Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Spring Shopping is Right Around the Corner!

Meet Chris and Amanda Kent from Loader Road Goods...

We are Chris and Amanda Kent. We live in Coshocton, Ohio on our family farm. We have 2 children and love to spend our days doing life together. We started Loader Road Goods in January 2023. We’ve done many shows but this will be our first Avant-Garde show! 

When looking for inspiration we have very different approaches. Amanda likes to sit down and see what happens, often tweaking a design many times for she’s happy with it. Chris enjoys looking for items that are useful in everyday life. Leather working has been in Amanda’s family for years, her late grandfather made saddles. She purchased a purse and hated it, so she asked Chris to figure out the leather sewing machine to fix it. That made him realize his love for leather and creating useful items.
  
As our business grows, our main goal in to be in a brick and mortar in the near future. When people see our work, we hope they don’t just see a leather bag or wallet but a piece of art.  Check out our website: www.loaderroadgoods.com.


Meet Rob Crippen from C3DProductions...

I purchased my first 3D Printer in November of 2024 when a coworker purchased one.  As most beginner 3D printers do, I started printing items to use on my printer.  I started printing sports logos in spring of 2025 for friends and families. 
I retired from my IT career in July 2025 and began promoting sports logos and various Tea Lite prints.  With a commercial license from two 3D Print designers, I have been selling these prints for 6+ months.  

I acquired my second printer in November 2025 and am thoroughly enjoying this new endeavor.
This is my first Avant-Garde Art & Craft show and am looking forward to many more.
My wife is the creative one in our household and watching her work on her crafting with freeze drying flowers, sewing, and recently quilting has given me the desire to provide products for customers.

Meet Jacqueline Forestall from Shoeclock...

Based in Westlake, Ohio, I’ve been creating with silk flowers for many years, designing centerpieces, wedding and shower favors, and seasonal arrangements. Now retired, I enjoy crafting unique floral pieces that bring a touch of joy and creativity to any space.

I love designing fun, imaginative works—especially around holiday themes—but I also create lasting arrangements that can be enjoyed year-round. Many of my pieces feature repurposed containers, which often inspire the design itself. 

I find endless inspiration in colors, textures, and the changing seasons, and each piece reflects my passion for turning simple materials into something beautiful and enduring.


Meet Jon Short from 4Shorts-3D Printing and Crafts...

4Shorts-3D Printing and Crafts is a Northeast Ohio business that specializes in 3D printing, needle craft, and handmade puppets. Though we have been creating for many years, we have just recently started selling our wares. This is our first Avant-Garde Arts and Crafts Show; however, we are scheduled to participate in others throughout the season.

The owner, Jon Short loves to create fun, unique, and/or different items showing off his artistic talent. “My grandma was an artist focusing on ceramics, drawing, and canvas painting and I always enjoyed watching her. My focus has always been on performing arts like music and acting, but the visual arts has always been a hobby of mine. I decided to turn this hobby into a business, so I get to do art full time.”

Our motto is ‘Bringing imagination to life’. This is our message and our creative process. We come up with an idea, and work on it until we can make it and share it with others. Our ideas come from many places: nature, environment, necessity, imagination… We hope that within the next 5 years we are able to expand our business to more online sells, beyond that we would love to have a full-time brick and mortar business. We have just started a website, and though not everything is listed, we are adding more each day. Please visit us at www.4shorts3dprintingandcrafts.com


Meet Taisia Mitchell from Stellar Crafts...

I enjoy creating new things, whether it be drawing, resin work, or sewing. I’m also into Astronomy, which is why I went with Stellar Crafts as a name and my slogan: “A Gift for the Stars.” There are times where it tends to work its way into some of my cup designs.

I have been designing cups for 4 years now. It all started with me making cups as gifts for my mom, two of my cousins, and myself for the holidays. Word got around and I started making cups for others. This will be my very show with Avant-Garde, and I’m excited!


The people around me inspire me the most. My friends tend to get the ball rolling when we plan cosplays or even when we go on trips. Other times, it’s people who I meet that talk about a business they’re starting or have already established. 

I really started crafting when my grandmother got me into sewing, and my job at Joann’s introduced me to other mediums of crafting, though the multitude of fabrics kept me sewing. When I started working at Michael’s, I started exploring working with resin and designing cups with it.


I tend to dabble in new things, and resin always piqued my interest. I watched a few tutorials, bought some of the materials needed and tried it out. I started with flat surfaces like canvases, then tables, then I helped my mom redecorate her kitchen counter. Once I got the hang of it, I tried other things with resin molds and finally moved to cups.

My creative process is largely spur of the moment.  Sometimes that can mean combining two mediums to help design my cup, such as marble painting, or using pieces of fabric, stenciling, or even adding an iron on patch for a 3D effect.

In the future, I’m planning on still creating cups as well as other personal items that can go with it. That could look like attire that matches the cups, or some home decor. Just like us, each cup is unique and no two cups that I make are the exact same.


Meet Victoria Taylor from Sparkle & Scrap...

I’m a small side-hustle business owner and creative entrepreneur who loves bringing unique, thoughtfully made pieces into the world. I started in jewelry repurposing with my mom under Abby Rose Antiquities and have transferred that creativity into flipping antique books & ephemera into paper nostalgia. I’m passionate about quality, detail, and creating items that feel special and personal. This will be my third Avant-Garde show!

Sparkle & Scrap are curated Vintage Junk Journal & Scrapbooking Kits featuring authentic paper ephemera from vintage children’s books, antique greeting cards and revolving collections of antique magazines from the 1920s to now. Perfect for journaling, collage, scrapbooking, mixed media, and creative planners. Each bundle is unique and full of nostalgic charm.


I've been doing this for over 20 years of being in the antique and craft arenas. 


What inspires me.. I’m inspired by everyday life; colors, seasons, trends, and the idea that something some may consider “junk” can become part of a creative story. I love creating bundles that will continue to inspire someone in their journaling adventures. 


How I got into my craft..  I’ve always had and needed a creative outlet. My dad is an avid book collector so it was only fitting that I know my way around a stack of paper and knowing the importance of keeping that media alive. 

My creative process... I have always collected pamphlets, booklets, and any piece of paper I can get my hands on while traveling to use in my personal journaling and scrapbooking. I found it appropriate to start collecting for others to enjoy the same and have creative material to start their own journaling journey. 

My five year goal... Hopefully continuing to further my creative outlet and bring even more unique pieces to others. 


The message behind my work.. At the heart of my junk journals is the belief that every scrap has a story and every person deserves a space to tell theirs. I create pieces that turn forgotten papers, vintage finds, and everyday materials into something meaningful and beautiful again. My work is about slowing down, preserving memories, embracing imperfections, and finding magic in the ordinary.


Each journal is designed to inspire creativity, reflection, and storytelling; all while following reduce, reuse, recycle mentality. 


Meet April Amartey from Heart Into Art...

I’m April Amartey, a faith-led artist and jewelry designer creating one-of-a-kind pieces that inspire and encourage the wearer to walk differently—guided by faith. I’ve been designing handmade jewelry for 2 years, and this is my 4th Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show.


My inspiration comes from faith, life experiences, and the joy of connecting with people. I’ve always been creative, but I began putting my ideas into action after my father passed, turning jewelry-making into a meaningful outlet. Through experimenting with materials and techniques, I discovered I could create pieces that are visually striking, subtle, and resonate deeply with others.

I try to find beauty in everything, letting that guide my creative process. Each piece starts with a word, scripture, or emotion, and evolves organically into a one-of-a-kind design. In 5 years, I see Heart Into Art growing into a recognized brand for faith-inspired, wearable art, helping people carry reminders of hope, encouragement, and faith.

Every piece is a symbol—a daily reminder to embrace beauty, hope, and guidance. Photos of my signature earrings, faith-inspired pendants, and styled shots showcase the heart and story behind my work. My tagline: “Created to walk differently—guided by faith.”

2026 Strongsville Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Saturday March 14, 2026
 10:00am-4:00pm
Strongsville Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
18100 Royalton Rd.
Strongsville, OH 44136
For more information, contact Becki Silverstein, Event Coordinator at Becki@ag-shows.com
Visit us on:

Friday, November 14, 2025

Strongsville Brings in the Holiday Cheer!

Meet Erin from Erin’s Enchanted Gems!

I make fun and unique jewelry out of wood, metal and gemstones. I also make unique wood carved items including beaded pens and name badges.

My grandpa inspires me to create. He was an amazing artist and crafter. I went to all the craft fairs with him when I was younger, and my dream was to be just like him. I truly enjoy crafting. It calms me down after a long day.

I have always been artistic since I was a child, but it was not until the last couple of years that I was able to find my own unique process that I am proud of.


My process is abstract. I work with a laser cutter and engraver to create many items I did not know how to create. I begin by making or finding the design. I then laser and engrave the wood and hand paint the items.

In five years, I hope to grow my small business and have a small shop. I want to bring people joy with what I create. I love what I make, and I want to pass that onto the people who buy or view my creations. Most importantly, I want to make my grandpa proud!

Meet Loralee Wondrak from Miss Lee’s Mystical Emporium...
I started Miss Lee’s Mystical Emporium during the COVID shutdown. I wanted to create beauty and hygiene products that were healthy and sustainable. 

Health and happiness for the mind, body and soul was our motto. We make organic homemade soaps, body butters, lotions, soy candles and lip balms. We hand pick crystals & stones from around the world to delight and bring joy to others.

 Meet Tom and Mary Ann Vitou from Art by Vito...

Art has been a part of me since I could pick up a pencil and crayons. What could I do with this blank sheet of paper? I have always been drawn to color and line. In college, I immersed myself in all the drawing and painting classes that were offered. I have worked as an illustrator for art departments in advertising agencies. Now, I am a self-employed freelance landscape designer. On the side, I make paintings for family and friends. I hope to start selling my art on a commercial level.

I discovered my talent in junior high when an art teacher told me I should pursue my creativity further with more professional individuals. 

I have been an artist since I graduated from Cooper School of Art in 1981. 

I have always been drawn to drawing and painting, and I enjoy the creativity of other artists throughout history. 

I like the challenge of a blank canvas and creating something nobody else has seen.


My creative process involves preliminary drawings with pencil and pen which pushes me to create the final drawing or painting. I do a lot of work with watercolor, acrylics, and pencils to get the final piece.

In five years, I hope to be working as an artist full-time producing artwork for potential clients that will be happy with the final product. I also want to continue growing as an artist on the national level. I try to capture life and objects that reflect my views of the world.


Meet Courtney Hill from Candlelight Creations...

Candlelight Creations is a small business that focuses on making your house smell like home with our unique hand poured candles! We have been in business for a year, but we have been making candles for three years now.


We love creating beautiful pieces of art that smell as good as they look. Candle making is a great way for us to relax, and we hope you can relax with our candles too.


We discovered our talent through lots of practice. Our creative process often involves trial and error trying to see what looks good together. The message behind our work is relax, unwind, and enjoy the moment!


Meet Diana Krajewski from Whimsey by Diana...

My name is Diana Krajewski of Whimsey by Diana. I have been doing machine embroidery for 10 years. My sister-in-law had a single needle embroidery machine, and she showed me how it worked. I was hooked! I got a single needle machine shortly after that. 


After I retired, I was making so much stuff that I didn’t know what to do with it, so I started doing craft shows. That was six years ago. Now, I have three multi needle machines!

I love what I do so much. I’m now learning how to make my own designs. I hope to continue this for many years to come!


2025 Strongsville Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm
Strongsville Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
18100 Royalton Rd.
Strongsville, Ohio 44136
For more information, contact Becki Silverstein, Event Coordinator at Becki@ag-shows.com
Visit us on:
LINKEDIN

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Discover Talented Creators in Strongsville!


Meet Jody Pulaski from White Dog Crafts...
My name is Jody, and I am retired and have been crafting for over 20 years. My daughter works a full-time job but attends craft shows with me, and together, we sell our 3D shadow box paper art frames. Our company is even named after our little white Coton de Tulear dog!

We’ve been making and selling these 3D shadow box frames for about two years. Years ago, we created accordion memory books and sold them at craft shows, so crafting has always been a big part of our lives.
This will be our first time participating in the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show, and we’re really looking forward to it!

I find inspiration in color, paper, and anything that might stand out. I have been scrapbooking for years, using a lot of cutting and embossing machines, and one day, I saw this product online and thought, "I think I could make a go of producing these."
My creative process comes from years of crafting. I follow crafting bloggers and Facebook groups looking for designs and patterns, then I create a scene in my mind and search for images that I can cut to bring my 3D shadow boxes to life.

Since I am fully retired, I’m not exactly sure where I see my business in five years. Each year, I try to improve our product—I recently added a smaller 5"x5" frame size, and now I’m working on adding LED lights. I’d also like to expand into larger craft shows, even out-of-state events.
Ultimately, everyone has a different taste in decor, and I just want people to enjoy their selection—whether they are decorating their own homes or purchasing gifts for others.

Meet Gehan Hussein from Thread n Beads...
Hello! I am Gehan Hussein, an Egyptian college professor currently living in the USA with my husband. I have three children who are self-dependent now, which enables me to dedicate plenty of time to my passion for hand-crafted creations.
I have been embroidering since I was 16. I used to embroider my t-shirts and those of my sisters and friends. Also, I made a large quantity of gemstone necklaces throughout my life, whether for my personal use or as gifts for the people I love. 

This is my first time taking part in the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows. I'm looking forward to it. 
My study of Literature taught me to appreciate whatever is artistic and authentic. It helped develop my creative skills and endowed me with a distinctive vision. My love for nature and my desire to turn everything around me into a distinctive piece of art is what got me into crafting. 

It is my mum who noticed that I am talented in whatever is handmade. She encouraged me and provided me with the materials I needed. I feel that whatever I make is unique because it is an expression of how I feel and how I see the world around me. 
In five years, I see myself standing out with my brand. Through my work, I want to share a simple message: Be yourself. Keep it simple. Get closer to nature, where you can find peace and beauty. 


Meet Vedelia Tompkins from Awakening Body Products...
love creating all-natural products with quality ingredients that deliver amazing results!

One of my standout products is my Mango Body Lotion and Mango Body Butter, which help soothe irritated skin from conditions like eczema, rashes, burns, cracked feet, psoriasis, sunburn, and more. My lotions have become a best-seller, and I take pride in offering products that truly make a difference.

2025 Strongsville Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Saturday, March 8, 2025
 10:00am-4:00pm
Strongsville Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
18100 Royalton Rd.
Strongsville, OH 44136
For more information, contact Becki Silverstein, Event Coordinator at Becki@ag-shows.com
Visit us on:
LINKEDIN