handmade

Creative Economy Mixer at Darn Good Yarn: Photo Highlights

February 14, 2019 By upstatecreative

ACE held its February #CreativeEconomyMixer at Darn Good Yarn in Clifton Park. There were tours of Darn Good Yarn’s amazing facility, beverage tastings by Yankee Distillery and Single Cut Brewing: North Store, a performance by poet and visual artist D. Colin, and a “The Price Is Right” style giveaway! Many attendees also enjoyed the “Learn to Crochet/Knit” station as well.

NYS Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner led an engaging discussion with Darn Good Yarn founder Nicole Snow and Sarah Trop, owner of Funcycled Repurposing and Interior Design, with a focus on Women and Entrepreneurship.

FREE headshots were be provided by Ska City Photography when attendees registered for the ACE Job Hub.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, MVP Health Care, and Community Loan Fund, and promotional partners, She’s A Boss and Entrepreneurs’ Organization Albany. Produced in partnership with 2440 Design Studio and WMHT.

Freelance Pattern Designer Needed: Darn Good Yarn

January 24, 2019 By upstatecreative

Darn Good Yarn is looking for a freelance pattern designer to assist with the design and photography of new knitting, crochet or weaving patterns.

The candidate best suited for this position is a skilled knitter, crocheter or weaver, has experience designing patterns for all skill levels and can produce designs on a monthly basis.

The Pattern Designer will be responsible for the following;

• Ensure all designs are provided on a timely basis

• Designing projects based on project directive

• Provide Design photography

• Contribute ideas for design, yarn selection, etc.

• Format patterns in accordance to the Darn Good Yarns Pattern Standards

Requirements

We are looking for someone with the following qualifications:

• Intermediate or stronger knitting, crochet or weaving skills

• Strong communication, writing and organizational skills are a must

• Desire to work and grow in a fast-paced environment

• Proficiency with various online platforms including, Word, Excel and Publisher

• Obsessive attention to detail

• Strong work-ethic

• Ability to work independently and in coordination with various team members

Schuylerville’s Creative Economy: Revibe

January 24, 2017 By upstatecreative

by Thomas Dimopolous

Kristi Carrara opened Revibe in a 350-square foot space on Broad Street in October 2015, but always had her eye on a larger venue. Today, she has expanded into a two-floor, 3,000-square foot building where she provides a combination of traditional retail and consignment sales, and a space for others in the community to sell their own goods and services.

“I’m an accountant. That’s how I started. I’m best at putting businesses together – that’s where my creativity flourishes,” Carrara said.

Among the offerings at Revibe are singing bowls and dream catchers, handpainted buddhas and chakra candles, murals, and stones and minerals for healing purposes and natural beauty. “Everything I have focuses on nature,” she said.

Approximately a quarter of what she sells is on consignment. Carrara also rents out a large room upstairs to others in the community for events such as workshops, painting classes and meditation-themed events.

“It’s for people starting their own business, but who don’t have to worry about things like rent, bills and overhead. A big part of it is they come in and do their classes and I take care of the rest,” she said.

Carrara’s personal love are air plant holders, which are handmade. She allows customers the opportunity to build their own terrariums and fairy gardens, from base to fill, container and theme.

Contact:

Revibe, 94 Broad Street, Schuylerville

(518) 507-6473 // Revibe Website

Schuylerville’s Creative Economy: The Laffer Gallery – Fine Art & Framing

January 24, 2017 By upstatecreative

by Thomas Dimopoulos

Artist and gallery owner Erik Laffer was born on Long Island, raised in Washington County and schooled in Albany, after which he traveled the country selling his cartography paintings. In June 2012, he opened his gallery in Schuylerville to collaborate and represent other artists. The biggest draw of the historic village was its affordability.

Laffer’s first show featured artists from downtown Manhattan, but quickly gravitated to more representing and supporting local artists.

“I learned framing and the representation of other artists. It was amazing to learn how much talent there is. That’s what triggered the idea of having a gallery filled with the works of other artists,” he said.

Five years in, Laffer draws a majority of collectors from a 100-mile radius of the historic village who spend, on average, between $1,400 and $1,800 on a piece of artwork.

He currently represents more than 50 artists, and showcases several works from each artist. New works are placed on exhibit in the gallery main space every four to six weeks, while the rear part of the gallery displays the works of artists who have previously been shown.

“A lot of places don’t have the extra space, so once the show is over, they come down. Here, once the show is over, the artists are still part of the Laffer Gallery,” he said.

Laffer’s goals include increasing the roster of artists he represents as well as opening a sister location and becoming more involved in art consulting. His recent collaboration with Saratoga Hospital which resulted in the hospital’s ICU unit being fitted with the works of artists Laffer represents.

“Connecting artists and collectors, I’m proud of that. The most gratifying thing I do is writing a check to an artist and seeing their work go to someone’s home,” Laffer said.

Contact:

The Laffer Gallery Fine Art & Framing, 96 Broad Street, Schuylerville

(518) 695-3181 // The Laffer Gallery Website