Rene Trim: Capital Craft Crawl is coming to town

At the initiative of WellsGarbe Productions, a local event planning and management company, three local events will be joining forces in the 2014 Winter edition of the “Capital Craft Crawl”. On Saturday, November 22

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The Heart, Home and Handmade Indie Craft Fair (Glebe Community Centre), the Capital Pop Up Handmade Show (Bronson Centre) and the OVCC | Artisans @ Archives Christmas Market (Library and Archives Canada) will be participating in the “Crawl”. This unique collaboration between three local shows featuring over 200 of Ottawa’s best artisans and crafters will surely help you look like a hero this holiday season!

According to co-founder Cheryl Wells from WellsGarbe, the company continues to be inspired by the desire to bring local small businesses together in various collaborative multi-vendor event formats. Says Wells: " It is our goal is to showcase local business people in unique, niche, trendy yet affordable events so that they have the opportunity to grow their businesses, reach more people and become more successful."

All three events will be held in various locations throughout downtown Ottawa on November 22 and, rather than competing for visitors, when approached, the event producers quickly recognized the advantages of collaborating and cross-promoting their events in an effort to shy the public away from shopping at the big box stores in favour of local small businesses. This is a wonderful initiative and a prime example of how shows can work together for the good of all of their (local) vendors! Already, plans are in the works for a continuation and possible expansion for 2015 so the future for the Capital Craft Crawl is looking bright! ** What NOT to say at a craft show ** Just for fun, here’s the first of a dozen or so toe-curling phrases that vendors hear from visitors at just about any art and craft show. Being the professionals that they are, they will just nod and smile - but here’s how they would really like to reply: _ Visitor: “Gosh, I used to make those…” _ _ Vendor: “So, basically, what you’re saying is that your skills are now so superior that you no longer trouble yourself with these?” _ [caption id=“attachment_6757” align=“alignnone” width=“580”]

Fully functional clock made in part with a 1927 Coleman gasoline iron - by Rekindled Lighting [/caption] ** Upcoming Events ** With the countdown to Christmas underway things are heating up in our area’s art and craft scene, which is clearly illustrated by the number of events you can choose from this weekend. Without further ado, here’s a selection: Signatures (November 11 - 16) returns to Ottawa for its annual Christmas event. One of the largest shows in town, this event features approximately 180 Canadian artisans and designers from across the country who will be taking over the 3rd floor of the Ottawa Convention Centre to treat you to a unique urban shopping exposure. Admission is $10 (seniors and youth $6).

If you prefer a more intimate venue with local artisans only, I suggest the Navan Arts and Crafts Group’s 36th Annual Christmas Craft Show (November 14-16) at Navan Hall. The group held its very first show in Navan back in 1978 and it continues to feature one-of-a-kind handmade creations of the highest quality. Admission is free but donations to the Orleans Cumberland Community Resource Centre Christmas program are gladly accepted. The 25 participating artisans are proud to have raised more than $20,000 for their charity over the last two decades. The Friends of the Farm will be holding their craft and bake sale on Saturday, November 15 in Building 72 (Arboretum) at the Central Experimental Farm. From 10 am to 4 pm, 20 local artisans will be there to dazzle shoppers with their hand-created products. The Glebe Craft & Artisan Fair (November 14 - 16) at the Glebe Community Centre on 3rd Ave is organized by the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group. The show features approximately 50 local artisans in many different fields. Admission is free.

Sacred Heart High School in Stittsville will be transformed into Shopapolooza this Saturday, November 15 (10 am to 2 pm) in support of the Pointe of Grace Competitive Dance Team. The event showcases the work of local artisans and admission is free.

The 8th annual Sandy Hill’s One & Only Craft Fair will take place at the Sandy Hill Park and Community Centre on Somerset Street East on Sunday, November 16 from 10 am to 4 pm. As always, visitors can enjoy a free buffet, prepared by Chef Peter, while browsing the booths of the 45 participating local artisans. More craft shows…

** Hands On ** Feeling to urge to get crafty? Here are some opportunities to get your creative juices flowing:

Check out Dragonfly Dreamers' schedule of upcoming workshops : tile coasters, button and lace trees, copper jewellery, pen and ink - you name it and they do it. If their schedule doesn’t work for you, round up some friends and Dragonfly Dreamers will even let to pick your own date and/or subject (minimum of 4 attendees). Workshops include a light lunch and tons of creative fun! _ That’s all for now - have a creative week, folks! _