Winnipeg’s Handmade Hotspots

C2 Centre for Craft, a downtown fine craft exhibition gallery, library and artisan shop, is the perfect destination for both craft makers and lovers. The Gladys Chown Memorial Library holds thousands of books for craft enthusiasts, and the gallery shop carries a beautiful selection of finely crafted pieces by local artisans, like beautiful recycled vinyl flooring handbags by SOL Designs (pictured) and hand-dyed tea towels by Tamara Klassen.

Location: 1-329 Cumberland Ave, 204-615-3951

The walls of this chic Forks Market space house local brand dconstruct‘s collection of eco-friendly jewellery. Find necklaces, earrings and bracelets made of recycled resin, concrete, and even corian countertop pressed with finishes like gold leaf or natural elements like dried plants. Artsy home accessories include minimalist concrete wall clocks. There is also a small collection of accessories from other local makers.

Location: 1 Forks Market Rd, 1-888-817-2946

At small West Broadway studio boutique EMK Clothing, designer Erin Kembel sews with style and comfort in mind. Her collections of women’s wear feature flowy, vibrant printed dresses, slouchy jumpsuits, ponchos and cozy cardigans. Also accessories, bags, and a small curated collection of pieces from other small designers. Easily accommodates alterations and custom size orders. 

Location: 143 Sherbrook St, 204‑691‑4414

Located in the spacious loft inside The Forks Market, The Forks Trading Company showcases the work of more than 250 local makers. A great place to go for Manitoba themed gifts and Peg City souvenirs, like custom tea towels printed with city sights, Manitoba-shaped cutting boards, and Canadian birch and maple syrups. Other product highlights include natural scented candles and artisan-made pottery.

Location: 1 Forks Market Rd, 204‑949‑1785

Located in the lower level of the Richardson Centre, Made Here For You features the work of more than 90 local makers and artisans, with a portion of all proceeds going towards Manitoba children’s charities like The Dream Factory and Art City. Peruse the shelves of serving ware, children’s toys, soaps, cosmetics, candles and preserves, alongside a selection of printed tees for both adults and children. One wall is reserved exclusively for locally-crafted jewellery.

Location: L14-1 Lombard Place, madehereforyou.com

This bright and spacious store and studio carries handmade creations made by local artisans, including items like pottery, jewellery, photography and mosaic pendants. Local brands include JeanBean Creations, Mysa Candles and Sly Scarves. The boutique shares the space with its sister store Little Tree Hugger Soap Co, which manufactures all-natural eco-friendly bath and body products in-house, filling the space with aromas of essential oils.

Location: 776 Corydon Avenue, 204-963-9822

This Winnipeg Art Gallery gift shop inside Johnston Terminal provides a selection of beautifully crafted objets d’art to rival the gallery’s collection. WAG@TheForks houses an eclectic mix of Canadian-made wares line the shelves, including locally designed jewellery and accessories, Indigenous artwork, stoneware, prints and art books. Glitzy earrings by CJ Tennant (pictured) get their shine from a combination of sterling silver and semi-precious stones.

Location: Johnston Terminal, The Forks,  204-789-1349

Leather-working design duo Brandon Friesen and Nathan Bezoplenko craft and sell their line of local luxury travel goods out of their studio space at 290 McDermot in the heart of the city’s Exchange District. Canvas rucksacks, vegetable-tanned satchels, woven leather baskets and other fashion accessories like belts and wallets are all crafted with care. Stop in at the showroom to catch the pair in action.

Location: 4-290 McDermot Ave, wilderwpg.com