Next up on our handmade holiday gift guides, is gifts for him. Anyone out there have some hard to buy for guys in there lives? Maybe you have one of the ones that says "I don't need anything - don't buy me anything this year"... but, how fun is that? If you're like us, giving is what Christmas is all about. We love seeing the excitement of those around us and to make others feel special. With men sometimes being the hardest to surprise, we've rounded up some pretty cool gifts that will definitely impress them and be more special than that item from the hardware store! Here's what we have gathered for this year's handmade holiday gift guide for him.

Where to shop:

1 | Toronto Skyline from Thread & Bark. You can have one custom made of a special location of your choice, or choose from one of their many amazing designs.

2 | Do you know a badass bearded dad? Get him the perfect mug. Pop on over to Courtney's Custom Creations to grab one before they're all gone!

3 | That tie dye t shirt colour combo, or any combo for that matter, is the perfect gift for him. When you shop By Sofia's Dreams, not only do you get a great tie-dye, you'll also support a young nine years old entrepreneur.

4 | If you've got one of those picky, hard to buy for guys... not to worry. You can always grab them a Christmas Cheer card from Letters of the Forest and put a gift card or two in it. These simple cards are perfect, plus you can still support handmade when you aren't sure what he'd love.

5 | Grab some plant based artisan soap from Get Naked Soaps and he'll be helping the planet and smelling delicious all year long. Also perfect for stocking stuffers!

6 | A custom painted saw is a great addition to the man cave. Oh, and while you're picking out a design and ordering your saw, you can also slip in a custom embroidery for yourself. Don't say we didn't warn you - Homebody Handmade has something for everyone.

7 | Let's get eco friendly on you. Did you know that natural jujube cups from Siempre Eco make perfect additions to his camping gear? They are extremely lightweight, easy to carry and promote hassle-free cleaning. Also pretty stylish if you ask us, even the non camper would love one.

8 | Looking for that something comfy with a statement? Rebel King Designs has the perfect hoodie for that guy who isn't afraid to speak up for what's right. #communityovercompetition 

9 | Help him tame that beard with the Victorian Grooming beard bundle, filled will all the essentials for grooming. You definitely can't go wrong with this one.

10 |Do you have a Griswold fan in your life? Stop by Montgomery Creek Designs, and get him this funny "Home of the Jolliest..." Sign that will surely be approved of.

11 | Paper Posh Artist makes the most amazing paper cutouts (like this Adventure Awaits one). You'll be able to make it custom too - making the only tough decision what you'll choose to have made.

12 | Calling all coffee lovers. Street Brew is specialty craft roasted coffee that he'll surely love. And if you're lucky enough, you may be able to score one of their sweet mugs too 

We're loving so many items on this handmade holiday gift guide for him, I'm not sure we'd be able to choose just one. But that's okay, we love supporting handmade and think this is a great start. For more ideas, you can also check out our Canadian Made Gifts for Him post. It's full of more great ideas, in case you still need some. 

Know a Canadian handmade business that has perfect gifts for him? Be sure to let us know in the comments below. 

HC ♡

We're putting together gift guides over the next few days starting with gifts for her. Let us tell you, this is jammed pack with so many amazing handmade items.Whether you're shopping for a friend or family member - you'll ace it, with something fun and unique. Plus, you'll be supporting Canadian all the way. Fellas, if you're reading this... she'll be happy with any - just pick a few ;)

Excuse us for the overwhelming picture - we couldn't not share them all. 

Here's how to shop:

1 | Make it personal with a Family Wreath Sign from Custom Tales by K which is perfect all year round.

2 | Sew Spang has the perfect Heart Embroidered Sweaters. If you know a nurse, these are the perfect gift!

3 | The Learn to Weave Kits from Suspicious Package Handmade are so fun for the creative ones you have on your list. Such a fun way to learn something new.

4 | Have a jewelry lover on your list? We have a few items to choose from, with the Purple Bead Cluster Dangles being first and a very good choice from KF Jewelry Boutique.

5 | Make it personal with a Custom Felt Dog Magnet from Heartfelt Bundles. Just grab a photo of their favourite pup and send it over. 

6 | Luxuria Studios has all the Beeswax Skincare Products, that are organic and chemical free. Giver her a reason to pamper herself.

7 | The Let It Snow Door Mat is all the fuss this season. Get it for her early so she can start displaying it right away. Head over the Designs Barn to shop now.

8 | Long hair, don't care? If she's always sporting the top bun, an Orange Plaid Scrunchie from The Scrunchie Tribe is perfect.

9 | If home decor is her thing, grab her a sign from Montgomery Creek Designs, like this Make Yourself at Home Sign.

10 | Fruit & Flora have small batch clay earrings that are to die for, just like the Polymer Clay Floral Dangles above. Head over to see their whole collection and to check another name of your shopping list.

11 | Keep her warm and in style with a Crocheted Headband from Plain Jane Artistry.

12 | Whether she keeps it simple or not, the 14kt Gold Filled and Sterling Silver Star or Heart Earrings are stunning. Stop by StellaLuna Creations to shop them and other beautiful jewelry.

13 | If she loves to cook, you should check out the pyrographed Today's Menu Chalkboard Sign from Plaid & Peaches. A fun piece of decor for the kitchen too!

14 | Back with another fun scrunchie. Because you know a girl can never have too many. This time shop Prairie Girl Threads to get this cute Cabin Collection Scrunchie that is so Canadian.

15 | If she's all about the keepsakes, Prints from My Instax has the perfect gift. They can turn your photos into Polaroid Photo Prints, reminding her of her childhood too, when polaroids were the big thing.

16 | Beautiful, timely and classic. If this describes her, then a Linen Skirt from Charlotte St. Apparel is perfect. We just love the yellow one in the guide above.

17 | Another set of beautiful earrings are the Sarah Classic Hex Dangles in Holy Mother of Pearl + Sidney Large Forget-me-knots in Moss. How stunning are those. Stop by CLAYD Collective to shop those and more.

18 | Another set of beautiful earrings - seriously, you could shop earrings all day, with so many talented makers. For simple from day to night, the Sea Sediment Jasper and Crystal Earrings from Crave Jewelry are stunning.

19 | Get her something versatile, like the Cork Zipper Pouch from LauLauBird Handmade. It can easily be used as a fun little clutch, a little make up bag or it's even perfect for travelling.

20 | Shop Little Dove Boutique for some beautiful Resin + Brass Hexagon Dangles but that's not all, you need to check out their Rose Gold + Snowy White Studs, as well. So many options - seriously, you could buy earrings for days around here, with each being so unique!

21 | Let's face it, we're in Canada and it's not warming up any time soon. So, grab her something to keep warm, like the Mustard Yellow Pompom Toque from Lady Tricot.

22 | Bracelets are a girls best friend, especially ones that stack. Eleven Hints has so many to choose from, including the Bedazzled Stackable Beaded Bracelets shown above.

23 | Do you want something truly different and sentimental? How about hitting up Arts Speak for a Willow Charcoal Portrait created of something or someone she'd love to have.

24 | A fun stocking stuffer must have - Handmade Magnets. Sugar It Up has so many fun designs to choose from - and she'll surely love them for the home or office.

25 | Looking for a necklace? How about a very casual and versatile Turquoise + Silver Bar Necklace from JMN Handmade.

26 | Last but certainly not least, pamper her with a set of Faux Macaron Aroma Stones from Boutique Rosée Hartley.

Oh what fun it is to shop handmade! There are just so many amazing Canadian makers, we could keep sharing for days. We love that we can keep it small and shop handmade this holiday season - it really means more than you'll ever know. For more fun and unique ideas, be sure to pop by our Instagram - Handmade Canada.

HC ♡

When Ri from PrintFromMyInstax reached out about gifting us some of her amazing polaroids and postcards, of course we said YES! These are so perfect for everything - from everyday keepsakes to gifts, or business cards and marketing material. They are so fun and unique, we knew we had to share.

Who doesn't remember how exciting Polaroids can be? They are small, with that fun vintage look - they seriously bring us right back to our childhood. When we received ours in the mail, the first thing my 6 year old said was "I want the dog one for my room". They are just so much fun for any age and a great way to capture your memories.

 

Then of course there are just taking all of your family photos, your recent trip to the beach or some fun photos from a walk around town. We know you'll smile when this nostalgic item shows up at your door step. Let's not forget the cute packaging that makes the order feel that more special.

And then there are the personal ways you could use the postcard. Birthday card for a loved one, Christmas cards for friends and family. Either way, its a fun way to offer that special memory that they can cherish for years to come. Who doesn't love that? It's a very fun alternative to your regular Christmas cards.

So much fun, with so many ideas. Pop over to their Instagram or stop by and shop their Etsy. Prints from My Instax was so generous to gift us our beautiful polaroids and postcards - we wouldn't have accepted unless we knew it would be something that you would love too. If you purchase, we'd love to know what you chose them for. If you have some other fun ideas, be sure to share them in the comments below. 

HC ♡

Can you believe we're almost halfway through November? With the colder weather and less busy schedules (hello Covid), we have a notebook full of goals for the community. It seems we've been plugging away even more so these past days to get things rolling. And, with that comes another maker feature - something we've been neglecting a little lately. We can't wait for you to meet Charlotte the maker behind Exile Jewelry. She has the complete story behind taking those first steps and getting the support to keep at it. And definitely a fun side you'll love to learn about. Take a peek:

The business side of the interview...

Tell us more about your company - what's your business' story or something unique that we'd love to hear?

I started metalsmithing almost three & a half years ago after my obsession with sea glass started to take over my dining room. My boyfriend decided I needed to find a way to get rid of it, knowing I would never stop collecting.

 

How did you get started selling? What made you finally take the leap?

 

I started selling almost a year after I started smithing because one of my very good friends encouraged me. She had started small artistic sea glass business, and wanted a partner in crime for the craft shows, and also saw the potential in my work. After a few coworkers & siblings asked for custom work, I decided it was time. It was a very small church Christmas craft show in Halifax and I sold three items. I was SO EXCITED my work was good enough that strangers wanted to buy it!

 

 

 

Give us your best advice for others that want to start making and selling. Which did you wish you knew when you had started?

 

Research and networking are both super important. I found a great community of smiths on Facebook - I swear there is a group for just about everything! Even being a passive observer in this environment has taught me a lot of things I would have never considered on my own & made me more confident in creating. Industry entities (like @metalsmithsociety on Instagram!) that bring the community together exist, and the more you immerse & invest yourself in the community, the more you’ll find.

 
Are you a messy creative or an organized creative? What does your workspace really look like? Can you give us some of your storage tips?

  

My workspace actually looks like chaos. I’m very messy and I like to work on about 20 projects at once, so I never get bored with one thing. Because I’m part time, I can pick and choose what I feel like working on with benefits my creativity. The vast majority of my customers are super understanding. I have a lot of tools like pliers, hammers, setting tools and gravers and use a variety of pop-up racks for the lighter items (kitchen isle of the dollar store). I’ve also found that modifying my work bench by drilling holes in it for commonly used tools has been really helpful in deterring me from misplacing things. 

 

 

 

Now the fun personal side...

Would you rather spend your vacation at the beach or sight-seeing?

 

I am not known to ever pass up a beach day! Any opportunity to find sea glass!

 

What’s your favorite part about home? Are you a homebody?

I am a total homebody! I love my outdoor garden, but my favourite place is my home studio.

Salty or sweet? What is your favorite of the one you chose?

I have a wicked sweet tooth & I’m a prolific baker. Bad combo! 🤣

Something unique about yourself that nobody really knows? (IE, one thumb is longer than the other, skipped a grade in school, etc)

Before the age of two I had several seizures including a grand mal seizure for which I needed an ambulance.

Three favorite Instagram accounts you think we should all follow, and their main focus.

@stringtheoriesca is the sweetest human and makes gorgeous macrame wall art & plant hangers. Her work often uses driftwood for the perfect beachy feel!

@metalsmithsociety for anyone interested in metal work and what goes into it!

@slightlyirreg for beautiful, handmade Nova Scotia Earthenware ceramic work.

 

 

 

Ahhh... Thank you so much Charlotte for telling us more about your handmade business. We loved hearing the honesty about building courage and knowledge to achieve your dreams. And of course, it's always nice to know that a passion can be very messy and sporatic - we can certainly agree! Your jewelry is absolutely beautiful and so unique, we hope all of your dreams come true with your business. Once again, if you want to see more stunning jewelry or get in touch with Charlotte, here's where you can reach her:

Instagram: @exilejewelry

Shop: Etsy + Website

HC ♡

 

 

 

 

This is Halloween, this is Halloween... Halloween, Halloween, Halloween. Anyone else have that song on replay in their heads these days? The fun and spooky holiday is fast approaching, with ideas that it may look a lot different for some this year, as trick or treating has been put on the Covid "NO" list. Either way, we've heard many fun ideas floating around social media on how to make the day just as fun and special, with or without the regular door to door treating. Which has us wondering,what does Halloween look like for you this year? Are you planning something different? We'd love to know in the comments below. 

But wait! Before you jump to the comments, we've rounded up some of the handmade Halloween items popping up around Instagram. It was a little tougher finding some makers who make for the occasion, but the ones we did find, definitely met the requirements, and more! Here's this round up of Canadian Handmade items for Halloween:

 Spooky Boo! Drinkware from designs by d.

designs by d.

Cartoon Hocus Pocus Mask from 3 Sister Scrunchies

3 Sister Scrunchies

Candy Corn Beanie form Alma Retro Crochet

Alma Retro Crochet

DIY Necklace Kit from Cords Designs

Cords Designs

Halloween Ghost Explorer Kit from Creating Explorations

Creating Explorations

Skull Hand Tank Top from Culture Graphics

Culture Graphics

Glass Skull Body Oils from Luxuria Studios

Luxuria Studios

Hypoallergenic Skull Earrings from Pretty Ears

Pretty Ears

Hocus Pocus Themed Cake from The Bizy Baker

The Bizy Baker

So many fun and spooky items to get you into the Halloween spirit and keep it alive this year, despite the many guidelines. We're just loving all of them. As always, pop by our Instagram @HandmadeCanada for other amazing makers and even more fun - a place to support the handmade companies big and small from across Canada.

HC ♡

Happy Fall y'all! A few weeks ago we went searching for some really fun Fall items to share with all of you. And, like always, we were far from disappointed. We were shown some really fun Fall Canadian made items. Items that we are of course going to share with you. If you didn't already love handmade, this list will surely change your mind and have you falling in love with handmade right away.

Looking to do some fun Fall shopping before it's all over... and of course, to support a local handmade Canadian business? We've got you covered with over 15 makers to choose from - let's get started: 

Fall Inspired Teether from Teether Totter

Teether Totter

Fall Rose Studs from delo & co

delo & co

Small Fall Inspired Bows from Cali + Bow

Cali + Bow

Fall Sweater from Fawn + Feather

Fawn + Feather

Antler Earrings by N I T O K R E A T I O N Z

N I T O K R E A T I O N Z

Cute Fall Cardigan + Outfit from AnnaLilly Clothing

AnnaLilly Clothing

Pumpkin Spice Face Mask by Candyface Designs

Candyface Designs

Plush Baby Pink Pumpkin from For the Love of Crochet

For the Love of Crochet

Fall Candle Collection from Honey & Lime Candle Co.

Honey & Lime Candle Co.

Fall Knit Pom Toque from Husky Bear Knit Co.

Husky Bear Knit Co.

Crocheted Headband for Fall from LadyTricot

Ladytricot

Home Is Where My Herd Is from Poppy & Mae Co.

Poppy & Mae Co.

Fall Inspired Bows from Willow and Whimsy

Willow and Whimsy

Hey Boo! Collab featuring Wise Threadz

Wise Threadz

Wool Pumpkins Made By Wool Food EMH

Wool Food EMH

Elegant Mirror Signage from Written in Blush

Written in Blush

Trick or Treat Earrings from Wiktoria Rey

Wiktoria Rey

Autumn Inspired Bow from Sunflower Cove Boutique

Sunflower Cove Boutique

Fall Vibe Hair Elastics from Tenlittletoes

Tenlittletoes

Fall shopping has never been so easy with so many fun handmade companies to choose from. We're just loving all of them. But, they are only a small piece of many that are over on our Instagram @HandmadeCanada. Be sure to pop over and support the handmade companies big and small from across Canada. 

HC ♡