Meet Joe Buzolith from Kelnjo Jewelry...
Hi! My name is Joe and I am the owner of Kelnjo Jewelry. The name Kelnjo is a combination of my younger daughter's name, Kelly, and mine. We just completed our first year in business in July. We offer genuine gemstones and handmade sterling silver and gold jewelry at reasonable prices.
When I bought some jewelry tools and gemstones back in late May 2015 and decided to try a new hobby, I had no idea it would lead to the amount of fun and enjoyment I have had over the last year. I really enjoy the process of forming the piece with silver or gold, setting the gemstone, and bringing it all together into a finished product that someone will enjoy.
I hand make all the jewelry pieces we offer, no bought settings! I try to make a unique and interesting piece of jewelry most nights after I get home from work. Some of the cabochons I cut and polish myself and I try to keep a broad variety of different gemstones in my offerings.
My daughter Kelly helps with the marketing and we have traveled over most of the state doing a lot of craft shows and festivals in the last year. We love meeting potential customers! I enjoy talking about the gemstones and my jewelry and meeting people at the booths. A lot of the reward from this hobby/businesses is the feedback I get from my customers!
Meet Amanda Robinson from Pretty Little Ribbon...
Hi, I'm Amanda and I have one dog and three cats. When I'm not sitting behind my craft table I work at Geometry Global, a shopper marketing agency based out of Akron, Ohio. I have been happily married for five years to my husband. This will be my first craft show with one exception, when I was six my mom helped me sew bandana style headbands during the Fourth of July festivities in my hometown.
I have been sewing since I was a little girl. I learned from my mom and grandma who both loved sewing and would make quilts, stuffed animals, holiday dresses, Halloween costumes, and more. I started to entertain the idea that I could turn this into a small business when I have one of my baby bibs to a friend. When I saw the way her family reacted to something that I made, it gave me the confidence to really put myself out there.
I'm inspired by simple projects that make a big impact. I also really love giving gifts, there is honestly nothing that makes me happier. Additionally, I have always loved fashion and home decor. The best feeling is when I can bring all of those things together into a tangible item I can share with the world.
The message behind my work is that you only have a certain amount of time on this planet. Don't waste a single second of it on negative emotions. Fill every single moment with smiles and laughter, twinkle lights and good books, furry friends and warm cookies, but, most importantly, Pretty Little Ribbons. I love a good challenge. If you are looking for something specific, I would love to collaborate with you and help you design exactly what you are looking for.
Meet Jeff Janosik from Chatham Leather Works...
I started leather crafting when I was in high school almost 40 years ago. My older brother made some belts, and I just sort of picked it up from there. I had my first commissioned piece when I was 17. One of my brother's college friends asked me to make him a tri-fold wallet with the cover of Pink Floyd's "The Wall" cut on the back. He paid me $15 for it, which, in 1979, felt like a million bucks.
I went to college, started working and got married. About two years ago, I got back into the craft, making key fobs. It was sort of like therapy to me I guess. I have three daughters and a wife, I needed lots of therapy. So I made lots of key fobs.
I have a son as well and he gives me hope. He also inspired me to make a simple minimalist style wallet. From all of this, I am here, ready for my first Avant-Garde show. This is my first show, I'm a bit nervous.
When making a piece, I use mostly Vegetable Tanned Cowhide processed in the United States or imported from Brazil, Argentina, and Italy. I do repairs as well, so if you have a favorite item at home that needs refreshing, I can help with that as well.
Meet Gordana Kostroman from Gordana's Natural Goods...
I am Gordana of Gordana's Natural Goods. I moved to the United States 17 years ago and am excited to share my background and knowledge of oils, teas, and herbs with you through my natural products.
My small batch soaps, deodorant, and detergents are consciously made by hand and tested with high quality PH paper to ensure a product that works with our skin's natural balance.
All of my products are thoughtfully infused with essential oils and natural ingredients that enhance the therapeutic and anti-inflammatory properties of each soap tea base: lavender, chamomile, and mint.
Catered for those with sensitive skin or seeking a smarter, soothing product. I am excited to share the history and mindfulness I incorporate within my natural goods.
Meet Kiah Bransch from Drink Local Drink Tap...
Drink Local Tap is a local non-profit dedicated to ensuring that everyone has access to clean, safe drinking water. This includes movements to preserve the Great Lakes through education and outreach, as well as community events such as beach clean ups. In addition, we work in Uganda with local communities to install water access systems, and train a team to monitor and maintain the project so it lasts far into the future.
Erin Huber founded DLDT in 2011 after meeting a woman from Uganda working here as a teacher. After listening to this woman's story, Erin knew she had to help. So she managed to put together the funds to make it to Uganda, where she met with the people her Cleveland contact knew. From there, she worked with the team in the village to drill DLDT's first borehole. She's only continued from there.
The women who create these products are part of the Arise and Shine Uganda project, which helps women leading HIV-positive households learn this trade, and then sell their work for a fair price. We've partnered with them to bring these items to you.
When Erin goes to Uganda to work on a project there, she meets amazingly talented people, and upon her return she brings back their work with her. We hope to continue expanding our efforts both in Cleveland and Uganda, and to have this partnership grow with it. It is an amazing fundraiser for both parties, and benefits everyone involved.
Meet Emilie Illson from Button Down Designs...
Hi! I'm Emilie and I'm behind Button Down Designs. My love affair with antique buttons began over 10 years ago. Since then, I have made over 5,000 button bracelets, using buttons from 1840 to 1940.
This businesses is the perfect outlet for my instinctive drive to acquire, organize, design, and create.
My bracelets are entirely hand-sewn, and each one comes with a hand-written hang-tag, explaining about the buttons in that design. I search far and wide for the buttons, which I buy from Antique dealers.
I am passionate about my work. About twice each month, I have a presentation about antique buttons. Last year, I spoke at eight public libraries. I have also presented to historical societies, garden clubs, quilt groups, and the Cleveland Museum of Art.
2016 Rocky River Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Sat. Nov. 19 (10am-5pm) & Sun. Nov 20 (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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