CocoBags at 100 mile finds

CocoBags isn't just ALL KINDS OF BAGS, it's jewellery too! and there really is a Coco! She travels the world collecting beautiful fabrics and exotic beads and then transforms them into fabulous bags and OOAK pieces of jewellery. "My interest in fabrics goes a long ways back to when I was a little girl, I accompanied my mother to fabric stores in the little time we lived in. I was bewitched by the factory fresh smell of the fabrics and the endless variety of patterns and prints. Then, everything was handmade by the local tailor and nothing was available ready made."

There are messenger bags for him and her, clutches, purses and make-up bags for the ladies and toiletry bags for the guys. If that isn't enough Coco hand crafts leather tassel ear rings and has an amazing collection of necklaces crafted from gorgeous beads discovered in exotic lands. "I now work mostly with hand block printed fabrics, wools, cottons and some leather. I don't work with patterns, but free cut all my bags. Since I buy only a small amount of each fabric, my bags are mostly OOAK. My designs are simple, with clean lines and a contemporary look"

CocoBags is a home based business in Mississauga and it is smoke free and pet free too. Not only does Coco love to create OOAK pieces from her worldly finds,she also does custom work. She even does large orders if your looking for something for your brides maids or groomsmen.
Drop by CocoBags 100 mile finds store and check out all the amazing pieces she has to offer.

The Kaleidoscope... a celebration of craft & design

Kaleidoscope... acelebration of craft and design  will be held on Sunday September 23, 10am – 5pm at the Fields of Westlake in Bloomfield, Ontario. Admission is $2, kids under 12 are free.

The mission of The Kaleidoscope show organizers is to create a beautiful and intimate experience for attendees and perhaps change the perspective of what a "craft show" is, as many still might think it means crocheted toilet paper covers!  Well amen to that! 

Isa Te's Designs

With everything from upcycled clothing by Isa Te’s Designs, to bird houses by Kim’s woodshed this is a great opportunity to get to do a little shopping for yourself or get your Christmas shopping started (just don't tell anyone, no one likes a show off!)  while spending a great weekend enjoying the picturesque country side of Prince Edward County. 

Pulp & Paisley

Cara Hunter is not only the talent behind Pulp & Paisley Jewellery, a vendor at the show, she is one of the organizers of the show. Cara, Connie Yrjola of Glamour Junkie Jewellery and Barb Forgie of My Stuff-fabric baskets are the producers of “The Mother of All Craft Shows” held right before Mother’s Day and  Mistletoe Magic Artisan Show & Sale held each year in November, both at the River Inn in Corbyville, ON. With an established following of both artisans and customers, a couple of successful shows under their belts,  the ladies have decided to round out the calendar year with the Kaleidoscope show this September.

The show is being held at Fields on West Lake a really cool new facility in beautiful Prince Edward County. They are fully licensed too! It doesn`t get much better than sipping on a glass of County wine while checking out what some great local artisans AND the show is being held the same weekend as the Prince Edward County Studio Tour, so there will be a ton of great artisans to see all over the place.

Remember to look out for the Mistletoe Magic Artisan Show & Sale on November 25, 2012.

made in Canada #4 Muskoka Bear Wear

Our family was so excited to discover Muskoka Bear Wear Clothing Co. in Muskoka this summer. On an overcast day we dropped by the Port Carling shop and ending up spending a fortune! Everybody in the whole famn damily ended being outfitted in Canadian Made Bear wear.

Zip Jacket

They've got 5 locations in the Muskoka area and have an on-line store too. If you want the hilariously funny personalized shirts though, you've got to make the trek north. It's totally worth the trip!
They carry t-shirts, yoga and track pants, several styles of hoodies, a long sleeve Men's T and some pieces for the kiddies and babies too. They are manufactured right here in Canada, right here in the GTA.

Both the girls got a pair of the "Original Paw Pants" they now have a paw print firmly planted on each cheek! with an draw cord waist and elastic at the ankles, they're 80/20 poly cotton AND THEY ARE LONG! A very important feature in our family! I can also attest to the fact that they wash beautifully! Shannon and I are now the proud owners of the zip jacket. It's cut really well, reminds me of the the long lean cut of Bench hoodies. I grabbed a pair of their yoga pants, they have a Lululemon feel to the cut but they are fleecy and Canadian made. Bruce and Olivia made off with a couple of t-shirts that are PERFECT for them! Bruce also grabbed a long sleeve T and I made off with a Muskoka Wear V-neck T.

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.