Meet Aaron Behnk from Aaron Behnk Creations...
I’m a diverse artist who is constantly creating in new ways, experimenting with media, and exploring new techniques. Curiosity, and the thrill I get from discovery are my driving forces and am inspired by adventure and resourcefulness. I currently reside in German Village, Columbus, Ohio with my wife and two cats, where I practice illustration, graphic design, and paper making in my home studio. My educational background is from Columbus College of Art and Design in illustration, which informs my style of design, and awareness of commercially applied arts as tools in branding, marketing, communication, and most importantly to inspire people.
My works of handmade paper are comprised mainly of raw cotton and abaca fibers, as well as recycled scraps of this blend, and archival fine art papers. Embellishments to the handmade paper include florals, other plant material, and paper collage. Sometimes I will also include found objects, plant material, or up-cycled vintage print material into the covers, end-pages, and in some cases even the pages themselves. Typically I will varnish the cover and end-pages with an acrylic glaze in order to protect the pages from any un-archival material, and to enhance the durability of the covers. I create books of all sizes from pocket journals to large guest-book size, as well as cards, stationery, and offer the paper itself. My plain pages are an archival, textured cotton/abaca blend and are treated with a cellulose emulating alkylketene dimer sizing which controls the absorbency of the paper and gives is crispness and durability. The pain paper works well with both wet and dry media, and is moderately textured. Some books are geared more toward scrapbooking and contain more texture and additives within the pages.
I’m obsessed with the aesthetic of handmade paper. I’ve also fallen in love with the process and end result that can provide me and others material with which to create further.
My website is aaron-behnk-creations.com where you can find links to my social media, Etsy shop, view my process of art making, and find examples of my work that includes illustration, fine art, paper making, and bookbinding.
Meet Collene Miller from Purdy Lil' Surimi's Alpaca Farm...
My name is Collene Miller.
My husband, Tom, and I started an alpaca farm in Huber Heights, OH, in
Dec, 2011. We purchased a starter herd
of four females and have seen the births of three males bringing our herd size
to seven. Prior to starting our farm, we homeschooled our three children. That experience has been very useful with our
farm because we often have visitors at the farm and we are privileged to able
to teach people about alpacas and to share these amazing animals with others.
Tom and I have had our alpaca farm for 5 years now. I have been
crocheting since I was a child. I wrote
one children’s book which was a process that took about 2 years to complete.
What inspires me.. I was inspired to write my children’s book, Saving Gideon, An Alpaca Story, after I
witnessed the events of the first 24 hours of one baby alpaca’s life. He should not have survived but he received a
miracle. The story presented itself and
I believed that it had to be told.
After we started our alpaca farm and farm store I was able
to bring my crochet skills back to life.
I love having my pieces on my table and seeing the response from a
customer who loves my work.
A favorite family member taught me to crochet when I was a
little girl. I could not wait to visit
her. I always came home with a new
stitch or pattern to practice. I still
think of her when I finish a piece that I am particularly proud of.
My creative process.. I am a very tactile person. I am one of those who has to touch
everything. After starting our farm I
fell in love with the feeling of alpaca.
The yarn glides with ease through my fingers and just feels so
good. The colors are stunning. I enjoy searching patterns and trying them
with the alpaca yarn. The 80” chevron wrap
that I crocheted was inspired by the beautiful colors of alpaca yarn that I had
and the hint of sparkle in that yarn.
Tom and I worked together to find the right color combination and
placement for this piece. I have been told that this piece is “absolutely
stunning!"
My five year goal.. I look forward to teaching others how to crochet and to
read patterns. I do not want to see the
craft disappear. Skills like crocheting, knitting, spinning and weaving could
be lost if those who can do them do not pass their skill on to the next
generation. I hope to bring in other
crafters who can also teach their craft.
I am also considering hosting “alpaca camps” for kids in the summer
where they could learn about caring for the animals and the fleece that comes
from the alpacas.
The message behind my work.. My hope is that people are blessed when they visit our
farm and experience our alpacas.
Meet Deb Kovacs-Sturdevant from Deborah K Creations...
I hail from Toledo, Ohio, and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, 12
years ago, when I married a Cincinnatian. I am fortunate to have married a
wonderful man and my best friend.
Although I still work full-time and have over 35 years’
experience in the healthcare field, I've always considered my true vocation as
being an artist. I took 12 years of art classes at the Toledo Museum of Art
during my childhood and continued my artistic pursuits and studies as I
matured.
I am passionate about color and design. I studied both
fashion and interior design in college, along with getting my healthcare
degrees and certifications. I have run my own clothing design and alterations
business since I was 16 years old but have had many and varied artistic
interests and pursuits during my lifetime. From fiber artist, interior
designer, clothing and wearable art designer, liturgical vestment and parament
designer, to fabricating and designing polymer clay jewelry (my current love).
Two years ago, I developed this interest in working with polymer clay. With my
strong interest in fashion and accessories, it seemed a natural progression
that I would try my hand at designing jewelry.
Additionally, I am a voracious reader, cookbook collector
and an accomplished gourmet cook. I have an interest in all things culinary. I
advocate preservation of heritage and wrote a family cookbook to preserve my
family food memories.
My inspirations are, first and foremost, everything I see,
feel and experience. I have a passion for color and design. Sometimes thoughts
and planning of my next creation keep me awake at night!
I use color and design from numerous sources as inspirations
for my necklaces. For example, I may see a piece of artwork, a piece of fabric,
or an article of clothing that inspires my design. I transfer that inspiration
into polymer clay. I use various polymer clay techniques including texturizing,
caning, metalizing, stamping, embossing, painting and molding, to name a few. I
also incorporate glass beads, gemstones and Swarovski crystals into many of my designs.
My necklaces are all unique and the owners can boast of having a one of a kind
piece of polymer clay art jewelry.
Crafting and creating art came naturally to me. As a child,
I was always involved in art projects. As an adult, I spend every spare moment
I can being involved in creative pursuits.
I would describe my creative process as fluid and natural,
but sometimes instantaneous. I am a visual thinker and when designs pop into my
head I then sketch those images so that I can continue to develop my design. At
other times, I create as I go. For example, I add some clay here or color there
and suddenly my design comes to life.
My five year goal.. I would like being an artist to be my full-time retirement
career. The thought of leaving my art behind as part of my legacy appeals to
me. The message behind my work is don't be afraid of color and design and dare to accessorize
your wardrobe with a unique piece of wearable art.
View more of our work at: www.etsy.com/shop/
For more information, go to their website at www.2SweetTs.biz
