Come join us for a handful of lovely Market days this year in 2024
( MAY 19th, AUG 25th, NOV 10th and DEC 8th) 
These Markets are filled with handcrafted items
that are made to perfection by local Makers, Artists and
Creators. Let's Meet these amazing Makers now. 

**WE ARE CURRENTLY NO LONGER TAKING VENDOR APPLICATIONS FOR NOV AND DEC 2024 MARKETS BECAUSE OUR EVENTS ARE SOLD OUT AND/OR ARE CONTACTING OUR APPROVED VENDORS FROM OUR WAITING LIST.

PLEASE CHECK BACK IN AT THE END OF FEB FOR THE 2025 VENDOR APPLICATIONS 

 

MAY-AUG-NOV-DEC

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Dustin Swiers started glass lampworking back in 2008 when he moved to Mankato for schooling. Swiers received two degrees from Minnesota State University, Mankato, a BFA and an MA, both focused on ceramics and sculpture. He created Flame in Hand Glass as the sole proprietor in 2010. Swiers has moved his studio set-up to work out of the non-profit  Mankato MakerSpace, so he can be accessible to teach classes and create while volunteering his time as a Shop Lead. Dustin's work ranges from functional to decorative, blending disciplines of Lampworking, Off- Hand Glassworking and Stained glass techniques with Metalworking, Electroplating and Lapidary to create jewelry, custom blades, vessels and sculptures.

“As with many artists, the process is what keeps me engaged and pushes me to make. My greatest pursuit is discovery in the act of creating; simultaneously learning about my materials, craft, and self.” Dustin Swiers

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Website:https://www.etsy.com/shop/FlameInHandGlass

MAY- AUG-NOV-DEC

 

I started making pottery about a year ago after taking a beginner pottery class at Makerspace! I enjoy the challenge of creating items that are functional and interesting to look at. I am inspired by all the makers and artists that I work around and hope that reflects in what I present! Cheers!

MAY-NOV

 

100% homegrown corn fed Minnesota maker! I make (or at least attempt to) a large variety of things from weapons to instruments to visual art. Whatever I find interesting that month is what you’ll find me working on! No official training mostly self taught with some help from friends.

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AUG-NOV-DEC

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I've been a member of Makerspace since 2020 when I took a class in ceramics and found my "thing" to do. I frequent the ceramics studio where I create luminaries/candle holders. I became interested in making them when I found that my main passion is making cutouts and designs in the clay. I quickly realized that a lit votive candle placed inside creates these wonderful and mesmerizing designs that dance on the wall. That was it, I was hooked! I stive to create quality, unique, one of a kind pieces that work well in any setting.

 

MAY-AUG-NOV-DEC

 

 Aromatherapy Rice & Hot Cold Pad, cozy bowl & dinner plate Cozy & more love what I am doing I want making my customers happy!

AUG-DEC

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I started painting to drowned out some of the negativity in the world, It makes me happy to paint; so my hope is that my paintings put a smile on at least one person’s face. Also I am inspired by natures beauty, so the majority of my paintings are flowers, rocks, landscape and water, etc.

NOV-DEC

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Salt & Fern came about after over a decade of self-taught kitchen witchery and two years of getting serious with sourdough. I’m passionate about nourishing my community and engaging with our local food system to foster deeper connection with the world around us. I take pride in growing my own ingredients when possible. At my cottage-licensed microbakery, I specialize in seasonal sourdough variations, salted brown butter chocolate chip cookies, mint brownies, and more when the fancy strikes!

MAY 

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My name is Virginia, and I am pursuing my love of art. I would like to put myself out there and get a chance to showcase my art. I grew up in Nicollet and I have always had a passion for art. I've been making paintings for my family and friends for years.

MAY- AUG

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I make hand made home goods and gifts. It’s anything from pillows and paintings to oven mitts and wall decor. I’m also working on adding some pottery into the mix! I have loved creating things for my whole life. I taught myself how to sew when I was around 7 and have been drawing and painting ever since I can remember. Im self taught in everything I have to offer! My favorite thing about in person events is being able to watch my customers find the perfect gift for someone they love.

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nemophilistgoods.com

etsy.com/shop/Nemophilistgoods

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MAY-

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Lindsey Beyer is a graphic designer and marketing strategist living in North Mankato. She finds inspiration in nature and strives to capture it's beauty to share with the world. She utilizes different mediums for different forms of expression - whether that's capturing a moment in time through photography, honoring the earth's essence and creating something functional with wood or clay, or expressing the awe and whimsey nature inspires through other mediums. You will find a variety of items at her booth including photography prints, jewelry, pottery, paintings, and screen printed shirts.

Shelley will be offering original works on paper, prints, and plants!

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https://www.artoftheearth.org/

AUG

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Hand made wood work with resin pours. I also have been making custom jewelry for over 10+ years. Always a tinkerer in many crafts that catch my fancy. Putting my heart into my creations and sharing my interests with others through creativity means the world to me. I also love getting involved with my kids in art.

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AUG-NOV

 

 

I'm Jessica, and I make organic personal care products, and I also sculpt cute little charms from polymer clay! My personal care line is created with sensitive skin and noses in mind. I use only organic essential oils if a product has a scent, and I use organic ingredients and minimal ingredients in all of my creations. I make balms, lotions, soaps, rollers and serums. My polymer work is where I get to express myself creatively. I hand sculpt little beings, and they are all a little different, and they are all very adorable! My favorite part is when customers squeal with delight, then get a little worried about how to choose who to bring home when there are so many adorable choices...it's quite overwhelming!

AUG

 

I make wooden earrings and home decor, often with bright, happy colors and a little 70s flare!

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​https://www.etsy.com/shop/BugAndBeanWood

DEC​

My name is Aaron Geringer, and I am a mental health therapist living in St. Peter, MN. Ontology, the branch of philosophy that studies being and existence, resonates with me in both my profession and my artistic work. Working with clay puts me in a contemplative, curious state where I enjoy exploring the potential of the material. Each piece I create is a reflection of my inner dialogue with form, structure, and the world around me. I create half of my pieces on the wheel, focusing on unique forms, and even when I repeat a shape, I prefer adding slight variations. The other half of my work involves creating nature prints, which also invites a reflective process. Printing allows me to reveal intricate details of plant structures that aren’t immediately apparent to the naked eye. Whether through the meditative act of throwing clay on the wheel or the careful observation involved in nature printing, these practices offer me a grounding space to engage with the material and with myself.

NOV-DEC

I started Lumetique about a year ago, making candles and wax melts in my kitchen with my sisters. It started as a fun hobby, but quickly grew into a love and craft that we wanted to share with others! I am so excited to be able to bring the joy of candles to everyone!

MAY-AUG-NOV-DEC

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Kendrick is an aerosol mural artist and over all Maker. You have probably seen quite a few of his works around Mankato! He is indeed  one of the founders of the Mankato Makerspace, and  he oversees  our finishing / paint room as a Shop Lead. He has recently been working on  the Glowforge at the space to make wooden  ornaments, magnets. jewelry, wall hangings and wall plates.

 

"I work all day and burn all night... Blue Collar Burns"

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"Most people have never experienced a shoe made specifically for their foot.  Nothing pinches; nothing rubs.  If you easily find shoes that fit at the "marts", you are not looking for me.  A properly fit shoe makes walking easier; does not cause back problem; lasts a long time and is repairable.  I make beautiful shoes and boots to fit a specific person's feet.  Leather that breathes and craftsmanship that endures combine for an unique experience. Educating people that these are still valued qualities still practiced is why I demonstrate the Art and Mystery of a Cordwainer.  The Gentle Art of shoe making is still done. At the Mankato Makerspace,  I teach classes in both Shoemaking and general leatherwork." -Pegeen 

MAY- NOV- DEC

 

I'm a life-long crafter and a recently retired preschool teacher. During the pandemic, I taught myself to do macrame and found that I really enjoy it. It's actually very meditative. I began by creating plant hangers, but moved onto so much more -- wall hangings, coasters, key chains, Christmas ornaments, etc. I enjoy the challenge of trying something new and seeing the result, especially when my creations are displayed in home decor.

 

MAY-AUG-NOV-DEC

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Happy Day Baking Company focuses on creating delicious treats and great memories. Whether you’re celebrating a major milestone or just looking for a weeknight treat, you’re sure to find something you love. Choose from classic offerings or find a new favorite. Stop on by to say hello and let us help make today a happy day.

AUG

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Willow & Wool MN started as 2 Minnesota sisters and our Mom. Creating has always been a big part of our lives, especially fiber arts. Each of us has a unique perspective on what we choose to create, which allows us to have a wide variety of styles at any budget. We hand knit a variety of accessories, mittens, scarves, hats, and headbands, at sizes from children thru adults. Every item is always handmade. When a customer doesn't see just what they want, we frequently are able to custom make an item to please them.

NOV-DEC

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Shelley Caldwell is a local artist who produces mixed media works on paper. Her work combines observational drawing of botanical & other subjects from nature with formal abstraction, emphasizing line, pattern, & color using a variety of processes & materials. She is an MSU, Mankato graduate with a BFA & MA in Drawing & Installation & has also taught at MNSU & Gustavus. Shelley’s work has been shown extensively throughout the region & has received grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, Springboard for the Arts, & Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council. Compelled by the surrounding landscape, she presently works from her family farm in Faribault County.

Shelley will be offering original works on paper, prints, and plants!

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https://www.shelleycaldwell.com/

MAY- NOV-DEC

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Hello: I'm Dave Johnson and I make jewelry from old vintage silverware. You know, the silverware your mom or grandmother had. After I retired from Kato Engineering and watched enough Gun Smoke re-runs, I was thumbing through my Cowboy and Indians Magazine and saw beautiful western silver jewelry that had exquisite patterns. I wondered if I could put together something similar with old silverware. After thinking about it, I went on-line to see if there was information on making silverware jewelry. There Was! It took a lot of trial and error, but I made some pieces I was happy with and continued since that day. Today, I make rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, bookmarkers, bottle stoppers, key chains and more. The thing that inspires me is seeing beautiful pieces of silverware with beautiful patterns. I like the challenge and being artful in my designs. At event shows I truly enjoy meeting people, answering their questions and listening to their stories. It's a fulfilling hobby and keeps me busy.

MAY-AUG

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Bone Fairy Apothecary is home decor rooted in curiosities and conservation biology. My business was birthed from a Bachelor's in Biology and a goal to share my love of nature. My shadow boxes and terrariums are made from up-cycled vessels and naturally occuring medias found in the field. Bone Fairy decore features ethically sourced taxidermied insects, animal skulls, and preserved plant matter. I strive to give death new life and showcase the beauty of all the stages of the life cycle.

MAY-AUG

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I depict the small amazing creatures that have fascinated me since I was a child. I also like expressing my feelings about mankato, where I grew up.

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AUG

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I am a retired nurse. I started making I Spy Bags for nursing home residents. They loved them! Decided to make them for kids. My dtr gave me the idea of putting pictures of what's in there for preschool kids. Her daycare kids love them. Makes a perfect quiet time toy.

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AUG 

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Throughout history all of mankind has used stone tools from cavemen in France to the Native cultures of Turtle island. Years of practice and devotion has gone into my craft. From knives to Macuahuitls, I make and craft stone tools by hand. My goal is to Pass the age old tradition of flint knaping to the next generation. Proceeds from my sales go right back into teaching for organizations all over the southern Minnesota region. I look forward to showing you my Art.

AUG

 

My name is Angela Korte, I'm a self taught jewelry and fiber artist with experience and formal education in many different mediums, ranging from graphic design to painting to ceramics. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from MSU Mankato in 2006 and went on to start my own fiber arts business shortly after. I've been creative all of my life and started making jewelry at age 10 and have been crocheting for over 15 years. I take inspiration from all aspects of my life; my children, my experiences along the way, nature; making wearable colorful art to be enjoyed by all ages. My crochet work is freehand or made with my own patterns.

MAY- AUG

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Snug Pod Farmstead is a women owned and LGTBQ operated small farm. We practice sustainable farming and believe that healthy food should be accessible to everyone. Come check out our microgreens and handcrafted goods, including beeswax wraps made with wax from a Mankato area apiary, B2B Honey Co! Ask us about our Farm to Home Delivery service! As part of our farm's Affirmative Action Plan we are excited to be featuring local artists and their work at our stall for this year's Makers Market, including Hen's Henna!

NOV-DEC

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How do you even begin to explain to someone how love can make you feel everything and nothing all at once? It is that unexplainable, undeniable visceral energy that Jesse Swiers pours into her work. True to form as an abstract expressionist painter, her creations are the physical manifestations of who she is, how she thinks and feels, and, quite powerfully, presently exists. Her unique connection to others created through her craft allows both to understand and dream a bit more

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https://lightstrokes.myportfolio.com

NOV-DEC

  Mini Donuts; Classic Cinnamon Sugar, along with specialty toppings such as strawberry drizzle made out of real strawberries, and a homemade cream cheese icing! 

MAY-AUG-NOV-DEC

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Shayna Swiers is a Mankato MN artist and jeweler who has been honing her craft for over a decade. She achieved her Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA) and Masters of Arts (MA) degrees from MN State University, Mankato. Shayna is the Sole proprietor of The Seventh Oak, specializing in wire weaving techniques and metaphysical crystal meanings, healing and lore. Pairing the healing energies of copper, crystals and Intention to create energetic companion jewelry that will aid and guide her clients along their life's travels.

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“I find serenity while working on a new piece, the repetitive weaving of the wires is my favorite kind of meditative practice. That “energetic flow” helps connect me to the healing message that the crystals wishes to convey."

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Website: Etsy.com/shop/theseventhoak

MAY-NOV-DEC

 

Christina Donley is an illustrator and printmaker from Saint Peter, MN. She received a Bachelors in Art and Interdisciplinary Design from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. Her work spans a variety of subjects, often whimsical and cartoonish in nature. She enjoys creating detailed works, with lots of things to look at. It inspires her to bring others joy and excitement through her art. She sells prints of her illustrations, as well as fun stickers of her designs. She also screen prints t-shirts and illustrations.

Lathe Instructor

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My love for wood and bowl making goes back 10 years, when I took my first class at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais. I am the maker of wooden bowls and spoons. Most of my work is the making of practical tools for the kitchen - bowls, scrapers, salad spoons, and spreaders. They are very functional, food-safe, and last for years. It makes me happy when I imagine someone using my bowls for breakfast each morning! In addition to being useful and functional, my bowls and spoons are beautiful. They are treated with walnut oil and beeswax. I’m proud of my “artistic” bowls, as they bring beauty to your home as well. Sometimes finished with food-safe water-based shellac, sometimes embellished with milk paint, carving, and pyrography, they reflect the beauty of the wood, which might be birch, cherry, hackberry, oak, box elder, maple, or a variety of wood species from our region.

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https://www.jeffstocco.com/about

 

MAY-NOV-DEC

 

Hello and welcome to Imaginarium Designs. I am a mild-mannered college instructor by day and a maker by night. I grew up believing that creativity was something you were born into. About 10 years ago, I started taking art classes at South Central College and found that I loved painting dots. I started with small canvases and expanded to jewelry and then any item that acrylic paint would adhere to. I scour thrift stores for boxes, canvases, letters, and anything else that might be interesting to paint. I love giving discarded items a new lease on life. I now believe that anyone can be creative. They just need to explore different mediums and give themselves time to build some decent skills. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. You just have to give it a try. day.

MAY-AUG

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Hello everyone! My name is Garrett Kopka, Owner of G.KopkArt, and here is a bit about me! I was born and raised in Southern Minnesota. Artistic talent surrounded me growing up, there was always some level of creativity running amuck. I always had a fancy for patterns, and optical illusions when I was younger. Something that is still true today. My artistic journey took a turn after highschool. While creating in art class was fun, at the moment it didn't seem practical as a full time pursuit. I attended classes at South Central College, studying Culinary arts. Cooking in a kitchen sufficed for a few years, but always looked more into baking. Time passed, and jobs changed, and onward I was to greater things! Nowadays I spend my time creating, somedays tie dye, others acrylics on stretched canvas or other cutouts. Many of my acrylic creations are blacklight reactive, some even glow in the dark. A majority of my canvas pieces focus mainly around PHI (spirals). I love a challenge in the creative process, and tie-dye is there to prove it. It has been 5 years in the making, but with due time comes great treasures! It is a pleasure to bring such bold ideas to life, and thank you for your support! Look forward to the next creation!

MAY

 

I love creating Spirit driftwood beings because the driftwood carries the energy of the water infused into the wood. Nature is my sweet spot. Everything I use to create these Beings is a part of nature. Each Being carries the energy of what I use. Wether that’s clay, or feathers, or fur, or seed. I’m creating solely from all aspects of nature. It doesn’t get any better than that♥️

MAY-

 

My fascination with rings dates back to my childhood, sitting before my grandmother's jewelry tower, an enchanting display of artistry. Amidst her collection, one piece stood out—the ring she wore religiously. A delicate silver band with a convexed center encircled by flowers, its hollow interior allows the infusion of sweet scents. My grandmother's tales of princesses and princes, with the ring serving as a romantic token, left an indelible mark on my imagination. Today, I hold most of her collection, and these stories fuel my passion for jewelry. Crafting each ring is a journey of decisions—how to bend it, the chosen style, and the overall aesthetic. This hands-on, creative process offers a welcome escape from the demands of academia, transforming my ideas into tangible, wearable art. Adorning myself with 10 rings when I dress up has become a cherished tradition, each piece carrying its own story of origin and creation. I often ponder the previous owners of the silverware and who the next fortunate wearer might be.

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My husband Brad and I have small homebased business, making woodcraft and canned goods. We live on a homestead by Cedar Lake, Trimont, MN. Our woodcraft is kitchen utensils, butterknives, and cutting boards, the wood is locally sourced, mostly from around our farm. I also paint the leftover pieces with birds, flowers and more. We have 2 large gardens and I can a wide variety of yummy goodies. From salsa to sauces, soups, jam, and pickles.

MAY​

Frustrated by commercial soaps’ harsh chemicals, detergents, and animal fats, we set out to create a better way! Buff City Soap — delightfully scented plant-based soaps, handmade daily, in each of our local Soap Makeries. We offer plant-based Laundry Soap, Candles, Wax Melts, Body Mists, Body Lotion, Epsom Salts, Bath Bombs, Soap Bars and more!

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AUG-NOV

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Valwell Treasures was founded by Alex and Shawn, avid crafters. Alex learned to crochet when she was eight and honed her skills in 2020 making clothes and various toys. Shawn loves to explore and learn different crafts such as our acrylic/oil paintings and resin products. Alex always needs to be doing something so you will often see her working on a new project; it's just a matter finishing them. Which is perfect for Shawn, who comes with his eye for detail and finishing loose ends both literally and figuratively.

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AUG

 

I've been crafting leather for a few years now. I began when I was partaking in live action role playing games in the past, and taught myself just about everything I know now. There's always just something about the sight of a newly finished piece that keeps me wanting to make more. My usual craft tends to be hand-crafter armors, belt pouches, archery accessories, down to smaller accessories like arm bands and keychains and even alternative items like deck boxes.

DEC

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I am a painter living in Mankato, MN with my husband and two cats. I graduated from MSU with a BFA and an MA degree and went on to get my Master of Fine Arts from the University of North Dakota. I now teach painting at MSU as an adjunct instructor. I work in a lot of different media and do commissions ranging from traditional portraits to book illustration to wood burning. But my first love is painting. The work I sell at the markets are original paintings in ink. I begin with an abstract process of pouring ink with rubbing alcohol and then paint highly detailed scenes from nature into them. They are a representation of the human impact on nature. I almost always approach a sensitive topic with a little humor, so the natural imagery is often paired with a bit of trash or a human element that speaks about our impact on the environment. I also sell prints, merchandise, cards, and stickers!

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​www.amberrahe.com

NOV

I believe that God provides us with everything we need to heal and thrive. I have spent years studying & using the medicinal properties of plants and herbs, and have harnessed this knowledge to create a range of body tonics that are both effective and natural. I am passionate about helping my customers and their pups achieve optimal health and wellness, and am committed to using only the highest quality ingredients in my products. - Leah

Tegan Daly is a bookbinder and book repair technician, papermaker, letterpress printer, and poet with an interest in the interactions between words, images, materials, and forms: how the whole is created from its parts. She loves details. Daly holds an MFA in book arts from the University of Iowa Center for the Book and an MFA in creative writing from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She considers herself both a craftsperson and an artist, with an interest in book history and tradition as well as contemporary practices in book arts. Daly’s creative work most often explores environmental ethics, the impact of place on people, and how natural materials can become art. This often involves integrating found natural materials into handmade paper. Her work requires walking in the woods. Daly uses art and writing to amplify stories about environmental issues, with particular attention to rural and overlooked places. Daly is available for commissioned bookbinding, book repair, and letterpress projects.

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website