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.

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!

www.missionarychocolates.com

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!

www.clothespincards.blogspot.com

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

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sunupjewelry

Dan of Dan Morris Mosaics

How/when did you become an artisan?I've always been fascinated with stained glass, and my father taught me how to create stained glass windows while I was in college. I worked on windows for several years, but made the shift to mosaics about five years ago. I love working with glass, and the freedom to let pieces evolve organically without a set plan.
What do you enjoy most about artisan markets and craft fairs?I like seeing other people's creations, which give me ideas for projects of my own. People are clever!
What inspires you and your work?I'm really inspired by the glass. All the glass I use is recycled. Most I rescue from a dumpster, and some glass I get is scrap from a company that does water jet cutting. There's an amazing amount of craft that goes into creating these materials, and I see my work as a way to display them. What do you do when you are not crafting? I'm a public health scientist for the state of Oregon, and love my job. We work to create environments in which people can be healthy, and my job is to help plan and evaluate our efforts.
Describe a perfect day in Portland?In the morning the ground is wet with rain from the night before, but the skies are clear. Plenty of coffee, sushi for lunch, and dinner with friends before an evening concert.
Hometown?
I grew up in NE Portland, just a few blocks from the Irvington Club.

Artisan Profile- Steve of A Second Helping

How/when did you become an artisan?

In most of my early childhood memories, I was making something or pretending to make or cook something. Throughout my life I have been crafty – I love to have parties and love to make things to make my gatherings memorable – the two just went hand in hand. I guess the simple answer to your question is that becoming an artisan chose me rather than I deciding to become one.

What do you enjoy most about artisan markets and craft fairs?
I enjoy the people who attend, (particularly my customers) and getting feed back on the things I create, new ideas I try. I love to talking to other artisans, batting ideas back and forth; talking about what shows worked for them.

What inspires you and your work?
I am a nester by nature and I want people to remember a visit to my home. Nature, my home and garden are important to me. I am always on the look out for things that would make a visit memorable. I think the customers at artisan markets and craft fairs are looking for items that are memorable; that will make their homes welcoming and memorable; their gifts just a little more special.—that is what I attempt to do with my crafts. I do read and research what other artisans are doing. I am always on the lookout for directions and combinations in colors.

What do you do when you are not crafting?
I try to out of doors as much as possible, walking my golden retrievers, working in my vegetable garden and …ugh!, …cleaning the house.

Describe a perfect day in Portland?
A perfect day in Portland is sunny, with a clear view of the mountains; walking and playing with my two golden retrievers – Thurston and Lovey. Stopping to chat with neighbor or acquaintances (with their dogs) in the park.

Hometown?
I grew up in Festus, Missouri a town about thirty miles south of St. Louis.

Irvington Artisan Spring 2010 Market

Mark your calendars! The Irvington Artisan Spring Market is scheduled for Sunday, April 25th from 10am to 4pm. If you are interested in an applications, please contact Becka at irv.art.mark@gmail.com. All applications are due March 15th, 2010.

Thank You!!!

Thank you to all of the vendors & shoppers who participated in the Irvington Artisan Market! We hope you had as much fun as we did, and we hope to see you all again next year.

Join the Handmade Revolution - COME SHOP WITH US TODAY!!

The Irvington Artisan Market is open today from 10am - 6pm at the Irvington Tennis Club.

Irvington Artisan Market
November 21, 2009
10am - 6pm
@ The Irvington Tennis Club
In the Historic Ballroom
NE 21st & Thompson
Portland, OR

Join the Handmade Revolution, Shop Local, & get your holiday shopping done early!!

See you there.

Artisan Profile - Barbara of B Hive Designs

How/when did you become an artisan?
I think I was just born a little crafty. I have always made things with my friends & family. My parents and sisters are all very artistic, and it was just a natural road for me to take. I studied art in high school and through college, but mostly as a past time. I never really thought about using art as a business until I had my children. Not only did I have an urge to simplify my life, but I was also drawn to the things that I loved as a child like drawing and making things pretty in general.

What do you enjoy most about artisan markets and craft fairs?
Oh, I definitely love the people that I meet, both artists and customers. It is always

nice to sell your work to people who genuinely appreciate what you do, but it is equally inspiring to meet others who create.

What inspires you and your work?
The boys….husband, son 1, and son 2. They’re just so darn cute. No really, I am truly inspired by the beauty of the outdoors. There is something really special about being able to walk outdoors and spy an eagle over head. I love that!

What do you do when you are not crafting?
It seems like I am never “not” crafting these days, but

I mostly love to be at home with my boys, riding bikes along the riverfront, and eating husbands super good cooking (in the summertime anyway)……oh, and lots of daydreaming.

Describe a perfect day in Portland?

A perfect day consists of a morning run, coffee & pie while perusing my favorite blogs, riding bikes to Willamette Park with my boys, drawing in the sand on a small riverside beach, a stress free craft project with the kids, afternoon yoga, and dinner made by husband........maybe not entirely realistic, but most of my perfect days consist of some of these things.

Hometown?

Santa Barbara…..otherwise known as paradise.

to learn more about B Hive Designs visit Barbara's blog.

Artisan Profile - Michelle of Attic Journals

Attic Journals began on a Saturday morning in May of 2004 after stumbling across a beautiful tattered book at a garage sale in San Luis Obispo, California. I'd been in the market for a new journal for about two weeks and was also looking for a gift for a friend. I couldn't find anything that was worthy of her eclectic taste or that would inspire me to share the stories of my life.


So, that morning after discovering that old book, we recycled its pages and the rest, as they say, is history.


Our commitment to excellent craftsmanship means you get a good product and we feel good about what we're doing. Attic Journals are made from hardbound vintage books, children's books, and cookbooks. We also have a special place in our heart for old hymn books and text books. Each one is made to last with a high quality wire binding, containing 75 pages of 24 pound unlined white paper.

Artisan Profile - Grant & Michelle of Eclectikid

Eclectikid emerged out of a desire to create stylish yet affordable kid's tshirts. As a family business, Eclectikid is a collaborative effort. Artist/husband Grant Brady's humorous and innovative designs are at the root of their success, while his wife, Michelle and her mother, Shirley, design, sew and market complimentary accessories.


Grant and Michelle's son, Naylan, is the original inspiration. It was soon after he was born that they realized there were too few design options for little boys clothing and delved into the world of children's apparel.

Grant had often found himself busy sketching odd and funny images. Michelle came up with the concept of transforming these sketches into cool graphic designs for a line of children's shirts. The result was a fun and colorful approach to children's clothing that has grown from just kids' tshirts into a full line including messenger bags, totes, baby blankets, hooded towels and now, adult tshirts too!


Grab your own Eclectikid shirt in just two short days at the Irvington Artisan Market!! These make the perfect gifts from Santa.

only 3 more days!!!!

only 3 more days 'till you get to shop at the Irvington Artisan Market.......set your reminders so you don't forget!

just think of the gifts you will be able to check off of your shopping list for the holidays. not to mention maybe a little gift for yourself :)

Artisan Profile - Suzanne Keolker of Mugwump

The name Mugwump was a nickname my dad had for me. I was never sure where the name came from; it just meant something endearing to me. I've recycled this name for my business that I started 8 years ago, but crafting and creating has always been in my family.



One of my first craft projects was making lacy hankerchiefs on Mom's sewing machine she taught me to use. She taught all us daughters to sew our own clothes - all six of us! I really looked forward to creating some fashionable clothes beyond the lime green pant suit Mom made, or the homemade underwear she made to help save money. My last handmade clothing item was sewn in high school. I made a glorious bright red jumper. My brother commented that I looked as if I were wearing a tablecloth. That was it for sewing clothing for awhile.

I finally picked up my Viking machine again many years later to make a tote bag out of an old vinyl banner. Since I was taught early on that nothing gets wasted, (even lime polyester fabric), I created several tote bags from the banner and a new love of sewing came back to me. When the vinyl banners were gone, I found more material to use and more styles of bags as a result. I've used placemats, window awnings, shower curtains, paint by numbers, latch hook, board games, embroidery, lawn chair webbing, study prints from schools, and the list goes on. I started a line of wallets from kitchen contact paper, air mattresses, and discarded classroom wallmaps. My latest have been pouches from discarded children's books from school libraries. I don't think I'm stopping yet! There's plenty out there to use and I shan't run out of materials anytime soon.

Artison Profile - Geralyn Simpson of Big Woo Wear

How/when did you become an artisan?
Eight years ago when I first moved to Portland with my then four year old daughter I had $300 dollars to my name and a huge will to get us on our feet. Luckily I'd taught myself to crochet a few years back and had a small yarn stash so I made up a pattern for a basic bucket hat, made about 30 of them, and huffed it down Hawthorne between job interviews trying to sell my wares to anyone who would listen. I managed to snag a few wholesale accounts and that gave me the the confidence I needed to start selling at fairs and what not....the rest is history.



What do you enjoy most about artisan markets and craft fairs?
I love love love meeting fellow crafters/artists. It's not often you can be in a room full of that much artistic energy. The direct feedback from customers is great perk too.


What inspires you and your work?
Gardening, nature, and my two girls Haalen, 12, and Keiler, 2.



What do you do when you are not crafting?
Garage saling, gardening, and home beautification on a budget...why do you think I like garage saling so much? : )


Describe a perfect day in Portland?
Hmmmmmmmm...I'd have to say my perfect day would be going to one of the many very cool farmer's markets around town, venturing over to Westmoreland Park to feed the birds, going to sushi at Saburo's, and then taking a soak in the Kennedy School soaking tub. That's if I'm really motivated....


Hometown?
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Artisan Profile - Jackie of Scrumptious Suds

Inspired by favorite cake and cocktail recipes, current flavors of gently-fragranced glycerin soaps include: Mojito, Cosmopolitan, Sweet Margarita, la Fée Verte~Absinthe, Memphis Sweet Tea, Lemon Ginger Green Tea, Bebida de Primavera, Southern Strawberry Shortcake, Apple Cinnamon Crisp, Orange Spice Cake, German Chocolate Cake, and Lemon Poppy Seed Cake.

Jackie rotates her recipes based on the season. Summertime is right for a Scrumptious Suds Mojito! One of her best sellers! The fall calls for Apple Cinnamon Crisp, Oregon Chai Tea will beat the chill of winter and spring will bring about the sweetness of Bebida de Primavera (Spring Beverage)!

NOTE: I just saw Jackie today & she has some really great new recipes. They smell good enough to eat!!

Almost entirely crafted from natural and local ingredients, these soaps blend the best essential oils, seeds, citrus peels, and spices to promote a healthy diet for those hungry for hygiene!

p.s. Bebida de Primavera is not only Jackie's best seller, but my personal favorite. I will definitely be stocking up on my supply of Scrumptious Suds at the Irvington Artisan Market this Saturday!!!!

Artisan Profile - Rose Bonomo of Rosabode

How/when did you become an artisan?
After many years in the fitness business, I started to feel the need to express another side of myself. My dad was an importer of silk textiles in the 1960's and my love of fine fabric dates back to my childhood. I love the feeling of satisfaction derived from creating things with your own hands.

What do you enjoy most about artisan markets and craft fairs?
The people and their responses to the goods.

What inspires you and your work?
The glamour of the 1940's and all the great things they did with real fur. It was all so over the top. I definitely get inspiration from fabric - textures, colors and combinations. I like pairing odd things.

What do you do when you are not crafting?
Exercising, hanging out with friends, drinking wine and chauffering my kids.

Describe a perfect day in Portland?
It starts out kind of rainy and then turns beautiful and sunny. I have coffee with a girlfriend, then go for a bike ride and see something I have never seen before.

Hometown?

New York City

Artisan Profile - Liz Howell of Celestial Living Arts

How/when did you become an artisan?
I became an artisan when I became inspired to take my research and practice of astrology with food, herbs and bio-dynamic gardening a few steps further and actually create ways that people could experience greater balance and well-being through the organic botanical culinary and bath tea herbal products. I created the SolaLUNA line which embraces the balance of both the Solar (masculine) and Lunar (feminine) energies in all of us.

What do you enjoy most about artisan markets and craft fairs?
I enjoy people's initial curiosity about the concepts behind the Celestial Living Arts products and then watching the "ah-ha!" once they make the connection with their own astrological disposition.

What inspires you and your work?
The ancient wisdom practices of astrology and how this field of study and practice so comprehensively takes in the view of the whole cosmos, revealing an extraordinarily beautiful and synergistic dance.

What do you do when you are not crafting?
I like to stay very interactive with the botanical world so I garden, cook and continue to experiment with all sorts of culinary and herbal wonders. Additionally, I do astrological consultations, workshops and educational programs.

Describe a perfect day in Portland?
For me, each season has a typical "perfect" day and I like to embrace whatever it is that a particular season has to offer in Portland-whether it be warm sunshine and big, blue skies or rain, fog and a chill in the air. But visits to my neighborhood garden, the farmer's markets and the Portland Japanese Garden are high on my list for each of the seasons.

Hometown?
I consider all the places I have lived a form of hometown...these include Upstate New York, New England, Baltimore, Washington DC, Virginia, Austria, New York City, Honolulu and now Portland.

Artisan Profile - Bill of House Of Six Cats

How/when did you become an artisan?
I fell in love w/ photography in 1983, when I got my first 35mm SLR. However, I have only been trying to sell my work since 2007, and I have only been doing local shows since March of this year.

What do you enjoy most about artisan markets and craft fairs?
I love meeting other crafters/artisans! I have met some very talented and cool people over the past eight months.

What inspires you and your work?
That is a tough question. I find inspiration when I am out shooting by just walking around and trying to see things in a way that might normally go overlooked.


What do you do when you are not crafting?
I am in school for my Associates Degree in web design at the Art Institute online. I am basically self employed, so I am trying to figure out how to make a living w/o having to work for someone else, and I am a dad to a 2 1/2 year old daughter.

Describe a perfect day in Portland?
Partly sunny, around 75 degrees, a slight breeze, and my camera in hand, exploring a new area.

Hometown?
I am a native New Yorker. I am from a small Hamlet in Westchester County, this is about half hour to 45 minutes north of Manhattan.

Irvington Artisan Winter Market - November 21, 2009

Irvington Artisan Market- April 25th

Spring Applications Now Available

The Irvington Artisan Market will be having a Mother's Day themed market on Saturday, April 25th from 10 am to 4pm. The Irvington Artisan Market will take place at the Irvington Tennis Club in Northeast Portland. Please email irv.art.mark@gmail.com to request an application. All applications are due by March 24th.

Join the handmade revolution and apply today!

Irvington Artisan Market- This Saturday!

~join the handmade revolution
Saturday, November 22nd
10am to 4pm
2131 NE Thompson St.
Inside the historic ballroom of the Irvington Tennis Club
Featuring over 25 local artisans
Unique gifts
Sustain our local economy
Jewelry
Apparel
Home Décor
Beauty Products
Stationary
Photography
Baby & Kid Apparel & Accessories

Garden Art
And Much More!

IRVINGTON ARTISAN MARKET

Artisan Profile- Sherry of Little Miss Fun Bags

Little Miss Fun Bags
http://www.flickr.com/photos/missfunbags/sets/72157601805390541/

How/when did you become an artisan?I have been making handbags since 2001, I quit my corporate type job after 9/11 and "Do what you love and the money will follow". So far, so good.


What do you enjoy most about artisan markets and craft fairs? Meeting other like minded souls. Feeding off of each others creativity.

Who inspires you and your work? Everything. You'll see what I mean when you see my bags. Other people who really inspire me, LuLu Guiness, Andy Warhol, Shag, Vivianne Westwood, Dita Von Teese.

What do you do for fun in Portland? Charity and Thrift Stores, live music, book stores. Oh and eat.

What do you do when you are not crafting? Since I craft for a living, I usually try to do domestic goddess stuff. I am the captain of our family ship. And I have two grown children and three dogs that I worship. Plus the worlds best husband.

Hometown? Seattle

Describe your paradise: 45 miles outside of Cancun, Playa del Carmen Or as I call it, heaven.

Artisan Profile- Inger of MeMe Cosmetics

http://www.memecosmetics.net/How/when did you become an artisan?
I started making soap in 1997 just as a hobby. That hobby quickly became an obsession. In 2000, I received a diploma in Herbal Medicine & in 2003, I received a diploma in Aromatherapy. I draw on both diplomas to create my line of products.
What do you enjoy most about artisan markets and craft fairs?
Meeting fellow artisans, introducing my company & products to new people.
Who inspires you and your work?
Valerie Ann Worwood, author and aromatherapist, Dr. Bronner the man who created Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Castille Soap, Mandy Aftel, Master Perfumer.
What do you do for fun in Portland?
Shop at Oregon Leather, eat Voodoo Doughnuts, go to live shows or "the Bins" with my friends.
What do you do when you are not crafting?
Hard to say, because I'm always making something with my hands: I'm an aspiring silversmith, I enjoy crochet, baking, cooking, canning and food preservation.
Hometown?
View, Washington
Describe your paradise:
Canada

Artisan Profile- Kim and Kjell of photosbyKim and Plywerk

www.photosbyKim.com
www.plywerk.com

How/when did you become an artisan?
Hmm, that's a hard one to pinpoint. Kim's brother showed her how to use a 35mm camera back in 1986. She's been glued to her cameras ever since. I've never been good at working for other people and have been running my own businesses since 1996. Kim and I joined forces when we met outside Coffeetime on NW 21st in 2004. Kim and I started started selling her photos on wooden panels at last Thursday & 1st Thursday in 2006. From there we joined the Saturday Market and out of that Plywerk was born.
What do you enjoy most about artisan markets and craft fairs?
Meeting other artisans and crafty people. They inspire us and remind us to keep going even when you're not sure how your going to buy your next sheet of Plywood.
Who inspires you and your work?
Life, people and the universe!
What do you do for fun in Portland?
Hike, drink coffee, read, ride, play with our nephews and nieces, meet new people (ALL the time), bump into people you know (ALL the time), play boardgames at the pub, etc...
What do you do when you are not crafting?
Think about how we might one day be able to buy a house if we just keep on crafting.
Hometown?
Paxe, Laos (Kim) & Leiden, the Netherlands (Kjell) but now Portland, OR!
Describe your paradise?
A beach somewhere warm with very few people, no TV, no internet, no iPhone reception, a good book, good music and plenty of yummy food and drink.