JetPackAgenda STE New Member Feature

Here's to another beautiful & happy Wednesday everyone! Lets give a warm, sunny welcome to Nick of JetPackAgenda. Steel Town Etsy is super excited for all the fresh new talent on the team! Please be sure to check out the blog interview below...


Tell us a bit about yourself name, location, affiliations, personal stuff.
My name is Nick and I live in Pittsburgh with my fiancee Megan of That's What She Thread. We’re originally from Buffalo, NY. I am a self-taught Graphic Designer with a love for t shirts. I've got a number that are older than Megan is!

Apart from creating things, what do you do?
Creating is basically what I do! Currently I work as a Graphic Designer at this great local Health Food Store in the Strip District. Other than that I like spending time at home cooking, hiking, watching Mystery Science Theater 3000 (Yes, I have every single episode ever recorded) and taking photographs.

Please describe your creative process how, when, materials, etc.
Many of my t shirt designs are actually a compilation of photographs I take personally. I generally take my camera with me when we go out for a walk and most of the time I will see something that will strike me as looking great on a shirt. For example: My "Don't Fear The Meter" design was taken in the South Side, "All Mixed Up" has some photos from a vacation to Florida, "And Sew On" and "That's What She Thread" is Megan's sewing machine, "Crossbone Boulevard" was taken out the car window of the overpass on Crosstown Boulevard, etc.

What advice would you give to artists who are new to the Pittsburgh craft scene?
If you have a creative idea, go for it! This is a great city for networking and there are so many supportive art-lovers. If you find something you love and feel passionate about, others will certainly recognize that. And it's great to get compliments on my stuff from people who appreciate my work as well.

How do you promote your work?
Megan and I wear the shirts as much as we can, but now that the summer is here I've been applying to vend at a bunch of the TONS of Pittsburgh's local art markets. I've also designed my own website (http://www.jetpackagenda.com/) and give away coupons at shows. My Facebook page is a great way to network as well; I try to occasionally advertise sales on there.

Introducing The Robyn’s Nest! The Second CityCraft Handmade Holiday Happy Hour Market Featured Artist for Today.

I am pleased to introduce you to the second of today's CityCraft Handmade Holiday Happy Hour Market featured artists – The Robyn’s Nest!

Karen McKee of The Robyn’s Nest is an exceptional pottery artist. She creates truly gorgeous wheel & hand thrown porcelain pottery. Karen’s amazing handcrafted pieces are sure to make a splendid addition to any home décor.


And so we welcome you to Navarra on December 18th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm to shop local, shop handmade, and see The Robyn’s Nest, along with numerous other talented artisans.

Introducing Isn't That Something! The First CityCraft Handmade Holiday Happy Hour Market Featured Artist for Today.

I am pleased to introduce the first of today's CityCraft featured artists – Isn’t That Something!

Ringa Sunn of Isn’t That Something is a talented gal who enjoys creating what she delightfully describes as “grandma crafts.” Some of her eclectic crafting interests include (but are definitely not limited to) crocheting everything from adorable monster cell phone cozies, purses & scarves to making fun & silly movie themed buttons, light switch plates & bookmarks.

From her Etsy shop Ringa explains that she “strives to bring classic patterns, crafts & materials up to date with modern twists & unique touches.” She is intent on “inventing original items & improving old standbys in as many craft mediums as possible.”


Her work can best be described as super cute & a whole lotta fun!!
Just like grandma makes only so much better!

Come to Navarra on December 18th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm to shop local, shop handmade, and see Isn’t That Something, along with numerous other talented artisans.

Introducing Pretty Vicious! The Second CityCraft Handmade Holiday Happy Hour Market Featured Artist for Today.

I am pleased to introduce you to the second of today's CityCraft Handmade Holiday Happy Hour Market featured artists - Pretty Vicious!
Christina, of Pretty Vicious, says "I’m a photographer, with a passion for experimental techniques. I realized that a lot of people lack the wall space to display large works of art – so I scaled my work down and found a different avenue to display my work…as necklaces. I create miniature wearable works of art, either using my original imagery or patterns found in nature. I also offer small, affordable prints of my photographs for sale – for those who do have a bit of wall space to fill. "

From her Etsy profile, " To me, photography is play. I find great joy in creating images. My approach to photography often employs techniques that blur space and time – making visible the invisible, conveying a sense of vitality and life in the static image."

Come to Navarra on December 18th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm to shop local, shop handmade, and see Red Raven Studios, along with numerous other talented artisans.

Introducing Red Raven Studios! The First CityCraft Handmade Holiday Happy Hour Market Featured Artist for Today.

I am pleased to introduce the first of today's CityCraft featured artists - Red Raven Studios!

Amy Lumsden, of Red Raven Studios, makes jewelry from clay which she then collages with decals to create truly unique, wearable works of art.

From her Etsy profile, "I have been working in clay for roughly ten years. I had been making traditional, functional pottery since college and discovered that I enjoyed making jewelry from clay and collaging it with decals about two years ago.

I am influenced by all things vintage and old. I look for unique patterns and colors in old textiles and everyday things. You will find many decaled items in my shop. Ceramic decals were originally made for functional dinnerware and decorative items. I love searching for really great vintage or antique looking decals to incorporate into my jewelry and ceramics."

Come to Navarra on December 18th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm to shop local, shop handmade, and see Red Raven Studios, along with numerous other talented artisans.

Introducing Rough Around the Edges! The Second CityCraft Handmade Holiday Happy Hour Market Featured Artist for Today.

I'm pleased to introduce you to today's featured CityCraft artist -Rough Around the Edges.



Alex Lobus, of Rough Around the Edges, says "I make decor and small furniture pieces from repurposed wood. All of the wood I work with is old and taken from torn down or rehabbed homes in and around Pittsburgh. I expose all of the charm of the wood and create new pieces from parts of old things. I will be offering picture frames, various types and sizes of shelves, and cabinets. I also have chalkboards, various key hook/holders, and framed decorative tiles."

He has exhibited at numerous local venues, including the Three Rivers Arts Festival, and is truly an extremely talented artist. Even though his business name is Rough Around the Edges, his pieces never are. They do all, however, retain vestiges of vintage charm.

Come to Navarra on December 18th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm to shop local, shop handmade, and see Rough Around the Edges along with numerous other talented artisans.

Introducing Marcym PC! The first of today's featured CityCraft Handmade Holiday Happy Hour Market Featured Artists.

I'm pleased to introduce you to today's featured CityCraft artist -Marcym PC.

Marcia Morton, of Marcym PC, says she creates "useful objects out of polymer clay such as clocks, switch plates, bookmarks, and other household items."

Come to Navarra on December 18th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm to shop local, shop handmade, and see Marcym PC along with numerous other talented artisans.

Introducing Black Cats & Co! Today's CityCraft Handmade Holiday Happy Hour Market featured artist.

I'm pleased to introduce you to today's featured CityCraft artist - Black Cats & Co.

Melanie Widmer of Black Cats & Co., says "I make beaded jewelry using semiprecious stones and pearls. I like to mix stones and pearls and put things together in unexpected ways. I also search out lesser known stones, like Sesame Jasper, Lizard Skin Agate and Tiger Iron. Lately, I've been working a lot with copper, which complements many stones and is a great look for fall and winter. For the holiday season, I've been making earrings with blown glass beads that look like mini tree ornaments. The beads are hollow, so the earrings are lightweight and festive.

Come to Navarra on December 18th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm to shop local, shop handmade, and see Black Cats & Co along with numerous other talented artisans.

Introducing Jenn Mack Fiberworks! Today's CityCraft Handmade Holiday Happy Hour Market Featured Artist.

I'm pleased to introduce you to today's featured CityCraft artist - Jenn Mack Fiberworks.

Jennifer Mack of Jenn Mack Fiberworks, says "I knit and crochet unique items including finger puppets, bags, and purses. There will be hooded scarves and the line of one-of-a-kind upcycled clothing. There will be new addition of men's clothing."

From her Etsy profile, "I've been sewing and crocheting since 3rd grade. Since then I've learned to knit, bead, embroider, and quilt. I love the challenge of knitting complex pattern work. I'd happily create custom knit pieces all the time.My love for making things turned into a fulfillment of my need for clothing that fit me. Pattern altering happens for every garment. Individualized items are the norm here."

She is an invaluable member of the Etsy Pittsburgh Team!

Come to Navarra on December 18th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm to shop local, shop handmade, and see Jenn Mack Fiberworks along with numerous other talented artisans.

Introducing Fiddlehead Design Co.! Today's CityCraft Handmade Holiday Happy Hour Market Featured Artist.

I'm pleased to introduce you to today's featured CityCraft artist – Fiddlehead Design Co.

Emma Terray Spivak of Fiddlehead Design Co., says she makes ”handmade wears for the unique babe’ such as a variety of onesies, tees, caps, pant sets, hoodies, and dresses for the infants and toddlers in your life, and some for the hot mamma (or not) too!”

From her Etsy profile: “What do you do with a fine art background in printmaking, a career in graphic design and two small children? Emma Spivack decided to become a momepreneur and start Fiddlehead Design Co., in her basement studio during nap hours. While her daughter was in utero she began silk screening onesies for her new babe and her toddler. Using imagery adored by her son (giraffes and wagons) Emma started "making tracks" all over her son’s clothes. She will mix and match animal or play imagery with corresponding over-sized patterns. You might find it tattooed on the sleeve, down the pant leg, across the chest, or across your Babe's bottom.

Finding that people loved her drawings and with the encouragement of her husband and business partner, Fiddlehead began production. Printmaking on fabric is so magical it became hard to stop! After her baby was born, Emma longed to feel as sassy as her little pint size onesie creations, so she began printing her hand drawn fiddleheads on some sexy little colorful tops for herself and her girlfriends. Wearable art for all babes!

Her garments are made in the USA of the highest quality cotton. Since our clothing is an art, hand screening each item takes time and lots of love so while you may have to wait a little longer than you hoped for your special or wholesale orders, it will be worth the wait. Expect a minimum of two to three week turn around for larger orders.

What is a fiddlehead you ask?

Well it just really is a fun word to say isn't it? Can't you see your toddler in a fit of laughter, "You FIDDLEHEAD"!

But really, it is a baby fern, cornucopias in shape and common in northern regions of the world. Emma grew up in the chilly state of Maine. Nurtured by the organic and the hearty soil, the fiddlehead is a perfect symbol of her growth. It, like Emma's creative career, unfurls into a beautiful, sometimes edible treat. Making art on fabric for children is really quite simply a joy.”

Come to Navarra on December 18th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm to shop local, shop handmade, and see Fiddlehead Design Co. along with numerous other talented artisans.

Introducing Aimee and Mum! Today's CityCraft Handmade Holiday Happy Hour Market Featured Artist.

Today’s featured CityCraft artist is Aimee Manion of Aimee & Mum.

Aimee is a gifted creator whose favorite means of expression include, “painting, drawing, illustration, portraits, and fibers.”


Her beautiful, one-of-a-kind crocheted jewelry is embellished with semi-precious stones, beads & recycled vintage treasures. Aimee’s fun & funky purses are crocheted from her own hand-spun, hand-dyed yarns or from yarns that she recycles. Each purse is further decorated with iron-on artwork that she designs along with other vintage & repurposed jewelry pieces.

As asserted on her website, Aimee & Mum’s “exquisite craftsmanship & unique designs contribute personality & beauty to the world.” Aimee confides that she, "looks forward to the day when she can support herself solely on what she was born to do.”
And we all know that day will be soon!!

So we welcome you to join us at Navarra on December 18th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm to shop local, shop handmade, and see Aimee & Mum along with numerous other talented artisans.

Introducing Garbella! Today's CityCraft Handmade Holiday Happy Hour Market Featured Artist.

Today’s featured CityCraft artist is Amy Garbark of Garbella.

An exceptionally talented screen-print artist, Amy hand screens stylish & fun clothing, tote bags & wall art among other things. The delightful clocks she creates are made from salvaged & recycled finds such as bicycle cogs & tea tins.

Amy places great importance on community which is reflected through her work. Not only does her craft manifest themes of city pride, cycling & recycling, but she often supports various like causes with a designated percentage of proceeds from her Etsy shop.

And so we welcome you to Navarra on December 18th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm to shop local, shop handmade, and see Garbella along with numerous other talented artisans.

Introducing Cha-Ching Coin Jewelry! Today's CityCraft Handmade Holiday Happy Hour Market Featured Artist.

I'm pleased to introduce you to today’s featured CityCraft artist – Cha-Ching Coin Jewelry.

Suzy Fiori, of Cha-Ching Coin Jewelry, says she makes “earrings, pendants, bracelets, keychains, cufflinks, money clips, and pins out of tokens and coins, most of which are foreign.”
According to Suzy, "CHA-CHING Coin Jewelry is the brainchild of Suzy Fiori, a Pittsburgh resident who, several years ago, decided to make a change. After purchasing a pair of Mercury dime earrings, her inspiration came sometime later when she found herself charmed by change she'd received in the islands, Bahamian starfish pennies. Soon she began scouring the Internet for exotic and unusual coins and tokens. Before long, Suzy had an extensive collection from around the world. She lovingly works with the coins, creating distinctive jewelry for discerning customers. In the process, she has been blessed by encounters with fabulous people who, she readily admits, would not have impacted her life otherwise. According to her, that is the important bottom line. We hope you have the opportunity to meet with her and wear her wares. You will be richer for it!"

Come to Navarra on December 18th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm to shop local, shop handmade, and see Cha-Ching Coin Jewelry along with numerous other talented artisans.

Introducing Creative Inspirations by Lisa! Today's CityCraft Handmade Holiday Happy Hour Market Featured Artist.

Today’s featured CityCraft artist is Lisa Winne Clark of Creative Inspirations by Lisa.

An established jewelry & calligraphy artist, Lisa has been practicing her craft for over 28 years. She enjoys using semi precious stones, Swarovski crystals & other unique vintage finds to create lovely handmade cameo & gemstone jewelry pieces.


As Lisa explains on her Etsy shop profile, her part-time crafting hobby evolved into a full-time crafting business after a series of unfortunate events occurred in her life. She credits her faith in God & the support of her husband for helping her to overcome life’s difficulties. Lisa not only offers us exceptional jewelry & calligraphy but bestows us this great life advice, “ if anything negative ever happens to you (hopefully, it won't), always turn it into something positive! It will heighten your spirit and inspire others to realize that there is another, more constructive way of handling a negative situation.”

A true talent & inspiration!

Lisa is another extraordinary member of Etsy Pittsburgh & we are so pleased to have her on the team!

And so we welcome you to Navarra on December 18th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm to shop local, shop handmade, and see Creative Inspirations by Lisa along with numerous other talented artisans.

Introducing Birds of a Feather! Today's CityCraft Handmade Holiday Happy Hour Market Featured Artist.

Welcome to the special Thanksgiving holiday weekend edition of the Etsy Pittsburgh CityCraft blog artist features! Due to illness in the family (first my youngest son who kindly shared with the rest of the family) and the Thanksgiving holiday, blog entries are a bit behind so I'm issuing multiple artist features to get caught up.

I'm pleased to introduce you to the fourth of these featured CityCraft artists - Birds of a Feather.

Emily Acita and Kathryn Koffler, of Birds of a Feather, say they make "handmade jewelry created out of vintage buttons (drawings/paintings are done on shank buttons) and other small handmade items like cards and Christmas ornaments."

From their blog, "Birds of a Feather is an art studio in Lawrenceville run by Emily Acita and Katie Koffler. Emily and Katie work independently and collaboratively to create textile art, paintings, drawings, and jewelry."

Come to Navarra on December 18th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm to shop local, shop handmade, and see Birds of a Feather along with numerous other talented artisans.