Recipes Local artisans inspire unique gift giving

Dec 16, 2010

In the rush to purchase gifts for this holiday season, shoppers should remember the wealth of creative local talent that lies hidden in the multitude of artisan home studios down the back roads. Many, I learned, would be happy to assist shoppers in their last minute rush to fill those Christmas stockings with unique handmade treasures.

I ran across four such artisans at the Nick of Time Show in Perth on Dec 5 and for shoppers who might not have been able to make the trip, rest assured that these artisans would be happy to answer your calls and set up an appointment to help you make some last minute purchases.

Tanya Deacove and Raphael Kerem both work out of Radiance of the Ordinary, their home, workshop and showroom located in Burridge (613-273-5693). Tanya creates meticulous handmade journals, photo albums, sketchbooks, address books and note pads using Japanese papers, silk and other fine materials, which she binds and stitches together by hand. Prices range from $3 to $40 and each is a colourful feast for the eyes. Her partner Raphael Kerem, also a yurt builder, makes colourful hand-crafted brushes and brooms for all kinds of sweeping opportunities around the home or workshop. The bristles are made from broom corn fibres which are hand woven and strung together. The colourful handles are made from local wood saplings turned on the lathe and then hand painted. Prices range from $20-$95. These are practical gifts that are as beautiful to look at as they are to use.

Mark Burnham of the Out of Wood Studio in Maberly (613-268-2598) has a wide selection of one of a kind bowls, candle holders, spoons and walking sticks and more all of which he creates using local hardwoods. Many of his pieces are hand carved and are perfect for those looking for functional wooden items that have the added charm and touch of the artisan’s hand.

Ludwig Ratzinger (613-279-2986) makes hand-crafted high quality fine chocolate bars and sells a wide selection in various flavours including lime, mint, maple almond, pine nut, which he says are “the perfect accompaniment to a glass of champagne or port” during the holiday season. The cocoa beans are in many cases harvested from wild trees in Bolivia, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Ecuador and are refined in Switzerland and made into bars at Ludwig's home in Crow Lake. Prices range from $3-$22 and the bars are wrapped festively, making them a perfect, no-fuss hostess gift.

So for those shoppers still on the lookout for unique gift giving opportunities, these local artisans are just a phone call away.