10 people who made Unglued and the Fargo craft community stronger - INFORUM

Over the last decade, tens of thousands of buyers have flocked to the fest, first in the old American Legion building in downtown Fargo, then the more spacious Plains Art Museum. Crafting connoisseurs have found everything from jewelry, clothing, art and soap to hand-carved pens, fish wallets, pet treats and embroidered pillow cases.

We asked Ashley Morken, the event’s organizer and definitely the glue behind Unglued — both the craft fest and the brick-and-mortar store on Broadway — to talk about 10 contributors who have made a difference in the local makers’ market.

The Plains Art Museum will be busy again this weekend with the Unglued: Craft Fest. M Schleif Photography / Special to The Forum

Lexie Rundquist of Aerow has a totally unique and original eye for jewelry and is constantly creating new one-of-a-kind pieces. She has shared her skills through workshops at Unglued, Heart Springs, where she works with traumatic brain injury survivors, and other venues. She’s also spoken on panels about being a maker and been a resource for helping makers develop booth displays and grow their business. She also helped run Make Room’s maker gift shop when that was open to promote and grow the businesses of creatives.

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Lexie Rundquist of Aerow talks with a customer at last year's Unglued: Craft Fest. M Schleif Photography / Special to The Forum

Amanda Rydell of My Little Dear and Be Crafty was in a couple of the really early Unglued Craft Fests (including the first!) when she was living in the Twin Cities and really grew her online presence and impact, even designing a pattern/kit for JoAnn’s. She met and joined forces with The White House Co. and moved to Fargo where through their shop they featured local makers and artists alongside vintage goods. Through Amanda’s interior design work in town she’s elevated handmade and creativity, and alongside Katie and Sam from The White House Co., they have really connected so many makers, like hand-letterers, photographers, florists, bakers, etc., to the event scene in unique ways.

In addition to killing it in her own business and selling throughout the United States, ceramicist Catie Miller has spoken and begun to teach her craft, putting Fargo more on the map. She’s been a part of maker panels as well and an encouraging resource sharing a lot of her process. She’s also taught workshops in town, shared her space on the Studio Crawl, and flows between the fine art and craft spaces. One maker at the Fest this year and last year was Meghan Stinar Crafts, who took a workshop on polymer clay earrings from Catie at our shop and started her craft business from it.

Throughout the years, Melissa Steedsman of 521handmade has hosted our FM Etsy User Group meetups and shared a lot of her background and small business tips to makers. She was a part of hosting the Maker’s Markets that have happened on occasion on Small Business Saturday. She’s driven and constantly evolving. Her work is also sold throughout the country in boutiques. She’s added a retail pop-up shop/online shop called Milo Baby that she curates and buys and sells baby and mama clothing.

Melissa Steedsman is a local crafter who started designing and sewing pillows in her studio apartment and now sells her pillows in stores and at events in 13 states. Forum file photo

Laura Lempe of Poppy and Pippa is a great example of someone who has a full-time career job she loves and maintains this insane side hustle of her handmade business. She’s shared her goal-setting and tips to the maker community on a few occasions and been a part of hosting the Maker’s Markets.

Jeff Knight of Cereal was in the Fest awhile back and created our poster in 2017. I remember him being the first person in line of the swag bag attendees a few times before he became a vendor. While he hasn’t continued a handmade maker business regularly, he is constantly creating opportunities for makers and artists like with Albino Buffalo and connecting them with inspiration and each other through CreativeMornings.

Drekker Brewing Co. has been in our Craft Beer Garden at the Fest since we started it about five years ago. Since then they’ve created opportunities for makers by starting their Craft Markets at their venue and then newly starting Crafternoons, where local makers teach their craft combined with enjoying a handcrafted brew.

Tara Fermoyle of Fermie Studios has been especially involved in APT at their old and new locations and helping promote the space to new studio artists and makers. She also has written in local publications pieces that include local makers’ work especially related to interior design and given them greater exposure.

Tara Fermoyle's ceramic art from Fermie Studios will be at this year's Unglued: Craft Fest. Photo courtesy of the artist / Special to The Forum

Dennis Krull of 5foot20 design lounge was in the Fest as a vendor a couple of times earlier on and has since connected makers and artists to Gallery 4, where he is still a main partner.

Ashley Dedin Carlson is slowly ending her AENDEE craft business but is continuing her Remade to Remember custom upcycling business and has increased her involvement in the Creative Plains Foundation. She was an incredible inspiration as a maker, taking the leap to open their own shop downtown and then later prioritize other things in life to rebrand and change their business. She’s given a lot of makers advice and support over the years and now is helping grow truly young makers through the Creative Plains Foundation.

We also asked Ashley Morken for a few of her favorite things she’s brought home from the Unglued: Craft Fest.

1. My leather fanny pack from Julie Meyer Handbags.

A leather fanny pack from Julie Meyer Handbags. Special to The Forum

2. Our Amy Jo Hendrickson test print that includes Ralph's hanging in our dining room.

3. Our three-piece huge deer/fox/otter artwork hanging above our fireplace from Emily Krueger.

4. Lavender whipped body butter from The Honey B Soap Co.

5. Martingale dog collars from Kylie and Louise.

6. SLAY necklace from Larissa Loden.

7. Maroon "frosting"-style mug from Amber Parsons.

8. This fanged "nasty cat" felted catlike creature from BeeCats from way back by Kaylyn Gerenz on our hutch.

9. Hygge sweatshirt by Michelle Brusegaard.

10. Wild Lavender Candle by Kindling Supply Co.

What: 10th annual Unglued: Craft Fest

When: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22

Where: Plains Art Museum, 704 First Ave. N., Fargo

Info: Tickets for Friday night’s Craft Fest Preview Party are $15 in advance, $25 at the door; Saturday’s event is free; http://www.ungluedmarket.com/fest/

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10 people who made Unglued and the Fargo craft community stronger - INFORUM
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