Spotlight: Amazing Handmade Cincinnati Businesses!

Meet Ethel (Penny) Rainey from Mia's Mixed Media... 
My name is Ethel but everyone calls me Penny with the exception of my grandchildren, they call me Mia. I'm a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and a great friend. By nature I’m a quiet person but very passionate about the things I love. I have been employed by the state of Ohio for over 31 years with most of those years working in a civilian role at the highway patrol. I've only been doing mixed media for about 4 years and I am growing and loving it more each and every day.

This Spring will be my first Avant-Garde show I will participate in but hopefully not my last. I'm mostly inspired to create by colors or moods (emotions). When I see something beautiful or interesting my mind always goes to how I can turn it into a painting or art. 

I got into mixed media unfortunately out of the loss of my oldest son Kyal. It was a way to focus my mind on something other than grief and a way to turn "ashes to beauty". I just started putting colors together on canvas then giving the finished product to someone that was grieving in their own way. It would make them smile and ease their pain a little. I still do this and it gives me a somewhat of creating with a purpose.

I didn't even know I could do anything like this, I was watching videos on YouTube and I thought I can try this. Little did I know I would grow to love it, after all I couldn't even draw. I just kept practicing, experimenting and spending tons of money on materials lol, but it helped. I took an online course in a Swipe technique and the rest is history!

My creative process is a little strange, at least I think it is to other people. I always start with color thinking what I want to make or paint, do I want it as a painting or a color on a vase or both. Then I picture the lines and angles, how I want it to flow. What materials do I choose how do I lay it all out. I do this all normally while standing still like I'm day dreaming but that's how I normally come up with my next project. I see it mentally first then I try to bring it to life.
I see myself in 5 years, since I will be retired, just spending more time creating. Traveling doing shows and fine tuning my craft.

The message behind my work is that each and every piece I create was done intentionally, not to sell or make a profit but to create something colorful and in my opinion beautiful  that can bring a smile to someone's face or spark a positive conversation. That it's true that sometimes beauty can come from ashes.

 Meet Micheal Crawford from The Fresh Pot Mobile...

My name is Michael Crawford, you can call me Chef Mikey C or the sauce man. I am a passionate chef/artist in the hospitality industry with a Bachelors degree in Hospitality Management. I have been an entrepreneur since 2018 and this will be my first time (of many) showcasing my product at Avant Garde craft shows! 

I was inspired in my younger years by Emerald the popular Italian chef which led me to where I am today. The possibilities of where I can take my bussiness is limitless which inspires me everyday to work hard on my passion. 

Getting into my craft hobby  started out when I realized I needed to simplify my approach to entrepreneurship. I wanted to do something that was easy to me but still showed off my passion and skill in the craft. 

In the past I worked various cooking jobs and discovered I had a talent after being able to pick up the skills of each job fairly quickly. This lead me to applying those skills to my own brand, my bussiness among other aspects of my life. 

My creative process is simple. I go for what I know works and follow industry trends while keeping my personal touch obvious in my products. I sample food from many different cultures along with drinks, sauces, gravy and more. This helps me by sparking the creative part of my mind. I also study cooking shows, including competition shows. watching people on the shows being forced to think quickly on their feet and trust their instincts helps me get into the same mindset while I undergo my creative process. 

In five years I see my brand of quality products growing large enough to allow me the opportunity to travel around the world. Setting up pop-up events from my food/sauce trailer and sharing my products with many different communities. 

The Messaging behind my products is simple, a repeated concept in my business, do what you love and find ways for that love and passion to never die out. Believe in yourself. Something that may seem small can become large if you put the work and time into it and let it grow.  

Meet Emily Vitori from Syreene Studios... 

My husband and I have been Cincinnati residents for over twenty years, with him as a graphic designer and photographer, and me as an art teacher. Now that he is retired and I am working in the banking industry, we both continue our love of the arts by making crafts at home for friends and individual commissions, and have decided to try and expand by joining the art festival circuit. 

My husband has been exploring his ability to create using resin, and I have moved on from illustrations to crafting jewelry and hand painting the resin figurines that he has been creating. We have been teaming up on this craft for three years now, but this will be our first Avant-Garde show! 

My husband has always been inspired by the uses of color, and resin crafting has been a great way for him to explore that love through the application of different inks and powders to get his colorful creations.

As an ex-art teacher, I have always believed in the therapeutic ability of art to help people express themselves, and I find it to be a wonderful form of meditation in these stressful times. I've always been creating things since I was a child, and expanding into the craft hobby and art festivals seemed like a natural progression. 

As the youngest child in the family I saw the artistic ability of my father, mother and siblings, and reasoned that I should have it too...so I did a little of everything from illustrations and pottery to printmaking and jewelry making until I found the things that made me happy.

My creative process includes putting on my headphones taking a deep breath and letting whatever's inside me come out. I try not to overthink it and just let the ideas flow as it's more about the act of creating than it is the finished pieces for me. 

In the next five years our focus will be to continue making enough to support our business and costs of supplies. we need to keep this going as it's been a great help for both of us to deal with the stresses of daily life. We also hope to be able to set up an online store so that we can sell our creations across the country. 

a message behind our art and business is to never think that you're too old, too young, or too inexperienced to create art. If it makes you happy, go out there and do it.

Meet Rachel Simon from Pumpkin in Stitches... 

Hi! My name is Rachel. I am a queer crafter, native to Cincinnati. I’ve always been interested in artsy things, always drawing, always writing, ever since I can remember. And while I don’t do much of drawing anymore, I like to dabble in a little bit of everything—whatever piques my interest in the moment.

The main thing I’ve stuck on to is cross stitch, which I have been doing in some capacity since middle school. I guess it was only natural that I would one day turn my art outward and try to make some money. I made myself an Etsy just before college. And while in college I began going to anime conventions. That’s where it really all started. 

Conventions have what is called an “artist alley.” I immediately knew I wanted to be behind those booths. I started out with only hair bows and my pride heart pins, which I still sell to this day. Since then, this whole thing has evolved and morphed so much, it is hardly recognizable from where it started. But it is still wholly me. 

I graduated college with a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science, and I currently work full time in a DNA lab. My business does not make me much money, and sometimes quitting seems like the best option. But now, more than ever it feels, it is so important to keep creating and to keep going through art and expression. And that’s what I plan to do, because I still have so much to learn and improve, places to go, people to meet. So much of that which keeps this worth it. This year, I’m making an effort to do more local shows—to save money, yes, but also to connect more with my community. 

Meet Renee Strickland from Local Charm...

I'm Renee Strickland and I created Local Charm which features handmade jewelry and other beaded items. I'm a mom of 2 beautiful teenage girls who keep me running! I have an amazing girlfriend who has helped inspire me and encourage me to start this hobby again. They are the reason I keep going. I'm a certified pharmacy technician in a hospital by day, beading wonder and chauffeur by night. I'm excited to see what can come of all of this with support from the community and my family.

I started making jewelry when I was a teenager with my mom and sister. We did a few craft shows, but life got busy and the shows got harder to get into so we let it go. I've created pieces off and on through the years but nothing quite like I've done in the past few months. This will be my very first Avant-Garde show and I was nervous about getting in. There's always the fear of not being good enough. But creativity and beauty is subjective so who knows what may happen!

My kids and my girlfriend inspire me. They are the best judges of what may or may not work. My 18 year old is the "trendy" one. I'm the functional beauty one. So if I can merge both, it's a win.

I don't know that I have a creative process per se. I make things that I would like and hope others do too. I see beauty in many different styles. I also don't sleep well so sleep deprivation sparks creativity!

In five years I hope to still be making beautiful pieces. I hope to branch out to other functional, relatable beaded things as well. I hope that my girls will join me in the process either through designing or on the business side. And I know that my girlfriend will continue to be my biggest cheerleader and advertiser!

The message behind my work is that everyone deserves beauty in their lives. If I can create something that evokes a special response in someone, I've done my job. I try to focus on one of a kind pieces. There are no 2 beads exactly the same. I use unique heartistry to create one of a kind pieces, just like you

2026 Cincinnati Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Sunday- 10:00am-4:00pm

RSVP Event Center

453 Wards Corner Rd.

Loveland, Ohio 45140

For more information, contact Becki Silverstein, becki@ag-shows.com

Visit us on:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

LINKEDIN

No Tricks, Just Great Finds!

Meet Doug Ziegler from Quotables Geek...

Originally from NY, my wife and I moved out to Ohio in 2001. That means 2 New Yorkers raise 2 Midwest Kids! I've always believed that there are 24 usable hours in every day and that has meant that I am always looking for a creative outlet. 

I started with a Dungeons & Dragons design for my kids 3 years ago. After making others designs for friends and family people started asking to buy them, so this April we started selling. This will be our 2nd Avant-Garde show. 

What inspires me to create? Easy answer, everything & everyone! My wife is my muse, but I am inspired by the world we live in. 

How I got into my craft.. As I mentioned previously, wanting to create something unique for my kids got my started. 

How I discovered my talent.. I'm a big believer in Failure! You can't succeed without it. I call myself an Accidental Graphic Artist. 

My creative process.. It all starts with an idea. I never want my designs to be something that you've seen before. So even if the subject matter has broad appeal, I want my take on it to be unique. After that, I use the computer and my custom software to design my pieces. 

My five year goal.. I would love for this to eclipse my Bread & Butter Career and actually replace it with my art. Perhaps a shop of my own. 

The message behind my work..  Art should be accessible to everyone. That includes the subject of the pieces and the cost. And that you need to look twice! (Inside joke about my art)

Visit my site:  www.quotablesgeek.com 

Meet Amanda Brown from Cultivations Plant Shop...

We sell plants! All propagated by me: Hi 👋 I'm Amanda! I have been growing houseplants since I was a kid, and selling them for over a decade! I have a wide variety of tropicals, succulents, natives, edibles and a rare variety or two 🪴 🌱. We use plant power to make skin nourishing balms from our plants too! See us in Cincinnati craft shows, and Etsy!

 

Cultivations Plant Shop has been official since Spring 2024, but we have been growing and selling plants for over 15 years!

 

This is our first year in the Avant-Garde craft show!

 

Nature inspires me most! I love making a beautiful planter that I think will work well with a specific plant. The plants themselves usually inspire me.

 

I started keeping houseplants as home decor when my daughters were very little to spruce up our space. Over the years I had drifted in and out of the hobby, keeping lots or very little plants in our home. About 5 years ago I really dove into learning about plants, soil, bacteria, and fungi and became fascinated with the subject. I began collecting all sorts of plants and understanding how they grow and what environments work best for them. Selling propagations was actually someone else's idea! It has just grown exponentially since then.

When I really educated myself on plants and soil, that's when I saw the quality of my plants blossom. I have always had a natural talent, but knowledge was the key to my plant successes. 

 

Painting planters, making plant hangers, and terrariums are all more of a meditation or zen for me. I always find myself creating as a means of release from the thoughts and feelings that can sometimes plague us all. 

I have quite the plans for my plant business! I want to go mobile! I would love to purchase and retro fit an old bus as a mobile plant shop, and home for me! My daughters will be grown up and moved out in a few short years, so taking the plant shop on the road is the next step.

 

Our message is that anyone can grow plants! You just have to be willing to learn.

 Meet Olive Frank from Maria Mundi...

My name is Olive Frank, and I’m the owner of Magia Mundi, which translates to “magic of the world” in Latin. I’ve always been deeply passionate about spirituality and finding beauty in nature. I create a variety of metaphysical goods, including finding unique crystals, handmade journals, meditation candles, handmade crystal jewelry, and antiques. My artistic side shines through in my work, as I enjoy crafting unique pieces with intention and love.

I started Magia Mundi in 2024, and it’s been amazing to watch my business grow from the ground up in such a short time. The spring and fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows will be my first shows, and I’m really excited to be a part of them!

My inspiration comes from my deep connection to spirituality and my love for nature. I’m always in awe of the natural world, and I love incorporating that sense of wonder into the pieces I create. The process of bringing something new and meaningful into the world is incredibly fulfilling.

I’ve always been a very creative person, whether it’s jewelry making, drawing, or just about any other artistic pursuit. Crafting has always felt like a way to channel my emotions and thoughts into something tangible. Over time, that passion for creating evolved into my business.

My talent for crafting grew naturally over time, especially as I immersed myself in spiritual practices and began creating items that aligned with my beliefs. It felt like a calling, and when I started making jewelry and metaphysical goods for myself, I realized I had a knack for creating unique, meaningful pieces that resonated with others.

My creative process is very organic. I like to let the energy and intention of each item guide me. Every piece I create is crafted with love and care, and I aim to make each item unique so that it speaks to the right person. It’s all about feeling out what the piece wants to be and letting that intuition guide me.

In five years, I see myself expanding Magia Mundi into a brick-and-mortar shop, creating a safe space for people to explore and discover their spirituality. I want to help people find items that resonate with them and foster a sense of connection, peace, and self-discovery.

The message behind my work is one of connection, intention, and authenticity. I aim to create pieces that help people on their spiritual journeys and encourage them to embrace their true selves. I want my customers to feel that the items they purchase are more than just objects—they are meaningful and infused with positive energy.

My website: www.magiamundi.com, instagram @magiamundistore, Thanks!!

Meet Shannon Shiba from Covered Adire Collective...

My name is Shannon Shibia, and I’m the CEO of Covered Adire Collective. I create 100% handmade wearable art and accessories using traditional Adire fabric hand-dyed in Nigeria. I am a mother, wife, and lover of Christ. A modern day Proverbs 31 Women. 

I’ve been sewing and creating since junior high, but officially launched Covered Adire Collective this year.

At the heart of what I do is a deep love for connection and storytelling—especially the stories woven into the fabric of Nigerian culture. The fabric I use, known as adire or batik, is hand-drawn and hand-dyed by talented artisans in Nigeria. Each piece tells a story of tradition, creativity, and heritage. Sharing these stories through fashion and accessories connects people across cultures and continents, while supporting ethical craftsmanship and one-of-a-kind artistry.

I’m also deeply inspired by the bond I share with my daughter. Creating with her by my side—watching her smile as we complete a piece, or seeing her light up when a customer admires our work—is an experience I’ll always cherish. It's more than just making something beautiful; it's about teaching her life lessons through creativity, hard work, and pride in our culture.

I’m also driven by the joy of seeing a customer’s face when they not only love the design but realize it solves a problem for them—whether it's how it fits, how it functions, or how it makes them feel.

And finally, I’m inspired by the challenge of bringing an idea to life—especially when it’s something I’ve never seen before. I’ll never forget the first time I made a zipper purse. It was complex and pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I tried it—and the result was beyond what I imagined. That spark of possibility and transformation is what keeps me creating.

Watching my grandmother sew sparked my interest, but it truly came alive in junior high when I got hands-on experience and received my first sewing machine.

It started with school projects, but I found myself going beyond the assignments—making fascinators and accessories just for fun. That’s when I realized I had a gift.

My creative process is collaborative and intentional. I design pieces inspired by culture and functionality, partner with Nigerian artisans for the fabric, and hand-make the accessories with my daughter.

My five year plan.. Expanding into a full lifestyle brand with global reach, empowering more artisans, and building a physical studio in Abuja, Nigeria and in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The message behind my work cultural pride, creativity, and connection. Every piece tells a story—of heritage, craftsmanship, and love.

Meet Debbie Steiner from Red Bird Art Studio...

I am a local Loveland artist. I work in acrylic, using unconventional painting tools, such as bubble wrap and napkins

I've been painting my entire life, but taken it seriously since I retired. I finally have time to devote to my art. This will be my third Avant-Garde show.

I'm inspired by all types of nature and mythical creatures. I got into this craft from my high school art teacher. She was awesome! I discovered my talent in high school. I understood concepts and could create focal points and depth easily. 

My creative process is from ideas from all sources, visualizing the result, then finding new ways to create it.

I conduct Paint Parties titled "Paint Without a Brush". We create using a variety of tools, but seldom a traditional brush. The red abstract flower is an example from a session I conducted recently. Other art pieces are a combination of brush and other tools. My website is listed below in my signature. 

The message in my work is have items in your home that give you peace and joy. 

Meet Laura Molander from Yohanna Boutique Jewelry...

This is my first time participating in the Avant-Garde Art & craft show, and I hope you will help me make it an experience to remember. Yohanna Boutique Jewelry focuses on bold statement pieces for those not afraid to truly be themselves. 

I am a lifelong learner who is always expanding into different mediums and crafty projects. My background is in fashion design and costuming. I still do costume design for operas and on cruise ships, but my main gig is teaching underprivileged men and women how to sew at the Sarah Center. This program focuses on helping them to find a creative outlet and earn supplemental income, with some continuing to make it their career. 

I love teaching and watching my students grow and gain confidence is priceless to me. About a year ago I branched out to focus more on my jewelry business. But, I started my company 7 years ago. In the beginning it was mostly to feed my travel addiction. My goal was to leave the country at least once a year, and I have stuck to it! Now I’m taking a leap of faith with my business and myself; one that I hope customers like you will help me take it to the next level. My goal is to build my clientele enough to support an online store. And hopefully have more than travel money in the future. 

You will find materials from all over the world in my unique jewelry and fiber arts creations. I consider myself a mixed medium wearable artist. Lately I’ve gotten into making jewelry from recycled zippers. They tend to be bold statement pieces, sculptural in design. I incorporate a lot of upcycled materials in my work. I like that I am working with materials that already have a past and continuing their story. 

Each jewelry piece represents a different time in my life, invokes a different feeling, and connects back to nature and the raw elements. It’s not just a necklace it’s a story. One that continues to grow for the customer who buys it. I love doing custom work, like incorporating buttons from a lost loved one into wire wrapped pieces. 

As a person with a mental health disability, art is healing to me. It gives me an outlet to sort through complicated emotions and difficult periods in my life. 

Each piece is completely unique, and I never know what it will look like until it’s done.Jewelry making for me, is about putting together all these raw materials and creating something completely new. It’s adding a little bit more beauty to a world in which we forget to; stop, look around, and find the beauty beneath the rubble.

Meet Brenda Potts from CoziNests...

At heart, I am an artist. My roots are exposed, authentic, and expansive—I love to stretch myself and am always learning, whether through photography, oil painting, glass cutting, or repurposing objects that have been discarded or foraged from nature. I believe art doesn’t only belong on gallery walls, but in the flow of everyday life—in the objects we touch, the spaces we inhabit, and the rituals that ground us.

CoziNests was born from this vision: to make art more accessible, integrated, and alive in the world. It is more than a business—it is a reflection of my journey as an artist and maker, a testament to the power of creativity, and an offering of light and love to all who encounter it.

I have been doing this for 3.5 year. This will be my first Avant-Garde show.

I'm inspired by Curiosity, and the desire to be a light-bearer—to make the world just a little brighter.

How I got into my craft.. I'm an empty nest. When my children—twins—began stepping into adulthood, the quiet felt vast. What once was filled with their laughter and needs became open space, and I began filling it with creativity. That freedom became fertile ground for my next transformation.

How I discovered my talent...An empty nest. When my twins began stepping into adulthood, the quiet felt vast. What once was filled with their laughter and needs became open space, and I began filling it with creativity. That freedom became fertile ground for my next transformation—and I had the audacity to step fully into it.

My creative process.. I’m not afraid to experiment—I simply “do.” I push buttons, pull levers, spill paint, and turn on power tools. My process is playful, exploratory, and rooted in trust that beauty will emerge.

My five year goal.. I live in the moment, always striving to make the time I’m in as magical as possible. I imagine five years from now will be filled with that same magic. I believe joy is something you make, not just something you stumble upon. Each creation I offer is meant to spark delight in the everyday.

The message behind my work is to spread light, foster pride in our community, and show that art can be both functional and meaningful—a light for the planet.

2025 Cincinnati Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sunday, November 2, 2025

10:00am-4:00pm

RSVP Event Center

453 Wards Corner Rd.

Loveland, OH

For more information, contact Becki Silverstein, Event Coordinator at Becki@ag-shows.com

Visit us on:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM