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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
