Verona Collections Summer Contest

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Original Verona Collections jewellery design!

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Profile: Alisa Auger

This week we present you with a Barrie, Ontario artist Alisa Auger of Beadbrain, who's handmade glass beads with sterling silver jewellery captured my attention at the local Kempenfest 2010 event. Her creations have also been featured at The Gallery Shop at the MacLaren Art Centre, Barrie.



This very friendly and creative lady took the time to chat with Crafted Spaces about her designs.

Q: How long have you been creating your designs?
A: I have been creating glass beads for seven years now.

Q: Where are you located?
A: I am located in Barrie, Ontario

Q: Where is your studio located?
A: I currently work from a studio in Scarborough, but will soon have my studio set-up in Barrie.

Alisa can be found at a number of events, however in November her work can be seen at the Moose Show in Toronto. Alisa can also be reached at: 705-726-5116 or email her at beadbrain@sympatico.ca

Creative Pin Cushions

The following Tea Cup Silk Pin Cushion, was inspired by this gorgeous Queen Anne antique bone china tea cup that I found at a thrift shop. It was love at first sight when I saw this little tea cup and I just had to find a creative way of incorporating it into my studio. I love finding creative ways of reusing or refurbishing used items, and after a few days of holding small odds and ends I decided to turn it into the base of this decadent pin cushion.

I also wanted to share these two wrist pin cushions, created by students at Verona Collections August 2010 - Summer Sewing Camp - Toronto. These pin cushions were created from eco-fi 100% Polyester Felt, produced from recycled plastic bottles. They were further stuffed with EcoFill a "Luxury Fibre Fill" produced from recycled polyester fibres.

Kempenfest 2010

Over the weekend we just had to make a stop at Kempenfest. Celebrating its' 40th year, this highly anticipated event showcased The Huronia Festival of Arts and Crafts with over 350 artisans along the shore of Kempenfelt Bay, Barrie, Ontario.

The four day festival started on Friday, July 30th and ended on Monday, August 2nd. The artisans were on site from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday to Monday. Creative designs were available in a range of artistic mediums; including, photography, painting, pottery, jewellery, handbags, clothing and so much more.

In addition to the amazing selection of crafts and wearable art, one of my favourite components of the event is The Optimist Antique Show, which features 40 vendors with a huge array of antiques.

This fun event, was well worth braving the occasional showers, and is ideal for the entire family. I personally will be marking my calendar to attend again next year. If you are interested in participating as a vendor in this event, I suggest you visit their website at www.kempenfest.com and contact the organizers early.