St. Paul Craftstravaganza Crafter Showcase

Killer Cupcake

2007-06-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

Tell us about yourselves.

Angela: I grew up in the twin cities metro. I come from a long line of crafters! My grandma used to make dolls out of old stockings and she sewed like a mad woman. My mom does everything from sew to paint to make ornaments. She once made an end table out of a semi-truck carburetor. I guess I got interested in crafting from watching them. As far as clothing goes, I am just starting but I have always had a passion for them. I have always admired people with great personal style... when I was little I loved the styles of Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and Melissa Joan Hart from "Clarissa Explains it All" (DON'T ACT LIKE YOU DIDN'T WATCH IT! That show was awesome).

Rachel: i design and sew de/reconstructed and original clothing for girls. custom orders are also welcome!

What will you be selling at the Craftstravaganza?

Angela: I am selling clothing, as well as some homemade fun stuff, like bowls and vases made from movie ticket rolls, and jewelry boxes that I hand paint.

Rachel: dresses, shirts, skirts, earrings and buttons.

Do you sell your stuff anywhere else?

Amgela: Not right now. My website will be up soon with an online store... hopefully some time this century. http://www.thekillercupcake.com

Rachel: yup, check out http://www.in-go.biz/thrash.html. if there's enough interest, i might get my own hosting one day. i'm also on ebay, seller i.d. stomp*n*thrash, but no auctions up until after the craftrav.

Where do you find inspiration?

Angela: People and places. I will say, "Wow, that looks really great," and then I tweak it and make it unique. Sometimes I like the look of a building or an object, or what someone is wearing. Lots of times what starts out as a project where I have a particular outcome in mind morphs into something totally visually different than what I expected. I also think its pretty obvious that I am really into the early 20th century- many of my designs are modern takes on styles from the 40's and 50's, and almost all my crafts have a vintage feel.

Rachel: pirates. zombies. leopards. creepy dolls. adorable psychobilly and punk rock chicks with bright-ass makeup.

What's your favorite animal?

Angela: This is hard. Domestic would definitely be a dog. Farm animal would be a pants-eating goat. In terms of coloring, leopard all the way. So I guess what I am trying to say is, dustmite.

Rachel: penquin.

Andy Krueger

2007-06-26T05:14:00.000-07:00

Tell us about yourself.
I'm not just a co-organizer of the Craftstravaganza, I'm also a vendor! I went to school for business but I've been making art for fun my whole life. I drew an obscure webcomic called "Bob the Golfer" for about a year; before that, it was published in my high school and college newspapers. I learned Sumi-e painting in Japan. In the past I've restyled clothing, created stuffed animals, and designed t-shirts. Last winter I learned to knit and made two unmatched socks.

What will you be selling at the Craftstravaganza?
Daruma dolls. In Japan, you can buy a Daruma in various sizes and styles at temples and souvenir shops. You paint in one eye when you make a wish and paint in the second eye when your wish comes true. A Japanese Daruma is usually made with paper-mache and given a weighted bottom so that it can't tip over; they are basically the original Weebles (that "wobble, but they don't fall down"). So I created mine by repainting actual Weeble toys.

Also, this just in! My ultra-limited print run of FIVE hand-numbered comic booklets has arrived in time for the fair, so I'll have these for sale as well!

Do you sell your stuff anywhere else?
This is the big premiere for the Daruma toys. If they sell exceptionally well, I may expand into other venues, but right now I'm more concerned about running the craft fair than selling my crafts! I still hope you will visit my booth and buy a Daruma, though.

Where do you find inspiration?
Obviously, Japanese style and design is a large influence on my current project. I also like old-school tattoos, some abstract art, and big, bold, colorful graffiti pieces. Good music gets me going. I usually encounter inspiration when I'm reading, riding a bike, or drinking wine around a campfire with my friends.

What's your favorite animal?
The mighty llama.

giraffe art + utility

2006-06-20T05:44:00.000-07:00

Tell us about yourself.
My name is Brooke and I live in Minneapolis, where my favorite thing in the world, the cherry spoon bridge, also resides. I teach kindergarten as my full time job and I have a coaster business called Giraffe Art + Utility on the side, both of which keep me very busy!

What will you be selling at the Craftstravaganza?
I will be selling sets of tumbled marble transferred image coasters, mix and match coasters, and magnets.

Do you sell your stuff anywhere else?
I sell things at a cute little store called Machel in Long Lake, MN and also at Corazon, another wonderful gift shop, in the warehouse district in Minneapolis. Hopefully (fingers crossed), I will have a website up and running in time for the sale. Keep checking back at www.longneckmammal.com.

Where do you find inspiration?
The coasters are a little bit of everything- retro patterns, bright colors, hobbies, random images, but most importantly I want them to be conversation pieces.

What's your favorite animal?
GIRAFFE!

Robin Johnson: Bead of the Heart

2006-06-10T15:06:00.000-07:00

Tell us about yourself.
I am a 40 something , never really have grown up kinda a gal who loves to play with stuff...I work with beads, play with beads and yes I even sleep with beads, no kiddin.

What will you be selling at the Craftstravaganza?
I really jump around and I never even know what I will be bringing, something beadiful I'm sure.

Do you sell your stuff anywhere else?
I have done quite a few artfairs, St. Anthony, Highland Fest ( featured artists "96"), Northfeilds Art Guild-Jesse Days , to name a few and I still do.. My best friend in life who owns a bead store in Co.I feed her my stuff and she does a mighty fine job selling it for me.

Where do you find inspiration?
Working in a beadshop surrounded almost 40 hours aweek with a crew of talented people and my best friend in life who lives in Co. a bunch of beadiful souls.

What's your favorite animal?

......My Harley man. I have two and my dog, Betsy.

Tara Burns Designs

2006-06-07T16:23:00.000-07:00

Tell us about yourself.
I've been working in kiln fired glass art for two years and just started selling my work because my friends and family said I should. My day job is running my own web design business and working part time for a local arts organization. I also volunteer my time with various arts organizations and am a Board member for the White Bear Center for the Arts.

What will you be selling at the Craftstravaganza?
Kiln formed glass jewelry-necklaces, pendants, earrings, bracelets and rings-and some beaded jewelry.

Do you sell your stuff anywhere else?
Stillwater Art Guild Gallery, The Nest in White Bear Lake, my website taraburnsdesigns.com, mnartists.org, and sometimes right off my body

Where do you find inspiration?
Lately in magazines like Glamour, Crate & Barrel, Room & Board, Communication Arts and art/culture magazines. I use these resources for color trends, ideas for textures and patterns and emerging styles. I have a degree in graphic design so much of work is influenced by the elements and principles of design like balance, symmetry, emphasis and unity.

What's your favorite animal?
The dolphin because they always look like they're having a good time.

Jenny Gehlhar

2006-06-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

Tell us about yourself.
My name is Jenny. I live downtown Minneapolis. I first started sewing at a young age with my grandmother. She continued to dream up ideas and sew with me up until college when I started to work for the school's theatre costume department. I then designed and sewed costumes for Donna Jean's Costume Emporium. Now I enjoy designing and creating all sorts of fashion, costume, and home interior products. Apart from sewing I play bass for a local band, volunteer for CAA, publish Atomic TC zine, and freelance editorial and print layout and design services. Over the past few years I've been searching for my skills and interests that could best inform people of animal rights issues while also helping animals and stopping unnecessary cruelty. For now I've found that my creative design work is achieving those goals‹be it designing a vegan vending machine label, an animal rights newsletter, a sweatshirt, or a brightly colored rug. I'm very happy to have found my talents that can best help promote a healthy, compassionate lifestyle in others while also promoting a positive and motivational cycle of compassion and awareness in myself.

What will you be selling at the Craftstravaganza?
I'll be selling my custom home decoration items and clothing. The focus is on animal rights, so each item has a "companion" animal, be it a tiger portrayed through faux fur or a duck patch on a hooded sweatshirt. 10% of each sale is given to a sanctuary or organization for the companion animal on the item. Of course, no animal products are used. And to the best of my knowledge none of the materials were tested on animals. I plan to continue searching for the most humane fabrics and materials that are used in my products.

Clothing:
Hooded sweatshirts with matching shorts
Fashion scarves
Tank tops
Buttons
Chef aprons

Home decorating:
Rugs
Pillows
Ottomans
Lamp Shades

Do you sell your stuff anywhere else?
No. I'm launching a website soon, though. Please check back!
www.sooosweet.com

Where do you find inspiration?
I find my positive inspiration in the stories of animals that have been rescued from abusive situations and the people that make such rescues possible. People that live compassionate day-today lives inspire me, too. This reminds me that every single choice I make every item I buy and every meal I eat‹can have a positive impact on my life, the life of others, and the world.

What's your favorite animal?
Today . . .bunny.

Too Many Suitors

2006-05-10T06:15:00.000-07:00

Tell us about yourselves.
Too Many Suitors consists of the almost graduated Sara Lintner, a graphic designer, and Amanda Kalinoski, a printmaker, who first met at art school. Realizing that they liked the same aesthetic and each other, their friendship grew into the business, Too Many Suitors. Craftstravaganza will be their first public appearance, so be sure to stop by their booth and say hi, crack jokes, and offer advice.

What will you be selling at the Craftstravaganza?
We aim to please with screen printed tee-shirts, stationery and zines, knit wear, stuffed animals, jewelry, magnets, buttons and more.

Do you sell your stuff anywhere else?
We hope to have our website, www.toomanysuitors.com, functioning soon and are also quite interested in selling our stuff in boutiques. Craftstravaganza is our first venture and we are so excited about it and all the possibilities that will soon follow.

Where do you find inspiration?
First and foremost, we feed off of each other. Our excitement and passions ignite the other to get on the band wagon. And yes, we love anything vintage, screen-printed, letter-pressed, bright, sarcastic, bird-related, artsy, artistic, soft, 80's looking, and cute.

What's your favorite animal?
Well, Sara loves her sheltie and goldfish and Amanda is enamored with her cat. But, we both dream of owning an irish wolfhound one day.

Adam Moe

2006-05-09T04:51:00.000-07:00

They want an artist’s statement. Tell us something about yourself
and your inspiration, they say.

That, of course, would imply that I consider what I’m doing an art.
I’m not too sure that it is or isn’t.

I don’t draw well, and my world view is pretty small. If you’re
looking for some sort of deep, meaningful message, you might try
somewhere else. You may think that I’m an artist, but it’s up to
you to call me one. You didn’t hear it from me.

In reality, I’m just a guy who accidentally found out that he likes
to do embroidery and who found a cheap and plentiful canvas material
in used neckties.

Sure, I’m branching out into making some decorative patches. I
guess those could be considered some kind of art.

Don’t ask me. I just make the things.

Here’s what I know. When I wear my ties out to dinner or to work or
whatever, they get noticed and they make people smile. Sometimes
they even ask where I got my tie.

I think that’s cool.

I also play the ukulele, which isn't very cool. But sometimes, the
truth hurts.

Aisha Celia

2006-05-03T14:57:00.000-07:00

Tell us about yourself.
My name is Aisha. I'm 25 years old and live in St. Paul. I was born in Ben
Lomond, California but was raised here in St. Paul. I attended Revere
Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco. Most of my formal background is in
metal work, although I have dabbled in glass. I have been knitting since I
was a little kid and spinning was just a natural progression for me.

I learned to use a drop spindle at the beginning of last year, but quickly
wanted to do more. I purchased a spinning wheel and have been glued to it
ever since. Learning about different sheep breeds and natural fibers has
been awesome (I know I'm a nerd). Spinning my own yarns has opened a new
door for me.

I've begun dyeing all of my own fibers and yarns. I started with the Kool
Aid dyeing technique and have now graduated to a heat-set dye. Being able to
choose my own color palette has left me with more room for design. Recently,
I have started to put beads into my yarns. This is a collaboration of two of
my loves: beads and fiber. I have been beading since I was in grade school
and beads continue to be part of my daily life.

I'm excited to see where this spinning will take me next.

What will you be selling at the Craftstravaganza?
I will be selling my handspun yarns. These yarns are not your everyday
yarns. They are funky, fun and weird at times. I like to call them accent
yarns.

Do you sell your stuff anywhere else?
Yes, I sell my yarn through Etsy at: www.aishacelia.etsy.com

Where do you find inspiration?

I find most of my inspiration in nature and travel. To visit another part of
the country and fully submerge myself in the scenery, neighborhood, and
community is eye-opening for me. I recently went to New York City and then
shortly thereafter to Tucson and the San Francisco Bay Area. What a range of
contrasts! That is what inspires me.

What's your favorite animal?
I like dogs, but I am certainly fond of sheep.

Hezzamade (Heather Hint)

2006-04-29T16:11:00.000-07:00

Tell us about yourself.
I'm unfamiliar with subtlety and believe you should laugh hard and loud every gosh darn day. My friends help me out with this one.

What will you be selling at the Craftstravaganza?
Bags, Accessories, Clocks, T-Shirts.

Do you sell your stuff anywhere else?
I sell my vintage fabric button pony-tail ties (that's a mouthfull) at Everyday People in Minneapolis, I sell online at hezzamade.etsy.com which can be linked through hezzamade.com. I've sold at Art vs Craft in Milwaukee and Stitch Austin in Texas.

Where do you find inspiration?
Inspiration is everywhere. It just has to be one of those good days when your open to it. I'm a huge day-dreamer who is rarely aware of my surroundings and I think that helps. Makes me kind of a dork, but open to ridiculous inspiration.

What's your favorite animal?
Muts. Don't tell my cats or they'll destroy my favorite chair.

Maggie Sullivan Studio

2006-04-27T16:19:00.000-07:00

Tell us about yourself.
I 'came out' as an artist less than 5 years ago. And it's been a wonderful life since and getting better each day.

What will you be selling at the Craftstravaganza?
Pressed flower trays: I scavange old serving trays, design a bouquet of pressed flowers on each one and cover the surface with acrylic resin. Not your mother's mixed media!

Do you sell your stuff anywhere else?
On my website, Trotter's Cafe in St. Paul, Lisan Gallery of Art and Design in W. St. Paul, various fairs and occassionally I stop strangers on the street if they look like they have some spare coins in their pockets.

Where do you find inspiration?
Life is inspiring. Gardens. The cycle of birth, life and death.

What's your favorite animal?
I love all animals but cats have my heart (4 of them in my house alone.)

7two7 glass

2006-04-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

Tell us about yourself.
Hi there! My name is Vicki Olson. I am a glass artist who lives in beautiful South Minneapolis. I was born in England, raised in Southern California and have been living here since 2003. I started working in glass in 1999 when I was pursuing an art degree at Cal State San Bernardino; I graduated in 2001.

What will you be selling at the Craftstravaganza?
I work in both blown and fused glass and will have a variety of functional items at the show such as clocks, vases, bowls, necklaces, coasters and barrettes.

Do you sell your stuff anywhere else?
Since I lived in Southern California, I was fortunate enough to get into a few galleries back there as well as the San Gabriel Bead Company.
In these parts, I have work up in Saint Cloud at the Paramount Art Gallery and will soon be in The Space, a gallery opening up in New Richmond, Wisconsin. I also have my own website, www.7two7glass.com

Where do you find inspiration?
That’s a tough one……I really can’t put a finger on it. I get inspired when I go on long drives, taking in my surroundings.

What's your favorite animal?
My favorite animal is my adorable pug, the first dog I have ever owned (I’m 29). I got her as a puppy this last Christmas.

Hellsbelles Designs

2006-04-20T05:12:00.000-07:00

Tell us about yourself.
My name is Elizabeth and I love fashion, music and art. My business is called hellsbelles designs because I started with items that had a funky, but fun edge to them. I have collected vintage clothing all my life. I also collect vintage fabric, mostly barkcloth and lots of other stuff. Last fall I started restyling some vintage blazers and everything I made was well received so I've kept at it. I love the idea of taking a good quality piece of clothing that is not longer in style and giving it a new life. Any time I can combine something current with something vintage and make it funky I'm happy.

What will you be selling at the Craftstravaganza?
Restyled clothing for women and men. Lots of fun tops, jackets, dresses, etc.

Do you sell your stuff anywhere else?
I have a website (which I'm will be updating with the spring/summer fashions soon) and I also have items in a boutique - Cliche on 24th and Lyndale in Minneapolis.

Where do you find inspiration?
Just having a feeling for what people are in to and what they would like which is tied into what I like. Trends always cycle around around and I've lived through several cycles already. But, my true love for fashion is the elegance and detail of the 1940s.

What's your favorite animal?
The gorilla. I absolutely love gorillas and my dream is to visit them in Rwanda before it's too late.

Betz White

2006-04-19T15:23:00.000-07:00

Tell us about yourself.
I am a Super Mom, but not in the classic sense. When I am not sewing capes and masks for my 2 little superhero boys, I am felting anything that holds still. My secret identity is posing as a textile designer for the children's apparel industry.

What will you be selling at the Craftstravaganza?
Mostly items made from recycled wool sweaters: Felt covered journals, pillows, baby blankets, and my now "famous" cupcake pincushions.

Do you sell your stuff anywhere else?
My items can be found at a few shops, galleries, and online sites.
Check out www.betzwhite.com for the list!

Where do you find inspiration?
Whether I'm web-surfing, out for a run, or snuggling with my kids, my radar is always on for new felting ideas. You never know where inspiration will find you! My favorite quote:

"Invention, my dear friends, is 93% perspiration, 6% electricity, 4% evaporation, and 2% butterscotch ripple"

-Willy Wonka

What's your favorite animal?
You'd think it'd be sheep since I'm obsessed with wool....but I'd have to say otters! Otters are so playful and their babies are adorable little fuzzballs. (hey...I think I just had an idea...)

The Pursecution

2006-04-18T06:03:00.000-07:00

Tell us about yourself.
My name is Jackee Strom. I am an artist/craftster/stay at home mom. I am a painter, but have recently gotten very carried away by the crafty world (thanks to http://www.craftster.org).

What will you be selling at the Craftstravaganza?
The items I am going to be selling are primarily purses and some wooden brooches that are hand painted. The purses are very unique and hard to describe, so I'll keep you curious and just tell you they are made out of flowers and wood and some painting.

Do you sell your stuff anywhere else?
I do have examples of my purses on my website, thepursecution.com.

Where do you find inspiration?
I guess that my inspiration is my very artistic husband, who is also a painter and a tattoo artist. He is very motivated and gets me going too, even when I just want to sit and watch tv.

What's your favorite animal?
My favorite animal would be any one of my two dogs and three cats at home (actually it's my black dog 'Beans', but I don't want to hurt the others feelings).

Katie J Meyers: Buttonpom.com

2006-04-17T07:05:00.000-07:00

Tell us about yourself.
I am a 21 year old college student who started sewing at the age of nine as a result of my grandmother's wishes to have someone to teach and pass her handicrafts onto. I was the only granddaughter willing to learn! Now after 10 years of many mistake and much practice, I have started using what my grandmother has taught me to make and sell handbags and accesories. Many of my handmade items are made from vintage/reproduction fabrics that my grandmother has provided me, as well as fabrics that I search out in local thrift and fabric stores. In addition to sewing, I also enjoy knitting, crocheting, quilting, screenprinting, and collecting old craft books. Opposite my crafty side, I enjoy the company of my boyfriend, watching Chinese movies/soap operas, having serious conversations, collecting plants and flowers, and taking naps during the daytime!

What will you be selling at the Craftstravaganza?
handbags, purses, messenger bags, cosmetic bags, pencil cases, wristlets, clutches, and many other accessories!

Do you sell your stuff anywhere else?
yes! http://www.buttonpom.com

Where do you find inspiration?
from my grandmother as well as others who make handmade things!

What's your favorite animal?
cats

Sweetie Pie Press

2006-04-14T18:55:00.000-07:00

Tell us about yourself.
i am a young lady from canada who likes to make things and travel. my
background and training is in physical and improvised theatre and i spend
most of my life touring around and performing comedy.

What will you be selling at the Craftstravaganza?
i will be selling 1" buttons, zines, comics, art prints and surprises.

Do you sell your stuff anywhere else?
oh yes, i have an etsy shop, a few online retailers and a wonderful
collection of amazing independent shops that sell my stuff in many cities
across north america. all of this information is available via my website:
http://www.sweetiepiepress.com/buttons/stores.html.

Where do you find inspiration?
my friends, the city, the country, my sweetheart, office supplies, vintage
wallpaper, industrial design, public transit, comic books, candy wrappers,
mental hygiene films, travelling, road signs and even more that i am not
aware of.

What's your favorite animal?
my cat, ribbon.

Fold to Center (Janelle M. Cipriano)

2006-04-13T05:56:00.000-07:00

Tell us about yourself.
I live and work in Chicago as a graphic designer by day and an independent artist and crafter by night. I love creating quality goods and seeing the happy faces of customers. I first got into this do-it-yourself craft movement in the hot hot sun at Renegade Craft Fair 2004 selling hand-printed cards, stationery and mobiles. What a great weekend! Paper now consumes my studio along with found and recycled materials and currently some untouched canvases.

What will you be selling at the Craftstravaganza?
Fold to Center sells an assortment of quirky and lovely letterpressed greeting cards, silkscreen prints, stationery and home items.

Do you sell your stuff anywhere else?
Fold to Center goods are currently sold at D.I.Y. craft shows and will soon be available at www.foldtocenter.com.

Where do you find inspiration?
Contemporary artists. Life experiences. Modern design – especially independent in nature. Nature. Paul Klee. Family. Ethnic pattern. The great I Am. Creating from scratch. Out of date processes. Cast away materials. Fine goods.

What's your favorite animal?
Black bears and moose and other Northland creatures!

Polka Ostrich: Lacey Prpic-Hedtke

2006-04-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

Tell us about yourself.
I love wearing sequins, anything polka, hula hooping and casteneting. I have resigned myself to the fact that I am a gypsy and there is no turning back. I really want a dog. I can swear in several languages.

What will you be selling at the Craftstravaganza?
Hula hoops! Magnets, stickers, flasks, photos, block prints, fortune cookies, zines, pictures of men's underwear, buttons, and fun fun fun

Do you sell your stuff anywhere else?
My website polkaostrich.com if it ever gets running.

Where do you find inspiration?
From having a fun life, sparkles, dancing to James Brown, fireworks, skinnydipping, bike riding and my hair. Also the great woman Isabella Stewart Gardner.

What's your favorite animal?
Definately an ostrich. They're magnificent creatures.

Rarebird Studio

2006-04-11T05:51:00.000-07:00

Tell us about yourself.
Micaela Clark, jeweler and artist.
Fabricated assorted metals. Precious/semi Stones. Found objects & more.

William Sattler, artist. Max Maddox, artist.
Oil, acrylic, spray paint, canvas and wood. Paintings, sculpture and mixed media.

What will you be selling at the Craftstravaganza?
Jewelry, Paintings, Sculpture, Clothing and more.

Do you sell your stuff anywhere else?
We have sold in stores all over Minneapolis.

Where do you find inspiration?
We find inspiration everywhere.

What's your favorite animal?
Our favorite animal: Underdogs.