Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Next Week is Portage Place Shopping Centre's Spring Craft Market

Rain or shine the Edmonton Court at Portage Place Shopping Centre is a perfect venue for a Craft Sale. Come out May 3-8 to peruse a good group of Manitoba's crafters and artisan's. I just got a list of the artisans today and I am posting them here so you can get an idea of who is going to be there. It will be a good craft fair to head to especially if you work or go to school downtown. The times are Monday to Friday 11 am to 1:30 pm and Saturday 12 pm to 5pm.

Scroll to the bottom for the full list.

Through Glass Images









Tamara's Jewelry By Design










Spa Cakes Soap Company










Nancy Blokland Pottery













Lifewords









Jewels and Ghouls













Julie Pedersen Clothing & Design













Fibre Artistry













A to Z Illusions







Aradia's Gallery & Naturals











A TO Z ILLUSIONS
May 3 to May 8
With 30 years of experience as a photographer, David now produces letter photos to allow people to create their own visual art message or inspirational word / name.
www.atozillusions.com

ARADIA’S GALLERY & NATURALS
May 3 to May 8
Experience art inspired by nature, including a wide range of handmade, natural products including clay art, ceramic jewellery, tile art, pottery, body products, incense, herbs, and more!
www.aradiasgallery.ca

B&L ART STUDIOS
May 3 to May 8
This husband & wife team pushes aside the veil of urban atmosphere and lets you experience the passionate interpretation of the artist’s brush, and handmade jewellery. With their work appearing everywhere from Toronto to New York, this duo is proud to be inspired by the place they call him – Winnipeg.

BAHIA DESIGNED
May 3 to May 8
Bahia Designed offers one-of-a-kind and custom created fused glass designs. Inspired by the latest trends and her own sense of style, Bahia hand-cuts and fuses the glass for incredibly unique and distinctive glass designs in both jewellery and home décor.
www.bahiadesigned.com

BEAUTY BAGS
May 5 to May 8
Pick up a one of a kind purse, bag, or carry-all made from tapestries and other unique materials, all at Beauty Bags.

BUBBA’S PLACE
May 3 to May 8
Celebrate the city and all it has to offer at Bubba’s Place – pick up customized puzzles, Winnipeg souvenirs, floral arrangements, gift bags, boxes, and more.

CLEAR ENERGY GLASS STUDIO
May 3 to May 8
With over 25 years of working with glass behind her, Jolanta is a professional designer with extensive experience in making fused glass angels, brooches, necklaces, plates, and wall art compositions.
www.clearenergyglass.com

CRAFTS BY IRENE
May 3 to May 8
100% handmade is what you get at Crafts by Irene. Irene’s amazing handiwork includes wooden pictures, crosses, afghans, dish cloths, fridge magnets, and much more – stop by to see for yourself.
www.craftsbyirene.com

ECHO CREATIONS
May 3 to May 8
Beautiful vintage silverware has been lovingly recrafted into rings, pendants, key chains, bracelets, and earrings. Also, be sure to look and listen for the line of windchimes and hanging fish reproduced from unusual jugs, containers, and other ‘finds’.
www.etsy.com/shop/echocreations

FIBRE ARTISTRY
May 3 to May 8
A lifelong passion for fibre arts is distilled in Helga’s hand-felted work. She specializes in nuno-technique and her unique and modern applications of this traditional craft are exhibited and sold throughout Western Canada.

www.fibreartistry.ca

I29 DESIGNS
May 3 to May 8
Fashionable, intriguing, and quality custom beaded jewellery – including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, pendants, and special sets for brides to be. Don’t see what you’re looking for? i29 can custom create a piece for you!
www.i29designs.com

JANGLE SISTERS JEWELS
May 7 to May 8
Sparkle and shine with Jangle Sisters Jewels, including beautifully handcrafted Murano glass pendants, Pandora styled bracelets, glass beads & charms, rings, earnings, necklaces, and key chains. Plus, check out the collection of fun & funky necklaces for children and teens!
www.janglesistersjewels.ca

JEWELS & GHOULS
May 6 to May 8
Experience what happens you take a thought, translate it into a line, and transform lines into art from Jewels & Ghouls. Looking for a glimpse of the world beyond? Check out an extensive line of travel photography to décor your home.

www.jewelsandghouls.etsy.com

JULIE PEDERSEN CLOTHING & DESIGN
May 5 to May 8
Inspired by the very landscape around her, Julie Pedersen’s fashionable line of Muckies (mukluks), as well as her legwarmers and spats are enough to make any gal want winter to come back around.

www.juliepedersen.com

KIM’S POTTERY
May 6 to May 8
With a lifelong love of pottery, Kim finally pursued her dreams of producing her own pieces in a unique style she feels she is truly blessed with. Today, she proudly produces handmade, functional pottery that is food, microwave, and dishwasher safe.

LIFEWORDS
May 3 to May 8
Get the hand-painted look without the fuss when you purchase vinyl words & graphics for your home from Lifewords. Choose the decal that inspires you, stick it to your wall, and instantly update your home’s décor.
www.lifewords.ca

MAD FISH MARKET
May 3 to May 8
Fashion with a history behind it – pick up unique bags, purses, and pouches from recycled, vintage, and reclaimed fabrics, all sewn on a 1911 treadle sewing machine. While you’re at it, check out the collection of handwoven jewellery.
www.madfishmarket.etsy.com

MAMA WIWI CHI ITATA
May 3 to May 6, May 8
Bring home an authentic piece of Aboriginal artwork, including handmade dream catchers, drums, and jewellery, as featured in many local showcases, Pow Wow’s, trade shows, and more.

NANCY BLOKLAND POTTERY
May 6 to May 7
Nancy’s pottery is sold throughout the province, including Keepsakes Gallery, Craft Cupboard, and Pembina Hills Art Gallery in Morden, Manitoba. Nancy is a part of In Plain View and Uniquely Manitoba – see her work on their websites.
www.nancybloklandpottery.blogspot.com

ONCE MORE
May 3 to May 8
No two pieces are alike at Once More, home to a unique collection of bags, purses, and tote bags made from new and upcycled materials. Beyond Portage Place, you can pick up Marlene’s work at other markets, including the St. Norbert and Osborne Street markets.

PITCHIN HAY PUBLISHING
May 3 to May 8
Grab a copy of Hearts of the Country magazine, a new publication that showcases the spirit and personality of rural Canadian women with true to the heart stories on life beyond city limits.
www.heartsmag.com

ROGUE JEWELLERY DESIGNS
May 6 to May 8
There’s something for everyone with Rogue Jewellery Designs, with pieces ranging from wire and hand soldered to leather and funky, chunky long designs. Pick up a piece to surprise mom with!

SHANTHI KIRUPAKARAN
May 3 to May 8
There may not have been many April showers, but there are plenty of May flowers available here! Take home a breathtaking floral arrangement for Mother’s Day (or yourself) and have it last forever.

SHIRLEY ALTON
May 3 to May 8 
Pick up handmade gemstone & beaded jewellery, bookmarks, key chains, mugs, t-shirts, mouse pads and more from Shirley Alton – your perfect giftware destination.

SHIVER SOAPS
May 3 to May 8 
Passionately made, all natural soaps. With fair and accessible prices for handmade organic delights, you absolutely can’t go wrong with a slice of bath heaven from Shiver Soaps!

SPA CAKES SOAP COMPANY
May 5 to May 8 
Score natural, handmade soaps when you browse the Spa Cakes collection. With hemp shampoo bars, shea butter soaps, unscented soaps and more, there’s a huge collection of amazing products available for your bathroom and beyond. 

www.spacakes.blogspot.com

TAMARA’S JEWELRY BY DESIGN
May 3 to May 8 
Every piece created by Tamara’s Jewelry by Design brings together a unique blend of metals and beadwork, to give you a piece of wearable art. Handmade from the heart, Tamara’s work makes a perfect gift!
www.tamarasjewelrybydesign.com

THREE SILVER CRANES
May 4, May 6 to May 8
Be amazed by the number of things that can be handwoven and knit from Three Silver Cranes – including jewellery, hats, slippers, dish cloths, coasters, boxes, tissue box covers, and more!

www.threesilvercranes.etsy.com

THROUGH GLASS IMAGES
May 5 to May 8
Explore a range of photographs including stunning landscapes and Gail’s unique technique of photographing living flowers through stained glass. If you’re looking for a piece of art as a gift or for your home, Through Glass Images has a wide variety of ideas.
www.throughglassimages.com

USKÉ INTERNATIONAL
May 3 to May 8
It’s easy being green when you shop at Uské International. With over ten years of experience, the Uské International team has been working with nature to create glass jewellery, eco-friendly bracelets, and sweetgrass circles and braids.

www.nowurgreen.com

VAL-ART DESIGNS
May 3 to May 8
Valarie has been a jewellery and card designer for many years, as well as an active part of the art community through teaching both adults and youth the wonders of creativity. For group classes, contact Valarie at vnew@mts.net or 
389-3573.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Gurumama, Mother to Mother, The Soap Lady, Bent Into Shape, Eclat Jewelry, & More

I found my cards from the Scattered Seeds Craft Show. I am going to apologize now that most of the artisans and crafters I like do not have websites and I do not have photos to accompany most of the features. I also didn't end up buying much at this sale because I only went with $20 and unfortunately after the $8 spent to get in I didn't have much left to spend. I also ended up liking larger ticket items like furniture and custom cabinets.

Since I mentioned cabinets I will start there. I liked this corner booth that featured beautiful distressed painted cabinets, country garden and house designed items, a little children's table, and this big country garden shed. Everything was custom made and it was very country chic. I got a business card and the business is called Calligraphy From The Heart. They haven't a website and I am not sure if this is another business owned by CFTH's Laurie Harvey. I am interested in a small double door wood cabinet that they call a water cooler cabinet. I think it would be great as a small pantry. If you are interested in more information her email is slharvey@mts.net. I am going to email her for some photos and will add them here when I hear back.

Another furniture booth was Bent Into Shape which customizes in Willow Furniture. Again, no website but I will try to contact them. I loved their willow chairs and I thought the prices were great. If you are interested in willow chairs, loveseats, mosaic tile tables, arbors, or are interested in taking a workshop email them at ree@mts.net.

Now to change direction....to....a farm.....Aurora Farm from St.Norbert. They had a fun booth with photo cards of their beloved animals, wool scarves, hats, and mitts, goat milk soap, and more. I bought two adorable photo cards of Jeffery (a baby cow) and Vincent (an alpaca) that I plan on framing for my boy's room. Too cute. If you are interested in wool items, soaps, or even horse back riding lessons email louisewillowmay@gmail.com. They have a website in the works. www.aurorafarm.ca

Now...time to switch gears again. That Soap Lady had super cute soaps. Anyone who knows me knows that I love bar soaps and That Soap Lady made beautiful looking soaps with very interested smells and designs. Some actually looked edible like the donut soaps she has posted about on her blog. All her products are made from natural ingredients. The soaps are hypo-allergenic, with no detergents, sulphates, surfactants, alcohol or sugar solutions. She uses vegetable oils, water, moisturizers, emulsifier and kosher glycerin. She can be found on her blog at www.theprimpantry.blogspot.com, www.thatsoaplady.blogspot.com or That Soap Lady can be found at the following retail stores: Fort Whyte Alive - 1961 McCreary Road, Winnipeg, Phone: 204-989-8364, 515 Osborne Street (South) Winnipeg ~ Phone: 204-219-9991 Toll Free: 1-866-924-6082 & at Sew Dandee in Osborne Village.

Another booth that I was drawn to was Eclat One of kind jewelry designs. The jewelry was beautiful but it was the glass art that I was amazed with. I especially loved the poplar trees that looked like they were topped with glass candy. They actually have a working website with photos of many of their glass art. http://www.klassworks.com

Lastly, my favorite booth of the day was split between Gurumama and Mother to Mother. Jennifer from Gurumama is continuously expanding her product line. I know Gurumama as AMAZING baby sling makers. The fabrics they choose are awesome and the quality it top of the line. What I LOVED at this sale was her reversible toddler swing dresses and not just for baby retro bonnets. Oh are they adorable. The fabrics are to die for and I will be ordering for my little girl asap!! Gurumama has a great website http://www.gurumama.ca. Mother to Mother started as Childbirth & Doula Services but has expanded to selling hip and handy wares for babies & big kids. Most items are not handmade but my favorite find of the night was Noreen's handmade eye spy bags. They are little pillows with a window on the front. Kids can peak through the window and search for items hidden within the bag filled of little plastic beads. Attached to the pillow is a search list with photos of the items so kids can try to find the items in the bag. I am picking up two from her because I am on the search for good travel goods for our 40 hr car trip in June. Noreen has a website www.mother2mother.ca.

There were also some good oldies that I have reviewed previously. EMK's bags were beautiful as usual, my friends and I always go gaga for U.S.E.D. recycled seatbelt bags, and I finally got to have a look at 's jewelry. I joked with my friend that she had to pick up at least one set of earrings because her husband is a computer nerd and a pair of Periwinkle Dzyns earrings would probably be quite an aphrodisiac. ;) Their reviews can be found here in case you missed them:

http://handmadeinmanitoba.blogspot.com/2009/11/emk-clothing.html

http://handmadeinmanitoba.blogspot.com/2009/12/ruth-at-periwinkle-designs-takes.html

http://handmadeinmanitoba.blogspot.com/2009/11/used-recycled-seatbelt-bags.html

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Local Artist Chosen for Cloth Paper Scissors Magazine Cover

Congratulations to Serena Wilson Stubson of Heaven's Earth for having her beautiful painting featured on Cloth Paper Scissors Magazine. The colours and design will definitely draw readers to the magazine. If you like what you see I featured her way back when and you can read the review here:
http://handmadeinmanitoba.blogspot.com/2009/11/paintings-by-serena-wilson-stubson_07.html

Or visit her etsy site:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/heavensearth

http://www.clothpaperscissors.com/blogs/clothpaperscissors/archive/2010/04/19/cloth-paper-scissors-may-june-2010.aspx

Willowcatstudio, Just The Goods, Mrs.Glockenheimen, Marathon1981, Dumb Chauffeur & more

There were quite a few new artisans from This Ain't Your Grandma's Craft Show that drew my interest. By the looks of their blogs and Etsy sites they are new to me, not new to the crafting world. Kami from Marathon1981 has a great photo shoot of all the tables at the sale so have a peak there and see what you missed.
http://attack1980sattack.blogspot.com/2010/04/tayg-craft-sale-visual.html

I finally got to see the Just the Goods table and all she has to offer. I love her body & bath line because the products are well made and her selection is amazing. I would like to see her start on some bar soaps too because I have this slight addiction for beautiful bar soaps. There are some good soap makers in town but they are harder to find in between sales. I picked up some oil bath fizzies for my little girl's bath and I trial size vegan peppermint toothpaste. I am planning to order some of her bath line mixed with sandlewood oil so I didn't pick up too much this time. I love sandlewood. I did a full review in January so have a peak:
http://handmadeinmanitoba.blogspot.com/2010/01/just-goods.html

Marathon1981 has been one of my favorite tables since I first saw it at The Vineyard Craft Fair last year. I love her little stuffed monsters and I have a hard time not buying them all up. Her reclaimed fabric and vintage fabric creatures are one-of-a-kind and no two are the same. My 1 yr old boy was my hot date for this craft show and he also liked this table the best. I had a hard time not buying him a little red monster that caught our fancy.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/marathon1981

Boomerang360 had real cute designs as usual and I loved the screen printed green underwear and her bags that were co-made with another artisan at this sale, Dumb Chauffeur. Dumb Chauffeur showed their Manitoba roots with their neat retro Manitoba prints like highway signs but my favorite was their clutches made from recycled suits and ties. I loved them!!!
http://dumbchauffeur.blogspot.com

Willowcatstudio had one of a kind cards that I have not seen anywhere before. There are usually a couple neat card tables at these craft shows but her kitty and creepy beast cards are truly innovative.
http://www.willowcatstudio.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/willowcatstudio

Mrs.Glockenheimen handcrafted storybook jewelry & treasures was a fun table for me. My little girl loves dress up and there were several brooches that I had a hard time not picking up. I am keeping her card for the next time I need gift ideas for her or her little girlfriends that also love to play dress up. Her jewelry is not exclusive to dress up brooches. There were neat designs for all ages. Her website is currently under construction so I can't snag a photo for this site. I will email her and add a photo as soon as I can.
http://mrsglockenheimen.weebly.com

This is just a little taste of the goodies featured at the This Ain't Your Grandma's Craft Show. There was bamboo clothes, cycling hats, Sew Dandee Designs crocheted bows and new cards made on recycled paper, leather jewelry, soaps, and so much more. One of my favorite tables was a women named Karen who made super cute oven mitts. I am currently doing a kitchen renovation so I couldn't decide on what colours would work and they were sold up super fast. By the time I walked around the room she sold half her oven mitts. I may have to get a hold of her once my kitchen is done for a beautiful set of oven mitts.

It was a small sale with beautiful handmade items. It was nice to meet some of the people that I have featured here and see some of their new things. I look forward to Intermixamania DIY Craftival, May 7-9th. I think there will be some great artisans participating in that one too. I plan to write a review of some of the artisans I liked at the Scattered Seeds Craft Show. I put my notes somewhere and have to find them. ;) I hope you have some time to enjoy some of the local craft shows happening in May. It is a busy month and should be a lot of fun.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Lots To Do This Weekend

There are 4 Craft Fairs to check out this weekend. I am pretty sure I will be stopping in at the This Ain't Your Grandma's Craft Show. I was sad to have missed their Christmas holiday one at Park Theatre so I do not want to miss it this one if at all possible. http://thisaintyourgrandmascraftsale.blogspot.com

Over Christmas I did attend The Last Chance Craft Sale at Club Regent and it was pretty good with many smaller crafters. I would recommend a pop in there if you have the time on Sunday.

It is fun to have the craft fairs kicking up again. There is something to do almost every weekend.

If you know of any craft shows that I am missing please email me at handmadeinmanitoba@gmail.com.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Cartizan: AWESOME NEW Local Artisan Where To Buy Site

To celebrate Earth Day I am featuring a new up and running website where Manitoba artisans and crafters can market their wares. I am amazed at how professional it is and how many crafters are already posted on it. The site is called Cartizan. If you are a crafter, artist, or artisan or if you sell such items you need to be a part of this site. The site resembles Etsy and has current artisan features, categories to help you reach the perfect artisan for what you need, and will soon have a calender with Manitoba's craft fairs & farmer's markets.

Have a peak and bookmark it if you are a shopper or list there if you are a crafter. I think it is going to be a huge help for our community and make it even easier for the masses to purchase Manitoba made wares. I am sure I will often reference this site in the future. Hurray to people who care about shopping local and put the needed efforts in to try to reach everyone. I think this site has something for everyone and if it is marketed correctly it can be a HUGE resource for shopping in Manitoba. Keep our money here. Help support your community by supporting this site.

The site is:
http://www.cartizan.com

They also have a great article on the site that explains how shopping local is good for not only your pocketbook but globally too.

http://www.newrules.org/retail/article/neighborhood-stores-overlooked-strategy-fighting-global-warming

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Clothing Swap At Sew Dandee

I just got this announcement from Winnipeg Etsy Street Team and want to make sure all my readers don't miss out because there is not much that my friends look forward to more than a clothing swap and this one has a twist. Here are the details:

"It's that time again for a Sew Dandee Clothing Swap! And what better time than Spring to clean out and freshen up your wardrobe!? Bring AT LEAST 10 items of somewhat current clothing or footwear in good, freshly washed conditon (NO stains, holes, pilling etc.) along with $15 to Sew Dandee before April 23rd and you'll then be entitled to all the awesome new-to-you clothing and shoes your heart desires! In addition to the swapped clothes, I'll have a sale on all the Sew Dandee Gently worn clothing.

Items left over at the end of the night will be reworked into new items for the store, donated to a local women's shelter or you may be able to put them on consignment here at Sew Dandee for store credit. No matter what, they'll all find a good home.

Items can be dropped off at the store between 10am and 6pm Monday to Friday before April 23rd. Please don't show up the night of the swap with a bin of stuff. Register and get your stuff in to me by April 23rd so I can have them all nicely organized for you to parouse the night of the swap.

Let's get our swap on!"

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

So Many Craft Fairs but NO TIME!!!!

I actually had time to attend the Scattered Seeds Craft Fair this weekend and it was ok. Mostly the same stuff that was at the Convention Centre just before Christmas. I don't like craft shows that cost you so much to attend. $6 to get in and $2 to park is a little ridiculous but what can you do? I thought Scattered Seeds would have been filled with a bunch of neat enviro or reclaimed stuff but no....just mostly the same old. I ended up only buying one $3 dip mix and that's all. There are some future craftsters and artisans that I may be heading to in the future so I will write about them soon.

I have to head out so I will be back soon with some features. I do not have much luck this month with attendance of any of the other craft fairs happening. I have a very busy weekend and there are 2 shows I will probably miss. Boo hoo. If anyone ends up at one of them I would love some reviews or features from it. I would hate to miss some amazing new or old talent out there. Email handmadeinmanitoba@gmail.com. Ta Ta for now.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

R A Steen Craft Fair This Saturday

Wolesley's R A Steen Community Center Craft Sale is not too big but always has some talented artisans and usually some tasty vendors too. Come check it out.

Saturday, April 17
Time: 10-4
Location: 980 Palmerston Avenue

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

This Ain't Your Grandma's Craft Spring Sale

I missed their Christmas Sale so I am definitely going to make it to this one. As the title proclaims the artisans here are not making doilies or wreaths. I could do a write up on it but lucky for me a fellow blogger for the sale has done such a good job that I am going to go to bed early instead. ;)

A description and list of some of the artisans can be found here:
http://thisaintyourgrandmascraftsale.blogspot.com/

Be there or you suck! Now the pressure is really there that I make it. :D

Friday, April 9, 2010

Scattered Seeds Starts Next Friday






















Scattered Seeds Inc
9th Annual 2010 Spring Show

Dates:

Friday, April 16, 10am - 9pm
Saturday, April 17, 10am - 9pm
Sunday, April 18, 12 noon - 5pm

Location:

Assiniboia Downs

List of Exhibitors:

http://thescatteredseeds.com/spring-show/exhibitors/

Demos & Entertainment:

http://thescatteredseeds.com/spring-show/show-calendar-demonstrations-amp-entertainment/

Admission:

  • Adults $6.00 (tax included)
  • Children 14 & under FREE
  • Saturday 6pm – 9pm $4.00
  • Weekend rates $9.00
  • Parking $2.00

Monday, April 5, 2010

Julie Pedersen's Muckies, Legwarmers, and Spats

A few months ago one of my readers emailed me looking for mukluks. Mukluks are not too hard to find around here but I have never seen anything like Julie Pedersen's designs. She has gone past the functionally warm mukluks to the new fashionista must have. She works locally in the Exchange District in Winnipeg but has had her mukluks on many stars and has been featured in many fashion publications.

I snagged a description of Julie and how she started with her Muckies from her website:

"Julie Pedersen studied Fashion Design in Vancouver, British Columbia after discovering her love of clothing and fashion from years of modeling. Her career evolved through film & designing for other companies before launching her own line in 2005. She currently lives and works out of Winnipeg, Manitoba which was the initial inspiration for her line of Muckies, a line of beautiful mukluks with a twist!"

If like what you see here she has an entire page on her website with the many articles that feature her Muckies across the country including some thank you's from stars in the fashion world.

Look no further for the coolest mukluks available.


www.juliepedersen.com





Julie Pedersen Studio


617-70 Arthur Street

Winnipeg
info@juliepedersen.com
204-474-0686