Columbus Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows: March 2022

Meet Beth from Lalunablue Creations...

Hello, I’m Beth from Lalunablue Creations and I make jewelry! My wife and I have two kids, our son who 35 and our daughter who is 9. My hobbies include, traveling, hiking as well as my newest hobby, felting. I have a background in Commercial Art and worked as a Retail Area Team Leader for 34 years before retiring in October of 2020.

My love for making jewelry began as a hobby about 30 years ago. My early pieces were given as gifts to family and friends. With their encouragement I continued learning new techniques and honing my skills. Now that I am retired I finally have the time to take what was once a hobby to the next level.

I started making beaded necklaces and earrings out of semiprecious stones and glass beads. Then I discovered pressed glass made in the Czech Republic. These beads came in such an array of colors and textures, it was love at first site!

When I saw all the shapes, colors and finishes I couldn’t help but be inspired to craft my jewelry from these amazing beads.

The really cool thing about these incredible beads is their history!

The story of the Czech glass beads begins in the 3rd century BCE, when Celtic craftsmen began to produce the first glass beads in Bohemia, now the Czech Republic…This glassmaking method was perfected in the early 18th century and within a few decades Czech glassmaking dominated the world markets.

At Lalunablue Creations I use the Czech pressed glass beads in most of my pieces accented with oxidized raw copper. I love the richness of the color and it compliments the Czech beads nicely. The reason for this is the Picasso finish that is applied to the beads, which gives the beads an aged look.

I recently went back to my beginnings and have been making jewelry with semiprecious stones as well as handmade glass beads, but my heart will always be in the colorful Czech beads.

This will be my first Avant-Garde event and I’m looking forward to sharing my art with other gifted artist.

Meet Mel Preston from Diane's Seeds for Hope...

Hello, my name is Mel. I retired as a manufacturing process improvement trainer in 2018. Five months later, my wife was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. She passed away 18 months later. My kids and I wanted to do something to help fight this cancer, and decided to start a non-profit with the purpose to raise awareness and raise money for the prevention and cure of pancreatic cancer. My wife loved to feed birds, and I learned how to make bird seed cylinders and some feeders for our back yard.

We wanted to do something to raise money so we have started making the feeders from Melamine plates and bowls. 100% of the money donated and 100% of the profit from seed and feeder sales goes to either the “Pancreatic Cancer Action Network” or the Lustgarten foundation.

We have our venders license and are now a 501 C 3 nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible under IRC section 170. Web site is www.dianesseedsforhope.com

This will be our 2nd Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show.

Our inspiration stems from the experience that our family had as a doctor told my wife and three kids that she had stage four pancreatic cancer and six months to a year to live. We want to do what we can so that someday none of the 60,000 people a year will have to hear how long they have from this kind of diagnosis.

We wanted to create a bird feeder that was different than the standard feeders. Something to hold the bird seed cylinders but more colorful than the old wooden feeders. My wife was an artist and my kids thought their mother would approve of more color in the garden.

In five years, we hope that we can grow the non-profit into a major contributor to Pancreatic Cancer research and especially early detection. Current 5-year survival for people with early detection and able to have surgery is 40% compared to most who are stage 4 at detection with 5-year survival at 3%. We want to see survival rates skyrocket.

Meet Karen from Karen Sue Kreations...

I have been married to my loving and supportive husband, Bill for 34 years. We have one daughter together, Chelsea and two adorable, ornery, cuddly Shih-Tzu boy puppies, Gussy Bear and Hershel Honey. I was a Dental Hygienist by profession for 35 years. Made beautiful smiles in the past but now I make beautiful jewelry for those beautiful smiles.

I started making earrings about 3 years ago when Covid began and I was basically stuck at home. I got into the craft when my hairdresser was wearing the cutest pair of earrings. She didn’t know where they were purchased because they were a Christmas gift but I wanted a pair. Her friend either couldn’t remember where she found them or didn’t want to say. So I decided to find the leather, faux leather and metal components to make my own and that’s exactly what I did! They turned out so well that I used the rest of the materials to make different versions. I found my talent when every time I wore my earrings, I would get lots of compliments which gave me the incentive to try other patterns and materials.

I find inspiration in textures, colors and shapes and a desire to combine them in unique ways inspires me to create. I also have a deep love of my hometown, Columbus, Ohio and football. Ohio and football inspires me to make earrings representing Ohio teams such as The OSU Buckeyes, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns.

My creative process for my earrings begins with wanting to combine certain colors together with certain materials and shapes. After I figure out the colors, materials and shapes I choose the hardware that best goes with the earrings and lastly I try different ways of combining all the pieces and I finish them. The creative process for creating my other items is pretty much the same. I’ll see or hear a motivational word or phrase that means something to me or I’ll see some beads, stones or charms that I want to incorporate into a bracelet, a necklace, a metal bookmark, religious piece, purse jewelry, zipper pulls etc. The materials I use are clay, leather, faux leather and wood. I only use hypoallergenic hardware, acrylic paints and all natural beeswax. My leather and faux leather earrings can be used with essential oils by placing a couple of drops of your favorite oil on the back of the earrings.

My first but not last Advant-Garde show will be this Spring in Hilliard, Ohio and I’m really looking forward to it. In five years... well because I truly love creating and I need to keep my inventory moving for existing and new customers, I see my business growing and flourishing while I continue to sell my items at craft shows.

The message behind my work is to use all of your God given talents no matter when you discover them and no matter how old you are. Just never waste them. Create, motivate, love, hope and spread positivity to all you encounter while doing your very best in everything you do and make.

Meet Marisa from Risa’s Creative Market...

Hi, my name is Marisa Samuel. I am the owner/creator of Risa’s Creative Market. I created my craft business because I love to make home decor, gifts, and accessories. I love to learn new techniques and try them out. Of course, I can’t keep all of my creations so I started gifting them to my family. They loved them so much I started to give gifts to others and created my craft shop. I opened my etsy shop in the summer of 2019.

I’ve always liked to craft and learned different crafts from family and acquaintances. My grandma taught me to crochet when I was 7 years old, my mom always had a sewing machine, and my stepmom taught me scrapbooking. I grew up around very talented women and grew to enjoy crafting myself. The world around me inspires my creations. I love to travel and see the “color palettes” all over the world, especially in nature.

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t like to be creative, I’ve just always loved to make things with my hands. Friends would ask me to help them with creative projects and tell me how crafty I am. I’m sure most crafty people can relate when I say my family thinks I can make anything. They challenge me often and I happily accept. My creative process can be long! I usually need to write out a plan, a little procrastination and research, then I get to work! My family plays a big part in this by keeping me company. They bounce ideas at me and give me feedback.

I really enjoy my business as a hobby. It makes me smile to make others smile. Hopefully, I can add some of my items to a store on consignment or grow my online business. I also look forward to doing more vendor shows to interact with customers. Through my work, I want young women to be encouraged to live their dreams! Start that business! Be your own boss!

Meet Taylor from Izzy & Co...

My name is Taylor. I was born and raised in the Grove City area. This is also where I currently reside with my husband, our 3 children, and 2 fur children. Currently, my main job is staying home and raising my children. Aside from this I also run 2 businesses. I enjoy working out, reading, and baking.

Izzy & Co. is fairly new. I started this journey about 4 months ago. We are rapidly gaining momentum and I’m excited to see what the future has for my business! Matter of fact, this is my first Avant-Garde Show. I am ecstatic to be joining this year.

My children inspire me to create. They keep me going on a daily basis and make me want to strive to be the best me. Not to mention, my 11 year old Dog, Isabell got me into the craft. She’s always been a very particular Pup when it comes to her food and treats. I originally started making all natural dog treats specifically for her. A few friends pups then tried my treats and their dogs just loved them! I knew I had to venture out and make these for others’ furry friends.

I would describe my creative process as loving. They say that giving your dog a treat is one of the best ways to show your love for them. Making treats that have no questionable ingredients and are great for mans best friend; is an act of love with each batch baked.

In 5 years I can see my treats in so many dog owners homes. And do many happy Pups. Set up in some of my city’s local boutiques. Continuing craft shows and farmers markets.

Come check us out! We specialize in all natural, homemade dog treats. Make with no preservatives, additives, or other ingredients that can hardly be pronounced. Just simply, simple ingredients!

Meet Samantha from Squibble's Crochet Corner...

My name is Samantha Meador and I am the owner of Squibble's Crochet Corner. When I am not crocheting, I am either going on adventures with my husband Ben, hanging out with my 2 cats and Chinchilla, or enjoying the outdoors. I work as a part-time hospice nurse in Columbus, OH and have been a nurse for 4 years.

I have been crocheting for almost a year and just started selling my crochet creations beginning of 2022. This will be my first Avant-Garde show!

Other crochet amigurumi creators have inspired me to create! I follow many crochet designers on social media. They have inspired me to improve my craft and help develop a small business. I actually got into the hobby when I stumbled upon some crochet amigurumi at an art show and fell in love! I bought my first crochet amigurumi book and self taught myself to crochet. Now I crochet everyday!

I self taught myself to crochet after purchasing a crochet amigurumi book. After practicing everyday, I continue to improve my technique and designs. My creative process is quite simple. I get inspiration for patterns from books or the internet for my crochet projects. Typically my favorite things to crochet are plants and animals. Then with a hook and yarn in hand, I start creating!

In 5 years I hope to continue growing my crochet business and eventually start developing my own crochet patterns. I hope to have a strong social media presence for my business. I hope my creations help put a smile on people's faces. With everything that's been changing over the last couple years and rising stress, even a simple crochet plant or animal can help brighten someone's day.

Follow me on social media! @squibblescrochetcorner!

Meet Nick from Comic Addictions Crafts...

I have always been a superhero fan and comic book collector. Now I am a personal trainer and exercise class instructor so stay busy through the week. If I am not at the gym I am hanging out with my girlfriend Alicia and our 4 cats that we rescued. I love spending time outdoors mountain biking, kayaking or trailing hiking.

I started with my comic book inspired creations in 2017 after I saw a comic book decoupage coffee table at a craft fair. I instantly became obsessed and spent countless hours perfecting different techniques I use today. I opened an Etsy shop after a few years of making custom orders for friends and family. I have been to a few Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows before but I will be doing my first in March.

Ever since I was a kid I loved the artwork in early comic books. I am inspired to preserve that amazing comic book artwork and bring it into a form more people will see. Most comic books are sitting in old boxes either in comic shops, flea markets or people basements. These books need to be saved and brought to the light of day. Making them into beautiful paper flowers or sealing them on a coaster preserves them forever.

When I met my girlfriend she and I started doing crafts together. At first, I would help her with small projects but after being inspired to create comic book decoupage furniture I started doing crafts more frequently. Now we enjoy spending time in our craft room together while we each create amazing products for our shops.

I discovered I was talented at making comic book decoupage, paper flowers and other techniques after much trial an error. With everything new I try, the first few always are learning experiences. That is why I love the art though is because I can always improve my skills and learn new techniques.

My creative process starts with seeing a comic book strip I think is cool. Then I measure and cut it to make sure as much of it can be preserved as possible. Whatever I am attaching it to I make sure is prepared and measured so everything is laid out in an eye pleasing manner.

In 5 years, I hope to be able to share my creations with more people though growing my online shop and frequenting more art and craft shows in Ohio.

If there is a message behind my work it is spreading joy and love to people who enjoy it. I love it when people buy a dozen of my Comic Book Flowers to give to their loved one for Valentines Day or when some of my products are used in a kid’s dream Superhero room.

Meet Dani from Cedar Creations Leatherworking...

I am a southern Ohio native. Me and my husband have numerous furkids and maintain a small farm in southern Ohio. When I am not working my normal job, you can normally find me playing with the goats or doing leather-working.

I have been doing leather working for about 4 years now, although this is my first Avant-Garde show.

I enjoy creating durable, long lasting, beautiful products. Working with leather allows me to fulfill my creative side and bring purpose and new life to a piece of leather. I did wood burning as a side hobby making gifts for family for many years. A friend of my husband's asked if I could do a camera strap with a burned design and I was hooked! Most of leather-working is about planning, consistency, and repetition. While I do have a good eye for designing a pattern, most of the beauty in leather working comes from patience and time.

When not making a customized piece, I tend to look at the leather and let it shape what I design. The color or grain may invoke a certain idea on its own and then I work to bring that out. I also really enjoy buying odd cuts and scraps of leather and working to turn an often unwanted item into something useable and beautiful.

I would love to be able to do leather working full time, but I do not see that happening within 5 years. I hope to increase my talent and ability within 5 years.

I hope the message is that handmade items are worthwhile and much more unique and durable than factory made, mass produced items. The first purse that I made myself 3 years ago is still as beautiful and durable as it was when I made it. That rarely happens with a store-bought item.

Meet Kim from KMA Designs...

My name is Kim Moriarty, I am the owner of KMA Designs. I am from Columbus, grew up in Westerville. I am a graduate of Columbus College of Art & Design. I have a passion for all kinds of arts and crafts. I love being the person in my family and circle of friends that is the "crafty" one that makes all things.

I have been doing art and crafting my whole life. I guess I got it from my mom- she was an art teacher in Columbus for over 35 years. This will be my first Avant-Garde Craft Show!

Crafting and doing art is my "therapy". It brings me joy and relaxes me. I love being able to make someone happy with my creations. I guess it all started with getting a Cricut, I started out doing paper crafts, then Heat Transfer vinyl.....then eventually gravitated towards door hangers. I love changing my own front door hanger for the different seasons. I also couldn't find ones that represented my dogs. I have 2 large Mastiffs. So that is where it started! I loved my cricut, but I wanted to be able to cut wood. So next came my Glowforge! As I describe to my friends- this laser cutter is "like a Cricut on steroids." I have always been artistic, but it really developed in collage.

I am always seeking out new ideas for inspirations- I scour Pinterest and Etsy to see what is popular and trending. I like to be fresh with my designs and try to keep them simple and timeless, but I do throw some cute trendy designs in there too. I try to add 2-3 new designs per season. I also try to have all kinds of price points to sell. So in the Fall/Holiday season I make ornaments, and in the Spring/Summer seasons I make magnets, key chains, and other small items.

As with any artist/crafter, I hope that in five years I am still creating relevant pieces that people love! I know that door hangers will evolve but I still expect people will want to put something pretty on their front door!

Meet Mackenzie from Knotty Ivy Co....

My name is Mackenzie Baker. I am 25 years old and married to my best friend. We have a 1 year old son together that we love more than life! On top of being a wife and mom, I am also a hair dresser. While I was on maternity leave from the salon, which is my usual creative outlet, I decided to open a tshirt business. I was tired of buying things I could easily make myself. It started out as a hobby to do on the side and turned into a new creative outlet and an avenue for some extra income. Any one that has had children knows that pregnancy and being a new mom takes a toll on not only your body but your mind too. I noticed that there are a lot of people that are extremely hard on moms, especially new ones. I believe you need all the support you can get when you enter motherhood, especially the first year. So I decided to create shirts that run up to size 2X, with gentle reminders to be kind to yourself and others. This is my first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show, but is my third show since starting the business. My plan for this show is to offer my current designs at discounted rates in order to clear up room for my next collection of designs. I’m excited to make my shirts even more affordable and spread my message!

Meet Haley from Dany Cat Designs LLC...

I started making soap in February 2020. I started my business in June of 2020. This will be my first Avant-Garde Show!

I am always inspired by the things I am passionate about. That is why all of my soaps and other products are inspired by the fandoms that I love. I got into the hobby once I started watching a lot of soap makers on YouTube and I really wanted to learn how to do it myself. I discovered my talent when I got a cold process soap making kit from Brambleberry. It was so fun to make and I immediately fell in love with creating my own soap designs.

I would say my creative process starts a little differently with each soap. Sometimes I will have a design idea and come up with a fandom theme. Other times I will have a theme idea and will design my soaps based on that.

In five years, I am hoping that my business will continue to grow and I will be able to further expand my product line. I really love attending conventions and craft shows but I hope I can do more consistent online sales in the future as well.

I try to put passion and creativity into everything I make. When you create what you love you’ll never be bored. I find the beauty of soap to be that, while it’s an art form and the bars are beautiful, they are also functional and serve a purpose.