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

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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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Personal Expression Artists & Crafters

Meet Allison Fensel from Art by Ali...

I’m a stay-at-home mom and my kids have gotten old enough for me to finally get back to my passions of art and all that includes. I have been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember, I went to school for fine arts. Like many others, when I started a family I did not have time to continue to pursue my art.

I have always been artistic and have been drawing, painting and trying new projects for as long as I can remember.

I get my creativity and inspiration from just about everything around me. I love nature and I love seeing my family and what they do. There is a lot of creativity within them, and that’s where I get my inspiration.

How I got started in my business... I decided to start to do face painting parties. From there, I figured since I was doing that I might as well start doing some craft shows. Particularly since I had more time to sell and I am always looking to try new projects.

I really love seeing how unique each face painting comes out. Even if I am trying to do the same thing over and over again, there is always something different each time. I generally like it more and more every time.

Meet Kristin Hadari from eleven:eleven...

Kristin: proud mama. in love. laughing addict. big breakfast eater. project making. emotional about movies. dr. pepper enthusiast. classic over thinker. in pursuit of an amazing life. eleven:eleven.

My scarves have an infinity design, meaning no beginning and no end. They are one big circle that can be worn in a variety of ways.These infinity scarves can be worn long, or they can be wrapped around your neck 2 or 3 times.

The line is sorted by collections, and each collection consists of a different type of fabric:

The Southern Belle Collection: This is the flannel collection that comes in all varieties from lumberjack to princess cowgirl. There are a variety of weights suitable for indoors and out.The 

Girl Next Door Collection: These are the classic and simple cotton scarves. Patterns are across the board but the polka dots and chevron are the favorites!

The Urban Chic Collection: The jersey knits are soft and flexible which expands the tying options and ways to wear. The solids can be worn with almost anything.

The Cosmo Gal Collection: These are made from polyester fabrics, and tend to be a little more dressy for your nights out. This will take the little black dress to the next level.

The Kristin Collection: My hand picked favorites in all fabrics.

The Lil' Collection: Because in fashion, age doesn't matter, these are the little fashionista girl's version of scarves in a variety of fabrics.

The Mom and Lil' Collection: Like mama like daughter! This line is made in complementary fabrics to show off the hip mom and daughter duo.

I've been doing this for only around 3 months. I am a newbie. I have always been into fashion and I think much if it comes from there. I am also an immediate gratification type of person so if I want something and can make it, I usually just do.

I got into this hobby because honestly, I wanted to buy so many of them I just thought it would bemore economical to make them myself. Then friends started wanting them and others wanting them for gifts as so on and so. The journey still continues!

 

My creative process is very personal. I usually create things that I would want for myself, so the people who like it and enjoy the products, I usually have a small unique connection with. 

My favorite part of the process is having other people relate to my products and purchase them for their wardrobe or to give as gifts. The message behind my work is "Give your style a little twist!"

Meet Alison Nieman from A Nieman Design...

My name is Alison Nieman. I graduated from The Ohio State University with my degree in Interior Design but am mostly using it part time right now. I am a part-time crochet crafter and blogger of the blog A. Nieman Design http://aniemandesign.blogspot.com. I grew up outside of Columbus and have been in the Akron area for almost 6 years now. I love the area and am glad to call NEO my home!

I have been crocheting for as long as I can remember. My mom and my grandmother both taught me in their own ways when I was younger. I have been crocheting as a business since 2006 when I opened my first Etsy shop A. Nieman Crochet. This, believe it or not is my first craft show as a crocheter and I am excited to be a part of it!

I get my creativity from my mom. She got me started crafting and opened my mind to the creative world. Crocheting is my outlet to be creative and it also really helps me relax which is a big plus.

How I got started in my business… I was in college and started crocheting myself items. I was looking to start selling items to make some extra money. I started on Ebay and as soon as I found Etsy, I knew I would be in for the long run.

A lot of times my creative process starts with the yarn. Colors, feels, etc can determine what I am making. I also kinda make things up as I go and follow my creative instincts. If it looks good as I go, I keep going. If it doesn't, I have been known to completely tear apart a whole project halfway through.

I think what I enjoy the most in what I do is the pride and the appreciation that goes into each piece. The fact that I make everything with my own hands is something special. You don't get that with machine made products.

Check out these featured vendors at the 2012 Summit County Winter Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show. This show will feature a large selection of talented handmade artisans and crafters. A portion of the show's proceeds will be donated to Jade's No Kill Rescue for animal rescue.

2012 Summit County Winter Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sunday, December 2, 2012 11:00am-6:00pm

The Tangier

532 West Market St.

Akron, OH 44303

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

Visit us on:

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