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Katharine Grace, Jewellery Artist

4/24/2019

After 35 years within the confines of the commercial art field Katharine yearned to produce art that was an expression of her instinctive creativity ... a joyful bound into the realm of purposelessness … art with no other purpose than to be pleasing to the eye, the heart and the soul. The result is a line of jewellery that celebrates the depth of feminine beauty. It is simple and elegant in its joyful purposelessness: an expression of emotion, playfulness, courage, joy, strength and spirituality to be worn for no other reason than to be enjoyed. Each piece is created in the mindful space of the heart that each woman possesses and is blessed and cleansed with the magic of light and love.

"I like to use natural stone and crystals in my pieces, matching their inherent energy to the vibrations of the beautiful women I encounter as they visit and browse my booth. Each woman is her own vast well of wisdom and emotion that inspires my selection of the perfect stones, symbols and forms to heal, enlighten and empower."

Meet Katherine on May 4th in the Evinrude Centre of Peterborough, 10 am - 2 pm!

Heather Downer, Candlemaker

4/24/2019

In Peterborough, Ontario, Heather Downer creates candles ... pillars, votives and melts.
"I use paraffin mottling wax with a cotton wick. The wax is a high quality; my supplier is Village Craft and Candle. I have 3 scents: winterberry, sugar spruce and tropical sunset. Colours of deep violet, violet, passion pink, butterscotch and gray. Pillars are available scented and unscented. All my candles are prepared in my kitchen, hand poured.

The candle store that I was a regular customer at sold and the new owner moved the business to another area. I thought of buying that business but the timing was off and I didn't want to be in a store. I wanted something I could do at home. My son suggested I make my own candles so, I did some research, found a supplier and started making candles last fall. This will be my first craft show so I'm very excited."

Which item do you have the most fun creating?
"All my candles but the melts I can do more in less time because the 3x6 pillars take hours to det. I have also started making flowers out of wax as decorations which I will bring as props for the May 4th show.
The wax flowers are a lot of fun. I think Halloween will be even better."

Music videos and safari videos play in her kitchen while Heather makes candles there.
What's the most difficult part of the process?
"Watching the wax temperatures to add the scent at the right time."
What is your favourite piece of work that you have created?
"I did make some zodiac candles but have since re-melted the wax to make the flowers for spring as props for the Artisan show."

What memorable responses have you had to your work?
At the post office I was told the box containing a candle smelled great; she had no idea what was in there until I told her it was a scented candle.
People have also commented on the colours.

My creations are a passion, I really enjoy making candles."
What are you doing when you're not creating?
"Thinking of things I can make for Halloween, Christmas and other occasions."

Reta Frederick, Metal Artist

4/24/2019

In Peterborough, Ontario, Reta Frederick creates fractaled charcuterie boards,
metal art, metal on wood, and scarf ladders. "After I retired I Started with trying wood burning but quickly switched to fractaling. My husband and I both live to work in the shop."

The most fun is the metal work every piece is original.
Ideas come as you are working on it; always a real challenge and always changing its form as you work with it. Never doing the same thing twice, allowing us to be creative and experiment with different things. The metal pieces are always trees and sometime with animals."

Working in her home shop, Reta occupies her mind by playing music. She gets her inspiration from driving in the country.

"My favourite peice is in our garden at home. It is a Heron in the bulrushes."

Meet Reta at The Artisan Fair on May 4th, 10am - 2pm in Peterborough's Evinrude Centre!

Serenity Flaxseed Pillows

4/8/2019

Ashleigh Antre says, "I create handmade microwaveable and freezer-friendly flaxseed pillows. These pillows are made from 100% cotton and flannel. There are a handful of sizes and fabrics to choose from and we also have custom orders available. The pillows are scented with doTerra's Canadian Natural Health Products that are regulated by Health Canada.

Just over a year ago I was working as a Job Developer for people with special needs and needed to supplement my income. I remember my Nana always having this bean bag of some sort that she used to put in the microwave and throw it in her bed to warm it up at night.
I am always cold and my muscles are sometimes sore due to working out and for some reason that made me think of the beanbag. I was looking for warmth and comfort. So I asked my step-mom to teach me how to sew. We spent an entire weekend sewing, had some laughs and some wine and three months later I had created a business plan, a logo and sewed enough stock to attend a craft show."

When asked which item she has the most fun creating, Ashleigh Ante says, "I would have to say the Serenity Cuddle Buddies. Although they are a lot of extra work the end result is what is satisfying. They are really cute and to see children's reactions to them when they first see them is really sweet. It's a great motivator to keep going.

I don't really have a theme. I guess you could say I try to maybe purchase fabrics that are in season at the time. I also try to keep up with what is popular when it comes to children. For example Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol. Then I look for those fabrics.
I also try and target men as well. Women are more likely to purchase my product. Men do purchase them, just not as much as women do. I try to make it appealing to everyone because the flaxseed pillows are so beneficial on so many levels.

For the most part I work in my sewing room in the basement in my home. If it is a nice sunny day though I will bring everything upstairs to my kitchen and sit by the big bay window that overlooks my backyard and enjoy the sunshine. I tend to have music playing in the background. I have to be careful sometimes though because I get distracted when my jam comes on and I will start dancing. When that happens and I am not being very productive then I put the TV on. Ha ha.
I work with a lot of different essential oils as well so I always smell them and it's very relaxing. Not a bad work environment at all. :)

I get my inspiration from a lot of places/people. Nature is my biggest one though. I am a feeler and then I tend to relate that feeling into the different fabrics I purchase or how I am going to market my product.
I also have a Goddaughter, two step-daughters and two nephews that love to go to the fabric stores and pick out what they like. Kids are usually in "the know" when it comes to 'the craze' so I trust their judgement.

When asked what's the most difficult part of the process, Ashleigh says,
"TIME!!! I feel like there is never enough time. Because I am a one-man show it is difficult to keep up with social media, marketing, making the product, selling it, booking shows etc.
However, I wouldn't change it for the world. I love what I do.The best part of the whole process though is meeting other amazing and talented creators. There are so many talented people out there and it's so amazing and inspiring to be part of it all.

Because I generally have the same items for sale the items themselves don't change much. However, I do make custom designs and there was one customer where her husband was in the military and suffers from extreme back pain.
They reached out to me and asked if I could custom make one to his size. The pillow that I made was about 4 times bigger than the one that is typically found on my price list.
After I made it and gave it to them they reached out to me about two weeks later and gave me the most heartfelt review. They told me that my product really did help relieve the pain and discomfort. As a creator it is always nice to receive feedback. it helps us improve our creations. Aside from the one I just explained, I do receive a lot of feedback from my customers. There is one in particular that made me laugh though. I sold a few Serenity Eye Pillows to a friend of mine. She took them home, used them the very first night she had them and then her boyfriend/husband tried them. She had to order more because she didn't get them back. I thought it was really cute.

I am currently working on a couple new designs of pillows. One of them will target the shoulders and upper back part. I hold a lot of my tension in that area and I find that heat always helps. However, this particular pillow will be multi-functional. I am looking forward to the launch, I am just not 100% sure when that will be.
The other product I have in the works is a flaxseed blanket. this product will target children (ages 0 - 12) that are on the Autism Spectrum. This product will target the sensory to help calm a child down but also provide the warmth and comfort from the heat. Again, this one is still in the works but I am very much looking forward to releasing it. I absolutely love what I do.

For down time I love to cook. I also am very blessed and have lots of close girlfriends.
Or I am chilling out with my boyfriend and the girls at a park, colouring, playing mouse trap! Ha ha. I am a giant child myself so these activities are a lot of fun! :)

I attend a lot of craft shows all over the Durham Region. I am just starting to branch out into the York Region and making my way to Hamilton."
Just Us Salon and Spa in Oshawa
Simcoe Street Market in Beaverton
Bubbles and Gems in Port Hope
Fields and Flowers in Port Hope
"I also sell my product online as well through Facebook or Instagram."
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenityflaxseedpillows/
Instagram: #serenityflaxseedpillows

Meet Ashleigh at The Artisan Fair on May 4th, 10 am - 2 pm at the Evinrude Centre in Peterborough!

Dorfred Woodworks

12/4/2018

Paul Riley, owner of Dorfred Woodworks, creates live edge and regular Charcuterie/cheese boards, wooden baby rattles, coasters, and wine caddies in Norwood, Ontario. "My Dad used to do some woodworking when we were growing up, and when he retired from dairy farming, he built his workshop in their basement. After he passed away, Mom gave me his tools to add to my workshop. So, when I started doing craft shows I used our family farm name Dorfred as my business name to thank him."

When asked which item he has the most fun creating, Paul says, "Mostly the charcuterie boards. I spend time looking at a piece of wood, figuring out how to showcase the grain.And I do enjoy turning the baby rattles, taking a rectangular piece of wood and making to into something for a child to enjoy."

"My workshop is in my basement, which required installing a dust collection system and air cleaner to cut down on the time spent dusting upstairs." While creating, Paul usually has the radio on. "Most days it's classic hard rock."

"I really enjoy looking at a piece of wood and trying to picture the best way to showcase the natural grain, and create something useful. The hardest part is waiting for the glue to dry."

"My favourite piece is a live-edge charcuterie board I made out of a piece of a olive wood. The grain on it is awesome." When asked for a memorable response to his work, Paul says, "One of my best friends gave me some boards from their family farm and asked me to make a cutting board for his Dad. My friend called me after, and said his Dad was a little overwhelmed when he found out where the wood had come from."

"Unfortunately, doing woodworking as a hobby doesn't pay the bills, so I do have a day job and I am involved with my church. I'm a firm believer in buying local. All the wood I use comes from one of two local lumberyards/ sawmills,one in Peterborough, and the other less than an hour away. Each one has different species of wood, so what I'm working on making determines where I go.I can't expect my neighbours to buy from me when I don't buy from them.And all my cutting boards and baby rattles are made with food safe glue and finishes.

You can meet Paul and buy his gorgeous creations at The Artisan Fair on Dec 9, 2018 in the Evinrude Centre (Peterborough, ON), 10am-2pm!

Alexandra Lalande, Leaf Artist

11/26/2018

I create original pieces of artwork by collecting and hand painting leaves that have been collected in Northern Ontario. Each piece is carefully framed for purchase. I began painting on leaves when I was working for a packaging company and I saw such excessive waste that I didn't have any power to change. It was very frustrating contributing to such a wasteful industry and I wanted to do SOMETHING positive to counter act that. I began reading up on species at risk and changes in the environment and painted them onto leaves as an intriguing and different learning visual. As my painting progressed, people actually started to show interest in purchasing my pieces. With encouragement from my family and friends I did actually take the leap and put my work out for sale at a local coffee shop in my home town and the response has continued to grow from there.

Every piece is fun to create because there is usually thoug ht and research incorporated into each one. Every piece has a story or reasoning behind it and how it connects to people, wildlife and the environment. Raising awareness about conservation and human impact is something I am extremely passionate about so being able to connect this with painting makes it a fun experience. Each leaf is also so unique! It is fun learning how each texture will react with each painted subject.

I most often pursue themes of wildlife and nature. I also like to highlight community, such as landmarks with sunsets or night skies. I believe being involved in a community is an important factor when it comes to creating change and building awareness for the needs of that community and its health.

As I am in school I currently and most often will work on my creations at the desk in my bedroom here in Lindsay. When visiting home in Sudbury I will often end up working at a dinning table or coffee table depending on the holiday. The framing process becomes more complex and it usually spread out to a few different areas.

I often enjoy listening to music while painting. I don't work well with distractions of conversation. Ideas pop up throughout every day life. Whether it be while on a walk or doing a mundane task like the dishes. My mind will often wander to something I have read or a fact I have learned about that I think should be highlighted in a painting. If ever I am stuck for inspiration I will often scroll through the Ontario species at risk act to see who I would like to share information on. My passion for positive impacts on nature and wildlife really direct my inspiration.

With this type of artwork there are quite a few difficult tasks. Painting on the leaf itself can be quite tedious depending on the leaf and how thin or uneven it may be. Each texture and shape varies so much that each one is a new medium. Another hurdle is often the framing. The cleaning of the glass and positioning of the leaf can be quite a process as well. There are also many different task involved from start to finish. From collecting the leaves in the fall, pressing and drying them, transferring them into a safe storage area, picking a subject to bring to life, researching, the painting, framing and then to prepping the piece for display.

I certainly have a few favourite pieces. Many of the wildlife pieces and night skies come to mind. My overall favourite may very well be my first polar bear piece called "Polar Fever". I remember I began to paint this piece because I felt so frustrated that we cannot directly do more to help animals that are suffering from the effects of climate change. There is no quick fix or even direct task that can be done to immediately aid them so I wanted to illustrate that with his expression and position. I then had written words that went into more detail of my thoughts on the subject. I was very happy with how this piece had turned out and I feel like it is perfect example of what the mission of my artwork is. I can also now proudly say that this piece sold with proceeds going to the care of the Polar Bears in Cochrane, Ont. that live in a conservatory called The Polar Bear Habitat which educates visitors on Polar Bears and climate change. So overall this piece had the impact I hope all of my pieces may one day have.

Seeing the connection that people can make when looking at a completed piece is definitely memorable. When they ask questions about myself and my process, I know they are engaged with what they are viewing and that it is creating a positive impact. For me that is important to know and remember as well, as I continue to create impressionable pieces that mean a lot more than mass produced artwork.

The purpose of this artwork is that it reduces waste. Although it is not completely waste free, I always strive to choose materials that have the smallest impact possible. My paints are not special or eco friendly but I make sure to choose paints that come in packaging that can be reused or easily recycled (no foil tubes). I use recycled kraft papers and boxes for shipping and packaging as this has the smallest impact and can be either recycled or composted. All of my printed materials (postcards, business cards, info cards and promotional material) are printed in recycled post-consumer paper whenever possible. I am also in the works of creating frames from recycled wood instead of using processed frames! Each detail is taken into account to illustrate the value and importance of waste reduction and I hope that anyone looking at my artwork can know that I will always be transparent about my process and my personal lifestyle. I believe it is important for consumers to know what their dollars are supporting, especially as it relates to the effects on the environment.

Currently I am in school for Forestry at Fleming College! I want to pursue a career that may allow me to make a positive impact on the environment and hopefully to create more of an impact than just my artwork would. I also enjoy fitness and cooking as well as spending time with my family, friends and pets. I garden a lot in the summer and try to spend time outdoors as much as possible, in any season.

I have pieces on display for purchase at Boiling Over's Coffee Vault in Lindsay (140 Kent St W, Lindsay, ON K9V 2Y4) as well as Kuppajo Espresso Bar in Sudbury (109 Larch St, Sudbury, ON P3E 1B8).
I do also have an Etsy shop that has a variety of pieces available for purchase. (https://www.etsy.com/shop/alcreativesshop) ."

You can meet Alexandra and buy her creations at The Artisan Fair in the Evinrude Centre on Dec 9, 2018 between 10 am and 2 pm!

Cindy Reynolds, Artisan & Herbalist

11/12/2018

Cindy creates keepsake teddybears from fur coats, nature inspired stained glass, and herbal products from herbs she grows. "Always had to urge to create. I initially wanted to be a potter and made figurines from clay I dug out of the creek bed behind my parents house when I was a child."

I like the designing aspect of any project but I enjoy seeing the personality of the teddybears emerge once they get their glass eyes installed. I am mostly influenced by nature and use a lot of raw materials found in my backyard.

Cindy has a separate workshop from her house in her backyard. While working on projects there, sometimes she listens to the radio, but she says "mostly I talk/ mutter/sing to myself."

When asked what memorable responses she's had to her work, Cindy says, "I've had people cry when they see a bear made from their grandma's fur coat. It's a tangible reminder of their relationship."

In addition to meeting Cindy at The Artisan Fair in Peterborough's Evinrude Centre on December 9th, you can buy her creations from the following:
1204 Pigeon Creek Rd.
https://ficklefrogstudio.simdif.com
herbalwoodsherbs on instagram
Port Perry Farmers Market

Hayward MacDonald, Woodturner

9/28/2018

Hayward turns wood into Christmas ornaments, wine stoppers, bowls, lidded boxes, vases, spin tops, and platters. He says, "I enjoyed wood turning in school (a few years ago) and when I retired I joined the Kawartha Woodturners Guild. Seeing the beauty of the many creations that other turners had done, I decided to try my hand at it. I was hooked and the rest is history."

Hayward has the most fun creating Christmas tree ornaments made from discarded Christmas trees. When asked what themes he pursues in his creations, he says, "Whatever the piece of wood gives me."

Working in his workshop, Hayward says he doesn't listen to music or do anything else. "My mind is on the piece that I am creating. It requires full concentration."

Hayward gets his inspiration from the wood.

The most memorable response Hayward has had to his work has been "Two ladies purchasing ornaments to be displayed on a government tree in Ottawa."
When not creating, Hayward does household chores, walks the dog and collects wood. More of his exquisite work can be seen on Facebook at M & H Designs.

Come meet Hayward on December 9th at the Evinrude Centre (911 Monaghan Rd in Peterborough) between 10 am and 2 pm!

Eclectic Expressions

9/21/2018

Evaughn Heath says, "I create unique items using my talents as a seamstress, an artist and a embroideress. I might use all three of my abilities together to create something or a combination of two. Sometimes I might just use one.
I have a sign that I have hung in my workroom ...

PAINT

SEW

STITCH

CREATE

I was introduced to the world of creativity at a very young age. I was taught how to crochet and knit first and when I saw my mother embroidering pillowcases for a friend, I knew I had to learn how to do that as well. I was taught sewing by my godmother when I was a young girl and immediately fell in love with all the colours and textures of fabric. I entered the "art community" when I lived in the USA and learned how to paint using most mediums. My oldest sister was a well known and respected artist in the Peterborough/Buckhorn area and it was her passing that motivated me to see if I had the ability to paint."

"Every thing I create is fun! I bounce back and forth from one technique to the other so everything I do is unique and pleasurable. I pursue many different themes depending on the medium I am working with. I have a workroom which never seems to be big enough! lol"

While working, Evaughn always listens to music. As far as inspiration goes, she says, "My inspiration for creating comes from many different sources from nature to books and anything in between. I f ind that if I listen to my "inner voice" and look at things with my "creative eye" then inspirations come much more easily. My sister is one of my biggest inspirations because I bounce a lot of ideas off of her. She will show me a different way of looking at things which usually results in a creation or helps with a continuing project."

When asked what the most difficult part of the process is, Evaughn says, "Choosing what to do! I usually have several different projects on the go at one time. Also, I sometimes will second guess myself when I have decided on a project. If I do that, then it usually gets shoved aside until I have the confidence to just do it!"

"I did this seahorse for my friend and it has to be by far my most favorite creation so far. Back when I painted with oils, I painted this picture of a photo I took of this old man when I was in Europe. Since I don't use oils any longer, it is my favorite painted piece."

When asked for the most memorable response to her work, Evaughn says, "When I was painting with oils, I entered a juried show and won first place for my entry. The painting hung in an art gallery for a month. It was very exciting to have my peers present me with this prestigious award. This will be the first time I have entered an artisan show so I guess I am about to find out! lol"

"I trust in my spirituality and my inner voice to guide me. When I find that I am struggling with creating, then I turn inwards and look for guidance. For me personally, being creative is what feeds my soul." When not creating, Evaughn says she is "Thinking of different things I could create! lol I like to read, cook and hang out with my friends."

Meet Evaughn at The Artisan Fair at the Evinrude Centre in Peterborough on December 9th, 10-2!

Madoc Mitts!

9/14/2018

Kate Andrew of Madoc Mitts creates a variety of unique Mitts using recycled sweaters and other clothing. "We have recently started making Bottom Warmers to utilize more of the recycled material."

"Living on a farm I needed something durable and warm for doing chores. There just weren't any reasonably priced mitts available that did what I was looking for. I had heard about recycled sweater mitts, so made a pair for myself but added fleece lining and embellishments. Then, people started asking where I got them ..."

"I love the uniqueness of each pair of mitts. I never know what they will look like until I take those final stitches on the cuffs and slip my hand in to ensure they are comfy and cozy. I want my mitts to be durable, so I look for colours and material that stand up well. I like doing tribal themed mitts using embellishments and pet themed mitts, but also do Hockey Mom Mitts from recycled hockey socks, and, if I have a plethora of recycled jeans, I work on cabin mitts."

"Creation takes place on the kitchen table. I start making mitts in August. When sales start to decline between Christmas and New Years, I relax. However, this Spring I had a contract for 40 pairs of mitts for the Moms of a team going to a Halifax hockey tournament in March so I sewed right up until March 1st."

"Availability of fabric fuels my inspiration. When I see a shrunken sweater at the thrift store, my mind goes into high gear looking for things to complement the colours and texture." When asked what's the most difficult part of her process, Kate says, "Procurement of suitable recycled clothing that will successfully morph into mitts is difficult and I sometimes find myself looking for a specific colour to no avail."

"Many customers have told me that Madoc Mitts are the best mitts they ever bought. My proudest moments come when a stranger contacts me to say they got a pair of Madoc Mitts as a gift and would like a pair to gift someone else."

"I do all the sewing myself and I love custom orders. I also make Memory Mitts, using your loved one's sweater, fur coat, etc., or even your own favourite sweater that got thrown into the dryer and shrunk!"

"Besides by private appointments at my home, Madoc Mitts are available at Lynn's Flowers and Gifts in Norwood and The Ravens Cache in Madoc. Madoc Mitts will be at various Craft Fairs and Shows between now and the end of the year. All dates and locations are listed on Facebook at Madoc Mitts."

Meet Kate at the Evinrude Centre in Peterborough on December 9, 10-2 and try one of her mitts!