Crafty Mart

10/05/2022

Local maker Diana Jankowski owns and operates Sugar Bomb Confections. She is one of the Master Makers making a business pitch at our October 21st Creative Catapult event in the hopes of winning a $2K grant.

“I create fine craft chocolates and baked goods for everyone at local maker events and custom orders for honest prices”.

If you’d like to celebrate and support 5 makers looking to level up their business, listen to some inspiring business pitches and vote on your favorite, consider grabbing a ticket to our annual event: http://ticketstripe.com/creativecatapult2022

10/05/2022

Loading in our makers into the Crafty Mart event space last weekend was a breeze! Our board member, Jason Horinger, built us brand new dollies! Jason’s business is , check him out, his work with wood is pretty amazing! Thank you, Jason!!

10/04/2022

Are you wondering what Creative Catapult really is?

It's where FIVE local artists will compete for the chance to win a $2000 grant for their small creative business. On the evening of this celebratory event, each maker will display their handmade goods and give a pitch about a creative business idea they have in order to level up their business. Attendees at the event can view their work and vote for their favorite pitch.

Creative Catapult 2022 is part of the Maker Sessions, Crafty Mart’s one-of-a-kind entrepreneurial curriculum for creative small businesses, funded by the Burton D. Morgan Foundation. Every maker who completes the Master Track of the Maker Sessions has the opportunity to participate in Creative Catapult.

This week, we will spotlight each of these makers on our social media platforms so that you get to know a little bit about them before you join us for the evening.

“These makers have worked so hard to get to this point, and Crafty Mart is thrilled to give them this opportunity to advance their small business,” said Marissa McClellan, Executive Director, Crafty Mart.

We'd sure love to break bread with you and celebrate our local maker community together! For more information , including ticket link: http://www.ticketstripe.com/creativecatapult2022

10/03/2022

Kids Maker Fest 2022 at The Akron Art Museum

We ❤️ this!!!

We are so excited to share some exclusive interviews with young artists and entrepreneurs from the 2022 Kids Maker Fest. Thank you for everyone who came!

10/02/2022

Hey Makers, check this out!

09/30/2022

Tomorrow! Shop 40 BOOtiful handmade makers, eat, drink, trick or treat and do the monster mash with Crafty Mart!

Costume contest begins at 3pm. Crafty Closet Open House on 1st floor, Modern Traditions vintage clothing on floor 5; Birchwood Supply Open House on 5th floor.

We’re taking over Bounce Innovation Hub! It’s all happening in downtown Akron, Saturday October 1st, Noon-5pm.

09/29/2022

Calling All Sponsors! Advertise your business with Crafty Mart and help to support our robust and talented maker community! #supportlocalcreatives

09/29/2022

Photos from Crafty Mart's post

09/27/2022

Check out the array of macabre mock-tails we’ll be serving at this Saturday’s Halloween Mini Mart!

🧙‍♀️Hocus Pocus Punch is sparkling apple cider, a V8 Splash, and creepy crawly gummy worms

😈Purple People Eater Potion is made with grape juice, sparkling berry soda, and swirly edible glitter

🍎Hot Apple Elixir is a hot mulled apple cide served from from a cauldron aka crockpot

Mosy up to our bar on Saturday, October 1st from Noon-5pm and order up your favorite brew!

09/25/2022

We're putting out the call for volunteers!

We’re looking for a few people to help greet our guests in the Crafty Supply closet, offer snacks and bathroom breaks to our lovely makers and shake up some spooky mocktails. There's a drink on us and a t-shirt for you if you can dedicate a couple of hours on Saturday, October 1st at our Halloween Mini Mart/Crafty Closet Open House.
Sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B44AFA729A3FB6-halloween1

09/23/2022

Local candle maker Kaley Foster will join us at our Halloween Mini-Market on Saturday, October 1st from Noon-5pm at Bounce Innovation Hub in downtown Akron. It's cozy season once again!

Urban Buzz offers clean burning, 100% natural beeswax candles made with Ohio beeswax, cotton wicks and essential oils. Established in 2014 in Akron, our goal and main mission has always been to craft candles containing only the purest of ingredients. All candles are hand poured, labeled, and packaged at our workshop located in Akron, ensuring a high quality product in every batch. We offer a variety of beeswax candles, including pillars, tea lights, and votives. We truly love what we do and are thankful for any chance we can get to share our products with our community!

Website: https://www.urbnbuzz.com/

09/20/2022

Update: Thanks to everyone who inquired and reached out via email. We’ve got what we need now!

ATTENTION, MAKERS!

Crafty Mart needs funky, quirky, original handmade table centerpieces for our upcoming Creative Catapult 2022 event on October 21st. Creative Catapult is our annual fundraising event that is a celebration of our maker community! Budget per centerpiece is $65, must use our branding colors, we will send you our brand kit. If you are interested, please send an email to [email protected] with the subject line CENTERPIECE PROPOSAL. We are taking proposals now, with the deadline of October 1st.

We are excited to see your work!

09/20/2022

Repost: Modern Traditions Co Spooky season is here! Come join us on Saturday, October 1st, 12-5pm for a scary good time!

Crafty Mart is having their annual Halloween Event and will have over 40 hand made vendors, food trucks, trick or treat (wear your costume) and much more!

Birchwood Supply Co. will have their doors open as well! Free parking and admission. Located at Bounce Innovation Hub.

09/18/2022

Did you know that we send out monthly newsletters, delivered right to your inbox? That way you won't miss the latest Crafty Mart news, no matter how screwy the algorithms get.

To receive a shopper newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/CraftyMart
To receive a maker newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/CraftyMartVendors

09/18/2022

Do you have what it takes to craft your own Halloween costume? Something
fun about our October 1st Halloween Mini Market is that we're having a
costume contest! Now is the time for a
dry run before the big night on the 31st.
Free to enter! THERE WILL BE PRIZES!

Everyone is welcome to dress up and participate! There will be booth trick-or-treating too, don’t forget your plastic pumpkin 🎃

09/15/2022

Want to know more about Crafty Mart's cooperative supply closet before you visit? Our website will tell you everything you need to know...where we are located, what items we are currently accepting, how to write off your donation on your taxes, etc. Here's the link: https://www.craftymart.org/crafty-closet

09/14/2022

Happy National Coloring Day! We’ve got plenty of crayons, pencils and pastels in the Crafty Supply Closet to get you started. And visit Totally Tangled Creations: By April Nicholson-Couch to grab a brand new coloring book to celebrate!

Can’t visit our Crafty Closet during the week? Have no fear, we’re hosting a special Saturday Open House on Saturday, October 1st from noon-5pm. We invite the public to enjoy this resource to pick up new-to-you craft supplies or to donate your own unwanted, gently used supplies.

09/12/2022

We're putting out the call for volunteers!

We’re looking for a few people to help greet our guests in the Crafty Supply closet, offer snacks and bathroom breaks to our lovely makers and shake up some spooky mocktails. There’s a cool tee shirt in it for you if you can dedicate a couple of hours on Saturday, October 1st at our Halloween Mini Mart/Crafty Closet Open House.

Sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B44AFA729A3FB6-halloween1

09/12/2022

This summer Crafty Mart partnered with local non-profit Limitless Ambition to host a week-long camp for area teenage girls. During this camp, they talked self-care and self-worth, learned entrepreneurial skills to start their own creative business and learned new crafting skills.

These teens beaded jewelry, dyed silk scarves, poured candles, made sugar scrub and weaved together wall hangings. They will sell these products at the Mini Market on October 1st from Noon-5pm to pay it forward so that this program can run for next summer's program!

For more information about Limitless Ambition: http://www.limitlessambition.org/

09/11/2022

Photos from Crafty Mart's post

09/09/2022

Excited about all of these downtown activities! We hope to see you in our neck of the woods this season.

: The City of Akron, Downtown Akron Partnership and Lock 3 Akron, Ohio have launched the Fall in Love with Downtown Akron campaign running from Sept. 9- Nov. 25. Here's a look at some of the events we will be hosting downtown in the newly-expanded DORA region as part of the campaign!

More: https://www.akronohio.gov/cms/news/f7e245b1280b8177/index.html

09/07/2022

Everyday Akron included us in the Akron Bingo card!

Our first reaction was, “Yeah, that’s cool”! But in the next moment, we felt a deep gratitude. Our scrappy little DIY indie market that was born inside Musica 14 years ago has grown and evolved so much over the years. We’re a handmade market, we’re an educational resource for creative businesses, we’re a champion for shopping small and shopping local. We’re a cooperative craft closet, we’re a community partner, we’re an event space!

And it’s all because of this big awesome Akrony neighborhood who has loyally supported us along the way. You’ve made Crafty Mart a part of your experience and we are truly humbled. We hope you can feel our love today! 💕

09/02/2022

Check out EVERYTHING happening tonight, it’s gonna be a TIME!☄️☄️

Join us on The BLVD this evening beginning at 6pm for the final Kenmore First Friday of the summer!

Check out all the family-friendly fun planned today:

Vendor Lineup:

Crafty Mart's is bringing its stable of local artists, makers and artisans.

Music Lineup:

Main Stage (15th St.)
6:45- 7:30 pm Indré
8-9 pm Marc Lee Shannon Music & My Other Brothers

First Glance Hip Hop Stage (McCutchan Courtyard)
6-6:45 p.m. – Minus The Alien
7:30-8 p.m. – FG Hip Hop Night

Buzzbin Courtyard Stage (Formerly Live Music Now! Courtyard)
6-9 p.m. – The H***y Tonk Kid / Donnie Casey

The Rialto Living Room:
5-7 p.m. - Akorn Jammers Open Mic

The Rialto Theatre:
9 p.m.-midnight Kenmore First Friday Nightcap: Glenn Lazear Album Release Show Ft. Talons' (ticketed show)

Buzzbin Art & Music Shop:
9 p.m. Ghost:Hello / Book of Wyrms (donation suggested)

Food & Beer Lineup:
Thirsty Dog Brewing Company
Dee's Dogs & More
Macho Nacho
Southern Thangs Food Truck
Ogarth's Kitchen
The Kenmore Eastern Sports Bar
The Nite Owl
Pierre's Brooklyn Pizza and Deli
Buon Cibo at The Rialto Theatre
SRINA Tea House & Cafe.

More information at betterkenmore.org/first-friday

See you today on the BLVD!

09/02/2022

Save the Date! Ticket information coming next week.......

09/01/2022

Meet the Maker: Westerville resident Kacy Berger owns and operates Moonstone Memories.

After many years of working in a used bookstore, Kacy often saved books from the trash or recycling that were deemed damaged and not valuable. After her years of collecting she wanted to find a way to save the beautiful illustrations and photos from these books, magazines, outdated calendars and planners (nothing is used that does not have irreparable damage). That's when she started decoupage crafting as a way to give them a new purpose or a new life. She uses items like old ceramic tiles, wood boxes, game pieces, light switch covers and votive candle holders. Each piece is a one of a kind item turned into accessories and functional house decor that you won't find anywhere else. Not only are our items things that are being reused or up-cycled, we also use easily recyclable and minimal shipping materials as well as marketing materials made from recycled, earth friendly papers. We are a family owned business who has extensive experience in retail and customer service.

Find on Kenmore Blvd Friday evening from 6-9pm. She’ll be there with other Crafty Mart makers, live bands, local food and beer and plenty of family friendly activities. It’s free and Kenmore welcomes everyone to attend!

09/01/2022

Meet the Maker: Sara Watts is a Tallmadge maker with a small biz named .

She’s bringing an assortment of air plants in vintage and upcycled containers to Kenmore Boulevard on Friday evening to celebrate their First Friday Series from 6-9pm.

Find Sara and other Crafty Mart makers along with local food and beer trucks, live music and plenty of free family fun! Kick off your Labor Day weekend with us in Kenmore!

08/31/2022

Meet The Maker: is coming to Kenmore on Friday to celebrate their popular First Friday Series! Come check it out!

“At The Green Room Fumoir, we work independently and collaborate with other artist and small businesses to bring beautiful smoking accessories, jewelry, trays, candles and more. We believe in holistic plant medicine and celebrate the healing properties by creating fashionable yet functional pieces”.

08/30/2022

Meet The Maker: McKenna Paints is a shop that sells funky and whimsical wearables made from 100% recycled fabric. The fabric is recycled from a variety of used items from secondhand stores (i.e. dresses, pants, shirts, linens, curtains, etc.) and then stiffened to hold its shape. Additionally, certain wearables are hand painted. Assembled with nickel and lead free findings, these lightweight earrings and accessories will add a pop of color and pattern to your everyday wear.

Introduce yourself to this Akron maker THIS Friday, September 2nd from 6-9pm at Kenmore’s First Friday Series! Enjoy an evening with Crafty Mart, , , and many more festivities this Labor Day weekend!

08/29/2022

Meet The Maker: is a small batch hand poured candle company that not only uses clean burning quality ingredients but also connects with local and regional artists to create unique home looks and inspired concepts. What sets Columbus maker Joshua Wright apart is his attention to detail and modern design ideas as well as his commitment to customer service. Meet Josh at Kenmore First Fridays September 2nd from 6-9pm and grab a candle with a “brand new to you” scent!

08/29/2022

It’s Market Week, so let’s Meet The Maker: Hailing from Copley, Alina O’Connell is Akron Horror Hounds.

Alina runs a horror movie club with both virtual and in person events. She makes and sells horror movie-themed pins, magnets and keychains, as well as magnetic bottle openers.

Find this creative small biz on Kenmore Blvd with us this Friday, September 2nd from 6-9pm as we celebrate the Kenmore First Friday Series. Live music onstage, beer from Thirsty Dog, plenty of food and so much more!

08/26/2022

Meet The Maker: Elena Labra hails from Youngstown and her small creative business is Staircase Ceramics.

Elena's work is handmade, wheel-thrown, functional pottery. She plays a lot with hand painting the surface of her work, primarily including whimsical, floral designs. Each piece is meant to brighten up your daily routine! She works with a warm and earthy stoneware clay body and her glazes range from neutral, to pastels, to vibrant colors.

Find Elena one week from today as we pop up at the September 2nd First Friday Series in Kenmore!

08/26/2022

Meet the Maker: Atlas and Aether blends classical metalsmithing with innovative techniques such as copper electroforming, etching, and 3D printing, and using other found materials, to create unique and often mixed-media works that are immortalized as jewelry forever.

Meet Olmsted Falls maker Ashley Smith at Kenmore First Fridays on September 2nd. She’ll be there from 6-9pm along with other Crafty Mart makers, plenty of live bands, food, drinks and moonlit shopping on the boulevard.

Here’s her website if you want to check her out before the show: https://www.atlasandaether.com/

08/24/2022

Meet The Maker: Local Fiber artist Alison Green owns and operates Atomic Tangerine.

Atomic Tangerine is a slow fashion brand that works with the plant in mind. Their most popular work turns vintage blankets into future fashion.

Find Alison with Crafty Mart on Kenmore Blvd Friday, September 2nd from 6-9pm, we’re popping up for their First Friday Series! In the meantime, check out their website: atomictangerineclothing.com/

08/23/2022

Wheel of Names | Random name picker - 23 August 2022

We held a special raffle, check out the video to find out who the winner maker is! And save the date for our October 1st Halloween Mini Mart.

08/22/2022

We’re bigger, better and stronger when we collaborate our with local community partners, Limitless Ambition. Check them out to see what they do for our community!

A few weeks ago we wrapped up our Crafty Ambition Program! Take a look at one of our students thoughts about the program.

08/19/2022

Maker Applications are
currently open for The 14th Annual
Crafty Mart in downtown Akron, Ohio!

We welcome handmade vendors to
apply for this weekend of small batch
makers, local food and drink, creative
DIY workshops, special performances
and holiday fun!

Apply online now through August 21st
, here’s the link: https://craftymart.submittable.com/submit/214018/the-14th-annual-crafty-mart

Kick off your
holiday season with Crafty Mart.

08/15/2022

Call for Makers! Do you make pet related items? Akron Pug Fest wants you!!!!

Calling all pug owners! We are having a Pug Fest! It’s going to be a day to celebrate your furry little pugs and how cute they are! Of course, we think ALL dogs are awesome, so if you have a dog that’s friendly towards two-leggeds and other four-leggeds, bring them too! We will be raising money to assist rescues that do so much for the ones that need it. If you own a business or know someone who does, we would be so happy to accept a donation of goods, services, a gift basket, gift certificates, etc. to be raffled off at the Pug Fest to add to our donation efforts. Please contact Kim Singleton at 330-573-5947 for details of how to get us the items.

We also still need merchandise vendors and food trucks for this event, contact Kim for more info.

08/14/2022

ATTENTION, Makers! Applications close TONIGHT for our October 1st Halloween Mini Mart. ANDDDDD…. You’ve got ONE WEEK to apply for the 14th Annual Holiday show! Application found on our website, craftymart.org

08/12/2022

Hey Makers! Don’t be a Charlie Brown and miss the deadline to apply for our Halloween Mini Mart happening on October 1st from noon-5pm. The deadline is THIS Sunday! An added bonus… we’ll draw a name from all the submissions we receive and one lucky maker will win a comped booth fee! That’s a treat and not a trick!

Application link: https://craftymart.submittable.com/submit

08/11/2022

on Instagram: "Last month we hosted a fantastic group of Akron Public Schools art educators inside the workshop space at . They got to raid the Crafty Supply Closet, take a tour of our spaces, water marble a silk scarf and...

Cheryl made her first reel! Check it out and see what Crafty Mart has been up to.

shared a post on Instagram: "Last month we hosted a fantastic group of Akron Public Schools art educators inside the workshop space at . They got to raid the Crafty Supply Closet, take a tour of our spaces, water marble a silk scarf and create a pair of earrings using the lase...