Great White North

There was definitely a familiar feel to the Atlantic Craft Trade Show in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with the aisles at the World Trade and Convention Centre crowded, the air buzzing with enthusiasm and orders being written.

But something was missing from this show that had been prevalent in the month-long string of markets throughout January. There were no products stamped: “Made in China.” That's because this annual show, a cooperative project of the Canadian Maritime provinces, showcases only the region's finest artisans.

“You won't find anything made anywhere but around here,” quipped one manufacturer.

Products included art glass in everything from vases to tableware; jewelry made from silver, glass, and wrought iron; pewter and wooden objects; candles; personal care items; Americana and hats, hats, hats!.

Some vendors commented that traffic was light — but light with the right kind of people. “It doesn't look crowded,” observed one exhibitor. “But the buyers are here and that's what counts.” A day into the show, several manufacturers noted that they were ahead of last year on orders. Retailers in the region had a tough season last year due to the soft U.S. dollar and cancellation of a ferry service that brought tourists from the New England states.

Interestingly, many vendors at Halifax do not market outside of the show. “Here is where I keep up with my customers,” said Christie Chaplin-Saunders, owner of Artifacts in Clay; she gets all her orders for the year at the show.

While some of the artisans look to export (in fact, the show included an export workshop), others don't care to grow their business beyond the Atlantic Maritime Provinces. “I've got more than enough business here to keep me busy all year,” Happy Glass' BJ Sandiford told us.

An insect repellent with an unusual name — “Bite Me!” from Newfoundland Naturals, Paradise, Newfoundland— is actually a “dare” for insects. Made with all-natural ingredients, the repellant comes in three fragrances, in lotion and spray.

The “Beaches Series” of jewelry from Masterworks Jewellery, New Brunswick, Canada, features sterling silver pieces with a smooth beach stone in the design.

Wave Boxes from Dog River Woodworking, Cornwall, Prince Edward Island, have a unique design that includes a flocked finish inside the drawers. Other distinctive offerings include scarf holders, spice racks and shaped table clocks.

Wrought iron jewelry from Jeannett Walker Jewelry, Prince Edward Island, feature unusual metals that form exquisite jewelry pieces.

Dishes (including place settings and utilitarian platters) and other art glass from Kiln Art, Chester Basin, Nova Scotia feature fused-glass pieces and tableware that have won prizes from the restaurant industry. Artist Karen McNamara's technique of painting with crushed glass makes the pieces truly unique. All the pieces are dishwasher safe — but who'd want to take that chance?

Move over Fabrege, this egg art by Chips, Chisels & Cuts, Springhill, Nova Scotia, artist Patricia Richard is amazing. The contents of chicken, duck and goose eggs are removed, and the artist chisels fine designs on the fragile eggshells.