Emily Helmus, Rachel McKay, and Rose Beerhorst all share the same passions—gardening and crocheting. It may seem like strange combination of interests at first, but knowing that they met at Barefoot Victory Garden on Wealthy Street helps to connect the dots. On Wednesday evenings at the garden there are small gatherings of artists called Craft Circles. Rachel McKay was one of the founders of this event, and soon after, Rose and Emily became the regular attendees. During Craft Circles, people from the community participate by bringing food for a mini-potluck, and by sharing their knowledge while working on their own unique project that they brought with them.

“It’s really inspiring to talk and share ideas and really learn from each other,” Rachel expresses.

Even though Emily, Rachel, and Rose enjoy some of the same techniques and ideas, each artist is unique in their own style. 

Emily is studying art and environmental studies at Calvin College but learned the art of crocheting from her grandma. Her style of work includes knitted heart pins and button necklaces, small ornaments, and even miniature terrariums in mason jars.

“I am very inspired by nature in my work,” Emily explains. “I’m a gardener as well, so I really enjoy working with my hands.”

A majority of the materials Emily uses are recycled and repurposed. For example, she spins her own yarn from local sheep, and buys wool from the Fulton Street Farmers Market. The material is also naturally dyed from onionskins, carrot tops, and blackberries.

All three girls include natural items in their work, especially Rachel. She likes to incorporate actual things from the outdoors such as crocheted acorns stuffed with lavender buds and topped with real acorn caps. One of the items that Rachel enjoys creating the most are miniature hand bound journals made from scrap pieces of material. 

“I like to make sure nothing goes to waste. I often find fabric that is just too good to throw away. Sometimes it happens that I will be wearing an old dress of the exact same material I just made a journal out of!” Rachel confesses.

Rose Beerhorst has the same talent as Rachel in seeing the potential in things that others might not see.

“I definitely find myself unleashing the hidden beauty of objects in my work. I like to call it ‘reclaiming the unloved,’” Rose explains.

Her use of exclusively recycled material and yarn from places like Goodwill, emphasis her passion for being kind to nature. Rose’s style of work is playful and fun with brightly colored accessories such as button bracelets, headbands, and hairpins, as well as hand sewn sock monsters full of personality.

You can find more of Rose and Rachel’s work around town at places like Clothing Matters. Rose also has items in Global Infusion, Bluedoor Antiques, and with her family on the Beerhorst Wonder Wagon.

To learn more about each of these three fiber artists, check out the links below and come meet Emily, Rachel, and Rose at the last Avenue for the Arts Market of the season on September 11th from 4-9pm on South Division Avenue between Weston and Williams.

More Photos:
Flickr Slideshow

Emily:
Etsy
Blog

Rachel:
Etsy
Flickr

Rose:
Etsy
Flickr

4:00 Invisible Mansion

5:00 Kurt Denison

6:00 Jes Kramer

7:00 Broadcast Union

Paintings on paper and canvas, also drawing portraits
www.ivanjensonartist.com

Fiber, scarves, bags, art pins
www.x-streamfibers.com
www.gloriakirk.etsy.com

Nature and landscape photography art of various places in Michigan. Some photos include Bible verses
www.digitalinspirationphoto.com

Vintage clothing and mystic braids

Saturday Kids! Adorable stuffed creatures and vintage jewelry
joelberry.com

Fiber arts, crocheted necklaces, handmade journals, hats

sockmonster.etsy.com

fawnandfable.etsy.com

Handmade jewelery, hair accessories, and revamped t-shirts
www.myspace.com/skullbeads