Makers of the USA

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Makers Market At The Point Series - A Potter Who Uses A Sgraffito Process & A Expert In CBD Who Mellows Out With Her Chill Pills Feb 07, 2021

Show notes

The episode starts out with Milly Welsh who is the owner and founder of Zwellyn Pottery. She went to school for animation and her full-time job is website design and development but her true passion is pottery. Her designs are unique and the ones I personally enjoy are inspired by horror flicks. She also shares her passion for pottery with her three girls and they all reside in Limington, Maine.

The last guest on the episode is Liz Kirby with Good Jane which is now Betoken CBD. Liz was undergoing stresses in her daily life and was trying to find an outlet that could help provide her with some relief. She started formulating oral capsules with CBD which became very popular and she decided to keep expanding her product line to creams, body baths, and so much more. She is not only a maker but an educator behind CBD.

To learn more about the Makers Market at the Point and to view each of the guest's products, please visit their websites listed here: Zwellyn Pottery and Betoken CBD.

Also, please check out the featured musician of this episode, Bait Bag, and their new hit Safe Word.

If you enjoyed this Makers of the USA episode, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Facebook. Please check out Makers of the USA's YouTube channel, Facebook and Instagram. Thank you all and stay safe and healthy.

Frances Mahoney Wears Many Creative Hats & Started Her Own Design Studio In The Midst Of The Pandemic Jan 30, 2021

Show notes

Frances Mahoney is a born and raised Mainer as she grew up in Portland. Her passion for art and design started at a young age as she drew up fun illustrations. She attended Maine College of Art (MECA) and started out her college career going the illustration route but then made the decision of majoring in graphic design where her heart truly gravitates towards. She has worked for many renowned businesses including Sea Bags and Pulp + Wire but found her true calling with her independent design studio, I Before E Design (Frances will fill you in on how that name came about). She has worked with a variety of clients including small businesses located in Maine to national clients located on the West Coast. Frances and Kristan met while working at Sea Bags and became close friends and they continue to be close to this day. Frances has partnered up with Makers of Maine on various photoshoots including Maine Craft Association's Maine Craft Weekend, Makers Market at Thompson's Point, and recently with Mahoosuc Guide Services in Newry. To view more of her work visit her website and Instagram.

Music produced by Natále.

Photo was taken by Coco Mccracken.

Chandlyr Jackson, Illustrator & Print Maker, Brings Vibrant, Fruity Designs To Your Home Dec 27, 2020

Show notes

Chandlyr Jackson with Freckled Fuchsia turned to the craft of traditional printmaking after spending time as a UX/UI designer after graduating from Wentworth Institute of Technology. She started her business in Providence, Rhode Island, and is now operating her small business out of a small studio in downtown Portland, Maine.

Chandlyr is originally from Connecticut and has been in Portland for a couple of years now. She continues to expand her network of craftspeople in the area as she has discovered that community is key here in this great state of Maine.

From pillows to tea towels to prints to jewelry, you can find Chandlyr's illustrations on almost anything. Her focus on fruit has piqued many folks' interest. She even used the block print technique to craft my linen table cloth that features my wood grain logo. The craft takes precision and patience as you have to hand cut the design to place it on the material.

Chandylr continues to improve on her sustainable practices by utilizing eco-friendly packaging, inks, and materials. She mentions that it is challenging to find eco-friendly materials in the United States and sometimes has to look outside the country.

To learn more about Chandylr and to view her products, please visit her website. Feel free to follow her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram to get updates on new products and what's going on at the studio.

Also, please check out the featured musician of this episode, Spencer Albee. He is a nationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer. Since 1995, he has toured internationally, signed multiple recording and publishing deals, and worked with artists ranging from David Bowie to De La Soul. His song Love's Not Lost was inspired by his tiredness of all the fighting and vitriol. He states, "I feel like we need to show more compassion and want better for each other. "

A Historical Lodge Filled With Memories & Traditions On The Island Of North Haven Nov 29, 2020

Show notes

Nebo Lodge is quite a charm. A charm that will be a part of your memories and traditions. A charm that holds makers handcrafted adornments. Once you visit, you want to experience it all over again.

Before Nebo became Nebo it was a part of the Mullin House which was a popular spot among the community and many non-residents of the island would stay. Life on an island can get lonely and the little things matter so much to the community including a visit from the President of the United States. An interview of a popular radio show called Yankee Yarns tells a story of how President Grant came to North Haven after a long sail off the Maine Coast as he needed a warm place to rest and a good meal. He stayed the night at the Mullin House and the word spread quickly that he was on the island which turned into a big crowd right outside the Mullin House. His stay ended by taking a drag of a cigar in the lounge of the lodge and leaving his cigar-butt in the ashtray which has turned into an artifact David Hopkins, Eric's brother, has possession of.

David shares the history behind the lodge and his family's memories in the early stages of Nebo Lodge. He also shares how the artwork that is a part of his gallery is displayed at Nebo Lodge and that he owns various artifacts that came from the lodge back in the 1900s.

Then Chellie Pingree, the owner of the Nebo Lodge building, shares her personal story of what it's like to live on the island, how she is a maker herself, and how she purchased Nebo Lodge to keep the landmark alive.

Lastly, Angela Ruffolo, the Operations Manager at Nebo Lodge, shares her experience of managing and taking over the lodge, the traditions that are taken place at the lodge, and the people who have stayed at the lodge and who are a part of the Nebo family.

To learn more about Nebo Lodge and to see his one-of-a-kind artwork, please visit their website. Feel free to follow him on Facebook and Instagram to get updates on new artwork and what's going on at his studio.

Also, please check out the featured musician of this episode, Sean McGowan. Sean is a fingerstyle jazz guitarist who combines many diverse musical influences with unconventional techniques to create a broad palette of textures within his compositions and arrangements for solo guitar. His song October is a favorite and blends very nicely with the journey of North Haven.

Thank you to Justin Smulski and Amy Bouchard for joining me on this amazing adventure and capturing the experience through your creative skills and channels.

Also, please reserve your spot to attend the Hey Day Maker's Faire which takes place November 29th. Avril has worked hard to put together this wonderful event that showcases a variety of makers and to provide you with Maine made gift ideas.

Eric Hopkins, An Artist Known For His Focus On The Natural World, Shares His Love For The Land Of The Free & The Home Of The Brave Nov 16, 2020

Show notes

Eric Hopkins is not just an artist, he is a kind gentleman that looks at the world through a different lens. He takes his experiences of life, death, happiness, beauty, and much more and showcases it through his work. His work is portrayed in many forms of art from watercolors to oils to photography. He enjoys the use of bright, vibrant colors and typically you will see in many of his watercolor work, small forms of trees that give his landscape texture and dimension. It is a minor detail that many see as Eric's signature and when one sees it they know exactly who created it.

Eric along with his two brothers was born on North Haven Island and he and his brother David still reside there today. Eric's three children grew up on the island as well. One of his sons passed away in a horrific car accident and his other son and daughter still reside on the island raising their beautiful families. You will find Eric putting together beautiful pieces on his 40-acre property. He has three shacks that all include studios, one for his watercolors, the second for his drawings and sketches, and the third for his woodworking that best complements his watercolor pieces. Eric also has a gallery located in Rockland that showcases many pieces of his work.

Eric enjoys traveling the world and capturing the beauty of nature in those areas to display through his artwork. He has a glass studio in Washington state where he visits once a year but he always winds up back in his home state.

To learn more about Eric Hopkins and to see his one-of-a-kind artwork, please visit his website. Feel free to follow him on Facebook and Instagram to get updates on new artwork and what's going on at his studio.

Also, please check out the featured musician of this episode, Sean McGowan. Sean is a fingerstyle jazz guitarist who combines many diverse musical influences with unconventional techniques to create a broad palette of textures within his compositions and arrangements for solo guitar. His song Damariscotta is about a local town in Maine that is a part of the New Castle region.

Thank you to Justin Smulski and Amy Bouchard for joining me on this amazing adventure and capturing the experience through your creative skills and channels.

Makers Market At The Point Series - A Hand Weaver, A Quilter & A Lifestyle Brand Oct 22, 2020

Show notes

The episode starts out with Hilary Crowell who is the owner and founder of The Cultivated Thread. She has a passion for farming but needed to find a hobby during the wintertime as farming tends to slow down in the colder months. Weaving became a passion and she recently built a business to showcase her skills and people enjoy her designs and products.

The second guest is Jami Bouley with JP Quilts. He started his craft of quilting by taking a class with a friend which turned into a hobby he will never stop doing. He also is a part of a quilt group where they take on projects together and learn from one another. He has built his business by going to craft shows throughout the state and even some out of the state. He's known for his Maine inspired quilts as well as his cardinal themed quilts.

The last guest on the episode is Greg Benoit with Benoit Design Co. Greg's family had a long history of selling apparel in shops across Maine but now he has decided to take the family name and turn it into something else. He took a dive into laser engraving, cutting, and dye sublimation. He is also expanding his operations by hiring immigrants in the area.

To learn more about the Makers Market at the Point and to view each of the guest's products, please visit their websites listed here: The Cultivated Thread, JP Quilts & Benoit Design Co.

Also, please check out the featured musician of this episode, Coyote Island. Mike O'Hehir was born in England and vacationed in Maine with grandparents when he was younger. His song "Here Before", lyrically was inspired by meeting his fiancé at a full moon bonfire party, He arrived late to the party and was experimenting with “psychedelic plant medicines”, it was a wonderful night! The chorus though was written years ago on his travels out west. That feeling of going places for the first time and wondering why it feels so familiar. “I’ve been here before, and so have you"

Jemma Gascoine Crafts Pottery With Clean Lines & Solid Colors; She Is Based In Monson & Has A Focus In Sculpture Oct 01, 2020

Show notes

Jemma Gascoine has such a unique technique when crafting her pottery. She pays attention to every detail while on the potter's wheel, is inspired by the breathtaking environment surrounding her studio in Monson, and uses bold, simple colors to give her pieces the final touch. She was taught by the famous potter Barry Guppy yet she has created her own style of artwork that has Jemma written all over it.

Jemma is originally from England but has been in Monson for quite some time and people in her community know her very well for her work as well as teachings to students and adults in the area. You can find her student's work displayed on the shelves in her studio and their items are available for purchase. Jemma loves supporting her students as they find their own style of pottery and some even help her in the shop with painting pieces, manning the shop and so much more.

Jemma also tells me about the wonderful town of Monson. It is located near Moosehead Lake but is known for the Appalachian Trail as many hikers that go through tend to stop at this small town. The mountains are breathtaking especially when the leaves are peeping.

To learn more about what Jemma will be doing for Maine Craft Weekend and to view her products, please visit her website. Feel free to follow her on Instagram to get updates on new products and what's going on at the studio.

Also, please check out the featured musician of this episode, Half Way Home. Their music genre is acoustic, indie, traditional folk, soft rock, and originals with beautiful harmonies. Dick Dutson, Kermit, and Alexandra Bennett are located in Monson and enjoy getting together to jam. Their song Zoom Zoom Zoom is about local Maine backroads and nearly hitting certain animals. It is quite comical.

Doles Orchard Is Not Just A Family Farm, It Is Also Known For Its Wooden Crates Crafted By Emily Chelate Sep 30, 2020

Show notes

Who knew that a woodshop was located on a popular "pick your own" apple orchard in Limington. Now, this isn't just any woodshop as they craft crates and gift boxes for Allagash Brewery put together retail furnishings for Sea Bags, and so much more. Emily Chelate, daughter of Earl and Nancy Bunting who has owned and operated the farm since 1993 and still do today, started this woodshop due to Allagash's interest in being a wholesale partner where the shop would craft crates and boxes for their customers. They use a burning technique to go about putting the logo on the crates which gives it a rustic look and you typically find these crates when purchasing their house beer at their tasting room.

Allagash's relationship with Doles Orchard started when they were trying to find cherries for their beer as the orchard was one of a few that grew them in the state. Allagash even named one of their beers after Nancy which of course includes the cherries and you can find it in their tasting room today. When they saw how the farm transported produced in wooden crates they both came together to formulate an idea of crafting a wooden crate for their beers and their relationship and custom products grew from there.

Emily and her team of woodworkers work day-to-day on very interesting projects including a spa-like contraption that was a bit of a challenge to put together but is now making hundreds of them. Emily is a fascinating woodworker and designer. She has built a team of men and women who craft pieces of all kinds and she is someone to look up to as a female entrepreneur, woodworker, and designer.

To learn more about what Emily will be doing for Maine Craft Weekend and to view her products, please visit her website. Feel free to follow her on Facebook and Instagram to get updates on new products and what's going on at the farm. You can also go apple picking anytime on the weekdays and weekends. You can find the "What's In Season" schedule here.

Also, please check out the featured musician of this episode, Troy Hudson and The High Road. Troy Hudson is a Maine native that lives on the midcoast. His grandfather and brother both played guitar and inspired him to start playing around 8 years old. Their latest single, Frontline of Love, was recorded during the pandemic. All of the tracks were recorded separately in different locations by the band. Each of the band members sent their individual tracks to Troy and he mixed them at his recording studio. Listening back to it you’d never know they were miles away from each other during the process. The song is about coming out of your shell and believing you deserve happiness and love.

Jody Johnstone Brings Wood Fired Pottery To Maine By Building A 24-Foot Long Anagama Tunnel Kiln In Her Backyard Sep 25, 2020

Show notes

There are many potters in Maine but one potter you need to get to know is Jody Johnstone. She spent time in Japan with a master potter who specialized in wood firing which began Jody's passion for this particular practice. She went over to Japan to be a junior apprentice for Isezaki Sensei but wanted to get more out of the experience and was treated as an apprentice as she was very hands-on with crafting wood-fired pieces.

After her time in Japan, she came back to the states to launch her own pottery studio which led her to Swanville, Maine. Her property is a sanctuary deeply rooted in the woods with two log cabins. One that holds her beautiful artwork where people can purchase and the other holds her potter's wheel, clay, and other tools she can put together her pieces. As well as her beautiful home, 24-foot wood fire kiln, and a smaller wood fire kiln.

She fires up her 24-foot Anagama Tunnel twice a year, once in the spring and once in the late summer/early fall, and fills the tunnel to the brim with many pieces of pottery that were made throughout the year ready to be fired. Sometimes these pieces are sitting in her studio for 4 months just waiting for the kiln to be fired up. The firing is more like a ceremony where a group of other potters and friends of Jody bring their pieces they would like to be a part of the firing too. The best part about this ceremony is to see what the pieces look like after the firing is complete.

To learn more about what Jody will be doing for Maine Craft Weekend and to view her products, please visit her website. Feel free to follow her on Instagram to get updates on new products and what's going on at her studio.

Also, please check out the featured musician of this episode, Velocipede with Julia Plumb and Baron Collins-Hill. Julia came to playing music by going to contra dances and wanting to play. A friend of Baron’s family gave him a mandolin to borrow and taught him a few chords. They both met in 2008 at Maine Fiddle Camp in Montville and loved making music together right away. They both love the tunes found in traditional dance music from a variety of places - Ireland, Québec, England, the US, and Scandinavia. Part of this music tradition is playing together with friends, which is part of how they got to know Jody at the Irish session in Belfast. You can check out their Facebook and YouTube to see more of their music but please stay until the end of the episode to hear The Birdhouse written by Baron and the second, The Cat After Sausages written by Julia.

Linda & Ken Perrin Share Their Love Of Glass Blowing In The Heart Of Ellsworth Sep 24, 2020

Show notes

Linda and Ken Perrin have quite the story of how they established their Atlantic Art Glass studio. Their relationship started while attending a class at San Francisco City College and their love for one another grown further through the many creative endeavors they took on. Their journey took them to Maine as they were driving around Ellsworth and stumbled upon a beautiful brick building which is now their studio that houses their beautiful glass blown art and other art materials including lots of yarn donated by a fellow community member for their non-profit Artsworth.

The process behind glass blowing is quite lengthy as there many steps yet the pace is super fast when you see it done in person. From the high temperatures of the furnace to the gathering of the molten glass to blowing into a steel pipe to give the glass its shape, it is a great sight to see.

When visiting their studio, Linda and her team of artisans were putting together glass blown pumpkins for their Maine Craft Weekend event. They used unique tools to form the indents of the pumpkin and they used a spiraling technique to form the stem of the pumpkin and used a blow torch to give the piece of art a final touch.

To learn more about Atlantic Art Glass' Maine Craft Weekend event click here.

Please visit Atlantic Art Glass to view their products. Feel free to follow them on Facebook and Instagram to get updates on new products and events happening at their studio including what they will be doing for Maine Craft Weekend.

Also, please check out the featured musician of this episode, Caroline Cotter. She came from a musical family and always loved to sing. She watched her older siblings play instruments and wanted to play too. Her track Eternal Light is about her first time being in Alaska and it was around the summer solstice. Eternal Light is inspired by her experience of the midnight sun, the art and stories of Alaskan natives, and the amazing wildlife of Alaska. You can check out her Facebook and Instagram to keep tabs on her new music planned to launch in 2021 and where she will be playing locally.

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