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
