Canada, Eh!
From books to art and locally made flags, here are just a few ways to toast Canada in our neck of the woods.
This summer’s sesquicentennial celebration has struck a patriotic chord for creative types in Headwaters. From books to art and locally made flags, here are just a few ways to toast Canada in our neck of the woods.
Coast to coasters
Where to put that glass of Canadian beer, wine or cider? Felt queen Andrea Elmhirst has the answer with these charming felt maple leaf coasters.($25 for a set of four, Andrea Elmhirst)
Carry on
Artist Andrea Elmhirst calls felt “the oldest fabric in the world,” and explores many ways of creating the fuzzy fibre. This bag is created by first crocheting the pattern, then shrinking it. With its supple yet sturdy leather strap, the tote will likely last years beyond the 150th. Andrea sells her work online and at the annual Holiday Treasures show at the Dufferin County Museum & Archives. ($150, Andrea Elmhirst)
Backyard bliss
If your outdoor furniture needs a little freshening up, this 17-inch-square, washable Canada 150 pillow by Kennedy’s Flags should do the trick. As you might expect, these flag folks are busy making Canadian and Canada 150 flags and other souvenirs. Visit their retail location at the Village Green Florist in Erin. ($20, Kennedy’s Flags/ Village Green Florist)
Flag waving
As easy party favours for your July 1st barbecue, these 6-by-10-inch flags are made in Erin by Kennedy’s Flags. Look for the same size with the Canada 150 logo. (Canadian, $2.50; Canada 150, $7.50, Kennedy’s Flags)
Book smarts
Caledon authors have been busy creating literary tributes to Canada’s big day with a trio of history-rich reads for kids.
Dale O’Hara’s The Story of Caledon Then and Now is a quick jaunt through the history of the town, starting with the Mississaugas of the Credit through to modern day, along with sweet watercolour illustrations. A project of Caledon Heritage Foundation, it will be given to all Grade 3 students in Peel. You can buy it at Forster’s Book Garden, BookLore and Dufferin County Museum & Archives. ($5 donation, Heritage Caledon)
Canada A to Z by Caledon artist Virginia May and her granddaughters Norah and Shiloh Newton is a quirky reference guide, with poetry and archival photos. ($20, BookLore)
Carolyn j. Morris’s Happy Birthday Canada follows a chick and a duck – lovingly illustrated by Richard McNaughton – on a cross-country train journey from the Maritimes to the Rockies and through the three northern territories. ($12.95, BookLore)
Canuck cookies
You can have your country and eat it too. Bolton cake maker Natalie Alt of Sweet Treats by Natalie can render any celebration in cake or cookie form. Canada Day is no exception. But be prepared: These clever – and delicious, we can attest – sugar cookies won’t stick around long. (From $2.50 each, Sweet Treats by Natalie)
A folksy note
For some grown-up nostalgia, Caledon singer-songwriter Max Layton’s newest folk album True The North is packed with Canadiana. Released to mark the country’s 150th, songs are inspired by artist Tom Thomson’s life and disappearance, the way English and Quebecois French can blend into love-song slang, and the British conquest of Louisbourg. ($10, Max Layton)
Maple leaf forever
With its raw edges and soft focus, this 24-by-30-inch, framed felted flag by Andrea Elmhirst goes way beyond patriotism and into folk art territory. ($299, framed, Andrea Elmhirst)
SOURCES
- Andrea Elmhirst, Tottenham. andreaelmhirst.com, Andrea Elmhirst, Fiber Artist on Facebook
- BookLore, 121 First St, Orangeville. 519-942-3830. booklore.ca
- Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 and Airport Rd, Mulmur. 1-877-941-7787. dufferinmuseum.com
- Forster’s Book Garden, 266 Queen St S, Bolton 905-951-1501. forstersbookgarden.ca
- Kennedy’s Flags/Village Green Florist, 120 Main St, Erin. 519-833-9991. kennedysflags.com
- Sweet Treats by Natalie, Bolton. 905-857-8259. sweettreatsbynatalie.ca
- Max Layton, maxlayton.com. Max Music on Facebook
