Magic and Mud Design

 

Mish Sutherland is one of our talented jewellers.  Her eclectic designs are an expression of the artisan she is.  Shirley and I were both fascinated by the crocheted jewellery - like we see in the heart brooch. Mish is one of those artists that uses a ton of different techniques that keeps her pieces really fresh and one of a kind.


Hand- crafted, Mish is happy to work on custom orders or adjust the size or length of a piece to fit.  I think it is this involvement in the process and the connection with the artist that makes shopping locally so satisfying.
Check out her work when you get a chance - Magic and Mud Design

Kynk Naturals

When we first sought new vendors for 100 Mile Finds, one of the earliest to jump on board was Kynk Naturals.  Kynk Naturals produces hair and skin care products using non-toxic ingredients " if you cannot eat it we won't use it". 
Near and dear to my heart, Kynk Naturals want you to "love your Kynks, improve your relationship with your skin, and revolutionize your relationship with your hair. Kynk is dedicated to promoting kinky, curly, nappy, frizzy, wiry hair. Kynk provides solutions to the frustrations of tangles, breakage, toxins, and tears. We are in the business of helping people live naturally with their beauty!"
I grew up wanting hair like Cher or the doll Chatty Cathy (perhaps I am giving away my age????).  Anyway, having tried the toque method (sleeping with wet hair in a tight skull cap), I can't help but love the idea of embracing the wave, despite Jennifer Aniston.
Love that there is a new attitude and I applaud Kynk Naturals for promoting beauty in all its forms.

With products like Bum Balm, Pit Stop and Jock Chalk we know they've got the whole body covered!!

For more info, just click the link Kynk Naturals

Fusion Soap

It's almost lunch time (and you may wonder how I will segue into this blog about soaps from here) and no, I am not blogging about washing my hands, I am blogging about how beautiful and how hungry Fusion Soaps make me. 

Fusion Soaps makes beautiful, delicious looking soaps.  Coconut cream pie, or a little slice of cake with sprinkles?

Fusion Soaps makes handmade hand cut soap and body products and are located in Cambridge, Ontario.
Why use handmade soap?

According to Fusion Soap, "the naturally occurring glycerin which is a by-product of soap making has not been removed and glycerin is a humectant which means it attracts moisture to your skin.
WE control the ingredients that are put in and don’t include any harsh, artificial detergents – SLS and SLES free!!!! Only the highest quality of vegetable oils, pure essential oils and quality fragrance oils, vitamins and minerals, botanicals, and butters are used."

These soaps look so delightful - what a fun way to add some beauty to your day.

Bamboo Lily

Who can resist babies and puppies?  I always thought it would be fun to go into a business servicing either of these groups as the photo ops are endless.  Bamboo Lily has an amazing product for the youngest amongst us. 
Summer is not over - regardless of all the back to school stuff in the big box stores.  Check out this adorable robe for the littlest beach bunnies. 

Pamper your baby in a cashmere like robe that's great for baby's sensitive skin. These beach robes are perfect for cottage fun, dips in the pool and beach time too! These adorable hooded robes are monogrammed on the back with "Miso Cute" or "Peanut".

Rayon made from Bamboo fabric has a cashmere-like texture, and is so incredibly soft. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world – making it a sustainable and renewable resource. It wicks moisture from the skin; keeping baby’s delicate skin cool and dry.
The fabrics and garments are made locally, right here in Toronto. While some may argue that it is more economical to manufacture overseas, Bamboo Lily believes in supporting our local economy.

Alpaca Eugenix

At 100 mile finds our goal is to introduce local producers, artisans and manufacturers to the local  customer. We realized early on, that sourcing locally is sometimes impossible. In an effort to represent and support as many locals as possible (and to stop squabbling among ourselves!!) we developed a criteria that the artisans had to meet. When we developed the criteria for 100 Mile Finds, we felt that it was important to allow raw materials from beyond the 100 Mile limit as we are focused on the local 'transformation' of the products.  Whether that is from seed to crop or gem to jewellery, the focus is on locally made. Manufacturing locally is very important to us. We really believe the more all of us support local manufacturers, the stronger they will become and the more opportunities will become available to other artisans...

Some products are more '100 Mile' than others though. By that we mean that some of our vendors use local raw materials, or produce the raw materials themselves.
Alpaca Eugenix is as '100 Mile-y' as it gets!  This vendor is involved with raising local alpacas and produces hand-woven unisex scarves, socks, baby hoodies, booties and toques as well as duvets, pillows, and alpaca wool. You can check out their site for pictures of the alpacas and their products- real before and after shots.

Eco Flora

Another great 100 Mile Finds vendor, Eco Flora,   they feature locally grown flowers.

 

Eco Flora searches both locally and internationally for the freshest quality organic and fair trade flowers.  From May to October they buy directly from local organic farms in the GTA area." All of the containers we use are secondhand making for an eclectic selection for that special occasion."

Each design will be unique to the individual, the occasion and the flowers on hand.

Eco Flora combines the best of contemporary floral design with flowers, containers and packaging that are both ecologically sensitive and socially conscious.

Sounds like a great place to get some beautiful flowers!

Homestead House Paint Company Inc.

100 Mile Finds is all about locally made.  We are thrilled to represent companies and products that are unique and different from what you find everywhere else.  Homestead House Paint Company Inc. is Canada`s only milk paint manufacturer. 

With the nice weather outside, you can take a weekend to give a piece of furniture a new look.  One of the most exciting products most recently developed is  Milk Paint Bond. Now you can use Milk Paint on previously painted or varnished surfaces.  Want to paint your child's bedroom a new colour? Using Milk Paint you can have the peace of mind that their air is free of VOC's or chemicals.
Why not stop by your neighbour`s garage sale, pick up a fabulous treasure, and customize the look you want with some locally grown paint! Can't get much better than that!


Homestead House Paints is at 95 NiagaraStreet, Toronto, Ontario M5V 1C3 (King St W. & Bathurst)