Artisans wear many hats!

Connie Allardyce | Sep 07, 2016

The Sundance Artisan Show was held in Maberly on the Labour Day weekend at the scenic property along the Fall River behind the Fall River Restaurant at Highway 7 and County Road 36. It was a “must see; must go; mark your calendars for next time if you missed it” event! The show is totally free to park and attend, which leaves money in the pocket to support your Canadian artisans while stocking up on holiday gifts or simply gifting yourself with a treasure.

The show is juried, which ensures that all the exhibitors are top notch and that there is a lovely balance of work. Repeat categories were not repeats as each artist brought their own thumb print to their medium. It was evident that here was quality workmanship by seasoned artisans who have stood the test of time, many boasting decades of commitment and expertise.

Among the exhibitors was Tori Capes, who is the owner, designer, fabricator, marketer, exhibitor and money manager of Mad Cap Hats. At the show she could be found subtly allowing her hats to sell themselves as people experienced the feel, quality and final mirror tests of the hats when deciding to buy one.

What a wonderful name for a business, Mad Cap Hats! That is not just because the hats have that special quality in the designs, fabric and fabrication, but also because it takes a certain kind Madcap quality tempered with a lot of positivity to be an artist. One must wear a lot of hats to successfully create a product, market and sell it, and keep the books of the business. All that talent in one person does not come without a will to succeed and the tenacity to grow and stick to it while on the " learning curve."

When Tori was asked how long it takes to make one of her appealing summer hats she replied, "Do you mean how long it took me to reach the stage where I could make this product? Or how long now?"

In a world where we often forget how important it is to our neighbour to have their hopes, dreams and labours supported, she makes an excellent point.

Although there is a case for innate artistic ability, so much more is behind the scenes of that hat you are trying on; or that cleverly re-utilized metal art; or that perfectly weighted, “fitting in your hand just right” ceramic mug.

In Tori’s case, she is a graduate of George Brown College and has been a certified milliner for 30 years. She is also a savvy businesswoman who is not a stranger to starting up businesses. She has earned the right to boast of many business highlights in her life. She has owned two stores as well as a bed and breakfast, and once made 11,000 hats for cancer patients. She is a “jump in feet first and get it going” kind of a woman and we can all be proud that she is now a full-time resident and business owner here in South Frontenac. When you buy one of her hats, she in turn goes out and buys locally in Canada. If you missed Tori at the show, you can call her at 613-273-6666 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..