As a young child loving the elegance of fashion and being intrigued with designs from movies that I loved to watch—from the sweet Doris Day, to the sassy Kate Hepburn, to the classic Audrey Hepburn. Through the years I have been influenced by designers such as Edith Head, Coco Chanel, Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs and Valentino.
I love designing, knitting and sewing. I enjoy selecting the fabric and trim to match the style of the pattern, hand-stitching the trims, and get excited as my creation comes to life. I may change, on a whim, the style of the knitting pattern while I am knitting. I have always loved finding just the right shade of color to use to enhance whatever craft I am making. I am inspired by so many things—fashion magazines, fashion related shows, textures, babies, luscious yarns. I have been creating something as far back as I can remember!
I have sold my crafts on and off through the years. A few years ago I saw an elegant apron in a magazine and thought “I could make those!” Then, enjoying what I saw on Etsy and appreciating the handmade facet, I decided to have my own shop there.
Meet Frances Martin from The Star Craft...
My name is Frances Martin, I am 32 years old, I live in Cuyahoga Falls with my wonderful husband and two young boys. I am a stay at home mom. My interests include home decor, fashion, tattoos, running, yoga, whole foods, and espresso coffee, to name a few!
I discovered paper star crafting when my great-grandmother passed. She left me a box of folded paper stars. I have always enjoyed drawing, sewing, needlework, quilting, weaving, anything small and complex that can be created with the hands. Ideas come, sketching is always required, thinking on it for a few hours sometimes days, then construction.
My favorite piece to date is a black paper sphere mobile that I made for my sister out of an old rusted coat hanger her daughter found.
I got started in the business when my mom and I owned and operated a new age/metaphysical gift shop which I decorated the whole ceiling with my paper stars. Customers loved them so much they wanted their own. And my mobiles were born and sold!
Meet Jennifer Buchana from Jenbuza Bags...
I live in Bay Village with my husband Jim and my rescues Willy (Choc. Lab) and Sophie (Terrier Mix) and Tom (black and white cat). I have a degree in Interior Design, but I have found that I really love designing purses and love Fashion Design more. Purses are more fun than furniture any day! I love creating bags with unusual handles or straps. I like to use chopsticks, keyrings that are made into a chain, belts, neckties, basically anything different. I love fun fabrics and I also like to use old clothing, or repurpose any textile.
I got started two years ago when I lost my job with a bank, which was a blessing in disguise. While job searching I needed something to do. I have always loved purses and thought I would try to make one. It came out great so I thought maybe I’ve got something here…so Jenbuza Bags was formed. Buza is my maiden name and is a nickname as well.
I daydream A LOT, my husband calls it “Buza Brain”. I am always doodling and when I come up with an idea I write it down or save pictures. In five years I would love to have my own shop in Lakewood. Something quirky and elclectic like me.
If I could have 3 wishes they would be:
1. To have my own shop someday.
2. To have a home/yard big enough to foster dogs and train them to be therapy dogs.
3. To do all these things with my husband by the ocean (maybe Aruba) :)
Meet Brittany Baker from The Feisty Cupcake...
My name is Brittany Baker. I am a baker, landscaper, crafter and avid reader. I love nature and animals; I find a lot inspiration in both. I will be a student at Ohio State University next year and I cannot wait to move to Columbus, it has a great art presence. I am also a vegetarian and most of the time, vegan. This lifestyle change is what inspired The Feisty Cupcake.
I owe a lot of my best work to my Grandma. She is a wonderful cook and baker, her Christmas cookies are the best (and I’m not just saying that because everyone’s grandma makes the best cookies, seriously…the best.) Growing up, my grandma used to take all the ladies in the family to crafts shows all over Ohio, and even today we are always chatting about the latest flavors, the newest kitchen gadgets, ideas, etc. My whole family is pretty crafty and creative; it must just run in the family. :)
My work usually starts out as a craving! I work in a market that carries ever-changing, unique and mostly healthy food products- and I always want to try anything new. After becoming a veggie and dipping my toes into veganism, I soon realized that there is not a lot of “yummy” vegan or gluten-free baked good options in the Cleveland area. What started as learning to make- your- own- food process had turned into a small business.
My advice to others who are looking to start their own business: First, DO IT! You will never know if you don’t try. Secondly, always seek advice from your family and friends. They will be honest with you, most of the time so you know if you are on to something ;)
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.
