Meet Dotty Grexa from Apron Strings...
My name is Dotty Grexa, and I've lived my entire life in Barberton, Ohio. I've been married to the love of my life since 1987, and our Golden Retriever Matt lets us live with him as long as we supply endless Biljac and rawhides.
Professionally, I have been an executive in the for-profit retail sector as well as the non-profit world, where I created social enterprises to employ and train adults with developmental disabilities to work in the community instead of in sheltered workshops.
When my retail job ended in Fall 2006 due to a restructuring, I got a year off with severance, so I decided to enjoy the time, and do something fun. I have loved sewing since Junior High (when Home-Ec was still a class), so I focused on textile based item, primarily Aprons. I did my first show in the spring of 2007, and sold 5 aprons! I stuck with it, and sales steadily increased. Customers kept requesting other kitchen-type items, so my product line grew over time. My most recent addition to the line are diaper-based baby gift items.
If I only had the time and fabric to create everything my mind imagines! I have always been one to look at something and re-imagine it. Dresses inspire parts of my aprons, and I watch fashion trends to keep the prints modern and timely.
How I got into my craft.. My 7th grade Home Ec teacher, Mrs. Risher is the person who inspired my love of sewing. From opening the pattern pieces (she made us iron them flat), to laying it out, pinning and cutting the fabric, the whole process makes me happy. After all these years, I cut most of my aprons freehand, but the joy of watching a flat piece of fabric become something someone likes enough to pay for is still a wonderment to me.
Sewing is a skill you learn, and improve your quality with practice over time. I think I discovered my knack for predicting 'what's hot/ what's next' during my years as a cotton textile buyer for a retail chain. It was always fun to interpret trends into textiles.
My creative process... I think everyone is different, but for me it is being constantly aware of things around you, and then interpreting that into your craft. An example might be that right now owls and woodland creatures are creeping into decorative items. I'll take that information, and create aprons with that motif, and incorporate it into the other products I produce. If you are a creative soul, you will also be ok with the epic 'fails' that you create as well, because through trial and error comes success.
My five year goal.. I am hoping to continue doing shows, because I just love set up and tear down (not really). I do however, love the interaction with customers. I am currently test-driving an early retirement, so I have more time to devote to Apron Strings and creating. My biggest 5 year goal would be growing my on-line sales at apronstringsusa.com
The message behind my work.. Enjoy yourself. Laugh. Find fun in life. I want you to wear an apron that boldly tells the world who you are. Be it prints of lipstick, leopard or lettuce, snowmen, skulls or stooges, you apron should match your personality, not your kitchen decor.
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Meet Shelly Koehler from Rock Party Studio...
I have been making jewelry
for over 30 years. I have also done a lot of research on gemstones,
their chemical composition and the lore surrounding them. I also
paint (paintings) and upcycle furniture
I started making jewelry by
finding pieces at thrift stores and garage sales, pulling them apart and
putting them back together. I also did a lot of wire wrapping
marbles when I was in junior high. I probably made many hideous
gifts that people had to wear
I love gemstones. I think they are gorgeous and
I prefer to create jewelry pieces that highlight stones not metal. I
also love to make different color combinations with the stones.
How I got into my craft.. I was always attracted to stone, rocks, gems,
crystals etc. One day I just found some jewelry and started ripping
it apart to re-make it into something else. I don’t remember a time
when I wasn’t making jewelry. I never really worried about being talented making
jewelry. It was always something I had to do, like breathing.
My creative process.. I usually plan a project in my head before
starting. I have never really sketched, I am more hands on. I
will pull out some stones and see how the colors work together. I
prefer simple jewelry designs that highlight the beauty of the stones.
My five year goal.. Hopefully in 5 years I will be doing this
full-time. I also enjoy teaching others how to make jewelry and
about gemstones
The message behind my work.. There isn’t really a message
behind my work except to be true to yourself and your passions.
Don’t let other people define what your life should be and what makes you
happy.
2017 Canton Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
