Tuesday, March 29, 2011

dconstruct Jewelry

My last post has brought to my thoughts a beautiful jewelry maker.  I did a small post on it a year ago but I have been drooling over some of their resin bracelets lately so I thought perhaps it was time to do a full feature on them.  :)  dconstruct is local and their jewelry feels very organic and urban if that makes a lick of sense.  The recycled resin makes them smooth and sleek.  Very modern and then they use these organic images like this leaf.  I really would like to know more about them and how they do it.  It amazes me.  Please look at all their other beautiful pieces.  It was very hard to find two that I liked best out of their selection to feature here.   They are more art than jewelry. 

http://www.dconstruct.ca

Monday, March 28, 2011

Skate Betty Upcycles Skateboards Into Jewelry

I love upcycled fashion.  I find it interesting and such a good way to reuse something that would head to our landfills.  I have featured quite a few upcyclers in the last year and a half but just only came across Sheena of Skate Betty.  She upcycles used skateboards into bangles, pendants, and earrings.  They are brightly coloured and totally urban.  They will be soon be the new trend I am sure.  Urban art and fashion is getting hotter and hotter.  I recently bought a photograph off Etsy of a broom lying under a dirty staircase.  I am so into what is lying in dark corners that no one notices.  ;) The skateboard prints are still there but scraped and battered so it adds an edge to the bright coloured wood.  Very cool. 

"My name is Sheena and I am the owner operator of SkateBetty (recycled skateboard jewelry art & accessories). My dad introduced me to skateboard culture when i was 13 years old & I have been a Skate Betty ever since.

My shop is a collection of some of the items I have recycled out of the many boards i have accumulated over my 7 year run as a skate shop manager. I have been making & selling recycled skateboard products for some time now & i am so stoked to now offer my line on Etsy."


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




Saturday, March 26, 2011

Le Chique Le Cool Bridal Clutches By Babbs

I was peaking around at my followers profiles today and came across Babbs Boutique.  Remember awhile back I did a feature on EmenGeeDesigns?  Well Monica who co-runs the EmenGeeDesigns also has her own line of beautiful and custom made bridal clutches.  They are truly le chique le cool! :) They can even compliment any bridesmaid dress. If you happen to be that Bride To Be who insists that your friends wear fushia puffy taffeta bridesmaid dresses please at least do them a favor and get them an attractive clutch.  ;)  Monica has a beautiful selection of elegant fabrics in all the colours of the rainbow and can be ordered for any occasion.  They are not just for weddings.  Here is what she says of her Bridal line and how she started making purses:

"I'm Monica, the girl who runs Babbs Boutique. I named my shop after my Nana, her nickname was Babbs! She was one of the most creative women I've ever known, she always had a project in her hands, a painting on the easel and a dress in the making. The older I get the more I see of her in me. When she started to lose her eyesight she gave me one of her sewing machines. At the time I didn't realize what a huge part her machine would take in my life and my career. About a year after she passed away I made my first purse. And after I made one, I made another and another. I started giving them as gifts to friends, not sure what else to do with them. I didn't discover Etsy until four years later but when I realized there were other people like me out there, I was hooked. I design and make everything you see in my shop and I love it! I also have another shop which I run with my friend Grace called EmenGeeDesigns."

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BabbsBoutique
http://babbsboutique.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/business/insights/?pages=&i=104805772888617#!/pages/Babbs/104799622891128?ref=ts


Friday, March 25, 2011

Impossibly Alice's Spring Knits

There is a time and a place for knits.  I know we are in the coldest largest populated area in the world but knits do not have to just be for cold snowy days.  Impossibly Alice has a Spring knit that is perfect to help with the morning chills in the spring or a cool summer night.  She has knit cowls, fingerless mitts/wrist warmers, and light scarves.  If I close my eyes I can picture my friend Carmelle in all of her knitwear.  Possibly not right now since she is Kuwait in 30 degree weather but when she is back kicking around the prairies.   :)

"I am a born and raised prairie girl, knitter, wife, and a mother to a beautiful little baby girl.

With my shop, I hope to share my passion with the rest of the world. I believe in doing my part to help save the environment and my shop reflects this. I also support the fair trade industry. A significant portion of my listings are knit with fair trade wool."


www.facebook.com/impossiblyalice
www.twitter.com/impossiblyalice
http://impossiblyalice.wordpress.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ImpossiblyAlice


Thursday, March 24, 2011

Plum Coulee's Monthly Flea Market & Handmade Items

Plum Coulee has a monthly event called The Find.   Here you can find hand crafted jewelry, vintage items, tools, homemade tortillas, handmade babywear, crocheted hats, purses, etc., magnetic jewelry, hand crafted child's stools, scrapbooking supplies, homemade cards, and much much more.  They have a Facebook page with their upcoming dates and more information on the monthly sale.   It is supposed to be a sunny weekend which is perfect for a Saturday morning drive out to the country.  ;)  It is around thirty-forty minutes past Morris which makes it around an hour and a quarter drive.  Google Map it and take a trip out for some great handmade diapers, slings, jewelry, some good vintage finds, and much more.  Check the comments below for driving instructions.  :)

Here are the details for this weekend's Flea Market:

The Find - Flea Market
Saturday, March 26th
10am-4pm
38 Peters Street
Plum Coulee, MB
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Find-Flea-Market/164215183610771

FREE admission

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Oh So Retro

I have this problem....I cannot let good fabric leave my house.  I have remade old sweaters into cushions, my old clothes are reformed into my 4 yr old girl's clothes, and friends give me vintage clothes for me to store in my hope chest until I have need of them.  I came across Oh So Retro and she seems to be on the same wave length as me.  She transforms old fabrics into wallets, bags, and more.  She even has a design your own tote where you make your choices for your perfect bag and she makes it.  This is what she says about herself:

"Oh So Retro is a one woman sewing biz based out of Winnipeg, MB Canada. Armed with unique retro fabrics and my trusty vintage sewing machine I create handbags, wallets, pillows, clothing and many other fun accessories.

Oh So Retro started back in 2004 as a vintage clothing shop. I started making purses out of salvaged fabric from floor length gowns and much-too-small-for-anyone tweed skirts and soon enough the bags started outselling the clothing!

I joined Etsy in 2005 & have been selling here ever since. I love the vintage section and love to do trades with vintage sellers."


http://www.etsy.com/people/ohsoretro 



 

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Local CSA Farm is Ready For This Year's Shareholders

I think an amazing thing about living in North America is that we have so many food choices.  With this comes great responsibility...at least I think so.  Along with shopping from local artisans and businesses I also try to buy local food whenever possible.  An easy way to do that is to join a CSA Farm Share from a local (and preferable organic/transitional) farmer.  It helps the farm to grow and the buyer gets awesome local goodies for months.  :)  Local organic farmers R.O.C. & the Fern Orchard and Gardens are accepting this years farm share holders.  If you are interested in getting a box of fresh fruit and vegetables each week delivered to your door all summer long then get on it quick before all the spots are filled.  Most farm shares are between $450-$600 a month but R.O.C & the Fern are still growing with this being their second farm share season so the cost is $350 for a summer and fall of delicious food picked right before you get it in your home.  Also, because they are limiting shares to 30 they are doing home delivery so you do not even have to go weekly to a depot.  You can't get it fresher or easier than this.  Have a peak below for their details or go check out their website where they have their dailies letting the world know what they are doing every day.  This week they are starting their artichokes and peppers.  :)  Life is good.....that is if this snow EVER leaves us.  ;)

http://www.rocf.ca


"What we are growing in 2011 Print E-mail
We are planting 37 different vegetables and 6 different fruits:

VEGETABLES

  • artichoke
  • arugula
  • beans (green and yellow)
  • beets (red and golden)
  • broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • cabbage
  • carrots
  • cauliflower
  • celeriac
  • celery
  • corn
  • cucumber
  • eggplant
  • fennel
  • kale
  • kohlrabi
  • leeks
  • lettuce (Romaine and leaf)
  • onions
  • peas
  • peppers (sweet and hot)
  • potatoes
  • radicchio
  • radishes
  • rutabaga
  • spinach
  • swiss chard
  • tomatillo
  • tomatoes (sandwich and roma)
  • turnips
  • zucchini

FRUIT

  • cantaloupe
  • ground cherries
  • huckleberries
  • raspberries
  • strawberries
  • watermelon

How we grow it

We do not use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. We do use organic seeds and, where possible, we plant Heritage varieties to provide a diverse selection of produce.

How our farm share works

Our 10 acre vegetable and berry farm is divided into a number of plots that are designated for various purposes. A portion of these plots are farm share gardens, while a few others are planted with fruit trees and seed stock for use next year. We also leave a couple of plots clear to facilitate rotating the garden; this helps with weed prevention — an important part of organic gardening — and rejuvenating soil nutrients.

Limited farm shares

We offer a limited number of shares (30) which allows us to focus on our farm.

Cost of a farm share

A share will cost $350.00 for the 2011 growing season and produce will be delivered for a 10 to 14 week period (as long as the plants are producing).

Payment and priority

A $50.00 deposit is required to secure a share. The remainder (payment in full) is due by May 15th, 2011.

Early receipt of payment is much appreciated; it helps us plan for the coming season. Your intention to purchase a farm share is secured by the $50.00 deposit. Your share is confirmed with your deposit. Should you change your mind, please let us know as soon as possible; others may be waiting to purchase a share.

Amount of produce

On average you will receive approximately 5-10 units per week. For example, a “unit” is: a quart of strawberries, a head of cabbage, one pound of tomatoes. This depends, of course, on the growing season and the yields of different plants.

All of the produce, from our farm share gardens, is distributed in weekly shares. Some weeks you may get more than other weeks and we cannot, due to the vagaries of Nature, guarantee you will receive any or all of the items listed above (as is the case with all CSAs).

Delivery and drop off locations

We currently deliver to Lowe Farm, Morris, Altona and to a few areas in Winnipeg (St. Vital, Wolseley and Whyte Ridge). We will consider making additional arrangements, however, there may be an additional charge for this. If you live outside of the areas mentioned, please contact us anyway; we’ll work together to accommodate you where possible. (Maybe you’re on the way.)

Become a member

If you would like to become a member of R.O.C. & the Fern Orchard and Gardens or to find out more information first, please call us at (204) 746-8830 or email us at info@rocf.ca.

Purchasing additional produce

Depending on the growing season there may be opportunities to purchase additional produce. This information will be posted here on our website. Be sure to check the site regularly."

Friday, March 18, 2011

Zinnia Handbags' Garden Inspired Bags & Accessories

Grunthal's Zinnia Handbags creates beautiful bags, table runners, scarves, coverlets, and more.  Her inspiration stems from her three loves: textiles, gardening, and sewing.  Have a peak at her Etsy site and see how well she combines her passions into something you are going to love.  :)

"Using botanical + floral patterns (my love of gardening) I design pieces that are simple + functional yet have an impact with interesting textile combinations (my love of textiles). High quality craftsmanship and attention to detail have the highest priority in my handbags + other things (my love of sewing)."
 
http://www.etsy.com/people/ZINNIAHANDBAGS


Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Creativi-Tea Is Coming This Sunday

Just a reminder in case you are looking for something to do this weekend and would like to shop for something local while drinking tea and supporting a cause.  Creativi-Tea is this Sunday from 1pm-4pm at the Waverly & Rosewood Seniors' Community at 857 Wilkes Ave (Corner of Waverly).  It is to support Canadian Cancer Society.  I will have to miss this one because it is my boy's Birthday party.  :)  I hope it is a success and lots of fun.

Voila by Andreanne's Metis Inspired Fashion

I have been on the hunt for local clothing designers and I came across Andreanne's beautiful bamboo clothes.  They look beautiful and are also made by eco-friendly fabrics.  This is what she says about her clothes and design history.

"Voilà par/by Andréanne is one of Canada's up and coming Aboriginal clothing design companies that offers eco-friendly, fair trade clothing made in Canada.  From the initial sketch to pattern making, cutting and sewing, everything is produced in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Andréanne is a creative Métis designer who studied international design at Montréal's prestigious LaSalle College, receiving her diploma in Fashion Design in 2004.  A year later, with the help of Aboriginal Business Canada, she created her company under the label, MJAnne Couture. When creating her company, Andréanne drew upon her background in dance to design Hug Me, a collection of yoga-inspired active clothing that is comfortable as well as functional. Andréanne's design structure and vision have since evolved and expanded.

Under her new label, Voilà par/by Andréanne, she introduces new fabrics that are softer and more luxurious to create a unique blend of à la mode!  Fusing European influences with Aboriginal Art,  Voilà brings you comfortable and rejuvenating pieces for the woman on the go!

Besides her own collections, Andréanne collaborates with artist, David Albert, to design costumes for various local dance companies."

Her fashions can be purchased online or at these brick and mortar shops:
Hempyrean - 215-1 Forks Market Road, Winnipeg, 204-947-5223
Lakelife - 440 Academy Rd, Winnipeg, 204-256-9875


Viola by Andreanne

http://www.mjannecouture.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MJAnne



Monday, March 14, 2011

Sling Sister's New Snack Bags Take Over Need for Plastic Sandwich Bags

I have been looking for a solution to eliminate the need for sandwich bags or "ziplocks".  I don't use a lot of plastic bags but I do end up using quite a few plastic sandwich bags.  I have been buying the more eco friendly ones from Eat It but waste is still waste.  Sling Sister now has added these washable snack bags in three sizes.  My kids have already taken over the two small ones they sent.  I think Li's has a little santa and a few small toys in it. ;)  I have been using Tupperware sandwich boxes for traveling snacks because they are not made with any poisonous plastics and are easily washed.  They work fine if I am bringing my big bag.  If we are just heading out for a couple hours I like to just have a sandwich bag with some dried fruit or cheese and crackers stuffed in a pocket.  Sling Sisters also have a lunch sized bag for a days worth of snacks and drinks.  :)

My four year old daughter also has some small toys that have a million tiny pieces like little polly pocket sized dolls.  I use sandwich bags for these, craft and art items, and many other things around the house.  I am thinking I may end up ordering a few more of the medium size so that I can sew on a picture of what's inside and it will help me organize our art box and Li's small toys.

These sandwich bags are mini versions of their wet bags.  They have the cute fabric on the outside, a waterproof inner layer and a zipper on top.  The zipper does not allow it to be 100% waterproof but I have been using wet bags for years for bathing suits and diapers and nothing has come out that I wanted to stay inside.  ;)

Lori, one of the Sling Sister's also told me that many schools have been using these snack bags as a fundraisers.  It would make a great fundraiser because it is locally made, not overly expensive, and everyone would have a use for them.  Perhaps your child's class or another group would be interested in something new to help your fundraising event.  Email them if you would like more information.

This is the Sling Sister's description of their bags:

"Eco Friendly, Fun & Convenient! 
Made from 100% cotton on the outside and 100% nylon with a polyurethane laminate on the inside, they are BPA and phlalate free. 
The zippered openings make these reusable snack bags super easy for little hands to open and close!  
When snack time is done, simply turn inside out to wipe or machine wash on cold / low dry as needed.
These little bags are also handy for storing ipods, cell phones etc.  Or create your own on the go activity pack with crayons and stickers!"

Sling Sisters has quite a following across Canada due to their amazing customer service, knowledge, and well made slings and other sewn items.  They care about selling only quality and want to educated the public about safe babywearing.  They are great local pioneers in the sling industry.  Have a peak at their website for these snack bags or any of your baby or babywearing needs!

http://www.theslingsisters.com/

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Whipped Cosmetics is at Crafty Minions Sale Today

I thought I should feature someone that will be at today's sale.  I am excited for it and I am glad the weather turned so that no one would have to brave the storm to get there today.  :)  I love locally made soap and Whipped Cosmetics takes it to another level........cupcakes.  ;)  There isn't much I like better than soap and cupcakes.  I do know that I won't be munching on her's but I think my kids would love a cupcake for the bath. 

"Whipped Cosmetics was started in 2001 in Angela's kitchen. Having always been fascinated with soaps and body products it was a natural fit. We stand proud to the fact that all of our products are made by hand from scratch still to this day. Our selection of good enough to eat bath treats are sure to get your attention, even the guys!"

Some of her delicously deceiving soap flavours are:

Wild Plum
Rich dark plums and loads of ripe berries tossed with grape juice!

Lime Margaritta
Zippy limesand a shot of tequilla (not real tequilla of course) Salt included!

Au Naturel
Unscented for sensitive skin, dripping with local honey and finely ground oats.

Sugar N' Spice
A dash of sugar and a whole lotta spice!

Lemon Pound Cake
Dessert is served! Who can resist a bar like this? Bright lemon custard "baked" to perfection with lashings of vanilla cake batter.

Simply Men
A manly bar scented with vanilla, bergamont and lime.

Blackberries N Cream
Sweet and juicy blackberries mixed with rich vanilla cream, sprinkled with dried blackberry seeds!

Almond Biscotti
Yum Yum & Yum again! This bar blends almond oils with the warm scents of freshly baked biscotti.

Lilac N Lily
A blend of Lilac and Lily of the Valley, smells just like springtime.

Black Cherry
Ripe cherries hand-picked & pitted, mixed with a dash of extra sugar!

White Lavender
Ooh la la! Relaxing Bulgarian lavender essential oil, dusted lightly with lavender buds.

Green Apple Martini
Shaken not stirred please! Tart green apples are sure to wake you up in the morning.

And those beautiful cupcakes are solid bubble bath and are Pink Cupcake, Blue Raspberry, Whipped Frosting, Banana Cream Pie, Angel Food Cake, and Cotton Candy.  YUM!!

Have a peak at her cosmetics at the sale today or online:

http://www.whippedcosmetics.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=12804281698

Toxie Design's Sexy Jewelry :)

I like simple, sexy jewelry and I came across Toxie Design today on Etsy.  Her jewelry is perfect with a sleek design and a little sparkle.  ;)  Her sexy earrings can be found at Poppie Clothing in Winnipeg or online:


http://www.etsy.com/shop/ToxieDesigns
http://toxiedesigns.tumblr.com/

Jennifer's bio:


"I began making jewelry at a young age - mainly as gifts I gave to my mom - who as it turns out is allergic to nickle and does not have her ears pierced therefore could not wear her ten year old’s lovingly made jewelry.

I continued on making jewelry for just myself and other as gifts until about 5 years ago. That’s when I started making Swarovski crystal jewelry that I been selling in a local women’s boutique. I have even had a couple designs appear in movies that were shot in Winnipeg (The Lookout with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Make it Happen with Tessa Thompson). Recently I decided to change from purchasing my finding to learning to make my own. I have been forging, bending, twisting, hammering and am just starting to use a micro torch to fuse silver.


All the jewelry is made in either sterling silver, Argentium silver or gold filled. The earwires, wraps, clasps, links and even some of the chain is handcrafted by me. For adornment I mainly use Crystallized ™ Swarovski Elements - beads, pendants and other components. I love the interplay between the precision of Swarovski and the organic nature of hand shaped and hammered metal.


What is in a name? Toxie is my nickname for Toxaris- who was, according to legend, an Amazon warrior and skilled archer.
"

Friday, March 11, 2011

IWAM’s Annual Multicultural Expo is on Tomorrow

Building cultural bridges and pathways at IWAM’s Annual Multicultural Expo.

Featuring: cultural presentations

From Sri Lanka, Rwanda and Chinese/Vietnamese Seniors
When: Saturday March 12
Where: Cross-ways in Common
Address: Broadway at Furby street 10:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Socializing, coffee and free registration

Also cultural displays and/or craft sales –
Help IWAM break down artificial barriers and establish open spaces of understanding through increased cultural understanding.
Multicultural Light Lunch served at Noon

Come one Come all!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Whimsies Baby

Olivia of Whimsies Baby creates beautiful baby crocheted items such as hats, dolls, rattles as well as non-crocheted items such as framed embroidery and sewn items.  Olivia is from Brandon and her cute hats and other baby items can be found on Facebook and her Etsy shop.  Have a peak especially if you have a new little baby in your life.  There is nothing cuter than a baby with monkey ears.  ;)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Whimsies-Shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Whimsies1