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Booth Blog – Featured Vendor of the Month Wandering Bard Works

This month I am so happy to highlight a delightful vendor, as well as new store manager, Anna Edmonson.  So Anna, tell us about yourself and your booth here at AAE.

“Hello! My name is Anna and I am very pleased to introduce myself and my AAE booth! I’m an artist, writer, actor, musician, energy worker, and world traveler, recently arrived in Ashland from Maine. My background includes a home-schooled childhood, performing arts training in New York City, incredible, unexpected opportunities to see the world, and an overall plethora of inspiring and creative life-experiences.

When I joined the Emporium, I was immediately taken with the sense of community that exists between the vendors, and by the wonderfully wide variety of wares they offer.  In my booth you’ll find an eclectic collection of Up-cycled Creations, Travel art, and Sundries under the banner of my fledgling home-business: Wandering Bard Works.

All my craft creations utilize natural and up-cycled material, are my own original designs, and are continually evolving as I experiment and develop new one-of-a-kind treasures!  I like to think of my up-cycled art as a way of honoring the origins of discarded fabrics and fibers, lovingly returning them to a life of beauty to be worn proudly as a reminder of our symbiotic relationship with nature, and as encouragement for the creative possibilities in reusing, recycling, and re-purposing our resources.

For my fellow adventurers, my Pocket Belts offer flair whether your wandering takes you across town or around the world.  For the romantic in you, my wild-crafted Lavender Heart Sashes and Felted Soap will pamper and soothe. For the tree-huggers, I make Recycled Paper Bead Jewelry and Decorations.  For the dreamer, I offer my Travel Photos from around the world.  For the urban changelings among us, check out my hand-stitched Pocket Bags, and Scavenger Faerie Skirts.  And last but not least, for the pickers out there, my booth features a smattering of quality Knickknacks, Collectibles, and Antiques.  With new ideas and designs always in the works, you never know what other unexpected goodies you’ll find when you drop by this Wandering Bard’s booth!

If you have any questions about my products or don’t see what you’re looking for, grab a card and contact me.  I’m very happy to custom-make any of my items to fit your needs.

I believe at the core of who we are lies our true self, and when we listen and take action from this truth, we discover our path, the story our life is meant to tell.  Live Your Story!”

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Ashland Artisan Emporium

The Ashland Artisan Emporium is owned by Michelle Christian, wife and mother of 3 daughters. Her husband, Travis, is the business manager for Adroit Construction in Ashland, Oregon. The Emporium was the vision of Michael Rydbom, Michelle's father. In April of 2010, Michael asked his daughter if she would be willing to help transform the old DJ's Video space into a crafter's marketplace. Michelle had always admired her dad's entrepreneurial spirit and was eager to make him proud, so even though she already had two kids, a real estate career and one more daughter on the way, she said yes. On November 1, 2010, the store opened it's doors to a welcome reception from the community. They were voted Best New Business of 2010 only months later by the Ashland Sneak Preview. Within weeks of opening, the store was at capacity and had quickly become the "go-to" store for all things unique and affordable.

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