The journey of Silver Sue
Haligonians are finding a trendy new shopping destination in an unlikely place
Getting Crafty
By Nicole Trask | May 4, 2011“She’s crafty and she’s just my type.” – Beastie Boys circa 1986
There’s always an eclectic bouquet of creative vendors to mention who participate in The Halifax Crafters’ Market and this past weekend was no different. Utilizing the convenient and spacious Olympic Gardens on Hunter Street, the market featured well made crafts such as woodwork, jewellery, unique baby clothes and toys, fragrant natural soaps, gardening accessories, zines and inimitable prints. This shopping extravaganza is becoming a regular haunt for me and I try to always stop by and see what’s new.
Browsing without feeling rushed and greeted by almost everyone, there was an unmistakable warmth and familiarity. My first purchase was a fantastic card from Yorodeo Poster Company. Normally, I love to make my own cards but these prints with needlepoint hearts and Vanilla Ice making a cameo were too quaint and original to pass up.
Another display that caught my eye was Trudi Smith’s Double Happiness Designs. I’ve purchase one of her necklaces in the past for a friend. Colourful slim ribbons with patterned rectangular pendants of floral patterns appear like miniature paintings from a distance. Her covered day-timers and address books with splashes of spring hues are also worth a double-take.
Forgive me for not mentioning all my faves, as there are simply too many to list. But now that I have an adorably pudgy baby nephew to shop for, I inevitably find myself drawn towards the baby accessories. Do babies even care? I’m pretty sure this stuff is more for the grown-ups but I can’t help myself. Stephanie Kincade of S. Kin’Designs has created a very unique concept – the apron bib. Since I have recently spent time feeding my nephew sweet potato puree, I can’t help but marvel at the fact that it’s always a food explosion everywhere (in his hair, in my hair, on his lap, etc…). Cue Kincaid, with her adorable apron baby bibs. She has fashioned the most endearing full coverage bibs in darling owl prints and polka dot rockabilly styles. It’s a novel idea for cool moms out there dealing with the messy baby blues.
Props should also good out to Tacha Reed for capturing the most current trend as of the moment – the fascinator. Now, I was not one of those die-hards who got up last week at 3 am to watch the Royal Wedding but I have to confess to partaking in the guilty pleasure of checking out what everyone was wearing later on. Their vows escaped me but I certainly did notice the array of avant garde sometimes bordering on wacky fascinators worn by fashionable ladies, both young and old. I think Tacha Reed has captured this timely look and her versions are quite lovely and not too outlandish in comparison. Her display featured the delicate gauze and feathered variety that I think would be striking at a summer event. I’ve been partial to feathers as adornment for a long time and think that for those less daring, Reed’s feathered hair pieces also add an edgy flare.
Essentially, I could go on and on about the Halifax Crafters’ Market. The timing was perfect for shopping for a distinct Mother’s Day gift but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to continue to support local and find a great deal of our talented artists all under one roof for a weekend.
- Nicole
Hi Nicole,
Thanks for your shout out on the blog! It was a pleasure meeting you on Sunday, and I hope your friend enjoys her necklace!
Cheers,
Trudi
[...] In addition to having a great time, Nicole Trask of Halifax Magazine gave us a great shout out in her recent Blog post found here. [...]