Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Irvington Artisan Market on hiatus

Thank you for your interest in the Irvington Artisan Market.The
Irvington Artisan Market has had a great run with 5 successful markets
from 2008 to 2010. We are currently taking a hiatus from the Artisan
Market. It is unknown when and if the market will continue in the
future. During the hiatus we will not be checking or responding to
emails.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Vanessa and Melissa of Missionary Chocolates


How/when did you become an artisan?
Accidentally! My sister Melissa started playing around inthe kitchen one Christmas to see if she could create vegan truffles that would delight my Mom. The first round didn’t quite do it, but after a bit more trial and error, they really did become decadent taste experiences that I knew had to be marketed to the people of Portland! Fast forward a year and a half, and my sister and I are thrilled to be business partners sharing our passion for gourmet vegan truffles.
What do you enjoy most about artisan markets and craft fairs?
I am a very social person, and I love interacting with lots of people! Combine that with the look of delight that crosses a potential customers face when they try one of our truffles, and you have the winning formula that makes almost every event I do great fun. I meet other vendors, usually take home neat artisan stuff, and in general have quite a ball. Work is so hard ;)
What inspires you and your work?
I am inspired by the possibilities that come with making truffles. The sky is practically the limit when it comes to what you can do with purees, oils, and all kinds of unique ingredients that Melissa and I have a lot of fun sourcing. To keep it exciting, we debut new flavors every now and again – and trust me, I enjoy the taste testing part of the process too
What do you do when you are not crafting? Hmm. I am usually surrounded by chocolate, but on those off days, I love the hot springs, reading in Laurelhurst park, all the amazing restaurants in Portland, and of course – the beach!
Describe a perfect day in Portland?
Rainy in the early morning, sunbreaks towards 10am, sunny skies in the afternoon, followed by more rain on my roof at night. It’s like a melody (hey, this is Portland, after all).

Hometown?
I feel like a bit of a nomad, as I have lived lots of different places. I almost consider Portland to be my hometown, as it is the city I have loved the most, where I have spend 5+ years now. But, if I was going to be technical about it, Pope Valley, CA is the closest thing to a hometown I got!


Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Amy of Clothespin Cards

How/when did you become an artisan?
I have always loved art although have not taken art classes per se. I was a big doodler and have always sent cards to people for every occasion. I started Clothespin Cards 3 years ago and have enjoyed every minute of it. It's great fun to create cards that people love to send to friends and family using a typewriter that was my grandmothers.

What do you enjoy most about artisan markets and craft fairs?
Craft fairs always present people that are thoroughly excited to be there and shop the booths. It's a great day to have intriguing conversations with people that think your craft is fantastic. I am amazed at other artisans' work and their patience for their pieces of art.

What inspires your work?
My work is inspired by so much. I have a great garden in the summer so the vegetables and flowers are an inspiration for some of my cards. I love polka dots and stripes for cards as well so finding great paper that is simple yet bold is inspiring. I have also collected quotes forever so they are a good inspiration to put on cards and mix colors that might work with the specific words of a quote. Currently, I am inspired by oranges, yellows, and greens - must mean spring is here!

What do you do when you are not crafting?
I garden, walk, speak Spanish, and spend time with our 5.5 year old, family and friends when I am not crafting.

Describe your perfect day?
A perfect day in Portland ... so many options! Walking on the beach at Sauvie Island, picking strawberries, and having a BBQ with friends would probably be on the top of the list!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Artisan Profile - Ashley of Sunup Jewelry


How/when did you become an artisan?
As with most good things, it was a gradual process. I'm sure I've been trying to make jewelry since the age of 5, but I got serious about it maybe 3 years ago.
What do you enjoy most about artisan markets and craft fairs?
There are two things I love equally. First, it is so much fun to see other artists' creations! If I had more time to shop I'd be broke! Second, I really enjoy getting out of the studio and chatting with such a large variety of people. I love talking about my jewelry, and I also love peoples' random stories and simply hearing what they are up to for the day.
What inspires you and your work?
A little bit of everything, I suppose. My designs tend to immitate trees, gardens, and flowers, so that's where some of my ideas stem from. Most of my inspiration comes from simply thinking, and tapping into the energy of the universe.
What do you do when you are not crafting?
Mostly I drink hot chocolate (year-round!). But I also spend time reading, writing letters to friends, ice skating, planting tomatoes and playing MasterMind.
Describe a perfect day in Portland?
It would be one of those perfect weather days - bright and sunny - I'd sleep in then go out to breakfast at Mother's Bistro with a friend, then take a load of glass out of the kiln (my most favorite part!), go on a walk, and spend time with the people I adore.
Hometown?
Westminster Station, Vermont