Corky Lorenz | Event Photographer in Elkhart, IN.

Documentary coverage of community events in northern Indiana.

Hand-sculpted fantasy troll figure with expressive face, textured clothing, and moss-colored hair on display at Rebel Art Fest in South Bend.

Fantasy Sculptures by Rhonda Whitledge at Rebel Art Fest

Rhonda Whitledge creates hand-sculpted fantasy figures that feel alive, each with expressive faces and detailed clothing. Her booth at Rebel Art Fest drew steady attention from visitors.

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October 20, 2025

An orchid blooming at the vender booth for Sundown Reptiles, at the Tinley Park Reptile Expo.

Sundown Reptiles at Tinley Park Reptile Expo

Sundown Reptiles stood out at the Tinley Park Reptile Expo with their orchids and beautifully designed reptile enclosures. Their professional display and active online presence show a clear dedication to both reptiles and presentation.

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October 18, 2025

Brian holds a calm baby hognose pet snake in this hand.

Are hognose snakes good pets?

Hognose snakes can make good pets for people who appreciate their dramatic, hissy personalities. They’re harmless, expressive, and a little theatrical, which some people find charming and others find annoying.

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October 18, 2025

Green lizard on a branch in an enclosure at the Tinley park reptile expo.

Lizards, snakes, & frogs at the Tinley Reptile Expo

There was so much variety to see among vendor booths! I was also impressed by the number of vendors I recognized from the previous two visits to this NARBC expo location.

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October 14, 2025

A person holds out an orange boa constrictor snake at the Tinley NARBC Reptile Expo, for the John Chausmer vendor table.

John Chausmer Reptiles at Tinley NARBC Expo

This vendor brought an impressive variety of boas. The patterns and colors were striking. I was happy to be able to walk up and observe this boa up close.

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October 14, 2025

Red pixie frog in his enclosure at the tinley reptile expo, from the vendor Crosstown exotics.

Crosstown Exotics at NARBC with Stunning Display

This is the third time I have seen this vendor, and I was happy to see their collection again! Bugs and large frogs were a crowd favorite.

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October 14, 2025

Geode tie dye process notes

The geode style is known for crisp lines and concentric bands of color that resemble agate slices. The fabric is tied with sinew and dyed with fiber reactive procion dye.

This is a rayon jersey cardigan, dyed with my favorite color combo: citrus yellow, peach, wasabi (dharma), and jet black (jacquard).

Sewing Cloth Pads

Getting started with how to sew your own cloth pads can feel overhwhelming, at first.

Here's a list of links that will be helpful. Download the beginner sewing pattern to get started.

Dye Color Swatches

This is an on-going project to display a collective dye library, of colors from any brand. See community dyed fabric swatches.