THIRD + BIRD Christmas Market

We had the pleasure of not only attending, but setting up a display and spending the day as “vendors” at the annual THIRD + BIRD Christmas Market this past weekend. We did some shopping, snacking, mingled, took some photos, and promoted Makers Move Manitoba and the online auction for Syrian refugees that we are hosting that starts December 1st. We had such an amazing time meeting with shoppers and the artisans that were selling at the event, and are looking forward to heading back this coming Saturday as well!

THIRD + BIRD offers workshops, gatherings, and markets that are more than just an event, they are an experience with every detail thought out in a way that supports local makers, artisans, farmers, and other local businesses.

Charla Smeall, and Chandra Kremski are the lovely women behind these carefully curated events that provide fun + inspiring gathering places for artisans and shoppers.

Charla Smeall

Charla is a stay at home mom of four boys, which is her most important and first love. THIRD + BIRD is an outlet for her other skills (ones that don’t involve smelliness and driving a van around all day). It keeps her creative and connected in a different environment where she can help others, meet new people, and grow friendships. Though she is NOT crafty, Charla likes the process of imagining an idea and making it happen – of taking nothing and making it into a BIG something. She is passionate about the “boring logistics” of planning a big event, and loves the details that make the little things beautiful, too.

Chandra Kremski

Chandra is a professional contemporary artist who credits her success to her mother who recognized her artistic abilities and encouraged her to be creative from a young age. In turn, she is inspiring her daughters in their creativity and creating art alongside them. Chandra loves to bring the spot light to other local talents and pays this forward through her passion about THIRD + BIRD. She can be seen in the ‘front lines’ seeking out oppertunities as she builds relationships with and empowers local artisans, shoppers, sponsors, and others who collaborate on projects. You can find Chandra’s artwork at www.chandrakremski.com


If you were not able to attend this past Friday or Saturday, you need not worry because they have added a SECOND weekend with a new line up of 50 talented artisans. You do not want to miss this!

FIRST MARKET: Friday Nov 27th 6pm – 9pm and Saturday Nov 28th 10am – 4pm

SECOND MARKET: Saturday Dec 5th 10am – 4pm

Both dates will be held at 782 Main St @ the Winnipeg Centre Vineyard Church

Venue is wheelchair accessible.

Admission $3

Kids 12 & under free

FREE parking

Make sure to follow THIRD + BIRD on Facebook and Instagram to be kept up-to-date on all the latest news and events!

What is the Key to Selling your Products?

At Makers Move - Manitoba, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to meet and share the stories of our province's talented makers, growers and artisans. These talented members of our community share with us not only how they got started and the many successes they have had along the way, but also the major challenges they face in their businesses.

In a recent survey we created that was completed by over 100 Manitoba Makers, we learned that one of the greatest challenges most of us are having is learning how to sell and market our products. In some cases, the constant self promotion and marketing of our wares begins to take on a life of its own;  life that ultimately takes us away from our true passion for creating that next amazing piece.

After spending some time looking at the sales dilemma above,  we started to research what is the single biggest factor in consistently selling and promoting products like ours online (as I think we all agree that in order to be successful today, we must have an online presence) .

An article from Internet Retailer.com, a website dedicated to e-commerce, discussed a survey of 1,033 online consumers regarding what compels them to buy when they are looking at someones product page.  The numbers below represent the percentages of participants who took part in the survey who sited the following factors as being crucial in whether they buy a product when looking at someone's product page:

Quality of the Product Images - 75%

Ability to see the selected product in the colour of choice - 68%

Alternative views of selected item - 66%

Ability to see a larger picture of the item (zoom) - 61%

We know that all of the "behind the scenes" work takes TIME (another factor that participants in our Makers Move survey told us was a major issue in growing their business), so Makers Move - Manitoba has decided to start offering PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY!

Product photography sessions will be offered the 2nd Sunday of every month and to make it simple and easy to find the dates and to register, we have added our product photography calendar to the home page of our website.  If you click on it, you will be able to read about the details and purchase tickets which will ensure your products have a spot.

Participants who have purchased tickets and would like to have their products photographed must print off our photography contract and have it signed and dropped off at the same time that their products are dropped off or we will not take the photos.

Products need to be dropped off to 11 Shauna way on or before the Saturday before the photoshoot.  Items will not be accepted the day of the photoshoot.

If you have a specific prop that you would like in your photos, please drop it off at the time that you drop off your photoshoot.

Products may be picked up the Monday after the photoshoot, or at some point during the week following.

We also offer headshots and lifestyle photo's of makers engaged in their work to be used in the makers marketing, website, blogs, etc starting at $20 each. If this is something you are interested in, please send us an e-mail at makersmovemanitoba@gmail.com to book.

We can come to you or you can come to us!

Powered by Eventbrite

Syrian Refugee Fundraiser

YOU can help!

Please JOIN, SHOP, and SHARE this event!

ONLINE AUCTION - join here

Makers Move was created to be a platform for Manitobans to support each other; however we feel very strongly about helping all of humanity.

Our hearts break for the refugees from Seria. Like us, you may have been asking yourself what you can do to help. Makers Move Manitoba is in the process or organizing a way that you can help by rasing funds that we will donate 100% of the funds to a local charity that will go towards the refugees of Syria who are entering Manitoba.

We are in the process of deciding where the money should go so if you have any suggestions, please let us know!

We need donations!

At this point, we are looking for people who are willing to donate anything that they make that other Manitoban's might be interested in purchasing. You will not have to get the items to Makers Move - Manitoba, you will just have to send a photo and description of the item to us and we will post the item on our online auction starting December 1st, and once it the auction is over, you will be responsible for making arrangements with the winner of your item regarding pickup or shipping. If shipping is required, the cost will be the responsibility of the person who wins the item in the auction and not the person who donated the item.

ANYYTHING of any value that is handmade or locally produced is welcome in this auction. Some examples include:

- gift certificates to your online shop or etsy store
- baking
- cooking
- locally farmed poultry / meat
- canned / pickled goods
- body care products
- cards
- baby items
- kids items
- knit / crochet items
- handmade jewellery
- fine art
- pottery
- upcycled items
- refinished furniture
- handmade clothing
- handmade accessories

If you have something that you would put up for auction, please e-mail makersmovemanitoba@gmail.com and include the word SYRIA in the subject line and include:

- a photo
- a description of the item
- the value
- the starting bid
- what town in Manitoba the item is in or what area of Winnipeg
- we would like to post who donated each item so please provide your name that appears on Facebook or your business name on facebook so we can add a link regarding who made the donation

PLEASE share and invite your friends to the event!

Showcase Saturday- GORP Clean Energy Bars

This week for our Showcase Saturday,

we are featuring GORP clean energy bars!

Get your GORP on!

GORP clean energy bars were created by the Manitoban couple, Colleen and Grant, who are advocates of eating as much whole food as possible. Colleen and Grant created GORP because they wanted to create HEALTHY AND CONVENIENT energy foods that could be available on the supermarket shelves that customers could grab and go.

These bars were developed by back in 2005 as a way to take in clean calories as Colleen trained for her triathlons. Her team mates loved them and demanded that she make enough for everyone and eventually Colleen began to consider making these bars into a business, making them at their 14,000 acre farm in Niverville, Manitoba, 

GORP bars contain no fake sugars, preservatives, fillers, or colouring, no high fructose corn syrup orscary-sounding ingredients you can barely pronounce.When creating GORP bars, Colleen and Grant did their research and filled the bars with power-packed nuts and seeds, oats for heart health and long-lasting energy, superstars like flax and hemp for all their Omega-3 goodness, and lots of fiber for weight control and intestinal health.

I love these bars, not only because they are made in Manitoba, but they are so healthy, full of nutritious REAL food and they are so convenient for on the go fast and easy snacking.  I keep a couple in my purse and glove compartment at all times because as a busy mom and business owner, I don't always have the time to eat balanced meals or pack nutritious snacks for myself when I am out and about but if I have GORP bars on me then I am not tempted to stop and pick up fast food or a chocolate bar at the gas station! My personal favorite flavor is the coco, hemp, and almond because I am a chocolate lover, but they also come in 2 other flavors as well: peanut butter & apple, as well as peanut butter & raspberry.

The three flavours of Gorp sell for $3-$4 in grocery stores, convenience stores, spas, health food stores and alternative health clinics in Manitoba and through their website at www.gorpworld.com

Find them on Facebook and Instagram as well!


We are doing a give-away for an entire case of GORP clean energy bars on our Makers Move Manitoba Facebook page - check it out to enter to win and try GORP for yourself!

What is Makers Move Manitoba?

Makers Move is a platform your hub for all things handmade and home grown here in Manitoba!

Makers Move Manitoba was created by 2 proud Manitobans, Mandy Johnston and Brandy Sylvestre. We wanted to create a platform to showcase the MANY incredibly talented makers and shakers, located right here in our amazing province!

We strive to create a community for our Manitoba makers and anyone else who knows the value and importance of shopping local and supporting small business while fostering connections between businesses and consumers. In doing so, we hope to inspire Manitobans to think about where they want to spend their money, and who they want to support. We are passionate about supporting local!

"Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of word you want."
- Anna Lappe

In order to ensure that we do our best to spread the word of this fabulous community, we have developed a presence on both Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter; Please be sure to check them out and like and share them to help us continue to grow the community.

Fellow Creative Souls and Founders of Makers Move Manitoba


Want to be featured by Makers Move Manitoba?

We love nothing more then spreading the word about awesome local businesses! If you are a SELLER of some sort, whether it be a maker, a baker, a crafter, a painter, a farmer, an upcycler, a vintage curator, an antique dealer, etc etc etc.....we would love to hear about what you do, and we will tell you what we can do for you!

E-mail us at makersmovemanitoba@gmail.com and include the word BLOG in your subject line!


Photography by Kelly Allison Photography, photo's taken at Blacknot farm,logo by Pareair Custom Designs, word blocks by Jbirds & Sonshine, frame and chalkboard by Chalk It To Me, Brandy's boots by Northern Heart Designs, Mandy's scarf by Ashley Erika Designs, Mandy's earrings by Universal Abundance, Brandy's scarf by XOXO Knits, Brandy's earrings by Souvenir Handmade

Watch and SHARE our Promo Video:

Meet the Maker-JBirds & Sonshine

This week we meet Jbirds & Sonshine's maker Jaelynne Wormenor. Jaelynne is a school teacher and a lover of words. She is a loving Wife and Mother whom loves to create. She combined her love of scrapbooking & words to create beautiful block art. Using customer's names or meaningful words she turns them into home décor to brighten a room or encourage the soul. With wood and paper and all kinds of embellishments she creates personalized unique art.
 

What are the most popular sets to make?

I have a lot of fun making all kinds of block sets. Creating a set for a new baby born is super fun. But I’ve also been enjoying making sets with last names either for as a wedding gift for a customer or an anniversary celebration. I love looking back at all the different sets I’ve made. I love all the colours and how they can brighten a room! 

Where in Manitoba are you from and where do you reside today?

I was born and spent my first 3 years of life in Winnipeg and then my family moved East of the city to Oakbank, which is where I grew up and went to school. Since getting married I have come back to my ‘city’ roots. I love visiting the country but I’m also a city girl at heart. I love the diversity, all the social interaction.

We asked Jaelynne what is her favorite thing about living in Manitoba.

One of my fave things about Manitoba?? Hmmm... besides the friendly people, the coke slurpees...? I love the variety of the seasons. Although I am a sunshine girl who loves the beach and vitamin D...I think the variety of the seasons makes me appreciate the sun that much more!! I Just wish the winter was 4 months shorter!!

If you think you would enjoy Art from Jbirds and Sonshine or know someone who would, please email Jaelynne at jaelynne@hotmail.com or 204-261-1491
Check out and 'LIKE' Jbirds and Sonshine on Facebook

What is Makers Move Manitoba?

Makers Move is a platform your hub for all things handmade and home grown here in Manitoba!

Makers Move Manitoba was created by 2 proud Manitobans, Mandy Johnston and Brandy Sylvestre. We wanted to create a platform to showcase the MANY incredibly talented makers and shakers, located right here in our amazing province!

We strive to create a community for our Manitoba makers and anyone else who knows the value and importance of shopping local and supporting small business while fostering connections between businesses and consumers. In doing so, we hope to inspire Manitobans to think about where they want to spend their money, and who they want to support. We are passionate about supporting local!

"Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of word you want."
- Anna Lappe

In order to ensure that we do our best to spread the word of this fabulous community, we have developed a presence on both Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter; Please be sure to check them out and like and share them to help us continue to grow the community.

Fellow Creative Souls and Founders of Makers Move Manitoba


Want to be featured by Makers Move Manitoba?

We love nothing more then spreading the word about awesome local businesses! If you are a SELLER of some sort, whether it be a maker, a baker, a crafter, a painter, a farmer, an upcycler, a vintage curator, an antique dealer, etc etc etc.....we would love to hear about what you do, and we will tell you what we can do for you!

E-mail us at makersmovemanitoba@gmail.com and include the word BLOG in your subject line!


Photography by Kelly Allison Photography, photo's taken at Blacknot farm,logo by Pareair Custom Designs, word blocks by Jbirds & Sonshine, frame and chalkboard by Chalk It To Me, Brandy's boots by Northern Heart Designs, Mandy's scarf by Ashley Erika Designs, Mandy's earrings by Universal Abundance, Brandy's scarf by XOXO Knits, Brandy's earrings by Souvenir Handmade

Watch and SHARE our Promo Video:

Showcase Saturday-head-wraps by Over the Rainbow Dyeing

One of a kind hand-dyed creations 

This week's SHOWCASE SATURDAY features hand dyed HEAD-WRAPS created by Over the Rainbow Dyeing. 

Over the Rainbow Dyeing specializes in hand-dyeing fabric items including clothing, accessories, babycarriers, and household items, as well as fabric for other hand-makers to use in their projects!

Over the Rainbow head-wraps are an extra extra wide headband that can be worn a variety of ways: scrunched up or folded, or wide to cover your hair, to pull hair back with your hair in a ponytail, or over your head with your hair down.

What I love most about these head-wraps is that they actually stay on!  I have tried so many different brands and types of headbands over the years and they all seem to either slip off, or if they do stay on they are tight that they end up giving me a head ache.  

I can honestly say that these head-wraps are so are comfortable, soft and snug!

Over the past few weeks I have been wearing my new head-wrap a lot. I love it for days that I don't have time to do my hair in the morning; I just put it on my head and off I go!  I also love it for yoga too.  

These head-wraps used to be made of cotton but Over the Rainbow recently switched to organic bamboo.  Bamboo is naturally antimicrobial, wicks away moisture, and dries fast which makes it the perfect fabric for work-outs!

These head-wraps are dyed with professional grade low impact dyes that the owner of Over the Rainbow says are "safe for you, safe for me, and safe for the environment"! 

These head-wraps are very stretchy and can accommodate many head sizes.  They come in 2 sizes, a child / adult size that is designed to be "one sized fits most" (children 4 years old and up, teens, and adults), as well as a smaller size for those who require head-wraps for a toddler or baby, which are both smaller in circumference and narrower.

The regular size sells for $12 each and the itty bitty size sells for $10 each.

Aside from their head-wraps, they also make and sells twisted headbands called head-cocoons, infinity scarfs, bracelets, play-silks, and hand-kites.

Each and everything created by Over the Rainbow is hand-dyed, and therefore one-of-a-kind and completely special.  No two items will ever be exactly alike. 

"Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true."

~ E.Y. Harburg

The products created by Over the Rainbow can be purchased directly from their online shop on ETSY or customers can contact OTR about placing a a custom dye job order where they choose their own colours and technique.

These hand-dyed pieces are fun and different. Whether purchased a piece that is vibrant or neutral, bright or monochromatic, funky, or tranquil, Over the Rainbow dyed items are always unique.

To shop in person in Manitoba for specific items, please visit one of the fabulous stores that carry Over the Rainbow dyed items.

Generation Green

• playsilks
• hand-kites
• infinity scarfs
• head wraps

1 Forks Market Rd #155
Winnipeg, Manitoba
http://generationgreenwpg.com/

The Scrap Came Back

• playsilks
• hand-kites
• market bags
• infinity scarfs
• head wraps

153 St Anne's Rd
Winnipeg, Manitoba
http://thescrapcameback.com/

Little Green Stone

• playsilks
• hand-kites

Killarney, Manitoba
http://www.littlegreenstone.com

What is Makers Move Manitoba?

Makers Move Manitoba was created by 2 proud Manitobans, Mandy Johnston and Brandy Sylvestre.

We wanted to create a platform to showcase the MANY incredibly talented makers and shakers, located right here in our amazing Province while fostering a community of like-minded people who know the value and importance in shopping local and supporting small business.

We are passionate about connecting local artisans, hand-makers, crafters, and farmers with each other as well as a new stream of local customers and admirers.
In order to ensure that we do our best to spread the word of this fabulous community, we have developed a presence on both Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter; Please be sure to check them out and like and share them to help us continue to grow the community.

Fellow Creative Souls and Founders of Makers Move Manitoba

 
Want to be featured by Makers Move Manitoba?

We love nothing more then spreading the word about awesome local businesses!  If you are a SELLER of some sort, whether it be a maker, a baker, a crafter, a painter, a farmer, an upcycler, a vintage curator, an antique dealer, etc etc etc.....we would love to hear about what you do, and we will tell you what we can do for you!

E-mail us at makersmovemanitoba@gmail.com and include the word BLOG in your subject line!

Photography by Kelly Allison Photography, photo's taken at Blacknot farm,logo by  Pareair Custom Designs, word blocks by Jbirds & Sonshine, frame and chalkboard by Chalk It To Me, Brandy's boots by Northern Heart Designs, Mandy's scarf by Ashley Erika Designs, Mandy's earrings by Universal Abundance, Brandy's scarf by XOXO Knits, Brandy's earrings by Souvenir Handmade 

Watch and SHARE our promo video!

SELLERS SURVEY

Help Makers Move Manitoba help YOU! 

If you are a local SELLER, please take a moment to complete our SELLERS SURVEY below!  

CLICK HERE to complete our SELLERS SURVEY

What is Makers Move Manitoba?

Makers Move Manitoba was created by 2 proud Manitobans, Mandy Johnston and Brandy Sylvestre. 

We wanted to create a platform to showcase the MANY incredibly talented makers and shakers, located right here in our amazing Province while fostering a community of like-minded people who know the value and importance in shopping local and supporting small business.

We are passionate about connecting local artisans, hand-makers, crafters, and farmers with each other as well as a new stream of local customers and admirers.

In order to ensure that we do our best to spread the word of this fabulous community, we have developed a presence on both Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter; Please be sure to check them out and like and share them to help us continue to grow the community.

Fellow Creative Souls and Founders of Makers Move Manitoba

 




Want to be featured by Makers Move Manitoba?

We love nothing more then spreading the word about awesome local businesses!  If you are a SELLER of some sort, whether it be a maker, a baker, a crafter, a painter, a farmer, an upcycler, a vintage curator, an antique dealer, etc etc etc.....we would love to hear about what you do, and we will tell you what we can do for you!

E-mail us at makersmovemanitoba@gmail.com and include the word BLOG in your subject line!

Photography by Kelly Allison Photography, photo's taken at Blacknot farm,logo by  Pareair Custom Designs, word blocks by Jbirds & Sonshine, frame and chalkboard by Chalk It To Me, Brandy's boots by Northern Heart Designs, Mandy's scarf by Ashley Erika Designs, Mandy's earrings by Universal Abundance, Brandy's scarf by XOXO Knits, Brandy's earrings by Souvenir Handmade 

Watch and SHARE our promo video!

Video by Jeremy Morantz

   

Meet the Maker- Blacknot Farm

  

Custom Screen door by Cindy

Cindy Johnson

Cindy Johnson owner of Blacknot Farm creates home decor, pottery, jewelry and beautiful one of a kind Art. Cindy has a gift of giving old furniture new life. As if that wasn't enough Blacknot Farm also has Vintage and Rustic Wedding Rentals. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Blacknot farm you will be in awe just as we were. Cindys ability to make everything around her beautiful is truly a gift. We at Makers Move Manitoba were lucky enough to shoot our Blog Launch at Blacknot and spend some time with Cindy. 

Kelly Allison Photography

 What is Blacknot Farm the Business?  I create home decor, pottery, jewelry and art. I dable in sewing and can use power tools to create and restore furniture. I also do some freelance graphic design.

Blacknot Farm was established as an outlet for my creative drive. I’m always learning a new skill or trying a new creative technique and bringing something new and meaningful into the world through hard effort. 

Why did you decide to start doing what you do?
I have always done what I do! Over the years my family and friends came to prefer my handmade gifts over purchased ones and started asking me to make them specific things. With their encouragement I started Blacknot Farm that would allow me to offer these things to others. I love creating and making things beautiful especially out of clay, wood and or fabric and natural things. When I see something I know I can make I feel a need to do so. At times images pop into my head and I can’t rest until I create what my minds eye sees. I love how my developed skills are transferable from one type of art to another.

Blacknot Farm Art

Blacknot Farm was the location
for Makers Move Manitoba
Photo Shoot for our Launch

Tell us about yourself? 

Even though I have an Education degree with a major in History and minor in Drama, I have been a Graphic Design teacher for almost 20 years because I got my first graphic design job at the age of fifteen and came into teaching with years of experience in the field. My history degree probably explains my love of antique and vintage things and my drama education has helped me create some great set designs for my school over the years. I do love teaching my students the language of design by showing them how the design basics work together to communicate a message. 

They always seem so surprised that the media has been talking to them with colour, line, typestyles and textures their whole lives. I enjoy opening their eyes to the possibilities. I was lucky enough a few years back to buy a rural property with mature trees and an old farm house. The yard is a beautiful and inspiring 14 acre park that needed tlc but is now flourishing. I learned a lot of construction techniques renovating my home myself and those skills are now useful creating more pretty things. I don’t have any solid plans for what I will do with all the land as there are so many possibilities.

Blacknot Wind Chime
Kelly Allison Photography

What is your favorite product to make?
I just love making, especially those things that I feel must be made. I can loose myself creating something new and beautiful. It’s peaceful and fulfilling.

Where part of Manitoba did you grow up in and what is your favorite thing about living in Manitoba?
I grew up in Garson Manitoba. It was and still is a beautiful little town just East of Winnipeg.
The extremes are my favorite part of living in Manitoba. It's all about balance. You can not appreciate the gorgeous green hot summers without experiencing the bitterly cold blue and white beautiful winters. I live in one of the most amazing places in the world.

What is Makers Move Manitoba?

Makers Move Manitoba was created by 2 proud Manitobans, Mandy Johnston and Brandy Sylvestre. We wanted to create a platform to showcase the MANY incredibly talented makers and shakers, located right here in our amazing Province while fostering a community of like-minded people who know the value and importance in shopping local and supporting small business.
     We are passionate about connecting local artisans, hand-makers, crafters, and farmers with each other as well as a new stream of local customers and admirers.

  In order to ensure that we do our best to spread the word of this fabulous community, we have developed a presence on both Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter; Please be sure to check them out and like and share them to help us continue to grow the community.

Fellow Creative Souls and Founders of Makers Move Manitoba


Want to be featured by Makers Move Manitoba?

We love nothing more then spreading the word about awesome local businesses! If you are a SELLER of some sort, whether it be a maker, a baker, a crafter, a painter, a farmer, an upcycler, a vintage curator, an antique dealer, etc etc etc.....we would love to hear about what you do, and we will tell you what we can do for you!

E-mail us at makersmovemanitoba@gmail.com and include the word BLOG in your subject line!


Photography by Kelly Allison Photography, photo's taken at Blacknot farm,logo by Pareair Custom Designs, word blocks by Jbirds & Sonshine, frame and chalkboard by Chalk It To Me, Brandy's boots by Northern Heart Designs, Mandy's scarf by Ashley Erika Designs, Mandy's earrings by Universal Abundance, Brandy's scarf by XOXO Knits, Brandy's earrings by Souvenir Handmade

Watch and SHARE our Promo video!