Who are you, and what do you make?
My name is Yuliya, and I'm a 15-year-old student at the Seven Oaks Met School. I'm passionate about art, design, photography, and entrepreneurship. I design and sell bookmarks, notepads, and notebooks through my brand, yuliiyadesigns.
What’s the inspiration behind your designs?
I get inspiration from everything I see: nature, social media platforms, and other really talented artists. Drawing in other places around the community and outside really inspires me as well. I love to experiment with my design styles, but I would say my designs are mostly cartoonish, animated, cute, and soft.
What’s your favourite thing you’ve made so far?
My favourite things would probably have to be the notepads. They can be used for so many things. The bookmarks are nice too because they're good for many different types of audiences.
What’s the hardest part about making your products?
The hardest part would probably have to be the different audiences. You want to try to reach as many people as you possibly can with your products. But it's hard to please everyone.
What does it mean to you to be a part of Made Here?
It’s a really good opportunity for me and my future business to get myself out there. It's just a really cool experience. I get to know a lot of people, see new makers, and get inspired. I can learn a lot from them.
What sparked your decision to become a maker?
My passion for entrepreneurship started when I was in eighth grade. I made these customizable bookmarks for a market we had at our school and it made me so excited for the whole entrepreneurship/design thing. I love making, making people happy, and selling products, so being part of the maker store is really cool.
How do your products connect with your customers and your community?
They’re all Manitoba-related things, so people who come from other places in Canada or other countries can buy them as a little souvenir for themselves or their kids.
What’s the most common question you get about your products, and how do you answer it?
People ask who my designs are for. They’re for everyone! All ages.
What do you love most about what you make?
The whole learning experience. Making connections and getting to see people happy. I love the design part because I love designing and getting to see an idea become a product. It’s really cool.
What are your hopes and plans for the future of your business?
The next step would be branching out and trying to make new products. I want to experiment with different art styles. I always want to make art that I’m passionate about and sell products that are exciting to make. I’ll continue making and designing my weekly planners. I want to help people with their time management skills and give them a fun and interactive experience using the planners.
The ultimate goal for my business is to make people happy.
Fun Fact: Yuliya designs and prints her products at Print Shop by Vantage, where she also worked as an intern earlier this year!
Check out Yulia’s collection here!
]]>Stephanie, String and Bone Studio
I use my drawings of plants, animals and insects to create a unique series of textiles. I then embellish those with embroidery and make pillows as well as stand alone embroidery hoops and canvases.
I'm pretty sure my sister came up with it. I'd been working on an embroidery project all day, and she was trying to get me to come and help her make food. I was trying to finish up, and she got exasperated and said if I didn't get moving all that would be left of me was string and bone. It made me laugh, and worked with a lot of my skeleton and botanical embroidery, so eventually it became my shop!
No one thing. I have always been creative and I have always made things. I was a drawing major at the U of M, and I love textiles and fibre art. I think combining my drawings with fabric and embroidery was inevitable. Taking the final step and opening my shop just felt natural. I really wanted to be my own boss and spend my time creating beautiful things. So far so good.
Again it is hard to choose! I love drawing. I love unpacking new fabrics. I love sitting on the couch with an embroidery hoop and bingeing my favourite shows while surrounded by piles of thread, scissors and my two dogs.
And the freedom to choose what I make, when I make it, and even where I make it. Not having anyone to answer to is great.
If I had to choose I'd say it is either one of my bee hoops or the fox in chunky glasses pillow. The bees because they are one of my favourite things to draw or stitch, and the pillow because it is just awesome and super comfy.
Time. Embroidery takes a lot of time. It doesn't matter how much you try and streamline the process, or how efficient you are at multi-tasking. The actual stitching takes forever, even after you've been doing it for ages. A lot of people may not realize the amount of time invested in each piece, but if the shop is empty, don't worry – I am busy stitching more!
In Winnipeg it is definitely the markets and local shops. The number of people who go out of their way to come out and support local makers is amazing!
Being told by a customer that "I had to find your booth first" at one of the holiday markets this year. That made my day.
Q: Are those your drawings on the fabric?
A: Yes, they are all my original drawings.
Q: How do you get them on the fabric?
A: The pencil and ink images are scanned and digitally printed on canvas or linen, and then I add the embroidery details by hand.
Q: Do you do custom pieces?
A: Sometimes. It depends on the time of year and my workload. You can message me through my Etsy shop.
Just keep making things. Passion shows. If you love what you make it will find an audience.
Visit String and Bone Studio's shop, Facebook page, and Instagram feed.
]]>Weldon, Treevival
All of our products are made right here in Winnipeg using locally available material.
Many people are sad when a tree is dead or diseased and needs to be cut down. I am too, but I also see the potential in what others overlook or discard. I turn the wood that I rescue into useful and beautiful things.
Winnipeg.
People love that the materials we use are not simply disposed of.
I love working with my hands and creating things. I started doing this 40 years ago.
I love watching how excited people get about the things I make and how much they enjoy using them.
A lot of people don’t understand why handmade goods cost more money.
It depends on the market but often people ask how I make something because they are DIYers and want to make it themselves.
Defining my product line and setting prices.
Be patient. It takes a long time to get established and for people to know who you are.
I am proud to included in this talented group of makers.
]]>Gail, Beautiful Mess Studios
“Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it” ~ Confucius
There is beauty in everything, even in all the ugliness that life might bring. My artwork is a result of my own healing journey, focusing on elements that instill joy or remind me of it. This is achieved by use of color, texture, and material manipulated to bring forward lost experiences and memories. Reminiscent of my days as a curious child, scientific study, and pastimes meandering through the woods, my work draws from these moments and brings them into the physical world.
My life! It's chaotic. I've lived a life of so very many downs that not many can say, but also very many ups. It took me time to realize that all of it was part of life and what ultimately made things beautiful. It's that thinking that helps me keep going and to heal.
Winnipeg
Memories made from things I've seen and places I've been and the observation of those things from a different perspective.
I've always been artistic, but it was a sideline in my life. It was therapeutic at times.
At one point, it was fruited out of necessity, when I "retired" from working 9 years as a scientist. I could no longer work the hours the industry asked of me. I was fortunate to be able to choose family first (many times), and with my husband's support (he's a nurse), I left my job. I then began to supplement the family income as an Educational Assistant (again), went back to university (again), and took a chance (with the encouragement of an artist friend) to sell my art and become a professional artist.
Creating the physical products of my imagination! Also when others enjoy my work. It never fails to surprise me when I receive a nice comment, a message, or an email, especially those from previous clients. Some emails have been so heart felt, expressing gratitude for the care I've put into a commissioned piece, or how a loved one cried as memories poured through them when they opened their gift. Those are priceless to me!
Scheduling my time to do the work in between life. The kids keep me busy. My work is often done in snippets of my day. I also work when everyone is in bed, often into the morning. Also gauging the worth of a piece of work against the time and effort I put in.
I love sparking conversations with people about the environment, places to visit in Manitoba, and art. I've met so many lovely people and everyone is so friendly. I don't do many markets, but when I do, I approach it more like a meet and greet and welcome everyone to have a look at my pop up gallery. Seeing my work in person is very different from seeing pictures. I don't have much on hand with me when I go as the type of work I do isn't something you can just buy on the spot, but I do love the interaction, which is something I didn't get much of when I worked in the lab.
The business stuff. I wasn't trained in that, so it was a learning curve for me, but I felt it was something I could control. You either like my art or don't, and that's fine.
Don't give up until you've done everything you possibly could for yourself and your brand. Be open to seek/accept advice/help when needed.
Children and child advocacy hold a very special, and extra soft spot in my heart, so it felt like a natural connection.
Visit Beautiful Mess Studios' shop, Facebook page or Instagram feed.
]]>Pam & Darren, Nice Art People
It is general enough that our creativity can take whatever path it likes. It doesn't take things too seriously. It can be interpreted however one wants, just like art. Our good friend came up with the name and it checked all the boxes for us, along with being unique.
Made in Winnipeg
The importance of place, belonging and memories are a big deal for a lot of us. I think the fact that right now we have ended up making tree rings and maps makes a lot of sense. They both speak to places that are important; we find meaning and belonging in these ways. Our customers connect with our work on different levels. Sometimes its the type of tree that carries importance, other times it is where it came from. And for many people, there is a feeling they get from looking at a specific set of rings and the story it carries in its shape.
We have always practiced making and being creative; but this specific venture came about naturally - all because of a tree...
It was several years ago when our next door neighbours had a huge oak tree cut down by mistake. The tree removal company had got the address wrong, and it wasn't caught in time.
The tree was over 100 years old, and it was a huge disappointment to our friends and us. The wood was cut up and our neighbours kept it in their yard.
A couple years after that, they moved to Vancouver Island and gifted us the rest of the wood when they left. It was then that Darren had the idea to try making a print as a way to create a memory and gift for them. He had seen others do something similar and wanted to try it.
Our very first print was made by Darren (now we both are involved in the process) and he made only 4 prints. One was mailed to Vancouver Island and arrived for Christmas morning on our former neighbour’s doorstep.
It has been an enjoyable and experimental process to continue to create the best prints possible. Starting Nice Art People was a natural way to focus the creativity we have always practiced.
Finding interesting pieces of wood to print (we only use salvaged wood), scraping out each tree ring as we prepare the log, and the physical work of burnishing (rubbing) a print onto paper (especially the big ones).
We get asked a lot if our prints come in other sizes. So we spend a lot of time explaining our process in hopes of helping spread the appreciation of the many processes and forms of art. Each of our prints is pressed by hand and comes right of the piece of wood. They are made slowly and carefully, one at a time, in small batches. We try to find pieces to print in a variety of sizes and also species so that there is lots of choice!
We also love hearing all the things that people see when they look at our prints and all the stories of wonderful and meaningful places and trees that get told!
The maker community in Winnipeg is thriving; there are so many great ways to share what we make with our city and province. Being supported and encouraged to be a part of Made Here has been meaningful to us as small makers, that we are doing something 'right'. But it also makes us proud to work towards something bigger for the good of others along side many other makers.
]]>Janet, Anise Leather
I wanted my leather business name to have a connection to a natural quality. Star anise pods are intriguing to me. Their texture and consistency remind me of the smooth and rough textures of the different leathers I use. The name is simple and versatile, much like the nature of my handmade business.
All the bags, purses and totes! Of all the items I make, I think my bags are the most labour of love. Usually I add a unique touch to each one and no two are ever exactly the same!
Just this past holiday season I did a large order for a customer who was unfortunately having a tough year health wise. I made a special inscribed leather gift for each of her friends who had been supportive to her throughout the year. She was so thankful for my work and I was so thankful to her!
I consider myself an artist, and an artist thrives in the creative process. I love the days when I can experiment and try out new designs. Often it can be challenging to find time for the creative process when I am busy filling orders. In the grand scheme of things I love making all my products, whether I've made them a hundred times or only once.
As a maker and designer, I'm not only working with my hands but I also need to use my brain! Coming up with a new design requires problem solving and is a thoughtful process. I enjoy the design stage as well as being satisfied with the finished product!
I can't say that I made a decision to become a maker, I'm a maker because it's ingrained within my character and part of who I am. I practiced fine art in university, teach art and create something every day. It's an absolute privlidge that I create for a living and people love and appreciate my passion.
I love that my products are cherished and used for many years by my wonderful customers. Leather is a material that only gets better with age and most of my items can have a personal inscription stamped within the leather. Special dates, quotes, and messages allow for a real personal connection, handmade specifically for that one individual. I also do a lot of wedding gifts that are worn or used on the special day. It's just awesome that my pieces are so meaningful to others!
The most common question I'm asked is "Can you make me ______________ ?" People love custom work and since leather is so versatile, I often have conversations about creating new or unique items.
Success comes from a delicate balance of having a passion for what you do, creating a product that has a place in your clients lives, and being an expert in your field. Refining and perfecting your craft is key. Experience, experimentation and a lot of determination will get you there!
Artisan made leather accessories for both men and woman using the highest quality hand selected materials. Attention to detail, personal custom touches and functionality are considered in the design of each item.
Visit Anise Leather's shop, Facebook page, and Instagram feed.
]]>A nod to my two most recent creative ventures; pottery and leather. Earth and Hide was chosen as a less specific name that is versatile enough to be relevant to my evolving artisan work.
I have a couple favourites with each type of craft that I work with. I often say that each new product is my new favourite and it's really true. Just like each of my 4 kids are my favourite! As leather goes, my favourite piece is my first leather satchel. I put a lot of thought and research into that design. It is extremely successful as a first attempt and something I carry to this day. It's still the basis for my signature pattern!
I have so many great customers. I sincerely look forward to meeting new customers. There are a couple occasions where I had an instant connection with people that I've interacted with on social media. I had a pair of gentlemen come see me at a craft sale. They didn't even buy anything but we had a great conversation talking about leather and life. Another instance is fellow maker Cathy Wiebe who ordered a few items as gifts for family members. When she came to pick them up, my wife and I ended up talking for at least 15 minutes and could have easily talked for hours!
The most difficult part has got to be the time it takes. I don't yet use a sewing machine and as you can imagine, hand stitching takes a looooong time. It's quite hard on the fingers too.
Don't force it. If you make something, make it for yourself first. If you can be successful in making products you love, chances are someone else will love it too. Allow your stuff to be discovered by others, and listen to feedback. You may have to shift gears or move onto something else completely. I've tried to force success and it's hard to do. You really have to be intentional on following your calling, and open to hear what that calling is.
I am a mixed media craftsman specializing in quality handmade leather goods. I design my products to have a timeless rugged simplicity.
It's in my blood. I can't not be a maker. It's as simple as that.
I love the quality of a nice, well made product. I love the feel, I love the smell, I love the rugged durability, I love the look, I love the process of making it, I love the gratification of being productive and making something that others love so much. And, as I mentioned before, I love my customers. Ultimately, my favourite thing is when my customers just GUSH about the products they've received.
My product is connected with its owner through the things it carries, and the way it's carried. Every customer has a unique story and their product will become an integral part of that story especially through consistent use. Imagine what you put in your bag and the importance these items have; the contacts in your phone, the things that are written with the pen, the e-mails exchanged on the laptop, the drawings held within the sketchbook. My hope is that my work will be an integral part of the amazing things my customers do.
Q:Where do you get your leather?
A: There are a few leather suppliers in Winnipeg including Tandy Leather (an international corporate franchise) and Warkov Safeer. There's even a Hutterite colony in Miami, Manitoba that has a tannery. Of course you can find whatever you need online as well.
Q: You hand stitch all that?!?
A: YES! And it takes forever. I use a tool to score a line where I want the seam, then I take a six pronged chisel to make the holes consistent along the line. I put the first prong in the last hole and go down the line. Practice makes perfect with consistency.
Q: How long have you been doing this?
A: I started working with leather in April of 2016.
Q: How did you get into it?
A: I was doing pottery and experimenting in adding mixed media pieces to my selection. I came up with a paracord wrapped mug with a woven handle. When I showed a friend the paracord piece, he said "You should do that with leather!" and I never looked back. I made a leather version of that mug (which is shown in the banner picture of the Earth and Hide Facebook page) as well as a slim front pocket wallet that I had been wanting, and a messenger bag that I could never afford to buy. Eventually leather took over pottery, but I do hope to put the earth back in Earth and Hide.
Visit Earth + Hide's shop, Facebook page, and Instagram feed.
]]>Kristina, Dimi Gallery
Dimi Gallery is an art brand created by Kristina Dimitrova. Kristina is a local Winnipeg artist inspired by the beauty, colours, and pride of the prairies. Working with a wide range of media from watercolour to ink, she creates easy to hang art prints, maps, and postcards.
Dimi was one of my many nicknames growing up and quickly became how I would sign my paintings; the rest is history.
I loved painting from a young age and took courses when I was growing up. When I bought my first house I had no money for good art, I wanted to break the stigma that art is only for the aristocrats so I started painting, first for myself, then for friends. Now it’s all about the customers, seeing people get excited about something I made drives me to make more art.
Hands down the people I have met along the way. I also come from a background in science and art is a much needed creative outlet for me.
Turning down custom work is the most difficult thing for me. Two minds are always better than one and I love working with clients to create a custom piece they can cherish, but unfortunately I can only take on so many clients per year.
My very first bison painting titled "Three's Company" will always be special to me, it has inspired much of the style of art I do today, and is still referenced often. Three's Company is currently on display at the Marion Street Eatery.
I'm so inspired by the beauty of the prairies and it reflects in every piece of art I make, people really relate to it. They have either been to a place on one of my maps or have a homesick friend that could use some local art. It brings the prairie pride out in people.
A lot of people ask if my maps are hand drawn or digital, the answer is hand drawn! All my maps start with a good pencil, a ruler, and of course an eraser.
I have had the pleasure of working with a lot of amazing people creating custom art work, every customer has a special story that I cherish, but one of my favorites has to be a lady to who asked me to paint her late father's pet moose. Painting in honour of her father and hearing stories of her father and his pet moose Rollie was pretty memorable.
Saying "No!" When you are first starting out you want to try and do everything, but finding a balance is important so you continue to love what you do.
The oldest saying in the book, working hard pays off. What you put in is what you will get out. Take care and time in creating a brand and logo, it is the first thing people see. Get involved in local markets. It’s a great way to meet your customers and other local makers. Remember everyone gets negative feedback. It is part of sharing something you have made with the world. Take it with a grain of salt and learn from it but always stay true to your art.
Visit Dimi Gallery's Facebook page and Instagram feed.
]]>Maeghen, Salvaged
Each of my one of a kind items is created using salvaged materials. I use old building materials, architectural salvage, recycled paints, found, thrifted and otherwise reclaimed items to create each unique piece. Each item has a history and a story to tell. It was a simple choice to name my shop "Salvaged".
I tend to fall in love with some of my pieces more often than I should. But there is one coat hook I created out of the back of a vintage dining chair. I hung it in the bathroom to photograph for an in-use product shot. It remains there, price tag hanging for the last year and a half.
I like to think that my customers appreciate that the items used to create the pieces they love have already enjoyed a previous life. In an era of waste and "disposable" lifestyles, I love to find a new use for old items that would otherwise be destined for the landfill.
Because most of my product are one of a kind, I create each item as I gather materials. It's often impossible to recreate the item in a different colour or again if it's been sold to another customer.
Hone your product photography skills. It goes a long way to have great photos when you can showcase in person. And engage in the local maker community. Never have I met a more supportive, uplifting and encouraging group of people.
I love being able to try new things all the time. This year, I tried my hand at screen printing. It was a whim Christmas present from my husband last year. I started a line of Odd Canadian Law tea towels (my first non-one-of-a-kind product) It was never something I would've tried otherwise and I love the graphic design part of them. I also love the process of uncovering something fantastic in a piece of architectural salvage that has been covered in decades of layers of paint. You just never know what you'll find!
I can't think of just one. I'm humbled by the local community as a whole.
I have always had a creative brain. I owned a fast food franchise a number of years back that took up all my time. I worked about 100 hours a week. I eventually got out of the business and went on to other things; new career, got married, had a baby, etc. One Sunday morning I woke up and couldn't stop thinking about these ideas I had swirling around in my head. I started creating that day and while my original vision has gone through many changes since, I haven't stopped...into a business venture - which led me to take the leap.
I take the stuff your parents no longer want in their houses and turn it into stuff you want in yours.
Visit Salvaged's Facebook page and Instagram feed.
]]>Fat Daug stands for 'Father Daughter' and the art of antler carving passed on to me by my father.
That's a tough one! My first moose antler feather I would say. I fell in love with carving and that's the day Fat Daug was born.
This customer didn't actually buy something. She was three years old and could barely see over the table. I noticed the girl's mother had taken her aside for a little talk after perusing my jewelry. She was explaining to her daughter that she didn't have to give me money to show her appreciation of the jewelry. She could just tell me it was nice. However, after their chat they must have come to an agreement. With only her eyes and the top of her head showing, this wee one proceeds to slide me a quarter because she 'loved my pendants'. And because it was one of the sweetest things I've ever witnessed, I gifted her with a feather pendant. I remember what it was like being a kid and only having a quarter. I've made it a rule that no deserving child leaves my table without a Fat Daug, no matter their two dollar or five dollar 'budget'. Their smiles are payment enough. Hopefully they'll wear their Fat Daug for years to come and maybe even pass it on.
There are many steps in creating every pendant or pair of earrings so it's quite time-consuming. However that's why I pride myself on quality, not quantity.
Believe in your craft! Don't give up. Put yourself out there. Do your homework. Know what your customers want. And never turn down an interview!
The medium itself. Each antler is unique and different and I never know the color or texture it will be until it is cut. I also make the most amazing connections with people by sharing my story and heritage.
Being indigenous, we believe in using all parts of the animal that has sustained us. It is my way of honouring the animal's spirit through the pieces I create. It is a way of keeping one grounded to Mother Earth.
I am Métis and it is well received in the indigenous community as well as beyond. You don't have to be indigenous to wear a Fat Daug. Some customers buy pieces for healing, some for protection, or to ground themselves, others just because they found something that speaks to them. I have laughed and shared tears with many customers and it's that sharing energy that people are just attracted to. They enjoy learning about the craft and Métis culture and what we represent as a company.
Most typical is 'YOU made all of these?' Yes. Yes I did and I love it! and... 'Fat Daug stands for Father Daughter? That's so awesome that you get to work with your Dad!' Also... 'Where do you source your antler?' They are never purchased. We get many donations. People who have had them for years now have a reason to 'get rid of them'. In doing so I always make a fair trade for whatever Fat Daug they wish. Sometimes I'll carve a piece from the antler given to me in memory of that particular harvest. Sometimes we'll trade for art work or even canning!
All the admin work! I am also a graphic designer so that included my website design, business card and logo design, product images and editing, content upload not to mention not knowing what markets are all about!
Visit Fat Daug's shop, Facebook page, and Instagram feed.
]]>Jodie, Little Wing Odd Birds
My very first birds were made out of odd bits of my leftover knitting supplies. They were definitely some very odd looking birds! Odd, but endearing so I kept on, and kept the name.
I like the Twisted Chickens. Not long after I first opened my Etsy Shop, I adapted my wool bird to represent a chicken. The development of this design variation made me feel confident in the creative potential and possibility for growth in my bird making venture. Plus, I just really like chickens!
Every chuckle and smile from customers and even non-customers is memorable to me. I feel really lucky to be the maker of something cute that often causes people to laugh and smile.
Managing my inner critic. Tough bird, that one.
Don't be afraid to make provisional decisions and then revise those decisions as you learn and grow. Keep going.
Maker and seller of Odd Birds, Twisted Chickens and Messenger Birds. Small bird sculptures hand-fledged from wool, wire and winter nights in Winnipeg.
It is wonderful to spend time working with my hands. There is a certain kind of inner peace to be found getting lost in the making process. Support from my customers is incredible. They find meaning and value in what I do and purchase what I make! It's like an extra bonus egg on top of an already beautiful nest. This form of connection is very rewarding.
I’ve always experimented with making of all kinds. With these wool birds, my creative expression and season of life are well matched. This is the first time I’ve made a business of my artistic skills. It’s the perfect thing for me to be “making” right now and I am thankful that these birds flew into my days…and nights.
Birds are powerful symbols. I feel like I've only just begun to appreciate the breadth and depth of their significance. I have noticed that people are drawn to my product for a variety of reasons. For example, sometimes customers share a bit of their own personal bird story with me as they select a bird to represent it. This flock of wool birds would not exist in the form they do today without feedback from the community I make them for. It feels collaborative to me.
Q: How did you come up with this?
A: I saw something online that inspired me to try this craft... and then I played and made and tried and failed and re-tried and experimented until I came up with this method of making birds that I am now very proud to share.
Visit Little Wing Odd Birds' shop, Facebook page, and Instagram feed.
]]>Teri-Lynn and Chad, Abiding Citizen
The short story is that we were inspired to make our product and still abide within the Manitoba Liquor Laws. We're also playing on the Prohibition vibe and feel and so that's where Abiding Citizen came from. All of our products are alcohol free and still delicious so you can obey the law and still have a good time. The long story is that Abiding Citizen was originally Karl and Chad's Bitters and Shrubs. Two bff's enjoyed making drinks together and wanted to take it to the next level. I (Teri-Lynn) didn't think that was a snazzy enough name for their company to go far. Leave it to the wife to be the critical one. So Karl is a lawyer and Chad wanted to work within the current liquor laws here in Manitoba. I started brainstorming names and thought of Law Abiding Citizens because of the whole law connection and the fact that we're avoiding alcohol kind of like in prohibition. But Law Abiding Citizens felt too long. I brought it to the group (there was originally four of us) and we paired it down to Abiding Citizens...and then Chad suggested to drop the s and thus Abiding Citizen was born on a snowy January day.
I think the shrub is the best thing to make because it's the most inclusive of our drinks. Everyone can enjoy shrub- some of our most loyal customers are kids of parents in the market scene (haha!) But seriously, it gives us great joy to know that everyone can be included in a delicious drink experience no matter how you choose to have fun.
I think it's pretty special when people have chosen to include us in their wedding celebration. We had a few couples choose to do that this summer and it really meant a lot (maybe because my sister was married this summer and you see how much thought and intentionality goes into the day and into each decision). To be part of someone's day even in a little way has been a big surprise and really touching.
The amount of time it takes to cut thousands of pounds of fruit.
The summer night market scene is where it's at. We've made a lot of friends and enjoyed getting to take in the amazing Winnipeg Market scene. We're pumped for next season already!
This is both a creative outlet and something that Chad and I can work at together!
We've been able to meet so many people at each of the Farmer's Markets or Pop up Markets. Winnipeggers are so loyal! We've appreciated seeing the different smiling faces and being invited into your homes and special gatherings.
Q:What are shrubs?
A: Shrubs are fruit and vinegar based concentrates that are used to create dry drinks or cocktails. It's the easiest way to make an impressive cocktail that looks like you tried way harder than you did.
Q: What are bitters?
A: Bitters are the salt and pepper of the cocktail world. Use them as you would salt and pepper on food. Typically if a drink tastes overly sweet or sour a bitter is the perfect additive to balance out the beverage.
Start before you have all the answers. You'll figure it out as you go. If I'd known half of the stuff I'd have to do I probably never would have gone for it but now that it's behind us we're excited for year 2!
We make small batch bitters, shrubs and syrups that help you build a better beverage. Simply pour, mix and serve our product for a delicious drink experience.
Visit Abiding Citizen's shop and Instagram feed.
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