In spite of a blustery Saturday, there was much to do and even more to see and learn in Garland Texas yesterday. As jobs seem to grow scarcer than hen’s teeth, more and more folks in our area (and perhaps in the entire USA) are turning local and inward to their own creativity combined with friendly local collaboration to support one another in local job creation.
The folks in Garland are doing all they can to support our local job makers. In addition to our MarketPlace, Garland also features a flea market (Urban Flea) the second Saturday of the month April through December. Yesterday was the kickoff for 2018. I didn’t count the vendors; however, it took me an hour and a half to visit thirty stalls (not counting the politicians) and I was moving fast.
Tour of the First Urban Flea for 2018 at the Historic Downtown Garland Square
THE POLITICIANS
May 5 we will have an important local election in Garland (Early voting is April 23 through May 1 at the Garland Branch of Richland College at Glenbrook and Walnut). We are electing a new mayor, a new council representative for District 2 and we are voting on no less than 36 amendments the current City Council is proposing to our City Charter. One of them, Amendment G, is perhaps among the most controversial. It is proposed that we allow the City Council to meet anywhere in Garland as long as it’s in the city limits.
One of the three candidates for Mayor, Louis Moore, showed up to support the makers in our area. Deborah Morris, candidate for City Council 2nd District council representative, also supported local makers at her booth. I commented on the lovely earrings Deborah was wearing. She told me that she had purchased them from one of the local vendors just a few minutes before I walked up.
Deborah Morris 2nd District City Council and Louis Moore (white cap) Mayoral Candidate
THE MAKERS
If you want to see creativity and ingenuity in action, visit the Urban Flea and the Garland MarketPlace on Garland’s historic downtown square. The Urban Flea is the second Saturday of the month and the MarketPlace is held on the first and third Saturday of the month.
Kevin C. Quattlebaum, a local Garland Maker and professional artist, displays one of his hand-painted silk scarves. Visit Kevin’s work at QuattleProductions.com – Contact at 214-686-0502 and Kevin@quattleproductions.com – [Kevin hand painted the scarf he is holding.]
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Bobby Orozco, local Garland Pianist/Composer. Visit Bobby at www.sailingwestmusic.com. To schedule music for weddings, house concerts, private parties or instruction, call Bobby at 972-213-7398. Write to him at bobby@sailingwestmusic.com. Bobby and other local makers support one another by partnering with each other and using the products of other local makers to promote their own. For example, Bobby has Rebel RIOT, a screen-printing company (www.rebelriotprinting.com) print T-shirts printed with copies of music sheets of some of Bobby’s original compositions. The shirts are very attractive. Bobby and Jessica Orozco also support other local musicians at the MARIGOLD HOUSE 1414 Resistol-Garland 75042. On Friday, April 20, if you get your tickets ($5) in time you can hear Harpist Haley Hodson in an intimate setting at the Marigold House. Call 972-213-7398 for tickets (if any are left). Where else but in Garland, Texas could you have the opportunity to feel the music from harp strings vibrating your heart?
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Alli Clements, like many makers, encourages others to get into the fun of making. In her own words: “I love to serve the world by crafting handmade message boards so people like you can tell and awesome story, whether it’s a story for your home, work, small business, party or more. All the love I have for making your message boards is sent to you so you can experience all the love too.” Contact Alli at http://www.thecozykeep.com Shop at ETSY: https://www.etsy.com/shop/thecozykeep
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Lucky Franklin is a women's apparel company based out of Sachse, Texas. Sara Baggett and Deirdre Buchanan started it in 2013. Sara and Deirdre are long time friends that both attended the University of North Texas and have degrees in Fashion Design. A few years after graduating from college, Deirdre and Sara were working at the same manufacturer and realized that they wanted to have a company of their own. So Lucky Franklin was started. Their beloved dogs, Lucky and Franklin, inspired the company’s namesake. Info@luckyfranklin.com – Etsy.com/shop/luckyfranklin – Pinterest.com/luckyfranklin – 101 S Coit Road – Richardson, TX 75080
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OTHER FANTASTIC MAKERS AT THE URBAN FLEA
There were so many other great makers at the Urban Flea that I could write a book on them if I just had the time and space:
KH2 Bakery
Fantastic baked goods! I’m starting my second year of purchasing treats from this bakery and I’ve yet to be disappointed. Yesterday I bought some carrot cake sandwich cookies and Katie Hornsby (owner and baker) gave me a loaf of Pina Colada bread. It is wonderful—a cross between short bread and a moist pound cake. The Carrot Cake Cookies were good too! - Contact Katie Hornsby – 4721 Paradise Cove – Garland TX – 75043 – 469-951-6064 – Https://www.facebook.com/KHsquaredBakery/
DIRTY B Handcrafted natural soaps
Fantastic soaps! I bought a bar as I love handmade soaps. This couple even has their children making soap. Holly Arjoonsingh Co-Founder and Queen B - www.Etsy.com/shopDirtyBSoap - DirtyBSoap@gmail.com – Wylie, TX 75098 – 763-377-3654
The Pink Buffalo Store
Gemstones, crystal infused essential oils, jewelry and more – Sachse, Texas - www.thepinkbuffalostore.com - Elizabeth Allen – 972-955-4297 – beth.allen@verizon.net
Uppfoda
An ethically driven compassionate couple, whose spirited initiative is to nourish and provide plant-based food catering, wire sculptures, and jewelry for the Dallas-Fort Worth area had a booth at the Garland Urban Flea. - Contact ‘B’ Isaacson (Creator) at reachout@uppfoda.ninja - Visit their website at www.uppfoda.ninja – Call them at 817-204-4410
Jane’s Garden
Jane Brinkley, owner, makes lovely carved concrete stepping stones for the garden. I was happy to see Jane again as she was featured at the Urban Flea last year as well. I always like to see that yet another small business has survived. www.JanesGardenStones.com – janejbrinkley@gmail.com – 214-354-6494
Gypsy Heart Henna
Lori Coale is a henna tattoo artist and designer. Call her for an appointment at 214-394-2911 - gypsyhearthenna@gmail.com
Southern Buttered and Whipped
I was glad to see these two artisan soap and skincare makers back again this year. Tara Rodrigues and Marta Ledesma make fantastic soap. Last year I bought some of their goat milk soap. Yesterday they were giving away samples of their lavender bliss goat milk bar. Tara 214-577-4961 – Marta 972-750-9014 – www.southernbutteredndwhipped.com
On the Ball Momma
You have never explored the limits of what can be done with a plain baseball cap until you visit the booth of Mandy Harrell! She even has baseball caps with unicorn horns. Facebook.com/ballmomma – 214-284-3474 – Fundraising and Group Discounts Available- Write to Mandy at OnTheBallMomma@gmail.com
Read Aloud to a Child Today
This business is another variation of the franchise. Usborne Books, a publisher in Oklahoma, hires independent consultants like Alyssa Peri to sell their books. For more information, contact her at alyssaperi@gmail.com – c7169myubam.com
Be Good Designs
Handmade leather earrings, custom T shirts and decals – Shannon Robson – Rockwall, TX – Begooddesigns64@gmail.com – 816-719-5871 –Https://www.facebook.com/bgoodbhappy – “Be good and you’ll be happy.”
AngelsEverMore Jewelry
Among other things, maker Annemarie Boese creates jewelry and fridge magnets from vintage flatware. I bought a little bud vase she fashioned from the handle of a knife. Visit her site at angelsevermore.com In addition to jewelry Anne also in a parter in Ia growth and recycle company that sells terrariums. – Call her at 214-356-6089.
Cheryl’s Bricolage
In case you don’t know, bricolage is the construction or creation of objects from a diverse range of materials. Cheryl’s enterprise is nearly new and thus she is still the process of creating her website at www.cherylsbricolage.com – You can contact her by phone at 469-583-9622 – Email at Cheryl@cherylsbricolage.com
Tiaras and Denim
Mary Arispe – Visit facebook.com/tiarasanddenim – Phone 214-502-4614 – tiara.denim@gmail.com
Texas Pearl Jam
If you love pearls, be sure to visit www.texaspearljam.com – contact them at texaspearljam@gmail.com
Totally Nutz
The owner of this franchise is Edward DuRoy. They sell various kinds of roasted nuts. They have a crazy way of fresh roasing cinnamon glazed nuts and have been supplying these roasted nuts at events for over 26 years. Edward can be reached at 214-517-2711 - He is located at 1523 Startpoint Ln in Wylie, Texas – Visit Totally Nutx at www.totallynutz.com
Chica & Burro
Unique and Rustic furniture and décor by Sheila and David Becerril (Rustic and custome furniture makers) – McKinney Texas – 903-271-7405 – Chica & Burro (facebook) chicaburro@gmail.com
TDS Woodcrafts
Adirondack furniture, gliders, rustic coolers, swings, signs and plaques—if that’s what you want, Teamon and Cheryl Smith can make it for you. They are in Rowlett, Texas. Contact them at owner@tdswoodcrafts.com and visit their website at www.tdswoodcrafts.com
Joyfully Made by Jenn
Jennifer Edwards is a good stop for customized signs. joyfullymadebyjenn@yahoo.com - https://www.facebook.com/Joyfullymadebyjenn