Friday, December 13, 2024

The Holiday's are Here in Columbus!

Meet Barbara Gibbon from Artsy Ape...

I’ve been drawing since I was 3 and creating abstract oil paintings since graduating from CCAD with a degree in fine art. 

I’ve only been making pottery for about two years, after receiving a grant from the Greater Columbus Arts Council, with which I purchased a pottery wheel. I’m excited to sell at my second Avant-Garde show.


I’ll have one of a kind wheel thrown pottery and an out of order alphabet book that I illustrated and published. Stop by my table! 

Meet Ana Fernandez from Fernished Crafts...
My name is Ana, and I have been crocheting for a little over a year now. I love all things cozy in life. I currently live in Columbus with my partner and three precious kitties. I have been doing this over a year now! This is my first Avant-Garde Craft Show!

My love languages of gift-giving and inner-child healing inspire me to create. Nothing brings me more joy than showing love to others and myself in the form of handcrafting handmade creations. 

I came across an ad for a crochet shop one day last summer and felt the urge to learn, myself, as a way to engage in self-care and make gifts for others. I discovered my talent by following videos tutorials and beginner-friendly patterns. 

I like to explore various ideas based on the interests of others and what I would like to see more of in my personal environment. Once these ideas are floating in my mind I do some research on patterns online and find the ones that resonate with me and my creative style. 


Where I see myself in five years.. I can see myself continuing to sell at craft markets and running an online shop. 


The message behind my work is to indulge in the cozy delicacies of life and follow opportunities to increase comfort & joy whenever you get the chance. 



Meet Carolina from Dos Hermanos Food Truck...
We are Dos Hermanos Food Truck, serving authentic Mexican food in the Central Ohio area. I have been doing this for 12 years!
My message behind this is my passion for food! This will be our first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows!

Meet Carolyn Kendall from Art by Carolyn... 
Hi! I’m Carolyn Kendell, and making art has been my passion since before I can remember! I love to explore creativity through all kinds of mediums, but watercolor has been my focus the last several years.
Nature inspires all things creative in me. There is nothing better than wandering through a garden, hiking up a mountain, or relaxing on a beach. 

I always have my camera or my phone along to capture the beauty surrounding me; sometimes on a grand scale, or all the way down to the tiniest details we rarely stop to admire. 

You will nearly always find bright and vibrant colors in my work, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to create art that brings bits of nature inside for you to enjoy.
My hope is that my art sparks a connection and it brings you a bit of sunshine!

Meet Carol Barber from Trammelinks...
After many years in the corporate world, I now have a chance to pursue a creative endeavor! Some of my former colleagues (as well as family members) have been able to provide knowledge or assistance to my new business. And a few of the skills from my prior career have also come in handy, even though the businesses are quite different.

I made my first Trammelink® about 15 years ago, and over the years, made several more for myself, friends, and family. I started working to set up Trammelinks as a business about three years ago. We have also added some sweater clips to our lineup for people with outfits that do not have buttons.
It was my pleasure to participate in two Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows in 2022 in the Cincinnati and Columbus areas. Then in 2023, Trammelink was only able to attend the Columbus Winter Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show. We are looking forward to our third year at the Columbus Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show!

It is very fulfilling to find out what people like, and then create trammelinks that resonate with them. Hopefully people attending the shows will provide me with their thoughts and feedback, even if they do not purchase one right away. Listening to comments from others is the key to creating an exciting and diverse collection of trammelinks, as well as finding out new ways of using them and sweater clips. 

An early retirement offer came my way in 2021   I always wanted to make trammelinks into a business, but did not have time. So now I have a new career and purpose: trammelinks!
Trammelinks were truly born out of the
 “necessity is the mother of invention” phrase! The button-down-shirt-over-a-shirt style has always been a favorite of mine. But I found that wind, purse straps, and backpacks would make that style look messy very quickly. So I made the first trammelink to keep the outer shirt from flying open, and to keep it somewhat aligned.

The name really describes it ounce you know know the word “trammel” means to tether or restrain. Then “link” in this case, refers to connecting both the left and right sides of the clothing. Put it together and you have a trammelink!

A pendant, charm, or button will catch my eye, and then I find the appropriate other parts that look right with it. That might happen quickly, or it can take weeks! Buttons can be difficult because of the different sizes needed for different types of clothing. That must be considered too when matching up a pendant with a button. The chain and other  “findings” are a different situation. For those, I want the strongest options available so the trammelinks will be sturdy. 

  
In 5 years it would be great 
if the business would grow and remain stable, so I can continue making trammelinks for many years to come.

The Trammelink slogan is: Helping you keep it together. Fashionably. “Keep yourself together” is a good daily goal through good and bad times - although the “fashionably” part can be questionable for me depending on the day! Helping others keep it together is also a goal, so a portion of the proceeds from Trammelinks is being donated to a breast cancer charity. Being able to do that is very meaningful as breast cancer has affected many of our friend

Meet Darla Snively from Y-City Scents...
A business that started as a small hobby in 2018 and has blossomed into a thriving passion. Inspired by family, friends, nature, and the emotions that scents can awaken, I began by creating handmade gifts for loved ones, whose encouragement helped me discover my talent. 

My creative process combines thoughtful intention with joyful experimentation, crafting fragrances that evoke memories and feelings while meeting the highest standards of quality. 
Looking ahead, I envision Y-City Scents as a nationally recognized brand with a storefront, an expanded product line, and a growing community of customers who share my love for meaningful, handcrafted scents.

At its heart, my work is about connection—bringing comfort, sparking memories, and making every space feel like home. This will be my first Avant-Garde art & craft show.


Meet Kim Reed from Craftea Chaos...

I'm Kim, full-time Chaos Coordinator for my three kids. When I'm not managing their schedules, you can find me with yarn and a crochet hook! 


I have been crocheting for more than half my life, however, up until 2 years ago, I would only crochet blankets and scarves.
This will be my second 
Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show! My kids inspire me! My Aunt got me into my hobby when she taught me at 14 years old... so 24 years ago!!
I discovered my talent by one of my kids asked if I could make her a stuffed animal, and I said 'Challenge, accepted!' As I've perfected my craft, I started focusing on making stuffies that double as fidgets or stress balls!

My creative process is Finding a cute pattern while scrolling instagram - and then listening to some music or audio book to focus on the craft. 

I see myself in 5 years to hope to be designing patterns, and still doing shows!

No idea or goal is unattainable - I never could have imagined the success I've had in this first full year of sharing my crafts!


 Makoy Event Center

5462 Center St.

Hilliard, OH 43026
Sunday, December 15, 2024
10:00am-4:00pm
For more information, contact Becki Silverstein, Event Coordinator at Becki@ag-shows.com
Visit us on:

Saturday, September 21, 2024

Creating this Fall's Must-Haves!

Meet Terse Post From Wreaths-N-Such by Terri...

I am a mom to three beautiful kids. My husband and I have been married for 14 years and have lived in Dublin for 10+ years. When I'm not working or driving the kids around, I make time to read and craft.  

I have been creating at .... for a little over a year now. The Columbus 2024 Fall Avant-Garde Show is my first and I could not be more excited. 
I draw inspiration from nature. I started crafting because of my mom. Ever since I was a little girl, my mom was always making things. Bows, boo boo bunnies, wall decor, cross stitching, she did a little bit of everything. I would watch her because she always looked like she enjoyed what she was doing.

I discovered my talent while on a trip to Michael's. I found myself walking up and down the floral aisles and decided to make a wreath for my door. I was hooked after that. My creative process tends to be a mess. I pick out a bunch of items and piece it together little by little. My desk is always a mess because i want to be able to see everything I have.

In five years, I am hoping to be able to craft consistently and with a growing online presence. I want people to come home to something beautiful on their doors. Or sit down to eat with family and see a unique centerpiece that completes their space. 

Meet Robert Sytek From Fat Cat Forge LTD. 

I practice my blacksmith craft part-time out of my shop in Hilliard, Ohio. I started by helping Paul Ailing, the blacksmith at the Ohio Historic Village blacksmith shop back in 2000-2001, but have been much more serious about the craft the past few years. This will be my first time at an Avant-Garde Arts & Craft Show. 

My inspiration comes from my love for reusing metal that is scraped or discarded. This way I can upcycle, and the finished piece has a story. The longevity of producing a well-made item or tool that will be around long after I'm gone is what first got me into the hobby of Blacksmithing. 


In five years, my goal is to retire and do blacksmith work full-time. 

Meet Greg & Pamela Feldman-Hill, From G & P Fine Craftory

G & P Fine Craftory is the husband and wife collaboration between Greg and Pamela Feldman-Hill. We've been married 37 years and share our home with 2 cats. We live in central Ohio, and we have always been “makers.” Greg is an ex-IT Manager who took up woodworking as a hobby in 2016 and turned this into a full-time business when he found himself unemployed due to the pandemic. Pamela is a professionally trained artist with a BFA and MA in printmaking from The Ohio State University and has been self-employed creating artwork and illuminated manuscripts for clients all over the world for over 40 years.

Greg has been woodworking for six years, and Pamela has been creating art professionally since 1983. Our collaboration with G & P Fine Craftory was born in 2021. This will be our third year participating in an Avant-Garde Show. Adding beauty to our daily lives while we keep our hands and minds busy inspires and motivates us to create. 

Greg started woodworking as a hobby after refinishing some tables and cabinets for our house and discovering that he enjoyed working with wood. After he retired as an IT manager, he decided to pursue this passion full-time. Pamela began hand-painting finished ceramics and tiles as a way to fill time in her studio between her larger commissions. Creating work that is functional and smaller provides a nice outlet, and utilizes her love and knowledge of pattern and color in a new way.

Pamela has been creating artwork since childhood and pursued this passion professionally, achieving a BFA and MA in Printmaking in 1979 and 1985 respectively. Greg discovered his love of woodworking after approaching some home refinishing projects. He is primarily self-taught and utilizes YouTube videos to learn the craft. His work with a CnC machine and laser technology is enhanced by his background in computer technology.

Our Creative processes are quite different. Greg is very methodical, prepping his materials and planning out exactly what he wants to make using computer and design tools, making measurements down to the millimeter. Pamela usually sits down with a wood cut-out or mug and lets it speak to her for a bit, and then she just starts painting! She has been exploring different patterns and art forms for over 50 years, so has a wealth of inspiration to draw from.

In the next five years, we would like to continue doing art exhibits and acquiring regular customers for our online store (gpfinecraftory.com). Our products are geared towards gifts, so eventually we hope to get many returning customers and some professional connections for ongoing orders (like realtors.) Our goal with the products at G & P Fine Craftory has always been to bring beautiful creations into daily life with fine craftsmanship and joy.


Meet Erica Tucker, from ETQueenOfSkeins, LLC. 

My name is Erica Tucker and I am the owner of ETQueenOfSkeins, LLC. I Love making handmade plushies for my customers. I have been teaching for 12 years.  I currently teach first grade. I have three kids: Darryl (12), Emerson (7), and Tori (2). I am married to my husband, Darryl Tucker, who I have been with since I was thirteen. I enjoy lifting weights, crocheting, and reading.

I learned how to crochet about 10 years ago, but I really started to get back into it this year. I particularly enjoy making amigurumi projects with soft, cuddly yarn. This will be my first craft show with Avant-Garde, which I am super excited for!

I enjoy making things that make people happy. I really amped up with amigurumi projects for my kids. With all the different video games through Roblox, they wanted stuffed animals that I didn’t really see on the market. This led me to make them some plushies, like Gorilla Tag.  I also got into making some of our family favorites, like Pokémon. This poured into my classroom as props for games and centers, eventually leading me to start my own business!  

I have always loved arts and crafts. When I was little, I participated in Girl Scouts, art clubs, and summer camps which were really craft-based. I wanted to learn how to crochet with my sister-in-law, so we practiced some pieces together. I recently got into the amigurumi with my kids. I feel like the possibilities are endless and so it keeps me motivated to try new items or yarn combinations.

Crocheting is something that I enjoy. I would make different characters and share them on my personal Facebook feed. Family and friends would compliment my work and tell me that I should try selling some of my pieces. Now I sell custom creations along with other plushies that I enjoy making.

When I set out to create a project, I like to see it all the way through without starting other projects. I like to start with the plan, get the materials, and then create the piece with adjustments as needed. I get scatter-brained when I try to have multiple projects going at once and I have found it more productive for me to finish a piece before moving to the next one. This really helps me stay focused and work quicker.

In five years, I would like to see my business have more of an online presence for purchasing whether through Etsy or some other channel. I have a storefront on Etsy, but my orders come from friends, family, and customers who I have met at my community Farmer’s Market. 

When I think of plushies, it reminds me of feeling comforted and cared for. Kids become attached to their stuffed animals and enjoy them for years to come. I enjoy bringing joy to others!

2024 Columbus Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Sunday, September 22nd, 2024
10:00am-4:00pm
Makoy Event Center
5462 Center St.
Hilliard, OH 43026
For more information, contact Becki Silverstein, Event Coordinator at becki@ag-shows.com
Visit us on:

Thursday, May 30, 2024

Columbus Get Excited! It's Time the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show!

 Meet Janet Forbes-Green from Made to Adore...

Retiring after 35 years as a math/science teacher for Columbus City Schools I now have the time to devote to an interest I’ve always had which is creating art. Being an empty nester comes with some advantages as my 2 children are married and have their own families which gives me an at-home art studio. (Yeah!)  With the help of my husband of 44 years I can now devote time to developing my craft.

During my years of teaching, I attended conferences set in New Orleans, specifically near the French Quarter. Between classes, I would walk the Quarter mesmerized by the colorful houses and French-influenced architecture. I really wanted to reproduce that look in a colorful, whimsical way. My art reflects my interpretation of the homes of New Orleans. Made with polymer clay, acrylic paint, and resin to enhance the color, each house has its own unique style and charm.

I became a member of the Worthington Area Arts League to gain guidance and advice.  It has taken me at least 4 years to develop my style of art. Some of my work is displayed through their website and in art/craft shows around the area. I also show some of my work on Facebook. I also create personal pieces for people. 


Meet Stacy Piper from Middle School Chaos LLC...

My name is Stacy Piper and I am the owner of Middle School Chaos, LLC. I am a full-time middle school teacher and have two grown children. I craft to help relieve the stress of teaching math to 7th graders! I began scrapbooking when my son was born 25 years ago. My style has changed over the years but I still enjoy every minute of creating. This will be my 4th Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show!


What inspires me is a bit of anything and everything. When I see something online or in a store that I like, you can probably be sure I'm saying "I can do that." I create mostly with paper/cardstock but I also mess around with t-shirts, tumblers, stickers, and coasters. Every year I make classroom decor for my "home away from home" - my classroom. 

My creative process is chaotic at best. I often start a project and will change midstream. You never know what you are going to get in my craft room. This is why my store name is Middle School Chaos - like my classroom, my craft room is a different day of chaos every day. 


In five years I hope to see myself retired from teaching and doing more arts & crafts shows. The message behind my work is happiness... I want people to look at my work and have it remind them of a story or memory that they've had in the past. I can't wait for this show!


Meet Katherine Patrick from Nuthatch Yarn Studio...
Hi! My name is Katie, and I’m the creator of Nuthatch Yarn Studio. I live with my husband, a grumpy old man cat, and an embarrassingly large stash of yarn. I’ve been crocheting since I was a kid, but I’ve been focusing on amigurumi (a big word that basically just means crochet plushies) for about five years. This will be my third Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show, and I’m so excited! I love to crochet when I have downtime, and ending up with an adorable final project is so rewarding. It’s the perfect distressing time after work for me. 
My grandma taught me to crochet when I was young, but over the years I’ve also dabbled in an eclectic assortment of crafts including cross stitch, scrapbooking, and miniature painting. Crochet is the one hobby that’s really stuck. I feel so proud when I turn a ball of yarn into a cuddly companion, and sharing people’s joy when they see my creations just enhances the experience. When I crochet, I like to experiment with different patterns and colors. I typically don’t make the same thing more than a couple times, so my stock is always changing! 
I also try to think about the seasonality of my items. Before Christmas, I did a lot of penguins. This spring, I had surprise Easter eggs and marshmallow peeps. At this show, I’ll be focusing on Pride-themed items for June, so expect to see lots of bright colors and flag designs! While I’d love to see my business flourish, I most of all want to have fun with my hobby and be able to share my work with others. My aspirations are to continue doing a few craft shows throughout the year. Of course, I’m always open to custom projects as well!

I’m looking forward to the show and hope to see you there!

2024 Columbus Summer Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Sunday, June 2nd, 2024
10:00am-4:00pm
Makoy Event Center
5462 Center St.
Hilliard, OH 43026
For more information, contact Becki Silverstein, Event Coordinator at becki@ag-shows.com
Visit us on: