Showing posts with label makers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label makers. Show all posts

Monday, December 3, 2018

Vendor Profile #10: La Villa Goods

We are an ethical brand that aims to create positive social impact in El Salvador by partnering with artisans and connecting them to international markets through thoughtfully designed and curated hand-made goods, all produced under ethical standards. We are deeply involved in the production process of every piece that has been designed by our team.  

Our coconut collection includes earrings, bracelets, bangles, chokers, and necklaces, all made in partnership with Callotl Artisans, an environmental project that targets sea turtle conservation, responsible fishing and sustainable development. Thanks to Callotl, coastal communities in violence ridden areas have found new hope through work and commerce using local renewable resources that would otherwise go to waste. La Villa’s exclusive coconut collection is hand made in Costa del Sol, whose locals have limited fair employment opportunities.

Our textiles are hand-woven on traditional wooden foot looms by master artisans thus conserving cultural heritage and promoting productive activities in an at risk rural area. They include, scarves, kimonos, throws, blankets, tea-towels and placemats.  It is our goal to grow together with our partners in an on-going, fair manner.

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Vendor Profile #7 : Eleanor Rosa Felt

Tell us about your creative work and what we can expect to see at Handmade Hamilton. 

We use a high quality wool blend felt and 100% felted products to create unique botanical felt flowers, felt succulents, and home decor.   We also have a line of fun and whimsical felted pet "rocks" called "Stone Softies" where we let our creativity and imagination run wild.


What does your creative process look like?

Suzanne loves to garden and is a self-professed plant nerd.  From this perspective, we try create botanically-correct plants in the medium of felt.  We have two daughters who provide a huge source of wild and crazy ideas for our Stone Softie friends.  The whole creative process is a family affair, and we all share a lot of laughs as our creations come "alive"
What inspires you to create the work that you do?

We are environmental scientists and this is an excellent outlet to allow our creative sides to flourish.  We love to see the joy that our products bring to the faces of so many people. 

What are some of your favourite podcasts or music to listen to when you create?


Suzanne is currently listening to a podcast called Serial by This American Life and Mike has A Charlie Brown Christmas by the Vince Guaraldi Trio on a constant loop.  We also love Ray LaMontagne, The War on Drugs, Tom Petty and George Michael.






Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Vendor Profile #2 - Milo&Ben

Milo&Ben is a collection of my illustrated characters. While some are needle felted,  some are stuffed hand sewn animals. Needle felting is a time-consuming, labour intensive process that allows for a lot of detail bringing each doll to life. It is similar to sculpting in that you can create any shape you want.  Each animal is made carefully and with lots of love. 

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

My work is primarily needle felted creations. All the animals are based on my illustrations. I am bringing my most popular Patrick penguins as well as my new line of felted mobiles and felt wreaths. 

What does your process look like?

My process involves sketching the animal until I’m happy with the way it looks. It must convey a certain personality so that the final piece comes to life.

Tell us some of your favourite things about Hamilton?

Hamilton is such a vibrant city! Always welcoming and supporting of small business and the handmade movement. Milo&Ben and Makeology have always felt welcomed and supported. 

Melissa is also the founder of Makeology, an excellent craft show that is happening on November 19th!  Be sure to check it out!


Monday, November 7, 2016

Vendor Profile #1 : 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!  


Monday, November 23, 2015

Vendor Profile #1: The Artful Dodger

Everyday until the show we will be featuring our diverse mix of artists who will be selling their art and craft at Handmade Hamilton on December 12.  Each profile will ask a few questions and will include links to their online and social media sites.  So click away and enjoy previewing our local talent - Lisa Pijuan-Nomura - Curator of Handmade Hamilton. 

The Artful Dodger


Tell us about your work and what we can expect to see at Handmade Hamilton. 

The Artful Dodger - I am a local maker, who produces handmade creations that draw direct inspiration from the natural world.  My work incorporates a variety of materials that are either recycled or sustainably harvested.  At Handmade Hamilton, you will find a beautiful array of fine silver, glass and Birch bark jewellery, and other one of a kind crafts. 


What does your creative process look like?

I have a diverse background, which influences my creative process.  I studied glass and ceramics in the School of Craft and Design at Sheridan College, but I also have experimented with photography, textiles, beadwork and needlecraft.  My recent work with precious metal clay (PMC) has allowed me to incorporate a wide range of techniques and skills from my past experiences into the creative process.


What inspires you?


I am inspired by my surroundings.  Whether walking through the Oak Savannah near my home in Hamilton, or along the red sands of an endless beach on a recent trip to PEI, I am drawn to the forms and textures of the natural materials that I gather and take inspiration from.