Handcrafted in the Hills

Tiny perfect memories 

Artist Burcin Yilmaz of Amaranth specializes in creating miniature characters set in detail-rich terrariums. Yilmaz says she seeks to tell a tiny story encapsulated in glass. “I have been passionate about plants and model-making since I was a child,” she says.

The bespoke business she started, Terrarium House, conjures up designs based on a client’s dream, photo, memory or description of a loved one — nature hikes and waterside vignettes are popular. “I use selected plants and hand-painted, handmade figures to bring these ideas to life. I spend hours focusing on small details to make each piece unique.” (Prices by request, Terrarium House)

Birds in black and white

Mono artist N.E. McHaffie’s stark tableaus of snow buntings in flight or long-legged wild turkeys trotting their way across a snow-covered field seem to capture moments frozen in time. McHaffie’s charming pastoral images grace a series of five hand-illustrated cards available at Dragonfly Arts in Orangeville.

Other renderings include a rural farm tucked deep in fresh snow; birds alighting on tiny branches; and a flock of juncos, all aflutter. ($5 each, Dragonfly Arts)

An ancient craft in modern times

Derek Ardron of Orangeville has always been fascinated by blacksmithing and discovered his talent for this craft during the pandemic. Searching for something to keep him busy during lockdown, Ardron studied online and began his adventure into this ancient art.

“I had always loved the craft; I found it interesting since I was a child. When Covid came around I found myself on YouTube watching videos. I decided to make a forge, and I got a piece of railroad track, and started. I found it was a great way to be creative and it was great for my mental health.” His pieces include remarkably delicate florals such as sunflowers and roses. (Prices by request, Dardron Forge)

SOURCES

Derek Ardron, Orangeville, FB @dardronforge 

Dragonfly Arts, 89 Broadway, Orangeville. 519-941-5249. dragonflyarts.ca

Terrarium House, Amaranth, IG @terrariumhouse

— with files from Emily Dickson