Handmade Local Finds: Summer 2025

Snake Charmer

In John Farrugia’s sculptures, skeletons and bodies appear mid-movement, evoking admiration, fear and awe. His skeleton series is one to marvel at; the details of each bone and posture invite you to ponder the way the human body moves. Farrugia’s wood sculptures often feature halo-like rays of wood emanating from a central focal point. And his large-scale commissions stand proud in front of local businesses and public buildings.

His latest collection, crafted in bronze at his Mono studio, is an intimate series of four bronze snakes so lifelike as to give viewers a start, yet so elegant as to also merit becoming a beloved collectible. Farrugia says they are part of his “continued interest in bodies and the way they interact.” Trying to recreate a snake’s form and texture “reminds me of working with fabric because a lot of the time the fabric is what’s conveying the movement,” he says. And what is that movement conveying? Each snake — about two feet long, if they were outstretched — is posed on an emotional continuum from docile to ready to strike. (Prices upon request, John Farrugia)

Watercolours with Purpose

Isaiah McCloud describes himself as a self-taught artist who is “hooked” on wildlife rehabilitation. Isaiah, 11, draws a variety of birds such as cardinals, mallards, and puffins on watercolour cardstock with fine detail and care, and sells packs of them to benefit the Procyon Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre in Beeton. Isaiah donates 50 per cent of the proceeds.

“I spend a day a week at forest school and really enjoy being in nature. I paint birds because I feel I have a connection to them.” (Packs start at $20 for five cards, 4.5″ x 6″, Isaiah McCloud)

Paddle On

Courtney Collier started Bugs Boutique in 2010 using her experience in building custom wood cabinetry, but expanded to make everything from barn doors to brightly painted wood signs and paddles — even custom art installations.

“I design every project and then plane, cut, sand, paint, letter and finish my projects myself. Creating wood decor is my passion. My goal is to create Canadian wood products with a price tag fit for the average household.” (Items starting at $10 depending on complexity, Bugs Boutique, More Than Just Baskets)

SOURCES

Bugs Boutique, Orangeville, IG @Boutique.Bugs
John Farrugia, Mono, craganrock.com
Isaiah McCloud, Hillsburgh, [email protected]