A new economic model is emerging, and it’s one that fosters local communities. The deliberate and mindful approach of handmade craftsmanship in a world that seems to be focused on convenience is a breath of fresh air.
Here are ten examples of Quinte craftsmanship that inspire the desire for quality and tradition and remind us to keep breathing.
1. Medicine Shield
Rebecca Maracle: Mohawk Feathersmith
Rebecca Maracle is an artist, Traditional Medicine Healer and member of the Haudenosaunee. Rebecca attributes her gifts to the Creator and to the well-guided training and teachings of her ancestors.
w: rebeccamaracle.ca
2. Wooden Beer Mug
Mystic Wood
The heart and soul of Mystic Wood is self-taught artist Alex Ferri. He was born into a family where creativity was not only encouraged, but a way of life and a means to make a living. While his parents worked in a variety of art forms, Alex found his own unique expression in wood (and also in tagua nut, antler, and bone).
w: mysticwoodcarving.com
3. Fur Trimmed Moccasins
Alpha Omega Designs
Custom products made from leather and fur. Fur is caught and tanned by Alpha Omega Designs, and all items are designed by AOD and handmade to order.
fb: @alphaomegafur
4. Micro-Roasted Coffee Beans
Bri’s Beans
Bri’s Beans is a small, family owned and operated company in the heart of Quinte. Their coffee is micro-roasted to ensure fresh, flavourful, bean continuity, with each 1lb bag taking 1.5 hours to roast and flavour.
w: brisbeans.com
5. Walnut Cutting Board with Handle
Draddus Designs
Draddus Designs is a small wood and metal work business in Belleville, Ontario, Canada. Specializing in custom items from furniture to toys, their goal is to provide customers with unique items specific to their needs and style.
w: draddusdesigns.ca
6. Mint Chocolate Yummmmm Soap
Barefoot Soapworks
Natural handmade soaps, lotions, creams and more made without any of the extra stuff your skin doesn’t need, using essential oils and colorants from nature.
fb: @barefootsoapworks
7. Panama Hat
Lanning Headwear
Canadian and locally-produced headwear like fedoras and cowboy hats; a family tradition since 1915!
fb: @lanningheadwear
8. Ceramic Poppy Garden Sculpture
Perry Poupore
Perry Poupore crafts ceramic flowers from clay slabs, including poppies, tulips, peonies, and roses in a variety of colours; their metal stems can be planted directly in your garden. Perry also sculpts ceramic birds, frogs and turtles from stoneware clay.
w: claygardener.blogspot.com
9. Yesena Toque
Left in Stitches
Amie’s goal with Left In Stitches was to open a shop that makes cozy, beautiful (& practical!) items for you, your littles and your home. Each item is made carefully and with intention by Amie herself, who is also a wife, mama to 2 kids and 2 fur babies as well as a lover of yarn and caffeine.
fb: @leftinstitches1
10. The Large Skinner
Anderson Custom Knives
Anderson Customs Knives is a Canadian made knife business based in Frankford, Ontario run by Kurtis Anderson.
fb: @andersoncustomknives
