ROMP + ROAM handmade children’s clothing @rompandroam rompandroamclothing.com Meet The Artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?My name is Brittany McCrea. Although I’m currently living in Brunswick, GA, Augusta has a very special place in my heart. During my husband’s 10 year military service, we have lived in Augusta on two separate occasions. It was our first home together and where we came back to after an overseas station in Germany. I’ve always been a crafter since I can remember, but when I found myself bored and alone with a fresh 2 month old baby boy in a country I was unfamiliar with and a husband that had to go away on missions and field exercises, my mom surprised me with a sewing machine for Christmas. I spent every naptime trying to learn. My baby was a drooler, and my first *successful* sewing project was a bandana bib for him. And I was hooked. I sewed up countless adorable bandana bibs for him and they were his trademark fashion piece. Friends started asking me to make some bibs for their babies, so I decided to try my hand at the little craft markets the army base had every few months. Over time I grew my skills from simple projects, and our family grew with another beautiful baby boy so I felt motivated to sew clothing for my boys. After 3 years in Germany, we moved back to Augusta and I officially opened up Romp & Roam. I love children. And it fills my heart with so much joy to be able to pour my love into every piece of clothing I make and to see kiddos and their parents enjoy a truly handmade with love outfit. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.Sewing is pretty straightforward. Luckily, I was able to teach myself everything I know from Pinterest, YouTube, blogs, and especially sewing community groups on Facebook. I utilize a projector that’s mounted on my ceiling pointing down onto a table with a cutting mat to project the pattern pieces onto my fabric and cut. I have to make sure the projector is calibrated correctly to ensure my cuts are accurate.Then I follow the sewing pattern instructions and construct the clothing! I stick with stretchy fabrics like cotton jersey, knits, brushed poly…etc. All the clothing I make are modern, stylish, yet easy to play in.I also love to add extra details to my items like hand cut appliqués. These appliqués are made with fabric and adds the perfect handmade touch, something you truly cannot buy from a big name fast fashion store. WHAT INSPIRES YOU?My boys inspire me of course! They are currently 6 and 4. I started sewing clothes for them because it’s frustrating walking into a clothing store and the boys section is small and not very exciting. Now that they are older, I love that I can make them shirts with their favorite animals or colors. And they always reach for their mommy made joggers when it’s time to get comfy. I’m also inspired from an ethical standpoint. Fast fashion is marketed to us everywhere we look and it has many negative implications associated with it. Our current culture of throwaway clothing is accelerating climate change from rising carbon emissions, promoting forced and child labor in other countries, and creating an exponential amount of textile and toxic waste. I source my fabrics from small shop printers in the USA, as well as organic European cotton suppliers. My children’s clothing is sewn with quality to last far longer than fast fashion brands. My hope is that if we choose “slow” fashion over fast fashion, we can cut down the waste, pollution, and unethical labor practices that plague our current fashion culture. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.Sewing usually is my fun fact haha. I worked at Walt Disney World right out of high school! That was a very fun and exciting experience that I will always look back fondly on. FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.I love (and miss!) the Riverwalk! My husband and I would walk it often when I was big and pregnant with our first kiddo. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?Sewing is my “me time.” When the kids are napping/at school/asleep at night, it’s my time to put on my podcasts or shows and sew away! I’m always keeping my hands busy and making things. To be able to hold something tangible and say “look what my years of practice and research and mistakes and pushing myself to be better has brought.” It’s exhilarating to look back and see what all I have done and how far I’ve come. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?Give yourself grace! You’ll make mistakes. I know I still do! But every mistake is an opportunity to learn. And if you’re wanting to sew, my biggest piece of advice is to keep sewing, and sewing, and sewing. The first projects aren’t going to be the prettiest, I cringe when I look at the picture of my very first bandana bib I attempted. But the more you sew, the more you master and perfect your skills. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?I LOVE custom orders! Need a special one of a kind birthday dress for your darling daughter? Or a snuggly feetie outfit to bring your fresh baby home from the hospital in? I would be absolutely honored to sew something so meaningful just for your kiddo. Follow and message our Facebook page for custom orders. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
JEWELRY BY HELEN B intricate handmade jewelry made from seed beads, beads, leather, buttons, chain, etc. pinterest.com/hibrink etsy.com/shop/JewelrybyHelenB Meet The maker WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO? I am an Augusta, GA, Retired Senior Crafter, who loves beading. It is my hobby, my pastime, and my happy place. Other than in the kitchen, I am at my beading table weaving, stringing, creating earrings, bracelets, necklaces, or working on my most recent passion, bead embroidery. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS. I string beads using Fireline, Seed Beads, Crystals, Glass Beads, Gem Stones, Faux Pearls, Metal beads and Stainless Steel Components WHAT INSPIRES YOU? I am inspired by looking out my window at God’s Beautiful Creation, birds, trees, water, leaves, sky. Also at times, I scan Pinterest, Beading Books, or go shopping at Hobby Lobby for inspiration. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU. I love to go antique shopping, go to estate sales, or Good-Will. Always looking for things to enhance my craft booth set-up. FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA. The River Front, River Walk and the unique Restaurants WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE? I love to keep busy; I think it is good for health and soul. And, as you work at a craft it gives you great pleasure to create and make something that someone else also loves and want to have for their own. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS? Enjoy your gift and remember it takes time to build your reputation and to grow your business. Don’t give up. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
MUDDY SPRINGS POTTERY handmade pottery. @muddyspringspottery Meet The Artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?I am Kattie Herring from North Augusta. I am a special ed teacher at day and play with clay whenever I can. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.I make functional pottery. I love how I can start with a mud from the earth and fire it to over 2000 degrees to turn it into ceramics. WHAT INSPIRES YOU?I am inspired by my ancestors. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.My great grandmother and great uncle were both potters. FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.Knuckle Sandwiches! WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?I love the purpose of the event and the atmosphere. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?I love using things that I make with my own two hands. Keep making RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
FROM PHOENIX hand-poured small batch candles @fromphoenix.co @fromphoenixco fromphoenix.co Meet The maker WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO? My name is Arkia and I’m the founder of From Phoenix—— a wellness brand that offers peaceful interludes for creatives and go-getters alike through hand-poured candles, self-care tools and community events. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS. My creative process is filled with intention. I source fragrances that are blended with self-care and quality in mind. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Beautiful places and community. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU. I’m a loving plant mom and all of my plant babies have nicknames. FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA. The genuine hospitality. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE? I get to exercise my god-given talents. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS? Stay in your lane and create from a space of love and joy. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
VIRGINIA K KNITS handmade knit toys, hats, decor, etc. @virginia.k.knits Meet The Artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?I’m Virginia Wayt, I’m from Aiken, SC, and I knit! But I’m also employed full time and working on a Master’s degree in Environmental Science. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.I’m really drawn to color, so usually I’ll buy yarn of fun, bright colors and then figure out what to do with it. I love making little friendly buddies! WHAT INSPIRES YOU?’m inspired by Olek, the yarn artist, they make massive installation artworks and it’s just so beautiful to me. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.I have spoken to the fastest knitter in the world. I got into contact with her through my knitting instagram, @virginia.k.knits FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.I love the many cool restaurants that are around downtown. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?Making is everything to me. It’s anxiety relieving for me, and making little critters that other people find comforting makes me feel like I’m doing something good. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?Make weird stuff. Make silly things. Don’t be afraid for things to not work out, because it’s better to try and learn than to be so afraid to fail that you never start. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
MADREMIA DESIGN handcrafted polymer clay earrings, bookmarks, keychains, and necklaces @madremiadesigns @madremiadesigns madremiadesigns.net Meet The maker WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?Hi, I am Jasmin. I was born in California but was raised in Upstate South Carolina. However, my husband is Active Duty military and we call many places “home”. Harlem GA being one of them! I am a SAHM to 4 beautiful boys and also own a small business where I create handcrafted polymer clay jewelry and accessories. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.The beginning of my process can look different depending on if I know exactly what I am wanting to create or if I am just experimenting and coming up with something on the spot. However, for either I start by forming my clay and creating the colors I would like for my project. I then add the textures or detailing that I would like my pieces to have. I then cut my pieces using polymer clay cutters and bake! After baking I “clean up” my pieces by sanding and giving them a “bath”. After that I assemble and use the findings and finishes that best fit my pieces. They then get carded and are ready to go to their new homes! WHAT INSPIRES YOU?I am inspired by anything that sparks joy. Whether it’s one of my kiddos or nature. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.I am an avid reader and will only read physical books. FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.I love the diversity! It is always so fun to see the different history through downtown areas. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?I try to find creativity in everything and having an outlet where I can create anything that my heart desires truly fuels me. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?Do what makes you happy. It is so easy in todays world to create what’s “trendy” but it’s important that what you create truly makes your soul happy. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
SIFT + STACK handmade functional porcelain wares and oil paintings @siftandstack Meet The Artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO? My name is Becca and I am an artist and educator from Augusta. I make colorful and sometimes functional fine art, often including plants, home decor and patterns. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS. I use two main art mediums so I have two fairly distinct process. For painting, I use oil paint and like to build up with lots of layers often starting with a bright pink base coat. I add layers of color schemes, loose marks and patterns to each of my paintings in hopefully unexpected but balanced ways. For ceramics, each piece is thrown on the potters wheel with stoneware clay. then I add layers of modeled clay, and underglaze patterns to build up my pieces, similarly to my paintings. I add layers of glazes to each. I love to experiment at this step! Each piece is fired in a kiln twice and is food safe. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? I am often inspired by home decor accounts on instagram and walks through antiques store. I love to play with sentimental color schemes and objects. I am also immensely inspired by leave and plants so I vistit local greenhouses often. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU. I spent most of college perfecting my chocolate chip cookie recipe and I personally think they are the best! FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA. I love the food and coffee option. Personally Buona coffee and Pizza Joint are my favorites. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE? Art and making has been ingrained in me since birth and I always have that “itch” to get into the studio and try something new. Art is vital to how I and many communicate. I love that I am able to spread joy and happiness through my work. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS? Simply begin. Most people are worried about it not looking a certain way or that they haven’t been “good at it” before. But that is not really the point of art. Art should be more similar to play and exploration. It should bring you peace and curiosity. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
TREVATHAN GOAT Handmade Goat Milk Soaps. @trevathangoat trevathangoat.com Meet The Artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO? My name is Margaret Trevathan. My husband and I own a small goat farm in Louisville, GA called Trevathan Goat. We make handcrafted goat milk soaps. Currently, I work full time as a nurse in the Neuro ICU at Augusta University. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS. We make an old fashion lye soap. Imagine those old pictures of folks over steaming cauldrons mixing potash (lye), lard and tallow. That’s what we do. We use a modern recipe substituting the lard and tallow of the old days with plant based oils. The goat milk we use is from our Nannies at Trevathan Goat. We use all natural colorants, exfoliants and essential oils. We make and mold small batches of soap and hand cut each bar with a knife. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Our soap has made people happy; I enjoy making people happy. I continue to enjoy all the people I meet along this journey of Trevathan Goat. Each customer experience inspires me to continue creating each bar with quality and care. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU. My husband and I are high school sweethearts from Hephzibah High and alumni of UGA- Go Dawgs! FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA. The Riverwalk. We spent many afternoons and evenings walking here when we were dating our senior year of high school. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE? Designing, creating and making our soap is a fun outlet from nursing and other responsibilities. It brings me joy to see our final product being used and enjoyed by others. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS? Enjoy the process. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
SOUTHERN FRIED STITCHING Original Machine Embroidered Wall Hangings, Patches, and Accessories. @southernfriedstitching southernfriedstitching.com Meet The Artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?Hi! I’m Jennifer. I’m from Columbia, SC. I have spent my entire life in the South, with stints in both the Carolinas and several years in Florida. I trained as a children and family therapist, but now find myself studying the craft of machine embroidery. I work out of my home studio in Columbia. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.I started from scratch with learning how to digitize my designs and stitch them out, so I mostly learned by screwing things up again and again. I take a lot of inspiration from so much of what I love about the South. I sketch designs and then digitize a first stitch out. Sometimes designs come together quickly (yay!), but sometimes I wrestle to figure out the best way to translate the design to stitches or what color stories to use. It has been a humbling process, but also so full of growth. Wait — am I talking about my art or myself? WHAT INSPIRES YOU?ALL THE THINGS. I find inspiration from nature, architecture, my loved ones, fellow artists. The South is full of incredible people doing interesting things. We are lucky to live in such a beautiful place! FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.I hiked the Chilkoot Trail, which is the same route the gold miners took through Alaska and British Columbia during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 19th century. FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.How walkable the city is — a lovely riverfront stroll can easily turn into in night out with dinner & drinks. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?I am proud to come from a long line of makers. I get so excited by the connections that can be made with others when I share what I create. What a gift that I can help someone celebrate a special moment, grieve a lost loved one, recall a cherished memory, or just enjoy the beauty of a new piece of art. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?Just keep making stuff. You learn by doing, messing up, and trying again. Don’t let yourself get hung up on making everything perfect the first time. You’ll get there eventually! RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
AMY CALLAN DESIGNS Augusta-Loving Prints, Totes and T-shirts. @amycallancreative Meet The Artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?’m Amy Callan, an Augusta native with a lot of love for this city. I make fun art, bags, shirts and more that help spread the love for Augusta. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.One time I almost died while making a bird feeder. FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.I love the boom that’s happening downtown right now – new businesses and shops and new things to do and see. I’m so excited to see what happens next. It has really started thriving again and I love it. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?I love making things that resonate with all people, but especially for Augustans. Add in a dash of good humor and it’s a match made in heaven. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
