Vendor Spotlight: Lillianka

Stuffed Owls by Lillianka

Today’s Vendor Spotlight features Lillianka, with creator Lillian Harris at the helm.  If you’re interested in ordering Lillianka items you can visit her Etsy shop or view her wares at The Merchant Company on Congress St. downtown.  But if you’re patient we’re sure she’ll be bringing the cream of the crop to share at The Big Chill on Sunday, December 2nd!

Red Wool Button Tote by Lillianka

While Lillian is a tinkerer in all things creative and crafty, she finds her place at home most easily sitting at the sewing machine stitching together functional, stylish art.

Scented Sachet by Lillianka

Looking for a sweet, special gift for the holidays?  Our money’s on the scented sachets you see above.  Perched in the guest room, tossed in the sweater drawer or anywhere else the scented sachet adds that warm, spicy scent for the season.

The Big Chill holiday arts, crafts and vintage sale is on Sunday, December 2nd from 10am to 4pm.  10 Mayo Street, Mayo Street Arts, Portland, Maine!

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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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