This time of year always leaves me with a bitter taste in my mouth; it’s cold, expensive, and wasteful… the only good part about it is that it’s socially acceptable to hide in a bathtub for hours with a glass of whiskey. But alas, I don’t want to go all grinchy on you, I just want to point out that if you hate wasting money on commercial garbage and going to shopping malls as much as I do, there is another way!

Winnipeg has a thriving crafting and handmade community. With stores like Sew Dandee in Osborne Village and Tara Davis Studio boutique in the Exchange District, it’s not hard to find some awesome locally made wares. Shopping locally means you get better customer service, reduced environmental impact, and you get to contribute to the local businesses.

“There are so many good reasons to buy handmade and local—building and supporting a sustainable economy, strengthening community and best of all you help keep talented, creative Winnipeggers in Winnipeg—but the main reason I buy handmade is the incredible feeling I get from owning, wearing, and using something made by human hands,” says Melanie Wesley, a local craftsperson who will be selling her wares at the FA LA LA sale on Dec. 9.

So go out and support your local artisans and check out Winnipeg’s handmade stores and seasonal craft sales, of which I will compile a list of for you now. I promise that buying a loved one something handmade, unique and good for both the environment and economy will make you feel extra warm and fuzzy this season.

 

The Edge Holiday Sale

Friday, Dec. 7, from noon until 10 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 8, from noon until 6 p.m.

611 Main Street

Pottery, glass, jewelry, wood carvings and more by local artists including Jes Coverini, Natasha Haylada, Dan Waldman, Jolanta Solkalska, Elise Nadeau, Wanda June, Rachael Kroeker, RED Road Lodge and others!

 

9th Annual Holidaze Craft Show

Friday, Dec. 7, from noon until 9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

75 Albert Street

Precious metal jewelry, fine porcelain, great clothes, recycled materials, and natural body care products all made by Winnipeg’s premiere designers and artisans.

 

FA LA LA

Sunday, Dec. 9, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

827 Brock Street

The third annual sale featuring Jodi Hildebrand, Dawn Chaput, Melanie Wesley, Marathon 1981, and Snootsie & Krista Hoeberg.

 

12 Days of Craftmas

Friday, Dec. 7 until Dec. 18 during regular store hours

Tara Davis Studio Boutique, 246 McDermot Avenue

Twelve days worth of programming that takes place within the boutique, including sales, promotions, workshops, and demos.

 

Winnipeg Etsy Street Team

Saturday, Dec. 22, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Frame Arts Warehouse, 318 Ross Avenue

W.E.S.T. is a collaboration of local Winnipeg artists with a common love for things handmade and real. This sale is your last chance to get your hands on local handmade goods before the holiday.