Gold Leaf Events hosts annual Christmas market

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This article was published 20/11/2023 (1044 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Grand Salon of Victoria Inn was turned into a bustling hub of holiday cheer as Gold Leaf Events hosted its annual Christmas Market on Saturday, drawing in several scores of Brandon residents keen on indulging in a festive shopping spree. The event showcased an array of 50 vendors displaying their unique wares, attracting patrons to admire and acquire delightful items.

“I’ve been needle felting for six years, creating sculptures by stabbing unspun wool with a barbed needle,” Custom Needle Felted Sculptures proprietor Judy Zeke said while showcasing her craftsmanship by sculpting a charming cat during the event.

Zeke, who has been to several markets across Manitoba, commended the Brandon Market for its extensive advertising efforts and the bustling crowd it drew in. “The organizers have put in a lot of work to let people know about this market, and it’s paid off with a fantastic turnout,” she said.

“This & That” fibre artist Val Connor, who expressed her decade-long dedication to creating crochet items, shared her admiration for the market’s affordability and seamless organization. “This market is a great opportunity for artisans like me,” Connor told the Sun. “For the price and the value we receive, it’s fantastic.”

“Diamonds By Diane owner Diane Mitchell said she embarked on a journey into diamond bead art around four years ago as a hobby and it gradually transformed into a fulfilling business endeavour.

Reflecting on this creative evolution, Mitchell fondly recalls her daughter Carissa’s encouragement, urging her to share her artistry with the world. “It started as a hobby, but my daughter inspired me to step into the world of selling my creations,” she said.

Mitchell shared insights into her process, explaining how she orders kits from various sources, meticulously processes them, and presents them in a catalogue for display at shows and craft fairs. Her joy in crafting these unique pieces resonates deeply.

“We work on these diamond art projects in our evenings, adding sparkle and life to these pieces while sitting and watching TV. It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey,” she added.

Grateful for the support and response received at the event, Mitchell gushed with appreciation for the reception at the Christmas Market. “We’ve been showcasing our creations at different community events around Brandon and its surrounding areas,” she said. “The interest and engagement we’ve received, particularly in this market, have been truly heartwarming. We’re thrilled to be a part of it.”

Joanne Boyd, representing Forever as a senior lead ambassador, emphasized the significance of preserving memories through photo organization and media digitization. Boyd, an advocate for safeguarding cherished moments, conveyed how the market engaged people in safeguarding their memories for future generations.

“My journey in helping people organize their photos spans over 25 years, but with Forever, it’s been close to nine years as a Forever ambassador,” she told the Sun. “Our mission is to rescue those forgotten memories tucked away in cell phones, printed photos, or outdated VHS tapes, ensuring they find a permanent home where future generations can cherish them.”

Boyd highlighted the prevalent sentiment among visitors. “The digitization service has struck a chord with many; people passing by my table often recognize their forgotten negatives or VHS tapes, prompting a realization of the need to preserve their memories,” she said.

Melanie Beck, owner of “Making Rocks Better,” displayed her artistic journey of painting rocks at the market, showcasing them as unique art pieces.

“I stumbled upon this creative endeavour about five or six years ago, and it’s been a gratifying hobby ever since,” she said. “We embark on rock-hunting adventures, collecting stones that inspire us, and then, with brushes and paint, transform them into unique art pieces.”

Expressing delight at the response received at the event, Beck praised the visitors’ appreciation for her unconventional canvas. “The reception at this market has been wonderful! It’s heartening to witness people’s interest in our art displayed on rocks rather than traditional canvases,” she said.

Reflecting on her participation, Beck explained that the market stands out for its impeccable organization and the diversity of high-quality offerings.

Gold Leaf Event coordinator Krista Powell reflected on the success of the Christmas Market.

“Curating this Christmas Market has been an absolute joy,” she said. “We’ve seen an incredible turnout with over 50 talented vendors showcasing their creations.”

Expressing her commitment to the community, Powell highlighted the charitable aspect of the event. “It’s important for us to not just host a market but also give back to the community,” she told the Sun. “A portion of our proceeds is directed towards supporting local charities, fostering a sense of togetherness and goodwill.”

Reflecting on the event’s growth and evolution, Powell emphasized the strategic decision to shift to the larger venue at Victoria Inn Grand Salon. “This year, we made a deliberate move to a more spacious venue, allowing us to accommodate more vendors and offer visitors an enriched experience,” she said.

Grateful for the vendors’ satisfaction, “The overwhelmingly positive response from vendors has been heartening. Seeing their joy and success at this market truly makes all the effort worthwhile.”

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