Tag Archives: Shop Local

Artisan Markets & Craft Fairs In East Vancouver 2016

10 Nov

SnowflakeTis the season is upon us for an array of craft markets and artisan fairs. The collection of local talent is rather awe inspiring when you attend any of these events. If you are looking for a gift for a birthday, anniversary or Christmas, you are likely to find something at any one of these markets. You will find an array of items including art work, pottery, clothing accessories, baked goods, local spirits, gifts for that foodie in your life or beard kits for the man in your life. Of course, it goes without saying these markets are a great way to support local enterprising entrepreneurs.  Each market has its own unique feel, whether you are looking for a smaller market such as River District Winter Craft Fair or something on a bigger scale like Make It! At the PNE Fourm or Shiny Muddy Fuzzy.  We have set out below a rundown in date order of the upcoming markets in East Van for November and December. We will continue to update this list as we learn of more.  We hope you will join us in supporting local this holiday season.

NOVEMBER 2016

Nov. 18: 33rd Annual Britannia Christmas Craft Fair-Britannia Com Centre 3-8
Nov. 19: 33rd Annual Britannia Christmas Craft Fair-Britannia Com Centre 10-5
Nov. 20: River District Winter Craft Fair – 8683 Kerr Street 11-4
Nov. 20: BLIM – Heritage Hall 120-6

Nov. 25: Italian Indoor Christmas Market – Italian Cultural Centre 4-8
Nov. 25: June Hunter Holiday Studio Sale  2 – 7 pm
Nov. 25: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 4-9
Nov. 26: June Hunter Holiday Studio Sale 10 – 5
Nov. 26: Strathcona Winter Fair – Strathcona Community Centre 10-4
Nov. 26: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 9-4
Nov. 26: Renfrew Craft Fair – Renfrew Park Community Centre 10-3

Nov. 27: River District Winter Craft Fair 11 – 4
Nov. 27: June Hunter Holiday Studio Sale 10 – 5
Nov. 27: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 9-4
Nov. 27: Market For A Cause (Canucks Autism Network) – Heritage Hall 11-4

DECEMBER 2016

Dec. 2: Eastside Flea – 1024 Main Street 6-10 pm
Dec. 2: TOQUE: Western Front’s Annual Fundraiser & Craft Fair  6-10 pm
Dec. 3: Eastside Flea – 1024 Main Street 11-5
Dec. 3: Aboriginal Christmas Fair – 1607 East Hastings St. 10-5
Dec. 3: Artisan Market – Collingwood Neighbourhood House 11 – 4
Dec. 3: TOQUE: Western Front’s Annual Fundraiser & Craft Fair  11-5
Dec. 3: Odd Fellows Market – Wise Hall 10-4
Dec. 4: River District Winter Craft Fair 11-4
Dec. 4: Odd Fellows Market – Wise Hall 10-4
Dec. 4: Eastside Flea – 1024 Main Street 11-5
Dec. 4: Aboriginal Christmas Fair – 1607 East Hastings St. 10-5
Dec. 4: TOQUE: Western Front’s Annual Fundraiser & Craft Fair  11-5
Dec. 4: Vintage Handmade Society Pop Up – Art & Leisure

Dec. 8: Make It! – PNE Forum 11 am – 9 pm
Dec. 9: Make It! – PNE Forum 11 am – 9 pm
Dec. 10: Holiday Sip & Shop – The Aviary 12-4 pm
Dec. 10:  East Van Ham – The Hall: 1739 Venables Street 11-6
Dec. 10: Shiny Fuzzy Muddy – Heritage Hall
Dec. 10: Make It! – PNE Forum 10 am – 6 pm
Dec. 11: Shiny Fuzzy Muddy – Heritage Hall
Dec. 11: Make It! – PNE Forum 11 am – 5 pm

Dec. 17: Crafty Affaire – Croatian Cultural Centre 10-5
Dec. 17: Tugboat Landing Artisan Market – 2010 E. Kent Avenue 11 – 4
Dec. 17: Women’s Winter Faire – Heritage Hall 11-5
Dec. 17: Winter Craft Fair – Homestead Junction 10-5
Dec. 18: Women’s Winter Faire – Heritage Hall 11-5
Dec. 18: Winter Craft Fair – Homestead Junction 10-5
Dec. 18: Love It. Craft It. 2016 – The Aviary 10-5

 

The Artisan’s Event At The Heritage Hall Sunday October 30th

27 Oct

artisanseventIf you missed last weekend’s showcase of local talent, being Elemental Trends, you are in luck. This Sunday, October 30th is The Artisan’s Event at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street. This event features some 35+ local artists and artisans and we have the rundown of those that will be on hand including:

 

A paper life
A
HOY SOAP COMPANY
Bouquets by Mary
Bushel + Peck
Canvas Candle Companyjoyce-photosession-13
City Macaron
Darling + Bandit
Duoly Noted
Em’say
Franc Heart Collective
Homeworks Etc
Imake.it
Is It Bath Time Yet?
Janelle Anakotta
Judy Mojo Art
Legit Confections
Little + co.
LouLou Lollipop
Mally Designsjoyce-photosession-4
Malie Creations
Mesic Living Creations
Mitani Designs
Moo and the Bear
Nón Lá Designs
Oliver&Co
Sable Shortbread Company Ltd.
Ativo Skincarejoycephotosession-12
Sea To Sky Baby
Soap Sudsations
Stay Magical Studios
Tea Lani
Three Feet Below
Trae Designs
Tumble and Roar
Waggin’ Tails Barkery
West Coast Coaster
West Coast Leslie Designs
Wildflower Designs
With Love by Ash

The Artisan’s Event runs from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is by cash donation which funds support the Vancouver Food Bank. Stop by and shop local.

Photo Credit: Non La Designs

Winter Markets In East Vancouver  

19 Oct

Pumpkins & SquashVancouver Farmers Market host two great  markets during the winter months. We’ve set out the dates and times below, but both have some great additions to entice you to join them, rain or shine, in January and February.  Hastings Park is showcasing some new vendors that can only be found at Hastings Park including The Smallflower Gluten Free Bakery, Tempea Tempeh, North Pacific Kelp & Wild Foods, Cedar Isle Farms, Georels Smokehouse, Lita’s Mexican Foods.  This February Food Truck February is back at both markets, Nat Bailey Stadium and Hastings Park with the biggest line up ever of food trucks. Purchase a Food Truck Passport and get it stamped at each stop and you have the chance to win a Food Truck Golden Ticket which means a free food truck meal every week for a year!  Just a little extra entice to get out and support local.

Nat Bailey Stadium – November 5 to April 22 / 10 – 2

The biggest Winter Farmers Market is at Nat Bailey Stadium, 4601 Ontario Street on Saturday November 5th and runs each Saturday until April 22nd, 2017 save for December 24th and 31st. The market will run each day from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Hastings Park – November 6 to April 30 / 10 – 2

If you prefer heading to the farmers market on a Sunday, then be sure to check out the now popular market at Hastings Park.  This farmers market will run every Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm until April 30, 2017 save for December 25th and January 1st.  The market is located on the PNE grounds by the Hastings Skatepark.

Photo Credit: Deborah Waller

Elemental Trends Fall Harvest Market At The Croatian Cultural Centre October 23rd

18 Oct

fall-harvest-frontIf you have some birthdays coming up or want to get a jump on Christmas.  Alright we know some of you don’t want to think about Christmas until after Halloween. Generally speaking, we are in that camp as well, but reality is that it’s just over 8 weeks away and once Halloween is behind us, time will fly by quickly. So for those that wish to get a jump start on things, you may wish to check out the Elemental Trends Fall Harvest Market happening at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive, this Sunday, October 23rd. They will have over 30 vendors lined up including Wild & Raven, Art & Soul Collective, Mixers & Elixirs, Spiceworks Food Creations, Sable Shortbread Co., Blossom Jewellery, C Yarn Hut, Canvas Candle and Beth & Olivia to name just a few.  The market runs from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm and there will be shopping totes for the first 50 people through the door. For those that get hungry, we hear some food trucks will be on hand including the Cycling Croissant. Hope to see you there.

Shop Local: Check Out These East Van Businesses With A Great Online Store

27 Nov

WinterChristmasBlueChristmas is officially less than one month away.  We here at IliveInEastVan.com are big fans of supporting local. With that in mind, we would like to highlight some of the many East Van businesses and artisans that have an online shop which of course allows you to shop from your laptop, home computer or your smart phone.  Some will even offer a pick up service so you can save money on shipping costs.   We’ve tried to include a variety of businesses, but if you think there’s one that should be listed that isn’t, we invite you to drop us a line. Note, we have included a link to each business, just click on their name.

ANTIPOD Workshop

ANTIPOD Workshop is a creative design studio with a focus on bold textiles in particular, handmade pillows. They are made by transplanted local Stephanie Symns who hails from New Zealand. Thus, the name of her business. Antipod which is an affectionate term for a Kiwi or Aussie.  Did we mention, Stephanie also holds workshops on how to make the pillows yourself should you be so inclined. Or you can check out her bold collection online anytime.

Bird On A Wire Creations

This is a great shop located in Mount Pleasant at 2535 Main Street. Bird on a Wire Creations supports artists, artisans and the buy local movement. They curate Vancouver’s best art and artisanal objects and all one-of-a-kind and handmade.   They have a large selection instore and online and free shipping in Canada for all orders over $100.

BB Gun Leather

Locally made here in Strathcona by Spencer Baker and Dustin Bentall. BB Gun Leather makes a range of leather products including bags, wallets, belts, guitar straps, purses and small luggage. Did we mention the beautiful designs?  Their working studio is located 1133 Keefer Street and their online store available 24/7.

Beta 5 Chocolates 

Award winning chocolates, need we say more?  Purchases can be made online or you can visit them in person at 413 Industrial Avenue (off Main Street).

Dilly Dally Kids

Dilly Dally is an independent toy store that likes to inspire play and creativity.   They carry toys made from around the world including a great selection of wooden toys which also make great heirlooms to be passed on to future generations.  They are located on The Drive at 1161 Commercial Street and have a great online store.  Note, they are also offering free shipping for orders over $100.

Fable Naturals

Fable Naturals is based in Mount Pleasant and makes a line of fair trade certified bath and body products. They are inspired by locally sourced ingredients as well as ethically sourced ingredients from afar. All of their products are made by hand in small batches in their Mount Pleasant studio. Their line includes organic lip balms, skin exfoliators, moisturizers, soaps, lotions, body wash, sugar scrubs and more. You will find Gwen and Chris at craft and artisan fairs this holiday season including TOQUE on December 5 & 6.  They also have a great online store. Right now, if you sign up for their newsletter, receive $5 off your first order.

June Hunter

Truth be told, we love June Hunter, have for many years.  Many of her pieces whether art or jewellery are inspired by the nature that surrounds us and well that speaks to us.  You will also find June Hunter in many of the craft and artisan fairs this holiday season as well as her Festive Studio Sale on December 11th and 12th at her East Van studio.  Her online shop is currently offering 20% off until Monday, November 30th.

Good Sips Cocktail Emporium

Know someone that loves entertaining and enjoys making great cocktails, then you should check out Good Sips Cocktail Emporium.  They have everything to make the perfect cocktail minus the alcohol, think bitters, syrups, cocktail shakers, martini glasses, flasks, recipe books and so much more. If you can’t decide online, you can check out their store at 339 E. Broadway.  For those wishing to make an online purchase, note they are offering FREE shipping till the end of November for all orders over $20.

Gourmet Warehouse

If you have a foodie in your life, this is the place to go whether in store or online. They have everything for the cook, baker and entertainer. The store is an array of choices which include olive oils, balsamic vinegars, salts, sauces, cookbooks, jams and of course all the utensils needed to cook and bake everything.  You can find their physical location at 1340 East Hastings (at Clark Drive).

Grubwear

Mike Jackson’s Grubwear Brand of clothing was born out of the back of a Honda Civic hatchback way back in the day. Today he is located in Mount Pleasant at 617 Kingsway in a very happening area just around the corner from Robson Park.  He has a great selection of t-shirts, bags, hoodies and hats many that will showcase your East Van pride.   His online store features the full line up clothing.

Marsh&Mallow

Decadent gourmet handmade marshmallows made by Carly Bloch in some truly amazing flavours such as Salted Caramel, Holiday Mint Chocolate and Classic Baileys and Cream. You can order her marshmallows 24/7 online and what a great stocking stuffer or house warming gift these would make.  You can also find her marshmallow at Much & Little at 2541 Main Street or visit Carly at the Baker’s Market on December 6th & 13th at the Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre.

Neighbourhood Threads

Love where you live?  Then you may wish to check out their East Van toque for $35 available online only from Neighbourhood Threads.

The Makerstore

The MakerLabs at 780 East Cordova Street has recently launched a retail space on the first floor of this working studio which is open from Noon to 9:00 pm daily.  If you are unfamiliar with the MakerLabs, it is a 26,000 square foot that provides people with the tools, space and skills to make just about anything.  There are many great artisans working out of this space and their products are also available online 24/7.

If  you wish to give a gift basket this holiday season, whether large or small, practical or not, we invite you to check to check out any one of the following:

By Broken Arrow – An East Van Gifter
Wantful Gift Boxes
SPUD Vancouver
Saul Good Gift Company

We are passionate about supporting local. We hope you are too. Happy shopping.Manu MohanChristmasTree

 

All Craft And Artisan Fairs In East Vancouver

5 Nov

Snowflake‘Tis the season for craft and artisan fairs. Local makers have been working hard preparing for the upcoming holiday season. The fairs are a great way to support local when gift giving this holiday season.   We have already checked out the first Winter Craft Fair of the season held at River District in SE Vancouver this past Sunday. This one will run every Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm until December 27th. For those that don’t like crowds, this is a smaller market with great vendors. If you are looking for bigger markets with choices galore, there are many options including Shiny Fuzzy Muddy at the Heritage Hall, Make It!, TOQUE and Vancouver Farmer’s Market Holiday Market and new this year the Italian Christmas Market.  We have set out below a rundown of the upcoming markets in East Van for November and December. We will continue to update this list as we learn of more.  We hope you will join us in supporting local this holiday season.

NOVEMBER 2015

Nov. 8: River District Winter Craft Fair 11- 4
Nov. 10: Crafty Daze – Diwali – Mount Pleasant Community Centre 10:45 am
Nov. 13-15: 32nd Annual Britannia Christmas Craft Fair
Nov. 14: Love It. Craft It – Heritage Hall 11-6
Nov. 14&15: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – Wise Hall
Nov. 14: Holiday Craft Fair – Killarney Community Centre
Nov. 15: River District Winter Craft Fair – River District 11-4
Nov. 20: Italian Christmas Market – Italian Cultural Centre 4-8
Nov. 22: River District Winter Craft Fair – 11-4
Nov. 22: Blim Market – Heritage Hall 12-6
Nov. 27: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 4-9 pm
Nov. 28: Strathcona Winter Craft Fair – Strathcona Community Centre 10-4
Nov. 28 & 29: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 9 – 4
Nov. 28: Craft Fair – Renfrew Park Comm. Centre  – 10-3
Nov. 29: Bakers Market – Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre 11-3
Nov. 29: River District Winter Craft Fair – 11-4
Nov. 29: Renegade Winter Art & Craft Market – 2980 Nanaimo Street 11-5

DECEMBER 2015

Dec. 3-6: Make It! Handmade Revolution – PNE Forum
Dec. 4-6: TOQUE Western Front’s Annual Fundraiser & Craft Fair
Dec. 5: Kensington Holiday Craft Fair – Kensington Community Centre 10-4
Dec. 6: River District Winter Craft Fair – 11-4
Dec. 6: Baker’s Market – Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre 11-3
Dec. 12: Vancouver Farmer’s Holiday Market – Croatian Cultural Centre 10-4
Dec. 12: East Van Ham – 1739 Venables Street
Dec. 12-13: Shiny Fuzzy Muddy – Heritage Hall
Dec. 13: River District Winter Craft Fair 11-4
Dec. 13: Baker’s Market – Moberly Arts & Cultural Centre 11-3
Dec. 14: Crafty Daze–Hannukah – Mt. Pleasant Community Centre 10:45 am
Dec. 19&20: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – Wise Hall 10-4
Dec. 19&20: 22nd Annual Women’s Winter Faire – Heritage Hall
Dec. 22: Crafty Daze-Winter Solstice-Mt. Pleasant Community Centre 10:45 am
Dec. 20: River District Winter Craft Fair 11-4
Dec. 27: River District Winter Craft Fair 11-4

For those wishing to participate in a craft fair, we have heard that as of today’s writing there are still some tables available at Holiday Craft Fair at Killarney Community Centre on November 14th and Renfrew Park Community Center’s Craft Fair on November 28th. We don’t expect that these spaces will last long though. So if interested, be quick.

Winter Farmer Markets In East Vancouver

29 Oct

Pumpkins & SquashNat Bailey Stadium – November 7 to April 26 / 10 – 2

Vancouver Farmers Market returns to Nat Bailey Stadium, 4601 Ontario Street for their winter market starting Saturday November 7th and will run each Saturday until April 23 save for December 26th.  The market will run each day from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.   This is a great opportunity to shop local all winter long. Each week you can expect to find locally grown fruit and vegetables, meat and seafood from local ranchers and fishermen, artisan cheese and bread, herbs and seasonal nursery items, baked goods and prepared foods.  Also on hand, as usual, will be a few food trucks, hot drink vendors and a little live music to keep you entertained.

Hastings Park – November 8 to May 1 / 10 – 2

If you prefer heading to the farmers market on a Sunday, then be sure to check out  the market at Hastings Park beginning Sunday November 8th.  This farmers market will run every Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm until May 1, 2016 save for December 27th.  The market is located on the PNE grounds by the Hastings Skatepark. This market will also feature a great selection of local produce, including fish, poultry, meat and dairy products.  You will also find locally sourced  artisan prepared foods, baked goods, local crafts and food trucks serving hot food to keep you warm in the cooler months. Come out and support local this winter.

Photo Credit: Deborah Waller

River District Farmers Market May 30 to October 10

28 May

RiverDistrictMarketRiver District is hosting a Farmers Marketing starting this Saturday, May 30th. You can find this market at 8683 Kerr Street next to Romer’s Burger in SE Vancouver on the Fraser River.   The market will run from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.   You can expect to find many great local products at the market including produce, plants, baked goods, handmade goods, works by local artisans and live music.  We understand a few vendors on hand for the first market include Rocky Point Ice Cream Food Truck, Baguette & Co. and Stir-it-Up-Bike Caffe which if you haven’t seen is a pedal powered Caffè that uses Organic Marley Coffee. Stir-it-Up often has gluten-free snacks on hand so be sure to ask.  If you are not familiar with this area of Vancouver, the market is located at the foot of Kerr Street, one block South of SE Marine Drive and is easily accessible by car, bike or transit. The market will run every Saturday until October 10th.

This Holiday Season SHOP LOCAL & Check Out Fable Naturals

29 Nov

FAbleNaturalBestSellers

At ILiveInEastVan.com we are passionate about supporting local businesses.  With the upcoming Christmas season, we would like to introduce you to some local businesses whether online retailers or brick and mortar stores. Our goal is to let you know about some of the great products, retailers and artisans right in your own backyard.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Fable Naturals which is a relatively young company run by Gwen Richards and Chris Nicol. Fable Naturals is based in Mount Pleasant and makes a line of fair trade certified bath and body products. They are inspired by locally sourced ingredients as well as ethically sourced ingredients from afar. All of their products are made by hand in small batches in their Mount Pleasant studio. Their line includes organic lip balms, skin exfoliators, moisturizers, soaps, lotions, body wash, sugar scrubs and more. Gwen and Chris focus on making healthier skin care products without unnecessary fragrances and chemicals.  Their newest product is their Vanilla Orange lip balm which Chris thinks smells just like a creamsicle. Their lip balms will be on our Christmas shopping list this holiday season.

FableNaturalsStudioGwen FableNaturalsSugarScrubs

 

 

 

 

 

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If you wish to try their products, Chris and Gwen recently revamped their website and to celebrate they are offering 20% OFF all orders made on or before December 24, 2014.  They invite you to use the Coupon Code EAST VAN  in order to obtain the discount. If your order is over $60, Fable Naturals offers free shipping. If you are local in East Van and do no wish to pay for shipping, you can also pick up from their office.

If you wish to see their products in person so you can sample and smell this great line, you can visit Chris & Gwen at the following events in and around East Vancouver:

Saturday, November 29th

Strathcona Winter Craft Fair
Strathcona Community Centre
601 Keefer Street

December 4th – December 7th

Make It Vancouver
PNE Forum 2901 E Hastings Street

December 5th –  December 6th 

TOQUE
Western Front
303 East 8th Avenue

Saturday, December 20th

Nat Bailey Winter Farmers Market
Nat Bailey Stadium
4601 Ontario Street

You can also find their products at a few select retailers around town. For a rundown of where, visit them online at Fable Naturals.com. Chris and Gwen also just announced their Holiday Giveaway. You have the opportunity to enter to win their organic facial care line which includes their Quinoa + Almond Facial Exfoliator, Rosehip + Olive Facial Oil and Chamomile + Shea Moisturizer. For an opportunity to enter, check out Holiday Giveway.

We hope you will join us in supporting local this holiday season.

FableSoap