From nails to portraits, students and community members had plenty of options for handmade, local creations on the first floor of the Rhatigan Student Center on Tuesday and Wednesday. The annual Maker’s Market, hosted by the Student Activities Council, allowed people to browse and shop from local artists. 

Daria Krahn, a sculpture student at Wichita State sold handmade beaded jewelry from her business, Precious Fig, at the market. Krahn has been part of several other markets in the Wichita area.

“I love being part of the local art scene,” Krahn said. “Having a sense of community in that regard, I think, is really important for anything.”

Decorated in pink gingham and colorful accents, the Precious Fig table displayed products ranging from beaded keychains, necklaces and earrings, along with illustrated cards and buttons. 

“I have other things I have planned out that are more sculptural kinds of pieces … tying into my professional work (and) more casual work.”

Kristen Harms, owner of Everyday Envy Nails, specializes in press-on nails, custom nail sets, and glass-bead bracelets.

For Harms, nails are more than just a business. 

“I’m not in it for the money,” Harms said. “I’m in it for making people feel good.”

Harms was a former stay-at-home mom who started her business as a hobby two years ago. She has since opened an Etsy shop and been a vendor at several local fairs. Harms said that her daughter, a student at WSU, encouraged her to participate in the Maker’s Market. 

“Starting a business and doing something like this was very exciting, but nerve wracking,” Harms said.

She hopes her sets make a positive impact on her customers.

“A lot of my sets are very whimsical, so (I hope) just something that makes them feel good about themselves.” Harms said.