MINNEAPOLIS GIFT & ART EXPO

NOV 4-6, 2022 - MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER

Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Kim Sebesta, Owner & Maker at Sebesta Apothecary, an all natural, eco-friendly bath and body product company. Launched in 2018, as a clean alternative to traditional products, we make small-batch products that are made of wholesome ingredients that are beneficial for your skin and the environment.

Why did you start working in this craft?
I was tired of seeing all sorts of hard to pronounce chemicals in the products that I used every day. After struggling to find something that was really all natural, effective and fair priced, I decided to start making my own products. I enjoyed the process and a business was born!

Is this a full-time business for you?
Yes, this is my day job and I love it. After working many years in a corporate setting the flexibility of running my own business is a challenge but a joy! Everyday provides different challenges and I get to wear many hats!

What is the latest thing you have been working on?
Seasonal soap bars are always our favorite recipes to craft! These unique scents are inspired by the change in seasons, recent trends or childhood memories - think Pumpkin Spice, Orange Creamsicle, and Cozy Log Cabin. The best part, once they are gone they are gone they are really gone and we get to start thinking about the next one!

How does the city you live in influence your work?
Minneapolis is so supportive of small businesses and makers! With the huge presence of maker's markets, it is fun and easy to get your products out in front of new customers who often stick with you for the long run!

What do you love most about craft show vending?
The people! Meeting new customers and seeing familiar faces in person is the best part! I really enjoy talking with them about how and why we make what we do, learning about their experiences with our products and how we can best meet their needs.

www.sebestaapothecary.com

www.instagram.com/sebestaapothecary

www.facebook.com/sebestaapothecary

Who are you and what do you do?
I am Joyce Wilking, artist, and owner of Wildlife Up Close. I paint acrylic wildlife pictures of the birds, waterfowl, and animals I see in central Minnesota.

How does the city you live in influence your work?
I live on a lake in Chisago, MN. I am influenced every day by the abundance of wildlife in my yard, on the lake or in the neighborhood that changes every season.

What do your customers love most about your product(s)?
When customers from across the nation see or buy my wildlife paintings, they’re eager to share their stories, memories or experiences with specific birds, waterfowl, or animals. I absolutely love those stories.

What do you think sets your designs apart from others?
I try to make my acrylic wildlife paintings as realistic as possible by putting the subject in a real situation such as: in a nest with babies, hunting for food, hiding in trees, flying, or swimming.

What is the latest thing you have been working on?
Each of the four seasons bring changes for wildlife: return to Minnesota or passing through, their habits, mating rituals, change in colors, and raising or protecting their family. Each season renews my interest in the changes of wildlife around me.

Joyce Wilking
Wildlife Up Close
10890 Green Lake Trail,
Chisago City, MN 55013
651-249-5667

Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Peter Mielech. I’m an Asian American and third generation woodworker that hand makes unique, wearable art out of found and upcycled wood with resin.

What do you think sets your designs apart from others?
Although woodworking and resin crafting are hugely popular right now, I have yet to find anyone locally who who uses the combination to create jewelry in exactly the same way. I’m also one of a few men I’ve found making jewelry in the area, which I think gives me a unique perspective.

Have you always been passionate about art and design?
Yes, as a child I was always found drawing, creating, and building, which led me to a degree in studio art and a 20+ year career in graphic design. Now that I’ve shifted my work into jewelry making I still use all my experiences of art and design.

PM Design

www.pmdesign-stp.com

www.instagram.com/pmdesignstp

www.facebook.com/PMDesignSTP

Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Dan Wellik and I am a local author. I have a series of children’s books, coloring/activity book, plushies and backpack buddies. My books focus on diversity and inclusion through imagery and follow the life adventures of our family; our French bulldogs, Pickles + Ocho, and their two dads, as told through our dogs.

Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting story behind it?
“Pickles + Ocho”. They are our French bulldogs through which I tell our family’s story. And yes, they are real dogs and the stories mirror our actual family life.

What is the latest thing you have been working on?
I recently finished the 3rd book in the series, and it will be launching early this summer.

What do your customers love most about your product(s)?
I think my customers relates on many levels to my work, especially the diversity and inclusion aspect. Of course, Pickles + Ocho themselves, are adorable, so who can resist that?

What motivates you to create?
The ability to give our little ones imagery of family that are non-traditional, and teach diversity and inclusion at a young age.

Have you always been passionate about art and design?
I spent over 20 years in marketing, so creativity has always been part of my work.

Is this a full-time business for you?
Yes

What made you take this leap into being your own boss?
After 20+ years in corporate marketing, I needed a change and wanted to be my own boss.

What do you love most about craft show vending?
I really enjoy the attendees as well as the other vendors – everyone is always so positive and supportive.

Will you be featuring any special holiday items?
We will have special pricing for the attendees of the Gift & Art Expo.

www.picklesandocho.com

www.instagram.com/picklesandocho

www.facebook.com/picklesandocho

 Who are you and what do you do? 

Just a simple man with a heart opened to new and accepting challenges that’s leads to a better version of me. Photography is my “love affair” when I need to escape from the society and find my peace.

What are some inspirations for your work? 

I am inspired by Nature, everything that is unique to my eyes: landscape, sunset, beach, moon, trees, animals, ocean etc. Inspiration is abundant in a world full of beautiful, free scenes.

Have you always been passionate about art and design?

I've been passionate about photography since early ages. I like capturing unique moments from our beautiful planet Earth. I love landscape photography, nature, sunsets, sunrises, oceans, and everything that is catching my attention.

Ray Rastergari Photo
www.RayRastegariPhoto.com

Who are you and what do you do?
My sense of adventure, passion for travel and immense curiosity about nature have been a driving force for photographic pursuits. I am a biologist with an artistic bent of mind, who has combined my STEM experience and passion for photography to capture interactions between wildlife and their environment. In the search for a beautiful sunrise (or a moonrise) or a spectacular bird migration event; the time spent outdoors have been truly inspirational for my artistry. My photography portfolio includes unique landscape, wildlife and astrophotography.

Will you be featuring any special holiday items?
I have a new release of gallery greeting cards and a special holiday calendar of my collections in addition to brand new prints and creations.

What do your customers love most about your product(s)?
My customers love the unique style of presenting photography in a 3D like portrayal using different media (Meta/Canvas/Wooden frame). They enjoy the prospect of owning some breathtaking nature scene which is close to Minnesota way of life.

What is your favorite item that you sell?
A lunar eclipse embodiment (Good Moon Rising) and an idyllic blue sky with a canoe at BWCA (Voyageur’s Dream) are my most favorite items in my collection.

What do you think sets your designs apart from others?
I have perfected a unique method of 3D-like portrayal of my Landscape photographs;
My work brings stunning images to life by superimposing one image over another using different print media. Unique combination of metal and canvas embossed arrangement fitted with gorgeous wood frame which blend seamlessly to reveal different textures and levels of vividness.
Unique and One of a kind.

How does the city you live in influence your work?
Having lived in Minnesota for the past 11 years, I have relished the opportunity to capture the four-season transitions in this beautiful place. The near by Boundary Waters (BWCA), with pristine interconnected lakes and gorgeous sunrises (and sunsets!) is a hidden treasure and holds a special place in my heart. The numerous state parks in our vicinity have been a wonderful places for capturing migratory bird photographs.

What are some inspirations for your work?
I have been passionate about traveling to new places and exploring the great outdoors. Photography has been a wonderful bridge to connect my love for nature and travel. It is through my photographs of unique places and wildlife that I have attempted to recapture my inspirations from nature for the benefit of the audience.

What do you love most about craft show vending?
As a artist, I enjoy exhibiting my work at several art fairs. This art fair experience and interaction with wonderful patrons helps me grow as a photographer artist. If the audience can perceive a sense of wonderment, inspiration and tranquility from these photographs, then it is indeed a triumph for my artistic efforts.

www.priyamurahari.photography

www.instagram.com/priyamurahari

www.facebook.com/priyamurahari

Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Matt Coppersmith, and I am Coppersmith Customs. Even though my name is Coppersmith
I main medium is wood. I create Resin infused décor and Industrial design furniture. 

What is the latest thing you have been working on?
I have been working on developing my signature style. Creating a small table with a live edge slab and a shapely metal leg.

What do your customers love most about your product(s)?
My custom furniture. These quirky pieces are one of a kind. I describe them as functional art. Whether it is a small desk made from a White Oak tree from the new 35W expansion in Minneapolis MN or a large conference room table made from the timbers of a 120-year-old shoe factory in Stillwater MN.

Have you always been passionate about art and design?
In some way or another I have always loved art and design. It took me until I was almost 40 to realize that though. I started out doing photography. I also have a photography business. Coppersmith photography. My wife and I started that business in 1999, and in 2015 I decided to try something different. Now my wife runs Coppersmith Photography creating content for companies’ social media and website content and I run Coppersmith Customs full time.

What is your favorite item that you sell?
My current favorite piece to sell would be my resin infused hybrid bandsaw boxes. Taking punky junk wood that usually ends up in the chipper and creating quirky pieces that truly sparkle.

What do you think sets your designs apart from others?
My style is the biggest thing that sets me apart from others. There are lots of artist that do work with resin or wood or metal. I take all these mediums and combine them. As much as I can I use lumber that I have milled myself. I do all of the metal pieces myself. This allows me to be fluid with my industrial design choices. Lastly I love giving these things a little flash of color or sparkle to give it that personalized touch.

What are some tips or suggestions you would like to offer to fellow makers?
To any fellow makers that would like to get into this business. Don’t worry about spending a lot of money on tools. Don’t get me wrong buying new tools is one of my favorite things but if you have a small space or no money. You can buy lots of old tools from garage sales. There are lots of places you can source scrap lumber or logs. Start small. If you have questions or need advice DM those people you see on Instagram doing the stuff you like. I am always open to chatting about making stuff.

www.coppersmithcustoms.com

www.instagram.com/coppersmithcustoms

www.facebook.com/coppersmithcustoms

Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Katya and I started Plantidote Designs in 2020 with the hope of making indoor greenspaces available to everyone. My greenwalls use real, preserved greenery which requires ZERO CARE - yes, seriously! No water, light or soil. It's greenery without the commitment. I also create botanical displays using resin - a new product! Come check it out - Plantidote Designs at booth #308, and on Instagram/Facebook @plantidote.designs

How does where you live influence your work?
Minnesota's nature scene is a huge influence for my creations - the many lakes and trails, and especially the North Shore. I spend a lot of time looking down, observing the tiny details of what makes nature so special. Did you know there are over 500 species of bryophytes (moss, liverworts, and hornworts) in Minnesota? It's amazing what you'll find when you observe each unique growth pattern, every colorful and crunchy leaf, every tiny "weed" and bloom. I always consider these easy-to-miss details and nature's growth patterns and try to spotlight local species in my work when I can.

Will you be featuring any holiday items?
I have holiday ornaments of preserved botanicals and dried citrus (a historic representation of the sun and of the days growing longer, often used as holiday decor) in resin. This holiday season I will also be introducing a brand new product - botanical wall displays for the home, preserving flowers and foliage in resin for years to come!

What do you love most about craft show vending?
What I've loved most since starting my business is connecting with the community at these local markets. I really enjoy the high energy of these events. Connecting with people over a shared love of greenspaces brings me so much joy. It's at these events when I feel that my craft is progressing the most - getting my work seen by people instead of hanging on the walls of my home is a huge deal and I'm so grateful for the opportunity.

Where do you see your business in 3 years?
It's hard to say. When I started I knew nothing about running a business (I often still feel like I don't know what I'm doing) but as long as I keep creating and sharing those creations with others, things seem to move forward bit by bit. I consider Plantidote Designs my full-time work, but I rely financially on temp work. I hope that in 3 years I can lean into my business to support me and my future endeavors. I'd love to see my work featured in local Minneapolis businesses as custom pieces.

www.plantidotedesigns.com

www.instagram.com/plantidote.designs

www.facebook.com/plantidote.designs

Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Betsey Giles, a serial entrepreneur in arts, fashion, and music. My newest venture is an eclectic mash-up of all three! Rockin’ Octopus is sprouting its first tentacle with my line of fabulous luxe faux fur hats for big “kids”. I have been making and selling hundreds of them for the past 5 years, so they get to start the Octopus rockin’! More tentacles to come including crazy knits, a line of lingerie and courses in Creative Thinking.

Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting story behind it?
I am the Rockin’ Octopus, or as I call her “Octavia Octopus - The Mischievous Mistress of the Creative Mindset”

Why did you start working in this craft?
In 2016 I kept happening across really wild fun faux furs online. Due to a lot of tragedies in the world that year, I figured folks could really use a crazy fun hat to cheer things up. My simple design for wild-but-winter-practical hats was an instant winner. I sold them out of a backpack, everywhere I went, sold at local rock shows, and then opened an Etsy store.

What is the latest thing you have been working on?
Finally developing a brand! I hired a friend of mine to design the artwork and I have an official logo which I’m putting on all kinds of merchandise in addition to getting beautiful labels in my hats. I hired another friend to handle my website and all my social media so I can focus on what I do.

What was your first memory of making something?
I was lucky to be born into a family of designers and sewers, got my first sewing machine at age 6 (Mom was tired of me messing with hers!) My first designs were mostly lingerie and evening wear for my Barbies.

Have you always been passionate about art and design?
My whole life has been about art and design and Rock and Roll! If there is a form of art, fashion, or music I have probably done it. I owned an art gallery for local artists and fashion designers and put in a stage to host live local bands. I even wrote music and played drums in a band for a bit!

What do your customers love most about your product(s)?
They are pure simple fun to wear, comfortable, classic, plus nice and toasty warm. My customers always leave reviews about how much attention they get while wearing them - instant icebreakers wherever you go! Put on one of my hats and it’s only a matter of time before you get asked “Where did you get that hat?”

What do you love most about craft show vending?
One on one feedback, that helps me decide on new furs to add. Plus, the joy on people’s faces when they fond “The One”!

What are some tips or suggestions you would like to offer to fellow makers?
Never compromise on your prices, get paid what you are worth! People who will appreciate your things will gladly pay what they’re worth.

www.rockinoctopus.com
www.instagram.com/rockin_octopus
www.facebook.com/RockinOctopus

Who are you and what do you do?
Randi Roloff is a simplistic, yet elegant designer and Mixed Media painter who resides in Minnesota. Her desire for the beauty of the beach has inspired her to be a self-taught resin artist to share the ocean with others. Simple beauty in textures is her greatest inspiration: the foam of an ocean wave, the spirals of a shell, the sparkles of glitter, the smoothness of modeling paste, the sheen of a resin finish, and so much more. The elegant composition of a matte, metallic finish on canvas with accents of texture and shimmer is stunning in her eyes.

What is the latest thing you have been working on?
She is currently working on Triptych [trip-tik] Resin paintings. Triptych is a picture/painting that is composed of 3 separate panels to create one large piece.

What do your customers love most about your product(s)?
Her customer’s favorite artwork is from her collections “Ocean’s Touch” and “Shattered Reflection”. The “Ocean’s Touch” collection are multi-layered, 3D resin wave Mixed Media paintings on wood panels with a lacing effect and stunning shells that appear to have drifted on the shoreline. The “Shattered Reflection” collection are satin, metallic acrylic Mixed Media paintings on stretched canvas with crushed mirrored tempered glass and glitter accents.

Have you always been passionate about art and design?
She has always been on the artistic path since she was a child; venturing in various mediums, such as, watercolor, acrylics, pencil drawing, charcoal, pastels, pen & ink, photography, and various forms of mixed mediums. She has earned herself a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Design; and while she has a degree in Graphic Design, her love for painting has flourished.

How did you get started in your business?
This business started as a hobby at the end of 2019 when her friend purchased a painting from her and a few other friends saw that painting and they wanted one too. This inspired her to invest in more painting supplies, build a large wall display and sign up for art shows. She made connections during these shows and was blessed with opportunities in having her artwork displayed in local gift shops.

What is your mission and vision in your business?
Her mission is to glorify God through her artwork, spread some beauty, and use proceeds to help reach, rescue, and restore as many children from human trafficking as she can. With your support, we can make a larger impact in these children's lives. When you choose to purchase a piece of artwork by Design & Flourish, you are actively helping rescue a precious child from the hands of their traffickers and positively changing the course of their life. Become a part of a great cause today and the proceeds from your purchase will directly benefit the rescue of an abused child. Currently, every month, proceeds from Design & Flourish are sent to 2 organizations: Life Outreach International | RescueLIFE, and Operation Underground Railroad.

Design & Flourish

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