Come join us for a handful of lovely Market days this year in 2022
( MAY 22nd, AUG 21st, NOV 13th and DEC 11th) 
These Markets are filled with handcrafted items
that are made to perfection from local Makers, Artists and
Creators. Lets Meet these amazing Makers now. 

Would you like to become a
Makerspace market vendor?
Fill out your 2022 Application HERE

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 have been making pottery at the Makerspace for just over a year. Prior to my time here, I had two years of pottery instruction in highschool. I originally joined the Makerspace because I was craving a creative outlet and had been itching to get back behind the pottery wheel since I graduated high school 10 years ago. As a stay-at-home-mom to three young children, it feels as if I live my life in a state of constant multitasking. My Tuesday and Thursday nights at the Makerspace have become a very important part of my weekly routine. It's a time for me decompress, relax, and focus my energy on one singular task. For me, pottery is a process driven art medium. I love making new forms on the wheel and experimenting with added textures and carving and glazes. The finished product is more than the product itself but really the journey it took to get there. Being able to sell the things I make is just the cherry on top of the whole artistic process for me. If you happen to find a pot that you love, I hope it brings you as much joy as the process of making it brought me

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www.etsy.com/shop/CozyDevotions

DEC

Miranda Bunde is a Mankato native that creates handmade stained glass panels and sun catchers. After being introduced to stained glass during a high school art class, she has continued to pursue and hone her technique and style, initially utilizing glass passed down from her great grandfather. Miranda enjoys utilizing different glass textures, and she layers snake skin and dried flowers between pieces of glass to give it more texture and dimension.

MAY-AUG 

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I'm a fifth generation blacksmith who started learning metal working at the age of 8. I am also an award winning costume designer who works with a wide array of materials.

Living in Texas making beaded jewelry for many years I was ready for a change. Moving to MN, I got here as soon as I could, metalsmithing became my passion. As an artist, working with metals to create shapes, textures, 3D techniques and colors is very appealing. I love pounding on metal!!!! Using recycled materials, such as coins, vintage elements, adds another dimension. As an instructor, introducing students to the tools, metals, torches is very satisfying. Hopefully, you'll like my jewelry and much as I like making it!

MAY-AUG

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I love gemstones. I started loving them when I went to Hazelden in November of 2010. My counselor told me that I needed to start expressing myself with something artful. Being a nurse my whole life. I hadn't explored anything "artsy". After completing treatment, I moved into a sober house (I was 40 years old) and the owner was a jewelry maker. She took her time and showed me how to make earrings to start and then moved on to wrap bracelets. The reason I named my company "Jittery Jewels" is because my sober house owner and I would go out for coffee and then make jewelry. Hence, I named it "Jittery Jewels". I've been in recovery for 12 years. Making jewelry was a HUGE part of that.

MAY-AUG-NOV-DEC

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I make organic, minimal ingredient personal care products. I make the products that I use, and I started making these products initially because I could never find products that met my standards. I'm allergic to so many things, and most products I've tried in my life make my skin react violently, usually accompanied by sneezing and other allergy symptoms that come about from synthetic scents and questionable ingredients. I want to be in control of what I put on my skin and in my body, but everything seemed to have fillers, or toxic substances that I did not want in a product. All of my recipes and blends are my own. They have all been tweaked and perfected over the years of making them for my own use and for my family. Every ingredient has a purpose, every ingredient is high quality, and everything is formulated for sensitive skin types. From lotions, to soaps, balms, aromatherapy rollers, bath soaks, essential oil soy candles and more, I've got something for everyone.

MAY- AUG- 

Ernie Harris is a self-taught woodworker. His love of cribbage got him started in creating cribbage boards. He then started making trivets and canes. Ernie also reclaims lumber to make wooden canes & has made and given over 30 canes to people in need using unique wood species like diamond willow, ironwood, persimmon, and elm. Ernie moved to Mankato from Michigan four years ago and uses woodworking to keep busy.

 NOV, DEC

I am a ceramic and textile mixed media artist. I recently graduated with a Master of Fine Art from Southern Illinois University in ceramics. I use primarily clay and textiles in my work and try to merge them every chance I get. The duality of hard and soft materials has always been compelling as it relates to many other applications of daily life. I find inspiration from the knick-knacks of my family home as well as patterns found in nature. My work varies from recognizable objects to formal shapes and textures, I make varying forms as a way to bounce ideas off each other and continue having fun while making.

AUG- 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.

NOV

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Dave Johnson born and raised in southern Minnesota.  After 40+ years working in manufacturing and now retired took a trip out West and became interested in antler décor/creations.  He used antler sheds to make his designs.  During another trip out West Dave became interested in jewelry-making using vintage silverware.  Since vintage silverware doesn’t appeal to some people, Dave can take the old family pieces and give new life to it in the form of bracelets, necklaces and rings.  There’s something very enjoyable about wearing jewelry from the box of silverware your grandma or mother had.

Dave is self-taught with his designs leaning on his manufacturing background.  He looks forward to meeting you at Makerspace Market.

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AUG

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Hi, I’m ARK! An African American artist from Monticello, MN. I moved to Mankato a year ago to focus on my painting techniques and personal growth—and ended up finding an amazing community of makers who support one another. I am a mostly self-taught artist in pursuit of a master’s in art therapy. A lot of my inspiration stems from the therapeutic process of expressing oneself. I believe the choice to create, is a bold and courageous act of self-love that everyone should endeavor.

AUG

 I like to make things….all the time. I mostly like to create things that involve patterns in some way shape or form, and most things I make have a cultural component to them. For me art making is a meditative process. There is something about the repetition that is found in patterns that make me happy. Most recently I have been making seed bead earrings, but I also create dot mandalas and knit amongst other things

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NOV

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artoftheearth.org

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I find inspiration in nature. Through my art, I strive to capture its emotion and bring more beauty into this world.

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MAY

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Amy Gregg is the Minnesota Book Award-nominated author of Relic Chosen: Magic and Madness from North Star Press. She is also the author of Through the Woods and Next Weekend, from Lulu Publishing. She began her writing journey in middle school and never thought to stop. Save for those four years while attending Concordia University, St. Paul to get her B.A. in Psychology. And that handful of years to start a family. Somewhere in there, she sleeps. When not writing she enjoys watching movies, reading, spending time with family, and spirited discussions of all things Marvel. A native Minnesotan who grew up in the suburbs of Minneapolis, this “city girl” lives with her daughter and 15lb cat west of the Twin Cities. Amy is currently working on a rural cozy mystery series soon to be released from Fox Pointe Publishing.

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"

DEC

I started making pottery about a year ago after taking a beginner pottery class at Makerspace! I enjoy the 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!

NOV- DEC

The medium I use is everything in nature. I do driftwood nature & Native Beings. And Painted stones. I love the Driftwood Nature Beings. They all come from the Mississippi river and take on their own personalities as they come to life. I gather all the materials that I use to make my creations, so I have a hand in it through the whole process.♥️

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www.aligningthesoul.com

DEC

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Stained glass is something I started in high school when my dad said, “You need a hobby.” I’ve created at least a handful of pieces each year for more than 20 years. I love Frank Lloyd Wright’s window designs — who felt stained glass windows should frame nature and were meant to be looked through. I think the best quality of glass is its color, followed by its texture. Mostly, I use the copper foil method, but periodically work with lead came.

MAY-AUG-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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MAY-AUG

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I am recently retired from teaching which gives me a lot of time on my hands. So, I decided to put those hands to work on crafting items for sale. Crafting as a hobby has always been my passion from handmade jewelry, crochet and knit, to large home renovations. All of my items are made with love and care. As I am just starting out, my inventory is limited to mostly crocheted items such as bulky blankets, beanies, scarves, pillows, etc. but will be expanded over time. All items carry my special brand and can be personalized just for you and your preferred taste. Stop by my booth to see for yourself the quality of craftmanship put into each item.

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http://cindyshandcraftedgifts.com/

MAY-AUG-NOV-DEC

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My love of clay reflects and utilizes all my various art training and self taught exploration through years of restlessness and curiosity of mediums. I love carving for the movement and texture and because color is life to my mind which is the basis I start to create with.

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AUG- NOV

 At the present time I am making items out of wood. I have always enjoyed making things whether sewing clothes, making quilts, embroidery, hardanger, stained glass, silversmithing, jewerly making, and paint pouring etc. If it is out there I have probably tried it or am thinking about trying it. I really enjoy making things with my hands. This also acts as a way for me to relax. Presently I am working with wood using the GlowForge laser printer. I started about a year ago, took a class at Makerspace, and now I can’t get enough of it. The more difficult the project the more I enjoy trying to make it.

AUG-DEC

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Jason Lee Willis is the author of The Alchemist's Map, best described as 'a Bilbo Baggins character who goes on an Indiana Jones adventure in 19th century Minnesota', as well as several other self-published novels. He has also produced two nonfiction works on Christian Bible studies. As a creative writing instructor, he and his students have produced two volumes of short stories, Tales from the Haunted Valley, as a fundraiser for the writing program. As a professional storyteller (isn’t that what English teachers do?), he’s done historical lectures and video series, book talks, radio segments, podcasts, and recently submitted a short story in Rhonda Gilliland’s “foodie” anthology, Cooked to Death. Willis grew up in South Dakota and currently lives in Minnesota, where he lives the life of a hobbit by gardening, writing, walking around barefoot, wearing vests, fishing, and going on adventures with his wife, Julie.

MAY -NOV-DEC

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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

NOV

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At Stone Hearth Farm & Garden, we strive to grow beautiful cut & dried flowers to brighten our community. We follow holistic, sustainable practices to ensure you are getting the best quality blooms. We use materials foraged from our farm and flower fields to create naturally-dried floral wreaths, everlasting dried bouquets & pressed flower creations that warm your home for many years to come. All flowers used in our dried products are grown sustainably on our farm during the growing season and naturally dried to create everlasting creations that brighten your home. The creativity we put into each bouquet or wreath, and the smiles on your faces when you choose one to take home, makes all the hard work worth it. We can’t wait to share our locally-grown flowers and floral creations that brighten the soul!

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https://stonehearthfarm.com

-NOV-

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Hi my name is Tony!! I've been a leather worker and blacksmith for 10 years. I'm mainly self taught and love learning new things for my craft. I enjoy making things and have always been a hands on learner. I'm an avid outdoorsman and camper so a great deal of my work focuses on those activities.

NOV

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I started doing leatherwork a few years ago now, and I've picked up quite the skill-set from crafting pouches, accessories and even armors for my fellow LARPers. I've recently also branched out into fur trade era design inspirations as well. While I'm mostly self-taught, trying new ideas combined with what I already know has been quite fun too

NOV

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am a self-taught resin, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media artist. I am also a movement artist/performer. I'm inspired by my culture, nature, and the human experience and how those are weaved together. I love how art can intersect our perspectives. I enjoy making delicate and intentional pieces large and small that are sometimes also functional (herb grinders, meat trays, soap dishes). I incorporate porcupine quills, various plant medicines (cedar for protection, lavender for peace of mind, roses for love, etc), and vintage pieces in my collection. Everything is ethically sourced or gifted to me during my travels. I tend to burn medicine (sage/lavender/cedar) while making my collection believing that my good thoughts and intentions are set in the pieces themselves. I can cast dried flowers from special events into pieces, and most recently did so for a family who visited Hawaii and saved their lei from a special visit. I continue to be inspired by other makers and artists. My watercolor and acrylic pieces tend to lean more on the NSFW side and challenge the culture of bodies, connection, sex and empowerment.

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

DEC

Under the Sun Herbs is a small, 1st generation woman owned farm in Madelia, MN. Specializing in high quality fresh and dried culinary herbs, herbal teas, elderberry products, garlic, ginger and turmeric, and seasonal potted herb plants. Owner and farm manager Alise Torgusen is a self taught farmer with a passion for nature, regenerative agriculture, growing plants and nutritious, high quality food. Let your food be your medicine!

MAY-AUG-NOV

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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 

AUG-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.

MAY-AUG

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 I'm a self taught jewelry and fiber artist. 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.

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Lovefuzzhandmade.com

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MAY-AUG

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All my life I have been driven to create and perfect my crafts. I have been a wilderness survival instructor for many years and own the Minnesota Primitive Skills and Survival School. Being a survival instructor I know the value of good equipment that you can rely on in harsh conditions. I also know which styles, designs, and materials work the best from many years of experience. Everything I make is designed and crafted with durability, functionality, and quality for a lifetime of use.

AUG-NOV-DEC

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Jaci Ullrich is based out of Mankato, Minnesota and works for Minneopa State Park. She is passionate about sustainable living, spending time in the outdoors, and embracing creativity. Her favorite forms of making art include painting with acrylics and watercolors and creating visual art using textiles such as fabric and yarn. Her work is often inspired by plants, but she also enjoys experimenting with more abstract designs especially within her watercolor and black ink pieces. More recently, Jaci has been having fun dabbling in some woodworking and jewelry making.

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https://www.818gardenstudio.com/

AUG-NOV-DEC

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I am a local photographer, and I photograph natural landscapes and flowers, as well as the odd and macabre [and especially the macabre and flowers at the same time]! I enjoy editing my photographs to capture a feeling of absurdity or oddity. I sell prints, notecards, and a collaborative project of a Doll Head Oracle Deck.

May - AUG - NOV - DEC

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I have always loved art and knew I had an artistic ability but until recently I was never confident in my work beyond my own personal enjoyment. Anyway I am an Army Veteran, from Waconia in Minnesota, I was working part-time up until Early 2020 when I got laid off. There were a lot of things happening late 2020, and I was stuck at home alone, I decided I needed something and I found fluid art. I dove head first and haven’t looked back. I love playing in the paint, I love seeing the paints/colors mix. Also about a year ago I started painting flowers I really enjoy painting them. Obviously I sell my paintings, but I also sell functional pieces, coasters, necklaces, cards, trivets, glasses/mugs, etc… anything I can get my paintings on., to include tie-dying You can follow me on instagram

AUG-NOV

 My favor things I make Aromatherapy Rice hot and cold pad with Lavender and calming, microwave bowls and making jewelry I have no formal training I have physical disability I have to fill my time with projects other then work, crafting become my passion and my way of life.

MAY-NOV-DEC

Shelley Caldwell is a local artist and plant enthusiast who produces mixed media works on paper. Her work combines observational drawing of botanical and other subjects from nature with formal abstraction, emphasizing line and color using a variety of processes and materials such as Micron pen, India ink, collage, and masking techniques. She is an MSU, Mankato graduate with a BFA and MA in Drawing and Installation and has also served as adjunct faculty for the university and as a Visiting Instructor at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. Shelley’s work has been shown extensively throughout the region with upcoming exhibitions in Faribault and Austin. She has received grants from the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, Springboard for the Arts, and the Minnesota State Arts Board. Compelled by the surrounding landscape, she presently works from her family farm in Faribault County.

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www.shelleycaldwell.com

NOV- DEC

www.etsy.com/shop/laNouveaute instagram: laNouveauteShop

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I am a self taught artist who took a step back from making for a while, but have been making the effort to get back into creating for the past year. It has been a bit of a journey that resulted in me decided to open an etsy store, laNouveaute, selling polymer clay earrings! I've worked with polymer since I was young but hadn't picked it up in years or made earrings before so I'm very proud of the progress I've made and look forward to seeing where I am in the future! I do ~spooky~ ceramic sculptures as well, drawing inspiration from the pop culture franchises I love, like horror games and TV shows.

DEC

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Originally from England, Terri Pray now creates traditional art, along with painted glassware, mugs, wood slices, jewelry/stones, polymer clay jewelry, mixed media pieces and embroidery art. She works alongside her American husband who creates resin jewelry, bookmarks, coasters and bookmarks as well as coating her wood slices with resin.

MAY

I am a self taught macro nature photographer. I have amazing dragonfly photos. I also have these photos on ceramic tiles and mugs and greeting cards.

Rickst.smugmug.com

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