The Big Thaw is Today! Come join us…

Hear ye, hear ye!  The Big Thaw arts, crafts and vintage sale is happening TODAY (Saturday, May 12) from 10am to 4pm at 10 Mayo Street, which is where the lovely Mayo Street Arts Center is located.  If you’re not familiar with it, it’s very easy to get to off of I-295 N or S.  Check out this technology map:

The Big Thaw features 30+ artists, crafters and vintage sellers occupying two floors of the Mayo Street Arts Center.  Artists who have studios at Mayo Street may open up for the event, too.  Refreshments are available at the snack bar upstairs, including beer and wine for the daydrinkers among you.  Our doors open at 10am sharp, but please no early visitors while our vendors set up their spaces!  We look forward to seeing you – buy and make local!

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Open Studio: Edwige Charlot

The lower level at Mayo Street Arts is a collection of artist’s studios, and we just found out that Edwige Charlot will be opening up her printing space as an open studio alongside our vendors.  We couldn’t be more excited!  The more the merrier, I always say.  Here’s a peek of what Eddie has to offer:

by Edwige Charlot

by Edwige Charlot

by Edwige Charlot

by Edwige Charlot

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Vendor Spotlight: Marian Gaydos Designs

A view of the splendid and ornate jewelry from Marian Gaydos:

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Vendor Spotlight: Lofted Designs

Here is a peek at the beautiful work you’ll find from Lori Dennis of Lofted Designs!:

Carrot Necklace by Lofted Designs

Pet Tags by Lofted Designs

Awesome Secret Swear Ring by Lofted Designs

Stacked Vintage Button Earrings by Lofted Designs

Spiral Necklace by Lofted Designs

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Vendor Spotlight: Kris Johnsen + Meagan Anderson

Kris and Meagan at work

Hey, guys!   The Big Thaw arts, crafts and vintage sale is TOMORROW:  Saturday, May 12 from 10am to 4pm.  We will see you at 10 Mayo Street (Mayo Street Arts Center) – come by, grab a beer, browse the merchandise and leave with something excellent for your mom!

We are featuring Kris Johnsen and Meagan Anderson, the two inspired minds behind our gorgeous Big Thaw Poster.  You never know what these two will show up with, but whatever it is you know you’re gonna want it.  Check it out:

by Meagan Anderson

by Kris Johnsen

by Meagan Anderson

by Kris Johnsen

by Meagan Anderson

by Kris Johnsen

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Vendor Spotlight: Bowerbird Handmade

And now, a little look at the lovely things from Bowerbird Handmade.  Enjoy!

by bowerbird handmade

by bowerbird handmade

by bowerbird handmade

by bowerbird handmade

by bowerbird handmade

by bowerbird handmade

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Vendor Spotlight: Allsey + {dwinal}

Countdown:  2 Days to The Big Thaw!  Today our Vendor Spotlight (slideshow!) features allsey and {dwinal} from Jen Collins!  She’ll be there with her unique vintage finds and retooled jewelry at The Big Thaw on Saturday, May 12 from 10am to 4pm at the Mayo Street Arts Center, 10 Mayo St. in Portland!

Tooled leather bag from {dwinal}

wood bracelet from allsey

Salt + Pepper shakers from {dwinal}

Purse from {dwinal}

shark pendant from allsey

earrings from allsey

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Vendor Spotlight: Lilleputt Studio

Another picture show, featuring Annika Schmidt of Lilleputt Studio.  Click on the images to see the link!

Swedish Horse Pillow by Lilleputt Studio

Pincushions on the Lilleputt Blog

New fabric at Lilleputt Studio!

Breakfast Pillow with Birch Trees from Lilleputt Studio

Yellow and Gray Bib from Lilleputt Studio

Wow, wow!  Top caliber stuff, Annika.  Can’t wait to see you at The Big Thaw arts, crafts + vintage sale this SATURDAY May 12, from 10am to 4pm, at the Mayo Street Arts Center at 10 Mayo St.  Yahoo!

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Vendor Spotlight: Patti Sandberg, Ceramic Artist

Just a quick pop-in – so busy in the week leading up to the Big Thaw!  Here is a nice little picture set of works from Patti Sandberg, whose work I’m sure you’ll recognize for its originality and function!  If you’re interested in the piece, just click on the picture for more info.  Enjoy!

 We’ll see you THIS SATURDAY at the Mayo Street Arts Center at 10 Mayo St., from 10am to 4pm the place’ll be hoppin’!

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Vendor Spotlight: Mermaid Meadow and Hippie Hamper

by Mermaid Meadow

Beautiful Sunday!  Today we feature Melissa Bankhead of Hippie Hamper and Bevin Holmberg of Mermaid Meadow.  These two ladies are three-time Big Thaw veterans, and we just adore their work.  Hippie Hamper brings bright, patterned fabrics, colorful embroidery and all things you didn’t know were essential to your home until you saw them (re:  ruffly aprons and bird-shaped pin cushions!)  And Mermaid Meadow presents a playful world of anthropomorphic animals, seaside motifs and rustic accents for your home.

by Hippie Hamper

The Big Thaw:  How has your own mother (or mother figure) influenced your art, craft or endeavor?

Hippie Hamper:  My mother has been a huge influence to me.  Not only was she the one who taught me how to sew, hand embroider and stitch, but she has also been supportive to my goals as a crafter.  She’s my “go to” gal when I have any creative doubt, always lifting me back up!

by Mermaid Meadow

Mermaid Meadow:  In more ways than I could EVER express.  She and my dad were both extremely talented artists.  She has always encouraged and inspired me in ways no one else ever could.  My mother taught me that there are no accidents in art… just opportunities for change.

Apron selections from Hippie Hamper

The Big Thaw:  And what new products will you have available for shoppers at The Big Thaw this coming weekend?

Hippie Hamper:  Hand embroidered tea towels with a vintage feel, bird pin cushions filled with walnut shells for sharpening needles, half aprons that would make any mom smile, and felt flower pins to dress up your outfit!

Flea-For-All Display from Mermaid Meadow

Mermaid Meadow:  I painted a variety of small square tiles for The Big Chill that made good holidays gifts… for the Big Thaw I plan to make more with a lighter, spring-like theme!

We can’t wait, you two!!  The Big Thaw is happening on Saturday, May 12 from 10am to 4pm at the Mayo Street Arts Center at 10 Mayo Street.  We will see you there!

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