Gabrielle Jolie Stratmann’s foundational background as an illustrator started from an early interest in all things creative. She studied under prestigious art schools participating in programs at Maine College of Art, Pratt institute, and Savannah College of Art and Design. She is inspired by traditional feminine crafts taught to her by her great grandmother and grandmothers like embroidery and felting, and hopes to modernize these traditions through unique crafting kits for makers today. Gabrielle is deeply rooted in Portland, Maine’s creative community, hosting and organizing multiple Art Markets and Creative Events through her business Fete Market. She also teaches workshops and classes that focus on demystifying creative practices like watercolor, embroidery, felting, and more into achievable processes that inspire beginners and pros alike to pursue their personal creativity. In addition to being an Artist, Gabrielle was a professional Irish Dancer (yes just like Riverdance) ranking 4th in the world, touring in Australia, and also designing Irish Dance Costumes.
Sweet Monkey Business
Posted by Matt Burke & filed under .
Sweet Monkey Business started with timeless, traditional shortbread and granola recipes. To those recipes we added new flavors and healthy, all natural ingredients. We believe that our company and products have developed a loyal and growing following due to our focus on core values – customer-focused, quality-focused, and employee-focused.
Silva Culture
Posted by Simon Varney & filed under .
Silva Culture fine wood drinkware is Rooted in Sustainability. Our wood wine glasses add rustic elegance to any event or celebration. Silva Culture is available in two profiles — the iconic Classic design and the contemporary Modern style. We offer tall and short versions across three wood types — cherry, hard maple, and yellow birch (walnut is available by request only). Impress your guests, reward your customers or honor your employees with unique wood champagne flutes and wine cups featuring natural beauty, warm tones and eco-friendly textures.
Maine Timber Arts
Posted by Jason Lepper & filed under .
Jason, an arborist of 15 years, a police officer for 10 years prior, Christina a wood turner of 8 years are the makers and artists behind Maine Timber Arts. We have a passion for finding the beauty within, using as much of the tree as we can, allowing it to live on in new ways.We salvage logs from our tree removal jobs, saw and dry the lumber and then craft the items we sell, putting nature on display.
Bouchard Family Farm
Posted by Janice Bouchard & filed under .
Since the late 1780’s, buckwheat has been cultivated in the St. John Valley. Due to uncontrollable circumstances, wheat crops diminished and by 1850, buckwheat emerged as the grain crop leader in the Valley, representing 40-45% of all grain production. Visitors to the Valley commented on the delicious buckwheat pancakes which local farmwives served their families at every meal instead of wheat bread.
From the 1850s until the 1950s, ployes were served in many Valley homes three times a day. Local life has changed greatly over the past fifty years, and inexpensive, ready-made breads, cereals, pasta, and cakes have largely taken the “every meal” place once held by ployes. But the ploye is still cherished as the best accompaniment for a good chicken stew, and a necessity at any meal which celebrates Valley heritage.
In the early 1980’s potato farming had endured some extremely hard times. It was during one of these tough years when Claire, the eldest of the 5 daughters, had returned from a trip to Louisiana with a French Acadian doughnut mix called beignets. As the family sat around enjoying the doughnuts one of them asked why no one has ever made a mix for ployes. The seed was planted and soon after the family started working on the perfect recipe for ployes.
Randy Fein -Clay Sculpture Tile & Pottery
Posted by Randy Fein & filed under .
Randy Fein is a professional ceramic artist, creating one of a kind pottery, sculpture, and tile installations. Her artwork is held in both private and public collections in the US and Canada. She has created commissioned public art installations in mixed media and clay relief tiles that are permanently installed in Maine and Vermont.
“Clay is my material of expression. It inspires touch and offers infinite possibilities. My hands are my tools and I work in the moment. I pinch, push, and press clay seeking to discover the life hidden within a shapeless lump of mud. I find working in clay to be endlessly fascinating. This ancient material keeps my imagination engaged with its limitless creative possibilities. ”
Randy Fein
Passamaquoddy Wild Blueberry Company
Posted by Holli Francis & filed under .
Headquartered in Columbia Falls, Maine, the Passamaquoddy Wild Blueberry Company (PWBC) is owned, managed, and staffed by Passamaquoddy Tribe members. The Passamaquoddy Wild Blueberry Company provides full-time, year-round, and seasonal jobs for Passamaquoddy Tribe members. Through the collective efforts of these individuals and with the support of the Tribe, PWBC has independently produced millions of pounds of low-bush, wild blueberries year after year since 1981.
PWBC is on a journey to share its unique history and tradition while expanding into producing premium, small-batch products that will delight palates worldwide.
Tree of Life Maple Farm
Posted by Jim Babiarz & filed under .
Anna and Jim Babiarz, have four children and have diverse backgrounds beyond their farming endeavors! Anna practices Family Medicine as a physician assistant, while Jim has worked in various fields but in addition to maple farming has a passion for youth and adult ministry.
Wayne Village Pottery
Posted by Sam Saunders & filed under .
We are a small, family owned business, located in Wayne, Maine. We started making ornaments and sculptures for our Holiday Open House. The ornaments consist of an array of local birds, beasts and critters; the inspiration for each ornament typically comes from some sort of encounter we have had during the year. We are now the second generation of Wayne Village Potters, as the original founding potters are moving into retirement.
Dunstan Smokehouse Co.
Posted by James Hartley & filed under .
Native Mainer, Owner/Operator of popular Pine Tree Seafood & Produce Co. in Scarborough, Maine for 12 years, serial entrepreneur, proud Dad of 2 and husband of extremely understanding wife, Maribeth. Love everything small business and all things from and about Maine.