Vendor Spotlight: David Jacobson Glass

 

Conversation Pieces by David Jacobson Glass

Ohhh drizzle, drizzle.  The weather’s forecasting cloudy and in the 40s for Saturday but as long as it’s ANYTHING but this we’ll be psyched!  Actually, rain is a huge part of the thaw – after all, how would thirsty crocuses get what they need to start popping their heads out of the ground?

Here’s a bit of glass magic from David Jacobson Glass to brighten up your gray day.  We’re intrigued by his text bubbles and beautiful rendered housewares!

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What new wares can customers expect to see at The BIG THAW?

I’ve been making a lot of new work for this show that I’m excited about.  Handblown glass bud vases in celadon, robin’s egg blue, turquoise and white. More slumped glass platters and bowls in new color combinations. For example, black and white stripes, cobalt blue stripes, a pale blue stripe that looks like spun sugar. And, my Conversation Pieces™ — just like the word balloons you see in comic strips, but made out of handblown white glass. You can hang them on the wall, if you choose, and write and draw on them with dry erase markers to say whatever you want, whenever you want.

Vases by David Jacobson Glass in super Spring colors

 

2.  What inspires your glass work?

Textile patterns, and colors and textures that I see in nature. The texture of the finished piece is as important to me as the colors I use and how it looks. For example, the glass bowls I make have a lot of texture as a result of the two layers of glass canes that I fuse together.

Textures and Tones in David Jacobson's Work

 

3.  What is your favorite thing about Spring in Maine?

Knowing that summer is right behind, with tennis and kayaking.

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As if we weren’t excited enough for Saturday!  You can find David peddling his wares at The BIG THAW Arts, Crafts and Vintage sale this Saturday, April 16th.  Mayo Street Arts Center, 10 Mayo St, Portland, right off of Cumberland Ave on the East End.  We look forward to seeing you there!

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Vendor Spotlight: The Makings of Shanna Tice

Malaika Picard of Hand Me Down Designs interviewed Shanna Tice of The Makings of Shanna Tice for her vendor spotlight here at The BIG THAW!

I recently had the pleasure of spending the day with Shanna Tice of The Makings of Shanna Tice, and I’m so glad I took the time to make the trip!  It was a day filled with good company, good food, and adorable little girls who also double as models for Shanna’s crochet winter wonder wear.

Shanna has a beautiful array of crochet scarves, hats, fingerless gloves, and cowls, both adult and children’s sizes, but her skill with the crochet hooks extends far beyond cold weather gear.  She also does some amazing work with thread including earrings, headbands, hair clips, and scrapbooking stickers.

When I asked her how she would summarize her work she had this to say about herself:  “I am a mom and an artist.  I love being able to create, and crochet is my current obsession.  It gives me the freedom to be there for my girls and give them the time and attention they need and still satisfy my yearning to make pretty things.”

‘Pretty’ is a word I heard a lot when talking to Shanna about her wares.  “I only make things I would use myself and that I think are pretty.”  Her commitment to these qualities shows up clearly in her work, which makes her items not only fun and functional, but creative and attractive as well.  We can’t wait for her to share her goodies at The BIG THAW!

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Audrey of Little Eye Designs here.  I would just like to make a sidenote and thank Shanna publicly for the support, encouragement and enthusiasm she has brought to the table during the early days when The BIG THAW was just a zygote.  The BIG THAW was an organic, coming-together of various artists, crafters and vintage fanatics and Shanna’s role has been indispensable.  Thanks again, Shanna!!  -A.

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Vendor Spotlight: Andra’s Whimsies

Painting by AndrasWhimsies

The BIG THAW Helper-Extraordinaire, Malaika Picard of Hand-Me-Down-Designs had a lovely little interview with Andra of Andra’s Whimsies — for your reading pleasure:

Malaika:  When and how did you you first become interested in your craft?

Andra:  I have been painting and creating most of my life. My Grandfather is a very talented watercolor painter, and he really is the one that sparked my love of painting. But it became more of a business about 9 years ago after my oldest son was born and I realized how important it was to be home with him. I have done a bit of this and a bit of that, but I always seem to come back to painting and drawing. Recently I have been drawn to the textures of mixed media collage, and the femininity and playfulness of whimsical portraiture. With two boys and a hubby, I need to get my girly side out somehow!

Recently Finished Painting by AndrasWhimsies

M:  Where do you get your inspirations from?

A:  I am inspired by so many things; movies, music, my family, dreams, and especially other artists.

M:  Is there any impression or statement that you would like your work to make?

A:  I just want my work to be fun. I want people to look at it and smile.

Gorgeous Gauntlets by AndrasWhimsies

M:  What are you most looking forward to in regards to The BIG THAW?

A:  I am looking forward to meeting so many other talented Maine artists and crafters. I have been drooling over many of the vendors wares… gotta be careful that I don’t come home with more than I brought in!! This will be my first fair, so I am both super excited, and super nervous!!!

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Many thanks to Malaika and Andra for this interview!  We are so happy that Andra will be joining us (with her husband, Shaun Johnson, a photographer) for The BIG THAW.  Her original paintings, prints, crocheted cuffs, primitive arts and crafts, and more will be a unique addition to the line up.  Not to mention Andra’s been working on jewelry featuring her paintings lately – portable art — that’s what we like!

New! Jewelry from AndrasWhimsies

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Have You Gotten Your BIG THAW Poster yet?

Good morning, everyone!  A quick note, too, we were featured on Handmadeology today!  Yes!!

Gorgeous artwork by Meagan Anderson and Kris Johnsen.

Just a reminder that there is a limited amount of The BIG THAW posters available for sale before the event.  Day of they will be $10 but you can swoop them up for $8 now!  We’re trying to raise money to get some ‘paid advertising’ to supplement our grass roots, word of mouth, Facebook-y type marketing.

Here is the link for Portland locals who would like to pick up.

Here is the link for anyone else who wants it shipped.

 

We really appreciate your support for our little craft fair!

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