Crafts sale unites artistic excellence

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This article was published 16/10/2023 (1078 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The annual Arts & Crafts Sale has united over 175 crafters, artisans, vendors and hundreds of craft lovers over the weekend at the Keystone Centre’s Manitoba Room.

The event, organized by Brandon’s Big One, drew several attendees as it featured an array of talented artists and crafters, all hailing from near and far, converging in Brandon to showcase their creations.

Among the standout vendors was Kiss My Bath, which offers a diverse range of bath products.

“We sell a whole bunch of different soap products, including bath bombs, soaps, sugar scrubs, bath crayons, and shower steamers,” Kiss My Bath partner McKenna Graham-Roberts told the Sun. “We have been a part of this event for several years and are also glad for the positive feedback from customers, many of whom returned from the previous year.”

Graham-Roberts said that her customers have expressed their love for the products, prompting them to stock up, adding that the event seems well-organized.

“This event is one of the best craft shows we’ve participated in. We’re quite content with it and eagerly anticipate next year, where we plan to introduce even more new products,” she said.

“I’ve been crafting scrap metal sculptures and robots for about five years, starting with steampunk lamps and then transitioning into welding robots,” Mad Mike Studio68 founder Michael Beaudry said.

He said this was his second time participating in Brandon’s Big One, and had positive remarks about the event.

Shelley’s Pine Cane Guys Christmas Ornaments has been a fixture at the show for around 20 years and owner Shelly Green said she looks forward to attending again in 2024.

“This is one of the best sales to go to, and it’s a wonderful community to be a part of because our customers return year after year,” said Green, who travelled from Winnipeg.

Like Green, Clear Lake’s Janal Haylee, founder of Janal Artistry, presented fine artwork, pottery, and woodworking and also made her first appearance at the event.

“This is my first time coming here. Yeah, it’s good. Lots of foot traffic. It’s nice to meet people. I’ve had lots of good discussions today,” Janal said.

Buckle up Bags provided a unique approach to sustainability at the event, crafting bags from seatbelts, and preventing discarded seatbelts from ending up in landfills.

The founder Nancy Logan, who came from Saskatchewan, told the Sun that she was thrilled with her first experience at the Brandon event, citing the positive response from customers.

Logan explained her creative product.

“Several of the colours are custom printed, but many of the solid colours originate from authentic seatbelts sourced from various parts of the world. These belts might have served in an airplane, a tour bus, or even an amusement park ride, showcasing their versatility,” Logan said.

When asked about the feedback from customers, particularly regarding the bags’ durability and lifespan, she added that the customers appreciated the durability of these bags, as seatbelts are known for their longevity.

“I design the bags with a focus on lasting a long time. I’ve been engaged in this craft for around six-and-a-half years, nearly seven years.”

Reflecting on her journey, the event coordinator Karen Keilback explained that she started creating crafts at home before she took a different path and began organizing craft events.

“I truly love it. That’s why I’ve been doing it for such a long time. It’s wonderful to meet people and see them return year after year,” Keilback told the Sun. “I also take pride in supporting small businesses. Over the years, I’ve witnessed many small businesses expand, opening storefronts and entering wholesale markets. It’s gratifying to witness their growth.”

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