Fairy Godmother Gowns

I was contacted by an experienced seamstress, Carol Gartrell, who is located in Southern Manitoba near Otterburne & St.Pierre Jolys. She specializes in bridal, grad and other special occasion fashions. She can sew wedding gowns, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, veils, groom's tie, ring pillows, detachable trains, evening bags, and other special dresses and accessories. She can design gowns from pictures, photos, websites or sketches. This makes her pretty popular when a bride to be needs to have her dream dress.

If you are looking for a dress that unique and well made contact Carol and she will be able to help make your event special. She also can supply you with references to confirm her reliability, workmanship and professionalism.

Carol from Fairy Godmother Gowns says:

"I have sewn for clients across Canada and in Los Angeles, emailing measurements, pictures-in-progress, questions and answers. I love weddings and I want to make my clients' weddings perfect! Must book early."

Fairy Godmother Gowns
Carol Gartrell
204-433-3476
gartrell@highspeedcrow.ca

Rosenort's Muddy River Marketplace

Rosenort, Manitoba is home to a the Rosenort Summer Festival which is visiting this year from August 27th-29th at the Rosenort Arena Park. Muddy River Marketplace is one if it's exciting events at the 3 day festival and it will be open August 28th from 10am - 4pm. They have many vendors of all sorts including the Cotton Cupcake Shoppe which I featured last year. They have a website for the whole festival which includes fun kids games, velcro walls, face painting, music, silent auction, and many local artisans at the marketplace. You can visit the website here:

http://rosenortfestival.wordpress.com/muddy-river-marketplace/

Here is the online description of the Muddy River Marketplace:

"We are very excited to be holding the second annual Muddy River Marketplace this year! After last years debut success, we are looking forward to seeing what the Marketplace will hold this year. The Muddy River Marketplace will be open during the festival on Saturday, from 10:00am until 4:00pm. Vendors are asked to have their booths set up before 10:00am. The marketplace will be located along the bike path, east of the picnic shelter on the arena yard. Vendors are encouraged to find tents or canopies, as well as bringing your own tables and chairs. A space at the market will be $10, or if you prefer, a percentage of your sales can be donated to Samaritan’s Purse – the charity of choice for this years proceeds. We expect a great turn out, so if you have some wares you’d like to share, please come and join us. We are looking for all types of items, including baking, sewing, crafts, cards, gift items, home business products, garden produce, canned goods, books, etc. If you are an interested vendor, please contact Heather Plett by phone 204.746.2829 or email eternal_13@yahoo.com."

Manitoba's New Prairie Orchard Farm

I have a couple friends who are in the transitional period of having an organic farm just outside of Morris. Eric has been farming for his life outside of Morris and is fed up with modern farming. Jodi has been very involved in biology and environmental science and has been trying to figure out how to make a difference and is very passionate about organic and local food. They have been working on their organic farm and orchard for the last 3 years and are considering their options for involving the public in their farming with ideas like growing classes & organic food workshops, u-pick, farm share, volunteer workers/pickers for food share, etc and have started a newsletter to keep us all posted. I think supporting our local farmers is equally if not more important than promoting our local artisans and businesses. If this is something that interests you I will be keeping up with them and posting their newsletters here.

Jodi also has been having other workshops at the farm centering around having healthy bodies such as yoga, massage, and relaxation retreats. She also sells Miessence organic body products and teaches Zumba exercise classes in Morris. They are very busy people and cannot wait to stretch their farm over their fields.

If you know any other farmer that should be featured here please forward any details to handmadeinmanitoba@gmail.com.


Prairie Orchard Newsletter

March 2010 Volume 1. Issue 1.










Do you want to buy locally grown, pesticide free berries and garden
vegetables this summer? Do you want to know where your food comes
from and how it is grown? Do you want to handpick your own food or
have it delivered directly to your home?

Join our mailing list by sending us an email at
peaches9@xplornet.com or calling us at 204.746.8830.

What we have planned for the
2010 gardening season

We will be growing local produce for ‘Friends of the Prairie Orchard’. We will have strawberries and raspberries available along with a variety of garden vegetables (almost anything we can think of).

How to Buy Local

We want to know if you want more information about buying local produce from us this summer. If you are interested in joining our mailing list and becoming a ‘friend of the
prairie orchard’ please send us an email at peaches9@xplornet.com or call us at 204.746.8830. Our u-pick is located one and a half miles north of Lowe Farm, Manitoba on Provincial Road 332 North.


View Larger Map


History of the Prairie Orchard U-pick

In the summer of 2008 we started the orchard by planting a 700 trees and shrubs to mark off a four acre piece of cultivated land. We planted asparagus, strawberries, raspberries, and a number of different types of fruit trees (apples, cherries, highbush blueberry - to name a few). Our goal was to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables to see which ones did the best in our wet clay soil. Unfortunately between winter kill and hungry rabbits and deer almost nothing edible made it to the summer of 2009.

So we started all over again. We planted more trees, strawberries and raspberries. We also planted a variety of garden vegetables, which were destroyed by gale force winds and frost. We did, however, have a very successful crop of kale, swiss chard, kohlarabi and brussel sprouts; The hardy survivors of over one thousand plants that we nurtured indoors through the winter months.

By the fall of this year we surrounded the acreage with deer fencing, put up a gated entrance and erected our first building – an old grain bin to add character and hopefully provide a future store front and/or coffee spot.

We are currently in the process of assessing a number of independent certification agencies and moving towards becoming certified organic.








Who Are We…

Eric is a conventional farmer who has witnessed the trend in agriculture where family farms are gobbled up by large scale agribusiness. His passion for growing quality food has been ignited in a new way by his other passion, cooking, and by the prospects of returning to small scale farm values, i.e., farmers know the people who purchase their products and people know where their food comes from and how it was grown. Eric wants to give rural people access to fresh and delicious produce. His motto is “delicious food is easy to prepare when you have good ingredients’.

Jodi is a naturalist at heart. She has an education in biology and forest ecology and she is currently working towards a Masters of Environment degree. She believes it is important to have a strong land ethic, i.e., to work in harmony with nature. She also believes it is important to maintain and preserve knowledge about everything from land and animals and medicinal plants, to knitting and butter churning. She is motivated to sustain our families and our communities by providing food that is full of vitality because it is grown by creating healthy soils and without harmful pesticides or fertilizers.

Join our mailing list by sending us an email at
peaches9@xplornet.com or calling us at 204.746.8830

The Great Winnipeg Etsy Street Team Easter Egg Hunt!

I have been following the Winnipeg Etsy Street Team blog because they feature Winnipeg Artisasn. I would recommend that you keep an eye on them too because it is another great source for finding out who's who in Winnipeg and where to buy their stuff. They have a fun Easter event on right now where you can win a great basket with local treats. Have a look at their blog or read below to see what you have to do.

http://wpgstreetteam.blogspot.com/2010/03/great-winnipeg-etsy-street-team-easter.html

"Seven members of the Winnipeg Etsy Street Team want to fill your Easter basket with handmade goodies!

To enter for your chance to win a prize pack containing a fantastic array of items, visit the Etsy shops of the following Winnipeg-based crafters and search for our Great Winnipeg Etsy Street Team Easter Egg Hunt image.

http://EmmsGems.etsy.com
http://HeartsOfGlass.etsy.com
http://JustTheGoods.etsy.com
http://KiddleBug.etsy.com
http://PeriwinkleDzyns.etsy.com
http://PrairiePeasant.etsy.com
http://TBeads.etsy.com

Once you’ve found all seven egg images (remember to keep track of the listing identification numbers, visible in the lower right corner of each listing), convo your list to “justthegoods” or email t_krause [at] hotmail [dot] com before Saturday, April 3 at 12:00 p.m. CST.

We will register each participant who has correctly located all seven eggs, and draw one winner on Sunday, April 4. The winner will be notified via Etsy convo or email and will be asked to provide a mailing address to which we will send the prize.

And what exactly is the prize? Check it out!!

• a bracelet from http://EmmsGems.etsy.com (Value $11.00)
• a freehand sculpted flame worked glass maple leaf plus an 18" silk cord with a hand forged closure from http://HeartsOfGlass.etsy.com (Value $20.00)
• a bottle of roll-on fragrance, lanolin lip balm, mini bottle of massage oil, and body butter sample from http://JustTheGoods.etsy.com (Value $14.00)
• a baby onesie from http://KiddleBug.etsy.com (Value $15.00)
• a resistor necklace from http://PeriwinkleDzyns.etsy.com (Value $15.00)
• a notebook from http://PrairiePeasant.etsy.com (Value $20.00)
• a pair of earrings from http://TBeads.etsy.com (Value $12.00)

The total retail value of the prize pack is $107.00 - Wow!

Please take note of the following rules/conditions

• One prize will be awarded to one winner
• Giveaway open to entrants from Canada and the continental United States
• One entry per Etsy ID/email address
• We reserve the right to draw an alternate name in the event the winner does not respond within one week"

Intermixamania DIY* Craftival at Plug In Gallery

Intermixamania DIY* Craftival (*Do it yourself with others) May 7,8,9 at the Plug In Gallery (ICA) in Winnipeg's Exchange District.

Information about event from Plug In ICA's website:

"Art! Bands! Performances! Film & Video! Craft! Indie Publishers! ‘Zines! Sale! Refreshments! Delights!

Plug In ICA has been doing it with Winnipeggers since 1972, and now we wanna do it with you because we’re better together!

Our long winters make us crafty. We scheme up bands, and films, and installations, and we knit, and we write, and we print, and perform, and we keep ourselves alive with the strange and wonderful. Our energy is unstoppable.

Join us on May 7, 8, and 9 for a bazaar-like extravaganza of DIY* publishing, media, screenings, performances, music and installations, crafts, demonstrations, and snacks.

Featuring:

Iowa-based performance artist Leslie Hall, known by fans as Mama Gem, will rip up to Winnipeg with her band, The Lys, for a live performance. Line your pan with Crisco when she dances her disco because her stretchy pants and sparkly bling are gonna groove you!

Winnipeg’s Transistor 66 Record Company has been destroying mediocrity one record at a time. The home of Scott Nolan, The Angry Dragons, Bloodshot Bill, The Magnificent 7’s, The Savants, SubCity, The Rowdymen, Miesha and The Spanks, Crooked Brothers, and more, Transistor 66 rock and punk acts take the stage on Friday night.

Save the dates and get ready because more information about performers, vendors, and festival passes is on the way! A limited number of Craftival tables are available for exhibitors to share their wares. Want to get involved? Contact us to find out how by April 15.

For more information and updates visit: www.plugin.org or email milena@plugin.org or call 204.942.1043.

Program subject to change without notice."

Plug In ICA

286 McDermot Avenue
Winnipeg
204-942-1043
www.plugin.org

Trendy Babies

Trendy Babies was introduced to me by one of my readers. This is a local company that sells a wide variety of neat baby things like (pacifier) binky bling & clips, crocheted hats, head bands, bows & bow holders, mitten clips, booties, clothes, and baby room decor and accessories. Amanda is the owner of Trendy Babies and now sells with a group of moms on her Facebook site. It is a great group that buy and trade home made baby things. Trendy Babies sells what it exclaims loudly with it's name. ;) Everything is hip and modern and the fabric choices are bright and trendy. Trendy babies would wow everyone at baby showers and your little one will rock the playgroup in the fashions she offers.

Have a peak at her website or join her Facebook group to see what is current and have a look at all the talented moms that line up to sell with Amanda through Trendy Babies. There is no reason to hit the malls or box stores for baby gifts when we have so many talented artisans that make modern and unique baby goods here in Manitoba. Trendy Babies is just newly featuring this baby nursery mobile made by a Brandon mom. Have a peak and see what else they have to offer.

I asked Amanda to describe Trendy Baby and how it all got started:

"A neat thing about our company is that we are actually a group of 15 mamas working together so its not just me! I started a facebook site just to support local stay at home moms and from there, everything just took off! I currently have a waiting list of 7 moms wanting to join, and I get new inquiries every week. My favorite part about Trendy Babies is that I get to help other stay-at-home moms stay at home! (Actually, that's my second favourite, the best part is being able to trade products with all the other mamas who sell with me. LOL). I have a 9-month old myself so I am constantly trading or buying from the other mamas! No joke!" - Amanda (Owner of Trendy Babies)











Trendy Babies
http://www.trendybabies.ca/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Trendy-Babies/112611232108556

April 24th is Charleswood Y Neighbours Used Toy and Clothing Sale

I came across this on Kijiji and I have heard good things about this garage sale.

"The Charleswood Y Neighbours is holding our annual spring Used Toy and Clothing Sale on Saturday April 24th from 9-12. The sale will be held at the Charleswood United Church at 4820 Roblin Blvd. We are currently selling 6' tables for $25.00. If you have toys, books, clothes, games, high chairs, bouncers or anything for babies or toddlers this is the place to sell it all! Last year we had over 400 people attend which was great for all the people renting tables. It's a fantastic way to sell lots of things in a short amount of time. If you're interested in renting a table you can email margot@mts.net or call Margot at 837-3583. If you'd just like to come out and shop at our over 25 tables it's $1.00 for adults to get in and kids are free! Hope to see you out!"

Portage Place Craft Fair is Looking For Artisans

Portage Place Shopping Centre's Spring Craft Market is May 3rd to 8th and they are recruiting artisans & crafters to fill the tables.

Details about Craft Fair for Shoppers and Artisans:

"• Portage Place held our first craft market in partnership with the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ in December 2009 with over 40 participants between the two locations
• The Spring Craft Market will be taking place from May 3rdto May 8th (Monday-Saturday) just in time for Mother’s Day
• Merchants will be clustered in and around Edmonton Court (the clock tower) on the first level of the shopping centre
• Craft market participants must be selling original, handcrafted products – vendors are not permitted at this sale whatsoever
• The event will be supported by various forms of mass media as well as in- mall signage
• The mall boasts over 155,000 in pedestrian traffic on a weekly basis in May, allowing participants to capitalize on a built-in audience while also promoting the event to your existing client base to draw extra sales"

For full registration information for artisans and crafters email BrittanyL@portageplace.mb.ca.

Osborne Village's Sew Dandee

Sew Dandee is one of the places you need to stop in to shop local. Owner and designer Andee Penner operates this great store which is a mix of her designs, local & international designers, and some revamped retro creations. When inside you will notice that it has a nice gel of clothing and home and clothing accessories of all styles. I like that much of the clothing that she chooses to feature at Sew Dandee are one of a kind. Many are flowing, bohemian, and somewhat whimsical while others are the other end of the spectrum with locally screen printed t-shirts, skirts, and bags. Sew Dandee features many local designers. To name a few: Wanda June, Juanita Klassen, Melissa Turner, Jaya Beange, Dizzy Dame, Spiro Creations, Experimental Designs, Gracious Designs, & Boomerang 360. These designers create unique clothing and accessories, most that cannot be found anywhere else.

Here is a bio from Andee's blog:

"Dandee Original Designs has been growing and growing every year since i started it up about 9 years ago!! my mom being a seamstress was the best influence to get me started and to keep me going! i'm a fibre addict and can't seem to stop creating!! from reworked and crocheted clothing and accessories to pins and magnets to belts and cozies and switchplate covers to whatever i think up this week!! each item is one of a kind! i'm all about d.i.y. and recycling fabrics, yarns and clothing making things fresh and fun! i sell my goods at my bricks and mortar shop, Sew Dandee in Osborne Village. watch out for new items on a regular basis here on etsy!! stay crafty!! and check out my blog for what's new in the land of Dandee!"

Dandee Original Designs can be found all over the web:

www.sewdandee.blogspot.com

www.dandee.etsy.com

www.dandee.artfire.com

And a great description of her Sew Dandee shop:

"Find awesome handmade goods of all kinds at Sew Dandee! From smart ass all occassion cards to duct tape wallets, upcycled bags to silk screened baby onesies to reworked clothing and jewelry of all kinds plus much more. Most items are made right here in Winnipeg alongside fantastic designers and crafters from all across Canada and a few from the U.S. In addition to our handmade goods we've got a great array of men's and women's gently worn consignment clothing and we can do all kinds of custom sewing and alterations. Come see us today!"

Take a walk through Osborne Village and peak in at all the amazing shops and make sure to visit Sew Dandee and try on some local designs.



Store Hours:
monday thru thursday 10am to 6pm
friday 10am to 7pm
saturday 10am to 6pm
sunday 12noon to 5pm



Sew Dandee
105 Osborne Street
Winnipeg
204-453-5110

(the photos featured here are a combination of Andee's designs and some of the local designs in her shop)

Local Artist Foxy Blue

Erica, a friend from local www.winnipegbabywearers.com group that I am a part of, recommended this artist to feature here. Foxy Blue is a mixed media artist that creates very whimsical pieces. She has a blog that features her work, family life, and a Friday art giveaway. So if you like what you see you can enter for a chance to win one of her current pieces. Have a peak at her blog or her etsy shop and see if she if her whimsy will fit into your home. ;)

http://foxyblueandfamilytoo.blogspot.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/FoxyBlue

Where Do You Choose to Shop?

I know many people who refuse to shop at Walmart. Me being one of them. If you ask them why they answer it is because they make local businesses go out of business, ruin towns, and make small manufacturers go under because they cannot make their products cheap enough. Many of these people choose Superstore or Cosco instead. Why care about Walmart shutting down small businesses & manufacturers if you don't shop local anyways? Why do you care if the small guy gets shut down? You are not shopping there anyways. Choosing another large box store is no better than shopping at Walmart. You are choosing the big corporation because they are cheaper. Cheaper than your local store or manufacturer. I know that it is hard to not step in a box store ever but every time you do, I do, it is not helping anyone but yourself, myself, and the big corporation. You are choosing to not support your community. You might as well shop at Walmart. It makes no difference.