Handmade First Nations Arts and Crafts

Handmade First Nations Arts and Crafts

Monday, August 30, 2010

End of Summer Sale!











Small Dreamcatchers $10.00














Large Dreamcatchers $14.00














Deerskin Pouch $5.00
















Deer Antler carved feather earrings $20.00

Saturday, August 28, 2010

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 14th 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." 




Thursday, August 26, 2010

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:

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

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?



Friday, August 20, 2010

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?

Thursday, August 12, 2010

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


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.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

First Crafts at Summer Company Sizzling Sale this Weekend: Monday, August 9th. 11-3pm


One of a kind jewelery, great vintage clothing finds, cell phones/cell phone accessories, customer made t-shirts and of course First Crafts will be there!




www.tbdc.com


Map of location:
http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=toronto%20business%20development&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl

Monday, August 2, 2010

What are some items you would like First Crafts to sell?

I've been thinking about expanding the crafts that First Crafts carries.  One possibility is sweet grass as a couple of customers told me they would be interested in that.

Please post what items you would be interested in.

Thank you for your feedback!

Friday, June 25, 2010


Earrings in different colours.  Click on image for larger view.

Friday, June 18, 2010

June 19-20: Harbourfront (Opening weekend-10 percent off!)

You'll be able to buy from First Crafts at the International Market at Harbourfront Centre from 10:30-8:30 pm Saturday and from 10:30-6:30 pm on Sunday.  Also, Harbourfront is a beautiful and colourful place to spend the weekend.

Since it's my opening weekend, I am offering a special of 10 percent off all items!

I look forward to seeing you there!


For more information about the international market place @ Harbourfront, please click on the link: