Vendor Profile #8: Island Joy

Island Joy is an artisanal green skincare line that captures the essence of the Caribbean. A collection of luxurious sugar scrubs handcrafted in small batches using natures's finest ingredients and backed by science. 

Founded by a mother-daughter duo, that believes skin care is a ritual through which to indulge, Island Joy creates a sensory experience reminiscent of family memories and life by the beach. Born from the philosophy that exfoliation is key to achieving and maintaining healthy skin ,Island Joy is specially formulated to gently exfoliate and nourish the skin, leaving it glowing and incredibly soft and smooth.

Based on the principle of being kind to your skin, Island Joy uses carefully sourced ingredients and does not contain any fillers, petrochemicals,, toxic chemicals,, phthalates, or dyes.  Mindfully made in Canada, products are formulated with respect to the environment and through methods that are cruelty free. 

Island Joy.ca

https://www.facebook.com/islandjoyca/

https://www.instagram.com/islandjoyca/

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 #1 : Bailiwick Studios

Bailiwick Studios

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

I am a printmaker working with lino block and primarily in black and white. I’ve branched out this year to include small, unique home décor pieces. You can expect block printed holiday ornaments and cards, upcycled animal planters and a variety of original art prints.

What does your process look like?

My process is SO scattered these days because I am very busy chasing my 11 month old around! It’s difficult as a creative to only have these small windows of time to work on your art, but it is very important for me to be present when its family time so developing that balance has been very important. Printmaking, although takes time, can be a nice mindless activity sometimes! 

Tell us some of your favourite things about Hamilton? 

Hands downs, the sense of community. Not only amongst artists and makers, but between local business’s.  

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

I just recently started and love it! I listen to How I Built This, Revisionist Historyhttp://revisionisthistory.com (among others) but I am currently obsessed with Being Boss!  

INSTAGRAM - @bailiwick.studios 

FACEBOOK - facebook.com/thebailiwickstudios/

Vendor Profile: Atelier Larme

Atelier Larme's jewelry is simple but feminine, 

 appropriate for both daily wear as well as for a more formal look.

Using gemstones, wood, crystal beads, silk ribbon and lace,  designer Keiko creates delicate one of a kind necklaces, rings and earrings. 

www.facebook.com/larme.atelier

Vendor Profile: Banjo Puppets

Hi - I'm Joel and I've had this wild obsession with puppets ever since I could say "Cookie Monster". I started making sock puppets at an early age, and over the years got into working with different types of foam, fur, and fleece. People started noticing, and wanted to order puppets from me, so I launched Banjo Puppets in 2005 to make this whole thing official. 

Much of my work so far has been creating custom puppets for educational programs, professional puppeteers, birthday presents, tv, and movies. The past few years I got involved in the Toronto craft sale circuit and started selling these little monsters with great success. 

Please check out my website to see more of my work - www.banjopuppets.com

Vendor Profile: Joanne Marlowe

Tell us about your creative work and what we can expect at this years Handmade Hamilton Show.

I currently have a pocketbook entitled "My Little Book of Randoms" that I will be featuring and selling.  I am also doing homemade gift tags & cards.  I will also be selling some of my poems which will be typed (on a real typewriter).

What does your creative process look like?

A lot of cutting, stamping and typing!!!

What inspires you? Where do you find your inspirations?

Just life. Everyday life.  People watching, listening to music, looking at a photo...all these things evoke a vision in my head and that's when a story comes out.  The crafting part is new for me and I have a love all of things typewriter that I want to share.  Bring back a little bit of old school fun.

Words of inspiration to other artists?

Just do what is natural and the results will show.

Fave quotes?

" To wish impossible things"  The Cure

"I had nothing to offer anybody except my own confusion" Jack Kerouac

"Never trouble trouble til trouble troubles you" A fortune cookie

www.jomarlowe.net