The Cunard Centre is bursting at the seams with local talent this weekend. Yesterday morning, the Nova Scotia Designer Craft Council Christmas Craft Show got underway (@nsdcc). The event features the works of over 100 artisans and producers. Most are based in Nova Scotia, with a few vendors from New Brunswick and Quebec sprinkled in.
There was so much talent, and so many great items, that we ended up feeling a bit overwhelmed. We did a full loop and stopped to talk to some of the participants. I finally got to meet Angela Grace (www.angelagracejewelry.com @AngelaGraceJewl) in person, and try on her Fox Ring that I have been drooling over for weeks (family members, hint hint!).
I also met Jon Gray, a bespoke shoe maker from Annapolis Royal (http://jongraybespoke.com/). The detail and care that goes into his shoes is impressive. He took a few moments to explain the design process, from fitting to finish. His work is designed to last a lifetime. The whole experience made me pretty sad to be wearing my dog-chewed flats in his presence.
If you read our blog regularly, you may know that in September we had the opportunity to visit Firehouse Ironworks (www.firehouseironworks.ca @FirehouseIron) and try our hand at a little smithing. It was one of our favourite experiences to-date, and we have had a new-found respect for iron work ever since. At the show, we came across Reuban Irons, a Pictou Based shop, where Drew took a liking to his wall sconces.
A few other standouts for us were Jennifer Marlow’s carvings. Jennifer just returned from SOFA in Chicago. We also chatted with Louise at the @InfoMorning booth, where the Sharing the View 2013 Calendars (another #LocalWishlist item) were flying off the stands.
The NSDCC Christmas Craft Show runs each year in mid to late December. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit, and gain an appreciation for all of the talented artisans and producers living and working in our province.
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