made in Canada #3 - Mustang Survival PFD's

If you are looking for a Canadian made PFD or something for snowmobiling or hunting, I've found a company called Mustang Survival out of Burnaby, B.C.
Mustang Survival doesn't just offer simple recreational products "– we provide trusted and reliable complete solutions that are among the most innovative in the industry."  Mustang Survival started 45 years ago when they created the world's first  Floater Coat. Today Mustang Survival manufacturers everything from inflatable PFD's for recreational use to hyperthermia solutions for the military. They pride themselves in "transforming innovative ideas and technologies into high quality and practical lifesaving products for recreational, professional and military users."

Made in Canada - Mustang Survival has a state of the art testing and manufacturing facility in Burnaby B.C.

Where to find - I discovered them at Beauamaris Marina on Lake Muskoka. If you go to the Mustang Survival website, they have a great How to Buy page, but I'm not sure how up to date it is, so give any potential retailer a call before you head out to pick up your new PFD.

The Art of Anne Henvey

I would like to cover the vertical spaces in my life with artwork. Since I was a kid, I have loved painting and painters - don't get me started about my Emily Carr moment. 
So it is with great pleasure that we welcome artist and painter Anne Henvey.  According to Anne, she too has "been passionate about art since I was a child and have been painting most of my life, using various mediums and techniques. Most recently I have specialized in acrylic paintings using stretched canvas as the base".  Her work would be both a beautiful and colourful addition to your vertical space. One of my favourites featured here is Dahlias.
If you would like to commission Anne to paint a special subject you can be sure that "my greatest wish is that the piece you decide on becomes a treasure to be enjoyed for many years".
Welcome Anne to 100 Mile Finds!

Links and Locks Jewellery

Self described accessory addict Carmen is the driving force behind Links and Locks Jewellery, another new vendor we are thrilled to introduce you to.  As Carment tells it, "I wear A LOT of Black so I like add to my dark (yet classic!) style and create outfits using colourful scarfs, fedora hats, high end purses......and of course JEWELLERY!  I love designing new pieces, making them Simple & Classic (sterling silver with freshwater pearls and swarovski crystals) to Funky & Chunky (multi strand, long layering pieces using a variety of beads, chains and vintage finds)."
Links and Locks' Tiffany Inspired Silver Ball Bracelet with Toggle Clasp and Signature Links & Locks Key Charm, looks great on its own or layered with other bracelets.
We look forward to many more unique creations by Links and Locks!
 

Kat n' Drew Cards

I have been known to find the odd funny card in my card-buying life, so it is with some excitement that we welcome a new kind of card to 100 Mile Finds.  Kat 'n Drew cards come with a little somethin'-somethin' attached.  For example the All You Need is Love Charm card has a charm that  pops out and can be kept as a gift after the card has been given.


According to Kat 'n Drew,

"When our cards don't come with a small gift incorporated into the layout you can be sure that they change in size, defy traditional layouts or feature witty, funny and inspirational phrases. We use bookmarks, charms, bracelets, buttons and magnets to add to the card but encourage you to finish off your perfect gift with an inspired word to your special someone".
I personally like the Happy Wife Happy Life Card that has a magnet pop-out.  That is the gift that gives all year.

A really great fundraising idea...

Sponge Flower Creations makes fundraising simple, profitable, and fun for your organization!  Many parents, grandparents and friends have been excited to receive the gift of a one-of-a-kind keepsake that showcases the artwork of a beloved child.

I started Sponge Flower Creations almost three years ago when my oldest son, who was 3-years-old at the time, brought home reams of artwork from pre-school.  What was I going to do with all of these paintings and crafts?  Working with a few ideas I discovered from reading blogs, I began making pendants that depicted images from his artwork… the result was a unique gift that thrilled the grandmothers!

Today I am collaborating with organizations – daycares, pre-schools, Montessori schools - to collect great pieces of artwork created by children.  It may be something they painted at school - or something they worked on at home… a piece of art that parents cherish and want to share!  Almost anything works… bright colours with bold strokes and clean lines on a white sheet of paper are the best.

I gather the artwork, photograph the images, edit for colour, etc., and shrink the image so that it may be applied to a glass pendant.  The result: a tiny reproduction of a child’s precious artwork displayed as jewelry or a keepsake.

Each 1” round or square glass pendant is personalized with the child’s name and date (i.e. the year) on the back.  A 20” ball chain necklace, which can be adjusted, is included; or request a handmade leather necklace for a small additional cost.  For Father’s Day, I make cufflinks and keychains!

I have simplified the process for organizations as much as possible: I supply a parent information letter, order forms, and posters to advertise the fundraiser. Simply collect the artwork and order forms and I take care of the rest!  The fundraiser, from start to finish, will typically last 4 weeks and the organization will receive approximately 40% of the sales from each pendant ($10 per pendant sold).  Last Christmas, a pre-school of 47 families raised $1250 - half of their fundraising target for the year!

Christmas is a busy time and coming soon, so be sure to start your Sponge Flower Creations fundraiser early!

Feel free to contact me at spongeflowers@hotmail.com.  And all the best for a successful fundraiser!

Our Shows and Sales Calendar

We love to support our vendors in any way we can - hence the blog, Facebook and Twitter posts and of course the actual 100 Mile Finds we site.  We just wanted to remind you all about the Shows and Sales Page featured on the site (found on left hand navigational bar of the home page). 
This month is not nearly as full as November and December will be when we can barely keep up to what is happening, but you will find a few unique events listed such as Gabrielle Wills' launch of “Under the Moon”, her third book in the Muskoka trilogy. During the cruise and afterwards, signed copies of Under The Moon will be available for purchase, or bring your own copy to have it personalized. 
And if you need something to do on Saturday, the Barns Art Market is open for business with lots of artisans displaying their wares.
So don't forget to check out the 100 Mile Finds Shows and Sales page regularly - there is always something local happening!

Summer Stuff Cont'd

We like to feature vendors here in the blog and occasionally a 'theme' seems appropo.  Here are a few items that will remind you of summer well into February.

This painting by Cori Lee Marvin is called 'Violets - Simplicity itself, but upon closer inspection, an entire room is revealed in the sugar bowl. This beautiful limited edition framed print was originally painted in watercolour'. Cori Lee's daisy painting is another favourite.  Reminds me of the wild daisies I see growing by the side of the cottage road.

Steven Crainford's flowers in full bloom series also brings a jolt of colour into your life.  I love the softness in this shot of the pale yellow lily. 

And finally, keeping to a floral theme, what about this lotus flower pendant by Jaqui Michells? Gorgeous in sterling silver.

Keep summer in your life all year long with beautiful handmade 100 Mile Finds!

Summer Stuff

2012 is an Olympic year - lets hear it for all our hard working Canadian athletes.  And thank you for justifying daytime television for my whole family.   Nothing like an Olympic year at the cottage to both inspire some fitness and couch surfing all at the same time.
 
If you want a little taste of London, check out this London Calling tote by Saracino Designs. 

 

This Silk Designs by Jane hand dyed scarf depicts the rowers of Niagara who we will cheer for this summer.  I am not usually a rowing fan, but somehow when it is the Olympics, I can watch just about any sport.

And after any outdoor sport, treat your skin to a little summertime attention with Bealance Natural Skin Care Products.  Their organic body butter should do the trick.