Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design
322 Charlotte Street B1P 1C8 Sydney, NS, Canada

Bounce hoppily into spring with these adorable bunny ornaments. Hand-hooked by artist Betty Paruch of From Rags to Riches, these little friends will bring a smile to your face after the long winter. Find a collection of Easter creations in the Gallery Shop and online at shopcapebretoncraft.com. #ilovecbcraft

These sweet, little wool creations by Shari MacLeod have arrived just in time for Easter! Have your choice between a selection of rabbit designs, but don't wait too long...they may just hop away! Find Shari's little creatures in the Gallery Shop and online at shopcapebretoncraft.com. #ilovecbcraft

Wishing the artisans the very best in the next stage of their careers! We are immensely proud of the work they have accomplished and look forward to the continued success of Customs House Incubator!

Please note the following changes to the Gallery Shop hours starting Thursday, April 1, 2021: Monday - Wednesday: 10 am - 4 pm Thursday: 10 am - 6 pm Friday - Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm... Sunday: Closed *The Gallery Shop will be closed from 12 pm - 3 pm on Thursday, April 1st. Please remember to visit us online at shopcapebretoncraft.com!

Well-known local artist Kenny Boone was born and raised in Cape Breton. Painting professionally since the early 1990s, he quickly gained recognition for his striking watercolour images of the Island. In recent years, his creative curiosity has spurred exploration into many other areas. From a more traditional approach, his painting has evolved into a fluid and sensual form of self-expression. Kenny has exhibited extensively in private and public galleries and his paintings can be found in numerous private collections throughout North America, Australia and Europe. Find a collection of Kenny Boone's work in the Gallery Shop. #ilovecbcraft Pictured: "Moon Dance" (original watercolour)

Happy New Year! Wishing everyone a wonderful new year filled with health and happiness. We look forward to seeing everyone in 2021!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Since warm vacations are probably not happening this winter we need to find other ways to stay warm. Let us help you too! Find cosy creations by Cape Breton craftspeople that will definitely do the trick! So, when you're facing the wind and snow over the next couple of months, remember that we're in this together, and we're here to provide some warmth to help you through it! Find knitwear in the Gallery Shop in downtown Sydney! #ilovecbcraft

Lynda Lou MacIntyre is a Sydney native and graduate of NSCAD (BFA Ed.) She studied at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts School and taught art in Cape Breton for many years. Lynda Lou works in several media including visual art, metal smithing, silk painting and printmaking. Her work is inspired by travel and nature and has been exhibited in group and solo shows. Her paintings have appeared in Nashwaak Review. Lynda Lou has given many workshops including two in Italy and is a regular instructor at the Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design. Find Lynda Lou's work in the Gallery Shop and online at shopcapebretoncraft.com. #ilovecbcraft

Richard Boudreau is a metal artist and owner of Ruff Metalworks. He creates unique flower art pieces, as well as custom metalwork. Richard creates his one-of-a-kind handmade pieces at his studio on beautiful Isle Madame. Find Richard's work in the Gallery Shop. #ilovecbcraft

Open Studio (Ceramics) - Introductory Level The open studio is for a beginner student with no previous experience! Learn to hand-build a ceramic bowl from a slump mold (a slump mold is a plaster form that is used to form the shape of the clay and dry the clay into said form). Work with the instructor to take your slump mold and create an entirely unique and personal craft. Clay is not included.... Date: Wednesday, November 25 & Saturday, November 28, 2020 (2 weeks) Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm (Wednesday) & 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm (Saturday) Instructor: Solskin (SKE) Brask Fee: $30.00 + HST (Members) | Fee: $34.50 + HST (Non-Members) For more information, please contact: Tammy Sophocleous MacDonald 902.539.7491 ext. 111 [email protected]

With different shapes, forms and colours, I try to express ideas and emotions. My intention is to touch and excite the imagination. Gordon Kennedy attended Vancouver Art School in the early 1970s, where he studied painting and metal sculpture. He had studios in Vancouver and Toronto before settling in Cape Breton with his wife, Carol. Several years ago, he began to experiment and study three-dimensional forms which has led to his most recent work, sculptures of metal, fibreglass and cement. Find "Shelter" (Steel, 2019) by Gordon Kennedy at the Gallery Shop in Sydney. #ilovecbcraft

It's a TAX FREE WEEKEND when you shop at Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design. Black Friday (November 27th) - Saturday, November 28th you will enjoy 15% off all of your purchases in the Gallery Shop. AND, when you shop online using the code BLACKFRIDAY15 you can save 15% on all purchases from Black Friday through Sunday, November 29th! Visit us in downtown Sydney or online at shopcapebretoncraft.com to take advantage of the Black Friday deal!

There has been such a great response to the Stack Rings Workshop that we have added another session! Instructed by Aleena Derohanian this is a course for absolute beginners who are interested in making sterling silver band rings in a variety of sizes and textures. Students will be covering basic jewellery techniques and learn how to accurately measure finger sizes and make rings according to measurement. Tuition fees include the use of all tools and equipment. Students will ...be required to purchase their own metals, which are available at the Centre. (Approximately $20 for sterling silver, but exact costs will vary depending on what the student makes.) Date: December 12 (Saturday), December 15 (Tuesday), December 19 (Saturday) Time: Saturdays - 10:30 am - 1:30 pm / Tuesday - 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Instructor: Aleena Derohanian Fee: $75.00 + HST (Members) Fee: $86.25 + HST (Non-Members) Spaces are limited and there are only a couple of seats left. If you are interested in registering, please contact: Tammy Sophocleous MacDonald 902.539.7491 ext. 111 [email protected]

Nancy Oakley creates stunning crafts that reflect her Mi'kmaq and Wampanoag descent. Nancy has been involved in arts her entire life and moved to Eskasoni First Nation to better understand her heritage. She has owned her craft business for over 20 years and focuses her exceptional skills on creating unique pottery and beadwork. Find Nancy's work in the Gallery Shop and online at shopcapebretoncraft.com. #ilovecbcraft

We still have a few spaces open for this free vegan cooking class! It is taught by the talented Susan MacDonald and will be held at the Cape Breton Farmer's Ma...rket Kitchen this Sunday, November 29th, at 1 pm. Free meal included! Must Pre-register, Covid safety protocols in place. Please share! #FeywoodGroveFarm #CultureExchangeCapeBreton Island Food Network Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design See more

'Tis the season to be jolly! As the festive season begins you may be ready to sit down with a hot chocolate and write to your loved ones. The Centre has a beautiful collection of decorative holiday cards that will bring a smile to anyone's face. Let your loved ones know you're thinking about them by sending warm wishes with a handcrafted card. Find our collection of holiday cards at the Gallery Shop in Sydney! #ilovecbcraft

Paula Davis (The Loop Maker) has lived and worked in Port Hawkesbury since 1970, and has been involved in fibre arts since graduating from university. Paula has a great love for colour and texture and produces pieces that are both functional and decorative. Find The Loop Maker's work at the Gallery Shop in Sydney! #ilovecbcraft

Gundi is an artist who was born in Germany and lived several years in Chile before moving to Canada in 1973. Gundi’s studio is beautifully situated in a pretty Cape Breton cove overlooking the open north Atlantic Ocean with the ever-changing nature and weather providing much of the inspiration for her work. You can find Gundi's glass art and embroidery, beadwork necklaces in the Gallery Shop in Sydney. #ilovecbcraft

Due to weather conditions the Centre will remain closed for the day.

Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design will be closed until 11 am due to the weather. We will re-evaluate the situation at that time and post any further updates.

Registration for fall classes and workshops is underway! Classes allow students to experience a new craft, enhance their existing skills and meet new people with similar craft interests. Fall courses and workshops include: - Rug Hooking (Introductory)... - Block Printing (Introductory) - Oil Painting (Advanced) - Watercolour and Ink (Intermediate, Advanced) - Textile Repair Techniques (Introductory) - Photo Editing / Adobe Lightroom (Introductory) - Watercolour (Introductory, Intermediate) - Hand Embroidery (Introductory) - Experimenting with Stitched Shibori (Introductory) - Indigo Workshop (Introductory) - Printing & Painting with Earth Pigments (Introductory) - Basket Weaving (Introductory) For more information about registration, please contact: Tammy Sophocleous-MacDonald 902.539.7491 ext. 111 [email protected] Please note: COVID guidelines will be adhered to throughout the duration of the sessions.

Happy first official day of fall! Where are all the fall lovers at? We're celebrating with this stunning leaf and vine necklace handmade by Teddy Tedford. #ilovecbcraft

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT - Victoria Piersig What is Victoria working on for the Legacy Project? In late 2018, Victoria transitioned from a lifetime in Toronto to... her new home in the blue-collar town of Port Hawkesbury. Locals refer to it as a service town and Victoria noticed that Cape Bretoners wonder why anyone from away would choose to live there. Victoria is in Port Hawkesbury because of her partner, a tugboat captain she met through her long-term project, Trading Places. Port Hawkesbury boasts a deep, mostly ice-free harbour; a tiny yacht club; a commercial boatyard; and the NSCC Nautical Institute. However, there is an utter lack of recreational water use. Victorias home is 100 metres from the commercial dock, a pier that surprisingly remains open to the public by vehicle or on foot with an adjacent public boat ramp. Victoria is fascinated by the ongoing stream of mostly solitary drivers in pickup trucks and cars. They drive to the dock, park, remain in their cars, and gaze out at the harbour for five to ten minutes. Having seen what they came to see, they spin around and drive off to parts unknown. In warmer months, a few fishers will congregate at the end of the pier. As a sailor and documenter of industry and ports, Victoria finds the lack of recreational use of the incredible waterfront unfathomable. This town is desperate for new economic development. Victoria believes there is room for waterfront cafés, ice cream shops, boat rentals, tours of the strait, youth sailing programs, picnic beaches, and more. And so, Victoria is leading by example and portaging down the road to kayak the Strait. While out in her kayak, she is recording video, sound, musings for a podcast, and photographs. Victoria is hoping to use her art to stimulate discussion. She wants the project (We were joined by serendipity) to generate new ideas for waterfront development, investment, and green economies to attract tourism and provide year round recreational activities for tourists and locals alike. Arts and culture plus out-of-the-box thinking are crucial as we come out of COVID-19 looking to generate new economies and Victoria is pleased to be a part of it. Visit her website https://hubs.ly/H0wDxQl0 Centre for Craft Nova Scotia Cape Breton Music Industry Cooperative. Highland Arts Theatre Celtic Colours International Festival Colaisde na Gàidhlig / The Gaelic College Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia

"My time at the Customs House Artisan Incubator has been integral to my development as a business person and an artist. It's a life-changing experience that has enriched my life and helped me form a real sense of community." Tasha Grace Designs Dont miss your chance to join the Customs House Artisan Incubator. As our artist in residence, youll have access to: Fully-equipped studios... Subsidized studio rent Craft business development support Technical mentorship Opportunities to take your craft to market We believe in you. Apply today: capebretoncraft.com/learn/customs-house/apply-today #CustomsHouse #TheCreativeIsland

Rug Hooking Classes (Introductory Level) Have you been wondering if rug hooking is the craft for you? Do you want to learn how it is done? This four week class is a quick introduction to rug hooking and will answer all of your burning questions. You will create a small hooked piece with a simple and easy pattern while learning how to pull loops of wool through a woven backing. Date: September 29 - October 20, 2020 (Tuesdays)... Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Instructor: Joan MacKenzie Fee: $63.60 + HST (Member) / Fee: $73.14 + HST (Non-Members) The cost of materials for the wool and pattern is $35.00. Frames and hooks will be available to borrow for the duration of the course.

In partnership with Parks Canada, we are very excited to introduce Kelsie Young as the 2020 recipient of the autumn residency program in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This six week Artist in Residence program is open to professionals practicing visual or craft-based arts, and provides the artist with the opportunity to develop new or existing work in quiet, natural surroundings. Kelsie is a Mi'kmaw artist who studied her ancestral arts of wooden flower and dreamcatche...r making, and basket weaving with Mi'kmaw elders from Bear River and throughout Nova Scotia. Kelsie is an accomplished creator and entrepreneur who has been featured as an emerging artist in media and communities across Nova Scotia, and who has been creating dreamcatcher artwork under her studio name Dream Webs since 2016. "As an Aboriginal artist, the dreamcatchers that I make are more than visual artwork -- they are medicine and legend; teachings deeply intertwined with the land." - Kelsie Young

Who doesn't love a good cutting board? These ones, handmade by Woodsmith Studio, are great for chopping as well as serving up your favourite snacks! #ilovecbcraft

For all the textile lovers check out these amazing rug hooked pillows by The Loop Maker in Port Hawkesbury. Nothing spruces up your favourite chair quite like a handmade pillow! Find your favourite in our Gallery Shop today. #ilovecbcraft

Big Hill Pottery's oceanic glaze is one of our favourites! Sand, sea and sky do you love it as much as we do? #ilovecbcraft

Ever dream of taking a ceramics course from the comfort of your home? Alana Wilson is offering a 10 week course beginning this Tuesday, September 15th. Sign up here! ... https://www.builderburnerceramics.com//cape-breton-10-week See more

"The Customs House Artisan Incubator has facilitated growth, both as a craftsperson and my business. The furnished studio space along with support in the form of tools, resources, and education has created the perfect environment for me to flourish; pursuing my dreams in a way I never could have imagined." Tessaramics The Customs House, based in Port Hawkesbury, is looking for two artists to join the space. Are you a ceramic or multidisciplinary artist? Be bold. Take your ...chance today. Apply now: capebretoncraft.com/learn/customs-house/apply-today #CustomsHouse #TheCreativeIsland

We are excited to announce that we have a new printmaking artist-in-residence Wynn Toronitz. Wynn Toronitz is a Canadian artist born in British Columbia, who works around the country with the Canadian Coast Guard and currently spends most of his time on Canadas East Coast. He uses abstract and concrete imagery to bring a playfully skewed perspective to the depiction of otherwise ordinary subjects, with a special focus on the human form. Using pen, watercolour, printmaking, and tattooing, he creates visually succinct works, sometimes incorporating text, which often explores the absurdity that lies just beneath the surface of our carefully rationalized existence. Check out his Instagram here: wwynnt and his website here: www.wwynnt.com

The Centre and our Gallery Shop will be closed today, Monday, September 7th, as we observe Labour Day. We'll see you tomorrow! #ilovecbcraft

The deadline to order this month's Craft Box is September 10th! For $50, you receive a surprise box with $50 value of curated Cape Breton craft. All orders will be shipped out on September 15th. There is also a local pick-up option to pick your Craft Box up in-person at the Gallery Shop to save on shipping. To order yours shopcapebretoncraft.com/service/craft-box-subscription #ilovecbcraft

Would you like to work with us at The Centre?! We are hiring a part-time Retail Gallery Assistant. Click the link below for more information on this exciting opportunity. The deadline to apply is September 10th at 4PM. https://capebretoncraft.com/about-us/our-team/

For the chickadee lovers, these block printed canvas bags by Cabot & Rose are the cutest! #ilovecbcraft

Last day of August already? Say it isn't so! We hope you get to enjoy the last few weeks of summer to the fullest whether that's travelling around the island to view the magnificent sights, take in beautiful beach days, or visit amazing artisan studios. There is so much to discover on Cape Breton Island! #ilovecbcraft

What do you love most about supporting local artisans? Whether it's because you're getting something made by hand, a one of a kind item, supporting the local economy or something else we'd love to hear it! Comment below with your reason. #ilovecbcraft

Calling all artists with a relationship to disability - We want to hear from you! Take this survey so we can help to discover & remove barriers for artists with disabilities! www.baaff.ca/artistsurvey #BAAFF #accessibleart #disability

Victoria County Creates is a must-stop if you're in or around Baddeck! Their gallery features a wonderful display or work handmade by Victoria County artisans. Find them using our Artisan Trail Map, and while you're in the area, be sure to check out Big Hill Pottery as well. #ilovecbcraft

The Customs House Artisan Incubator gave me a platform to elevate my professional reputation, and gave me access to a network of creative professionals that I wouldn't have been able to break into on my own. Having my own dedicated studio space has given me the opportunity to expand on my product mix, and take my work in new directions. The Customs House has been pivotal for me, and has accelerated my career. I can now say I am a full time artist. If I had stayed in a big ci...ty where I was living before, I would not have been able to take my art career full time for years or even decades. This small community has taken a far off dream and turned it into a reality for me. Josephine Clarke Textiles Are you an artist looking for an exciting new opportunity? Dont miss your chance to join the Customs House Artisan Incubator. We believe in you. Apply today: capebretoncraft.com/learn/customs-house/apply-today #CustomsHouse #TheCreativeIsland

A few of our favourite things by Glass Artisans Studio & Gallery, of course! We're loving all this colourful glassware, so perfect for summertime. Come check out the full selection at the Centre's Gallery Shop, or find them on the Cabot Trail using our Artisan Trail Map. #ilovecbcraft

Meet the Maker Today we're featuring Joanne Fitzgerald of Arts North, located on the Cabot Trail in Cape North. Joanne creates high-fired stoneware pottery in themes inspired by northern Cape Breton's pristine environment including moose, whales, shorebirds and flowers. Pop into Arts North today and see the amazing selection of Joanne's pottery in addition to the work of over 20 other Cape Breton artisans. You can find Arts North using our 2020 Artisan Trail Map! #ilovecbcraft

Les Printemps Silencieux by Teena Marie Fancey Visual Artist is giving us all the Monday vibes today! Come visit us at 322 Charlotte Street and see this lovely acrylic painting with found objects in-person. #ilovecbcraft

Looking for something to keep your kid busy during these last few weeks of summer? Theres still time to get your hands on a craft kit! These fun kits feature a range of activities for five days including all the necessary supplies and instructions. For more information and to order yours www.shopcapebretoncraft.com/craft-kit.html

Who has a Cape Breton Island ring and wears it proudly? Handmade by none other than MacLeod of Cape Breton! Pick your favourite style out in our Gallery Shop or visit www.cbrings.ca #ilovecbcraft

"Having spent two years at the Customs House Artisan Incubator, my business has grown more than I ever expected it to. Thats in huge part due to the creative community I was introduced to through the Customs House. Whether its folks just popping into the space, or more formal events wed host or be invited to, it did not take long to meet the plethora of local artisans around the Island. This, combined with the dedicated space to focus on my craft, and the immediate support... from my fellow resident artisans has led to growth beyond my expectations. Id highly suggest this incubator program to anyone looking to elevate their craft and join an incredible community of artisans here on Cape Breton Island." Phee's Original Goods The Customs House Artisan Incubator is a life-changing experience for emerging artists. This craft incubator, based in Port Hawkesbury, is looking for two artists to join the space. Apply today: capebretoncraft.com/learn/customs-house/apply-today #CustomsHouse #TheCreativeIsland

If you're looking for some fun, creative activities for your child to do this summer, check out our Craft Kits! Each kit contains five days' worth of activities and materials to try weaving, printmaking, painting, and more. Kits are available for the following age ranges:... Kit 1 recommended for ages 6 8 Kit 2 recommended for ages 9 10 Kit 3 recommended for ages 11 13 To place your order, visit: www.shopcapebretoncraft.com/craft-kit.html Want to learn more? Email [email protected]

Mondays aren't so bad when you get to marvel at Cape Breton craft handmade by over 100 local artists. Come down to our Gallery Shop to see all the beauty and talent firsthand. This piece is handmade by Hugh Ross. #ilovecbcraft

Tomorrow is the deadline to order the August Craft Box! For $50, you receive a surprise box with $50 value of curated Cape Breton craft. All orders will be shipped out on August 15th. There is also a local pick-up option to pick your Craft Box up in-person at the Gallery Shop to save on shipping. ... To order yours shopcapebretoncraft.com/service/craft-box-subscription #ilovecbcraft

Happy Friday, friends! Today we're admiring this lovely sculpture by Gordon Kennedy of Iron Art & Photographs. You can see this piece in all its glory at our Gallery Shop in Sydney, or check out Gordon's studio on the Cabot Trail. Grab a copy of our Artisan Trail Map and you'll be well on your way to discovering lots of amazing craft, including Gordon's, around our beautiful island. #ilovecbcraft

A huge thank you to Victoria County for sponsoring 12 of our Craft Kits for kids! Craft Kits are a fun way for children to engage with craft and includes everything for them to try out printmaking, weaving, painting, and more. Thank you for your generous support and spreading the love in Victoria County! ... If you're interested in sponsoring Craft Kits for kids, please reach out to us at [email protected]. For more information about the kits, visit: www.shopcapebretoncraft.com/craft-kit.html

Love a surprise? Don't miss our August Craft Box order yours today! Craft Box orders must be placed by August 10th and all orders will be shipped out on the 15th. There is also a local pick-up option to pick your Craft Box up in-person at the Gallery Shop to save on shipping. For $50, you receive a surprise box with $50 worth of Cape Breton craft. ... Have you received a Craft Box in the past? Share your pics in the comments below! For more info shopcapebretoncraft.com/service/craft-box-subscription #ilovecbcraft

What are you up to this Civic Holiday? If you're looking for something fun to do, come visit our Gallery Shop at 322 Charlotte Street and see the work handmade by over 100 Cape Breton artisans. We're open from 10am 4pm today and would love to see you