Originals Spring Craft Sale Celebrates 30 Years

All photos by Alexandra Gunn. 

After 30 years of spring success, the annual Originals Spring Craft Sale came to our Nation’s Capital for another season of live demonstrations and unique offerings. The artisan marketplace held at the EY Centre featured the works of over 180 artists, artisans and designers from across Canada.

Notable artist Andrea Kolpaska of ‘Originals by Andrea’ featured bold and beautiful jewellery designs. Woodworking masters of ‘Behind the Woods’ displayed carefully crafted silhouette art and ‘Reiner’s’ featured their beautifully handcrafted quality leather ottomans in various animal designs.

For many first-timers, the Originals Craft Sale was an experience in the handmade. With an array of quality Canadian handcrafted products, including fashion, home décor, natural body care, fine art, stunning jewelry and specialty foods, it was a truly unforgettable show.

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John Ladouceur, founder and president of Signatures Shows Ltd, said that the 30th edition of Originals is “dedicated to the brilliant artisans and loyal visitors who have helped define our Canadian handmade community.”

Each exhibitor at the show designs and creates their own work, and their items are 100 per cent handmade in Canada.

“We strongly emphasize the tangible elements of our shows and always look for new ways to offer them to our visitors,” said Ladouceur. “By showcasing the incredible talents of our Originals artisans in a live setting, we are not only bolstering the quality of our show experience, but also offering visitors a new glimpse into the unique world of Canadian handmade.”

Annemarie Glebe, of Reiner’s Original Quality Leather Ottomans, sought out the opportunity to appear at the show because “the Signatures Show is a high-end one that profiles Canadian artists and crafters goods. People know the show for its quality and the original product that is offered year after year.”

For Canadian artisans, the show is an opportunity to reach a broader market and to reconnect with former clients.

“By attending this event, the public is able to become familiar with our product for its quality and originality. The opportunity of receiving clients’ favorable feedback first hand is very rewarding. We have been well received by individuals who are home to Ottawa and the neighboring communities and we are always excited for new opportunities to expand our presence,” said Glebe.

Signatures Show Ltd. is Canada’s largest producer of fine craft shows, with over 36 years of experience and over 300 shows produced. Each year, Signatures welcomes over 400,000 visitors to its 16 shows in 12 cities across Canada. Based in Ottawa, it is a 100 per cent Canadian-owned and operated business.

For more information, visit originalsshow.ca and signatures.ca.