MINNEAPOLIS GIFT & ART EXPO

NOV 6-8, 2026 - MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER

Who are you and what do you do?   

My name is Jackie, I design and make embroidered patches.

Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting story behind it? 

Kabouter is actually Dutch for “Gnome”. My mom and I always loved garden gnomes and she was born in the Netherlands so when it came time to choose a name using a Dutch word just seemed like a great fit! 

Have you always been passionate about art and design?  

I have always been a crafty person and I love to sew garments so stepping into embroidery was a fun new adventure. 

How does the city you live in influence your work?  

I take a ton of inspiration from Minnesota. We live in such an amazing place and I love being able to make fun designs that celebrate it.

What has been your favorite moment since creating your art/business?  

I was recently driving through downtown Minneapolis and saw someone just walking down the street wearing one of my hats- and it really hit me that I’ve been making things for a few years now and people really do love them and wear them in their everyday life!

What sets your designs apart from others?  

I think my designs have that extra little air of whimsy and fun that people really appreciate and enjoy.

What is the latest thing you have been working on?  

I am currently cooking up lots of fun plans for October to celebrate my 40th birthday and (hopefully) raise enough funds to get a second embroidery machine

What will you be bringing to the Gift & Art Expo for attendees to purchase?

I will have lots and lots of patches, hats, & stickers!

Instagram: @kaboutercreative

Website: https://www.kaboutercreative.com/  

Who are you and what do you do?

We’re Paradise Popcorn Co., a Minnesota-based gourmet popcorn company creating small-batch popcorn in over 20 unique flavors. From sweet favorites like caramel and s’more to savory blends like dill pickle and loaded baked potato, we love making popcorn that surprises people in the best way. What started as a fun idea has grown into a family-run business that now ships nationwide and provides popcorn at events all across Minnesota.

What has been your favorite moment since creating your art/business?

One of our favorite moments was being featured on Twin Cities Live and watching the support pour in from both new and longtime customers. We’ve also loved seeing people return to our booth year after year just to tell us what flavor they’re excited to get again. There’s something really special about creating a product that brings people together and becomes part of family movie nights, holidays, and gifts.

What is the latest thing you have been working on?

Lately we’ve been expanding our flavor lineup, improving our packaging, and developing more gift and catering options for events and celebrations. We’re also continuing to grow our online store so customers can enjoy Paradise Popcorn no matter where they live. One of our biggest goals is creating fun, memorable flavor experiences while keeping everything fresh and handcrafted.

What will you be bringing to the Gift & Art Expo for attendees to purchase?

We’ll be bringing a wide variety of our gourmet popcorn flavors, including customer favorites like Caramel, Cheddar, Paradise Mix, Movie Theater Butter, Dill Pickle, S’more, and more. Attendees can mix and match flavors, sample different varieties, and pick up ready-to-gift boxes for friends and family. Whether you love sweet, salty, cheesy, or spicy snacks, there’s something for everyone at our booth.

Website: www.paradisepopcornco.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paradisepopcornco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParadisePopcornCo/

What has been your favorite moment since creating your art/business?

Honestly, my favorite moments have been connecting with people all over the world. I'll get a message or a comment on Instagram from someone who just found me and loves my style and my teaching, and they'll say hi from Australia, or Bulgaria, or some other amazing place I've never been. It's so cool to see how art can connect us no matter where we live, and how many people of all ages still want to create.

Have you always been passionate about art and design?

Yes! I've loved creating art since I was a kid. I always had access to art supplies so I could create whenever inspiration struck!

How did you get started in your art / business?

It started when I was a kid. I'd pull out whatever I wanted from my art cupboard and make stuff. I went to school to become an art teacher, and after teaching elementary art, I realized I didn't just want to teach kids at one school. I wanted to teach people of all ages, everywhere. So after teaching for five years in public schools right out of college, I turned my own passion for art making into a full-time business, which took me out of the classroom and into workshops all over the Twin Cities, and even online to people around the world.

Is this a full-time business for you?

Yes, it's been full-time for just over two years. I started after five years of teaching elementary art.

Why did you start working in this field?

Because it brings me energy and joy. I love seeing people's reactions when they get to make something new with their own hands. That's what's kept me motivated the whole way through.

What made you take this leap into being your own boss?

It grew naturally. Art making started as a hobby that paid for itself, then turned into a business, then into a full-time job that took me from the classroom into workshops all over the Twin Cities and, eventually, online to students around the world. I was looking for more flexibility in my life and creative practice. Running my own art business has done just that and I wouldn’t change a thing.

What valuable experience/knowledge did you have before starting your art/business?

I went to school to become an art teacher and used my license for five years after graduation, so I entered my business with real classroom teaching experience having been trained as a professional educator. That's exactly what shaped how I teach watercolor now: step-by-step, approachable, and built for people who've never picked up a paintbrush.

What is your favorite item that you sell?

My watercolor workbooks. I think they're the best way for anyone to discover watercolor. They take away the fear of the blank page by giving you video tutorials and a physical surface to paint on with a pre-drawn image, so it's as accessible as possible. That's exactly what I want for people.

What is the latest thing you have been working on?

Right now I'm working on new workbooks. I'm hoping to have my second Minnesota-themed workbook, the Uffda Watercolor Workbook, ready in time for the Gift & Art Expo. I've got a few more in production too, and I'm also working on expanding my kids' offerings, paint books made just for our youngest artists.

What will you be bringing to the Gift & Art Expo for attendees to purchase?

A little bit of everything! I'll have prints in lots of sizes featuring local icons and cute scenes, greeting cards that pair a pun with a piece of art (they'll make you giggle!), stickers made from my hand-painted watercolors, my watercolor workbooks and kits, my I Can Paint books, and my Minnesota coloring book. Basically, art to love and art to learn from, all in one booth.

www.alyssawhetstoneart.com

Instagram: @alyssawhetstoneart

YouTube: @alyssawhetstoneart

Who are you and what do you do?   

We are Jill and Ken Hilton from Prescott, WI. We handcraft jewelry out of antique porcelain dished and antique silverware. We travel around the world and around the US every year looking for unique dishes or silverware to bring home and make into jewelry for you. We have been to 22 countries and to many states here and have a large variety of patterns and collections we have made into necklaces, pendants, rings, bracelets, and even ornaments. We also encourage you to come and have a conversation about making a special order for you and your family using your own dishes and silverware from your parents or grandparents.

Have you always been passionate about art and design?  

 Jill grew up in a very artistic home, always creating pretty things with her mom and siblings. She had always been encouraged to do wood carvings, pottery, jewelry, linoleum printing, and watercolor or acrylic painting. This is a passion she grew up with and improved on her whole life. Ken had done artistic welding and other things earlier in life but found working with antique silverware something challenging and rewarding. Together we design and create our items in our home, working side-by-side.

How did you get started in your art / business?  

Jill grew up helping her mom do art shows and boutiques. She saw first-hand growing up how much it meant to people to have access to hand crafted items for themselves or for gifts. Ken also grew up in a home of professional seamstresses that hand crafted specialized clothing for people. Our love for creativity came through our upbringing and family encouragement from an early age.

Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting story behind it?  

We developed our name J & K Legacy Jewelry from our first initials (J for Jill, K for Ken) and then out of our love for making items out of antiques so you can have a treasure, a piece of Legacy to wear every day. Whether you buy a piece at this show that was already created or you do a special order with us, these pieces are a way of carrying on a “Legacy”, made from a piece of loved antique silverware or a dish. Every piece of jewelry or ornament lets you have something special made out of an otherwise unused antique item.

What has been your favorite moment since creating your art/business?  

We have so many families that are touched, and each time means so much to us. One family recently came and saw their grandmother’s dish pattern made into a pendant and into a silverware bracelet surrounded by beautiful silver. They were brought to tears since the memories were strong, but the family did not have those dishes anymore. They were able to purchase these heartfelt pieces to wear, remembering their grandmother every day.

Another family recently was able to buy a beautiful, handcrafted silverware ring from spoons we bought in Ireland. They had made a trip to Ireland last year with family and missed buying something like jewelry they could wear every day and remember the beautiful trip.

Is this a full-time business for you?  

Although Jill still works a 9-5 job, this is indeed a full-time business for us. We work in our studio here in our home every day/evening. We do an art or craft show most every weekend of the year. We never stop searching for that next special pattern, or stop creating these special pieces.

How does the city you live in influence your work?  

 We love to travel and we get inspiration from each place we go. From the Mighty Mississippi to the Alps, to the countries our grandparents immigrated from, we embrace all cultures and designs. We try to create each special piece with you and your family in mind.

What is the latest thing you have been working on?  

Our latest items have been working with are some necklaces and bracelets made from 1860’s English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh nurses’ belts. In the later part of the 1800’s, nurses in those countries were required to get certified. Either the family or the hospital where they trained bought each newly certified nurse a silver belt with links, a belt buckle, or chatelaine to hold their tools. We scour antique stores to find these so we can bring them home and make jewelry out of the lovely silver pieces. We bought a number of 1800’s nursing belts in UK recently. They are pretty and unique. Something you must see!  

A few new items we just completed are from some plates that may not be as old, but super fun remembrances to wear. Some of these are Crazy Daisy Correll, Care Bears and Rainbows, Fiesta, and Peter Rabbit.

What will you be bringing to the Gift & Art Expo for attendees to purchase?

We will be bringing thousands of items to this wonderful event. We are finishing up a lot of item to bring that are made from Antique dishes and silverware. Some items out of dishes will be made using patters of Irish Belleek, Old Country Rose, Blue Bird of Happiness, Dogs of 1800’s, Scottish Thistle and Tartan, White Birch, and more. Some of the silverware patterns we are working on now for this show are Viking Rose, Kings Cross, Little Red Riding Hood, Lady with the Fan, and some with stained pearl in the silverware.  

Will you be featuring any special holiday items?

We will be having holiday items that are extra special. We will have a tree full of ornaments that are made from antique dishes and silverware. We also have rings, pendants, and necklaces that are also made from holiday  or winter antique items. Some of those collections we will have are: Holly, Red Cardinals, Deer in the Snowy Woods, Santa, Northern Star, Sleigh Rides, Snowman and Cabin Up North.

https://www.facebook.com/JK.Legacy.Jewelry

Who are you and what do you do?   

I’m Heather Boschke, the artist, author, and creator behind Little Birdie Buddies, a joyful world of hand-drawn birds created to help people connect with nature, themselves, and each other. I draw playful birds that are designed to spark joy, connection, and a sense of wonder. What started as a creative outlet during Covid lockdown has grown into a collection of children’s books, gift books, plushies, framed art, cards, mugs, and other gifts. Through my art, I hope to remind others of the simple beauty around us, the magic of paying attention, and the power of letting your own inner birdie shine.

How did you get started in your art / business?  

Little Birdie Buddies began with a sketchbook, pens, markers and a nudge I couldn’t ignore.

In 2021, I felt this quiet pull to draw again, even though I had no plan for it to become a business. Birds have always been my favorite animal, and my grandpa’s nickname for me was Heather Feather, so when I opened that first blank page, a bird was the first thing I drew.

That first little bird felt like returning to being a kid again. I kept drawing, the birds kept coming, and they become characters with names, personalities, and messages. At first, I simply started sharing my bird drawings, and people began asking if they could buy them as cards or prints or mugs. And then the idea of a children’s book started to grow in my heart.

In many ways, the business has grown the same way the birds did… organically, joyfully, and one small feather at a time.

What has been your favorite moment since creating your art/business?  

My favorite moments are the ones where I get to see the joy on people’s faces when they look at my birds and connect with a little character I once drew in my sketchbook.

Sometimes people laugh because a bird’s personality reminds them of themselves. Sometimes they tell me a bird reminds them of someone they love. And sometimes they share a story about a real bird that showed up during an important moment in their life. Those moments have shown me that the birds are doing more than looking cute… they are help people feel joy, comfort, nostalgia, and connection.

The art may start with me, but the meaning grows when someone else sees themselves, their memories, or their heart in it.

Have you always been passionate about art and design?  

Yes, but I didn’t always make space for it. Drawing was something I loved deeply as a kid. It was how I played, imagined, and completely lost myself.

Then I grew up, got busy, built a career, and let that part of myself go quiet. I went 27 years without drawing before picking it back up again in 2021. What started as a creative outlet quickly became a reconnection to a part of myself I had been ignoring… and it quickly grew into Little Birdie Buddies.

What valuable experience/knowledge did you have before starting your art/business?  

Before starting Little Birdie Buddies, I spent more than 20 years in corporate marketing, helping businesses clarify their message, understand their audience, and build brands that connect with people. I’m also a marketing professor, so I’ve spent years teaching students how strategy, storytelling, positioning, and customer experience all work together.

What sets your designs apart from others?  

My work is hand-drawn and whimsical, but it is also rooted in real birds, nature, and the emotions people connect to them… joy, hope, comfort, confidence, belonging, and wonder.

Each bird is more than an illustration. It has a name, a personality, and a message. My goal is not just to create something cute, but to put little characters into the world that make people smile, feel seen, and remember the simple magic of nature. My mission is to spread joy one birdie at a time.

What is the latest thing you have been working on?  

The latest project I’ve been working on is Little Birdie Buddies of Hope, my newest book. It features birds that each carry a message of comfort, resilience, and light. This book is especially close to my heart because it explores the quiet ways hope finds us, especially during hard seasons.

What will you be bringing to the Gift & Art Expo for attendees to purchase?

I’ll be bringing the full collection of Little Birdie Buddies items, including all six of the books, plush birds, greeting cards, prints, stickers, mugs, pins, magnets, and puzzles. Everything is created to bring a little more joy and nature-inspired connection into someone’s day.

www.littlebirdiebuddies.com

https://www.instagram.com/little.birdie.buddies/

https://www.facebook.com/littlebirdiebuddies/

https://www.youtube.com/@littlebirdiebuddies

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Sydney, and creativity is my middle name. I am a recent graduate from the College of Design at the University of Minnesota and am currently an Interior Designer at a local Minneapolis firm. So, if you can’t find me at the office in the materials library, you can find me at the local fabric store!

What has been your favorite moment since creating your art/business?

My favorite moments are being able to see buyers’ faces light up when they see the final product. It's so fulfilling to know that all the hard work is worth it in the end.

What is the latest thing you have been working on?

I am working on expanding my selection of products to be embroidered, including sweatshirts.

What will you be bringing to the Gift & Art Expo for attendees to purchase?

I will have dog bandanas and baby blankets, which are all able to be customized with my embroidery machine. The bandanas are embroidered on-site, so you can take home your custom bandana the same day!

Instagram: shop.otisandfriends

Website: https://shopotisandfriends.square.site/

Who are you and what do you do?
Dandelion Naturals is a Minnesota-based company specializing in handcrafted, all-natural soaps, skincare, and home products. We focus on creating high-quality, sustainable alternatives that promote healthy living and reduce environmental impact.

What has been your favorite moment since creating your art/business?
One of our most rewarding moments has been expanding our reach from local markets to a growing network of retailers who share our commitment to clean, eco-conscious living. Seeing our products on store shelves and in customers’ homes across the region has been incredibly fulfilling.

What do your customers love most about your products?
Our customers appreciate the quality, simplicity, and integrity behind every product we make. They love that our soaps and skincare are crafted with natural, sustainable ingredients that are gentle on the skin and free from harsh chemicals. Many also value our clean aesthetic, eco-friendly packaging, and the consistent performance that makes Dandelion Naturals a trusted part of their daily routine.

What is the latest thing you have been working on?
We are currently developing a seasonal collection featuring limited-edition holiday soaps incorporating unique scent blends and festive packaging to enhance the gifting experience.

What will you be bringing to the Gift & Art Expo for attendees to purchase?
Attendees will find our full line of natural bar soaps, lotion bars, tallow balms, laundry soap, shampoo and conditioner bars, lip balms, shave bars, doggie shampoo bars, loofah bars, and medicinal salves, as well as our exclusive holiday collection designed specifically for the winter season.

Website: dandelionnaturals.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dandelion.naturals/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/dandelionnaturals/

Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Rees Walther, and I’m the founder of Rocket Smoked Coffee and author of the novel Where There’s Smoke: A Texas Love Story. At Rocket Smoked Coffee, we do things a little differently. We work with a local roaster in Buffalo, MN who roasts our select, single-origin beans to our specifications — then we finish them with a delicate touch of smoke. The result is a smooth, sweet, and creamy coffee with a signature depth and no bitterness. We craft small-batch smoked coffee, offer seasonal flavors, and pair our products with storytelling and music for a full sensory experience.

How did you get started in your art/business?
After retiring from government service, I leaned into the things I love: family, barbecue, and coffee. One day, after loading ribs into the smoker, my wife joked, “Why don’t you just smoke your coffee too?” Challenge accepted. I experimented for months, going through tens of pounds of beans, until I perfected the process of adding just the right amount of smoke at the end of the roast — enhancing a beautifully roasted single-origin bean without overpowering it.

Similarly, my novel started with another challenge — also from my wife. She was tired of me spoiling her Hallmark movies by guessing the plot in the first five minutes, so she dared me to write one myself. What started as a joke turned into something deeply personal. Writing became a journey of self-healing as I worked through the grief of losing my mom. That emotional thread is woven into the story — and it’s what readers tell me they connect with the most.

Where did your business name come from?
“Rocket” was my call sign during my time in government service. Now it’s a piece of my brand legacy — showing up in Rocket Ribs and BBQ, Rocket Smoked Coffee, and my newest venture, Rocket Smoked Publishing. It’s about boldness, flavor, and lifting others up.

Is this a full-time business for you?
This is my retirement — and also my passion. After 27 years in the Air National Guard and Reserves (including multiple combat tours), and later retiring from the U.S. Department of State, I’m now focused full-time on building something creative and lasting. These life experiences — grounded in service, resilience, and connection — shape every story I write and every cup of coffee we craft.

What has been your favorite moment since creating your art/business?
My favorite moment is always seeing someone take their first sip of our smoked coffee and light up at how different it is. I regularly hear, “I usually need cream and sugar, but not with this coffee.” That kind of reaction — realizing it’s something truly special — is exactly what I set out to create.

What motivates you to create?
I create to connect — through the rich aroma of smoked coffee or the emotional pull of a well-told story. There’s something powerful about touching both the senses and the heart at the same time.

What do your customers love most about your product(s)?
People are amazed at how smooth and flavorful our coffee is — with a depth that’s truly unique. And when it comes to the book, readers often tell me it feels like “comfort food for the soul,” especially for those walking through grief or rediscovering what makes them happy.

What is the latest thing you have been working on?
I’m currently celebrating a big moment: Where There’s Smoke: A Texas Love Story — my debut novel — was just named a Finalist in the 2025 American Fiction Awards in the Inspirational Fiction category. It’s a slow-burn romance rooted in themes of grief, healing, and finding your way back home — and fun fact: it also features the origin story of Rocket Smoked Coffee. This holiday season, we’re thrilled to offer gift bundles pairing the book and the coffee together.

Will you be featuring any special holiday items?
Yes! We’ll be debuting our festive gift boxes and exclusive “Read & Roast” bundles, which include a signed copy of the novel and a holiday assortment of our smoked coffee. They’re perfect for gift-giving and cozy nights by the fireplace.

What will you be bringing to the Gift & Art Expo for attendees to purchase?
We’ll be offering our signature smoked coffee in both medium and dark roasts, as well as a seasonal holiday variety. Attendees can also pick up signed copies of Where There’s Smoke and our gift-ready bundles that include both the book and coffee — perfect for book lovers, coffee drinkers, and anyone who enjoys something heartfelt and unique.

Instagram & Facebook: @rocketribsandbbq
Website: www.rocketsmokedcoffee.com

Who are you and what do you do?  

We’re Kari (former teacher) and Carl, the founders of Chalkboard Candles. Our company creates school-inspired candles made from natural coconut wax, but more importantly, we’re on a mission to support and celebrate educators. With every candle purchased, customers can nominate a favorite teacher, and each month we randomly select winners to receive a check as a token of gratitude for their hard work and dedication. So far, we’ve been honored to give back over $15,000 to deserving educators!

What has been your favorite moment since creating your art/business? 

Our favorite part of the business is giving back to educators…there’s nothing like sending those surprise checks and knowing we’re making someone’s day. We also feel incredibly lucky to have such loyal customers who believe in our mission and keep showing up to support it.

What is the latest thing you have been working on? 

We’ve been diving into all things fall and winter…testing cozy, nostalgic scents that are perfect for the holiday season! This is such a fun time for us because our candles make amazing gifts, especially for teachers and anyone who loves a little seasonal cheer.

What will you be bringing to the Gift & Art Expo for attendees to purchase?

We’ll be bringing our full line of school-themed candles in all of our original scents, plus some festive holiday favorites just in time for the season! And the best part…customers can nominate their favorite educator right at our booth with any purchase for a chance to win a thank-you check from us!

www.chalkboardcandleco.com 

www.instagram.com/chalkboardcandleco

www.facebook.com/ChalkboardCandleCo

Who are you and what do you do?   

My name is Jennifer DeVries, I am a Minnesota-based independent author of six mystery/thriller novels, written under the pseudonym Brenda Lyne: Charlie's Mirror; Sister Lost; the Raegan O'Rourke Mysteries series: The Thirteenth Cabin, Angel Baby, and Fool's Gold; and my newest novel, Ripple Effect. I was an Anoka County Library Featured Author in 2022 and 2023, I am a Teaching Artist at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis, and five of my novels are Readers' Favorite Five-Star Review recipients. I live in Coon Rapids, Minnesota with my two busy teenagers and two furbabies.

Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting story behind it?  

I do write and publish under a pseudonym, and the story behind my pen name is pretty cute. It goes all the way back to when I was in the second grade and was tasked with caring for an egg for a week. Check out the full story on my blog: https://brendalyne.com/blogs/put-that-in-a-book/to-pen-name-or-not-to-pen-name

Is this a full-time business for you?  

I wish! I balance my author business with my grown-up job in marketing for a local financial services company. Someday I hope to take the leap and make it my full-time job.

What motivates you to create?  

For me writing is a compulsion. An absolute necessity. An outlet that helps keep me sane in these crazy times. I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t write.

What has been your favorite moment since creating your art/business?  

Any moment that involves interacting with my readers is my favorite. That’s the biggest benefit to being an independent author.

What are some inspirations for your work?  

Stephen King is my favorite author and hands-down my greatest inspiration. I read my first King book at age ten and haven’t stopped since. Check out my blog for the full story of how Stephen King his influenced me as an author: https://brendalyne.com/blogs/put-that-in-a-book/my-greatest-inspiration-or-why-im-an-author

What do your customers love most about your product(s)?  

My readers tell me that once they start reading one of my books, they can’t put it down. That is the ultimate compliment.

What is the latest thing you have been working on?  

My newest novel, Ripple Effect, dropped on Sept. 9! Come to the Gift & Art Expo to pick up your signed paperback!! Here’s the blurb:
 

When the skeletal remains of a teenage girl are found in a Wisconsin forest, Detective Mike Franklin becomes obsessed with identifying her. But the case goes cold and the girl’s restless spirit remains tethered to him with no memory of who she was. The investigation reignites fifteen years later, uncovering shocking family secrets and revealing a killer much closer than anyone imagined.

What will you be bringing to the Gift & Art Expo for attendees to purchase?

I will have paperback copies of all six of my books to sell. Author signature free with purchase!

https://brendalyne.com

Facebook: Brenda Lyne Books

Instagram: @akabrendalyne