Sunday Solitude
January 29, 2017
January 28, 2017
Saturday Spotlight: Fire & Iron Custom Metalwork
Saturday Spotlight
Fire & Iron Custom Metalwork
1. What is the name of your shop or business and what do you sell?
We are an artistic metalwork and blacksmithing shop that also does small commercial and residential jobs such as gates and railings. We are very much a community oriented business and we do as several charity events each year and we donate pieces to the silent auction tables of many other organizations.
2. Where are you located? or where do you sell?
We are located in the heart of the Old East Village
at the intersection of Dundas and Rectory across from Aeolian Hall.
We sell our small artistic items at The Been Garden in London and Local Luxuries in Lucan.
3. Do you have your own website/store or online link?
Yes.
and on twitter @fandimetalwork
and our instagram is fireandironcustommetalwork
4. How long have you been doing your craft/art and how did you get started?
As a Welder / Fabricator it’s been a hobby for decades, and as I got better at it and acquired good tools I began doing work and creating art for friends and family. It seems I do work that’s desirable, because eventually it spread to friends and family of my friends and family.
It became a business a little less than 3 years ago
5. Who or what inspires you to create?
Our customers are our inspiration.
Because we are primarily a custom metalwork shop, people come to us with an idea or vision and we do our best to realize that vision in metal.
6. Do you listen to music when you work, and if so what kind?
I couldn’t work without Music.
Usually it’s just the radio (which is the second thing I turn on after the lights in the morning) and it’s usually good old Rock and Roll.
7. What do you like least/most about your craft?
Our craft is dirty, dangerous and heavy.
We literally put our sweat and blood into our work.
8. Describe your workspace?
It’s a very crowded 1000 square foot shop packed with machinery, material and projects.
The walls are covered in a random selection of odds and ends and leftovers.
9. What is one of your best moments as a crafter/artist?
We were commissioned to create a Vimy Ridge war memorial which was installed just south east of the Trafalgar/Hale roundabout.
10. What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting their own craft business?
Go to the Small Business Center and enroll in the set of small business courses and seminars.
The $500 you spend there will translate into thousands of dollars later.
Knowledge is power.
Learn how to make a proper business plan and then make one..You’ll be surprised...Trust me.
January 25, 2017
January 22, 2017
January 21, 2017
Saturday Spotlight: Brandow Soap Co.
Saturday Spotlight
Brandow Soap Co.
1. What is the name of your shop or business?
2. Where are you located? or where do you sell?
I am located in Ingersoll and in 5 stores:
Ohtera in St Thomas;
and Local Luxuries in Lucan.
3. Do you have your own website/store or online link?
I currently do not have a website; I currently only work off of Facebook. www.facebook.com/brandowsoap
4. How long have you been doing your craft/art and how did you get started?
I've been doing handmade bath products for almost 5 years. I originally started it as a line for my mommies when I sold cloth diapers. It took off from there and has been very successful. I am absolutely blessed to have the customers I do!
5. Who or what inspires you to create?
Over the years I have followed some amazing Soapers! They have definitely helped me take something ordinary and turn it into art. And believe it or not a paint chip can be some great inspiration. There have been many things that have planted a creative seed from artists and their painting to a plate full of milk and cookies! Nothing is off limits!
6. Do you listen to music when you work, and if so what kind?
I listen to all kinds of music when working from opera to alternative to classical and holiday music.
7. What do you like least/most about your craft?
The least thing I like about my job is that it can become very repetitive and sometimes can become boring. Creating something new is the best part.
8. Describe your workspace?
I work mostly in the kitchen as I need a sink and a heat source. I also spend quite a bit of time in my office designing and printing all my own labels.
9. What is one of your best moments as a crafter/artist?
One of the best moments that I had was being asked to take part in a brand partnership with quite a successful business. My second greatest moment was when I was asked to join my first retail store.
10. What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting their own craft business?
Research! Research! Research!
When starting your own business you can never have too much information about your type of business. Know what's proven to work and be successful but never be afraid to try something new. And no matter what type of business your interested in starting, make sure you put your own spin to make it uniquely yours!
January 19, 2017
Day Tripping: Arva Flour Mill
Day Tripping
Arva Flour Mill
How have I never been here before?
Love this store!
We'll be back soon, when we have more time!
Arva Flour Mill
Arva Flour Mill
And besides flour and grains, they carry jams, honey (from Dave's Apiaries here in London!), and a variety of other goods.
And a glimpse through the door into the back....
January 18, 2017
January 16, 2017
Day Tripping: Wildwood in the Winter
Day Tripping
Wildwood in the Winter
Wildwood Conservation Area
Frozen in the winter.
But the river runs below and the creaks and noises are eerie on a calm cold day.
Waves frozen.
And ice fishermen get set up.
January 15, 2017
January 14, 2017
Saturday Spotlight: Peanut Parade
Saturday Spotlight
Peanut Parade
1. What is the name of your shop or business and what do you sell?
My shop is Peanut Parade.
I am the creator behind "You Adulted Today!" Adulting Reward Stickers and various other sarcastic products.
2. Where are you located? or where do you sell?
I design out of my home. I sell at The Been Garden, LoveLeighBoutique, Ohtera in St. Thomas, Local and Lovely in Mount Brydges and Blooms and Rooms in Seaforth.
I'm also in several boutiques across the USA, and my online store as well.
3. Do you have your own website/store or online link?
4. How long have you been doing your craft/art and how did you get started?
I've been making crafty stuff forever. Peanut Parade has been around since 2009, but I just started making my 'You Adulted Today!' line in February of 2016. I originally made 6 stickers for a friend who was recovering from surgery and when I put them on FB, they went viral. Within a month, I had hundreds of orders for stickers that I shipped around the world. Since February I've shipped nearly 4000 orders worldwide.
5. Who or what inspires you to create?
Whenever I hear or read or think something sarcastic, I usually think, that would be good on a mug, or a magnet or a sticker. And then I go from there. I seem to have gathered this tribe of fellow smartasses, whether online or in real life, that always keep me writing more sarcastic quips and it definitely helps.
6. Do you listen to music when you work, and if so what kind?
I'm all over the place. I know, shocking. Lol Country, top 40, Canadian music, etc.
Whatever my brain feels like that day.
7. What do you like least/most about your craft?
Least - that I don't have enough time to do it.
Most - that I get to make all the smartass stuff that I would buy for myself.
8. Describe your workspace?
I have a studio with all my stuff laid out in tables.
I need a lot of room to spread out. Lol
9. What is one of your best moments as a crafter/artist?
I'm living it right now.
I tried so many different product ideas before this one and none of them caught on, which was disheartening. The fact that my idea is something that makes people laugh and they really like is just amazing. And the people that love my stuff are all just as sarcastic as me, which makes it even more fun. Who knew I could turn being a smartass into a job?
10. What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting their own craft business?
Find the thing you love or that you would buy for yourself and run with that.
Trying to make something you're not totally passionate about never works.
January 11, 2017
January 08, 2017
January 07, 2017
Saturday Spotlight: Sarah's Cloth & Accessories
Saturday Spotlight
Sarah's Cloth & Accessories
1. What is the name of your shop or business and what do you sell?
My name is Nicole and I own Sarah's Cloth and Accessories I make children's clothing and accessories.
I've been sewing for the same amount of time as my business has been open.
About 3 years ago our third daughter was born and after some research I decided I'd love to cloth diaper. After looking around I realized that there was a limited amount of affordable options for us so I decided I would tackle the project myself.
I was a natural and loved sewing.
I got into clothing only a month after, and brought the "famous" Grow-a-long pants to London ON and area!
2. Where are you located? or where do you sell?
Recently I decided to open a storefront where I could have all the essentials my family and friends love in one place, including my own line.
On Nov 5th [2016] we had our grand opening at 63 Frank Street Strathroy ON.
We chose to stay at both locations in London as well ~ The Been Garden and Oh Baby Boutique, as I've grown to love the owners and customers who shop often, and it gives us great ties to the community Sarah's cloth started in!
3. Do you have your own website/store or online link?
instagram - @sarahsclothandaccessories
and our online shopping website
(linked to the website/blog- http://sarahsclothandaccessories.bigcartel.com/)
 |
| New January Romper! |
4. Who or what inspires you to create?
I get called Sarah and then asked why, if my name is Nicole would I name my business "Sarah's Cloth and Accessories".
My daughters (Savanna's) first name is Sarah, she's my dreams and the reason I started the business. She's named after my sister who passed away of leukemia 6 years ago at the age of 15. She was my strength and always pushed me to do better and be myself. So when Savannah came along we knew we had to name her Sarah, and when I decided to open my business it was only fitting I use my dreams, passion and strength from both of them to make it happen!
 |
| preemie sized newborn mermaid gown |
5. Do you listen to music when you work, and if so what kind?
I listen to a variety of music, sometimes even the paw patrol theme song as my kids watch T.V. so I can get some sewing done. lol
6. What do you like least/most about your craft?
As a mom of four (8, 8, 3 and 7 months) I know how difficult working from home can be. It has its ups and downs. Advantages and disadvantages.
7. Describe your workspace?
I've always had a home work space where I create, but since opening the store I'm blessed to be able to have a space right in my store front to create my pieces and still enjoy my kids running around laughing and arguing. lol
8. What is one of your best moments as a crafter/artist?
My moment of "WOW" is when I stop and think about all the littles wearing my clothes. It never stops, I'm still shocked I have so many amazing people following me. When I read reviews, talk to customers and even see little ones wearing them in public I get that flutter in my stomach!
My most recent wow was being nominated and making it into the top 5 Readers' Choice London's Best in the Children's Store section - so blessed!
I am so beyond lucky to have the best customers, who come to me with both the bad and good things. They are patient and kind and I couldn't ask for better people to be friends and have following my dream!
9. What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting their own craft business?
For those wanting to start a business I say ..Do it.
Stop waiting and jump for your dreams.
Catch them and hold on because it could be a wild ride!
I always make sure that they know dreams take work, they take time, and even money to get going. Without that initial investment of yourself you won't make it. Don't stop learning and growing as a business, go to workshops, read articles online, connect with others and give it your all.
Always be kind too.
With all of that (along with great product photos, a little social media knowledge and some customer service skills) YOU WILL SUCCEED!
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