We’re slowly starting to see signs of our overdue spring and one of them is the return of the Originals Spring Craft Show April 16 to 19. Looking for a unique gift for that someone special or in the mood to spruce up your home? Browse through the aisles of exhibitor booths and check out the craftsmanship and creativity of more than 180 Canadian artisans, artists and designers showcasing their one-of-a-kind products. Here is a sampling.
Shades of New York
Display this compelling sculpture indoors or out, where it’s sure to be the centre of conversation. Sculptor Douglas MacDonald calls it The Scribe and says it was inspired by a stone carving on a New York apartment building. Cast stone with an oxide patina, it’s 45 by 28 centimetres and costs $85. Check out booth 403 for this and more unique sculptures or visit rueroyalestone.com.
Garden fun
Ladybug solar light by metal workers Michael McNeil, Steve Peitens and Andrew Shoemaker.
Add a whimsical touch to your backyard by hanging this sweet ladybug solar light on your wall or fence. Metal workers Michael McNeil, Steve Peitens and Andrew Shoemaker make them from solid steel that’s been powder coated for durability. A high-quality solar light is attached. They’re $25 each or $40 for two. See booth 24 for more practical art creations or visit practicalart.ca.
Cutting edge
Handmade steak knives by artisan Frédéric Gourd.
Top chefs have worked with the knives handcrafted by artisan Frédéric Gourd. The process that goes into creating each stunning knife involves more than 100 steps from start to finish. He begins by cutting the specially ordered and designed Japanese stainless-steel blade and completes it with a solid handle constructed in brass and dyed and laminated birch. This set of steak knives sells for $199. Give one a try in your kitchen. Find them at booth 722 or coutellerienomade.ca.
Nesting petals
Petals serving bowls by pottery artist Deirdre Wilson.
Here’s a nifty idea for serving chips and dip at your next party. Pottery artist Deirdre Wilson creates these petals serving bowls in her 19th-century farmhouse studio, infusing each with both bold and earthy colours. Prices range from $30 to $85 each, but if buying them as a set she offers a 10 per cent discount. Find her at booth 217 or deirdrewilsonpottery.com.
Moody blue
Blown glass candle holder by Lia Howe.
Lia Howe’s love of glass has produced many unique products over more than 20 years at her stained glass supply shop and glass art studio. This eye-catching blown glass candle holder comes in three sizes and a choice of 19 colours. Although all made using the same technique, each has its own uniqueness. This one is 15 centimetres high and costs $29.50. Find it at booth 126 or liasglassdreams.com.
A chop off the new block
Multi-coloured wooden cutting boards by Joseph Henri.
Toss out that old cutting board you’ve been using for years and replace it with one of these gorgeous multi-coloured wooden boards by Joseph Henri, who, along with making cutting boards, hardwood frames and furniture, also takes beautiful photographs. The boards are a mix of domestic and exotic kiln-dried hardwoods and are in the natural colour of the wood. Priced by size, they range from $35 to $150. Find them at booth 524 or jhframes.com.
Humming along
Hummingbird feeder by artisans Carol and Jim Moore.
Attract these tiny sweethearts by hanging a brightly coloured hummingbird feeder on your window. The artwork of creators Carol and Jim Moore is guaranteed not to fade thanks to a unique printing technique used to apply the design. Three UV-protected suction cups can withstand hot and cold temperatures and the slim bottle can be removed for easy refilling and cleaning. The feeder is $49 at booth 620 or mooredesignbirdfeeders.com.
Feathered friend
Stained glass trivet or wall hanging by artist Real Lachance.
Use this colourful cardinal perched on a branch as a trivet for your table or a wall hanging. Either way, it will brighten up any area. Stained-glass artist Real Lachance uses MDF board for the base, applies coloured glass pieces, then paints the edges. The bottom is protected by a felt pad. At 38 centimetres square it’s $46 (includes hardware for hanging). Find it at booth 514 or ETSY.com/shop/lachanceglassmosaic.
Bird’s nest
Puzzle by wood sculptor Michel Boire.
Wood sculptor Michel Boire has carved this playful, yet intriguing, 10-piece wooden puzzle into a three-dimensional object of fun with a bird nestled in the centre. It’s packaged in a Chinese food box with the inscription “This is not Chinese, it’s Québécois.” Find it for $30 at booth 603 or michelboirepq.com.
If you go
What: Originals Spring Craft Sale
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr.
When: April 16 to 19
Hours: Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets: $7 for adults; $4 for seniors and youth aged 13 to 17; free for children 12 and under. Parking is $8.
Information: 613-241-5777; originalsshow.ca
