living my best life! I work full time at NASA and at Eklektik Motef Studio. That is where you’ll find me working in the evenings and weekends and I couldn’t be happier!

I have been creating my beauties for nearly 20 years on and off and mostly during the winter holiday season. It really just started as a hobby for me. Since I find to have more time on my hands, my drive to recharge and jumpstart my business is at a peak. At first, it was something for me do when our children were little tikes that didn’t include football and LEGO’s. I would participate in seasonal craft shows throughout the years to earn extra money and found many people enjoyed my style and creativity. So, when time permitted or no work interruptions I created my ”beauties”. Family and friends always complimented my work and began requesting custom orders and the rest is history. Now I am able to do what I absolutely enjoy more frequently and without interruption. 

There really isn’t any rhyme or reason as to how I create what I do. It just kind of happens, if that makes sense. Each one of my “Beauties” is as unique as my customer. I have strong listening skills, when my customer tells me what he/she wants, I deliver. If I’m preparing for a show I ask myself, what will put a smile on someone’s face? What “Beauty” can I create that will bring joy into someone’s life”? Brining a smile and creating happiness for someone via my Forever Beauties inspires me. Following my dreams and ambitions to work for myself full time is inching closer and my supportive family gives me the drive to put my creativity in overdrive.

Each one of my Forever Beauties is as unique as each person I come in contact. My goal is for every Eklektik Motef Studio piece to bring joy and happiness to all. Flowers are an expression of love and gratitude, we all need to be reminded of this every now and then. What better way to express how you feel about another and/or yourself? Give the gift of Wood Flower Decor-they are sustainable and eco-friendly. 

2020 Rocky River Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and 15, 2020

10:00am-5:00pm on Saturday

11:00am-5:00pm on Sunday

Rocky River Memorial Hall

21016 Hilliard Blvd.

Rocky River, OH 44116

For more information, contact Becki Silverstein, Event Coordinator at Becki@ag-shows.com

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It's go time, Rocky River!

Meet Julie Blake from Mae's Boutique...

Hi, I'm Julie Blake, owner of Mae's Boutique. I discovered a passion for sewing about 4 years ago as a creative outlet by making baby items for friends and family. In January of this year I officially launched my own business and website. It's been an amazing journey balancing a regular career, family and owing a personal business. A big thank you to my family for their support and chipping in to help!  

Mae's Boutique offers handmade baby items. Our slogan, "Spit Up Happens! Make it fun!"

That's what I offer! Fun and functional baby items for mom's to enjoy! I have burp cloths, bandana bibs, traditional bibs, taggies and the most amazing Minky blankets! I pride my work on offering soft, high quality products that will look beautiful and last! 

Please check out my products at www.maesboutique.net

Meet Barbara Hubert from Eagle Wings Art...

Hi! My name is Barb Hubert and I've been retired for about 5 years now. I took up watercolor to give me something to do with myself, and I fell in love with art! After just 1 year with a friend/teacher, I took off and now after only5 years and never painting a day before that, have over 300+ original watercolor paintings, mixed media paintings, plus prints of  my paintings and print blanks notecards.

I feel this is a gift that God has given me, so I give back to Him! 40% of my profits go to help The Cleveland Pregnancy Center or the Bible League Int'l. I love painting, using different mediums, like real leaves, salt, saran wrap, and love to experiment! I am inspired by all  of nature around me and I marvel at the works of God! I always, always have a painting in progress, usually 2 or 3! You will find birds, animals, owls, landscape, children's art, florals, modern and abstract art.

I am also now offering to paint your home in a winter scene, in watercolor called "Pen and Wash"! For my Ohio State Fans, I'll add a Buckeye Flag or any favorite sport flag ($5 extra) to your painting! Take advantage of my free set of 5 blank notecards with $30 purchase! I have beautiful summer/fall/winter/ and Christmas blank notecards for sale and (I've started a new section to my art, which I call "Scripture Options" with some of my paintings including gold with black plaques inscribed with inspirational scripture! Ask me about them!

Meet Michelle Hritz from Sweet Revolution! LLC...

Hi! My name is Michelle! This is a second career for me, I started out as a commercial interior designer.  I would supply large corporate offices with miles and miles of cubicles as well as other furniture.  I have always been baking, first as a hobby, took some classes and decided this is what I wanted to do for a living.  Took the leap to change careers found my first commercial baking job shortly after leaving the design world.  Learned so much working there as well as a cake shop then had the opportunity to move on to a higher volume bakery, Luna Bakery Café,  where I eventually worked my way up to Executive Pastry Chef.  After working my way up, learning every step of the way, I thought it was now time to launch my own baking business!  Thus the creation of Sweet Revolution!

I have actually had this business since 2013 on a part time basis but I just launched it full time this year in August. This will be my first Avant-Garde show, but as a lover of the arts I have been to the shows before as a visitor.

 The endless possibilities out there are what inspire me to create!  I could literally bake all day and night just testing out new flavors and combinations of things, there is so much out there to try and never enough time to do it all!

I have always been a creative, artistic person and started out with cakes from a box and frosting from a can for my Mom’s birthday when I was a kid.  Then moved on to cookies for Christmas, every Christmas for many years now.  Now moving on to all types of desserts and treats!

Once I took some cake decorating classes, my instructor noticed, and offered to have me come work with her at a local bakery she worked at part time.  From the first step into the commercial kitchen I was hooked!

I always strive to make from scratch items with a creative twist.  Everyone makes chocolate chip cookies and vanilla cupcakes I want to bring something different to the market with fresh, real ingredients. In 5 years I hope to be the owner of a storefront of some type where I can incorporate art and pastry.

The message behind my work would be that it is all from scratch, always fresh baked, and down home with a modern twist

2017 Rocky River Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sat. Nov. 18 (10am-5pm) & Sun. Nov 19 (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

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Gear Up Rocky River!

Meet Kathleen Taylor from Lavender Lab...

I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. My husband and I have a blended family, our children ranging in ages 17-28, and we have 2 grandchildren. I have been teaching for  24 years in the Cleveland  Metropolitan School District, the last 5 being in Kindergarten! I enjoy many outdoor activities such as paddleboarding, bicycling, and gardening, camping. I also enjoy playing my guitar and singing.

Any craft I have ever dabbled in has started with the idea of creating gifts for others. I have discovered how therapeutic it is for me, so that is a win-win! This year I wanted to gift my family and friends with something that might bring them comfort and rest- life can be hard sometimes, and it's easy to lose balance (this is where my first two products, the lavender eye pillow and the foot scrub, came from).  As far as creating natural skin products- I love knowing exactly what is in the products I am using, and the scent of lavender is my absolute favorite. I can testify to all the benefits research has shown about lavender. 

How I discovered my talent.. Each hobby has started with an interest, or something that looks challenging that I'd like to try my hand at. After that the motivation to create a handmade gift for a family member or friend has helped me discover what I'm good at.

My creative process is experimental and risk-taking, with a little bit of brewing

My five year goal... Since I just began, this is difficult to answer.  I'd like to continue to participate in local shows, and maybe have small spots in local shops to showcase my products. I also think that my products would be beneficial for cancer patients or those who are grieving (death of loved one, divorce, etc.). I would like to be involved with an organization or people who service these communities.

The message behind my work is that Life is busy and, at times, stressful. I enjoy creating these products! Not only is creating them a stress reliever for me, but using them is as well! I wanted to share that with others.

Meet Julie Blake from Mae's Boutique...

Hi! My name is Julie and I discovered my love of sewing about 2 years ago as a stress reliever from my full time job. My mom was an amazing sewer and I feel so blessed to now share her talent.  

Initially sewing began as a hobby that allowed me to create one of a kind gifts for new moms; however it only took giving those first few gifts and I was hooked!  

I enjoy creating products for moms that are both stylish and functional. All products are created from the softest and most durable fabrics to last and last! This is going to be my first Avant-Garde Show and I can't wait to share my new found passion with others!

Meet Micheline Kerr from 29 Design...

29Design. is our fun and calming jewelry therapy. Copper is a pure metal in nature, #29 on the atomic periodic table, and working with our copper wire has a life of its own and does what it does.   Each piece is unique without being too serious. Worn casually as well as fitting into formal settings, each piece is lovingly designed and inspired by the moment.

We are two retired healthcare co-workers that have been reunited in retirement and love of nature and jewelry. We have been doing this for less than a year, and this is our very first Avant-Garde Art and Craft show. 

Our inspiration has always been in the beauty of copper, our love of jewelry and nature. One of us got into the craft by volunteering at the local art gallery and the other soon fell right in by her side. One of us discovered our talent in a class, making gifts for others and the other has a different perspective on the jewelry and a match was made with both being different and developing changes. Our creative processes are different enough to promote a growth that is never stagnate and in 5 years see ourselves making spectacular copper pieces, yet always with a unique flair.

Our message behind our work: Beauty and Earth to be unique and love what we do.

Check out a sample of our pieces on our facebook page: 29Desgn. Don’t forget the period!!

2017 Rocky River Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sat. March 18th (10am-5pm) & Sun. March 19th (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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It's Show Time! One More Preview Before Sunday!

Meet Laura Smith from Ruby Red Handmade...

My name is Laura and I spend most of my time at my "real" job as a high school librarian. I enjoy all sorts of craft projects and always have many things in the works!  

A couple of years ago I began playing around with my mom's old sewing machine and created a appliqued onesie for a friend's new baby. I have continued to sew and create children's items ever since. During the summer, I have a lot more time to create and try new things that I've been planning.  

One of my favorite onesies is a design I created with three fabric flowers sewn in a line across the front with two small leaves on either side.  I use three different pink fabrics that coordinate well together. I love how this onesie turns out every time I finish one!  I began selling my items at www.rubyredhandmade.etsy.com about one year ago.  

My craft and selling online is a fun way for me to show my work to a large audience, get feedback, and get new ideas. I love when my customers are so pleased with their purchases that they share photos with me or ask for custom items!

Meet Jen Buchanan from Jenbuza Bags...

I am an Interior Designer who has always loved fashion, especially purses.  I was a banker for many years and put myself through school and got my design degree at 32. My husband and I and our two dogs live in Bay Village.

Interior Design is what I do for a living. My husband and I are "Do-it-Yourselfers" so we are constantly changing things around the house. I am an avid gardener and love spending hours in my yard. I love keeping active and doing Yoga to help me chill out. I also love spending my free time with my two rescue dogs, Willy and Sophie. 

I have a pretty creative, crafty family. My Grandmother, my mom and my Aunt are all crafty. They can sew, knit, crochet, you name it. I grew up watching my mom tackle any sort of craft project.

How I got started.. I was unemployed and was looking for an outlet during my job hunt. It had been years since I had sewn. I sewed a purse for my mom for mother's day, got lots of compliments and started making gifts. It just took off from there.

How I got started selling... When I was making gifts for everyone, my Aunt told me about Etsy. I set up a shop and sold a few items. Then I took some bags to Bayarts in Bay Village for the Christmas season and they did well. So I starting doing shows.

My creative process... My mind is always thinking of ideas. Being in the design field helps too, since you see it everyday. I will see one object, maybe something for a handle, then it builds from there. I will jot things down and add to it, even as I am putting a bag together I will usually change it up.

Recently, I just came out with a summer bag line made from bamboo place mats. Those are definitely my favorite right now. They are so me, I love anything that reminds me of summer, the tropics and the beach.

My ultimate goal is that I would love to have a Jenbuza Bag Boutique. I have all my ideas of how the shop would look. A place in Aruba would be nice :) ......

Overall, the message behind my work is "Fun, Funky and Fabulous." I love making bags that have one very unusual piece on them: chopstick handles, bangles, neckties, place mats. I want my bags to be fun to wear, conversation pieces, totally offbeat and fabulous!

I have been doing this for about 3 years now. I love it so much. I plan on doing this for the rest of my life. Until I retire to Aruba of course. :)  

Meet Rachel Piskos from Razzle-Dazzled Rocks...

I am a senior at Ohio Wesleyan University where I am a Psychology and Economics-Management double major. I am also the Vice President of Public Relations for Delta Delta Delta sorority as well the Vice President of Public Relations for our Spirit & Homecoming Organization. After graduation I hope to attend graduate school and receive my PhD in Psychology so that I can become a family therapist. In my spare time, I love using the artistic talents learned in my art classes to express myself. Specifically, I enjoy making decorative stemware, votives, and serving utensils, as well as jewelry.

I am very busy this summer. When I am not being creative I am usually working at one of my two jobs. I have an internship this summer at Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals doing Psychology research on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I also work as a secretary in my Church office. This summer I have been focusing specifically on preparing for my GRE exam in preparation for graduate school with a major in Counseling Psychology.

My creativity definitely comes from my mother who specializes in interior design. Our home always looks spotless and beautifully decorated. She enjoys sewing, upholstering, and knitting beautiful creations to add glamour to our home.

I first started crafting and beading my senior year in high school when I took my first jewelry making class. I loved it so much that I began expanding my knowledge and creating pieces at home. My entire family received jewelry or other beaded creations for Christmas gifts that year. After seeing that they were much appreciated, I decided to continue expanding the intricacies of the pieces and moving into areas such as decorative stemware, etc.

My grandmother first thought of the idea of selling my art when she showed some pieces to her friends. They immediately bought the pieces I had made, and then placed orders for the colors and design they would like customized. I enjoyed making these pieces for others and when they were happy to buy my creations, I decided not to stop there. That is why I have now moved on to craft shows and will hopefully expose my art to a wide variety of people.

I have been creating for about four years now and it has been exciting to see my pieces grow and improve throughout the years as I have expanded and learned new techniques.

My creative process is definitely not forced. When I am in the mood to be creative, that is when I design some of my most favorite pieces. If I push myself to create when i am not in the artistic mood, my pieces will not be quite as unique. I usually choose a color and look at the piece I will be working on to assess its proportions. From there, I usually let the piece evolve as it wants to, and as each piece is a child of mine, they each have their own personality.

My favorite item that I have ever produced is a set of wine and champagne glasses. I feel that their simplicity adds to the beauty of the glass and I think that they would attract a wide range of attention from people of varying preferences. I especially enjoy pieces that coordinate such as a decorative, beaded cheese board, vase, beaded tongs, spreaders, tea spoons, and stemware, all using the same color palate and coordinating, but each individual in its own way.

My goal with my craft is that I am hope to share my talent with others in order to simply spread beauty throughout peoples homes for their use in entertaining. I hope to make people excited to share with others my creations and appreciate the details that I have put into each individual piece.

The message behind my work is to appreciate the small things and the minor details that are present in every form of art. These minor details are what makes art unique and beautiful.

Check out these featured vendors at the 2012 West Side Summer Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show. This eclectic show will feature over 170 of the most talented artisans and crafters. A portion of the show's proceeds will be donated to the Cleveland Animal Protective League, for animal rescue.

2012 West Side Summer Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sunday, July 29, 2012, 11:00am-6:00pm

Wagner's Country Inn

30855 Center Ridge Rd. 

Westlake, OH 44145

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

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