We make Portland awesome: NeekaKnits

"We make Portland awesome" is a weekly series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: NeekaKnits

Who are you?
My name is Adrienne and I live in Southeast Portland with my husband and our dog, Annie. I moved here 10 years ago on a whim, looking for something different after college. A born and raised New Yorker who always hated the city, I love the creative, quiet, laid-back attitude here. Hmmm, what else do you need to know about me? I'm kind of a combination of a grandma and a toddler - I like to knit, worry, feed people and complain about my joints, but I'm also petite, hyperactive, constantly singing silly songs, spilling things on myself and obsessed with candy.
 

What do you make?
I knit stuff. A lot of stuff. I pretty much started knitting about 7 years ago and haven't stopped since. I'm also a dabbler in all things crafty - painting, drawing, sewing, playing with clay, taking pictures, coming up with new recipes. My brain is constantly bossing my hands around.

Besides making things, what do you do?
I spend a ridiculous part of every day fawning over my dog. Seriously, it's a little off the hook how much attention she gets.
 

What inspires you?
All the creative people in Portland! I'm always in awe of all the amazing art, illustration, and all-around style exuding from my fellow Portlanders. I get a lot of the ideas for my knits from my stylish friends, as well as my own need to feel cozy in the rainy winters.

Where can your work be found?
You can find my knits and patterns on my Etsy shop, www.neekaknits.etsy.com. My knits are also available in a bunch of lovely Portland stores like Crafty Wonderland, Tender Loving Empire, Little Things, Etcetera and Knack. I'm also particularly in love with custom orders and working with people to design their perfect knit!

What do you love about Portland?
I love the cloudy weather, the craftsmen houses, the cute dogs, the amazing food, and the veggie gardens in people's front lawns. I love the fact that it's city-ish and country-ish at the same time, and I love that people here take comfort and coziness, in their many forms, very seriously.

We make Portland awesome: Zig & Hersh Designs

"We make Portland awesome" is a weekly series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.

This week: Jennifer Harbick of Zig & Hersh Designs

 Who are you?
I am a lover of all things creative. Being creative and making things has always been a passion. As a kid I think I took every art, music and dance class I could convince my mom to enroll me and still take random classes for fun to this day. Ballet was my last adventure. I mean why not! I am truly a jack of all trades a master of none and I wouldn't want it any other way.

What do you make?
Handbags, clutches, wallets and other little accessories.

Besides making things, what do you do?
I just got certified to teach indoor cycling classes and am super excited about that. I also am an esthetician and am looking at having my own waxing studio in the very near future.

What inspires you?
Anything and everything can inspire me. Be it blue skies or cute puppies...I know that sounds corny but it's true. Definitely other artists and crafters inspire me as well.

 

Where can your work be found?
Knack and Etsy at the moment. The street fair season is coming up soon too and I will definitely be at Mississippi and Alberta..and many others I am sure. Even though they are a lot of work street fairs are so fun and really the way I love selling my bags. I love interacting with my customers.

What do you love about Portland?
I grew up all over Oregon but when I was able to move on my own I packed up my car and headed north. I had never been here, had no friends, no job and no money! But I knew it all at 19 and figured it would all fall into place. That was 20 years ago so I guess I was kind of right! There is something special about Portland and I don't know if it's the general quirkiness of it or just the simple beauty of our city...all I really know is I love it all and it is my forever home.

Favorite local places: Knack

Knack is one of my dearest little galleries. It's a teeny-tiny storefront in Multnomah Village (7824 SW 35th, Portland) filled with natural light and the work of so many local artists!

 

I'm lucky enough to be involved with this place both as an artist and as a shopkeeper! My felted wool acorns, pebbles, star moss magnets, amanita mushroom magnets, and hearts are here; and I spend one day a week in the shop as well. Other artists whose work finds a home at Knack include:

Bluhour

Denise Krueger

Jennifer Harbick

Prost to the Host

Wesley Younie

If you're looking for handmade gifts in a cheery peaceful little shop, come visit us at Knack!

We make Portland awesome: Bluhour

"We make Portland awesome" is a weekly series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other. 

This week: Brooke Scott of Bluhour

Who are you?

Technically I guess I am a city girl... but I am a beach girl at heart.

I have been making jewelry for as long as I can remember and I'm sure my sweet mom still has a glittery macaroni necklace that I made for her way back when ;-)

I share a studio with my husband Kris [inkfresh.etsy.com] who is a very talented block-print artist! He carves them all by hand and prints them on towels and cards that he sells all over town;-) He has great designs like Bacon 'n Eggs and Bigfoot (soooo Portland!).

 

What do you make?

I like to think that BluHour is "fresh jewelry with old-fashioned charm". I love to play around with unexpected shapes and sizes while making sure that the final designs are still very wearable. I mainly work in sterling silver, 14K yellow and pink gold and vintage brass. I am always looking to incorporate new mediums into the designs and I get big inspiration from strolling through antique shops with Kris. 

Besides making things, what do you do?

When I'm not making jewelry you can find me at my full-time customer service job (haven't made it into my own "quit your day job" Etsy article yet.... hopefully some day!) When I'm not working you might find me shopping at antique stores or shoe shops (my major weakness!) or headed to the Oregon Coast with my hubby and mini Dachshund, Gus.  

What inspires you?

I am most inspired by items with a history. I love holding something that can tell you a story.... Years ago, found a book of poems from 1855 at a thrift shop for $1. I love picking it up and wondering where it has been and who has read it.

As far as jewelry is concerned I am most inspired by 1920's jewelry-- It is so finely crafted and intricate. 

Where can your work be found?

BluHour Jewelry can be found at:

      Knack (Multnomah Village)
      Tender Loving Empire (Downtown PDX)
      Aster and Bee (SE)
      Clay Wood and Cotton (New York)
      and of course Etsy! bluhour.etsy.com

What do you love about Portland? 

I love that Portland is just so crafty! There are so many creative people here.

I also enjoy that Portland is very food-y. So many excellent places to eat and so many hip and wonderful bars.
I am also very serious about coffee. I lived in Seattle for a long time and I appreciate that Portland is super-serious about it too.
I am also slightly obsessed with Pinot Noir and Portland just happens to be close to the best Pinot Noir wineries in the world.
Oh yes, and I can't forget one of my favorite places on earth-- Cannon Beach. I love that it is just a short drive away ;-)
Portland, you really are pretty fantastic!