Morgan Conservatory: Paper Arts in CLE

Last evening I attended the Morgan Conservatory Annual Benefit and Silent Auction: Opposites Attract.  My mom had a piece in the silent auction and I was so excited to show my support and check out all of the awesome artwork and paper! The month of October is dedicated to celebrating the paper arts, so check out all the other events going on in Cleveland during Octavofest 2013. 

Mom and Me
in front of her calligraphy piece

"The Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory and Educational Foundation is a Cleveland, Ohio non-profit art center dedicated to the production and preservation of hand papermaking and the art of the book." This is their big fundraiser and the whole warehouse/gallery turns into a magical creative space--complete with live music, hand-crafted decorations, food and drink, demos and fab art for a good cause!

As soon as you stepped into the space you could feel the creative and magnetic energy, after all, the benefit this year was rightfully named, Opposites Attract. 

The Morgan Conservatory really embodies the idea of opposites attract. The ominous and rust-belt looking warehouse holds tremendous beauty, revitalization and creative production inside. The shell of the building on E.47th St may look a bit intimidating, but the lush Japanese mulberry trees in the back of the premises serve as the source for the hand papermaking production. Yes, they actually harvest the plant fibers and make their own paper. SO TOTALLY COOL!

During the event you could check out all of the different types of paper that members and artists had created or used in their collection. They even had staff at different stations doing demos to show the step-by-step process of the labor-intensive art of paper making.

We made our rounds checking out all of the ways in which artists used paper. From handmade books, installations, to intricately cut paper, and typography--there were so many different ways people used the paper. And the silent auction allowed you to bid on well-known artists and cool pieces for relatively low prices. Hope I get a call on one of my bids :) The best part is that all of the artists donated their work to raise money to benefit the Morgan and support educational workshops.

So be sure to check out the month long celebration of paper arts in Cleveland! I'll be back at the Morgan next weekend for the Abecedarium and revisit my ABC's. Visit Morgan Conservatory to learn about the process of hand-making paper or other events around town that are part of Octavofest.

Disclosure: My mom is a member of Morgan Conservatory and participating artist in Octavofest. All opinions are entirely my own. And I think she's awesome.

Weekend Recap: Reunions, Brunching, Flea Market, and Rum in CLE!

On Friday, I met up with two of my ol gal pals, Catie and Marie for some good times. I was in for quite the healthy/delicious meal at Catie's house when she made an outrageously good vegan pizza. I'm so lucky to have an awesome friend who also is a dietian and fabulous chef! Triple threat :)

Vegan pizza made with cornmeal,
buffalo tempe, peppers, onions, black olives, sauce
 and deliciousness!

And then I met Marie out for a drink in Ohio City and received too many unsolicited pick-up lines.... Ayayayi! So it was an interesting start to the weekend sans any photos. (Probably the best for everyone's sake). When I'm with Marie...shenanigans always ensue along with lots of laughs :)

Saturday, I met up with more gal pals for brunch and a day full of adventures around CLE! We started off by brunching at Stone Town, which opened up this past fall in the bottom of 668. Good southern style eggs and fried green tomatoes! Yum!

Post-brunch, we headed over to CLE's old Slovenian neighborhood in St. Clair-Superior to check out the new Clevleand Flea.

 

"So what is The Cleveland Flea? Part urban treasure hunt, part culinary adventure, part maker center. An organized maze of experiences, The Cleveland Flea celebrates the thrill of the hunt and discovery of new to you treasures." source.

JAM packed space with flea market finders

Gina and Kayla showing off their treasures!

From hand-crafted jewelry, presents for your pets, soap, clothes, glassware, vintage finds, and upcycled goods...this place has tons of treasures! It was fun for me to visit an emerging neighborhood that's being revitalized by shining up the good ol stuff, creating new arts and crafts, and showcasing CLE's ethnic history too!


And speaking of making history, Portside Distillery is making some (rum) waves on the East Bank of the Flats. The girls and I continued our adventure by going on a wild goose chase to find the new rum distillery. Although they have no marked signs on the outside of the building, it was a welcoming fun place that kinda made me feel like I needed to do the secret knock at the door to get into the underground bootlegger :)  The area around the distillery will certainly transform once its neighbors in the new Ernst & Young building move in. More booming business!

We found 'em!

 

The place brews up some hoptastic IPA and some fancy rum too! Personally, I am more of an IPA gal myself, but after learning more about the process of distilling alcohol and getting a fresh taste of it too, I certainly have a new appreciation for rum!



Dan, one of the owners + silver rum + me cheesing

Dan, who is one of the three owners, gave us an incredible tour and explanation of how the process works to distill alcohol. He has a background in physics and chemistry but an affinity for good booze, so he does this as his hobby! How cool! And he was dropping some serious knowledge bombs on us, accompanied with a deep love for CLE, and goofy humor.



Dan explaining the chemical process--
and the copperpot that was made in neighboring Tremont!

Gina + Portside Silver Rum

 The Portside Distillery is slated to open a restaurant and bar on site too, which will be another exciting addition to CLE, and one of a kind venue. To stay updated be sure to like them on Facebook.

On Sunday, we hit one of my favorite brunch places, Touch Supper Club, for a reunion with friends and familia from JCU. Marie now lives in DC and we'll be going down to visit her in 2 weeks to celebrate Steph's bachelorette party. And well Kay, he's the one that everybody loves :)

Marie, me, Kay & Steph getting our brunch on!

 

 

The Touch Breakfast Bowl. Never fails me!

 Always great to catch up with friends over some the best brunch :) The rest of my plans for Sunday post-brunch didn't end up panning out how I intended, but it certainly was an action packed weekend of reunions, brunching, flea market discoveries, and wild goose chases for rum that maybe it's best if I sit back and digest the weekend!

Have you been to the CLE Flea? What's your best flea market find? Have you ever gone on a brewery or distillery tour? What's your favorite local CLE drink?

 

Hope you have a good week, kids! Keep JAMmin!

7 Easy Steps to Reuse a Candle Jar

I'm a candle fanatic! So what's a gal to do once she gets down to the bottom of the wick? Oh no!

No worries. Don't throw out the pretty glass candle jar! Give it new life and reuse it! Here's a step-by-step that will take you only about 10 minutes! Easy peasy :)

Step 1. Your candle may have burned all the way down with wax splattered along the glass. Not to fear! Cleaning it off and shining it up will be a breeze!

Step 2. Fill your glass jar up with warm water to the lip. Pop it in the microwave for about 90 seconds.

Step 3. Remove the jar from the microwave and carefully pour out the water. The wax will soften and can easily come out in a few big chunks (I used a knife, ha).

 

Step 4. After removing the remaining wax and rinsing it out again, you will need to buff the inside of the glass to remove the rest of the splattered wax along the sides. My FAVORITE is Goo Gone. Simply dab some on a paper towel and polish the inside!

Goo Gone is also heaven sent to remove those pesky labels that stick to the glass jar! Don't spend time trying to peel off or boiling, just use some Goo Gone!

 

Step 5. Let the Goo Gone sit for a few minutes if the label is tough. Rub. Wipe. Repeat.

 

 

Step 6. Wash off with water...and voila!

 

 

 



Step 7. Reuse your sparkly fresh jar! The possibilities are endless! I picked up a bag of decorative rocks at the Dollar Store. And filled two of my jars.

 

One jar I'll reuse for patio evenings or place next to some indoor plants to compliment the earthy themed look.

 

 

The other I reused as a spring vase. I poured in the other half of the bag of my decorative dollar rocks, fake flowers I picked up from the Dollar Store, and tied cute string I saved from some leftover packaging.

 

Simple. Easy. Green.

Fast Fun Crafts!

 

5 Simple Steps to Crafting a Wine Cork Wreath!

Christmas may be right around the corner, and you may be stressed ...but don't worry you can get a jump start by saving for your Christmas crafts... for next year :) That's what I did last Christmas!

I began saving all of my wine corks (we all know JAM has an affinity for the vino!) from special occasions, to girl's nights, birthdays, after long work days, I saved all the corks up by simply tossing them in a nice large glass hurricane for a pretty display. Even my Mom and Grandma began saving up for me too--family affair. I created a whole board on Pinterest of "Put a Cork In It" ideas, so follow me on Pinterest for crazy crafts and other ideas too!! And yes, you guessed it... I got the idea for a wine cork wreath on Pinterest last year, and finally had enough saved up to make this AWESOME wine cork wreath for the holidays this year...andddd I'm pretty jazzed about it. It was simple, easy to do, and a great unique collection of fun memories over 2012.



Original Wine Cork Wreath idea via Pinterest
Image source

 

Five simple steps is all it takes!!!!

1) Have fun with your family, friends and loved ones over a bottle of vino.

2) Save all the corks in a dry (and preferably pretty display) area.

3) Buy a small styrofoam wreath from your local craft store (Michael's, Pat Catan's, etc.)

4) Take a walk down memory lane when you pour out all of your collected corks and recount the lovely times you shared.

5) Take toothpicks and stab one end into the cork and the other end into the styrofoam. Arrange to your liking, hang and enjoy!!!


Wine Cork Wreath!
Since I love red wine, I chose to flip some of the red-stained corks over to add some extra holiday swag color. Love it!



My finished wine cork wreath! Happy and hung! Success!

Enjoy your festive libations this year, and start saving for your easy-to-do wine cork wreath for the holidays next year!

 

Screw Factory Artists Open House in Lakewood!

Have you been to the Screw Factory in Lakewood before? Yesterday, I attended one of their open houses and it's always a new adventure each time! If you haven't discovered this place yet...you're seriously missing out on one of Cleveland's post-industrial polished gems! But don't worry... the Last Minute Market is just around the corner--Saturday, December 15th 10am-6pm at the Screw Factory so you still have a chance. The event will feature all sorts of mixed media, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, clothing, book art, crafts, paintings, photography and SO MUCH MORE!

Click here to visit their site

  

So, the Screw Factory building is located in the area affectionately known as "Birdtown" in Lakewood. The Screw Factory is both an active factory and home to several working artists in studios on the second and third floors. Click here to check out the list of the many artists located at the Screw Factory. Growing up in and around the arts, I've come to LOVE Cleveland artists' unique style and blend of aesthetics-- tough yet delicate, experiential yet accessible, pragmatic yet creative, rusted yet restored, historial yet renewed, stark yet bright.

Photo by JAMinCLE

The dichotomy of a "Rust Belt" city experiencing a renaissance is surely evident in a place like the artists' studios here in the Screw Factory. The building itself is nearly 100 years old and once served as a car factory (go figure).

Photo by JAMinCLE

Photo by JAMinCLE

 

 

The remnants of a bygone era still lingers throughout the building, especially when contrasted next to these phenomenal artists' work and vibrantly creative spaces.

Photo by JAMinCLE

Photo by JAMinCLE

 

Photo by JAMinCLE

 

Per usual, I met some amazing artists as they welcomed me into their colorful worlds. It's always so fascinating to see how they each use their loft space differently and develop a "signature look" for their space that reflects their design aesthetic. 

Photo by JAMinCLE

 

Meet Mary Beth of MBN Art. She specializes in these awesome acrylic paintings. I loved how bright and cheery her studio was accompanied by her bright style paintings. After admiring her work, I began chatting with her, and she asked if I was an artist too. "No," I confessed. Then, she revealed that she spent most of her professional career working as a nurse in Cleveland. She left her "day job" a few years back to "regroup and recharge her battery" she said. Amen, sister! Way to follow your passion!!! It surely shines through!

 

Photo by JAMinCLE

Meet Karen of Firsthand Studio. She works with mixed media paintings and handmade books. I particularly liked her handmade books, which she is just venturing into. My mom is a member of Art Books Cleveland so I was happy to pass along the good word about the group and connect fellow Clevelanders and book artists! Hope you can join the next meeting!

 

Photo by JAMinCLE

 

Meet Teresa of Silvermade Studio and dovecote cleveland. I fell in love with her jewelry line the moment I laid eyes on it! She is the quintessential Cleveland (born & bred) jewelry maker!!! Her pieces are delicate but sturdy. Simple but profound. Labor intensive but oh-so-worth-it! When I picked up this bracelet I knew I had to have it! Teresa and I began to talk about the amount of work that goes into the tedious process, and how she must lay out each individual teeny-tiny letter and hammer it into the metal. Wow, patient woman! She said she really liked this piece too because it was one of her favorite quotes by e.e. cummings. My heart fluttered! This is actually part of my all time favorite most beloved and often used mantra & quote by e.e. cummings that goes, "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are!"

 

Ain't that the truth?!

Photos by JAMinCLE

If only everyone relished this noteworthy quote! I was so excited after chatting with Teresa and discovering our common ground of admiration for seriously awesome poets, AND my new bracelet which serves as a reminder to me each and everyday of who I really am and where I come from! It takes courage, persistence and curiosity to actively choose to face each new day with the positive intent of growing and continuing to develop and thrive! But you, you already know, CLE! :) Keep on JAMmin!





Photo by JAMinCLE

The Coolest, Most Creative, Caring 17 Year Old Cleveland/Canadian Designer!

Last month, I attended the Smart Business Innovation Awards for work. Little did I know, I would meet Courtney den Elzen at the event and be completely blown away by her passion, focus and innovation! Courtney is the wonderful co-owner and visionary behind the design and accessory line called Wee Sang Designs.



Image source
Wee Sang Designs

"Wee Sang Designs is an eco-friendly and charitable design company out to make a difference in the world around us. Founded by high school aged sisters, Courtney and Hailey den Elzen, Wee Sang Designs was built upon the concept: Save Give Live. A commitment to save our planet, give to others, and live life to the fullest."

Courtney happened to attend the the Smart Business Innovation Awards as a student of Montessori High School in University Circle. The school, which opened in 2008, "provides a unique learning opportunity by combining experience-based developmental learning with formal academic disciplines, and partnering with University Circle Institutions as interdisciplinary resources to create an exceptional experience."

Photo source

The unique learning atmosphere, community involvement, and opportunity to develop her business drew Courtney from Canada to Cleveland last year. When asked why and how she made the big leap to the U.S. she simply stated, "I knew it was the right thing to do in order to get my business off the ground." Courtney's authentic style, sweet demeanor, generous heart and dedication to her business shook me to the core. I was completely inspired by how she outlined the mission of her business with such ease and articulation. Wow!

Photo Source

Courtney's love for fashion and sewing started as a young girl when her mother first taught her how to sew. As Courtney began to make new and cool products, her friends took notice and began asking her to make items for them too...and it took off. The great thing is, in Canada, they do not use disposable grocery bags in the store, so people must bring their own bags to do their shopping. Courtney saw the demand and went for it! She began making totes and bags from upcycled juice drink packaging.



Photo source: Duncan Field



Photo source: Duncan Field
Her popular Jammers line...
clearly we are a match made in heaven!
JAM will DEFINITELY be purchasing something from this line!

But wait, not only are the products awesome and upcycled, a portion of the proceeds benefit good causes! "Because helping those in need is just as important for us as protecting the environment: From each Wee Sang sale twenty percent of proceeds are donated to our two favourite charities: Kerr Street Ministries’ children’s programs for low income families in Oakville, Ontario and Free The Children’s water and sanitation projects in Sierra Leone." Yes 20%! These young ladies are truly tremendous!



Courtney den Elzen, co-founder of Wee Sang Designs, Recipient of YMCA Peace Medallion 2011

Wee Sang Design sisters Hailey and Courtney den Elzen

Courtney said it was great as a young female and entrepreneur in Cleveland. Her favorite hangout spot, when she's not busy working on her business or creating designs on her sewing machine, is the University Circle area. She frequents the Cleveland Museum of Art, walks around Wade Lagoon with friends, and finds inspiration in all the new construction and hustle and bustle going on in the Circle. We both are dying to check out MOCA! I feel some design inspirations coming onnnn!!!



Photo source

Courtney's school works diligently to pair students with opportunities in the community to learn and expose them to other small business owners. Her only hope for other female entrepreneurs is a specific network to foster business ideas and promote other women's businesses in the community. Especially as a budding entrepreneur, Cleveland lacks a specific network or online community solely dedicated to female entrepreneurs. But Courtney seeks as many ways to immerse herself in the Cleveland community, culture and character. She's involved in a new nonprofit in Cleveland that focuses on delivering positive, productive, confidence building workplace seminars called That Can Be Me. And is on a youth panel at the University School Entrepreneur Institute.

Photo source
May your dreams take you on positive adventures in CLE and beyond!!!

How can we connect Courtney to our cool CLE community? Let's do it! Spread the word my friends about this amazing business, positive cause, earth-friendly and fashionable product line!

Photo source

So to all my CLE readers, eco-conscious colleagues, business buddies, female fashionistas, and mission based movers and shakers...seriously, you NEED to check out Wee Sang Design and like them on Facebook. I'm totally going to buy some of the JAMmer wine totes to give to my gal pals for the holidays. I'm helping spread the word because after meeting Courtney, corresponding with her, and chatting with her over lunch, I'm telling you--this girl has got it going on... goal-oriented, extraordinarily mature for her age, actively-engaged, creative, empathic, keen eye, and business savvy. What a pleasure to get to know this outrageously cool young lady. I hope to see her products in Cleveland stores soon!