Now more than ever we are spending time at home.
As I write this blog post, I’m watching the first snowfall of the season outside my living room windows. It’s a gentle reminder that winter is coming and I for one, am ready for the months ahead. I love a cozy night in -- curling up on the sofa with a great movie or book, lighting a candle, sipping on a glass of wine and ordering take-in from your favorite local restaurant.
For all the time spent at home, why not turn it in into the perfect sanctuary filled with local items that make you (and the local maker) feel good knowing you’ve supported a small business?
Here are some recommendations of where you can find beautiful home goods that are not only practical, but entirely perfect.
Indigo Arrows
I don’t have enough positive things to say about Indigo Arrows. The designs are not only beautiful, but they tell a story -- one that dates back thousands of years. Destiny Seymour’s Anishinaabe ancestors created patterns that were used on pottery and tools, and her goal is to continue where they left off. By reviving these ancient patterns and printing them on pillow cases, tea towels, napkins and quilts, she hopes to inspire thought in the home and bridge gaps.
Destiny also holds a Master in Interior Design from the University of Manitoba and just this month she was a guest on the Marilyn Denis Show, where she spoke about the importance of bedding for the perfect night's sleep. You can watch the October 15th, 2020 segment online here.
Local candles
You can never go wrong with gifting a candle and fortunately, Winnipeg has some amazing options. Coal and Canary Co. has been a prominent player since its candles made it into celebrity gift bags at the Academy Awards back in 2014, and the candlemakers have been turning it out ever since. With clever names like, “The Cider Made Me Do It,” “Winter Walks and Wooly Socks,” and “Don’t Be Chai,” their candles are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Farmer’s Son Co.’s soy candles are inspired by “’good, clean, country living.” Leather Oak, Apple Bourbon and one of my personal favorites, Teak + Tabacco, will fill your home with earthy scents that bring you back to summers spent at the farm.
Mysa Candles are crafted in Winnipeg by a brother and sister duo. Inspired by their Swedish background and the Canadian outdoors, Mysa Candles are meant for “time dedicated to coziness” (which is the actual definition of the Swedish word mysa). With their reputation for meatballs, massage and mysa, it sounds like we can learn a thing or two from the Swedes.
Ceramics
Winnipeg’s artistic community is something to brag about and you can find a wide-ranging collection of works including paintings, prints, photography, carvings and ceramics. I am going to focus on ceramics for the moment, as there is such a creative lot of talent making stunning pieces that double as décor and practical use.
Speaking of “creative lot,” LOT.Ceramics stands out as one of the front runners. Lynne makes bowls, plates, mugs and kitchenware that are raw-edged, rustic and downright stunning. Her dishes are used by many local businesses, including deer+almond and Nonsuch Brewing, which assist in converting the food plating into Insta-ready creations.
Meg Does Pottery is another must-follow artist on Instagram. Meg herself often poses with her plates (and other hand-made creations), which bring the pieces to life and highlight Meg’s vibrant creativity. By using abstract colour stories, original patterns and traditional methods, every creation is a work of art.
The two words that come to mind when describing Rachel Kroeker Ceramics is smooth and elegance. Rachel’s goal when designing pieces are to “beautify one’s life and enrich your dining experience.” With mesmerizing marble vases, polka dot mugs and mountain-inspired bowls, your entire at-home experience will be elevated to new heights.
Stone and Colour
I first heard about Stone and Colour through Destiny of Indigo Arrows, who ordered a custom head board after meeting the artist at a Winnipeg pop-up market. Using upcycled wood and other materials to make home and office decor, the results are intricate works of art that will look amazing in any space. Stone and Colour produces coasters, serving trays, candle holders and even tree ornaments that will add a festive touch to the upcoming holiday season.
Flowers & Plants
Flowers should not only be reserved for special occasions. In fact, according to Better Homes and Gardens, “having fresh-cut flowers in your home can increase feelings of wellbeing, reduce anxiousness and give you an increased sense of calm at home.”
During the past few months, this has been the philosophy in my home, and on many occasions, I looked to Callia Flowers. It all started when owner Catherine wanted to send flowers to her friend who had received a work promotion, but she found the process to be too complicated. Now years later, with five clicks and three options to choose from (based on what’s in-season), your hand-tied bouquet will be delivered to your door complete with luxury packaging.
Verde Plant Design is not just a plant shop, it’s a way of life. "Whenever I come into verde my heart rate goes down. Instant ommmmm!” says one of their customers. In fact, the power of plants to relieve stress and anxiety is one of the reasons Dominika, Founder of Verde, started the business in 2014. In addition to selling a beautiful selection of plants and terrariums online and in-store, Verde offers the option of curating Green Walls for your home or office.
Between the website’s online plant care cards, in-person workshops and even its own YouTube Channel full of tips and how-to’s, Verde really is the only resource you’ll need for all your plant FAQs.
Public General Store
To end off this round-up of home goods, I want to provide an option of a fabulous one-stop shop where you can find various items under one roof. This modern-day general store offers products from local and Canadian artisans, all displayed in a gorgeous fashion in its brick-and-mortar store in Wolseley. From flowers and stationery, to self-care products, accessories and vintage clothing, Public General Store really is the perfect go-to if you are craving an in-person shopping experience, but without multiple stops. It also has an online store with home delivery or free in-store pickup.
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For a full list of local stores in Winnipeg visit our shopping page.