THE SOUTHERN OYSTER CO. COASTAL HOME DECOR @thesouthernoysterco Etsy Shop Meet The maker WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?I’m Sarah May Smith, the artist and founder behind The Southern Oyster Co., based in Augusta, Georgia. My work draws from the quiet beauty of the coast and the timeless charm of the South. I love taking something simple and natural — like an oyster shell — and transforming it into a piece that feels personal and enduring. Whether I’m designing gilded oyster jewelry or crafting a set of napkin rings inspired by a certain local golf course, I approach each piece as a small work of art — a reminder that beauty can be found in what the sea leaves behind. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.Each piece begins with a sustainably sourced oyster shell, carefully chosen for its natural shape and texture. I apply my original designs printed on delicate rice paper, finish each one with hand-gilded gold leaf, and seal it with a clear, enduring finish. WHAT INSPIRES YOU?I’m endlessly inspired by the quiet beauty of the coast — the colors of the sea, the shimmer of sunlight on water, and the sense of calm that drifts in with the tide. I love creating pieces that capture that feeling and bring it into everyday life — jewelry and décor that feel refined yet natural, elegant yet easy to wear or display. Each design begins with something simple and real — an oyster shell shaped by the sea — and becomes a small work of art meant to be cherished. My hope is that every piece carries a bit of that coastal serenity and Southern grace wherever it goes. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.Fun fact: I’m a mom of five — including two sets of twins! There’s never a dull moment in our house, and I think that joyful chaos inspires a lot of my creativity. FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.Downtown Augusta has a charm all its own — a mix of history, creativity, and community that I find endlessly inspiring. I love that it’s big enough to feel vibrant but still small enough to feel like home. It’s a place where Southern hospitality meets creative energy, and I’m so grateful to share my work in a community that values both tradition and artistry. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?Creating has always been where I find calm and joy — it’s the space where my hands can be busy and my heart can be still. I love the process of turning something simple into something special, of watching a plain shell become a small work of art. Designing, making, and creating allow me to pour beauty, meaning, and intention into everyday life. It’s deeply fulfilling to know that something I’ve made can bring a bit of light, warmth, or memory into someone else’s home. That’s what keeps me creating — the chance to make something that feels personal, lasting, and full of heart. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?Just go for it! Follow what inspires you and run with it. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
BOPER9 original art prints @boper9 boper9.carrd.co Meet The artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO? I am Boper9, I am from Nashville, TN but have been local to augusta for nearly a decade now, and I am a comic artist turned illustrator who makes commissioned artwork. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS. I make various illustrations, usually figure focused, in a mix of traditional and digital medias, usually with contour lines and simple colors. I scan, digitally process, and make my art prints at home. Occasionally I will use my printer to make other merch such as stickers and temporary tattoos, but as a last-minute-fill-in this year those things won’t be on the menu. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Comics. Art that is meant to communicate many concepts and themes at once, often ones that are clearer in image than they would be explained out in words, sentences. Dramatic scenes in well-art-directed movies. Comfortable seating in art museums. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU. I replaced the high voltage battery in my generation-2 Prius. I also like doing easy plug-&-play hardware upgrades to computers (processors excluded because thermal paste intimidates me). FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA. Book Tavern. Library. The view from the tall parts of the riverwalk. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE? Love is less the word for me; it’s more like ‘feel compelled to’. I think I will always be making art in some capacity. It just makes me happier when people like the results and I don’t have to divide my time between making art, which is a essential function I must do, and working at something non-intrinsic to make money. I like talking to people about the subjects of my art, often times fanart of fictions I enjoy. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS? Understanding the techniques and technical specifications of how your merchandise is produced is very valuable, even if you don’t handle the production yourself. The more you can set up your art to be smoothly sent off to the manufacturer, the less stress you’ll have worrying about or receiving a wildly innacurate or unintentional version of your product. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
LYDA DAY original art prints @lydaday @lydamayday Meet The artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO? I’m Lyda Day, but not quite sure who I am just yet. I am from Aiken SC, but surely wasn’t meant to be. I’m a painter, mosaicist, bone carver, & leatherworker. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS. Process? I hope from project to project getting distracted by newer, more exciting projects. For this reason I rarely take on commissions as they require deadlines. I prefer to be able to shift between projects at my own discretion. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Nature, life/death, the infinitely expanding galaxy, politics, punk culture, my son. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU. I’m not sure i have ‘fun facts’. FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA. Book Tavern, Humanitree, & Knuckle Sandwiches WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE? It makes me happy. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS? Don’t ever give up on your passion. Taking years off doesn’t stop ou from being an artist. That never goes away. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
A.C. DANIEL original art prints @acdaniel @a.c.sart Etsy Shop Meet The artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO? CSRA based artist A.C. Daniel has been drawing and painting just about as long as he’s been alive. He’s spent the last few years mastering his pen and ink style and painting murals when given the opportunity. A.C. is currently enjoying teaching 7th and 8th grade 2D art at the Episcopal Day School. A.C.’s spirituality is at the forefront of whatever he gets into and he prefers taking on projects that reflect it. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS. My work often involves coming up with an initial idea, allowing that to evolve through conversations and synchronicities that show up along the way, then alchemizing reference images into something fresh and alive. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? I’m nothing without my community. A lot of my work is based on experiences with the people around me. I’m surrounded by brilliant artists and they keep me humble and inspired to achieve more. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU. I’ve been hit in the face quite a few times while practicing Muay Thai. FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA. I love how willing we all are to share knowledge, tools, and techniques to help each other grow. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE? Making art has been the most consistent part of my life. It’s an ongoing conversation and love letter to the world around me. I used to think I wanted breaks from making art, but I’m finding more and more than art is a part of my stability and general wellbeing. It keeps me going in a lot of ways. It’s my constant companion when so many people have come and gone. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS? See each piece, even if you hate it, as part of your overall process of evolution. Nothing is a failure. It’s all worthwhile. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
2 THRIFTED CHICKS WHIMSICAL HAND PAINTED FLOWER POTS Meet The MAKERS WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?We are 2 craft nerds, who enjoy using items from from nature and previous projects! DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.We make fun painted pots from other projects! Such as recycled upcycled tin can wind chimes, tree limb and beading from other projects. And found driftwood from the Savannah. WHAT INSPIRES YOU?Not wasting any items and hey, we do not want to make anything we ourselves would not be able to afford. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.We are both born and raised in Arizona! Now in Augusta and Edgefield, and we have done the world’s longest yard sale almost yearly! FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.Everything! Which is why I made it home for many years! Right above what is now Pineapple Ink WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?Because we have always been nerds! We are not much for TV, so crafting it is! WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?To just have fun, and please do not compare yourself to others! RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
CHLOE WELCH ART illustrated prints, notecards, notebooks, & postcards @chloewelch chloewelch.com Meet The artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO? My name is Chloe Welch, I live in North Augusta SC but am originally from Gilbert, AZ. I am a former art educator-turned-illustrator and mom of two. I love designing cute art prints, greeting cards, and have just completed my first book project! DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS. My creative process starts with inspiration—from colors I spot in everyday life to retro design, vintage illustrations, flowers, and animals. I’m always chasing that spark of cuteness, aiming to create something charming and joyful. I sketch and draw digitally, layering in color and texture until it feels just right. Once a piece is finished, I print it into different products. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? ’m inspired by color and texture—there’s something magical about finding unexpected combinations that sing when placed side by side. I’m always exploring new ways to layer texture over bold, playful colors to create depth and warmth. I’m drawn to joyful, feel-good imagery—like cheerful flowers, friendly shapes, and anything that adds a little more fun to the day. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU. When I’m not making art, I love baking sourdough bread! FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA. We’ve been here for about a year now, and after moving from Denver, Colorado, we’ve really come to appreciate the slower pace and small-town feel. It’s so lush and green—peaceful and full of charm. It’s the perfect place for us to raise our young family. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE? Creating is a joyful challenge for me—there’s always something new I want to try, a fresh idea I want to explore. I’m endlessly driven to keep making, pushing myself to grow and evolve. While I love seeing a finished piece come to life, it’s the process—the experimenting, the problem-solving, the flow—that truly lights me up. If I had all the free time in the world, I’d still choose to draw and design, so getting to do what I love and earn a living from it feels like such a gift. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS? For me, the joy of making is everything. I try to protect that joy—to create without letting the pressure to profit overshadow the process. I always come back to the idea that even if no one else ever saw a piece I made, I’d still feel fulfilled just by making it. That sense of personal satisfaction and completion keeps me grounded. When you truly love your work, it matters less whether someone else likes it—because the joy was already in the making. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
SOLEY CERAMICS unique hanging planters, flowerpots, and decor inspired by nature @sueoley.ceramics @soley.ceramics etsy.com/SoleyCeramics Meet The artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO? I’m Sue Oley, the artist behind Soley Ceramics. I’m based in Midway, GA, and I make small batch ceramics for home and garden. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS. The majority of my work is created on the wheel. I like to throw clean and elegant forms so that I get to play with patterns and texture. Each piece is finished with handpainted glaze. A cylinder might get bold colors or a complex glaze design. Marbled clay is topped by a drippy oil spot glaze. A carved form will feature a bubbling crater glaze. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Living on the Georgia coast, I’m constantly inspired by the world around me: coral, driftwood, the patterns left in sand by the pull of the tide, the movement of waves, or the colors of a coastal sunset. That connection to water and earth influences the look and feel of my work. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU. I will watch any movie with space travel in it, no matter how bad. FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA. The Augusta Sculpture Trail WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE? I love how ceramics allow me to combine creativity and function. Making pieces for plants lets me blend my love of nature with my love of clay into something both beautiful and useful. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS? Each piece is an opportunity to learn and grow. Keep experimenting and embrace the challenges. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
STAINED GLASS CLASS HANDMADE STAINED GLASS @sharonsstainedglassclass Meet The ARTIST WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?I am Sharon Burnside and I live in Aiken SC. I retired from the Steel Mill up north. I have been doing stained glass for over 30 yrs. I now teach one-on-one classes in my art studio. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.I use the copper foil technique for making stained glass and that is what I teach. WHAT INSPIRES YOU?My love of church windows. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.I put in over 30 years working in the Steel mill. FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.The Saturday farmer’s market on Reynolds st and 8th. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?It keeps me out of trouble. Takes me away from my worries and I can create something beautiful for others to enjoy, along with my self. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?Do what you enjoy for as long as you enjoy it then it never becomes work. I love meeting everyone at these craft events. When they come up to me and say “I bought one of your pieces before!” I love to hear it and love to know what they have bought! RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
RB WOOD CREATIONS custom shadow boxes, cutting boards, and other fine wood working @RBWoodCreations Meet The ARTIST WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO? Reuben Brauer retired from the U.S. Navy in 2017 and founded RB Wood Creations in Grovetown, Georgia in 2018. He built a reputation for building custom shadow boxes, cutting boards and other pieces of fine woodworking. RB Wood Creations specializes in creating 3-Dimensional patterns and images in 2-Dimensional works. This is accomplished via various methods, such as arrangement of various species of wood in cutting boards to achieve repeating patterns that simulate 3D images and/or patterns. Additional techniques utilized by RB Wood Creations include creating layered 3D art which is achieved by stacking multiple layers of laser-cut wood, thereby creating a tiered-style relief of the art. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS. RB Wood Creations is a one-person operation; no part or procedure is outsourced. This allows RB Wood Creations to maintain the highest level of craftsmanship throughout the entire production process. All works of art produced by RB Wood Creations are made from domestic and exotic hardwoods such as: Cherry, Hard Maple, Walnut, Sapele, Wenge and others. This not only allows for unmatched natural beauty in all products, but also guarantees longevity of the product rather than utilizing cheaper softwoods. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Attempting new projects, designs and procedures. Sure, perfecting existing methods and products are always forefront, but delving into the new ideas and efforts are what keep things “fresh”. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU. I have a love/hate relationship with wood! What a strange statement for someone who primarily works with wood, right? I’m a perfectionist at heart, but wood is not perfect by nature. One has to embrace the uniqueness of each piece and make judgement calls as to what raw materials end up in each finished product. This fact makes each “identical” finished product unique in it’s own way. FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA. The restaurants! There’s quite a few eating establishments I enjoy frequenting downtown. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE? Doing something you love isn’t work at all! WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS? When one is starting out, it’s ok to take inspiration and do things others have done before. When one gets comfortable and proficient with the basics, exploring and creating unique pieces becomes easier as one already knows the procedures required to bring their own ideas to life. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
RACHEL BRANDS HAND-LETTERED AND ILLUSTRATED PRINTS @rachelbrands_ rachelbrands.com Meet The ARTIST WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO? I’m a designer, illustrator and lettering artist from sunny South Carolina. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS. I use a digital process to create fun prints, stickers, and fun products that bring joy to your life and space. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? I’m inspired by nature, cathedrals, illuminated manuscripts, art nouveau, antiques, my faith, and anything good, true and beautiful. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU. I have a golden aussie named Scout who moonlights as my office manager and complaints department (both payable and receivable). FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA. I love meeting friends downtown, grabbing a bite at one of the fun restaurants, or seeing a show. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE? I believe we are all made in God’s image, and are designed to reflect Him in the way we create, each in our own unique way. I love highlighting the beauty inherent in the world using my art and lettering. Or, just making people laugh and spreading joy. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS? What you do is so valuable! “And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.” -Dead Poets Society RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
