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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TWITTER

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INSTAGRAM

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:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

LINKEDIN

A Craft Through Inspiration and Practice!

Meet Nikki Maffei from Bakked by Nikki...

I am currently employed as a Registered Dietitian with the Summit County WIC program in Akron, Ohio. I have been a dietitian for four years. I have one son, Cameron, who is 14 and entering high school this year. He is very active in baseball, which keeps us very busy in the summer and throughout the year. I love being Cameron's mom. I consider it a privilege to be to see the world through his eyes every day! This will be my first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show!

I have been decorating cookies since about November of last year. I stumbled upon a blog post (The Adventures of Sweet Sugarbelle) that had some amazing cookies on it for Day of the Dead; skull shaped cookies with bright colors. The more I looked through the blog, the more intrigued and interested I became. I had to try it! I have always enjoyed painting and drawing and this was a great way to combine my love of baking with art.  

I get my inspiration from other bakers such as Sweet Sugarbelle, Bake at 350, Hayley's Cakes and Cookies, Sweetopia and many more. I also get inspiration from patterns or if someone asks me to make cookies for a specific event, I try to match the theme of that event.

How I got started decorating... The more pictures and blogs of cookie decorators I looked at the more and more interested I became. I just thought "I can do that!"  So I gave it a try and have been hooked ever since.

How I got started selling... My friends and family have been a huge influence on me. They have all encouraged me to sell and get my name out there. I started posting pictures on Facebook and receiving a few orders.

My creative process starts with some research on the web. I love looking at what other cookies decorators are doing. I then trace the cutters I'm going to use on plain paper and then use colored pencils to design the cookies.

 

Decorating cookies just makes me happy! I also love the feedback I get from customers. The message behind my work is eat beautiful cookies and be happy!!

Meet Sara Syed from Misty Gardens...

My name is Sara Syed. I have a Bachelors degree in middle-childhood math and science education, a license in Practical Nursing, and I’m also a level II Reiki therapist.  Currently I’m a stay at home mom with my beautiful three year old daughter.

I started making handmade soaps in 1999. My cousin who was staying with me at the time had a bar of handmade soap that her friend made and gave to her.  I was so intrigued by this that I started to research how to make handmade soaps. I had also researched about the bad side effects of all the chemicals used in commercial products and decided to make my soaps all-natural and chemical free. 

Over time, I became better at making the soaps and started giving them as gifts to friends and family. Everyone liked the soaps so much they suggested I should sell them. Of course, hobbies have to be on the back burner when life gets in the way. But I finally have a website at www.misty-gardens.com and have ventured to participate in my first Avant-Garde Arts and Craft Show this fall. 

You can view photos of my work at: http://www.misty-gardens.com/

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

Visit us on:

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Artists with a Creative Spirit!

Meet Barbara Bloom from Images in Bloom...
Barbara Bloom is the owner of Images in Bloom, which offers hand dyed silk scarves, homemade soaps and scrubs, wire crochet jewelry and Reblooming Bags made from upcycled plastic grocery bags.

Barb is native to the Cleveland area, having grown up in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood of Cleveland’s West Side.  She makes her home in Parma. She holds a masters degree in Public Administration from Levine College of Cleveland State University. 

Art has always been a driving force for Barb. The business came at a transitional time in her life.  Discovering the passion to create beautiful things, and the joy of seeing others appreciate those creations Images In Bloom was born. 

The company formally began last summer, with a presence at a number of fairs and festivals, craft shows, and the distinction of being juried into the Cleveland Museum of Art Textile Art Alliance Fall Show last October. 

About the products:

Handmade Soap – My husband is the soap maker – and he uses only the best olive oil, organic products, essential oils and natural herbs in his soap. The soap is cold processed, and when ready he carefully wraps each bar and bands them. Our original soap was the gardener’s soap – an olive oil based soap with comfrey leaves, corn meal, and a mint eucalyptus essential oil added for a clean fragrance.  He now makes over 26 different fragrances of soap. In addition he specializes in men’s shaving soap and shaving soap kits.

Hand Dyed Silk – Scarves are 100% Habotai silk, and have a luxurious sheen.  The technique involves a process of knotting and tying the silk in preparation for dying. Shibori is an ancient Japanese technique that was once used for creating the patterned fabric for kimonos. While there are multiple types of Shibori dying, I choose to do the knotting and binding technique. The binding acts as a resist and restricts the dye from free flowing. I strive to create floral forms in my dying. All of my silk is 100% color fast and is hand washable.

Wire Crochet Jewelry – Thought to have been a lost art of the Victorian era, wire crochet involves copper wire, and a crochet hook to form the body of the piece. I bead embroider over the body to create a lush and colorful one of a kind piece of jewelry. When possible I try to upcycle the beads from previously loved jewelry.

Reblooming Bags- Putting plastic grocery bags to an alternative use by making them into plarn (plastic yarn) and then crocheting the plarn into unique handbags and totes is a statement about being green.  Each handbag takes between 50-150 grocery bags, which would otherwise go to landfills. I have also begun up cycling old sweaters by tearing them apart and using the sweater yarn mixed with plarn to create unique outcomes.

Website: www.etsy.com/shop/imagesinbloom

Blog: www.imagesinbloom.wordpress.com

Email: imagesinbloom@gmail.com

Facebook: images in bloom

Twitter: #imagesinbloom

Meet Danielle Cole and Shannon Morrison from Curious Compositions...

Curious Compsitions started with an idea between me and Shannon that hey, we really love art, we're creative people, and we both have such a different aspect on art that combining our stuff together into one sort of shop would be really interesting and fun. She came up with the name after reading a craft magazine, and saw someone described their items as curious, and then Curious Compositions was born! We create things based on inspirations we receive, and there is no rhyme or reason to anything. We create things like steam punk, naturalistic, glitz and glam, even down to knitted animals and cute totes. The best way to describe us is in fact Curious!

Our creativity comes differently. I draw a lot of inspiration from movies, music, and art. Shannon draws much of her creativity from nature, the beauty of the human experience, and Asian cultures (mostly Japanese). But just about anything can inspire either of us, and carry with us for a while (ex: Our steampunk line).

I would say our creative processes take stages. We see something, then visualize it into what we want for art, then make it!

The way we got started.. Well i had already been selling Jewelry and told Shannon 'You know, you make awesome stuff, we should sell it together!' and there the idea was born. So we came up with the name and created our etsy and never looked back!

Our advice to others who are looking to start their own business would be, follow your heart! Even if it doesn't sell well at first, stick by it, and just try try try everyday. Exhaust every resource (Facebook, word of mouth, flyers, everything)!

Meet Jenna Balogh from Bizzy Cat Studio...

I grew up in Northeastern Ohio on a small horse farm. Ever since childhood, both art and nature have held huge significance in my life. My earliest memories involve imaginative afternoons playing outside and making art creations from the world around me. I would make mud and clay pots, vine woven baskets, painted stones, daisy necklaces... you name it!

For me, creativity comes from all over. The way afternoon sunlight softly illuminates a hillside, the up close pattern of a woven blanket, the rich, deep color of red wine, the crazy motions of my dog playing in snow, even things like trash on the side of the road, can initiate that creative spark. Flexibility and open mindedness are two characteristics that I believe greatly influence creativity. Possessing these two attributes help take ideas to the next level.

I have a BS in Environmental Science and a minor in Studio Art from Allegheny College and have worked in the science and education fields. I have a passion for wildlife and conservation, which is what often inspires my artistic work. I recently moved back to my hometown in Ohio after living in Jackson, Wyoming. There I worked for a well-known science school teaching and planning a variety of outdoor education programs to student, family and adult groups. 

I got started crafting when I was about 3, my family is composed of very creative people. I use to sit on my dads lap watching him design (he's an architect). I'd doodle along side. It just always felt very natural for me to imagine something and then make it (or try to!) with my hands.

I'd have to say my years producing black and white photographs in a dark room yielded my favorite items. In college, I did a large photo project where I investigated the process of aging. At the time, we had a 36-year-old horse whom I had grown up with. I also took photographs of my pseudo grandmother who was 86 at the time. She has an amazing face. I love the images of their eyes. Eyes are funny things that can illuminate youth while surrounded by the wear and tear of a long life.

I currently work part time at Countyside Florist of Richfield, as a floral designer and am looking into graduate programs. One day I would love to combine my love for photography, travel and creative writing with my interest in conservation. Working somewhere that I could use more of my creative talents would be a dream come true!

Check out these vendors this winter at the 2012 Winter Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show. This eclectic show will feature 100 of the most talented artisans and crafters. A portion of the show's proceeds will be donated to Stewart's Caring Place, an organization that supports families touched by cancer.

2012 Winter Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sunday, January 29, 2012, 10:00am-5:00pm

Wagner's Country Inn

30855 Center Ridge Rd. 

Westlake, OH 44145

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