Our spotlight today shines on a new Geekery Market artisan, Tolarian Creations, headed up by Matthew Houghland! Matthew grew up playing video games, board games, and eventually TTRPGs while watching anime and classic Sci-Fi movies and shows. In college in the early 2000s, he discovered that for all of his interests there was little to no way to rep them. As an art major he took things into his own hands and started trying various things before discovering glass etching. His vetting process for designs remains the same as day one: if he shows it to his spouse and they take it, either for themselves or a friend, then it's a success.
Preorder Info:
Email me at [email protected]. If you want something I've already designed, then just link the post. I can make any image I've done in a stein or pint glass. If you want something custom give me a description and we can discuss it. Prices are $15/ea or 4/$50, and I don't charge for basic designing/customization (if there's a lot of work to do we can discuss it)
Spotlight on: Tolarian Creations
What Else You Should Know About Them:
What kind of geeky goodness will you be bringing with you to the next Geekery Market?
I do drinking glasses in every fandom I can. In no particular order: Anime, Disney, Booktok, Movies, TV shows, and more. I primarily focus on Sci-Fi and Fantasy, but know that Geekery comes in every form and am always expanding my inventory.
What's an item you are bringing that you are really excited about?
I'm always excited to show everything I can do. Unfortunately, my table isn't big enough so if there's something you want me to bring, let me know!
What was the first item you ever made? How did you learn to make it?
When moving a few years ago I wanted cool drinking glasses but didn't want to buy something that couldn't go through the dishwasher, so I found some glasses and did a ton of research on different methods of etching. After some trial and error I cut out my own stencils and etched some glasses to use. I made those glasses over 5 years ago use them daily/weekly and they look about as good as when I made them. Since they stand up to time, I decided maybe I should start selling them.
What else would you like everyone to know about your wares?
All of my glasses are hand-etched by me. I take my time to make sure the stencils look the way I like before I even think of putting one on a glass and I take time to make sure the etching goes well. However, there is a chance that something goes wrong (I'm human too). If there is a defect in my work that I don't catch, I will happily replace a glass.
If you could travel anywhere in space or time, real or imagined, where would you want to go?
My first thought was the Tardis, but I don't think I want the stress involved there, so probably Deep Space Nine. Meet all the other species, don't have the worry of combat from being on the Enterprise, and it had one of the best cast of characters of any Star Trek (those might be fighting words, but I stand by them).
Come see them live at The Geekery Market on Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 10am to 4PM at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center - 4751 NC Highway 49 (Event Center B). The event is FREE to the public, but we are requesting a donation of canned goods or cash which goes to our charity, Second Harvest Metrolina.
This location does charge for parking: $8 per car (credit/debit only). See you there!