Christmas – Crafted in Kawartha Lakes

By Lisa Hart

Martina Fountain at The Makers Collective Company in downtown Lindsay. Photo: Lisa Hart.

Even those who don’t know a knitting needle from a darning needle can still give the gift of something handmade, thanks to the artisans and crafters of Kawartha Lakes, who are well stocked for the season.

Charlie Brown said it best: “It’s not what’s under the Christmas tree that matters. It’s who’s around it.” But the wisdom in those words seldom stops us from searching for the perfect present. The stress can be enough to drive the most diehard enthusiast to cry out that infamous Christmas phrase, “Bah humbug!”

The path to rediscovering the joy of giving is sometimes paved with simple items to work with: paint, yarn and candle wax. The sentiment carried by handmade gifts can provide a booster shot of old-fashioned Christmas spirit for the one who gives as well as the one who receives.

The search for handmade items is an easy one, now that weekend craft shows and markets have exploded into event spaces throughout Kawartha Lakes. Many of these markets expand on community spirit and the joy of giving by acting as fundraisers for local charities and nonprofits. For the shopper, Christmas craft shows provide a ready source of creations carefully packaged in an atmosphere of holiday cheer.

“It’s an outdoor holiday market wonderland, with great vibes and amazing people,” says owner Brandy Watson, as she describes the Barn and Bunkie’s annual Holiday Market. No doubt the white canopies and strings of lights help to reinforce that wonderland atmosphere. The market takes place in Fenelon Falls every Friday night and Saturday in December up until Christmas.

Customers can expect a lineup of outstanding vendors ready to help knock down their Christmas list, according to Watson. Fire pits and patio heaters will chase away the chill, while the neighbouring White Cottage Café provides an opportunity for shoppers to rest and refuel. Highlights from previous markets such as live music and the ever-popular photo booth will return this year.

“I have the best staff, the best customers and the best community,” says Watson. “Come get your Christmas tree, decorations, gifts, treats, and make some memories.”

For those who want to support local makers but crave a more traditional in-store shopping experience, The Makers Collective Company in Lindsay may be the perfect Christmas stop. This business has evolved since it first opened as Rustically Signed. Its new location on Kent Street has lots of built-in warmth and festive sparkle, from the chandeliers to the glass shelves full of colorful products.

“We have many new vendors this year,” says Martina Fountain. Among the store’s other seasonal delights, Fountain is enthusiastic about the decorations filling the shoppable Christmas tree, where customers can buy ornaments right off the tree. “All our makers are so creative and we work closely with each of them to bring in new items to keep the selection fresh.”

The selection includes items from jewelry to home decor as well as products for personal care, babies and pets. The store represents more than 50 local vendors and is still expanding. For those who find the choices overwhelming, Fountain suggests purchasing a themed gift basket and letting staff do the shopping for you.

The Makers Collective Company is prepared to do more than just help with your shopping this year. The store has plans to complete the cycle of caring by giving back to the community this Christmas in a charitable way.

Unlike most weekend craft shows, The Makers Collective Company provides an option for customers who prefer to do their Christmas shopping from the comfort of their own home on the store’s website. That’s where you can also check out the schedule of workshops the store hosts. These sessions provide an opportunity to make your own gifts as an option for this year or in planning for next year.

With a few quick taps on a computer keyboard, shoppers wishing to avoid the Christmas crowds can also explore the unique, limited-edition or one-of-a-kind items at the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council (KLAC) Marketplace.

According to KLAC, the online store now better replicates an in-person gallery experience, bringing the public many different products all year long. Promotion for the revitalized marketplace began with an in-person Winter Makers’ Market at Celebrations in Lindsay on the evening of November 29.

Shoppers can search the KLAC marketplace by material from canvas to gemstone, by type of artwork from photography to sculpture or by their favorite artist. (When shopping the marketplace, be sure to allow enough time for your artwork to arrive. In some cases, shipping must be arranged with the artist upon purchase.) The website also contains a listing of members to help facilitate a connection between local creators and their customers. It’s an adventure just to discover all the talent Kawartha Lakes has to offer.

For someone looking for budget-friendly shopping or a wide range of choice, the Artisans Marketplace in the lower level of the Kinmount community centre is well worth a visit. This friendly gallery at a charming historical site is where artists and crafters come together to share space. Shoppers who take the time to explore this little gem will find a curated selection of artwork, crafts, quilts, furniture, antiques and more. The Artisans Marketplace is open Friday to Sunday in December and every day in the week before Christmas. Find them on Facebook for store hours and a preview of the types of treasures you might find.

Should anyone find, despite all their best efforts, that the search for presents still brings out more of the Grinch than of Santa, perhaps the words of fiction writer Donald E. Westlake will offer some perspective. “It is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same.”

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