Meet Your Makers: Nicole Bloch of Erra Creations

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your handmade business: 

Howdy! Nicole here! I am the owner and only creator for Erra Creations. I grew up in an artistic family that also owned a local supply shop- but spent all my school years training as a classical flutist. After being a grown up in an office job for a few years, I subconsciously knew I had to get back to my roots. I started playing around with broken bits and bobbles of my great-grandmothers old stash. Over the past few years, Erra has transformed into so much more fun. I work with lots of reclaimed materials and am now known for my work with bicycle parts. The part I love is the never ending evolution of my art- and making and being able to share the newest and most fun things with others, while staying green and earth happy!

How did you come up with your business name?  Long story short... I was having a post-work brew with a dear friend. We were discussing the need for a new something for me to do. He suggested  I open a vintage boutique. Granted that would have been awesome(!), but I knew I needed to have more creative input somehow. I chatted about how I had been tinkering with great-gram's old stash and POOF, Erra was born - elegant. reclaimed. reminiscent. avant-garde.

 

Where do you live?  In the South Hills area of Pittsburgh, PA

Who’s in your family?  My house consists of my better half Pete and our 2 kids: Haleigh (14 yo-border collie) and Nicco, who we just rescued from Arkansas (1.5 yo- shepherd mix). Oh, and we have a family of dust bunnies, too.

 If you could sit down and talk to any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?  I would LOVE to talk with my Grammie. She is my hero and Mother since she raised me, passed just before I graduated high school. First off, she was the kindest, most thoughtful, purposeful living person I have ever experienced. She did everything with grace and respect. She was a master decoupage artist, teacher (art and English) and a crazy good business woman. And a darn good cook- I need to ask her for a few recipes that we can't find :)

What inspires you?  In the past, I have responded to this question by saying something like "everything in the world around me inspires me". While this is true, I am learning that I am inspired by something being out of place or a void of space...er something. Like right now typing this I got distracted while eating a pickled egg...wondering how I can re-create the funny texture from the bite side into resin. (you asked!)

What is your favorite item you make for Boutique 208 and why?  That's a hard one! Let's say my vintage sheet music cuff links and earrings because they have connected me to some fabulous people in the music world of Pittsburgh, I am a classical flutist, Boutique 208 is in the heart of the cultural district of Pittsburgh - across from Heinz Hall, and I think they're awesome!

 

What is your favorite item at Boutique 208 that’s not one of your own and why?  Greeting cards by John the Craftist. Why? Because they are simply the snarkiest cards and Pittsburgh themed= WIN!

What advice can you offer to someone who would like to start selling their handmade creations?  Continually review WHY you are selling your art and make sure you are ok with your answer! It's very easy to burn out and/or let your heart get beat on when your art is on the line. 

Meet Your Makers: Kirsten Lowe-Rebel of K.LoRebel Art

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your handmade business:

K.LoRebel Art is the hand drawn art and illustrations of Kirsten Lowe-Rebel.  Recently, I've 

started turning my work into a line of wearable art jewelry, stationery and a Home-Bar-Art idea for customizable bottle drawings.  

 

How did you come up with your business name? It's kind of my name, like J-Lo but (Kirsten) Lowe-Rebel ; )

Where do you live?  A Pittsburgh native, I have lived in various parts of the city.  I was raised in the Shaler/North Hills area and I now live in lovely Lawrenceville, PGH Pa.

Who’s in your family? 

My Grandparents are a huge part of my family. They both help me very much with my business. My sister lives close by in Bloomfield, I love her and want to always live close to her. My household consists of my boyfriend/partner and I, we both are living pretty creative lifestyles at the moment, as he is a composer, and we hope to someday be cat parents to one or a million cats.

 

If you could sit down and talk to any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would actually much rather talk to someone from the future, if that could be an option? As in, anyone with future insight!

What inspires you?  Skilled professionals, basic and simple ideas, fashion, graphic texts and architecture, the hand drawn, food, booze and brand loyalty and enthusiasm.  I am also inspired by great color combinations... even though, I've recently taking a liking to the black and white color pallet.

 

What is your favorite item you make for Boutique 208 and why?

Art Print Money Clips! I think it's the perfect treat for the downtown professional. Why not add a little fun flair (and Pittsburgh pride) to your daily routine. They make great gifts for the gentlemen in our lives and I've been told that they are "lucky" as in hot at the casino! (***I am not promoting gambling here) However, they are definitely lucky money clips.

 

What is your favorite item at Boutique 208 that’s not one of your own and why?

I love the crocheted work of Alicia Kachmar. I think she is a very inspiring young lady and I have had the pleasure of meeting her during the crossings of her life here in PGH. Her stuffed plush cheery critters are totally up my alley, they are fun and cute but my favorite thing about them is the shorty stories that comes along with them. I am a proud owner of one of the BIGgest, Phattest @eternalsunshine (her biz name) perogies I've seen her make : )

What advice can you offer to someone who would like to start selling their handmade creations?  I feel so new to the idea myself, it would feel ill fitting to supply sound advise.  I guess right now I would say: you'll never know unless you try... Do what feels right and keep learning new skills even if you're not sure how they will apply, because they will. It will ALL start to make sense! Oh, and also: allow yourself the time, because great things can happen when you stop procrastinating. 

Thank you so much for giving me the time to answer a few questions! Cheers!!! Shop at Boutique 208, Great community and representation of the Pittsburgh Indie Craft/Art scene! I am happy to be a part of it and the great location of what is now a really transforming downtown Pittsburgh ; )

Meet Your Makers: Karen Sturgeon of Tree Buds

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your handmade business:  My name is Karen Sturgeon and my business name is Tree Buds.

How did you come up with your business name?  I knew I wanted something to do with trees, etc. since my business is largely wood working, however, I was at a stumbling block for a name.  I asked my neighbors and one of them came up with Tree Buds - not only is it about trees, and the promise of new things (buds), but my dog's name is Buddy and it was a natural fit for me.

Where do you live?  South of Pittsburgh

 

Who’s in your family?  Just me and my dog, Buddy!  He's a little guy who really enjoys sitting on the lawn and watching my all spring/summer/fall as I work in the driveway and garage creating my items.

 

If you could sit down and talk to any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?  For some strange reason, I always wanted to talk with Albert Einstein.  I always wondered how he first came up with some of the ideas for his inventions - in other words, did they just "pop" into his head, or was it a long process.

What inspires you?  For many years, I was in a job where there was no creativity involved...now, I have the chance to really let my creative juices flow and I'll see something that I could work with, come up with a concept, and think to myself, "I have to try that NOW."

What is your favorite item you make for Boutique 208 and why?  Well, I have many favorites, but the favorite of my customers seems to be the beer caddys.  Often you don't find many "gifts for men" that are in handmade stores and this is one that men really appreciate.

What is your favorite item at Boutique 208 that’s not one of your own and why?  I love Nicole Bloch's bicycle chain items!

What advice can you offer to someone who would like to start selling their handmade creations?  As much as you want to offer something that you like, make sure that customers like it too.... it is a business!

Meet Your Makers: Thea Okonak of John the Craftist

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your handmade business:  My name is Thea Okonak, but my crafting name is John the Craftist. I make greeting cards, shirts, totes, and other gift items which celebrate Pittsburgh -- the food, the language, the people, the culture. I started designing cards after I developed a chronic neuropathic pain condition. Receiving get well cards in the mail when I was first learning to navigate life with a new set of challenges was the highlight of my day. So I started making cards for friends and family, and, before long, I had a viable business.

How did you come up with your business name?  John the Baptist is my patron saint, so it's a shout-out (and a friendly wink).

Where do you live?  My husband and I rent a 19th century apartment above the local market (Feast On Brilliant) in the Aspinwall neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The market sells lots of in-house goodies, which means that my apartment is typically filled with delicious cooking smells. I work from home, so I'm pretty much hungry all day.

Who’s in your family?  My husband and myself. But my mom, aunt, sister, and brother are local, so I enjoy as many shenanigans as possible with that crew.

If you could sit down and talk to any person, living or dead, who would it be and why? How about a fictional character? My first choice would be Sherlock Holmes, despite the fact that he would almost certainly be arrogant and morbid! Charles Dickens would be my second choice, because he died before he could finish The Mystery of Edwin Drood! I would also love to talk to him about social justice and reform.

 

What inspires you?  I find inspiration for my work in the city, my neighborhood, mid-century design, color theory, and classic typography.  I'm inspired to work harder by my maker friends, who never cease to blow me away.  The way I live my life is inspired by my mother, who is tough and smart and funny and compassionate. She always says that there's only one question you need to ask yourself when making a decision: "What is the loving thing?"

 

What is your favorite item you make for Boutique 208 and why?  My Pittsburghese magnet sets; I get the feeling that they are frequently purchased as souvenirs by out-of-towners, and I love spreading The Gospel of Pittsburgh!

 

 

What is your favorite item at Boutique 208 that’s not one of your own and why?  It's so hard to choose; if I had to list all of my favorites, we'd be here for days. But I really love the Natrielle Body Care bath tea, which has been a terrific weapon in my arsenal of pain management remedies.

What advice can you offer to someone who would like to start selling their handmade creations? 

JUMP RIGHT IN. Start small -- a neighborhood street fair, your grandma's church shindig. Build out from there. Social networking is your best friend; Facebook and Instagram are immensely helpful. Introduce yourself to other crafters -- we're a friendly bunch, we don't mind questions, and we're ALWAYS willing to give advice! Don't worry, at first, about your branding or identity; it'll fall into place as you grow. This is a wonderful time for makers and creatives and small businesses of all stripes, especially in cities like Pittsburgh. So much energy and excitement and support. So what are you waiting for?!?!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet Your Makers: Lois McCafferty of Lomo's Fine Art

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your handmade business:  My name is Lois McCafferty. I am a self taught artist.  Painting murals with the medium of acrylics was the starting point for me, as an artist. In the year of 2000, I was introduced to the medium of oils.  This was the start of Lois Mongiovi Fine Arts.  All of my art on canvas are of the best quality in canvas as well as oils.  The prints are matted Giclees on acid free art paper.  This year I am introducing my art note cards. 

How did you come up with your business name? I came to the name of Lomo's fine art from my name... Lois (Lo) and my maiden name of Mongiovi (Mo).

Where do you live? I live in the City of Pittsburgh in the Brookline neighborhood. 

Who’s in your family?  My family is a husband, son, daughter in law, a daughter, son-in-law and 2 grandsons. 

If you could sit down and talk to any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?  My mother Roseila Conti Mongiovi passed away many years ago.  Just before her passing we talk openly about everything....I would have liked to add a thank you for passing on the talent that was instilled in me.

What inspires you?  God's beauty of life inspires me to paint.

What is your favorite item you make for Boutique 208 and why?  The painting called Sara is one of my favorites at Boutique 208.   This is one of my fountain series of children playing...I enjoy seeing the joy that children bring to us in a painting. 

What is your favorite item at Boutique 208 that’s not one of your own and why? One of my favorite items that is not mine are the hand knitted items from Pamela G.  The yarn is of a very good quality and they are well made.
What advice can you offer to someone who would like to start selling their handmade creations?  The only advice I can give to a seller of handmade creations is, make the product as if you were making it for yourself (perfection) and don't wait for a buyer to come to you...you show / take your items to them.
  

Meet Your Makers: Ashley Croyle of Papyrusaurus

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your handmade business. I'm Ashley Croyle and I'm the creator/artist behind Papyrusaurus. I specialize in all sorts of funky home decor items made from book pages and other upcycled paper.  Everything from crazy wall hangings, to ornaments, to funny typography prints, usually with a geeky twist.  I love to make things for all my fandoms, particularly Doctor Who and Supernatural.

How did you come up with your business name? I've always had a love of dinosaurs, which has only grown since having two boys that also adore all things prehistoric.  And since I work with paper it was only a matter of time before the light bulb went on and BAM! Awesome business name. 

 

Where do you live?  I recently moved to Erie with my little family.  While we miss the Pittsburgh area, we're not so far away that we can't visit.  And I'm excited to conquer a whole new city with my zany work.

Who’s in your family? My fantastic fam is comprised of myself and my two sons; Finnegan (6-years old) and Calloway (3-years old). They're a little young to really help out with the business but I do have them convinced that picking up paper scraps is a super fun game that we need to play every day.

 

If you could sit down and talk to any person, living or dead, who would it be and why? This is sort of sappy, but it would be my grandfather who passed away about 15 years ago.  I'd want to be able to tell him all about my kids and all the goofy things they do that remind me of him. He was an incredible, funny, kind man and I know he would have gotten such a kick out of these two hoodlums. And I'd want to show him all the things that I make because he's one of the people that first got me into taking apart and building things when I was really young. He always kept a spot in his workshop for me to tinker with wood scraps and bolts and washers and wire.  So, yes, definitely him.

 

What inspires you? Oh gosh...everything.  I like to tinker with things just to see if I can make something pretty. And of course I have a habit of getting  really into shows and going on benders of designing new prints to go with them.  My friends are always a wealth of inspiration as well, throwing out wacky ideas and quotes all the time.

What is your favorite item you make for Boutique 208 and why?  Probably my pine cone ornaments.  I make a billion of them for online sales, but the ones at the Boutique are more one of a kind since I use a mix of different books and scrap book papers that I don't normally do for my online shops.  

 

What is your favorite item at Boutique 208 that’s not one of your own and why?  Anything from John the Craftist.  The blend of Pittsburghese and wit on her prints and cards never fails to make me double over laughing.   They're so simple and yet completely genius.

What advice can you offer to someone who would like to start selling their handmade creations?  Don't give up and constantly strive to improve yourself and your business.  Sure there may be people that don't like what you do, but there will be even more people that do and you just have to find them. 

Meet Your Makers: Courtney Duzyk of Clumsy Creative Designs

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your handmade business:  I'm Courtney Duzyk of Clumsy Creative Designs. I create hand cut paper artwork.

 

How did you come up with your business name?  Anyone who knows me knows that I'm kind of a klutz. Clumsy Creative just came naturally in naming my business!

Where do you live?  I live in the East End of Pittsburgh. 

 If you could sit down and talk to any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?  I'd love to sit down and talk to Lotte Reiniger. She was a German artist and animator, and her work inspired my film studies and my papercut work as well. She was a pioneer of the craft. 

What inspires you?  I'm inspired by Pittsburgh and the craft and art scene that continues to grow here. I've met so many amazing artists here. We still have a way to go, but I love what's happening here. 

 

What is your favorite item you make for Boutique 208 and why?  I love creating the hearts and leaf papercuts. They're fun to make and each one is different. 

 

What is your favorite item at Boutique 208 that’s not one of your own and why?  I love the cards by John the Craftist, and the hand-knit items from Neighborhood Blonde. It's really hard to choose just one thing, though, because there are some amazing artists at the Boutique!

What advice can you offer to someone who would like to start selling their handmade creations?  The best advice I've been given is to stay true to your vision and don't be afraid to stick to your guns. Artists have to be their own advocates.