End of Summer Sale!

Small Dreamcatchers $10.00

Large Dreamcatchers $14.00

Deerskin Pouch $5.00

Deer Antler carved feather earrings $20.00

Chevron Beads

I came across Chevron beads in my quest to create my own crafts, key chains.  I thought these unique beads worthy of their own blog.  Although Beads made of glass seem common, Chevron beads have hand crafted appeal and also have a rich history dating back from Murano, Italy in the late 14^th century.

The process is described below (taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevron_bead):

 "The initial core is formed from a molten ball of glass (called a "gather") that was melted in a furnace. If the glassworker is making beads...The gather (with the air bubble in its center) is plunged into a star-shaped mould, which can have anywhere between five and fifteen points. Several layers of glass can be applied, returning to the mould as desired, to create either a star-shaped or smooth effect for each layer. After all layers have been applied, metal plates are affixed to the still hot glass, which is "drawn" or stretched out into a long rod, called a "cane", by pulling from both ends in opposite directions." 

New Item for Fall: Sweetgrass

Hey guys.  The new item I am selling is sweetgrass.  I have fond memories picking this medicine with my grandmother and sometimes around Toronto, when I am about walking, I get whiff of sweetgrass and yet I can never find it.  I remember that it has purple roots and that it looks like long green grass...

But back to the new item of sweet grass, which should be available mid-September, the latest.  For orders please see my contact information or email me at sukhinder.khepar@gmail.com.

I will be selling it for 7 dollars a braid or 6 dollars, if you would like to come by and pick it up.

So have you ever used sweetgrass?  What do you think about it?

First Nation Inspired Key chain

This item is particularly exciting because I am creating this item myself.  I will be creating!   

The key chains will be made of leather, chevron beads, semi-precious stones (some shaped as bears or turtles), metal beads, glass beads and metal charms (feather). 

I think they will be around $8-10 each, depending on what materials are used.

Here are photos of some of the materials:

Wolf Tail, a possible product from First Crafts

This is a tentative item, as I am hoping for some feedback (from you, my blog readers!)  in regards to this item.  I know fur tails are fashionable now (attach them to pants/purse, etc) as I’ve seen, er, ‘hip persons’ doing so.  I was wondering if anyone would be interested in this item.  I am going to attach a clip to a wolf tail so that one can fasten to wherever they wish.  Perhaps, even on a review mirror?

So please leave comments in regards to this question:   Wolf tail, to sell or not to sell?

New crafts coming soon...announcement of new fall crafts in a few days!

Hey everyone.  I asked for suggestions on the new crafts to sell.  Usually, I buy a large amount of crafts from a reserve a few hours’ drive away.  My retail rates are the same as their rates, if one was willing to make that commute up to the res.  Therefore, I think I offer convenience and a reasonable price to those living in the city.

However, I have been yearning to make some crafts myself and sell them.  The ball is rolling on this!  Soon, after I have ordered my supplies, I will announce what the new items for the ‘fall’ season will be and what new craft item I will be crafting myself. 

I’ve actually been practicing dreamcatchers lately but I think I have a better idea now of what to make myself...something that I can’t get (exactly) from my supplier.

What do you think?

First Crafts and Imagine Crafts Shop at Parkdale Bazaar on Saturday, August 14, 11AM-5PM

http://www.parkdaleliberty.com/show_info.php?page_id=106

Parkdale Bazaar: This event will be featuring handmade and vintage items in the Parkdale Town Square.  This event is a lot of fun and there are many unique vendors selling clothing, jewelery, soap, housewares, toys, etc. When I was there I traded my deer antler feather earrings for a freshwater pear necklace, it's pretty sweet.

Of course First Crafts will be there sharing a table with Imagine Crafts Shop where you can purchase some First Crafts products.  To view the items that I will be selling, check out the products section of my blog.

Also, the Queer Arts Festival is happening in the neighborhood.  A lot of things are happening in the west end this weekend.