Introducing... Reece's Pieces!

We have a full line up of guest members this month at The Northern Collective, and we are delighted to include Reece's Pieces with the June group.

Shortly after the birth of Reece's second child an amazing new webpage came out called Pinterest. Gazing at all the beautiful images, she decided to give it a try. This involved learning how to sew and a whole lot of trial and error! The idea for her shop sprouted after she posted a shot of cup cozies she'd made for her children's daycare providers. Mass emails containing pleas for more cozies set everything into action. Reece wasn't particularly drawn to clothing, but when she stumbled on bag making she decided to expand and today continues to make cozies and glasses cases to match her bags.

One of our favourite things about Reece's Peices is that, even when it costs a little more, she always tries to source products that are truly Canadian. Paired with a unique style and top quality materials, it's no wonder her shop has taken off.

Creating functional artwork is therapeutic to Reece. She says she finds it incredibly satisfying to finish an item after many hours of work. Some of them take up to 15 solid hours, but when they are done, Reece loves the feeling she gets as she spreads her beauty out in the world.

Our favourite question was of course posed. What does Reece's Peices love about this country we call home?

I love the diversity in Canada, and the acceptance of differences here. Not to mention all the beauty to be seen in this vast country! 

Her love for Canada is one of the reasons she started Happy Okapi. A site for people buying fabric and supplies, where they can easily buy from the amazing Canadian retailers she's found, with the theory that if we continue to support Canadian retailers, it helps improve availability and price for all.

Introducing... Tonic and Lime Designs!

Today we are delighted to share with you one of our guest vendors this month.

Ashley grew up with great examples of that old saying 'Follow Your Bliss'.  With an entrepreneur mother and crafting grandparents, she quickly learned an appreciation for handmade.  Ashley's home  is now decorated with items her grandparents created with passion.  When she and her husband decided to move from British Columbia, all the way to Quebec, Ashley decided it was time to follow in her mother's footsteps and take the leap into selling her craft online.  

While Ashely is full of sugar and spice, she loves nothing more then bitter and sour. Since you'll find her in the summertime with an icy glass of tonic water, made a milky hue from all the lime juice squeezed into it, her shop name, Tonic and Lime Designs came quite naturally.  

Ashley loves to brainstorm new ideas and even keeps a notebook by the side of the bed, incase inspiration strikes.  When she isn't crafting, she's out biking, gardening or tucked away in a corning reading a good book.  It's probably how her awesome bookmarks got designed; all of her designs are created by her, with top notch customer service.

And of course we couldn't let Ashley get away without asking her, her thoughts on Canada. Here's what she said...

I love how diverse our country is. Not only how diverse we are but how proud we are to celebrate that fact.

(While travelling) I would meet people for the time and tell them I was from Canada I was always greeted with a huge smile and compliments about our beautiful country and Canadians in general. It made me feel really fortunate to be Canadian.

If you would like to see more of Ashley's designs, you can check out her shop, her facebook, on Twitter (@TonicLimeDesign) and instagram (@tonicandlimedesigns).

You will also find her in the June stocking at The Northern Collective.

Top 10 Canadian Father's Day Gifts for 2015

There is nothing we like more then supporting Canadian and supporting handmade. With Father's Day right around the corner we thought we'd showcase some of our favourite items that fit the bill.

#1 For the Bearded Dad

'This solid walnut beard comb is a great addition to the beard styling arsenal. Handle is textured with a classic deep wood pattern and features your custom text.'

They take 2-3 weeks to produce since each is custom.  To find out how to order head here.

#2 For the Clean Shaven Dad

#

This set is just for the well-groomed male.  Included are one shaving brush, one body soap in Barbershop fragrance, one Shave & A Haircut shaving soap and one Bay Rum shaving soap. Not only does this set look lovely, the shipping is FREE! #3 For the Nerd Dad Nothing like the smell of Fresh Cut Grass cooking in one of our Chem Lab Melters, to freshen up the room on a beautiful spring day! You had better get here soon though since they've sold out twice in the last two weeks! #4 For the Caveman Dad Made with something called 'Reloved Vintage Paint' there is more then one sign at The Speckled Freckle we think the men in our life would enjoy. #5 For the Sophisticated Dad A soft and cuddly rayon chenille woven scarf, or black or brown or whatever your dad's favourite colour is from Fraggle Tops. #6 For the Hunter Dad An ordinary tea towel is practical for everyday use so when it's made of 100% eco-friendly linen it becomes the perfect towel for living well.  Linen holds up to 15 times it's weight in liquid, so with these classy designs, it's practical and good looking! #7 For the Superhero Dad Lazar cut from Walnut, these cuff links keep the fun in dressing up! #8 For the Golfer Dad Custom Father's Day Golf Ball Markers Hand Stamped and Personalized by Corey Treacy Designs #9 For the Sharp Dad A vintage straight blade from the early 1900's refurbished to perfection by The Vintage Edge #10 For the Young at Heart Dad White chocolate soap?  Yum!  Made by Squeaky Clean Boyz who are 5 young boys trying to raise $5000 for MS research.

Introducing... BBG Knits!

We are delighted to start our core member introductions with the lovely Jamie from BBG Knits.

Having learned to knit and crochet from her grandmother at a very young age, Jamie started her fiber shop while on maternity leave in 2011. The all important choice of a company name was discussed with her family and BBG was chosen from a suggestion of Beautiful Brave Girl. It's cute and catchy for sure.

A busy single mom to two sons, Jamie's time is stretched to the limits with a full-time job outside of the house, university courses, BBG Knits and her boys. While time spent on BBG Knits is time away from her boys, it does give her an opportunity to meet amazing people.  

Jamie says 'I'm very lucky to be surrounded by so many other talented artists, great friends and super fans!'

To stand out from other fiber artists, Jamie strives to create unique designs. When she's recreating a popular pattern she always makes sure that her quality of work and choice of natural supplies is top notch.

We were so excited to hear Jamie say that she is so motivated because she wants her boys to know they can follow their dreams and do the things they love. What a great lesson to learn from your mom!

Jamie decided to tie BBG Knits to The Northern Collective when she saw the passion and support other Canadian artists wanted to share. With crazy shipping and exchange rates it's always good to stay in country when possible!

Of course, being a Canadian collective, we couldn't let Jamie get away without telling us what she loves about the Great White North, and here is what she had to say;

'I am a big fan of Canadian diversity and the sense of community even in a large country. I always feel a sense of Canadian brotherhood anywhere I travel.
I feel so lucky to be Canadian, this country is so amazing and beautiful. There is a lot of scary stuff happening in the world right now and I'm grateful to have the freedoms I do here.'
If you'd like to see the latest BBG Knits is you to, you can follow Jamie here.