Loyal to Local: Sparkle Sundream

Loyal to Local: Sparkle Sundream
Brianna and her sparkles | Picture Credit: Sparkle Sundream Instagram

The Riverside Arts Market (RAM), soon to enter its 14th year, is a weekly makers and farmers market hosted by Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., rain or shine. Each week more than 100 small business owners gather under the canopy of the Fuller Warren Bridge to sell their products to the local community. Keep reading to learn more about some of the incredible vendors that make RAM a must-visit part of every Saturday.

Even though we live in the Sunshine State, less light is here to stay as the chill of winter continues. But for one RAM vendor, Sparkle Sundream, her suncatchers ask you to invite in the light to get one of the greatest combinations: sunshine and rainbows – made possible by her eye catching, unique products.

Mushroom Moon Suncatcher | Picture Credit: Sparkle Sundream Instagram
Mushroom Moon Suncatcher | Picture Credit: Sparkle Sundream Instagram
September 2021 suncatcher | Picture Credit: Sparkle Sundream Instagram
September 2021 suncatcher | Picture Credit: Sparkle Sundream Instagram

Burnt out after years of dedicated animal rights activism and living in Jacksonville again, owner Brianna Baer knew that she needed to take a little time for herself. Despite this, she still felt called to make an impact and spread positivity in some way. One day in 2020 while in her mother’s bedroom Brianna says she saw a prism for the first time and felt immediately called to it.

“The first time I saw one was in my mom’s room—casting the most beautiful rainbows everywhere. Once I experienced this magic, I realized I needed those rainbows in my life and knew others did too.”

With no intention of starting a business Brianna began making suncatchers to creatively express herself, connect with people, and spread love. She says she still has “pinch me moments” when she thinks about how this creative outlet became her full-time job.

Botanical Moon Suncatcher | Picture Credit: Sparkle Sundream Instagram
Botanical Moon Suncatcher | Picture Credit: Sparkle Sundream Instagram
Half Moon Suncatcher | Picture Credit: Elena Curtis
Half Moon Suncatcher | Picture Credit: Elena Curtis
Deep Green Iridescent Moon Suncatcher | Picture Credit: Sparkle Sundream Instagram
Deep Green Iridescent Moon Suncatcher | Picture Credit: Sparkle Sundream Instagram

Her initial suncatchers started off with more simplistic designs, but that all changed in September 2021 when she began hand pouring resin and using soldered metal frames. Those pieces are the ones she says she’s most proud of because “that was a pretty pivotal time for me and whenever I see a suncatcher from then I am reminded of that and fill up with so much gratitude for my growth.”

Now primarily working with resin, chains, jump rings, and a drill, Brianna says she continues to allow her suncatchers to be guided by her creative inspirations. When asked about what’s currently inspiring her, she says she’s been making “magic floating islands” that feature hand sculpted polymer clay mushrooms, crystals, and moss. “They’re super cute and I’m adoring this whimsical woodland series.”

If you’d like to keep up with Briana and her sparkles the best way to do that is by following her on Instagram, where you can also contact her if you’d like to commission a piece. You can also find her at RAM every Saturday.

Brianna at RAM | Picture-Credit: Sparkle Sundream Instagram
Brianna at RAM | Picture-Credit: Sparkle Sundream Instagram

Are you interested in becoming a RAM maker in 2023? Applications are now open to the public and will be until the market reaches capacity. Please visit the Applications tab on RAM’s website for access to the application. Before applying note that the market is currently at capacity for and therefore not accepting applications for: ceramics/pottery, clothes, jewelry, soap/body products, candles, cut flowers, macrame, and all food items. If this includes you and you’d still like to share your products with the market, please fill out the Vendor Interest Form.

By Elena Curtis
Outreach Manager, Riverside Avondale Preservation

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