As we enter into our third year of business (my how time flies!) and our second year of heading out on the road to various art shows and makers markets to show our wares, we thought it would be great to have a blog where we talk a bit about some of the Ontario based makers, artisans, business owners, and in some cases chefs that have kept us going and provided us with mentorship, advice, and overwhelming kindness and inspiration. We are not an island, and these are some of the businesses and people who help to foster a wonderful sense of community and togetherness. At a time when people are thinking of buying Canadian more often and keeping things as local as possible, it's more important than ever to share this love.
Presented in no particular order because I’m basically winging it, and since I’m bound to forget a bunch of people you should come back and check this space regularly, as I’m keen to keep updating this blog.
Also, hi, hello, we are blogging now. I figured this is the easiest way to keep the content flowing, and as makers and business owners are constantly told these days, content is key! (Although, perhaps cynically, we think delivering a high quality product is key, like the ones you will find from these vendors and markets, but the algorithm said we were wrong.)
We wouldn’t be where we are today if not for the guidance, advice, and mentorship provided to us by Posy Fine Jewellery. Specializing in custom pieces made from only the finest materials, this collaboration between industry veterans Carey Pearson and Suzanne Crudden gives consumers the absolute highest quality of custom jewellery they can find anywhere. Their knowledge and collaborative spirit with clients is second to none, and the pieces they produce are the definition of timeless. They have been a fountain of knowledge and support throughout the first years of this company and we’re beyond lucky to call them friends.
In our travels this past year, we crossed paths with the fine and friendly people from Bijoux Jewelry, who specialize in mobile pop ups and permanent jewelry. Operating out of the Greater Toronto area, Bjoux focuses on inclusivity for people of all shapes and sizes and affordability. If something that’s both flashy and permanent is your style, look no further that them, and check to see when they are coming to your area, or book a private appointment.
When we made a trip up to the Holiday market at Quayle’s Brewery in Coldwater this past November, we were immediately enamoured by the treats created by Orillia, Ontario based DWN Craft Chocolatiers. All about bold flavours and creating a genuine vibe with their products, DWN paints a genuine picture in one’s mind with some of their creatively titled bars like “slipping into a warm bubble bath after a long day” (milk chocolate infused with lavender earl grey tea), “a warm evening on the porch watching the world go by” (cassis and cardamom), and “the crunch of your boots on freshly fallen snow” (dark chocolate and spearmint). And they look like works of art to boot!
Speaking of creating a mood, visual artist and painter Annie Parks has been a glowing beacon of positivity and good vibes whenever we ran into her over the past year. Specializing in fine art - with striking florals being a specialty - Annie’s original works, prints, and stationary are sure to brighten up any space they are placed into. And if you flip over some of her works, you’ll see a song recommendation that points to the piece’s inspiration and tone. Annie has an energy and attitude that we adore being around, and her art is exactly the kind of thing that sparks joy.
We love smelling good, but my partner has a particular affinity for fancy soaps. (This is why I can’t let them leave the booth at shows. They will blow everything on soap.) Fox and Fern, a small business run out of a family farm in South Mountain, Ontario has a stacked array of different soaps that will appeal to people who love a wide range of different smells and textures. They are lovely people, super helpful, and the look of their product will leave you dazzled and wondering how they did that.
In other soap related love, we had the privilege of being located next to the dedicated, hard working, and kind folks from Huron Soap Company. The fully formed side business of a hard working teacher, Huron Soap Company makes fun scents and bars that are inspired by the titular lake’s natural shoreline. Talking to them about business and inspiration has been one of the biggest highlights of the past year, and they are continuing to search for ways to up their game. They recently went on some great worldwide travels to look at different soap making techniques, which makes us excited to see what they come up with next. They sold out their entire stock at the end of the holiday season, so you know it’s good stuff.
Some of the most fun we had doing a market this past year was when we made our way up north to the aforementioned Quayle’s Brewery. The people there are absolutely lovely, and there is a genuine sense of community to be found across their massive parcel of land. Good brews, great food, and a wonderful market. As vendors, we can also say that their market ran like clockwork and the attention to detail Quayle’s puts into their events is second to none. We look forward to making another upcoming appearance with them this summer. And the vibes are off the chart.
We also have to give some much earned local love to the folks down at Great Lakes Brewery, who have had us down to one of their markets on several occasions. Even on a day that got rained out due to some really nasty weather, the people at Great Lakes have been nothing but kind and supportive to local makers and vendors. Brewers make great partners for small businesses, especially independently owned stalwarts like Great Lakes in Etobicoke. They know how to have a good time in any weather.
In an origin story that mirrors our own, the ladies behind InfiKnit Love understand and appreciate the feeling people get when they receive a high quality, hand made item that has been produced with care and comfort in mind. The knit-wear produced by them is a cut above anything you’ll find in a department store or specialty shop, and the coziness and fashion they inspire is sure to turn heads. Also, don’t sleep on their slippers, which make perfect gifts or a comfy splurge.
We knew about the wonders of Johnson Family Bakery even before we took Meli & JimJam out on the road. We first came across them by chance at a farmer’s market that happened right near our house. They made a herbed sourdough loaf that was so good that we brought it home, ate it immediately, and then promptly ran back to the farmer’s market to get two more loaves (that barely lasted to the next day). Now, whenever we see them at a market, pastries and breads from them are a must. They’re also something to aspire to as a small business, as they have recently opened a brick and mortar home base in Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood. Everything we have gotten from them has been delicious.
Celebrating their tenth year in business, Clay Tulips by C (standing for Cheryl, the owner and designer) has provided us with useful advice and friendship since we connected. Specializing in jewellery made from silver clay, Clay Tulips by C produces work that we haven’t seen anywhere else. Buying from them, you know you are getting something that has been created lovingly by hand in high quality detail. Their work is visually stunning and uniquely tactile. Clay Tulips by C produces wearable art inspired by the textures of the natural world, and the creativity on display is endless. Here’s to another decade of success!
We are so thrilled to see Larkstrife Beadwork take off as it has. Funny story: when we did a market in Guelph (one that will show up later in this list) we met Karina, the woman behind some of the most elaborate and eye-popping earrings we’ve seen lately. At the time, she wasn’t sure if markets were right for her and things were just getting started. Not to pat ourselves on the back, but the second we saw what Larkstrife was all about, we knew they were going to be a big deal. (Maybe they deserve the pat on the back? After all, they made these stunners.) At any rate, Larkstrife rocks and we hope that business continues to take off for them.
We are naturally chatty people, and some of our best conversations this year happened with the lovely and helpful folks from Royal Pepper, purveyors of some of the tastiest and most regal sounding hot sauce around. Made with love and tons of flavour in Burlington, Ontario, Royal Pepper has something for spice enthusiasts of every tolerance level. They’re all delicious, and if you’re struggling for inspiration or don’t know what to do with a hot sauce other than splashing it on some eggs, their website has a treasure trove of cultivate recipes to help. (Hot tip: don’t sleep on the Bombay French Toast.) Great people with a tasty product.
As people who work in the world of gemstones, we love to see creators in the same sphere who care about quality as much as we do. With a wide array of gemstone jewellery at a variety of different price points, Alicia’s Designs CA can do it all, from unique pieces to bestsellers ready for wholesale without compromising quality and fashion. Self-taught and in business since 2012, Alicia has carved out a space for herself in an admittedly crowded industry by having a wonderful eye for stones, metals, and a winning spirit.
Ontario Artisan Market and Evergreen Brick Works
Throughout the spring, summer, fall, and winter, the lovely organizers of the Ontario Artisan (and Vintage) Market generously provided us with a home base that afforded us some degree of consistency without the benefit of a storefront. Over the course of a dozen appearances at their established market - located at amid the stunning natural beauty of the Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto - we had so many wonderful connections with shoppers, other vendors, buskers, antique dealers, foodies, and many lovely dogs and puppies that happened by every Sunday afternoon throughout the summer. We thank them for all of their love and support, but we also have to give a special shout out to Evergreen for hosting the market in the first place. This summer, when a flood swept through the Don River Valley, the Evergreen Brick Works were effectively submerged under feet of water. It would’ve devastated most any area, but through perseverance, tremendous amount of hard work, and help from the community, Evergreen continued on while barely missing a step. They are still working to make up for what they lost in the floods, so helping with their ongoing fundraising effort is always appreciated.
Some of the most fun we had selling our wares was at the cozy, vibrant and bustling atmosphere at the legendary Red Barn Christmas Market at The Eddie in Ontario’s Prince Edward County. We know it through the market atmosphere, but the space, accommodations, and staff at The Eddie make this a perfect spot for anyone looking to hold an event in a stunning countryside location. It’s a true gem in one of Ontario’s most rapidly evolving regions. There were also chickens roaming the property during the market, which never failed to make us smile. The people and the facilities are second to none. It’s a bit early to say, but we are keeping our fingers crossed for a return engagement next year.
(Side note: our booth was located next to a delightful older couple who ran a bake shop known simply as British Christmas. They have no online presence and no social media. They do holiday markets every year, and that’s it. It’s a family run thing. Their shortbread is legendary among stalwart market attendees and sells out in record time, with great reason. Their Shrewsbury Biscuits are underrated and highly addictive. They are also some of the loveliest people imaginable. The whole Red Barn market is aces, but these treats are worth the price of admission on their own.)
Another visual artist who brightened our summer was Megan Hazen, whom we met at the Dundas Artisan Market (which we will be returning to in September). A former contestant on the only season of CBC’s Canadian version of Landscape Artist of the Year, Megan’s colourful capturing of animals and the natural world is a joy to look at, and her recent blending of painting with wood burning is taking her craft to another level. Her work is accomplished and genuinely heartwarming. We love what she does and can’t wait to see what’s next.
An army runs on their stomach, and whenever we’re out in the Kingston area for a show, we’re on the lookout for this quirky wood-fired pizza truck to provide us with some necessary fuel. After first running into them at the famous Artfest in Kingston over the Canada Day weekend, we became hopelessly addicted to their pizza, especially the Apple Jacked: a white pie with bacon, garlic oil, thinly sliced apple, and aged cheddar that left us craving more. They pop up in and around the Kingston area all the time, and their menu is a rotating one, but you really can’t go wrong with any of their pies. They’re doing pizza right. If Guy Fieri ever rolls out through here on the road to Flavortown, he should just retire after hitting this spot. There’s nowhere else to go from there.
Also at Artfest in Kingston, we had the privilege of connecting with artist Lisa Leskien, a printmaker and painter who also shares her love of art through a number of different classes and nature hikes that she puts on for people of various ages and talent levels. Lisa has amassed dozens of awards and noteworthy gallery shows over the years, and her vision of the natural world is unique and vibrant. If you ever find yourself in Frontenac Park, you might just come across Lisa on another hike for inspiration. She has been a big support for us, and her skills at playing Dog Bingo are second to none.
Lisa (see above) is a member of The Hive art collective, located in the culturally diverse community of Bath, Ontario. This past summer, The Hive put on one of the most joyful and fun art shows we’ve been privileged to be a part of. Their still young collective showcases a diverse range of artists and disciplines, and boasts a true sense of community and togetherness. The supportive environment created by The Hive (which is still only in its infancy) is a pleasure to be a part of, if only for even a small moment. Here’s to wishing them continued success and community engagement.
In a pleasant coincidence (and to our own glee because we adore bees, as anyone who has seen our show set-up can attest to), we had the privilege this year to be welcomed into not one, but two equally awesome environments run by organizations called The Hive. This one, out in Guelph, has been putting on some of its area’s most consistent, eclectic, and maker friendly markets in the region. They have a small store that acts as their home base, but on an almost weekly basis they put on a showcase for local artisans that fosters a sense of community togetherness. We love what they do, and hopefully we get a chance to go hang out with them again in the not too distant future.