Shop for Handmade Happiness at the Fairlawn Show!

Meet Gena Fausel from Gena Fausel Designs...
Hi! I'm Gena and I'm a Kentucky native and the first of four children. I graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BS in Science, Textiles, and Clothing and a MS in Secondary Education. For most of my career I was a teacher and, after 27 years, I "graduated" finally to my own studio!

My family was big on DIY projects growing up. My mother sewed, so I did too. I started with hand embroidery then just did what I could with whatever I could get my hands on. I made a lot of Barbie Doll clothes!

I have always enjoyed making things, especially decorative pieces, either to wear or simply admire but now, I focus on things a little differently. I began with hats for a variety of occasions. Then, I added jewelry, taking discarded pieces and giving them new life through a pair of earrings, a bracelet, or a necklace. I specifically look for the unusual.

I am inspired by everything in nature and beyond. I really enjoy using funky items that people no longer want. I look at items and ask myself how I could repurpose these things or how I could use them in my art. It's all about the beauty of the objects, not about its function. 

Meet John and Barb Steiner from J+B Woodcrafts...
Hi! We're John and Barb Steiner! We're both retired and really enjoy doing woodworking together as a hobby. 

John worked in a trim molding shop, which gave him access to left over and discarded wood. This opened the door for us to create items and then we began searching for wood to purchase in order to expand these projects.

Both of us have large families, so making personalized gifts for a variety of different occasions, including weddings, birthdays, graduations, and more, over the last 20 years!

Friends of family ask our family members where they got the items we've made for them, opening the door to making our project for those outside of our family. It is very satisfying to bring out the hidden beauty of wood in our projects. 

Meet Dora Acosta from Nancy's Baby Bling Boutique...
Hello! I'm a momma of five little ones, four girls and one boy! I am very artistic and creative, so I decided to put my talents to work and opening my own shop and create all of this! Every piece is not only our own creation, but something incredible that you will cherish!

 I have been doing this for two years now and this will be my first Avant-Garde show! My kids are my inspiration. I have four daughters so you can imagine that buying all of these cute hair accessories was getting pretty expensive!

I have always been very creative and when I started doing this, I realized that I could keep my girls looking cute at a more affordable price, in addition to making some extra money. 

I have always dreamed of opening a boutique. Years ago, I imagined it would be a boutique for adults but now, I think I'd like it to be a children's boutique. The message behind my work is to do what you love.

Meet Barb Hubert from Eagle Wings Art...
Hi! I'm Barb and I am a retired Cat Scan Tech of over four years! When I first retired, I felt lost. I was looking for a purpose and hobby after I retired, and I thought I'd try watercolor because I've always loved that style of painting.

After just one year with a friend and teacher, I took off and now, after only four years, have over 200 original watercolor paintings, plus prints of my paintings and print blank notecards. I have participated in five previous Avant-Garde shows!

I love painting using different mediums including real leaves, salt, saran wrap, and anything else I can use to make my paintings different and unique. I love to experiment!

I am inspired by all of the nature around me and always, always have a painting in progress! I can see a scene as I drive along somewhere and I want to paint it! You will find birds, animals, owls, landscapes, and so much more in my art! I'm putting a lot of work and effort into building my business, as I feel this is one of my purposes and gifts God has given me. 

2016 Summit County Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Saturday, November 5, 2016 - 10:00am-5:00pm

St. George's Fellowship Center

3204 Ridgewood Rd.

Fairlawn, OH 44333

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

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It's Almost Showtime, Fairlawn!

Meet Christine Rarric from The Ornate Door...
Hi! My name is Christine Rarric and I am a stay at home mom raising my 2 children. I used to be a speech-language pathologist working in an elementary school setting. I started making and selling wreaths in May of 2015 when I opened my Etsy shop, The Ornate Door. This will be my second Avant-Garde show! 

I got into the craft hobby at an early age, with my mom playing a large part. She crocheted for many years, so I started out doing cross stitch projects. As I got older, I started adding my own touches to pre-made wreaths I found at craft stores. Eventually, my husband suggested that I start making my own and selling them. 

I'm inspired by the seasons, holidays, and other events like sports games, weddings, birth announcements, and more. I've also been inspired by sites like Pinterest and Etsy. Walking down the aisles of craft stores has also provided me with a lot of inspiration, especially the ribbon aisle!

I would describe my creative process as just a matter of thinking about what the customer would be interested in. When you purchase a wreath from me, you are purchasing a quality wreath created entirely by me. A great wreath can be the focal point to any front door or home decor, and I enjoy knowing that I can add something special to someone's home. 

Meet Jessica Pichichero from Create All Crochet....
Hi! I'm Jessica and I have been married to my husband, Mike, for eight years. We have three beautiful little girls ages six, four, and three. I went to school for early childhood and was a nanny for awhile until I had my own children. I love doing new and exciting things with them! I also love bike riding, cooking, and decorating my home. 

I have been crocheting for about two years now, and this will be my first Avant-Garde show! My children are the ones who first inspired me to crochet! Once I started, I realized just how many incredibly cute, fun, and beautiful crochet projects I could create! If I see something I really like, new ideas just start racing through my head and I can't wait to get started!

I have always loved and creating and crafting anything I could! I think it started in high school when I realized just how much I loved crafting in my early childhood classes. As I got older, I started coming up with fun crafts to do around my house. I taught myself how to crochet and caught on very quickly. I fell in love with the new projects I was able to create with my hobby!

When creating my items, I use some ideas I see around me and try to put my own spin on it. Other times, I just create things off the top of my head! The message I hope to send through my work is that anything is possible! If you put your mind to it and work hard, you can accomplish anything while having fun and loving what you do!

Meet Samantha Clark from FABB...
Hi! My name is Samantha and I'm the creator of FABB, fabulous, attractive, bath, bombs! Aside from FABB, which I started in June of this year, I work full time as a dental administrative specialist, am married to my best friend, and have an adorable miniature Schnauzer, Fonzie! This will be my first Avant-Garde Show!

I have always had a passion for creating a product to share with everyone that will provide ultimate relaxation, fun, and an excuse to have "me time" more often! My goal is provide a spa-like environment with this product and I promise that is what you will receive!

My mission is to not promote an "ordinary" bath bomb. The ingredients I have incorporated are not too heavy and won't stain your skin. After you experience the full effect of one of my bath bombs, your skin will feel soft and glow! Not to mention, the ingredients I use reduce stress, tension, and inflammation!

It's such a fun process creating these unique bath bombs. They are never the same! I love to switch things up. In five years, I really see FABB going to new levels. It's only the beginning of this amazing journey for me, and I am along for the ride! 

Meet Rym Berkhaies from Home Spa...
Hi, my name is Rym! I'm a 38-year-old stay at home mom of an 18 month old princess. I am originally from Tunisia, which is in North Africa. This will be my first Avant-Garde show! I'm very eager to be a part of it, but a little nervous as well!

I have always been doing beautiful things like painting on canvas, making shabby chic headbands for my baby, and then I started making facial masks and soaps for myself. It was a hobby I wanted to share with handmade product lovers, as I use high quality, natural ingredients to relax, heal, and nourish the skin.

My soap making hobby turned into a small business and now, I create a variety of products including bath bombs, sugar scrubs, bath salts, and more! I believe I can grow my business because I am so passionate about what I do. 

This hobby makes me feel productive and allows me to not only take care of and pamper myself, but provide an opportunity for others to do the same! All moms should be able to have time for and pamper themselves. My products make great holiday gifts!

2016 Summit County Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Saturday, November 5, 2016 - 10:00am-5:00pm

St. George's Fellowship Center

3204 Ridgewood Rd.

Fairlawn, OH 44333

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

Visit us on:

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Meet the Fabulous Fairlawn Crafters!

Meet Mark Ash from Relief Carvings and Wood Wizards by Mark Ash...
Hello! I'm Mark Ash and I'm thrilled to be part of the 2016 Fairlawn Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show. This is my first chance to show my carvings in Fairlawn and it is also a homecoming for me. I grew up south of Akron in Coventry Township, but have been calling the deep woods of Pennsylvania home for over 30 years now.

I took up whittling and carving as a hobby. At first, I just whittled toys for my children. Then, I discovered relief carving. I am self taught, but I soon realized that I had a knack for it as my carvings began selling in craft stores and even in an art gallery in Pittsburgh. 

Almost five years ago, I stopped taking commissions and began carving what is near and dear to my heart, wildlife! I love studying wildlife and am always looking for that perfect photo to bring to life on the board. I do all of my carvings by hand, no machinery involved, and I never duplicate my carvings! The goal behind my work is to get the audience to recognize the truly magnificent wildlife we have on this planet. 

Meet Todd Hiney from Custom Pet Portraits by Toddy Hiney...
I'm a 43-year old artist residing in Aurora, Ohio, who is happily married and the father of two incredible children. I've been drawing and painting since I was a little kid, it's something that came very naturally to me. Professionally, I have just started my business venture of painting and drawing pets. This will be my first Avant-Garde show!

Being able to express myself and produce artwork that brings me contentment is one of my largest inspirations to create. I find the entire creative process to be therapeutic and enlightening. And, as a father, it's important for me to show my kids that you can express yourself in a variety of different ways. It's been fun to watch them become more interested in what I do and want to share in painting and drawing. 

I want people to respond in a positive way when they see my work. I want them to appreciate the beauty of the subject matter and understand that all animals deserve our respect, love, and protection. 

Meet Dorothy and Maryann from Touch of Mink, Designs in Clay...
Hi! We're Dorothy and Maryann! We're sisters who are the proprietors of Touch of Mink, Designs in Clay. We started doing shows 13 years ago and had so much fun making and selling our products that we haven't stopped! We do hand built and slab pottery, which gives us more flexibility and creativity in the pieces we produce. This is our first Avant-Garde show!

 Dorothy is a self-taught artist who enjoys traditional art mixed with whimsical fantasy. A life long collector of old things, she likes to mix those items in with new pieces. Through her art, she enjoys bringing a little joy and humorous fun into people's lives.

Maryann took some classes in art and likes to look at many different art mediums, not just pottery, which helps her create many different kinds of pieces. Her goal is to build function but fun pieces of art that are unique in style and color, ensuring no two pieces will ever be alike. 

Meet Helaina DePace from Treasured Ink...
My name is Helaina and I'm a wife to a wonderful husband, hair stylist of 8 (almost 9) years, and a volunteer at a non-profit youth ministry, where I work with and mentor at risk youth. I have been creating cards and other paper crafts for a little under 2 years now and this will be my second Avant-Garde show!

I have kept every card that I have ever received, as they hold such fond memories of people, holidays, accomplishments, and more. I cherish those memories and believe others feel the same, so I wanted to be a part of those memories! I draw inspiration from everything and anything but most of my inspiration comes from my love for people. I am a firm believer in encouraging others, and what better way to do that than with a hand-crafted card?

The hope of being a part of a memorable occasion for someone is the motivation that drives my work. My cards have been a first Mother's Day card for a mom who was not supposed to be able to have children, a first anniversary card for a newly married couple, and an anniversary card for a couple married for a decade. There have been so many other awesome occasions I have been able to be a part of. I want my cards to create smiles, joy, and memories to those who receive them.

2016 Summit County Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Saturday, November 5, 2016 - 10:00am-5:00pm

St. George's Fellowship Center

3204 Ridgewood Rd.

Fairlawn, OH 44333

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

Visit us on:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

LINKEDIN

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It's Almost Showtime, Fairlawn!

Meet Kathleen Hooper from Kh Quality Creations...
Floral arranging has always been an interest of mine. When I retired from my local school system in 2011, I had the opportunity to take floral arranging classes via the University of Akron Continuing Education Department. Although the classes were focused on arranging fresh flowers, I soon switched to silk and fabric flowers.

In the building where I took classes, there was a craft shoppe. I submitted one of my floral pieces to be approved by the shoppe board. Later that week my piece was approved, so I began bringing in more pieces for consignment sale. I realized I had talent when my items began to sell.

As I became more confident in my work, I began participating in craft shows. That is also when I decided to open an Etsy shop to sell my creations online. I view my work as a hobby. I truly enjoy having an idea about an arrangement or wreath and completing the item. 

Meet Cat Clark from At Last Fine Arts & Crafts...
I am the sister in a brother and sister art business. My brother and I were separated through adoption on the day I was born, and we recently found each other in 2010. I have been doing art for most of my life, while my brother just started painting a month ago. This will be our first Avant-Garde show!

Everything inspires us to create, sunsets, clouds, emotions, trees, and everything else in our environments. I like to use art as a form of meditation and appreciations; I find it very therapeutic. I believe both of us have always had talent. I think everybody has talent, it's just a matter of when they discover it. My brother has just found his and is learning that it is never too late to find what you love.

During my creative process, I tend to not think about the end product. I like to let my ideas flow and typically, good things happen. I end up with something I had no idea I would create that day. For me, it's about the journey.

My dreams are to help bring local artists together and to find a way to make art my career, because art is what makes me truly happy. The message behind our business is a very simple one: it's never too late to find what you love.

Meet Rita Bartram from Oh So Delicious...
I always loved to make appetizers and desserts, so last year, when I decided to start a business, I began with those two strengths. I did this because when you embark on a new adventure, you want it to involve something you love, otherwise, there's no point.

I played around with my favorite recipes and ingredients, took the best combinations of flavors, and created a line of dip mixes and sweet spreads. I make a variety of flavors including Very Veggie, Horsey Spinach, White Cheddar Onion, Cranberry Pecan, and Sweet Pumpkin, to name a few. I make them all from scratch and each package is hand blended. 

I started selling my mixes at a local Farmer's Market and offered all of my dips and spreads for tasting. What a fun beginning that was! I love participating in Farmer's Markets and craft shows. I'm passionate about what I do and love getting to share that passion with others. 

Meet Joe Buzolith...
I am a 69 year old gentleman who has to keep busy. I have bachelor degrees in business and marketing and currently work full-time as a senior software support analyst for the third largest software company in the world. While that work is interesting and requires creativity, there is nothing tangible at the end of the day. I think that drove my need to find a different creative channel.

I am new to jewelry making and just started my hobby business in July of 2015. I specialize in sterling silver and 14k gold jewelry with genuine gemstones. My goal is to offer something genuine and unique at a reasonable price while enjoying the shows and my new hobby. I always liked to watch jewelers work when I went to shows in the past and decided to try it. I bought the necessary tools and raided the library and internet for instructions, and here I am!

I really love to meet people at the shows and talk about my jewelry. I learn a lot from potential customers and other vendors at the shows and get ideas that may lead to another interesting piece of jewelry. I hope others will enjoy the jewelry as much as I do making it!

2016 Fairlawn Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Saturday, April 16, 2016

St. George's Fellowship Centre

3204 Ridgewood Rd.

Fairlawn, OH 44333

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

Visit us on:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

LINKEDIN

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Meet the Fabulous Fairlawn Crafters!

Meet Chris Bronson from Triple Squeeze Pottery...

My art is guided by my upbringing in a home where craftsmanship and working with one's hands was encouraged and celebrated. Watching my father persevere in his wood shop, despite his disabilities from polio, instilled a sense of pride in my own creations. The name, "Tripe Squeeze Pottery," is a tribute to my father, who, when holding my hand, always gave it three squeezes.

My clay journey began in 2010 as a student in a pottery studio where I learned the basics of clay and throwing on a pottery wheel. Clay has a way of taking hold of you and not letting go. There is always a new technique to learn and perfect. I use all commercially prepared, lead-free, food-safe glazes. Each piece is one-of-a-kind made either on a potter's wheel or by hand-building from a rolled slab of clay. I do not use molds or stencils but I do enjoy finding texture in batik stamps and nature.

My pieces are all siblings, but none of them are twins! I create strictly functional pieces, durable enough for everyday use and are dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe. I think of the end user while making each piece. As a collector of others' pottery, I love the beauty that a special mug or bowl brings to my day. In a fast-paced world of technology and mass-produced items, it soothes my soul to be in my studio, elbow-deep in the mud. 

Meet Jessica Glatz from Earthy Mama Jess...

I am a wife, a mother of two sweet children, and an 8th grade science teachers. I became interested in AMEO essential oils in 2014. My goal was to improve the overall health and well being of my family and to use less of what was in my medicine cabinet. That is what inspired me to create jewelry that was pretty, fun, eclectic, and still in line with my core beliefs. I have been making necklaces since October of 2014 and recently introduced bracelets just this past February. This will be my first Avant-Garde show!

My interest in AMEO essential oils inspired me to create. I was using and selling AMEO essential oils and figured that there had to be a prettier way to wear oils, and that's when I came up with my craft! I ordered some essential oil diffuser lockets online and then begged my friends to raid their jewelry boxes. I would take anything and everything, even pieces that were broken and old. I just started putting it all together.

Anything and everything inspires me. The core collection of my pieces are made from recycled jewelry, giving new life to old pieces. The essential oil diffuser is added as charm to enhance the look of the piece. In addition, essential oils have so many benefits. The essential oil component can be personalized and tailored to the needs of the individual wearing the piece. The scent can also be changed depending on the mood or the need of the wearer. 

Meet Barbara Hubert from Eagle Wings Art...

I have always had an artistic flair in the past, from stamping cards to making and retiring cupcakes, but when I retired two years ago, I found myself lost and missing my job. I had to find something meaningful to me that was meaningful. Then I found watercolor painting! I've always loved to look at them and now wanted to try my hand at them.

I took lessons for a year or so, from a wonderfully talented artist, and off I went! I especially love to paint birds, wildlife, flowers, and other beautiful things! Every day, I look around and see trees, flowers, birds, and other wonderful things that inspire my art. 

Not only do I find painting wonderfully relaxing, I use at least half of my proceeds to support another love of mine, The Cleveland Pregnancy Center! I also volunteer there once a week and I love doing it! They operate solely on donations and I love to support them! It gives my painting a very special purpose. My life has been very busy and full since I started painting. There's never enough hours in the day. I don't have a professional studio and have to share my art room with the grandkids. What matters is I have beautiful light and a great place to paint my heart out!

2016 Fairlawn Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Saturday, April 16, 2016

St. George's Fellowship Centre

3204 Ridgewood Rd.

Fairlawn, OH 44333

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

Visit us on:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM