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2017 The Tipping Point.

12/22/2018

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THE PAST:
After a very unexpected layoff from my management job in the food and wine industry, I decided to sell extra pots that I had from my part-time market gigs. In the spring of 2014, I threw a chalkboard a-frame sign on my lawn: "shed pottery open." I displayed pots on old crates that I had salvaged from a retired farmer down the road. If the weather called for rain, I covered my wares with a tarp and closed-up shop. If the sun was shining shed was open! I was contacted by local talent, Chef Adam Hynam-Smith, he was writing a cookbook: "Curbside: Modern Street Food From A Vegabond Chef" and wanted handmade wares to plate his recipes. Essentially, that is where it all began for shed. After working with Chef Adam, I went on to collaborate with some of Niagara's top restaurants, breweries, wineries, and chefs. I single handedly made thousands of wares for these different establishments. I worked myself into exhaustion, and made an incredible amount of sacrifices along the way, but that is what you do when your are truly passionate about something, you put your entire heart and soul into it. 


THE PRESENT:
In 2017 I reached a tipping point. As demand for my work increased, it became impossible to juggle both the large restaurant contracts while trying to stock my retail gallery - which had now gained its own busy momentum. Now, I was working harder than before, it wasn't possible or sustainable for one human being. It was taking a toll on my mental and physical well-being. I couldn't make everyone happy. Despite my best efforts, "lack of product" was a term I heard far too often in 2017. Most importantly, I was losing my own happiness and passion toward my craft. Finding myself at a crossroads in my business and in my life, I needed to make a decision. Do I quit? Or, do I find a partner?

The path to find a solution was the more obvious choice. I'm not a quitter and this was my dream, I couldn't give up so easily. I had to find someone who was hard-working, passionate, creative, dedicated and capable. Choosing someone to share my very personal, very intimate studio space had to be a careful decision. There was really only one viable solution, it was time to bring my husband Ryan on board. He has always played a strong supporting role in my life and in my business, and he is a creative soul with a lot of value to add to this unique lifestyle and business. 

In July, Ryan quit his corporate management job to work with me full-time as my apprentice. There is so much to teach him and so much for us both still to learn, but it's a beautiful life, because we are now in this together. 2018 is going to be a whole new year and direction at shed. We no longer take on new restaurant contracts, we only continue on a much smaller scale with our existing local relationships. We have passed on all shows to produce solely for our retail gallery. We have exciting plans for a new firing method in the spring (hint below). shed is still so young and so much continues to change and evolve with each passing day. We are humbled and grateful to have tremendous support from our community and beyond, allowing us to stride forward with our brick-and-mortar dream.

Our promise to you as husband and wife potters is, to always work hard, and to put our full heart and soul into everything we create. Thank you for following along in our journey, we can't wait to see what the future brings! 
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The Perfect Marriage

11/27/2017

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Provisions Food Company


Lori and I share a common ground.  We were both involved in the food and wine industry prior to starting our businesses.  I spent my hospitality career in the front of the house (as a server/manager) and Lori spent her time in both the front and the back of the house (she wore many hats, as you will soon read in the interview below).

Our pasts still play a role in our present.  I spent over a decade in the food and wine industry. During that time I gained a true appreciation for how and why a Chef plates his/her food, and that appreciation has translated into the work I make today.  I consider how my tableware will be used in the hands of the person holding it, and how the chef (professional, or non) will use my work as a canvas for their presentation. 

That is why Lori and I always say Provisions and shed are "the perfect marriage." Lori has created a business and product that represents all that she has pursued in her past life. Provisions is what Niagara is all about it.  It's about local ingredients. It's about creating an experience with the food and wine on your table.  It's about appreciating the finer things in life.  

If you haven't had an opportunity to try any of the many delicious Provisions products: jellies, fruit pastes, pickles, and shortbreads (sweet & savoury), this coming weekend is your chance! Provisions is guaranteed to enhance your holiday entertaining needs.  Come speak with Lori and her team to get suggestions on pairings, and excellent stocking stuffer ideas. 

Here's a quick interview I had with Lori:

Why did you start Provisions?
I wanted to combine all the skills and experiences I had gathered being in the food and wine industry and channel them into a business that I could call my own. I love food and wanted to provide the wineries with yummy treats for their visitors that paired well with wine.

How long have you been in business?
Six years in February! So much hard work and so many challenges along the way, but I would not want to be doing anything else.

What did you do before this?
  • I wrote the Harrow Fair Cookbook with my sister in 2010.
  • Wrote food articles for the local newspaper.
  • Managed a cheese store in Niagara on the Lake.
  • Recieved a biology degree from Brock.
  • Worked in restaurants and catered for local wineries.
  • Did a stint in a vineyard.
  • Managed a kitchen garden.
  • Lots of cool stuff...lol!

Where do you source your ingredients?
For our condiments we are able to buy fruit directly from farmers in Niagara. I love visiting the farms to pick up the fruit. For other key ingredients like cheese for the shortbread, we try to buy high quality Canadian cheeses. We want you to know instantly what flavour we are going for, so big flavour is important.

What’s your best seller?
The savoury Shortbreads and the Fruit & Wine jams. The red pepper jelly seems to have a cult following as well.

Can you recommend one of your favourite pairings with a Provisions fruit paste?
  • ​​Pear and Riesling jam with blue cheese is a dynamite combination!
  • Cherry and Merlot jam with aged cheddar.
  • Red pepper jelly and brie… I could go on!

Any final thoughts for the folks who will be visiting you at the shed & Friends Christmas Open House?
I am so grateful for the support and friendship I find with other makers in our community… so any chance I have to be a part of an event like this is wonderful!


Visit Provisions website to see a full product listing ☟
PFC Niagara
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Garden City Essentials Small Batch Skincare

11/22/2017

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Small Batch

Small batch.  What does it mean? It means that you are buying from a person and not a manufacturer.  It means you are buying quality over quantity. Small batch means heart and soul.  

shed is small batch ceramic production.  Each ware is made by hand. Each pot is wheel-thrown, or hand-built, hand-decorated, and hand-glazed.  We put all our love into creating wares for you to enjoy, there is no way to rush the process or to make more than we already do! That's the beauty of small batch, each piece is a treasure and not always easy to obtain.

Someone who understands the hard-work, the thoughtfulness, the consideration, and love that goes into creating a small batch product, is my dearest friend, Jolene.  Jolene Antle, is the Certified Nutritional Practitioner, and the creator behind Garden City Essentials Small Batch Skincare.  

I first met Jolene a few years back at the HandMade Market.  I became immediately smitten with Jolene and her product.  Jolene has created each of her products with great intention; carefully selecting enriching natural ingredients, with holistic qualities to produce the finest skincare products in Niagara.

I recently interviewed Jolene with a few important questions that I thought visitors of the Open House might like to know.  Here is what she had to say:

Tell us about your product:
I create all natural skincare and lifestyle products. Our product line up includes complete, holistic facial care for all skin types, our best selling deodorant cream, perfumes, botanical sprays, salt soaks, body butter, candles and more. We take a holistic approach to wellness and help others create sustainable self-care practices. In our new shop downtown, and online, we’ve expanded our offerings to include a curated selection of other clean beauty, lifestyle and nutrition products.

Whatʼs your top 3 favourite GCE products. And why?
I love our Deodorant Cream. It’s a top seller for us because it really works! I love how people share this product with their loved ones. Knowing the dangers of conventional deodorants/anti-perspirants, I’m always very happy when someone makes the switch to a natural product.
The Rosehip & Argan Cleansing Oil and Sea Buckthorn & Camellia Facial serum are definitely my two favourites. I love my cleansing ritual and have gotten such great results with the softness, clarity and texture of my skin. The cleansing oil is gentle but effective. It cleanses without stripping the skin’s protective barrier, while also providing healing nourishment. I refer to the serum as a multi-vitamin for the face! It is a very nutrient dense blend that hydrates and nourishes on a cellular level with tons of anti-oxidant vitamins and essential fatty acids. I love the results I’ve seen using these products as well as the sensory experience.  

Please tell us about some recent achievements you and your business have had:
In April, I graduated from The Institute of Holistic Nutrition with my CNP designation (Certified Nutritional Practitioner). In September, I opened the Garden City Essentials boutique at 35 James St. Downtown in St. Catharines, which has been a long time dream of mine. I was awarded the Shannon Passero Grant for Women in Business last year, and was also recently, honoured to be a finalist for the GNCC WIBA Entrepreneur award. 


​Any final words for the folks who will be visiting you at the shed & Friends Christmas Open House? 
I’m so excited to be part of the 2nd Annual Shed & Friends Open House! I can’t wait to see all of you (new and old friends) this year. Let’s chat! I’d love to hear about some of your self-care goals for the holiday season and beyond.

The GCE  Boutique is located at 35 James St. | Downtown St. Catharines
Follow on social media ☟
GCE Instagram
GCE Facebook
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Sarah Reimer Designs

11/16/2017

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Introducing the lovely Sarah Reimer. She has travelled and worked all over this beautiful planet.  During her travels she has carried her most important tool, her camera; capturing moments and breathtaking landscapes from all of her adventures.

In our modern day digital world it is so refreshing to hold and admire a photograph in person. Sarah has very brilliantly turned her photography into functional art and prints.  She makes, books, cards, coasters, ornaments, and new to Sarah's collection -- image transfers on reclaimed wood.  Sarah puts a great deal of thought and detail into each piece of work she creates, from considering the materials used and how they effect our planet, to the handwritten inserts telling you about the photograph she has selected for each piece.

I really enjoyed reading Sarah's thoughtful answers to the 'Maker Interview'. I learned a great deal about what inspires her, and I have a deeper understanding of the story she is telling through her work.  I hope you enjoy getting to know Sarah as much as I did, and please come visit her and the other artist/makers on Dec 2 & 3, at the 2nd Annual shed & Friends Christmas Open House. 

"Your support means the world to me!"

Tell us about yourself and your work? 
I have a passion for design, photography, travel, nature, and all things creative!  I thrive off of creative living-- I am always trying new things and looking for ways to turn my photography into something more than just a simple print.  I experiment using different mediums, and my work ultimately tells a story of travel, creativity, and sustainability.

When did you first discover your passion for photography?
My love for photography blossomed when moving to England in 2014.  I often wrote about our travels and posted my own photography to a blog (www.youmeandtuscany.blogspot.com) to keep friends and family updated.  The more we traveled, the more I shared.  The more I shared, the more I thrived!  I became very passionate about capturing the beauty I saw in the nooks and crannies of Europe, and when moving to Thailand in 2015, my passion grew deeper.  There is a story behind each of my pieces, and to me, there’s no greater way to share my story.

What kind of camera do you use? And why?
I use a Nikon D3100 and to be honest, it’s the camera my husband got me for my birthday almost 7 years ago! It has been very well loved over the years… half of the button indications have completely rubbed off!

Can you name all the places you have travelled?
Not off the top of my head! We’ve traveled to a lot of places in Europe and South East Asia within the last few years of living abroad, however I try not to focus on the number of places.  It’s rather the experiences I have with people that really stand out.  

Do you have a favourite photo that you have taken? What does it mean to you?
It’s so hard for me to choose a favourite because they all mean such different things to me. However, I’ve always treasured this photo {see bottom photo of this blog} that I took while living Cambridge, England.

I love “Trinity Street” because it looks like it could have been taken 100 years ago, it has such a classic look to it.  I loved the architecture of the Colleges in Cambridge, and this photo floods my mind with memories of riding my bike around town.

Is there a place in the world you havenʼt visited yet, but is on your bucket list?
Everywhere.  (But in all seriousness I’d love to go (and possibly live) in New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Brazil (just to name a few… :p)

What do you hope people will connect with when they see your work?
I hope that people will connect with the beauty that is the world we live in!  Often we get caught up in all the bad things that surround our daily lives, we take for granted the big, beautiful world full of stunning landscapes and friendly, vibrant cultures.  I also hope that people will connect with the locally sourced materials I have chosen for my products (handmade paper from Thailand, local reclaimed wood).  I try my best to find unique, locally sourced materials.

Are you featuring any new work at the shed & Friends Christmas Open House?
One of my latest experiments has been transferring my photographs to reclaimed wood.  I hope to have a number of pieces available at the Shed Open House.  I will also have tree sliced Christmas ornaments featuring my photography, and more of my mini notebooks made from elephant poo poo paper!

What do you appreciate the most about the Niagara Region since you have moved
Back?

Since moving back (this past summer), I appreciate the support and encouragement I’ve received from so many people!  It has made the transition that much easier.  I also love the changing seasons and the Bruce Trail.  Hiking is my happy place. :)

Any final words for the folks who will be visiting you at the shed & Friends Christmas Open House?
Thank you in advance!!! Your support means the world to me!  


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Cambridge, England

​Follow Sarah on instagram and facebook ...................... ☛
SRD Instagram
SRD Facebook
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Luck and Mutts Dog Bandanas

11/12/2017

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Two galoots, one cat and six chickens.


If you have ever visited shed, it's very likely you were greeted at the door by our two galoots, or maybe you've met our hens and cat.  The shed homestead is a bit of a crazy farm at times.  We love our animals deeply and live and travel with them as our pack.

In 2015, we adopted Chance the 9-year-old fawn coloured shar pei/mastiff, who is full of wrinkles and love.  Ryan and I refer to Chance as an "enlightened being".  He is wise and intelligent, and he quickly became the center of our universe.
​  
After living and loving life with Chance, we decided to adopt a second dog, and through a few twists of fate, we found Julius about a year later.  Julius is our grey galoot. Full of pep and vinegar. And we refer to him as our "biggest weirdo". He is a 10-year-old pup - somebody forgot to tell Julius he's a senior.  He makes us laugh constantly, and although our initial transition with him was a little rough, we are now utterly smitten by him.  Chance and Julius are a very bonded pair, and our lives with them are enriched.
 
I can't forget to mention our 4 hens; Henny, Fennel, Captain and Adelaide. Our 2 roos; Henry and Pyjamas. Last, but definitely not least, the most handsome tuxedo cat, Townes (full name: Townes Van Zandt). 
​
I could write daily about the adventures and personalities of our animals, but that's not what this blog is about.  Today I am introducing you to two women who share the same unconditional love for their pets, and because of their love for animals they began a business.  A business called Luck & Mutts Dog Bandanas.

​The day they started this business was the day I found my new addiction, and our animals love it! 
You can follow the adventures of our two country galoots, Chance and Julius on Instagram    ☛
shed galoots

An interview with Luck & Mutts:

What do you make? We specialize in hand-made custom dog bandanas. We feature high quality dog bandanas in a variety of sizes and patterns to suit every dog and their owner. 

Who are the makers behind Luck and Mutts? Our Names are Angie and Lindsay - 2 friends with 2 dogs which we are obsessed about! 

Where did the inspiration for Luck and Mutts come from? We work in the pet industry, and saw a void in the market of dog clothing, more specifically high quality dog bandanas that are made in Canada!! We also love exploring with our dogs and were searching for a dog bandana to keep up with our adventures. So, we decided to make our own, and test them on our dogs! Our dogs are the inspiration behind Luck and Mutts. 

Most dogs play rough and get dirty often. How durable are your bandanas? Are they machine washable? This was a concern of ours when finding bandanas for our dogs. Most of our fabrics are machine washable. Some of our lighter fabrics we suggest putting on a gentle cycle, or hand-washing. Our dogs play rough, and get dirty often. We love testing our bandanas, and seeing our furry customers finding adventure in a Luck and Mutts Bandana. So go ahead pups, roll in some mud, jump in the lake and have a nice cuddle with your humans! {#luckandmuttsadventure}. Another feature to our bandanas is our snap. To wear a Luck and Mutts bandana, simply roll to fit your dogs neck, tie, and snap to ensure they stay on. 

Do you have a feature bandana that you will be bringing with you to the shed and Friends Open House? We will be bringing many different bandanas to the shed & Friends Open House. 
There will be:
- Fall/winter pattern bandanas
- Classic plaid bandanas
- Christmas bandanas. 
- Luck and Mutts Reflective Orange Plaid and Camo Bandana 
- Matching dog-mom and pup scarves.
Lots to choose from, with sizes ranging from mini-large.

Can customers pre-order from you and pick up their bandanas at the shed and friends open house? if so, whats the best way to reach you? If you see a style that you would like on our website: www.luckandmutts.com, please send us an email to luckandmutts@gmail.com and we can bring the bandana with us. We will be bringing new styles that will only be released at the shed & Friends Open House

How often do you come up with a new line of bandanas? Our bandana line is always changing. We change with the seasons, the on-trend fashions, and holidays. We love shopping for new fabrics, and love hearing from our customers what they want. On our website, we have a page called “Who is Your Dog?” Here, you can fill out a form about you and your dog(s), their breeds, their style. Let us know what you are looking for and we do our best to find it!

What are Luck and Mutts future plans? We have been doing this for a a year now, and was not expecting this much growth! We are so grateful to our customers : 2-legged and 4, for all the support, love and pictures of your pups wearing a Luck and Mutts Bandana. Our website went live in the summer and that has been a turning point for us! We want to continue to grow our bandana line, and other accessories, be in more stores, and continue to see more dogs on their #luckandmuttsadventures!

Tell us about your dogs. What are their names; their breeds; and their personalities? ​Our dogs - well they are our everything! They say diamonds are a girls best friend, but to us..our dogs are! Sage and Murphy are full of life, love and personality. They also love each other's company, whether it's swimming, hiking, or rolling in mud!

Murphy is Angie’s Dog:
Murphy is a 3 year old Portuguese Water Dog. We love doing pretty much everything together. Murphy has a big personality, like most Portuguese Water Dogs. It has been a learning experience to understand the working dog, but a fun and rewarding one! They need lots of mental and physical exercise and stimulation. Murphy loves adventure and getting dirty. He loves camping, hiking, playing frisbee, swimming, and running around with his furry friends. Murphy also loves a good cuddle too!! It has been a real joy to have Murphy in our lives, he has helped me get through the good times and bad and I couldn't imagine life without him. You can follow his adventures on instagram: @murphy.the.pwd.

Sage is Lindsay’s Dog:
Sage is a 4 year old Australian Shepherd who came into my life in the most unexpected and unplanned time, but like they say, everything happens for a reason. She was meant to be apart of my life, even softened the heart of my non-dog parents who now of course love her to death as well. She's an active dog who keeps me busy every day. She loves to the fullest and always knows what the person in the room needs, whether is a laugh at her antics for an ear to listen when you're sad. My life wouldn't be the same with out her. She may not be a "water" dog, but swimming is her favourite pass time. She plays perfectly with Murphy, they've been fast friends since the beginning. Two dogs from different people "packs" that we've made into one crazy dog loving family. We keep everyone involved, parents, boyfriends, husbands and sisters. Our whole families on both side are involved in Luck and Mutts. You can follow her adventures on instagram: @sage.aussie

Any Final Words for the folks who will be visiting you at the shed & Friends Christmas Open House? We are very excited for the shed & Friends Christmas Open House!! Take a look at our website, instagram and facebook page to really see what Luck and Mutts is all about! If you are unsure about sizes, we have a sizing chart on our website as a guide. We have fit the tiniest dogs to all the moose sized dogs!! We look forward to meeting everyone and being part of the day. 
Keep up with us and our dogs by following along with our hashtags: 
#luckandmutts#luckandmuttsmodel #luckandmuttsadventure 
Connect with Luck & Mutts on Instagram and Facebook  ............... ☞
L&M Instagram
L&M Facebook
www.luckandmutts.com
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Little Wolf & Autumn

11/7/2017

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"I have such an urge to create art and it is so fulfilling."

Shanna Lee Schultz is the artist behind Little Wolf & Autumn, and I am certain that I am her biggest fan!  If you have ever stopped into shed you will see that I carry a wide range of Shanna's work.  She is a multi-talented artist who paints, knits, sews, she even sings!  Shanna paints the most enchanting cards for all seasons and occasions.  Her newest Christmas themed cards are my favourite, so far. They will debuting at the shed and Friends Christmas Open House. She will also be bringing her rope products, which include: placemats, ornaments, coasters, bowls, baskets, bags, and more.  She will also showcase her knitwear; hats, for adults and children; chunky christmas stockings, and mittens.  I can't forget to mention her beautifully sewn linen and cotton napkins that pair so wonderfully with shed's Farmhouse dinnerware. 
Shanna is a returning artist to the 2nd Annual Open House and a feature artist at shed year round, you can read more about her in last year's blog.  I interviewed her this year, this is what she had to say:

Tell us about your business Little Wolf & Autumn...what do you make?
I started painting watercolours last summer, and as fall approached, I began knitting and opened up Little Wolf & Autumn. Now, a year later, I create knitwear, rope décor, and watercolour paintings
. 

What is the meaning behind your businessʼ name?
Little Wolf & Autumn is named after my two children.  Both of my children's names are inspired by nature.  My daughter, Gwendolynn, her middle name is Autumn.  My son's name, Faelan, its orgin is gaelic and means "little wolf".  I'm lucky to be able to stay home with them and also create so, I wanted to incorporate them somehow into my business name.

I know that among your many talents you are also a mom. How do you find the time to raise two young children and create your art?
Raising children is hard. I am continuously learning all about the art of raising children. I only have so many hours a day I can work, and nothing really goes as planned when you have kids.  I take advantage of long nap times (when they happen), quiet play time, and not so quiet play time. My husband, a furniture maker, also works at home out in his workshop so, he is able to help out a lot with the kids, which is amazing!  I usually don't accomplish everything I have planned in a day!

You live on a hobby farm. How many animals do you have and what are their 
names?

Yes! We live on a 10 acre hobby farm and currently have 13 animals. There's Meera the indoor cat, Ari our komondor gaurdian dog, Piggly the pig, 4 bucks named Oscar, Otis, Loki, and Gorgeous George, 1 Ram named Rammy, 3 female goats called Plancee, Luna, and Pandora, and 2 sheep named Gaia and Little Lamby.

When I first met you, you were in a band. Tell us about that. Do you miss it?
I went to college for Music-Theatre Performance and after graduating, my three friends and I, started a three part harmony group. Our group was based on the Andrews Sisters music and music from the 30s and 40s, and we called ourselves The Scat'r Bugs.  I miss it so much! I yearn to be up on a stage performing again. But, we all live a distance away from one another, and once I became a mama, traveling was too difficult. One day, I will be back up on that stage again!

What do you enjoy most about being an artist?
The freedom. I love that I have the freedom to create whatever I want in any form I want.  I love everything about being an artist. I have such an urge to create art and it is so fulfilling. 

Is there something you havenʼt pursued, that you have wanted to pursue in life, or in art?
One of my biggest problems I have, is that I want to try everything! I get rather unfocused at times. But, one of my dreams, that I have yet to muster up the courage to pursue, is to write and illustrate a children's story. In fact, I want to write a children's storybook called, "Little Wolf & Autumn" about the adventures of my children.  One day I will sit down and do it.  Maybe I will make that one of my goals for the new year!

Do you have a piece of work that you are bringing to the shed & Friends Open House that you secretly hope does not sell? If so, why?
I'm planning on bringing my newest original Christmas watercolours to the show.  I haven't been able to list them on Etsy yet... I'm quite attached to them for some reason.  I think because they are so magical and I feel connected to them. But, I love the idea of them bringing a little magic into somebody's home!

Can people order from you in advance and pick up at the shed Open House?
Absolutely! { You can e-mail Shanna for more details: shannaleeshultz@gmail.com }


Any final thoughts youʼd like to add to the people who will be visiting you at the shed & Friends Open House?
I'm so happy to be a part of Shed & Friends! This is a wonderful opportunity for me to meet people in person! I don't have my own shop where I can get to know my customers (which is another dream for my husband and I). I often sell things on Etsy, where I don't even get chat with the customers online.  I am so excited to meet everyone in person, in this magical small shop setting!

Have a listen to The Scat'r Bugs ♬


Get into the Christmas spirit with this  holiday ditty. 

Shanna is the middle☝vocalist. 
​

To follow Shanna's shed & Friends Christmas Open House preparation, connect 
with her on instagram & facebook.  ☛
Little Wolf & Autumn (IG)
Little Wolf & Autumn (FB)
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Do what you love!

11/1/2017

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Feeder Flower Farm

Heather Kent is the Niagara farmer-florist behind Feeder Flower Farm.  I met Heather earlier this year when she popped into shed with a friend after she had been out to visit her horse.  We connected immediately; in a former life I spent my days living at a barn riding horses, they were some of the best days of my life.

I believe there is an immediate kinship amongst horse lovers, so I knew after meeting Heather that day, that her and I were only going to become better friends as time goes on.

When I invited Heather to join the rest of us at the Open House and to help decorate the shed space for Christmas, I was over the moon when she said, "yes!" Her flowers are some of the brightest and biggest I have ever seen! They are wild and beautiful, much like Heather herself.  

I interviewed Heather, and was brought to tears by her story. You will need a quiet place to read this interview.  

Thank you Heather for joining us; for being vulnerable, courageous, and a true inspiration. I am so glad to know you.  

An interview with Feeder Flower Farm:

When and why did you start your business? 
I have followed my Mom around in the garden since I could walk - she always inspired me to “do what I love”. In 2015 I was diagnosed with a gene mutation called CDH1, which determined that I had a very high chance of getting a rare form of stomach cancer that is very hard to catch in pre-screening. I could do nothing, take the risk & hope I didn’t get it, or totally remove my stomach, and with that, removing all chances of getting the cancer. So, in May of 2016 I underwent a total gastrectomy - removing my entire stomach - this seems crazy, but believe it or not this is what the doctors recommended. It turns out I had stage 1 stomach cancer that was NOT caught on any of my many pre-screens. The surgery saved my life. Going through such a hard recovery really reminded me to take my moms advice and, “do what I love.” After I recovered, I quit doing graphic design work and started planting as much as I could, I joined the Port Colborne Farmers Market, and started a “Build Your Own Bouquet” stand - which was a hit! Unfortunately, I lost my mom to gastric cancer last year, but I look forward to making her proud by working hard and taking full advantage of the gift of life that I have been given, and the great advice that she has given me.


What do you grow? 
We grow a very large variety of things...peonies, tulips, iris, sweet peas, snapdragons, bachelor button, calendula, daffodils, lilacs, gooseneck loosestrife, hostas, sunflowers, lilies, zinnia, dahlia, ammi, celosia, amaranthus, lisianthus, daisies, cosmos, scabiosa, sedum, curly willow, fantail willow, hydrangea, strawflower, dogwood, miscanthus grass, millet, broomcorn, kale, aster, pussy willow, a variety of evergreens, ilex berries. We also have a wide variety of greenery and foliage (blackberry, ferns etc.) ...and whatever other seeds I end up throwing in!

Are all of your flowers & plants homegrown? How big is your farm? 
Mostly everything is homegrown. If someone specifically wants something that I do not grow, I do my best to locally source it with another sustainable grower. We have a 15 acre farm, but we only grow flowers on about 5 acres. We succession plant and crop rotate, so our bed are always filled with different annual crops, as the seasons change. Perennial plants (peonies, iris, etc.) stay in their homes all year. 


What challenges do you face as a flower farmer? 
Most of the challenges that I face as a flower farmer are physical ones. I have to eat very often and if I forget to eat (happens alllll the time since I no longer have a hunger sensation). I get really tired, and I am not able to work as hard as my mind wants me to. Thankfully, I have my husband by my side throwing snacks in my mouth, reminding me to take it easy, and to not work like a horse when I am not feeling great. 

How do you see yourself fitting into the agricultural community of Niagara?
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We are really striving to support as many other local Niagara farmers as possible. We are part of the Port Colborne farmers market currently and are hoping to be part of more next year. Promoting permaculture and sustainable farming by being part of markets is really important to us!

What do you enjoy most about your line of work?
I enjoy everything about being a farmer-florist!! Most of all I enjoy getting my hands dirty everyday, and the feeling of growing something amazingly beautiful from a tiny little seed, bulb, tuber cutting, or corn!

How do you plan to grow (very punny, I know!) your business?
I have applied for a scholarship program from Floret Flowers and will be taking their online courses to further my skills in farming and floristry in 2018, wish me luck! We will be joining more markets, and our farm-stand in Wainfleet will be opening - its all very exciting!

Do you host workshops? How can people find out about upcoming events?
I do host workshops - upcoming ones are all in the Niagara Region and will be announced on Facebook and Instagram - you can contact me through either, or call me to sign up.
​{Contact information listed at the end of this interview.}


Can people pre-order wreaths, or other Christmas arrangements from you and pick-up at the shed & Friends Christmas Open House? If yes, how should they contact you?
I will not have pre orders before the shed open house, but I will be taking orders for wreaths and garland and will be able to deliver within the Niagara region the following week. I will also have pre-made wreaths and door swag to shop the day of! 

Any final words for the folks who will be visiting you at the shed & Friends Christmas Open House?
I am so excited to see you all at the 2nd shed Christmas open house! We are going to have a blast! Thank you so much for supporting local small business. ♡

Click the links to
​connect with Feeder Flower Farm ☛
FFF on Facebook

FFF on INstagram

Thank you for taking the time to read the first artist interview for the 2nd Annual shed and Friends Christmas Open House. 

We would love to hear your thoughts.  Please comment below or share on Facebook with your friends and family.  

Let the OPEN HOUSE countdown begin!! 31 days to go!
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You're Invited!

10/31/2017

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We are excited to be hosting the 2nd Annual shed & Friends Christmas Open House. Last year was a delightful success, and we want to do it all over again this year! Please follow along over the next couple of weeks; I will be introducing each artist as we lead up to the event.  

EVENT DETAILS:

shed is a small batch, home-based, pottery production gallery located on the Niagara Wine Route.  Our space is small and charming.  We will be opening up the main floor of our home to host this event. Last year we had several hundred people come through our doors, and we anticipate an even greater response this year! Which never gets old, by the way. I am utterly amazed that we have such a wonderful community of people making a conscious effort to support small business and handmade! Thank you!

With our space limitations we will make the best effort to create flow to the shopping experience, it may be tight at times but we hope you see that as part of the excitement and charm of our humble event.

Parking is limited and there isn't much we can do to offer more.  Please use any available space in our driveway. Parking is available on 8th Street (north-side of our property), and on Pelham Rd (south-side of our property).  We will let you know if any other options become available. Please watch for 'no parking' signs. By-law officers will ticket your car! *shed is not responsible for any tickets incurred.*

Admission is FREE!
Cash & Credit only.
We apologize in advance, but there will be NO public washrooms!


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Spread the Joy! 

11/21/2016

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What is on your Christmas list this holiday season?  Perhaps a new sweater? Could it be a new mug from your favourite local potter (wink, wink).  Are you planning a tropical getaway to escape the harsh Canadian winter?  Possibly, you are just looking forward to all the delicious home cooked meals and goodies that you will be indulging in when visiting friends and family over the holidays.  Whatever is on your Christmas list this year I am sure you deserve it! And, I hope ALL your wishes come true!!
 
But let us step outside of our own worlds for a minute and consider the heartbreaking reality for many people in our community this time of year.  What does a Christmas wish list  look like for others? For many people in our community their list reflects a desperate need for basic necessities: food, warm clothes, a place to sleep; help paying rent and bills; someone to drive them to and from doctors appointments; diapers for newborns and formula to feed their growing infants.  This list goes on and sometimes it is even hard to imagine, especially when we are coming from a place where we have all that we need, and we can make lists based on our wants and desires. 

Let's make a difference this holiday season!  Let's give to our community and help a person or family in need!  Any gesture will go a long way and will be appreciated more than we know.  So, when you visit shed this November & December bring your canned goods, gently used clothing, food and toys for children, and cash donations.  Anything that you think could help, will help!  I thank-you, Community Care thanks-you, and most importantly the people receiving your donations THANK-YOU!! 

Wishing everyone an abundance of joy, good health and happiness this holiday season!
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A message from Community Care:

This year we want Christmas wishes to come true! Community Care requires significant support to deliver the programs and services that will assist those in the community who struggle to make ends meet. As temperatures become colder and everyday tasks become more and more difficult we respectfully ask that you please consider giving. We can make sure everyone experiences a little joy this holiday season...
Donate Today!
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Follow your Dreams!

11/17/2016

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Citrus Boutique's website
Have you ever visited Citrus Boutique?! If you haven't, you must! I am not exaggerating when I say it is the one and only place I shop for clothes, (clothes, that I can wear outside of my studio). It's a lovely little boutique located in the Ridley Plaza, on Fourth Ave, in St. Catharines. This wonderful shop is where I met Chloe, several years ago. Her mother, Caron, owns Citrus and Chloe helps her to run it.

Over the years I have enjoyed going into Citrus to talk with Caron and Chloe. I find their shop a sweet little spot for a burst of inspiration. Chloe and Caron have a natural flare for designing warm, creative, well-staged window displays, and they continue the vibe throughout their store. Recently, I noticed these beautifully woven dream catchers hanging in their windows. They were bold in detail and size, and soft in texture and hues. Some were adorned with vintage lace and others were strung with a beautiful web pattern.

I was absolutely inspired, and not at all surprised to learn Chloe was the artist behind these dreamy creations. I was, however, surprised to learn she wasn't planning on selling them, or turning this passion into a small business...not yet, anyway. They were so unique and well-made, who wouldn't want one!?

But Chloe was bashful and modest, not really certain what the next step was for her and her dream catchers. Eventually opportunity presented itself and the demand for her work was too overwhelming to ignore, and it was then, that Dreamt By Chloe was born.

I am excited for you to meet Chloe at the shed and Friends Open House in December. This is her first show! I have been following her obsessively on Instagram to see the progress of her pre-show prep and I encourage you to do the same!

https://www.instagram.com/dreamtbychloe/
​

Here's a pic of a small collaboration involving shed and Dreamt by Chloe. My mother commissioned Chloe to make a dream catcher for a new born baby girl.

Dream catchers are a Native American arts and crafts tradition believed to confuse and catch the bad dreams in its web, and let the good dreams pass, allowing us to follow the wisdom of our dreams and guide us through life.

A word from dream catcher artist, Chloe Leigh Blom:

I am so fortunate to have grown up in a creative and supportive family. Textiles, painting, pottery, graphic design, needlework, music, woodworking, fashion the list of what my family can do is endless. Everyone has their own distinctive style and I wasn’t sure what mine was until now. Dream catchers were not the plan, just a project to fill a window display at Citrus Boutique, the shop my family owns. My Mom suggested I create bohemian style dream catchers to fill the store for a spring display and next thing I knew people were trying to buy them. For months they weren’t for sale until I realized the organic opportunity that had presented itself to me. I had quite a bit of free time and was looking for a way to express myself creatively, Dreamt by Chloe was the answer.

I enjoy discovering materials that make my work unique. I search through craft shops, used clothing, handmade yarn, vintage lace & my grandparent’s homes. I’m also guilty of coming home from every walk with sticks and leaves to incorporate in my work. I am inspired by different techniques that help me evolve daily. Fiber art has always come naturally to me, I can pick up fabric or string and tie it into something beautiful. I have explored looming, embroidery & knitting. I am always learning.

My goal is to create things that make people stop and really appreciate the beauty around them. The longer you look at one of my dream catchers the more detail is revealed to you. When you take the time to create something, you pour your heart into it. As an artist you hope people appreciate that about your work and are inspired by it. There is no quick way to really appreciate art, it must be digested slowly or you will surely miss the very best parts.

dreamtbychloe@gmail.com
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<<Previous

    Hello! 

    Welcome to my blog page. I don't get to this often as you can see, but this page does let you scroll back and peek into shed's past and beginnings. 

    I will try to get to another entry one day soon. Even if it's just a small poem or musing. 

    Check in, you never know.

    ~j
    ​March 2020.  

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1139 Pelham Rd | St. Catharines, On | L2R 6P7
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