From now until May 25th, Delish will be bringing the sellers to our readers! Consider this a sneak peek to entice you to come to the market (make sure to say hi to us at the Delish General Store booth!), or an introduction to an amazing artisan, handcrafter or business for those of you who are not local to the Lower Mainland, or cannot make it out. Check back every day for new vendors!

GroovyGlassGirl

Owner/artisan: Poppy Adams

What is the story behind your business?

I started out doing stained glass over 16 years ago, but I’ve always had an affinity for making jewellery so when I purchased a kiln several years ago GroovyGlassGirl was a natural transition for me.

Where and when do you craft your goodies?

I have a studio in my garage at home, I work whenever I feel like it…..nice!

What will you be selling at Scout?

I will be selling hand-formed fused glass jewels that combine stained glass techniques and jewellery making to create most unusual wearable pieces.

Why do you like these events?

I don’t just like these events, I LOVE these events! They are vital for building momentum in small business, not to mention super fun to see all my crafty friends together in one place.

What is next for you, personally and professionally?

I am in somewhat of a metamorphosis phase in my life right now, not sure what lies ahead for me personally, but I know there will be tons of juicy new colourful glass in my future…and there may be some funky tiaras!

Find it here: GroovyGlassGirl

Champion Jack’s Emporium

Owner/artisan: Amelia MacArthur

Courtesy of Jayme Anne Photography

What is the story behind your business?

Champion Jack’s Emporium is a Vintage Clothing and Vinyl Record Shoppe. My husband, Jason Nicholas, and I have both worked for other well-known vintage clothing stores, Mintage in Vancouver, and Black Market in Toronto. We love music, fashion, and art; and are especially dedicated to the Downtown Abbotsford scene. We knew that by supplying stylish vintage clothing, new music on vinyl, and a space for local artisans, we would save a lot of people a drive into Vancouver…and felt we should contribute to our town in this way.

We started showing in local craft markets in 2009. Right away the response to our products was really positive. So in October, 2011, we opened up a retail store at 33784 George Ferguson Way. Having a permanent place to house our goods, we were able to expand and carry new as well as rare collected vinyl records and tapes, locally produced albums by local bands, original art by local artisans, as well as handmade jewelry and clothing. We carry lines by some of the other vendors participating in the Scout Market — Carmen West Creative and Little Sparrow Designs.

We also use our store as an event space, to showcase and promote local design and music. Our goal is to be a place for encouragement of individuality, recycling, and local creation.

Where and when do you craft your goodies?

All of our Vintage Clothing is selected from different sources throughout North America; our records are picked by Jason, and our local artisan goods are made right here in the Fraser Valley!

What will you be selling at Scout?

At Scout (which we are so excited for!) we will be showing some of our finest vintage clothing items for women, a lot of purses as well as shoes, and a few select records.

Why do you like these events?

This will be our third time attending one of these events. We love them because they are so well organized that we have a lot of fun. All of the event organizers as well as the other vendors are so great. It ends up not only being a time for selling and networking, we usually spend time perusing and shopping at other vendor booths. The quality and nature of all of the diverse products available are right up our alley.

What is next for you, personally and professionally?

Well, I am going to continue to man the shop down at Champion Jack’s. I plan to get more and more involved in my community, and in making art fashion for my Swank Fashion line.

I’ve put in nearly ten years in the textile recycling industry, and it’s all been working towards having a production of one of a kind, reworked textile clothing and accessories. I hope I will soon get my workshop together for some fun designing sewing time!

We are onto something AMAZING in this town! I feel like there is a revival of positive creative receptive spirit, and I want to have a part of it.

Find it here: Champion Jack’s Emporium

Scout Vintage + Handmade Market Info

When: May 25th-26th, 2012
Friday, May 25th from 6-9pm will be open to ticket holders and invited guests only. A limited number of tickets will be available to purchase on April 15th for a First Dibs night of shopping, wine + cheese and live entertainment. Saturday, May 26th will be open to the public from 10am-4pm for a small admission fee.
Where:The Parallel Marketplace (across from Thrifty Foods) 1920 North Parallel Road, Abbotsford BC.
Partial proceeds of the admission will go to a local charity, Life Recovery, a non-profit residential women’s recovery program.

See them here: Scout Vintage + Handmade Market

And see you there!

From now until May 25th, Delish will be bringing the sellers to our readers! Consider this a sneak peek to entice you to come to the market (make sure to say hi to us at the Delish General Store booth!), or an introduction to an amazing artisan, handcrafter or business for those of you who are not local to the Lower Mainland, or cannot make it out. Check back every day for new vendors!

Clayburn Comforts Soap & Body Works

Owner/artisan: Sue Kavelman

What is the story behind your business?

I started soap making in 1998 as a hobby to share with my daughter. Very quickly I was hooked on creating my own “stuff” and soon I was making lotions, rubs, shampoo, deodorant and face care. Before long, friends and family wanted to buy my creations and so the idea of a business was born. In my search for natural remedies and ingredients I discovered essential oils and so studied the principles of aromatherapy for two years through the West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy.

In 2000, my husband and I purchased a little brick Foreman’s Cottage in historic Clayburn Village and set about to restore it. Our dream was to also rebuild an old out-building as a separate studio where I could make and sell soaps and other aromatherapy products. During the cottage restoration, when we were called upon to clean approximately 8,000 bricks, I was inspired to have a soap mold made that resembled those same bricks. By 2005 the house was complete and my little studio was “Open for Business”, selling Clayburn soap bricks and natural bath and body products. I created an English-style cottage garden for the enjoyment of my customers, and many a husband has relaxed by the stream and watched the birds while his wife enjoys the good scents inside the shop!

I’m delighted to be a marketing partner with Tourism Abbotsford and to participate annually in the Circle Farm Tour and the Passport to Christmas programs, and was honoured to receive the Home Based Business Excellence Award from the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce in 2010.

Where and when do you craft your goodies?

I craft my all my products in my studio and so have become a “master of small spaces”. The creative urge strikes at all hours of the day and night, so my motto is that I’m always at home and always at work! But my “work” is quite often play, so it’s not unusual to hear some good tunes coming from the soap shack late at night.

I also create and print all my labels and brochures, as well as my website and customer newsletter, but that all gets done in my mini-den in the house. I use biodegradable shrink wrap for my soaps and gift baskets and that system resides on my dining room table, and shelves of baskets line my living room wall. Yes, a home-based business has a way of taking over the whole home – a challenge that couldn’t be tolerated without a wonderful, supportive spouse and family!

What will you be selling at Scout?

I’ll be bringing my top selling products to the Scout Market!
Soap, Soap, Soap! Most of my handcrafted soaps are made with 100% organic oils and butters, and provide outstanding cleansing, moisturizing and conditioning to even the most sensitive skin. I use natural botanicals and clays for colour and only pure, essential oils for their honest fragrance and therapeutic qualities (except for Miner’s Mocha which is just plain fun, with the aroma of Chocolate Fudge!)

#1 is my Shampoo 3-in-1 bar (that’s all I’ve used on my hair for the past 7 years). Packaged in a convenient travel tin, it’s called Travel Easy, complete with a cotton cord for convenience in those less than traditional shower stalls or at the gym. I’ll also be bringing its companion product – Outdoor 3-in-1, which contains insect repelling essential oils – a must for the camper or outdoor enthusiast!
#2 is Essential 7 Face Cream! I make a full line of natural face care products, from detoxifying cream cleanser, toner and scrub to facial serum, eye cream and Essential 7. I’ll be bringing all my face care products to the Scout Market.
#3 is Baby Bum Jelly! I’ve created a natural, organic alternative to petroleum jelly. Say “good-bye” to diaper rash, dry, itchy skin, eczema patches, etc. My natural baby care line of products is the fastest growth area in my shop and I’ll be bringing all my baby care, including Baby “O” Organic soap, to the market.
#4 is Lemongrass Deodorant! I make solid deodorant using 100% organic oils, butters and waxes and essential oils that ‘actually work’ at creating a comfortable, effective and long-lasting deodorant.
#5 is Mango Foot Crack Butter! It’s that ‘sandal’ time of year again and my natural foot care products are a favourite. I’ll be bringing Sandal Feet gift packs that contain foot soak, foot scrub, foot crack butter, peppermint foot lotion and a pumice/nail brush.

I will accept Cash payments at the market, but will also be equipped with “PAYPAL HERE”, so will securely accept VISA, MasterCard and Amex as well.

Why do you like these events?

I don’t normally participate in farmer’s markets and events because I have a brick & mortar store, but I’ve found that when Birch & Bird are involved it’s usually a great experience! I enjoy meeting and networking with the other merchants – I’m always amazed at all the talent! I especially like the opportunity to meet people and talk about my natural products, and by participating in these events I also reach a lot of people who don’t know about Clayburn Village, so I’m also able to work as an ambassador for BC’s First Company Town as well!

What is next for you, personally and professionally?

As more and more quality organic ingredients become available, I’m converting my formulas and products to even healthier options for my customers, from soaps to deodorants and beyond. Through the innovation of a soap mold maker in Texas, I’m also expanding my business to offer professional, privately molded soaps to local businesses, as well as the ability to streamline my own soap making process to give better value to my retail customers.

I really like to get to know my customers and gain a deep satisfaction from helping them find natural alternatives for their personal care needs.

On a personal level, I believe that life is a journey to be lived to the fullest, so when I’m not working, I find balance and fulfillment with my family, my cats and my garden! I also grab any moments I can to bird watch, my all time favourite ‘quiet time’ pursuit and one that my young granddaughter loves too.

Find it here: Clayburn Comforts

Crystal Clear Boutique

Owner/artisan: Laura Derksen

http://blog.beatrizphotography.com

Beatriz photography & design

What is the story behind your business?

Crafting is a huge passion of mine and making hair accessories for myself, friends and babies was something I had started before I had my daughter. After my daughter Ariella was born on May 11, 2010 I became obsessed with clips and headbands! Going back to my previous job four days a week was out of the question as I couldn’t leave her for that long. But I quickly realized I needed something to keep me busy and put my crafting passion to use. March 2011 I started Crystal Clear Boutique, it quickly took off and now is a steadily growing business and sold online (website, etsy, facebook) and currently in eight amazing stores.

Where and when do you craft your goodies?

Everything is made and put together in my home in Chilliwack, BC. The best part about doing this from home and being my own boss is that my hours/days are flexible. I usually work two days a week but sometimes three if an upcoming event is booked.

What will you be selling at Scout?

I am busy creating new and exciting clips and headbands for this event and adding to my women’s line.

Why do you like these events?

One of my favorite events in the past was the Fieldstone Vintage Market last September. Rachel and Lily (owners of Birch and Bird Vintage Home Interiors) were great hosts and the atmosphere was amazing! Vintage goodies and handmade items everywhere made this day one not to forget.

What is next for you, personally and professionally?

In the new few months I will be opening a studio in my home so that locals can come and see all my items displayed and will be able to meet to design custom orders. I feel so blessed to be able to work from home and spend so much quality time with my daughter and do something that I LOVE! Looking forward to meeting so many new friends at the upcoming Scout Handmade & Vintage Market!

Find it here: Crystal Clear Boutique

Scout Vintage + Handmade Market Info

When: May 25th-26th, 2012
Friday, May 25th from 6-9pm will be open to ticket holders and invited guests only. A limited number of tickets will be available to purchase on April 15th for a First Dibs night of shopping, wine + cheese and live entertainment. Saturday, May 26th will be open to the public from 10am-4pm for a small admission fee.
Where:The Parallel Marketplace (across from Thrifty Foods) 1920 North Parallel Road, Abbotsford BC.
Partial proceeds of the admission will go to a local charity, Life Recovery, a non-profit residential women’s recovery program.

See them here: Scout Vintage + Handmade Market

And see you there!

From now until May 25th, Delish will be bringing the sellers to our readers! Consider this a sneak peek to entice you to come to the market (make sure to say hi to us at the Delish General Store booth!), or an introduction to an amazing artisan, handcrafter or business for those of you who are not local to the Lower Mainland, or cannot make it out. Check back every day for new vendors!

Sharalee Prang Photography

Owner/artisan: Sharalee Prang

What is the story behind your business?

I feel like I’ve always looked at life as if I was looking through a lens. I got my first SLR film camera when I was in high school and became completely addicted to taking pictures. My business started small…friends asking me to do pictures of their families and has grown to the point where I will shoot 20 weddings this year.

Where and when do you craft your goodies?

If I’m addicted to taking pictures, I’m also addicted to thrifting! I’m in a thrift store every chance I get. Since I’m normally toting 1-3 children, I usually put my head down and make a beeline for my favorite sections. I started collecting unique and vintage frames a couple of years ago for my own personal use, but decided I would ramp it up and refinish some to sell at the market.

What will you be selling at Scout?

I will be selling vintage pictures frame collections and also promoting my portrait photography business.

Why do you like these events?

I love the feel of the markets that have been hosted by Birch + Bird. I’ve gotten to know so many of the vendors and have developed great friendships! It’s fun to be a part of a day where people are excited and there’s a buzz in the air but at the same time it’s relaxed and there’s lots of time for conversation. This is an ideal market for me to promote my business at because the clientele fits into my target demographic: people who are fun, have unique style and appreciate quality.

What is next for you, personally and professionally?

Well, right after the market I am full bore into wedding season! I’m booked every weekend of the summer from the end of May until mid-September. So it will be a busy season, but I’m looking forward to taking some time off mid-week to tend to my vegetable garden and take my kids on mini-road trips.

Find it here: Sharalee Prang Photography

Creekside Country Home Decor

Owner/artisan: Darcey Peters

What is the story behind your business?

Creekside is located in historic Downtown Abbotsford. The combination of vintage, antique, locally made and new items sets us apart from other shops, and provides you with the ultimate shopping experience. Soothing music and scented candles create an atmosphere that is just meant to be shared with a friend! We love to arrange our items in beautiful displays just as you would in your home. Maybe that is why so many customers say they wish they could just move in!

Where and when do you craft your goodies?

Searching for vintage and antique items to share with our customers is a time consuming process. We go to estate sales, garage sales, and are kept busy following up on calls to the shop of items for sale. While these items are harder to come by they are truly where our heart lies. There is nothing as special as seeing someone’s face light up when they find that unexpected treasure!

What will you be selling at Scout?

At the Scout Market we will be selling antique and vintage items. From the simplicity of a blue glass mason jar to a large vintage globe on a stand. We will have a little something for everyone’s taste.

Why do you like these events?

We love events like this market as they give us the opportunity to introduce more people to Creekside in a unique and fun environment. When visitors enter our store for the first time they immediately think of others who “must see this shop!” We also hear a lot of “this is my new favourite store!”

What is next for you, personally and professionally?

I am looking forward to seeing how my business continues to evolve. I would like to introduce more locally made items. There is so much talent out there! At the same time I am focused on my family. My children, ages 12 and 14, are growing so fast and I can already see glimpses of the adults they will become. Being a wife, mother and business owner can be a bit of a balancing act but I am enjoying every minute of it!

Find it here: Creekside Country Home Decor

Scout Vintage + Handmade Market Info

When: May 25th-26th, 2012
Friday, May 25th from 6-9pm will be open to ticket holders and invited guests only. A limited number of tickets will be available to purchase on April 15th for a First Dibs night of shopping, wine + cheese and live entertainment. Saturday, May 26th will be open to the public from 10am-4pm for a small admission fee.
Where:The Parallel Marketplace (across from Thrifty Foods) 1920 North Parallel Road, Abbotsford BC.
Partial proceeds of the admission will go to a local charity, Life Recovery, a non-profit residential women’s recovery program.

See them here: Scout Vintage + Handmade Market

And see you there!

From now until May 25th, Delish will be bringing the sellers to our readers! Consider this a sneak peek to entice you to come to the market (make sure to say hi to us at the Delish General Store booth!), or an introduction to an amazing artisan, handcrafter or business for those of you who are not local to the Lower Mainland, or cannot make it out. Check back every day for new vendors!

home sweet nest

Owner/artisan: Elisa Robertson

All photos care of Cristal of Level 6 Images

What is the story behind your business?

I started home sweet nest last year, after a lot of encouragement from friends and family. I guess I am blessed to be able to see the potential in what others call junk and have a difficult time turning down a great deal! After being labeled a hoarder by many, I realized that those same people were phoning me regularly to “shop my house”. Also, I was being called regularly for advice on paint colors and DIY details, but not recipes – which is why you probably won’t find any on my blog. Also, I have recently realized that Oprah was right – success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.
I love what I’m doing!!

Where and when do you craft your goodies?

I am fortunate to be able to pursue my “hobby” full time. My children are grown and I have a very understanding, supportive husband, who believes in me, despite the fact that “the house smells like a second-hand store” and we haven’t eaten at the dining room table in months! I have a great studio in our detached, double garage where I have lined up all the tools of my trade; computer, vinyl cutter, sewing machine, paint and the greatest Christmas gift ever – an air compressor! Somehow the pile of potential projects has crept into the basement and I have recently had to acquire a storage unit too! Yikes!

What will you be selling at Scout?

Well, I love refurbishing furniture, and to me, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is like Duct tape to a hillbilly. So you can expect to see some great painted furniture items as well as vintage goodies, small home accessories like signs, candles, etc and unique lighting items. The rest is all top secret!

Why do you like these events?

Because I spend a lot of time alone in the garage with my wonderful Charlie (the dog of the blog) I crave interaction with humans. Events like Scout give me the opportunity to share ideas with other artists, gather feedback on my creations and spend a day without paint in my hair. Scout Handmade and Vintage Market is especially exciting because Rachel and Lily of Birch and Bird always do such a great job of organizing a well-attended market with an inspiring atmosphere!

What is next for you, personally and professionally?

Personally, my empty nest will be full again as my two grown children are temporarily landing back in the nest, which I love! They are the greatest young adults I’ve ever met and are terrific at moving furniture!

Professionally, I have really big news that I haven’t shared yet with anyone. So Delish Magazine gets the scoop! I have been in serious negotiations with Carrie of The Passionate Home in Langley and have made the decision to join her at her Downtown Langley Location! The Passionate Home will be carrying my creations and as well Carrie and I will be teaming up to bring some other great new product lines and services to her already wonderful store! I’m super excited about all the possibilities and I just know it will be great! So stay tuned for more information on all the happenings there!

Find it here: home sweet nest

Divina Deneuvo/Pieces of II

Owners/artisans: Victoria Ronco & Dave Kelly

What is the story behind your business?

Divina Denuevo
We produce a line of leather bags and accessories made using upcycled antique hardware (such as skeleton keys, cabinet door handles, keyplates, etc.). We’re a local design duo (working out of one of our kitchen-turned-studio), and while we debuted in the Vancouver and Lower Mainland independent designer scene only last January, we have been gaining momentum and following, with our accessories appearing on the runway locally at Eco Fashion week and abroad at London Fashion Week, and winning the Eco Fashion Week Excellence Award for accessory design when we debuted our men’s collection on the runway.

Our line is called Divina Denuevo, which literally means “Divine Again” in Spanish. Both of us are passionate about sustainability, history and luxury, and incorporating those things into the mainstream via fashion. We search high and low for antique and vintage hardware, keys and adornments, in an effort to upcycle something old that was otherwise destined for the landfill, and make it new again. Our signature pieces feature antique skeleton keys – some that even came from shipwreck salvage!

We work with leather because it’s organic, and intrinsically unique in that every piece has its own colour, grain, texture and idiosyncrasies, much like our repurposed hardware that shows signs of age and patina. It’s luxurious while also being durable, allowing the wearer to carry a piece of the past with timeless style and elegance. We try and use reclaimed leather from local sources whenever possible.

Pieces of II
Given our penchant for creating and using that which is old for new purposes, we also have a line of jewelry called Pieces of II. Pieces of II is the overarching brand for two unique jewelry collections: Pieces of Time, and Pieces of Opulence. Pieces of Time are made from upcycled antique watch parts, offering you quite literally a moment in history, a piece of time. Pieces of Opulence are made using elegant findings and antique inspiration, displaying the opulence and luxury of the past. Our most popular pieces are our antique wax seal collection, where we use our extensive collection of antique wax seals (some dating as early as the 1600s) and stamp them in to silver, copper and bronze, giving the wearer a beautiful piece of nostalgia to carry with them.

Where and when do you craft your goodies?

We work out of a ‘home studio’, AKA Dave’s kitchen. Because we both work full-time, creating happens outside of the regular work day – so on weekdays we’ll be in the studio from 5:30pm-1am, and on weekends any given time, depending on how many orders we have pending.

What will you be selling at Scout?

We’ll have both lines at Scout – so from Divina Denuevo you can expect to find everything from laptops and messenger bags to clutches, iphone cases and card wallets. From Pieces of II we’ll have our wax seal collection, along with our famous keyhole earrings and pieces made using antique hardware.

Why do you like these events?

We love getting out in the community and meeting people. It’s a huge rush to see someone wearing one of our pieces, and we love being able to share the story of how they were made, where they came from, and what we envisioned when designing them with our fans.

What is next for you, personally and professionally?

The dream would be to work on our lines full-time – so that’s our focus right now. We’d love to ramp up our visibility both online and in stores, but that comes with time.

Find it here: Divina Denuevo and Pieces of II

Scout Vintage + Handmade Market Info

When: May 25th-26th, 2012
Friday, May 25th from 6-9pm will be open to ticket holders and invited guests only. A limited number of tickets will be available to purchase on April 15th for a First Dibs night of shopping, wine + cheese and live entertainment. Saturday, May 26th will be open to the public from 10am-4pm for a small admission fee.
Where:The Parallel Marketplace (across from Thrifty Foods) 1920 North Parallel Road, Abbotsford BC.
Partial proceeds of the admission will go to a local charity, Life Recovery, a non-profit residential women’s recovery program.

See them here: Scout Vintage + Handmade Market

And see you there!

From now until May 25th, Delish will be bringing the sellers to our readers! Consider this a sneak peek to entice you to come to the market (make sure to say hi to us at the Delish General Store booth!), or an introduction to an amazing artisan, handcrafter or business for those of you who are not local to the Lower Mainland, or cannot make it out. Check back every day for new vendors!

Bee’s Knees Bodyworks

Owner/artisan: Trish Nicol

Sharalee Prang Photography

What is the story behind your business?

About the name: Bee’s Knees does not refer to the use of bee products (although I do use beeswax in a few of my products), it refers to the popular phrase of the 1920s meaning the best or the ultimate!
About the Queen Bee: My name is Trish Nicol and I started Bee’s Knees Bodyworks in 2010, after several years of making soaps, lotions and lip balms as a hobby. I find it so personally rewarding to make and share high quality, natural body care products for friends, like you! I am married with three kids and live in Chilliwack, BC.

My motto is: Good. Clean. Fun.
Good – every ingredient that I use is of the highest cosmetic grade quality. I carefully choose the most beneficial ingredients for each product, such as shea butter (super moisturizing), calendula oil (healing), chamomile (soothing), aloe vera (healing and soothing), plus vitamins and therapeutic essential oils, using organic whenever possible. My products are all at least 95% natural.
Clean – We know about ‘eating clean’, not eating over-processed foods, so how about not putting chemicals and over-processed products on the largest organ of our bodies – our skin! My products are proudly: SLS free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free and Petrochemical Free.
Fun – Bathing and caring for your skin should be an enjoyable experience, that’s why I take care in choosing and designing pleasing packaging, using the very best essential and fragrance oils and the best natural ingredients, for your pleasure!

Where and when do you craft your goodies?

I used to make my products on my kitchen island, but my family got really tired of me declaring the kitchen counters a food-free zone and chasing them out of the kitchen, so I recently took over the staff room kitchen at our business (luckily there is only one employee!) and set up shop – it is so great to have all of my supplies in a central place! I craft my goodies when it’s slow during work hours, or in the evenings and weekends if there is a market coming up. Basically when I can fit it in! I was also able to take over a glorified closet as my display room/store at the business, so it is great not to have to haul totes out of my garage when a customer comes to buy something!

What will you be selling at Scout?

At Scout Vintage Market I will be selling my usual lovely soaps, lotions, lip balms, creams, facial care products, cupcake soaps, bath salts, etc., but I’m really excited to introduce a couple of new products – Bug Off – a natural, d.e.e.t. free insect repellent made with essential oils like lavender, black pepper, lemongrass and the secret ingredient – catnip essential oil. Hmm, not so secret anymore! This product smells great and it really works. The second product I will be debuting at the Scout Vintage Market is my naturally antibacterial Yoga Mat Spray – if you don’t want to end up with a foot fungus on your forehead, I suggest that after your next Savasana, use my Yoga Mat Spray to get rid of the nasties!

Why do you like these events?

Markets are a great way to meet and connect with my customers and see their reactions to the products. I will sometimes try out a new product to see how it sells and customer reactions before deciding whether to carry it as a regular item. It is also really great to meet the other vendors – I am always so amazed by their creativity, it is inspiring! It’s also fun to do product swaps with other vendors, definitely a win-win.

What is next for you, personally and professionally?

My goal for the next couple of years is to get my product into some stores, manage my time more effectively and continue to enjoy my family.

Find it here: Bee’s Knees Bodyworks

My Brown Bag Studio

Owner/artisan: Kimberly Friesen

What is the story behind your business?

When my first daughter was born 15 years ago, and I found myself as a new stay-at-home momma, I began sewing baby bibs. Sewing baby bibs quickly led to selling baby bibs, and I thought that wrapping them in a cute coordinating bag would be a good way to get my name out there. I called them ‘Brown Bag Bibs’ and have sewed literally hundreds through the years. Around the time I started sewing, I also started tole painting and now I just paint for my annual Christmas House. ‘My Brown Bag Studio’ was a blog I started in 2008 both in honor of ‘Brown Bag Bibs’, and in anticipation of where my sewing and creating might take me. Today I’m still a stay-at-home momma, still blogging, still creating, and so thankful where God has led me!

Where and when do you craft your goodies?

I create every day! My sewing studio/office is always in a state of creative disorganization and the best part about it is that I often have to fight my daughters for my own sewing machine. (I love that my desire to create has rubbed off on them!) But I don’t just work there… dinner at my parents’ means hand stitching projects, school pick up means extra time for sewing the binding on a quilt while waiting in the car, and I have a regular Tuesday Timeout with my best girlfriend where we set aside the day to just sew and hang out.

What will you be selling at Scout?

I’m so very excited about this market! I will be selling lots and lots of hand sewn goodies…from purses and pouches (my new love to sew!) to quilted pieces… from kitchen decor and aprons to bunting and ruffled brooches. Something for everyone, and their best friend, and their best friend’s momma too!

Why do you like these events?

I love events like this for many reasons. To me, being at an artisan market means having the chance to really visit with my customers. I do have two etsy shops where I sell my wares online, but I’m a people person and love to meet face to face! I enjoy the variety that you see from booth to booth and the quality items that people create with their hands is just amazing. I just feel blessed to have the chance to participate in this Market! Since my family has grown up attending events like this with me, my girls have even started selling cards, sock monkeys, and handpainted pencils that they’ve created with great success… I’m so proud to see their friends be inspired by their abilities. It really does a momma good!

What is next for you, personally and professionally?

Well, since my family is currently firmly rooted in the early teenage years, I’m sure that my immediate personal life will revolve largely around driving my girls from point ‘a’ to point ‘b’… thank goodness for hand sewing! My husband loves woodworking so I hope to one day have a crash course in his workshop as there just aren’t enough hours in the day for him to build everything I’d like him to! I hope to keep sewing and creating. I’d like to design, and then have others sew along with me. Creativity, I think, is just good for the soul!

Find it here: My Brown Bag Studio

Scout Vintage + Handmade Market Info

When: May 25th-26th, 2012
Friday, May 25th from 6-9pm will be open to ticket holders and invited guests only. A limited number of tickets will be available to purchase on April 15th for a First Dibs night of shopping, wine + cheese and live entertainment. Saturday, May 26th will be open to the public from 10am-4pm for a small admission fee.
Where:The Parallel Marketplace (across from Thrifty Foods) 1920 North Parallel Road, Abbotsford BC.
Partial proceeds of the admission will go to a local charity, Life Recovery, a non-profit residential women’s recovery program.

See them here: Scout Vintage + Handmade Market

And see you there!

From now until May 25th, Delish will be bringing the sellers to our readers! Consider this a sneak peek to entice you to come to the market (make sure to say hi to us at the Delish General Store booth!), or an introduction to an amazing artisan, handcrafter or business for those of you who are not local to the Lower Mainland, or cannot make it out. Check back every day for new vendors!

Vintage Cove

Owner/artisan: Diana Lorenz

What is the story behind your business?

I have always liked to buy old furniture and paint it, but never considered it as a full time job. I’m a stay at home mom and now it makes perfect sense. I’ve also always loved to craft and this is the perfect outlet to share ideas and talents with others. After both my grandparents passed, my mother and I were left to sort through and decide which things each would take. My passion for vintage started to suddenly bloom from there.

Where and when do you craft your goodies?

My craft room is where I do papercrafts, and all the painting and sanding happens in the garage attached to our home, which is where I also store all of my furniture to be transformed. I usually try to “create” during school hours, so that my youngest can play near where I am working and then when 3:00 comes, I just leave it all until the next day, and spend time as a family. Pretty flexible, just the way I like it.

What will you be selling at Scout?

I will be selling vintage finds of silver, books, accessories, Fir log tea light holders, old looking wooden signs, crochet and fabric flowers, chalkboards, and painted furniture and lots of other creative and vintage things.

Why do you like these events?

I have been a vendor in craft fairs before but this will be the first time in a vintage market. I have attended two of Birch & Bird’s markets and that is what inspired me to become a vendor. I love the mix of vintage & new vintage-inspired decor.

What is next for you, personally and professionally?

Well, it will be a year in June since I started my blog & fan page on Facebook, and things are really starting to take off now. So I’m going to keep doing what I love at home and see where that takes me. I would love to have a little shop, but I know that wouldn’t be as flexible as things are right now. My girls are still little, and that’s why I’m a stay at home mom…I get to be there for them when they get home from school, and can always help out at the school and on field trips any time. Vintage Cove allows me to do that right now, and that’s why I LOVE IT.

Find it here: Vintage Cove Girl

Carmen West Creative

Owner/artisan: Carmen West

Photo of Carmen: Jayme Anne Photography

What is the story behind your business?

Carmen West Creative emerged naturally out of a lifestyle of perpetual crafting, a love for design and an obsession for thrifting and antiquing. I originally went to school for Fashion design and dabbled with an eco-friendly fashion line for a year or two. While it was a very interesting endeavor, I couldn’t shake the feeling of boredom. Maybe you can call it designer ADD – but I felt “hemmed in” by restricting my business to clothing only. I just wanted to break out and have the time to create anything my little heart desired.

Meanwhile I had been creating kitschy jewelry pieces and feather hairpieces just for fun without even recognizing this hobby as a potential business opportunity. One summer a friend asked me if I would like to vend my wares at a local artisan market and through that experience, I was delighted to discover the marketability of what I was creating. So I branded my work with the ‘catch all’ name, ‘Carmen West Creative’ and the rest was history!

I started creating all types of accessories with the freedom to start up little ‘editions’ or ‘lines’ of new products whenever a new idea surfaced. Carmen West Creative didn’t start with the intention for branching into the wedding market but after receiving several requests for bridal hairpieces, I decided to swing that door wide open as well. Now I offer customized wedding veils, bridal party accessories and unconventional bouquets in addition to my jewelry and other vintage accessories.

Where and when do you craft your goodies?

Everywhere and all the time. Since I still have a full time day job, I need to be mighty flexible with my crafting time. Depending on how many projects I have on the go, our entire home can sometimes be transformed into ‘studio’ mode. When my husband and I need to spend a night out of town, often my projects come with me as well! Some days it feels like every spare moment is spent dreaming, designing and shopping for more vintage pieces!

Photo courtesy of Studio Jeanie

What will you be selling at Scout?

I will be selling new and re-purposed jewelry made from a combination of up-cycled vintage finds. I also have a great assortment of unique feather hair accessories that all feature one-of-a-kind vintage accent pieces. Other re-purposed goodies include kitschy clutches made from recycled leather and vintage suitcase side tables.

Why do you like these events?

I like doing markets and events like Scout because it allows me to meet my customer face to face. I recently realized that what I have with my clientele is a unique privilege. Whether I’m meeting with a bride for a consultation or vending my wares at a market, I get to interact with my customer, see how they react to the designs and witness their excitement. It’s a huge confidence booster! On top of that, I think that the customers enjoy the opportunity to say that they know the designer who created what they’re wearing.

What is next for you, personally and professionally?

The next steps are somewhat uncertain. My dream is to make Carmen West Creative my full time home business. I’ve nearly reached the maximum amount of time that I can spend on Carmen West Creative as a part time endeavor and only time will tell when I can actually jump in with both feet and take it to the next level. I have so many new ideas that I’d just love to tackle, if only I had more time! All I can say for certain is that doing this business makes me extremely happy so no matter what, it will stick around in some capacity for quite a while!

Find it here: Carmen West Creative

Scout Vintage + Handmade Market Info

When: May 25th-26th, 2012
Friday, May 25th from 6-9pm will be open to ticket holders and invited guests only. A limited number of tickets will be available to purchase on April 15th for a First Dibs night of shopping, wine + cheese and live entertainment. Saturday, May 26th will be open to the public from 10am-4pm for a small admission fee.
Where:The Parallel Marketplace (across from Thrifty Foods) 1920 North Parallel Road, Abbotsford BC.
Partial proceeds of the admission will go to a local charity, Life Recovery, a non-profit residential women’s recovery program.

See them here: Scout Vintage + Handmade Market

And see you there!

From now until May 25th, Delish will be bringing the sellers to our readers! Consider this a sneak peek to entice you to come to the market (make sure to say hi to us at the Delish General Store booth!), or an introduction to an amazing artisan, handcrafter or business for those of you who are not local to the Lower Mainland, or cannot make it out. Check back every day for new vendors!

Opechee ~ handmade and upcycled jewelry

Owner/artisan: Monica Ott

What is the story behind your business?

I haven’t always loved art. In fact, I was a tomboy growing up, most of my time was spent climbing trees and playing baseball. But I have always loved treasure! Items that have a history have captured my interest since childhood. Where did it come from? What was the person like who owned it? With Opechee I am able to incorporate history into a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. Upcycled vintage skeleton keys, chandelier crystals and old buttons, all find new uses as upcycled jewelry accents.

Where and when do you craft your goodies?

Each upcycled piece is handcrafted in my little country studio. Under the watchful eyes of my yellow lab Roofus I transform pre-loved items into unique eye-catching designs. As I also have a full time job, most pieces come to life well after the sun has set.

What will you be selling at Scout?

I’m thrilled to be a vendor at the Scout Handmade & Vintage Market! At my booth there will be one-of-a-kind jewelry, necklaces with upcycled vintage skeleton keys, vintage beads and crystals, rings with vintage buttons, matryoshka doll earrings and bracelets made with vintage bits and bobbles! I also have a line of handmade stuffed critters! Little owls, bears and bunnies made from upcycled vintage fabric and vintage Mother of Pearl buttons. What once was an old man’s suit is now a one of a kind critter! (All vintage fabric is washed and pressed before use!)

Sharalee Prang Photography

Why do you like these events?

Handmade and vintage markets are my favourite. I love meeting other vendors who enjoy vintage as much as I do, and the look on customers’ faces when they walk into a world of vintage is just priceless! The vibe is like nothing else!

What is next for you, personally and professionally?

Opechee will be at the Old Farmhouse Market on June 23rd, and at Art on the Farm on August 18th. During the summer months I will be busy tending my organic vegetable garden, hiking with my husband and yellow lab Roofus and riding my vintage cruiser! I will continue designing and creating upcycled jewelry and also working full time at the Abbotsford Hospice Society.

Find it here: Opechee

Bookas

Owner/artisan: Chandra Micom

What is the story behind your business?

My Name is Chandra Micom, and I’m 32 years old. First and foremost, I’m a mom of a beautiful and special two year old son named Griffin. I’m married to a wonderful Belgian man named Jorian … he is a wonderful support to me and my work.

I haven’t been sewing very long, it’s been about two years. But I always knew I would love it once I got over my fear of the unknown…the sewing machine!! I have been sewing quilts by hand for the past few years, but never tackled anything else because I only could sew a straight line. Then my mother-in-law came for a visit from Belgium and she is a professional seamstress. She showed me the ins and outs of a sewing machine and my fears were diminished. Ever since then I’m on my machine every spare minute I can find.

I have always loved working with my hands and creating something. I’ve been ‘crafty’ ever since I was little. I loved to color, paint, arrange dry flowers (remember that?!), photography and scrapbooking. Some of these things I still do.

But sewing has taken over…there is something about the hum of the sewing machine that just sets me at ease. The best thing though is the items that I create are for someone to use, keeping babies warm, to help moms feel stylish and help their little ones do the same.

So far I’ve only sold my items to friends and family, on Etsy and at a few local small markets. It’s been a dream of mine to have my own business, and BOOKAS is doing that for me.

Where and when do you craft your goodies?

I do all my sewing at home in my studio. I grab any spare moments that I can to create, either when my little guy is napping or if he’s being watched by my mom.

What will you be selling at Scout?

I’ve been sewing nonstop for Scout. There you are going to find all of Bookas sleep sacks in all four sizes from 3 months to 24 months. Blankets of all kinds from quilts, receiving blankets and minky blankets. I’ll also have my little man ties (boys need accessories too!) Plus, I’ll have some handy accessories for mom…diaper clutches and shopping cart covers.

Why do you like these events?

I’m drawn to local markets because I get to be a part of the community. There is nothing like supporting local handmade vendors. The environment is always friendly and creative.

What is next for you, personally and professionally?

Bookas future? I have lots up my sleeve…many more handy ideas for mom and baby. Some car seat covers (keep the sun out of baby’s eyes, or even just to keep baby asleep) and even the everywhere highchair. I plan on doing many more local markets this year. So make sure you stay updated with liking my Facebook page! I’ll share all my updated events there.

Find it here: Bookas and facebook.com/bookassh

Scout Vintage + Handmade Market Info

When: May 25th-26th, 2012
Friday, May 25th from 6-9pm will be open to ticket holders and invited guests only. A limited number of tickets will be available to purchase on April 15th for a First Dibs night of shopping, wine + cheese and live entertainment. Saturday, May 26th will be open to the public from 10am-4pm for a small admission fee.
Where:The Parallel Marketplace (across from Thrifty Foods) 1920 North Parallel Road, Abbotsford BC.
Partial proceeds of the admission will go to a local charity, Life Recovery, a non-profit residential women’s recovery program.

See them here: Scout Vintage + Handmade Market

And see you there!

From now until May 25th, Delish will be bringing the sellers to our readers! Consider this a sneak peek to entice you to come to the market (make sure to say hi to us at the Delish General Store booth!), or an introduction to an amazing artisan, handcrafter or business for those of you who are not local to the Lower Mainland, or cannot make it out. Check back every day for new vendors!

Jen’s Dream Decor

Owner/artisan: Jen Curtis

What is the story behind your business?

I love creating something new from something old. When I am sewing or crafting I lose track of time and can’t believe it when the end of the day arrives. I’ve been crafting, sewing, redecorating and upcycling for as long as I can remember. I have a certificate in interior decorating after attending night school for five years. It was a fabulous experience but I like the process of manufacturing my own product best.

Because my greatest love is decorating with fabric, I make small upholstered items like photo memory boards and re-purpose vintage frames into magnet boards, jewelry frames and other decorative items for your home.

My husband is my biggest supporter and a great help. We always say that he does the “nitty gritty” and I do the “pretty”. Lucky me!

I’m also a self confessed garage sale and thrift shop junkie and love searching for items to add character and charm to my home. So I decided to open a second shop to share some of my finds with other collectors and lovers of the Shabby Chic style.

Where and when do you craft your goodies?

I work full time at home on my business, I have some space in the garage for painting but mostly work on my kitchen island upholstering memory boards and making framed jewelry organizers. I get up around 5am and work most of the day, on most weekends we go garage sale-ing and I am happy to get my husband’s help with cutting and drilling for my projects.

What will you be selling at Scout?

At Scout I’ll be selling my handmade memory boards, magnet boards, bulletin boards and framed jewelry organizers and racks. I’ll also bring a clock or two, something I enjoy making once in awhile. If I can fit more than that in I’ll add in some vintage items, mostly ones that I’ve upscaled by painting or re-purposed into something else.

Why do you like these events?

I love the craft shows that Birch and Bird have put on because of the vintage twist…I find my kind of client there, people who love vintage and re-purposed items as much as I do. Craft shows in general are a great way to get face-to-face feedback from my customers and to talk about custom orders as well.

What is next for you, personally and professionally?

Well, we are empty nesters and my husband will retire in about five years, after that we plan to expand into furniture and upholstery a bit more. I’m hoping to take some courses in upholstery in the next year or two. I already work on smaller projects like chairs and our next personal project will be an upholstered large ottoman out of a coffee table. I’m also starting to experiment with antiquing mirror without harsh chemicals which is a work in progress!

Find it here: Jen’s Dream Decor and Jen’s Dream Vintage.

Whatever Lola Wants Lola Gets

Owner/artisan: Rochelle Gaukel

What is the story behind your business?

My love of creating and design has been with me for a while. I have created with many different mediums but I find that my love remains with jewelry. I enjoy finding new ways to bring the vintage into my jewelry. Old photos, ephemera, and vintage jewelry parts become part of my pieces. I find that using these elements creates a “story” with each piece. Custom work has been a favorite of mine. A special photo of one’s grandmother or great grandmother can be forever put into an heirloom piece of jewelry.

Where and when do you craft your goodies?

I have a small studio in my home and it is my “happy” place filled with all my vintage goodies and supplies. My studio also has many nostalgic things that I love, so naturally I have surrounded myself with these in my space. I am definitely creating something each week and always looking for new techniques to add to my craft.

What will you be selling at Scout?

I will be selling my jewelry at the Scout market.

Why do you like these events?

I love being involved as a vendor at these events as it gives me the chance to connect with other “like minded” individuals who appreciate and love vintage items like I do.

What is next for you, personally and professionally?

For me personally – there’s always something on the back burner. I love to have fun and to travel….maybe a trip somewhere far away – soon?! For me professionally – I am off to Los Angeles to participate as a vendor at a show and to also make some contacts there. Coming up soon I will be teaching some jewelry classes locally – I am working with a few venues who have asked me to be a guest teacher, so I am really excited about this.

Find it here: Whatever Lola Wants Lola Gets

Scout Vintage + Handmade Market Info

When: May 25th-26th, 2012
Friday, May 25th from 6-9pm will be open to ticket holders and invited guests only. A limited number of tickets will be available to purchase on April 15th for a First Dibs night of shopping, wine + cheese and live entertainment. Saturday, May 26th will be open to the public from 10am-4pm for a small admission fee.
Where:The Parallel Marketplace (across from Thrifty Foods) 1920 North Parallel Road, Abbotsford BC.
Partial proceeds of the admission will go to a local charity, Life Recovery, a non-profit residential women’s recovery program.

See them here: Scout Vintage + Handmade Market

And see you there!

From now until May 25th, Delish will be bringing the sellers to our readers! Consider this a sneak peek to entice you to come to the market (make sure to say hi to us at the Delish General Store booth!), or an introduction to an amazing artisan, handcrafter or business for those of you who are not local to the Lower Mainland, or cannot make it out. Check back every day for new vendors!

Scout Vintage + Handmade Market Info

When: May 25th-26th, 2012
Friday, May 25th from 6-9pm will be open to ticket holders and invited guests only. A limited number of tickets will be available to purchase on April 15th for a First Dibs night of shopping, wine + cheese and live entertainment. Saturday, May 26th will be open to the public from 10am-4pm for a small admission fee.
Where:The Parallel Marketplace (across from Thrifty Foods) 1920 North Parallel Road, Abbotsford BC.

Partial proceeds of the admission will go to a local charity, Life Recovery, a non-profit residential women’s recovery program.

And now on to the vendors!

Hello Fletcher!

Owner/artisan: Leanna Maksymiuk

Portrait: Sharalee Prang Photography

What is the story behind your business?

I have been selling dolls for years as Poot & Boogie, but I wanted to take a break from the dolls and make something for adults. I felt like I was spending so much time making dolls that I wasn’t spending anytime making other things for myself! I wanted to make stuff that was bright and fun… so Hello Fletcher! was developed.

Where and when do you craft your goodies?

You would think that being a stay at home mom would give me tonnes of time to work on stuff, but really I work occasionally during the day if the kids are playing, but mostly it’s into the wee hours after everyone else has gone to sleep. I have my sewing machine set up on the kitchen table, so if I can squeeze in 10 minutes of sewing I take it!

What will you be selling at Scout?

I will be selling one of a kind (OOAK) colorful fabric rope necklaces and bracelets for women and tie yourself freestyle bow ties for men (or women I suppose!) There will also be a few other goodies, but I still don’t have all the details on that yet.

Why do you like these events?

I have had the pleasure of participating with Birch and Bird in two of their previous markets and I had such a good time. Basically when I heard that they were doing Scout I knew that I had to be part of it. Lily and Rachel do such a great job of gathering up the perfect mix of new and vintage. There is a buzz in the air in the markets, people are so excited and happy to be there that you can’t help but just stand there and smile. I have participated in other markets where I could sit and read a book for most of the day, but not with these girls! I didn’t get to sit once! Which (unfortunately for my feet) is fantastic!!!

What is next for you, personally and professionally?

I am really not sure yet, to be honest. I have really enjoyed switching gears, but part of me misses those little doll faces. I have another project in mind to help raise awareness for Down syndrome so I might take a break and work on that. I always find the summer to be a bit more productive, so who knows maybe I will do a little bit of everything! All I know is that if Birch and Bird are having a summer market I want to be part of it!

Find it here: Hello Fletcher!

local grain

Owner/artisan: Kimberley Francis

What is the story behind your business?

Local grain began last fall as a personal ‘art therapy’ measure, when my dad introduced me his scroll saw during an early sabbatical. After five years of creative process squeezed by the constant deadlines of art school, I was longing for that dreamy feeling that comes with losing oneself in the simplicity of process based work — where the end is unknown until you just feel like it’s time to stop.

My practice prior to working with wood had been mostly textile based surface design. I find the scroll saw to be quite similar to free motion embroidery. There is infinite freedom in this process, basically drawing whatever my heart desires — or a client requests — in wood.

Where and when do you craft your goodies?

My dad graciously shares his woodshop with me, and serves as my ongoing mentor. The smaller sculptural pieces — like the maple teething pendants, and jewellery — I seem to always have on hand. Keeping several grits of sandpaper in my handbag, I smooth away the rough edges on long car rides or while visiting friends.

What will you be selling at Scout?

I think dads can be kinda tricky to buy for sometimes, and so with Scout being just a few weeks before Father’s Day, I’m going to bring an armload of silhouettes featuring various narratives that I think will resonate with dads — families walking along the beach, a couple of kayakers out for a paddle, tall trees and mountain bikes. Each works with the natural grain of the wood, so the landscape is often there — before I even begin!

Why do you like these events?

The Birch and Birch Events are aesthetically off the charts. The cross pollination of ideas and the collaboration that naturally occurs are what I’m there for. I also like the deadlines. For example for Scout, we were invited to come up with 150 multiples of something interesting for the ‘Friday preview night’ gift bags . I decided to riff on the idea of a perfume sample, substituting a fragrant red cedar token that can be redeemed for a really good deal on one of those Father’s Day pieces I was mentioning earlier.

What is next for you, personally and professionally?

More of the same. I just started in October, so these are still really early days for ‘local grain’.

Find it here: facebook.com/localgrain

Scout Vintage + Handmade Market Info

See them here: Scout Vintage + Handmade Market

And see you there!

Make everything with love,
Tamara