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Oakville Fashion Week runs from April, 9-15, 2018 in downtown Oakville

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Oakville Fashion Week will feature over 12 presentations, demonstrations and fun activities throughout downtown Oakville.

“Everyone in Downtown Oakville is very excited to host Oakville Fashion Week,” said Sharlene Plewman, executive director of the Downtown Oakville BIA. “We have over 12 events put on by 25 businesses! Our community members have come together and are working really hard to host fun and unique experiences throughout Oakville Fashion Week that we are certain you will enjoy.”

Businesses participating in Oakville Fashion Week:

Avante
Boa Boutique
BRU
Buca Di Bacco
Buck’s Hard Goods
By Consignment
Civello
Closet 112
Delacor Studio
FIORI
gabe + angel
Hot Oven Bakery
Island View Lilly Pulitzer
Joey for Men
Just an Olde Fashion Butchery
Kit and Ace
Lemonwood
Maska
Mendocino
Noble Bistro
SpinCo
Sweetbites
Tommy Bahama
VOC

This fashion event is brought to you by the merchants and businesses of Downtown Oakville.

www.oakvilledowntown.com

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Women in the Culinary Scene
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Women In The Local Culinary Scene

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The culinary scene is often thought to be a largely male-dominated industry. And the restaurant business is notorious for the long hours, tight margins, and stresses of an entrepreneurial life. But, like every industry in our modern world, the winds of change are coming… and women are making waves in the food industry and they are being recognized for it. Though there are many in the Burlington and Oakville area to talk about, here is an introduction to a few of our female makers and shakers in the culinary industry.

Familia Fine Foods

Juliana Berrio  Familia Fine Foods

Juliana Berrio has always found that time spent with her family, while enjoying a meal around the table, is incredibly valuable. Juliana wanted to create a space where other families would be able to enjoy this experience, feeling closer to their families over a meal.

Launching Familia Fine Foods along with her husband, Luis, and two daughters, she has tried to make a place that feels like home to her customers – enjoying laughs and sharing with them a taste of Colombian culture. While living far away from the rest of their family has had its challenges, it has shown them the importance of creating their own community in Canada, who now feel like family. Juliana wholeheartedly believes there is nothing more important than doing what you love, and enriching every experience with a touch of that passion.

17-3245 Harvester Road, Burlington
familiafinefoods.com

 

Kelly's Bake Shoppe

Kelly Childs + Erinn Weatherbie
Kelly’s Bake Shoppe

Co-founders of Kelly’s Bake Shoppe in Burlington, Kelly and Erinn, made their splash in the culinary industry in 2010 with their first restaurant Kindfood (now known as Lettuce Love Cafe). Their aim was to help others see how easy it is to adopt a plant-based, vegan diet, without sacrificing flavour. The demand at Kindfood was so great, that they expanded to the Bake Shoppe in 2012. Thousands flock through their doors weekly, and they are so grateful for all of their customers; their mantra is to ‘live a life of gratitude’. One dessert they can’t live without? Their Mile High Brownie.

401 Brant St, Burlington
kellysxo.com

 

Saving Thyme

Alexandra Kinsman
Saving Thyme catering & patisserie

Alex Kinsman, co-owner of Saving Thyme in Burlington, was drawn to the industry due to a love of working with her hands, not having a fixed schedule and discovering a love for local food. Starting in the pastry section of Dundas, Ontario’s popular ‘Quatrefoil Restaurant’ when they first opened, she was able to experience a start-up kitchen environment and be mentored by the talented culinary team at Quatrefoil. The knowledge gained during this experience led to the opening of Saving Thyme with her husband, Phil (plus his famous butter croissants!). Alex loves working with her family each day, bringing joy to her community through amazing food. Her biggest tidbit of advice: always stay true to the vision and leave the egos at the door.

450 Appleby Line, Burlington
savingthyme.ca

 

La Parisienne

Courtney Colas  La Parisienne Crêperie

Like many others, Courtney Colas of La Parisienne Crêperie in Bronte fell into the industry as a part time job while in school. As the years went by, it became her career, with her working in almost every position you could hold within the hospitality industry. When the opportunity to revamp La Parisienne Crêperie came up, Courtney and her husband jumped on it. Courtney’s passion is creativity through food; she loves to cook and loves watching someone’s face as they try something you have created just for them – savouring every bite. Her current favourite dish: Courtney couldn’t possibly choose one, but loves their French Onion Soup, and their BLTCA (bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheddar, avocado) Crêpe with a poached egg on top for brunch!

93 Bronte Road, Oakville
laparisiennecreperie.com

 

Di Mario's Trattoria

Nicky Leonelli  Di Mario’s Trattoria

Nicky Leonelli has been passionate about food for as long as she can remember. She was brought up enjoying the simple pleasures of cooking, and naturally gravitated towards it when she moved to Canada in 1988 – inspired to make a splash in the food industry by non-believers who thought she would not succeed in the culinary business. Though there was difficulty in the industry, Nicky learned resilience and how to be patient with the outcomes. She stuck to her vision for the restaurant and did not allow her visions to be swayed. The good stuff about the food biz: Nicky loves her staff, who have become like family to her, and her guests. If it’s on the menu as a feature while you’re visiting Di Mario’s Trattoria, try their Ravioli Lobster – it’s Nicky’s favourite to share with others!

1455 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington
dimarios.com

 

Piazza Bistro

Joanna Tomal  Piazza Bistro

Joanna, co-owner of Piazza Bistro in Downtown Oakville, was attracted to the restaurant industry because of her passion for well executed, simple, comfort food. She describes herself as ‘obsessed’ with cookbooks, personally owning more than she could possibly count. It was this obsession for food, combined with her love of home-made family-style cooking that led her to launch Piazza Bistro 5 years ago. After 5 successful years, she says her biggest lesson was learning the difference between cooking at home for family and friends, and cooking for a room full of customers. She says it was a learning experience, but the atmosphere of the restaurant when it’s humming with conversation and full of satisfied customers with smiles on their faces makes it all worthwhile. Her favourite dish? A tie between her (famous) Dill Pickle Soup and her secret Meatball recipe.

94 George St, Oakville
piazzabistro.ca

by Heather Peter

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Seed Library
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Green Thumbs Germinate at Local Seed Libraries

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Do you dig gardening? Would you like access to certain seeds for your flowerbed or garden? Local seed libraries might be just what you’re looking for this year. With planting season quickly approaching, the tools for starting or enhancing your garden could be as close as…the library. Yes, the local library doesn’t just lend books these days: you can also borrow seeds.

Both the Burlington and Oakville Public Libraries offer the unique opportunity to borrow from the Seed Library, completely free of charge. Once your plants have matured, harvest your plant’s seeds and return them back to the library, allowing more customers to experience the delights of gardening. The Seed Library carries seeds for a variety of plants, including eggplant, squash, lettuce, tomatoes, and lavender. Through returns and donations, the collection continues to grow and evolve. “The first wave of seeds will be available from our Seed Library on March 14, and will include vegetables that need to be started indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost before planting outside,” says library assistant Susan Thompson who runs the Seed Library in Burlington. “The full collection of seeds will be available on April 21, the day before Earth Day. This year we hope to add a few flower seeds into our collection, which has up until now been limited to veggies and herbs.”

Seed Library

Each person can borrow up to 10 seeds. Customers are not obligated to return seeds of the plants they grow as a condition for borrowing seeds. Instead, they’re encouraged to collect and return seeds as they’re able, but primarily they’re encouraged to have the experience of growing and enjoying some of their own food in their backyard, or balcony or community garden.

The OPL Seed Library in Oakville is currently housed at the Clearview Branch, and offers a wide selection of organic seeds that customers can borrow to plant and grow in their own backyards. This year OPL will be launching the seed libraries at all six Oakville locations on April 15. You don’t even need a library card to “check out seeds.” The library will be hosting Master Gardeners David Marshall and Lorne Sparrow on April 15 for the kickoff of the Seed Library at the Central Branch. “This new library initiative acts as a community project that promotes healthy and sustainable living, as well as encourages a culture of sharing,” says Lisa Williams, who heads the Seed Library in Oakville. “It’s a great way to bring our community closer together.”

Seed Library

How to Borrow Seeds

Select your seeds and fill out a check-out form. Drop off the check-out form at the circulation desk.

Why Harvest Seeds ?

By harvesting your seeds and returning them to the library, you allow more individuals to participate and experience the pleasures of growing their own plants. Harvesting your own seeds allows you to develop a deeper understanding of botany and the plant kingdom. You can save money by planting your own seeds and growing your own food. The seed library is organized by plant families (common names – beans, radish, etc). Seed packets are stored in boxes designated for the seed library. Seeds are sorted alphabetically by common name, and separated by dividers. Each packet is labeled with common name and variety noted.

Regardless of whether you’re just starting out or have years of gardening experience behind you, take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to grow some plants, nurture them, and, of course, reap what you sow.

by Allison Dempsey

Local Links

Burlington Public Library
bpl.on.ca

Oakville Public Library
opl.on.ca

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The Angel Project
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Heaven Sent – The Angel Project Speaks for the Voiceless

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It started with a bare and lonely hospital room, 10 years ago. While visiting a friend in the Complex Care unit at London’s Parkwood Hospital around Christmas, Lisette Kingo asked how many patients had to remain in the facility over the holiday.

What she learned about one bedridden resident left her shocked and shaken. “They told me he had no family members to speak of, and basically hadn’t left not only the hospital, but his room, for many years,” she says. “I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. It seemed inconceivable.”

That encounter led directly to Kingo creating The Angel Project, a charity designed to assist patients who will often spend decades in hospitals, never to return to a real home again. Their circumstances can range from accident victims with spinal cord or brain injuries, to those suffering from MS and ALS.

Regardless of their histories, all have been left without the tools and finances to fend for themselves, either because they have no families, their families cannot afford the expenses, or, in the worst case scenarios, families have simply walked away from the burden of responsibility. “Basically many of these patients have been forgotten. They are discarded people,” says Kingo. “They are in Complex Care units, often for decades because they simply have nowhere else to go. When I tell this to people, they either can’t believe there’s a program like The Angel Project, or they can’t believe there’s a need for it. And unfortunately, there definitely is.”

The Angel Project

Most people don’t realize that hospitals do not provide basic hygiene necessities for long-term Complex Care patients such as shaving cream, soap, deodorant or shampoo, and there are no funds set aside for recreational activities, haircuts or even a cup of coffee.

The Angel Project’s vital Slush Fund provides money for the latter, and their ongoing fundraising efforts help with the rest, but the organization does much more than that. “We work to provide money for co-payments on vital pieces of equipment that can often mean the difference between a patient being trapped in silence, or finding a voice to communicate with those around them,” says Kingo, noting that they have raised funds for co-payments of up to $19,000 in the past.

The charity also raises funds for outings for patients who would never be able to leave the hospital on their own. It also provides gifts at Christmas and even clothing for those who have none. “There was one young man with a spinal injury who basically lived in a hospital gown because there was no family to buy him clothing,” says Kingo. Heartbreaking stories such as this are just a few of the reasons why this organization’s work is so imperative.

The Angel Project

Funds also assist in at least one outing per eligible patient per year, and when possible they assist with the purchase of items such as wheelchairs, voice boxes and speech computers, and even simple comforts such as stuffed animals, soft blankets or gifts at Christmas.

The charity prides itself on being one of the very few organizations that operate with minimal overhead, run by a volunteer team and a board of directors. All money raised goes directly to patients at the Complex Care Unit at both the Joseph Brant and Parkwood hospitals. For personal stories and videos from those directly affected by the project, visit the Facebook page at facebook.com/TheAngelProject.

Just a few of the items The Angel Project has raised funds for to date include approximately seven customized wheelchairs, iPads with retina displays, SMART boards for patient use, hundreds of hand-made quilts, chair lifts, outdoor gardens, BEPAP machines, TVs and DVD players, stroke walkers and treadmills.

While some of these items can cost more than $10,000, in the end, says Kingo, it’s often the little things that make the biggest difference, providing dignity, a sense of worth and purpose to those in need. “We try to give a voice to the voiceless,” she says. “These patients often can’t speak for themselves, so we speak for them.”

by Alison Dempsey

Local Link

The Angel Project
theangelproject.ca

 

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Local Craft Breweries
In Articles

The Craft – Local Craft Breweries

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The craft beer scene has been making waves across Halton and beyond, with appreciators of the bubbly beverage popping up left, right and centre. Though the craft beer scene isn’t new, with the first ‘craft brewery’ opening in 1965, it has more recently come into popularity with the masses and has resulted in many breweries opening around the area.

Cameron’s Brewing

A family-run brewery based out of Oakville, Cameron’s Brewing Company just celebrated their 20th anniversary. The Cameron’s mantra is “quality and consistency start from the top”. It’s a company culture they stand by, with no money being spared when it comes to ingredients or process. Bill Coleman, the President & Co-Owner believes that “More than ever, what you drink is who you are”, and he also believes that  locally-made products are of great importance to the new generation of beer drinkers. Jason Britton, Cameron’s Brewmaster, agrees. “Beer lovers are getting tired of the standard lager or pilsner produced by the macro breweries. Craft beer gives the drinker an opportunity to explore unique flavours and new takes on beer styles.” Cameron’s most popular brew continues to be the Cameron’s Cosmic Ale that they started with in 1997, though they have many popular seasonals and special releases.

Nickel Brook Brewing Company

With over 50 national and international brewing awards, an annual portfolio of over 35 different beers, and one of the largest barrel-brewing aging programs in the province, Nickel Brook Brewing Company has made a name for themselves not only in Burlington, but across North America. Nickel Brook opened up as homebrew supply shop (Better Bitters) in Burlington in 1992, and made the switch to a commercial brewery in 2005. Since then, they have launched the largest dedicated sour beer brewery in Ontario – cheekily called ‘the Funk Lab’, after the funky flavour of sour beers – where they experiment with (and are positioned to be on the leading edge of) one of the largest trends growing in the craft beer industry: sour beers. Popular brews at Nickel Brook include their classic Headstock IPA (a bold West Coast IPA that is any hop-head’s dream) and the new, but best-selling, bright red Raspberry Uber. 

All or Nothing Brewhouse

Not only is the Oakville-based All or Nothing Brewhouse (formerly known as Trafalgar Brewing) a popular brewery, they’re unique because they’re a distillery. On top of their craft beer, they also craft mead, spirits, and ready to drink beverages such as their Brewers Cold Hard Coffee – the first ever alcoholic coffee drink in Canada. During the colder months, the All or Nothing team sees a growth in popularity of their full-bodied dark brown ales, like their Rifleman Ration. The rest of the year, their signature brew would be their All or Nothing Hopfenweisse, a west-coast inspired wheat beer with flavours of banana and bubble-gum with a delicate citrus finish. Visit their Brewhouse for exclusive products that are available only on-site!

Orange Snail Brewers

Relatively new on the scene in terms of craft beer, Orange Snail Brewers is a small family-owned brewery that has been open in Milton for three years. Though they’re young in craft beer years, that doesn’t slow them from producing award-winning brews. The team produce beers that they enjoy and they hope their customers will enjoy them as well. Orange Snail aims to support local as much as possible, utilizing local ingredients where they can throughout the brewing process and donating all of their spent grain to a farmer down the road. Try their Iron Pig Pale Ale: an earthy based brew, with biscuit and toasted grain flavours and subtle aromatic hops.

So, whether you’re looking to join the scene as a new craft beer drinker, or hoping to discover a new brew you love – look no further than your own backyard. Our local craft brewers are all waiting for you with creative and delicious offerings, and a variety of flavours that ensures everyone will find something to suit their tastes.

by Heather Peter

Local Links

Cameron’s Brewing
cameronsbrewing.com

Nickelbrook Brewing
nickelbrook.com

All or Nothing Brewhouse
allornothing.beer

Orange Snail Brewers
orangesnailbrewers.ca

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Parenting
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Digital Parenting in the Social Media Age

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It was mid January and, despite brutal cold temperatures and deep snow, the room at Frontenac Public School in south east Burlington was full. They were all parents who had come out to learn how to help their child safely navigate the world of social media.

The speaker was social media expert Chris Vollum, an Oakville parent who runs CMV Social Media Inc. and who is a widely-recognized educator on such social platforms as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat. Vollum didn’t pull any punches in telling parents they need to get more involved. One of his biggest concerns is that kids and teens are using social media for self-validation. “The single biggest issue I experience with kids and teens and their social media use is the obsession to use their content as validation to be accepted and liked. It’s almost like their content is an extension of themselves and their self-worth. This, to me, is an addiction,” said Vollum, in an interview after his talk.

Parenting

Cyber bullying. Screenshots. FOMO (fear of missing out). They’re the new language of social media and most parents are playing catch up with their child or teen and struggling to understand what it all means. A British study that included 1,500 youths between the ages of 14 and 24 found that their use of Instagram and Snapchat were contributing to the development of low self-esteem, poor body image, lack of sleep and fear of being left out, or FOMO.

When Vollum has asked students what they expect from posting to social media sites, they all have the same answer – more Likes, Followers, Shares, and Views, which translates to wanting more popularity, attention and recognition. “No sooner do they post something and they’re checking for Likes and Comments and hoping that their Follower numbers increase. The more Likes a child or teen receives, the better they feel about themselves.  The problem is the way they measure their self-value on the numbers-based results of their content is so high.”

Vollum’s advice to parents is simple – get involved. That means becoming more aware of what your child or teen is doing on social media by signing up for the social apps and platforms your kids use, and becoming functionally literate with them. That includes Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Parents should also “follow” their kids and be their “friend” on social media under the authentic premise of being there for safety and support. “Parents need to be at the very least functionally literate as to how they operate, so that if their kids come into  crisis or have an issue, they can jump in,” said Vollum.

Parenting

Whatever you do, said Vollum, don’t allow your child or teen to keep their phones in their bedroom at night. If you notice your child or teen constantly looking at their phone, or if they seem withdrawn or agitated when looking at their phones, that could be a sign of cyber bullying. If that’s the case, Vollum said, parents should intervene immediately and contact the school administration where necessary. “When this happens, kids will find that they won’t lose followers, and they won’t have less fun, but rather, their friends and followers will adapt to their new way of using social media,” said Vollum.

The ultimate goal is for your child or teen to show balance in using social media. This means putting a greater focus on your child’s accomplishments at school, in sports and extracurricular activities, as well as through the relationships they have with family and friends in real life.

At the end of the day, today’s parents are doing their best – just like the generations of parents before them. By speaking openly about the matter and supporting one another, we can all work together to create a safe and supportive community – both online and off – in which to raise our children.

by Denise Davy

Local Links

CMV Social Media Inc.
cmvsocialmedia.com

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St. Patrick's Day
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Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day … and Craft Beer!

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The saying goes that “Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day” but when it comes to toasting ol’ St. Paddy with a beer on March 17th, don’t feel you have to limit yourself to a pint of Guinness (even though it is the official beer of St. Patrick’s Day). There are so many craft brews to enjoy locally, so why not get out and celebrate with friends this year?

Here are 5 places that’ll get your Irish eyes smiling!

5 West Brew Pub, Burlington

The new 5West Brewpub and Kitchen, formerly named the Purple Heather Pub, serves up local craft beer and ciders and its own signature brews. Craft beers are also featured as ingredients on the food menu. You’ll be sure to find some live entertainment to mark the occasion.
5westbrewpubkitchen.ca

Beertown Public House, Burlington

Beer is definitely the focus here in Beer-lington’s newest pub. The signature showpiece bar features 40 draught lines and a rotating bottle list of unique suds to sip, like the O’Hara’s Irish Craft Beer Dry Stout. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and giveaways will be happening from March 7 – 17.
beertown.ca/community/beertownburlington

Bru Restaurant, Oakville

Lots of craft beer to be enjoyed here as this gastropub proudly serves and supports over 15 Ontario breweries and premium imports: six taps and thirty bottles. Of course there’s modern pub fare classics like gluten free fish and chips, gourmet hamburgers and house smoked meat to pair with your beverage of choice.
brurestaurant.ca

Culaccino, Burlington

To help you fulfill your hunger and thirst, guests are guided through the art of pairing over 50 beers with Chef-inspired from scratch foods. The beer list will impress any thirsty guy or gal who wanders in; choose from craft classics brewed right here in Ontario or Italian brews.
culaccino.ca

Coming Soon!

A post shared by O’Finns Irish Temper (@ofinns_irish_temper_oakville) on

O’Finn’s Irish Temper, Oakville

The luck of the Irish is celebrated year round here, but O’Finn’s will be hosting a Seven Days of Traditional Irish Fare event starting March 1. In addition to menu items such as Beer & Cheddar Soup, Ragout of Lamb & Sweet Peas, Bangers & Mash, and Irish Whiskey Glazed Atlantic Salmon, you can enjoy the live music, dancing and prizes on St. Patrick’s Day.
ofinns.com

 

Irish Toasts to Inspire You:

“May you always have a clean shirt, a clear conscience, and enough coins in your pocket to buy a pint!”

“May the winds of fortune sail you,
May you sail a gentle sea.
May it always be the other guy
who says, ‘this drink’s on me.’”

“May the luck of the Irish
Lead to happiest heights
And the highway you travel
Be lined with green lights.
Wherever you go and whatever you do,
May the luck of the Irish be there with you.”

“May you have all the happiness
and luck that life can hold—
And at the end of all your rainbows
may you find a pot of gold.”

“If you’re lucky enough to be Irish…
You’re lucky enough!”

by Becky Dumais

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Local Artisanal Jewellery
In Articles

Shop Local – Be Jewelled – Local Artisanal Jewllery Finds

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Argent Whimsy

Argent Whimsy

This “Knowing” – Sterling Silver & Charoite, OOAK Pendant, Simple yet elegant, and easy to slip on to look instantly fashionable.
Argent Whimsy, Hamilton
argentwhimsy.com

 
 

Wild Blue Yonder

Wild Blue Yonder

Using reclaimed materials found during the designer’s hikes and travels through the forest each piece – including this necklace – is designed to inspire the wearer with a love of nature.
 Wild Blue Yonder, Hamilton
wildbluewood.com

 
 

Avalon Fine Jewellery

Avalon Fine Jewellery

Say “I do” or simply “I love you” with his and hers custom designed matching bands.
Avalon Fine Jewellery, Oakville
avalonfinejewellery.com

 
 

William Distinctive Gems

William Distinctive Gems

A one-of-a-kind rare 2.61 carat Sri Lankan Royal Blue sapphire is complimented by 68 round brilliant cut diamonds all in a halo setting and down the sides of the band.
William Distinctive Gems, Burlington
customjewellery.com

 
 

Mariel Pagliai

Fingerprint Jewellery

Stay warm and chic with this classic updated toque. Made of a soft cashmere blend with a fur pompom. Available in a variety of colours.
Mariel Pagliai, Burlington
marielpagliai.com

 
 

Mariani Jewellers

Mariani Jewellers

Well known for carrying a collection of premium brands, Mariani Jewellers also creates beautiful custom jewellery. If you can dream it, they can create it! Stop by and get inspired by custom pieces like this one.
 Mariani Jewellers, Oakville
marianijewellers.com

 
 

Bluboho

Bluboho

These rose or yellow gold rings are fun to collect and stack. Featuring the revival ring which signifies moving into a new self, shaking off limiting beliefs and embracing the future. Find in stores and online.Available in white and black diamond,
ruby and emerald.
 Bluboho, Oakville
bluboho.com

 
 

Classic Jewellery

Classic Jewellery

Brilliant 18k white gold diamond ring, which showcases an antique cushion cut centre diamond mounted in a halo style. Each side is detailed with 46 round brilliant cut pave-set diamonds. 2.25ct total weight.
 Classic Jewellery, Burlington
classicjewellery.ca

 
 

Luxe Jewellery

Gold bar necklaces, trendy and minimal for everyday wear! Engrave and personalize – absolutely love it.
 Luxe Jewellery, Burlington
luxejewellery.ca

 

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Local Artisanal Jewellery
In Articles

Be Jewelled – Creative Custom Jewellers

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Jewellery is art in wearable form and it is very personal: we’re each drawn to different styles and colours. It might also be the reason you’ve tucked an old piece away, not knowing what to do with it. Working with a local custom designer results in something uniquely yours – even if it’s repurposed from an old or worn out piece. We asked some local designers what they’re currently creating for clients.

It’s a Ring Thing

Custom designed engagement and every day rings are keeping jewellers busy in their studios. Sonali Singla of Luxe Jewellery in Burlington says 90 per cent of the custom work she does is rings, particularly halo engagement rings – a style that “makes the diamond look bigger, giving you a big look without the price tag.” She frequently does vintage styles with mill grain and intricate detailing, and notes that the gold preference is in 14K white. “Yellow gold is a very rare request in the market currently,” Singla says. In addition to diamonds and sapphires, they’re using emeralds as well as mossanite  and morganite. “They’re diamond alternatives which have taken off recently, because they’re more price friendly.”

Local Artisanal Jewellery

Most customers are asking Amer Mazzawi of Classic Jewellery in Burlington to create white gold diamond engagement rings, or matching wedding bands. “The most popular designs are halo rings which feature a square or cushion cut centre diamond, with a split or  a thin shank set with small round diamonds,” he says. He notes that another trend is a solitaire oval cut diamond on a very thin shank and small round accent diamonds on the shank. “On the other hand, some customers are asking for an alternative to diamond rings by looking at colour gemstones, like blue sapphires or morganite.”

Burlington designer Mariel Pagliai says her customers fall into two groups: those looking for a fashion piece and others who want a piece created to highlight a key moment in their life. “It’s a mixture of feelings, memories and love. Those pieces transcend through time,” she says. “What the hands say is often louder than words.” Regarding stones, she says birthstones are very popular, as people feel a connection with the piece. “For high-end pieces, such as platinum and white gold, diamonds are preferred.” Pagliai is well known for her custom fingerprint pieces and creates wedding bands with a loved one’s fingerprint on them.

Custom work at Avalon Fine Jewellery in Oakville can be anything from resetting old rings – perhaps engagement rings that have been passed down or inherited – to original pieces that are created from scratch after sketching out a client’s ideas. “We can sit down and make them exactly what they’re looking for,” says Terry Paunkoff.  His creations are usually based around customers’ requests for 14K
or 18K white or yellow gold, and platinum. “White gold has been dominant in the last 10-15 years, but I believe yellow gold is making a comeback. It’s not 50-50 yet but it’s getting closer,” he says. Paunkoff says he likes to observe what a person’s overall fashion style is, as this gives clues to what the desired piece should look like.

Local Artisanal Jewellery

A Jewel Renewal

Reworking or repurposing older pieces gives them new life. Mazzawi says customers who bring in old broken jewellery that was inherited usually want to use it to create something new. “In most cases, we were able to create cocktail right-hand rings, because most of the time they provide me with several different size diamonds or gemstones that make it challenging to create a balanced yet pleasing design.” Repurposing doesn’t necessarily mean something antique – even something purchased 30 years ago may have lost its luster. “Jewellery before the 2000’s was predominately yellow gold, and now most clients want white gold,” notes Singla. “Before, it used to be very heavy and chunky. Now, we see sleek, dainty styles are trending. They’re usually bringing in rings, and turning them into a new style of ring, or a pendant.”

No matter the style, something old or something new, the end goal is always a beautiful, personal piece to be worn and enjoyed.

by Becky Dumais

Local Links

Mariani Jewellers, Oakville
marianijewellers.com

Mariel Pagliai, Burlington
marielpagliai.com

Avalon Fine Jewellery, Oakville
avalonfinejewellery.com

Classic Jewellery, Burlington
classicjewellery.ca

Luxe Jewellery, Burlington
luxejewellery.ca

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Local Quilters Guilds
In Articles

Sew Fantastic – Quilters’ Guilds Keep Members in Stitches

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If one of your New Year’s Resolutions included learning a new skill, maybe the beautiful, time-honoured tradition of quilt making is in your future. With monthly meetings filled with fascinating speakers, demonstrations, presentations and, of course, socializing, a guild is a great way to get out of the house and meet like-minded and friendly individuals, all while giving back to the community.

“Our core values are very important,” says Rebecca McAlpine, president of the Oakville Quilters Guild. “Our local, provincial and national outreach programs are fantastic and ongoing. We encourage all members to create one quilt a year to hand out to charity, and we strive for between 90 and 100 a year in total.”

Last year guild members were challenged to create 150 quilts in honour of Canada’s 150th birthday, but they managed an incredible 221, all handed out to local community programs, including Big Brothers and Sisters, The Red Cross and various children’s charities.

Local Quilters Guilds

Founded in 1994, the guild boasts an impressive 96 members, some of whom have been involved since its inception, and are still active today. Members range from beginners to internationally renowned, and come from a wide-ranging age background, some working full-time jobs and some in retirement.  The guild puts on a large three-day weekend quilt show every four years. The next show will be spring 2020.

“We not only have monthly meetings, presentations and raffles but we also display our works in the community,” says McAlpine. “The QE Park Community Centre houses our quilts in a rotation throughout the year, and we also take part in various family and cultural days, teaching kids to quilt one on one.” Still wondering if quilting is your ‘thing’? Guests are welcome to drop in every month, for just $7 a visit. Meetings are held every third Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Central Baptist Church, located at the corner of Rebecca St. and Morden Rd.

The Halton Quilters Guild, which just recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, also embraces not only the creative aspects of the fine art, but the outreach and community involvement on a regular, ongoing basis. “Our mandate is to enhance the knowledge of quilting and to commit to community projects,” says president Jean Decaire. “Our outreach program includes making quilts to donate to various charities such as the McMaster Neo-natal unit, the Salvation Army, hospices and other organizations.”

Local Quilters Guilds

Guild members create about 100 quilts a year, and each member tries to donate one quilt a year. Among other activities, the guild offers monthly guest speakers, an informative and up-to-date library, a newsletter and a $100 scholarship for a deserving textile student. “It’s difficult to predict how long a quilt takes to complete,” says Decaire. “It all depends on the available time of the quilter and the intricacy of the design, and many of our members are working full-time jobs as well.”

The guild also strives to preserve quilting as the enduring and beautiful art form it is, establish, maintain and upgrade quilting standards, encourage an exchange of ideas and methods, and participate in community projects. The Halton Guild meets on the first Thursday of each month from September to June at the Mainway Recreation Centre in Burlington.

So whether you’re serious about learning a stunning and timeless handicraft, or just want to try your hand at a new hobby while making some friends, a local quilting guild has everything you need, from knowledgeable members to friendship to fun nights out. Quilting is truly a labour of love.

by Allison Dempsey

Local Links

Oakville Quilters’ Guild
oakvillequiltersguild.ca

Halton Quilters’ Guild
haltonquiltersguild.ca

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