Crafty Mart- Unique arts, crafts, and gifts – Part I

CraftyMart.com

Everyone has someone in their life that is hard to get a gift for…they either have everything or they are bored getting the same old thing for every birthday, anniversary, or Christmas. Well, you should have been at Crafty Mart this past weekend, the day after Black Friday. This was their third annual uncommon arts and crafts show in Downtown Akron at the We Gallery and Musica. Their tagline was buying local from the locals. What fun I had in spite of myself.

Blender Lights

The first fantastic exhibitor that caught my eye was Sblended Art by Mark Weisman. Did you ever have an appliance you just couldn’t part with? How about a blender or those old records you once loved to listen to? Well, Mark’s love for tinkering has developed into functional blender lights and spinning lazy Susan records. For the last couple of years, he’s worked using all original parts of the blender to switch on the light. His tag lines are re:made in the USA; re:cycled-upcycle design; and re:furb vintage typewriters. You can order your quirky blender light or other unique gifts at Sblended.light@gmail.com

Lazy Susan records & other novelties

QuiteContraryGoods.etsy.com

Rounding the bend I met up with Mary Oliver Bethel and Quite Contrary Goods. Mary has always loved to crochet. She also has a 5-year-old daughter that must like to help mommy figure out what little ones like. Her table was so cheerful with all the different owl gifts. She has 2 faced owl dolls. One side is when the owl is awake; the other side is when he needs to sleep. She has lovely Owl hats, some with eyes open, others with sleeping eyes. To follow Mary, her ideas for crocheting and other fun things travel to knit2mylou.blogspot.com. Or shop her hand crocheted gifts at etsy.

etsy.com/shop/WoodPlaneAndSimple

Pat Gerber is a hot spot for the guy in your life, or for one who loves the smell of wood! Pat’s exhibit was The Robot Consortium. All his “toys” and lights are made of shipping pallets or cherry, maple, or oak butcher blocks. His family helps him figure out the marketing since his children range from 4-yrs-old to 22-yrs-old. He even has pieces in the Museum of Contemporary art. You’d be amazed at his Mohawk Woodbot, Wooden Viking Robot, or Wooden blockhead robot. Check out his shop on etsy.

Robots & Owl Light

Party Hats, Art, & Accessories

Finally, if you’d like to spark up your mundane tasks of vacuuming and laundry, try on a party hat by Jenna Rinaldi. Make the guest of honor feel regal. She even made party hats for an entire wedding party and guests! From the 15 years of making these party hats, she hasn’t made two alike…reminds you of snowflakes? Her tag line is Party Hats and other good things to make life fun! She comes through with crocheted copper wire bracelets, party hats, and golf ball art her dad makes for her display. Check her out on etsy.

Party Hats & Golf ball art

There’s so much more to tell you, you’ll have to wait until next Weds post! Have a wonderful day!