Vendor Profile: Vintage Acorn

 Instagram: @vintageacorn 

Facebook: @thevintageacorn 

Website: www.thevintageacorn.etsy.com

Tell us a bit about Vintage Acorn?

Vintage Acorn’s beginnings were humble and small; two sisters stumbled into the wild world of jewellery making when they set out to create earrings from a few beloved vintage fabrics. Multiple trips to textile stores and estate auctions later they had more pairs than they could ever possibly wear. Thus, Vintage Acorn was born. By filling a need, we found our niche. With ingenuity in our heads and pliers in our hands, we expanded to include necklaces and hand-painted pieces, drawing inspiration from street blogs, antique stores, and the markets of our travels. Each collection focuses on a different theme, element, or idea, all of which speak to imaginative souls and lovers of simple design.

Handmade jewellery inspired by geometric shapes, vintage florals, late night chats and hidden markets. Each collection, comprised of hand-painted wooden earrings and necklaces, fabric covered button earrings, and gold and antique brass metals, focuses on a different theme, element, or idea, all of which speak to imaginative souls and lovers of simple design.

What is some of the music and movies that inspire you?

Music: The Head and the Heart, Bear's Den 

Movies: The Grand Budapest Hotel, Little Miss Sunshine

Vendor Profile: Redhead Weaver

Redhead Weaver

https://www.etsy.com/shop/stephaniescarves

I am a Canadian artist and craftsperson. I have been weaving since 2005 and love it with all my heart. I love to create and explore textiles and try to create as much as I can while balancing another business called Really Great Goods.

I make my woven goods on a traditional table loom that lives in my front room and make tapestries on a variety of frame looms. Weaving is a very labour and time intensive craft that has been around since man created cloth. I feel very proud to keep the craft alive. All of my pieces are unique as I am always exploring and experimenting and like to vary each piece I make. That makes each of my pieces one of a kind and made with love and good vibrations.

As a lover and practitioner of energy healing, I put great love and loving energy into my work. Some pieces even include healing crystals. These pieces are extra special and have been made with the intention of creating a blissful space in your home or office. Let them bring you happiness and peace.

Vendor Profile: kisii handmade

kisii handmade
https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/kisii

Tell us about your work and what we can expect to see at this years Handmade Hamilton?

I love what I do. kisii strives to use responsibly-sourced materials to create beautiful handmade gifts. You can find jewellery, handmade ceramics, keychains and journals. I started kisii in 2012 as a means to fundraise for my hospital, Princess Margaret, in Toronto and enjoyed it so much that I decided to register the business. Since then, I've donated over $3000 towards tumour research, and specifically the Desmoid Tumour Foundation of Canada. 

What does your process look like?

I try to consider my eco-footprint in all aspects of my business, and source materials responsibly. I try to use fair-trade as often as possible, and work from my sunny home studio. My process depends on what I am making. Making a mala is a quiet, peaceful process while my ceramic jewellery bowls require messy hands full of clay, paint and glaze. I do everything myself, from creating and testing new pieces to corresponding with clients, doing my own web design, shipping and packaging. I handstamp my own labels and package each item myself. 

What are your inspirations?

Nature, books, music, simplicity, yoga and good people.

Tell us some of your favourite things about Hamilton?

Obviously the natural beauty of it (especially Dundas peak), but also the creative community that is quickly growing.

Vendor Profile: Crochet Colour Culture

Crocheting has been a life long passion of mine.  I am inspired by many other artisans and new people that I meet along the path of life.  The inspiration results in a thought process to translate into a crochet design that is my own unique creative style.  Colourful, comfortable, well made, one of a kind funky works of art.  My latest twisted head wrap is made from Briggs and Little yarn which is spun in a New Brunswick mill using the original equipment from 1876.  My wooden buttons are handcrafted by a Calgary artist and each button has it's own character that adds to the headwrap and many of my other creations.  

My Canadiana novelty animal hats include a maple leaf pin made by local artist Adele D'Arcy Urban Folk Art. I will have a variety of items available at the market, including the headwraps, slippers, novelty hats, mittens, scarves, and some surprises.  Great gift giving items for that someone special, including you!

  

I am a firm believer in supporting other Canadian artisans. I am a lifelong resident of Hamilton and enjoy how the city has evolved in all the arts, thanks to the many wonderful people who make Hamilton their home.  

Vendor Profile: Quartz & Knot

Quartz & Knot

https://www.etsy.com/shop/quartzandknot

Tell us about your work and what we can expect to see at this years Handmade Hamilton?

Quartz & Knot uses gemstones from around the world as well as hand-picked ones found in Ontario, Canada.  My designs are simple, modern, and make a statement.  You can wear Quartz & Knot jewelry in any situation from the workplace to a night out to a music festival.  I offer necklaces, wine charms, bracelets and earrings.

Tell us some of your favourite things about Hamilton?

I just moved to Hamilton in April of this year from Toronto. It has the feel of a city, with lots to do, but also a community vibe where everyone is pretty welcoming and friendly.  The handmade community especially has been super inviting and I have met lots of great people and built connections that have helped my business. Art Crawl has been one of my top favourite things about Hamilton and I participated with Quartz & Knot in the June one. I look forward to doing these in the warmer months in 2018 and meeting more Hamiltonians!

Many makers listen to podcasts.  Do you? and what are some of your favourites?

I just started listening to Sophia Amoruso's Girlboss Radio podcasts. I love her honesty and it's very inspiring to listen to the women she interviews and how they've made their mark in the entrepreneurial world.

Vendor Profile: Amanda Immurs - Painter

Amanda Immurs 

https://amandaimmurs.carbonmade.com

I work primarily as an oil painter who’s pieces are representational. Most people recognize my paintings of children. I like to look at beautiful moments time- little pieces of everyday life. 

I create my work in my Hamilton home studio under the supervision of my cat. While working I do listen to a lot of podcasts. My 3 favourites are probably- Beautiful Anonymous, Art for Your Ear, and Death,Sex, & Money. 

Hamilton is a great place to root oneself because it is an urban city with a diverse community and yet it is also surrounded by so much nature.