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

Unique Kidz Handmade Baby and Kids Gifts

I really think that Manitoba is the home of every talented Mom alive.  :D  There are so many awesome Moms sewing, knitting, and crocheting away unique and cute baby & kid items.  Maybe it is the long cold winters that drive these ladies to these ancient trades.  Whatever it is I am glad these arts have not died in our modern world.         

Have a look at Unique Kidz.  Unique Kidz has adorable items for your one of a kind little one.  Allison of Unique Kidz also has many beautiful fabric swatches on her Facebook site and is ready to make custom dresses, hats, pacifier clips, and more for your individual little guy or girl.   The first too photos I picked are the cutest little owls.  Owls seem to be the new hot thing with baby bibs, hats, blankets, slings, and now pacifier clips.  I love them.  I especially love her owl baby hat.  ADORABLE!!  Have a peak at her Facebook page for more photos, information, & pricing or email unique-kidz@mts.net for orders or custom items.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Unique-Kidz-Handmade-Baby-and-Kids-gifts/112122055480837

#2 Local Baby Shower Gift: The Funky Baby Accessories

Shower gifts do not need to drain your wallet. Sometimes the best gifts are the unique baby accessories. These are not items that can be found at the department stores and everyone will want to pass around these handmade goodies.











Legend of goodies featured here:

1 & 7. Trendy Babies' binky bling
2. Cotton Cupcake's monogrammed hats
3. Small Potatoes' bib
4 & 5. Manic Mitten's hair clips
6. Trendy Babies' headband
8. Trendy Babies' charms
9. Mellie Scraps critter hats
10. Mellie Scraps bib
11. Tawny Bee emergency bonnet
12. Manic Mitten's head band
13. Cotton Cupcake's monogrammed bibs
14. Small Potatoes drink leash
15. Trendy Babies' bow tie
16. Lily Pad pocket bib
17-19. Snugglywunkins snap belts, clips, etc
19. Gurumama bonnet
20. Small Potatoes' sun hats


http://www.small-potatoes.ca

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

http://www.gurumama.ca

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

http://www.trendybabies.ca

http://www.manicmittens.com

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

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

http://www.snugglywunkins.com/

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.

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 Periwinkle Dzyns'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

Brave New World

Brave New World is one of my favorite stores in Winnipeg. I have been shopping here for years and it is probably the only store that I like shopping for clothes at. I HATE shopping which is why I prefer to buy handmade things and shop at small local stores. Brave New World has a wide variety of gift ideas: jewelery, clothing, bags, scarves & knitwear, sweat shop free shoes & clothes, incense & many other small gift ideas. I absolutely LOVE this place. Read on about how they purchase their clothes:

"Brave New World opened for business in May of 2001. We import clothing, jewellery, gifts and accessories from around the world. We also carry locally made products. The buyer for the shop goes directly to the source, shopping in the country where things are made, and visiting factories to ensure good working conditions.

Our two main suppliers are in Nepal and Thailand, and have small factories, consisting of between 10 and 25 employees, all adults (not children) of which some are very skilled and educated tailors.

All employees are paid above the minimum wage standard for each country, and the trained tailors and master cutters have quite well paying jobs by Nepal and Thailand standards.

One of our main focuses as consumers here at home and when buying for the store, is to buy from small businesses and individuals. We believe that ethical business extends much further than just fair trade practices in developing countries, and we strive to be honest, fair and moral in everything we do."

They are a very ethical minded store that carries original styles and great gifts for your loved ones from around the world.

Brave New World

http://www.bravenewworld.ca

141 Sherbrook Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 774-4222

Great Local Baby & Kid Shops

Skip Baby's R Us and shop instead at our local stores that feature amazing new and used goods.
Bug N Boo:

"We carry quality gently worn maternity, infant & children’s fashions. The store features many of the popular quality brand names at greatly reduced cost.

At Bug N Boo we pride ourselves in carrying the best New walking shoes in town. We love our shoes.

This just in at Bug N Boo Boutique

• Bravado Nursing Bra
• Stonz Outerwear Footwear
• Little Soles
• See Kai Run
• Pedipeds
• Webkinz

Children / Infant

Sizes range from infant – children’s size 6x in boys and infant - children's size 10 in girls.

Don’t be surprised to find names like Gap, Old Navy, MEXX, Gymboree, Oshkosh, Ralph Lauren, Little Me, Please Mum, Adams, The Childrens Place, Deux Par Deux, Zara, Morese, Laura Ashley, Tommy Hilfiger and Club Monaco.

It is not unusual to find a leather jacket, Club Monaco house coat, or Ralph Lauren Dress.

Many many more designer brands. Come check and see!!!!"

Bug N Boo
34-845 Dakota Street
Winnipeg, MB R2M 5M3
Canada

Phone
204.255.7505
Email
info@bugnboo.com
http://www.bugnboo.com

Baby Bin Boutique:

"What makes The Baby Bin Boutique different from other stores? The Baby Bin Boutique was conceived with the notion that we can come together and bring to you the products that will enhance your life and the lives of your family.

Our primary focus is to help you with your shopping by offering you products and services that are unique, original, essential, and in many cases, exclusive to our shop. We believe that our knowledge combined with generous product choices provide you- our customers with the tools to make informed purchasing decisions.

We are happy to have created a warm atmosphere where moms, dads and grandparents can shop in peace while their little ones enjoy themselves in our safe and fun play area. Customers will be able to find clothing for their children, both new and consignment, as well as a selection of unique toys and gifts. Our consignment racks are full of children’s clothing from newborn to size 14, all in excellent condition and at extremely reasonable prices.

We are proud to offer many Mompreneur products. By doing so, we are promoting women like us, supporting small business and our local economy, and most importantly, helping children and families.

The Baby Bin Boutique we believe we should be considerate of Mother Earth. For this reason we encourage consignment, have a terrific selection of organic products, cloth diapers and babywearing products, and carry a variety of handmade specialty toys and gifts.

Our inventory changes daily so we're never the same store twice! We look forward to seeing you soon at The Baby Bin Boutique!Bring a friend and shop the friendliest Baby Boutique on the block!"

The Baby Bin Boutique
1444 Corydon Avenue
phone: 487-4687
http://www.babybin.ca/

http://babybinboutique.blogspot.com/

Mom's & Children's Paradise:

MCP is one of the largest local owned children's store featuring mostly second hand items that have been gently used. I am not sure if there is any "local" products featured here but I love used items and would like to get more people on that great bandwagon too! ;)

"MCP has been family owned and operated since 1981. So how did it all begin? Twenty eight years ago a mother and daughter realized a problem. Parents were having to spend ever increasing amounts to raise their children. Most unfortunate was that most of the items parents bought for their children were barely even used. Kids were in and out of things before parents have a chance to blink. Everything from car seats to cribs were great for the few months they were used, but after that these items became useless clutter. There were countless parents with drawers full of clothes their children only got to wear once before they were outgrown. It seemed an aweful waste to see these items thrown away.

In a small little shop in Trascona the mother and daughter team solved the problem. They opened a store where parents could bring their gently used items in for cash, while at the same time buying most of what they and their child needed at prices far less than new retail stores were charging. Although we have grown significantly in the last 28 years, moving to our current location on Nairn Ave. and at least quadrupling in size, we still have the heart of a small shop from Transcona. We hope this shows in the friendly environment within our store.

You may be surprised when you first walk in our store by the large number of brand name products we carry. Baby products by Graco, Cosco, Safety 1st, Evenflo, and Storkcraft. Toys by Fisher-Price, Playskool, Little Tikes, Step 2, and VTech. Clothing by Gap, OshKosh B'gosh, The Disney Store, Old Navy, Please Mum, Gymboree, Le Chateau, and Thyme. Come and see it all for yourself!

Here is a list of just some of the Baby Needs we carry:
Strollers Car Seats Cribs High Chairs Exersaucers	Swings Booster Seats Playpens Toddler Beds Cradles	Bottles Diapers Receiving Blankets Bedding Sets Activity Toys"

Mom's & Children's Paradise
990 Nairn Ave.
Winnipeg, MB

P: 204-669-3700

mcpltd@mts.net

http://www.mcp.mb.ca/

I apologize for this odd looking post. I was taking info off their sites and the text is all wonky. I hope it wasn't too hard to read. Ugh!