Handmade in Manitoba: May 2010

Monday, May 31, 2010

This Weekend is the 2nd Annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser Craft Fair

Crafts (and More) for THE CURE

June 5th 2010....at the Fort Garry Curling Club, 696 Archibald St

There will be 55+ tables of crafters and small business owners.

Last Year WE RAISED ALMOST $3000 !!!! THANK YOU!

Crafters and Businesses

Scrap Store - Scrapbooking Supplies

Baby Knitting and Crochet

Novelty Soaps

A Little out of the Ordinary - Brag Books & Diaper Cakes

Fifth Ave Jewelry

Swarorski Crystal, Beaded Jewelry

Paper Trail Craft Co - Vintage greeting cards & magnets

Sweetness and Light Honey

Sunset Gourmet

My Best Silhouette

Sewing by Jody

Steeped Teas

Total She Jewelry

Boston Terrier and Pug Rescue - Home Made Dog-Cat treats

Little Lady Card Company

Manic Mittens -Hair Clips, Headbands, Tutus
Jockey Person to Person
Gloria's Gourmet Coffee
Bath and Body Products
Glamour in the City Jewellery
Pandora Bracelets
Fruit butters
Organic soap based cleaners
Painting Rocks by Joy
Wood Working
Candleflare Beeswax candles
Wild Wind Naturals
Accent Pieces in Polymer Clay (Pat Sernyk)
Creative Memories
Tea Buds and Blossoms
JLP designs
Bluerose Natural Soaps
Wooden Bird Houses
Jangle Sisters Jewellery
Usborne Books
Silpada Jewellery
Cards by Tannis Ross

Sunday, May 30, 2010

#9 Local Baby Shower Gift: Bath & Body

A great baby shower idea is bath and body products for baby or mom. If you have a look at the many bath and body products on the shelves of the groceries or pharmacies you will see that they are filled with terrible ingredients and some are actually toxic or cancer causing. I find baby products are always over scented and most are not very good for baby's delicate skin. There are many local soap makers that have amazing products that are awesome and safe. Just to name a few:

Wild Wind Naturals:
* They carry a baby and mom bath and body line that features items such as: Baby Butter, Belly Butter, All Natural Baby Wash, Sweet Dreams Soap, Goat's Milk Soap, Sweet Dreams Mister, 'Night 'Night Monster Spray & Roll On, Hand & Body Shea Lotion, and Healing Salve that is supposed to do wonders with Eczema.
* Look for them in the Craft Cupboard at the Forks in Winnipeg or:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brandon-MB/Wild-Wind-Naturals/407719552518?ref http://www.wildwindnaturals.ca

Tiber River Naturals:
* Look for Bottom's Up Shampoo and Body Wash, Bottom's Up Cream, Great Expectations Body Bar, or Teething Gel.
* Find them at either their 408 Academy Road location or their new location at 3-1650 Kenaston Crossing at Kenaston & Mcgillvary or online at:
http://www.tiberriver.ca

Heartsease
* Features products that are 100% natural and handmade in Winnipeg. Check out their Baby Care line that includes Bum & Belly Balm, Gentle Hair & Body Wash, Massage Oil, Baby Powder, Gentle Mist, and Baby Soap.
* You can find them at 941 Westminster Avenue or online:
http://heartsease.ca/welcome/?page_id=39

Aradia Naturals
* They make many natural bath and body products that are also Eco Friendly. A few baby & mom ideas would be Talc Free Baby Powder, Baby Bum Oil, Soothing Goat's Milk and Oatmeal Soap, Massage Oils & Spritzers. I found them originally at the R.E.Stein Craft Fair last year but they can also be found through Etsy.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/AradiaNaturals

The Soap Gallery
* The Soap Gallery makes Sensitive Skin Laundry Soap, Chamomile Citrus Soap, Creme de la Creme Luscious Lavender Cream, & Vintage Tea Rose Soap. Miss. Louise's bath and body products can be found all over the web:
http://shop.soap-gallery.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSoapGallery
http://www.facebook.com/TheSoapGallery?ref=share

Just The Goods
* Just The Goods is one of my favorite go to places for bath and body products. The products are simple and delicious. Some products I have used on myself and my babes or plan to in the very near future are the Vegan Whipped Body Butters, Massage Oil, Calming or Sleepy Bath Melts, & Bath Salts. They will be introducing lotions and sunscreen soon too.
* Find them online at their many locations:
http://www.justthegoods.net/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/justthegoods
http://www.facebook.com/justthegoods

Sass Bath & Body Products
* They are another Winnipeg company that specializes in chemical free handmade body products. Check out their Groovy Baby Soap, Butter Creme, or Relaxation or Sleepy Time Bath Tea.
* They can be found:
http://www.gotsass.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sass-Bath-and-Body-Products/205492144179?ref=mf

Sandy's Soap
* Sandy's Soap specializes in natural soaps made in small batches in their home while using herbs from their own garden. Some good baby and mom choices would be Avocado Milk Soap, Chamomile Tea Soap, or Shea Butter Unscented Soap. They can be found at many of the Winnipeg Craft Fairs and online:
http://sandysoap.webs.com/home.htm

Di Erbe
* Creates vegan and natural products such as BooBoo Butter, Dry Patch Body Butter, & Fragrence Free Hand & Body Lotion.
* Di Erbe has a store at 1853 Main Street and can also be found at Vita Health in Osborne Village, McNally Robinson, and many other Manitoba retailers. You can also shop online:
http://www.dierbe.ca
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&gid=99134494467

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

#8 Local Baby Shower Gift: Knits Are Back

One craft trend that has taken off and morphed has been crocheting & knitting. It is everywhere. I have seen many crafters crocheting away while working their booths at a craft fair. Andee of Sew Dandee was casually crocheting a head band while we chatted at This Ain't Your Grandma's Craft Show as if it was second nature like breathing. The thing I like about crocheting and knitting is that is has changed from doilies, scarves, and dish clothes to a huge fashion statement. On Etsy the other day I found a woman who knit these beautiful tall neck muffs that could have been walked down a cat walk. I have also seen designers bringing in knit and crocheted details into their fashions.

Winnipeg has has a great selection of knit and more specifically crocheted baby goods. Hats, scarves, clothing details, slippers, & baby blankets. I have one friend who actually knits prehistoric animals & sea creatures like jelly fish and another who knits detailed animals. It is amazing what can be done with a couple sticks and some wool. Unfortunately they currently only knit for their kids but here are some local baby goods that is available and would make adorable baby shower gifts:

1-4: Alexis Tachnak - atachnakphotography@shaw.ca
5-7: Manic Mittens - www.manicmittens.com
8-9: Magination - www.etsy.com/shop/Magination
10-11: Trendy Babies - www.trendybabies.ca
12: Crystal - 204-284-4952
13-15: Smak Jam Creations - www.etsy.com/shop/SmakJamCreations
16-17: Chantelle's - http://www.etsy.com/shop/Chantelles

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Birth Photography with Kristel Bueckert

I have had many friends who have had loved ones snap photos or video taped their children's births. I have never seen a photo collage like this one though. Kristel Bueckert has a rare talent and has taken on a new challenge of photographing clients most important moments by photographing a family's labour, delivery, and the first newborn photos. It is an amazingly touching experience that will keep the memories close for this family's life. I know the couple that you see in the photos below. They were overjoyed with the photos. Scroll down the bottom after to find out all the info that Kristel offers about her photographing your child's birth.

Birth FAQ

The birth of a child is one of the most significant and beautiful events in life and it is no surprise that more and more families are turning to professionals to help them document it.

What is included and how much does it cost?

My birth photography package includes my time during labour, delivery and up to 2 hours post, a cd with approx. 75-125 edited images in mostly black & white, and a dvd slideshow set to music. In addition you may purchase a beautiful keepsake book and/or upgrade your package to include a maternity and newborn session. Payment is due in two equal payments. The first payment is due within 7 days of booking my services and the second payment is due at our meeting prior to the birth. Please contact me for more information on prices.

How early should we book?

I only take 1 birth client per month, so I recommend booking as soon as possible.

Will we meet before the big day?

Yes! I would love to meet you for a coffee date sometime in your 3rd trimester to talk and go over your expectations, desires, and anything that you want or do not want photographed.

When do we call you?

Please contact me as soon as you think you are in labour! This gives me a heads-up to make arrangements and prepare.

I am concerned about sharing this day with a stranger...

When I photograph a birth I try to remain as inconspicious as possible. It is important to me to document your labour and birth as though I wasn’t even in the room. I use natural and ambient light whenever possible, avoiding flash unless absolutely necessary. My birth photography is very candid (no posing) and documentary-style, giving you time to yourself while capturing the moments that make up your story.

What if I have a caesarean?

In the event of a c-section, I will most likely not be allowed to accompany you in the OR. In this case I will send a camera (set on auto) in with your support person and process those images along with my own.

When do we get our pictures?

After the birth, I will try to quickly provide you with 1-2 images of baby for sharing with family and friends. The rest of the images and slideshow will take approx. 2-3 weeks depending on my schedule and the number of images.

If you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to contact me: kristelbueckert@gmail.com

Sunday, May 16, 2010

#7 Local Baby Shower Gift: The Newborn Photo

I have always preferred candid photos over posed studio photos. I especially avoid any photographers where they dress the babies up corny and put them in front of some back ground screen. Little Johnny is a baseball player or little Sue is sleeping in a flower. They kind of creep me out for some reason. With this said, I do not detest hired photographers for newborn, baby, or family photos. Many photographers are very talented at finding their muses' actual personalities and do not impose a personality on them. I love some of the photos I am posting here. Little naked newborns are the cutest and if I hadn't looked like a house when I was pregnant I would have loved a professional maternity photo done.

Many people choose the box store studios over a photographer for hire because they think the prices are better. Two tips: a less known photographer will charge less and can be just as talented as some of the bigger names and companies, and two....you get what you pay for. If you choose the bargain studio with the silly props and screens you will not remember at all who your child was at that age. All the kids look the same when all propped up. Look for someone who photographs a moment in time and preferably in your own cozy home. In the end you will have more than just a cute photo.

A photography session is a great idea for a shower gift. If the shower ends up before the baby is born then the mom can choose maternity or newborn photos. It is something that many new families cannot afford on their own and not everyone is talented with their own camera.

I have a small selection of talented photographers here. They all have an eye for the natural beauty of the child and if props are used they feel natural like a warm blanket to snuggle the newborn in or a warm hat to keep their little bare heads warm. A search online will show you many more. Before you choose a photographer look at their portfolio and make sure that they know what your expectations are. Each photographer has their own styles, training, and experience. Experience can be an asset but does not always make a better photographer. A fresh new professional photographer can have a view of the world that a more mature photographer may have lost. Look at what they have and talk to them. You will know right away if they are a good match for you.

Freckle Face Photography
http://frecklefacephotography.ca