Local Buys: Autumn 2023

Check out the gorgeous mosaic trays, bud vases and wearable art made in the hills this autumn.

September 8, 2023 | Janice Quirt | Made in the Hills

Tray Chic

Laura Jackson’s handmade mosaic trays serve a wide range of decor tastes – some rely on bold, bright splashes of colour and others feature subdued, calming hues.

The New Lowell artist, who sells her wares online and at Creemore Farmers’ Market, is a keen fan of upcycling. The trays are built from reclaimed or salvaged wood; an ongoing home reno provides many off-cuts perfect for the task.

Laura Jackson’s handmade mosaic trays.

“I use ceramic tiles mostly salvaged from broken tile bins, but my favourites are the ones gifted from friends’ and family’s renovation project leftovers. Some of the colours are pretty wild! I keep even the smallest pieces because I may never have that particular colour again.” Flowers, mountains and geometric shapes abound. (14″ x 20″ tray, $220. 12″ x 12″ tray, $110, Laura Jackson)

Natural Beauty

Curtis Martin of Waterford Wood started turning wood bowls from his home in the village of Erin two years ago, and now crafts everything from pinch bowls to bud vases. Many of his gorgeous pieces are made with spalted maple – those initial signs of wood decay produce wonderful dark contrasting lines and streaks.

Vases by Waterford Wood. Photo by Danielle Arnold.

Some of his creations employ the ancient Japanese method called Yakisugi, burning the wood to achieve a deep matte black surface. The charred wood is coated with a beeswax finish to make them food safe. Available at Rural Commons in Erin. (Pinch bowls and bud vases, from $20. Spalted maple bowls, from $40, Waterford Wood)

Wearable Art

If you’ve run out of wall space for all the art you admire, may we suggest a new way to display it? Robin Bobechko transfers her dreamy acrylic paintings onto knit chiffon and has them made into dresses, accessories and kimonos that will transform even the most basic jeans into an artful outfit.

Kimono-Scarf by Robin Bobechko. Photo by Stacy Tarrant.

The financial adviser, born and raised in Orangeville, turned to painting during Covid and never looked back. She launched her clothing line, manufactured in Montreal, and website with a fashion show in June 2023. (Kimono, $159, Robin Bobechko Art & Fashion Online Boutique)