Lilypad's Christmas Open House on Saturday

Vineyard Sale Rocked

I didn't make it to the Manitoba Craft Council one but my girl and I did make it to the Vineyard sale.  It was two floors of awesomeness.  We just buzzed through because my 4 1/2 yr old wanted to go to Chapters for a date but collected lots of cards of potential buys, picked up some chocolate tree ornaments again from Decadence Chocolate because they were such a hit with the kids last year, some treats from the $1 baked table, and a couple art magnets from Wendy Lee.  The cards I took were mostly for items for me so I will visit them again after Christmas since this is a time for giving. ;) 


Bernettes.etsy.com for her handmade pillows,
Love & Life for a potential sign for the lake,
Pure Paper Extract for their baking inspired prints and clothes,
Skill Toys Canada for potentially using for a block party,
My daughter wants a doll made by Jill Zurzolo,
and I plan to get a few bibs from Lilypad.

I love that there were many new tables.  It was also INSANELY busy which is great for the crafty people there.  Hope lots of you got there and/or other craft sales this week.  I am off to enjoy this beautiful day.  :)

Splendor By Connie Schroeder

Connie Schroeder grew up on a farm just east of Inglis, MB.  Several years ago she started Splendor where she creates handmade, high end costume jewelry.  The materials she uses are copper and brass, semi-precious stone, fresh water pearls, crystal and glass.

Connie is not local now.  She married an American gent and is now living in Greendale, WI.  Even though she lives in Wisconsin she is a Canadian prairie girl at heart and still visits Inglis in the summers so I thought it would be just fine to talk about her here.  ;)  Her prairie love of big open sky and the rolling hills of the parkland region has helped to form her aesthetic. 

"The beauty or splendor of my pieces are just a small reflection of the true splendor of creation."

Some Splendor pieces can also be found locally at the Yogi Bare Bath'n' Relax in Roblin, MB.  135 2nd Ave NW Roblin, MB.

This Week's Craft Sales

I ended up getting to the R.A.Steen Craft Sale Saturday and Crescentwood Community Centre on Sunday.  This weekend is another with a great selection of craft sales.   I am going to try to visit my favourite sale, The Vineyard, along with the Manitoba Craft Council one.   I haven't been able to make it to the Manitoba Craft Sale yet so I am really hoping to get there this year.  Here's some of your craft sale choices for the weekend:

Ride'N'Palooza Craft & Trade Show
Friday, November 25th (6pm-9pm)
Earl Grey Community Centre
360 Cockburn St. North
Ride & Play area open for children & craft & trade store in gym.

Manitoba Craft Council's Handmade Holiday Sale of Fine Contemporary Craft
Friday, November 25, 2011 (5pm-10pm)
Saturday, November 26, 2011 (10am-5pm)
318 Ross St (Just West of Princess St.)

Vineyard Craft Sale
Saturday, November 26th (10am-4pm)
782 Main St.

Mall in the Hall

Saturday, November 26
 (10am-4pm)
Glenwood Community Centre

27 Overton Street (St. Vital)


Valley Gardens Community Centre Holiday Craft & Bake Sale
November 26th, 2011 (10am-3pm)
Valley Gardens Community Centre
218 Antrim Rd
www.valleygardenscc.com

Annual Oakville C.C. Christmas Craft Sale
November 26th, 2011 (10am-3pm)
Oakville Community Hall
55 PTH 331
Oakville, Manitoba

Winterfest Craft Sale
Saturday, November 26, 2011 (10am-3pm)
Teulon, MB
Teulon Rockwood Centennial Centre
Hosted by the Teulon Area Farmers Market and we are striving to have all our vendors "make it, bake it, or grow it!"

A Handmade Christmas Sale
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Seven Sisters Falls, MB

Art From the Heart on This Weekend!!

Online Shop Sells Handmade In Manitoba Products

Sylvia of Dashing Parcels is one of my readers and also loves Manitoba handmade items.  You cannot go wrong with liking me and locally made handmade goods.  ;)  Dashing Parcels is gift giving made easy.  You do not have to leave your house to peruse craft shows or gift shops.  You can shop from your couch.  I am obviously a lover of craft sales but cannot pass up online shopping.  It is so convenient and it is awesome that she has a large selection of Manitoba made gifts.  This is what Sylvia says about Dashing Parcels:

"Dashing Parcels is an online gift shop of unusual and unexpected objects. Many of our items are handcrafted by Manitoba Women Artists. Wonderfully made, exquisitely executed gifts from the heart.  Artfully designed quality products perfect for your gift recipient or yourself.  Whether you need a token of gratitude, an expression of love or a ‘just because’ gift, you will be able to find just the right thing in our collection. Artfully designed quality products perfect for your gift recipient or yourself." 

Sylvia is having a giveaway on her blog for a hand painted silk scarf by Winnipeg artist Rebecca Cramer.  Have a peak at her website and blog and do some Christmas shopping from your living room.  :)

Just The Goods at R.A.Steen Craft Sale This Saturday

I believe I should title this my annual Just the Goods update because I love her bath products so much I am always excited with how her business is growing and growing.  I think I have posted notes on her half a dozen times.  :)  I got a newsletter from Just the Goods today and there are new items to look forward to as well as many retail locations to find her simple but luxurious bath and body products.  With body products I feel like the less ingredients the more pure and amazing they are.  Why do products need a list of ingredients that you cannot pronounce?  They need to have all the crap in it to make their cheap ingredients stay together and perform how they should.  Have a peak at Just the Goods because her products are truly as advertised.  She blends simple, pure, natural ingredients and they feel and smell awesome.  You are not smelling a man made perfume, you are smelling nature at it's best.  Here's some of her newsletter and check the bottom for the other craft sales that you can find her at this season:
"Just the Goods is thrilled to announce the launch of two new products!
First, an effective vegan liquid roll-on deodorant completely free of aluminium/aluminium salts, parabens, propylene glycol, and other suspicious ingredients. This item is the result of two years of dedicated research and testing, and it has stood up to all kinds of challenges initiated by a range of testers including roofing and other manual labour, long bike rides on hot days, and the super-stressful big event jitters. Available in four varieties, please click here for more information: http://www.justthegoods.net/?page_id=670.

Next, an invigorating and deodorizing vegan foot scrub tat tingles and tantalizes while bringing your tired feet back to life after a long day! Finely ground walnut husk provides effective exfoliation while aloe vera and vegetable glycerine provide moisturizing slip. Peppermint essential oil stimulates and tea tree oil offers a reliable clean. Please click here for more information: http://www.justthegoods.net/?page_id=134.

At this time, a variety of vegan face masks are also under development. We're quite happy with them so far, but want to make sure that -- like everything else we offer -- each type is fully researched and tested before going public ;-) Stay tuned!

Oh! We've also updated our website to draw together the list of our most popular products for babies and children, as indicated by parents and other caregivers. For your convenience, please find this list here: http://www.justthegoods.net/?page_id=707.

Collaborations

Just the Goods is very happy to team up with local makers to offer hand crafted collaborations. 

First, our partnership with Winnipeg-based eco-friendly jewellery collective Jake+Cleo offers a carefully selected pairing of JTG all-natural fragrance with silver jewlery in a handmade gift bag. For more information, please click here: http://www.justthegoods.net/?p=614.

Next, Just the Goods is currently developing gift sets in partnership with Orange Lily Raw Foods and Catering. A wide range of options will soon be available. Find out more very soon on Facebook, Twitter and Just the Goods' website!
 
Retail Options

Just the Goods is pleased to announce the ongoing availability of our products in Winnipeg at Sew Dandee (105 Osborne Street) and Mondragon (91 Albert Street). Sew Dandee carries a wide selection of items including the complete facial skin care line, fragrance, body butter, and gift sets. Mondragon carries a smaller selection of facial skin care products, toothpaste, and fair trade shea butter based shaving solids, which are exclusive to Mondragon.

And, in a few weeks, Ragpickers Anti-Fashion Emporium (216 McDermot Ave.) will be carrying a selection of fragrant and pampering items -- stay tuned for details!

Just the Goods is also thrilled to announce that a diverse line of products is now available at Wicked Green in Red Deer, Alberta (#119 5301 43rd Street). 

Craft Sales: 

Saturday, November 19

R A Steen Community Centre Fall Craft Sale

980 Palmerston Avenue (Wolseley)
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
 
Saturday, November 26

Mall in the Hall
 
Glenwood Community Centre

27 Overton Street (St. Vital)
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
 
Wednesday, November 30

Holiday Shop
jake + cleo studios
(contact me for address details) 
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 3

Crafty Minions

Aqua Books

274 Garry Street (Downtown)
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
 
Sunday, December 11

The Last Chance Craft Sale
Canad Inns Club Regent Casino Hotel

1415 Regent Ave. W. (Transcona)
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m."

Where I'll Be This Weekend.....

I am going to one of my favourite sales this weekend....the R.A.Steen Community Centre Fall Craft Sale.  I know there are MANY sales this weekend but I have always liked this one and it is simple and in walking distance.  Hope everyone can get out to one this weekend.  I think there is a sale in most ends of the city so there are no excuses.  ;)  Hope you have a great week!!

Craft Sale Cancellations and Current Information Updates

I had an email from the promoter of the Selkirk Snowflake Craft Sale and she said that the show had been cancelled and many people went to it this weekend and were disappointed that there was nothing going on.  They said they read it about it on my blog.  I was told a couple of months ago by a crafter, and one of my readers, that it was cancelled and I removed it from my page then.  I find it a little strange that many people showed up there and I haven't had it posted for weeks so I am thinking they may have read it somewhere else and may be mixing it up.  I just want to remind my readers to check back here often to see if there are any changes.  I try to keep on top of things and if you know of any craft sales no longer on, please email me.  Also, a reminder that there are a couple Facebook pages about local crafters.  I like reading them but I am not affiliated with them.  ;)

I am looking forward to many of the up and coming sales and I hope you are all excited too.  :)  If you are a crafter and will be at any upcoming sales I would be happy to do a post on you and where you can be found.  Email me at handmadeinmanitoba@gmail.com.  Happy craft shopping!!  :)