Artisans Blog: Tips & Advice on Atlantic Canada

A big Thank You to all who participated. We’re very proud of the amazing work of our artisans. We’re even more proud to share our creations with people across this great country we call home. Remember, when you’re out and about in Atlantic Canada, look up an artisan in your area and drop by. You’ll discover something cool, and meet some very interesting and passionate people. Without further ado, here are the winners:

• Giselle Birch, BC
• Mary L. Sullivan, NB
• Patricia Sowinski, NS
• Marie-Ange Arsenault, NB
• Ann Muise, NS
• Zoran Jokanovic, ON
• Rachael Cooper, NS
• Pat Creasy, Manitoba
• Gail Mason, NB
• Joanne Vondette, BC
• Jessica Martin, ON
• Yvonne Pipe, ON
• Kari Wells, NS
• Elizabeth Ferguson, NS
• J. Michael Francis, NS
• Mary Beth Casey, NB

Congratulations! If you haven’t already, Like Us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Lynn, a Master Hammock Maker from Bay Hammocks in beautiful Seabright, Nova Scotia, shares five simple things you can do for better hammock care and enjoyment:

1. How to tell if your hand-woven hammock is hanging upside down.

Ever sit in your hand-woven hammock and wonder why it feels uncomfortable? Chances are, it’s hanging upside down. The simple way to tell is to look at the edge running along the length of it. If it feels smooth, you’re good to go. But if it feels bumpy, it’s upside down.

2. How to buy a hammock that’s less prone to tipping.

The smaller the hammock, the more likely it is to tip. So be sure to look for a hammock that’s at least 8 foot 8 inches or longer in length.

3. A simple way to stop your hammock from tipping.

All you need is two short pieces of rope. Tie a piece to one corner of the hammock (where you lay your head, for example) and secure it to the hammock stand or ground. Then tie the other piece of rope to the opposite corner (where you put your feet) and attach it to the hammock stand or ground. Make sure the length of rope is long enough to allow for subtle swinging.

4. How to hang your hammock without killing your tree.

If you’re thinking about tying your hammock around a tree without a proper hanging kit, don’t. The reason? The rope will eventually wear through the tree bark. If the bark wears away in a circle around the tree, you’re cutting off the tree food supply and will starve it to death. Hammock hanging kits are inexpensive and a tree lifesaver.

5. How to prevent the wind from beating the heck out of your hammock.

This tip applies more to cloth hammocks that flip endlessly in the wind. The more the rope gets twisted, the more stress that’s placed on it when you lay down. Too much stress and it’ll break. So when you’re not using the hammock, unhook one end and hook it to itself.

Bay Hammocks makes custom hand-made hammocks for people all over the world. They are a part of the Atlantic ÉCONOMUSÉE Network, which is composed of 17 artisans across Atlantic Canada. Their workshops are interactive environments open to the public.

Wow. We’re a little speechless. Fodor’s Travel is one of the big names in the travel biz and they’ve recognized one of our members as a 2010 Fodor’s Choice selection. Of the thousands of hotels, restaurants and attractions around the globe, only the very best are given this distinction. So again, this is a big deal for Sugar Moon Farm and restaurant, and indeed, the whole region.

Just imagine relaxing in your backyard on an earth-friendly, handmade hammock, giving a loved one a beautiful piece of jewelry created with the traditional techniques of repoussÉ, or enjoying the natural fragrances of handcrafted soap.

Now imagine the thrill of winning one of our sixteen works of art lovingly made by our talented artisans. You can, if you enter our Crafted Just for You Contest.

You could win:

The doors to ÉCONOMUSÉE’s artisan blog are now open. Beyond the Bay of Fundy, past the red sands of Prince Edward Island and through the world’s highest tides in New Brunswick, there lies a world of unique, high-quality gifts. Relive an era where the work of our bare hands was enough to keep us satisfied and where the idea of a day without the use of the internet wasn’t so terrifying.

• Taste the finest wine in Nova Scotia at the Domaine de Grand PrÉ.
• Learn to build and relax in a hand woven hammock in Peggy’s Cove.
• Watch a master goldsmith at work.
• Take a walk with the Dark Tickle Co and explore the wild berry trail in Newfoundland.

Not to brag but with ÉCONOMUSÉE, you’ll find Atlantic Canada’s most experienced, award-winning, top of the line artisans creating high quality authentic craftsmanship. Want more? This crafty little hang out spot is also your source to what we’re up to, info on the creative little minds that rule the artisan industry and tips on getting your hands wet and how to successfully launch your business.

All you have to do is keep tabs on us and we’ll take care of the rest!