Twas' the Night Before Fairlawn's Show!

Meet Jennifer Kowalski from Stitches n Sews 330...

My name is Jennifer Kowalski. I'm a music teacher, but I am taking a break from teaching to raise my son. I'm also a bassoon player, and play in local groups. I have always wanted to sew, and the pandemic allowed me the time to learn. After I started, I found out my grandmother sewed almost every day of my mother's childhood. I'm told my passion for sewing comes from her.

I started machine sewing in spring 2021. I started doing craft shows in summer 2022. Fairlawn will be my first Avant-Garde show.

I am inspired by many things. Fabric inspires me, other makes, nature, music, paintings, decorative glass, and other artists.

How I got into my craft.. at the onset of the pandemic, I saw many people walking around in homemade masks, and I thought "I can do that". I started hand sewing masks for my family, caught the sewing bug, and after making many other projects, I decided to buy a machine. I have given many sewn gifts to friends and family. Many of them have told me I should sell the things I make.

My five year plan.. I plan on getting myself to the point in my sewing where I can make apparel a big part of my business. 

The message behind my work is you can be weird, and you can be square, and that's okay. There's beauty in contradiction!

Meet Shari Dippong from Mommy's Craft Box...

I had had many different jobs over the years but right now I'm a stay at home mom. My two boys are teens now. My husband is a mail carrier in Fairlawn. I pass the day, listening to books on Audible and doing crafts, scrolling Facebook craft groups or Pinterest, or playing Animal Crossing on the Nintendo Switch with my family.

My creative interests in art in high school and I graduated college with a bachelor's in theater and studio art. From there, I have taught arts and crafts at camps, after school programs,  Sunday school and activities at CBC, and k4 at Heritage Christian School. I started using the name Mommy's Craft Box when my oldest was a baby. I needed an all inclusive name, since every year I have a new hobby.

I think this is my 2nd or 3rd Avant-Garde Show. It has been quite a few years, so I'm excited to be included.

What inspires me.. A lot of times, I'll look at an object, and think, "I can make something out of that." I have to be careful not to save too many found objects and recyclables. I also love trolling Pinterest and thinking, "Oh I can make that." I love the challenge of making something new and tweaking it until it's right.

Every year or so, I find something new. Last year, I made fun accessories and bedding blankets for small pets, because we had guinea pigs, and this year, I'm making miniature items for dolls or fairy gardens etc. I've dabbled in my designing own jewelry,  making hair wrap clips, shape crayons, doll clothes, photography, small pet supplies, embroidery, etc.

How I discovered my talent.. I think it really started when I was leading arts and crafts activities. I would make projects up using what was lying around and it was like inventing and designing and playing all at once.

How I describe my creative process.. It is definitely a process, haha. I usually see an object like the lid of my coffee bottle and think... "Oh that's sturdy, what can I make?" Then I'll make a few different versions of something like an automan until it's the way I envisioned. It's very much trial and error, since usually, I'm making it up from scratch.

My five year goal.. My creative interest changes all the time, but I will still be at it. I love to make things, and Mommy's Craft Box is my outlet.

Mostly, my message is just down to earth fun. Things don't have to be expensive, they don't have to be exclusive. They just can make you happy. I believe in finding joy in the little every day things.

Meet Melissa Saylor from Bling Princess...

I am a recent amputee and wife. I am a mom and grandmother. I have always loved to do crafts and any chance I got I was doing something creative. I want to make amputees and people with disabilities smile and give them something to make them feel like they are like everyone else. Being disabled has made me realize a lot of things in my life, and one of them is do not take life for granted and live your life with a lot of sparkle and BLING!

I have been doing crafts for a long time but these I have been doing for over a year. This will be my Avant-Garde show!

What inspires me to create.. my family, my disability and seeing what I can do!

How I discovered my talent.. I have always known I can do things and anything I put my mind to. 

How I describe my creative process.. I create things that I feel people will love and look at and think I need this in my life.

My five year goal.. I want my business to go nationwide and have everyone ordering BLING from me.

The message behind my work.. Even if you are diabled you can do anything you want to.

2022 Fairlawn Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Saturday, November 5, 2022
10:00AM-4:00PM

St. George's Fellowship Centre

3204 Ridgewood Rd.

Fairlawn, OH 44333

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

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Add Flair to Your Fall Season!

Meet Emily Deeter from Rollin In The Deets...

My name is Emily Deeter. I am going to be 25 in September. My husband Josh and I became parents in February to a baby boy named Judah. I'm also a mom to a very special golden retriever named Jewel.  I'm a stay at home mom but I have a degree in Spanish and dance from the University of Alabama. I'm originally from Birmingham, AL but moved to Tallmadge in October for my husband's job. 

I have been doing this for about a year and this is my first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show!! What inspires me to create is I think that handmade gifts are the best! I always cherish gifts that others make for me so I want to do the same! I'm inspired by the colors of the fabric and the idea of creating something that is useful and cute; something that makes everyday life more exciting! 

I learned to sew when I was young after my mom bought a machine and I have a very close friend who sews with her mom. They have taught me so much. I also received a machine from my sister in law last year and really started sewing more in November. 

I'm a pretty brave crafter, so after I got my machine I decided I was going to sew a zipper pouch because surely sewing a zipper can't be too hard, right?! I learned a lot from trial and error. I was successful and the more I sew the more I learn so I keep doing new things. 

Most of the things I sew come from requests from friends or from a need I have. Then I do a little research and hit the fabric store to indulge in some cotton therapy! After I've gathered supplies, I try out the design and really just sew until I get it right. It's so exciting to think about the future!! I would love to be quilting more at that point and possibly have a business partner. The message behind my work is everyone deserves a thoughtful handmade gift! View our easy shop at: www.rollininthedeets.etsy.com.

Meet Marlene Hill from The Wonders of Wood...

Warren "Skip" and Marlene Hill are great grandparents who have been making wood pictures for several years now.  It started out as a hobby with pictures drawn by a family member that could be copied onto a piece of wood and designed into a lovely picture with different color stains and types of wood. Afterwards, people started  asking for something special- a friend wanted a picture of his dog, a family member wanted a birthday present etc. 

This is our first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show.  We are looking forward to displaying our work. We have only been in 3 craft shows at this point. Our inspiration comes from different sources.  It can be a lovely sunset or a requested lighthouse.  Sometimes it's a dragonfly we saw on a roll of wallpaper that gives us the idea of a design on wood. One of our favorites is the colors in a stained glass window that represents parts of the Bible.  

Warren and his brothers Gary and Greg have always worked with wood.  Each brother has different talents but all working with wood.  Skip has built everything from churches, commercial buildings, houses, toys and special orders for swings etc.  But his favorite is creating this form of art. 

Where do we see ourselves in 5 years?  Well, hopefully we will still be creating something.  Since we are both in our 70's we are  just thankful for each new day.  The message behind our wood pictures is a simple one.  It is for others to see the beauty we see in all types of wood.

Meet Gina Hohman from Gina's iKnit Shop...

I have been knitting for ten years now and this is my first Avant Garde craft show.  I make many items.  I've been making washcloths for 10 years because it's my most requested items.  I make lots of baby items such as hats, bibs, washcloths, and booties.  I make ruffle scarves in many colors.  Ruffle scarves are popular right now and I've been requested to make them.  Most of the items I make have been requested by friends and family.  

I learned to knit by taking classes at JoAnn Fabric.  I learned basic stitches and how to read a pattern from the instructors.  After learning the basics, I began to create items on my own.  I use Ravelry and Pin-interest for ideas to make my own patterns as well.

I make preemie baby hats and send them to Children's Hopsital in Akron, Ohio.  I've given about 200 hats in the last two years.  

The name of my Etsy store is Gina's iKnit Shop.  I opened my store in July of this year. I am a blogger.  The name of the blog is Gina's iKnit Shop. 

2014 Summit County Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Saturday, October 18, 2014 - 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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Spring time is calling and these vendors are listening!

Meet Terri and Jessica from The Glass Lotus 

We are just crafty folk...plain and simple.  We have a great appreciation for the past, and we also have a great concern for our planet. When we integrate our craftiness, our appreciation and our concern, we end up with The Glass Lotus.

We are a mother-daughter team who repurpose vintage glass and crystal into beautiful and unique pieces of art. Our main focus is our glass garden flowers. For these, we search high and low for pristine vintage glassware and crystal. Our workshop is full of glass organized by color - literally hundreds upon hundreds of pieces.  We stack the glass until we find the absolute perfect composition. Then, each flower goes though a seven-day cleaning and fusion process.

Many of our glass flowers are inspired by real flowers, and others are inspired by suggestions from our large following of customers on Facebook. We are also working on new creations such as repurposed glass mushrooms, hummingbird feeders and bird baths.

We like to think that our work serves three main purposes. First, we hope to add to the warmth and character of our customers homes and gardens. Second, we hope our work elicits an appreciation for the beautiful glass that was hand-made so many decades ago. Last, we hope our work inspires people to take care of our precious planet by reducing, reusing, recycling, and re-purposing.

Meet Kathy Garber from Birdie Girls Treasures

My name is Kathy Garber and I currently live in Hudson, Ohio. I enjoy bird watching, gardening, hiking, metaphysics and crafting. I have been creating and crafting all of my life, but have just recently started selling my creations online on Ebay and Etsy (BirdieGirlsTreasures).My love of nature and animals inspire my creations. 

My picture collage creations were born from a frustration of searching for, and being unable to find specific animal and nature themed home décor and gifts in the past. My luminaries have developed from my past volunteer experience in creating centerpieces for parties and special events and the realization that there is a great interest in custom made items.

This is actually my first craft show, so I will be testing the waters to see if there is a greater interest in my items and hopefully that will help determine which direction to head in the future regarding my crafting business.  I am looking forward to becoming part of the craft vendor community and hope to be part of many more shows in the future!

Meet Terri Brewer from Necklascarf

I am Terri Brewer, co-owner of EverExpand Inc,  and creator of Necklascarf (tm), a collection of magnetic jewelry scarves.  I began EverExpand in 2012 as a springboard for creative products in fashion because of my belief and experience that life is ever expanding.  One idea or creative endeavor builds on another, ideas merge and create new ideas which inspire even more ideas. Necklascarf  evolved from my frustration with buying beautiful scarves only to have them pile up in the closet due to my  frustration in tying them, dislike of the long hanging ends, and an inability to get them off quickly.  I went to the internet to find a better product and was surprised to find that it didn't exist, other than infinity scarves which can be bulky and require being pulled over the head. 

Eighteeen months and over 50 prototypes later, I had created Necklascarf, a magnetic scarf that goes on in two seconds and cascades perfectly into place every time.  It has no back or front so you can put it on either way.  I scoured the world for jewelry components to make each one an elegant necklace as well as a scarf, and chose a wide spectrum of fabrics with content that yields the cascading effect that Necklascarf instantly gives.  Many fabrics simply don't work as a Necklascarf so we carefully choose only those that do and are in the process of designing our own fabrics. As my partner Sharon Fedor and I began exhibiting Necklascarf, we were amazed to find that women of every age from 9 - 99 were enchanted with them.  In two seconds a woman could pop on the Necklascarf and have a soft , flowing splash of color around her neck.  Each time a woman would put one on, we would see a shy smile as she looked in the mirror and realized "oh, I look nice."  We have come to enjoy that emerging smile from each woman who dons a Necklascarf. We learned that every woman of every age cares about how she looks, although many don't want much fuss when it comes to dressing.  

I also wanted my company EverExpand to do good in the world beyond making women look nicer, so I teamed up with Esperanza Threads, a wonderful non-profit organization in Cleveland who teaches women to sew and find jobs in textiles.  Esperanza Threads works with migrant workers, refugees and other women in transition to give them marketable skills in sewing.  Esperanza Threads now employs women highly skilled in sewing and monitors quality output carefully.  I am proud that my Necklascarf line is hand sewn by these women.  Cleveland has become part of a national movement to return textile manufacturing to the U.S., and we are part of that movement.

For me, the creative process, begins with a child-like curiosity and an openness to allowing inspiration to come from anywhere and everywhere. I believe that when one is open to creative ideas, the Universe rushes in to give you connections and inspiration.  

2014 Summit County Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Saturday April 12th- 10:00am-5:00pm

Sunday April 13th- 11:00am-5:00pm

St. George's Fellowship Centre

3204 Ridgewood Rd.

Fairlawn, OH 44333

For more information, contact Becki Cooper, Event Coordinator

at info@avantgardeshows.com

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Handbags, jewelry and glasswork...OH MY!

Meet Tonya Raies of Just "T" Jewelry...

About myself, I am an Instructional Designer for a local utility company. I am creative by nature, so I am blessed to have the opportunity to use my creativity in my 9 to 5 life.

I began my artistic endevors as a young adult..I dabbled in several different mediums, but it was't until I found jewelry making  about 10 years ago that I really found my passion.

I'm inspired by the colors in nature, and usually walk with my eyes scanning the ground for intersting shaped rocks, leaves and the amazing colors of moss growing on our local trees. So many things inspire my work, I'm am always picking the brains of other artists, for tips and tricks. One of my most favorite things to do is to rummage through my friends jewelry boxes. 

My only hope for my creations is that they will bring joy to the person who wears it. 

Meet Tammy House of One and Done Designs...

I am a graphic designer of trade and consumer magazines by day, sewing fanatic by night. I enjoy making handbags, blankets and pillows — it lets me get my girly creative side out.

Realizing that I needed a creative, stress-relieving outlet, about a year ago my mother-in-law recommended I get back into sewing. I borrowed one of her machines and started going with her to her sewing classes at Lackman’s Sewing Center. There, I learned how to use her embroidery machine. For my first project, I made a cross-body bag for myself, and my friends and family loved it. It just clicked with me. I really enjoyed making unique bags.

A few friends at work talked me into having a show during a lunch hour and it was big success. Now they said I needed find a way to sell my designs. So I needed a name for my business — One and Done Designs — perfect. That’s what I do. I find remnant fabrics and trims and put them in my stash. I never know in advance what I will do with the fabrics I purchase. I make them on the fly, which makes each of my bags unique. No two are the same. I add a little bling to all of my pieces. I use a combination of decorator fabric, reclaimed fabric, trims, embroidery, crystals and beads. I add beaded pulls to all of my bags with zippers. And the inside of my bags are just as fun as the outside. There's even a surprise pattern inside the pockets for an added treat. I enjoy combining fun and different colors and patterns.

I started a Facebook page to post my designs (https://www.facebook.com/oneanddonedesigns) and I was getting more requests for my bags. I started looking for a show that had other artists and crafters who were also unique. I found the Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show.

The Avant-Garde Show is my first public show. It’s exciting and inspires me to come up with even more unique bags. I am looking forward to seeing how this all plays out!

Meet Pat & Pam from Classy Glass Creations...

Pam and I have always created much from little. We learn most things by hands on trial and error. Talent? I think talent is much like beauty; it lies in the eyes of the beholder. 

How we got started.. we were treasure hunting in Michigan one day and we found a beautiful yard sculpture made from beautiful glass pieces. We really wanted to bring it home to our own garden, but the price was far above our reach. Pam decided right then she would learn how to make them for her and eventually, others.

Family history is our inspiration. We come from a long line of artisans: our Dad worked with metals and wood for many years crafting unique and useable items, one grandmother took up painting at 84 and left behind beautiful works of art, and our Mom did ceramics for many years and took great pleasure in giving them to others to enjoy. I have a strong appreciation for antiques and hand crafted treasures. I also have a talent for sales and marketing, and am skilled in seeking out great pieces to build our items. Pam’s talent is in seeing things differently. She is inspired by finding new beauty in the plain and ordinary. For her personally, it is therapy that allows her to share her visions with others.

The message behind our work is that everything holds value and beauty, if you look beyond the surface or expected use. You can draw outside the lines and make one of the most beautiful pictures ever. And finally, it is our responsibility to preserve parts of the past for future generations to learn from and love as we have.

Meet Cassandra Julian of Sew Modern Momma Creations...

I realized my talent way back when I was making dresses for my dolls, then it was a good grade in home economics, now it's just a desire to be able to share my ideas and creations with others in the hope I can help them find something that will work with their family's needs. Adding a little income to being a stay-at-home mom has been a nice prospect too, of course.

I have spent years trying to find less expensive and adorable accessories to help keep me organized and in some cases SANE! It's also been super tricky to find stuff that I love that my husband would also like and not be embarrassed to carry. So I decided to make my own, and that is what drives my creativity. 

I discovered my talent when I first started trying to copy the expensive American Girl dresses, and did a pretty darn good job! I try to think about the things that have helped me and my friends on a day-to-day basis with our kiddos, and some things that would be nice to have for my 4-legged kids.

The message behind my work is simply that you don't have to have boring or stereotypical items in your baby arsenal and that you can have some fun with your pet's items too!

2014 Summit County Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Saturday April 12th- 10:00am-5:00pm

Sunday April 13th- 11:00am-5:00pm

St. George's Fellowship Centre

3204 Ridgewood Rd.

Fairlawn, OH 44333

For more information, contact Becki Cooper, Event Coordinator

at info@avantgardeshows.com

Visit us on:

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Collections for Kids- Fabulous Fashionistas

Meet Emily Gainer from Gainer in Stitches...

I’m Emily, the crafter behind Gainer in Stitches. I crochet and sew baby items, such as crib shoes, bibs, and burp cloths. As an archivist by day, I have always loved history, antiques, and vintage patterns. I bring that classic feel to my crafts, choosing interesting pattern and color combinations.

My grandma and mom taught me to sew and crochet when I was in elementary school. Even though I only sewed square pieces of fabric and crocheted long chains, I learned the satisfaction of creating something. Those two special ladies who taught me the art of crafting are still crafting themselves.  It’s in the genes!  I just launched the business about one year ago.

Colors and patterns inspire me to create. Usually, I see a color of yarn or a fabric pattern before I know what I want to make with it. I have stashes of yarn and fabric throughout my house, just in case! I’m also inspired by functional items. I want to create things that will be used, used often, and hold up well.

My grandma and mom are big influences in my crafting hobby. They made crafting “cool”, and I find it enjoyable, relaxing, and satisfying. I can’t imagine my life without crafting.

After a lot of practice making things for myself, I started making gifts for family and friends. Their feedback and enthusiasm helped me discover my talent and inspired me to keep crafting.

My creative process is very methodical. I like to create products in batches and work assembly-line style. I spend time choosing colors and patterns, and then cut out all the fabric at once. Next, I pin all the items, sew them, and then iron. Each piece gets individual attention as I work through the process.

In the next 5 years, I want to expand my product offerings. I am exploring new techniques and patterns. Currently, I make products for babies, but I would like to make items for toddlers through adults.  

The message behind my work is functional and beautiful! I strive to make baby items of interesting colors and beautiful patterns that are also functional – items that you would want to give as a special gift or use every day for your little ones.

Meet Heidi Dobran from Dress Up Designs...

I work full time, and I am a mom to an amazing one year old little girl, Gianna. I have been doing this for about a year now, and I officially started ‘Dress Up Designs’ about 4 months ago. This is my first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows, and I am very excited for the opportunity. 

My daughter is my inspiration for everything that I do. Every little girl needs an outlet for dressing up, and I wanted to give that to her. Once she was born, I started making outfits for every holiday, special event and photo shoot. I decided to give tutu making a try after seeing a tutorial and from there, I couldn’t stop.I love to create after my daughter has gone to bed. 

For my creative process, I usually don’t completely know what the end result will be until it’s right in front of me. I just think of a certain object or character that I want my creation to reflect, and go from there. I love to create something I know will make someone smile. In 5 years, I hope to be successful enough to do what I love with crafting and getting more time with my daughter. 

The message behind my work is that life is serious enough, and everyone could use a little pretend!

Meet Kristy Behner from iHEARTees...

Hi! My name is Kristy Behner. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Design from Kent State. I currently work in the bridal industry and as a freelance designer/crafter. I live in a little old house in Akron with my husband, Matt; two dogs, Mabel and Leon; and our cat, Norah. I am lucky enough to have a spare room dedicated to my craft that is an animal free zone and always full of ongoing projects. I started selling on Etsy last summer, but I have been crafting for as long as I can remember. This will be my second ever Avant-Garde event.

How I got into my craft… I was always hands on as a kid whether it was helping my dad work on cars, or helping my mom in the kitchen. I really credit my parents for letting me always be in their business as to why I love to craft so much. I specifically got into sewing when my mom taught me how to use her machine when I was 7 years old. I get my inspiration from so many things. Mostly, I just love to be making things with my hands and as long as I am doing that, I am happy.

Quickly after my mother taught me to use her sewing machine I started making clothes for my fashion dolls, myself and family members. Soon I was creating my own designs using newspaper and fabric from my mom’s fabric stash.

My creative process is best described as ever-ending. I am a thinker. When an idea pops into my head I can’t stop thinking about it until I know the best way to make it. And even then I will tweak finished items based on customer feedback or adding a feature I think is missing.

My goal is in 5 years I hope for iHEARTees to be my main job, working three jobs doesn’t cut it!

The message behind my work is.. Form, Function, and Fun, there is no reason all three can’t go together. You can purchase/view more of my work at www.iheartees.com.

2012 Summit County Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sunday, April 28, 2013, 11:00am-5:00pm

The Tangier

532 West Market St.

Akron, OH 44303

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

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