Explore this year’s gift guide for shopping local! We have partnered with Maritime Crafts in Shediac, NB, to showcase just a few of the vendors. This amazing one-stop shop offers local maritime products and handcrafted items from 100+ artisans.
Maritime Crafts is located behind the Shediac Mall. Turn off Main St at Dixie Lee and follow the brick building towards the back of the parking lot. You can’t miss the sign and flag on the entrance. You will be welcomed by their fun and engaging staff. Take your time exploring every nook and cranny of this diverse artisan shop. This shop offers a wide range of products and price points to fit every budget.
Follow us on Facebook, and join us on Instagram for giveaways. These are part of the 2024 Shop Local at Maritime Crafts – Gift Guide.
There are handmade gifts for everyone on your list!
The Maritime artisans produce a variety of giftware, fine crafts, fiber arts, literature, and more. This guide highlights 20 of these artisans. This is a small sample of what you can find at Maritime Crafts in Shediac.
Tamarack Treasures
“Our journey began in Labrador, Canada, at grandmother’s place, which we affectionately called Nan. At Nan’s, it wasn’t just the smell of baked bread or warm meals that made it special—the hands-on crafts, handmade gifts, and the sense of artistry filled the space. Whether painting a wooden sign, sewing a handmade gift, or creating beautiful arrangements of silk flowers, Nan’s was a hub of creativity and love. This is where I learned a lot of life lessons and had a lot of laughs. Nan had a knack for turning simple materials into heartfelt treasures.”
“It’s Nan’s place where my love for beautifully created crafts and objects came from, and now I’d like to share that with you. And so, we created this store to share that same spirit of craftsmanship and connection. Every piece here is carefully curated or crafted, representing the artistry and care that made Nan’s a beloved place. From handmade gifts to unique crafts, we aim to spark joy and inspire creativity, just as Nan did. We believe that the best gifts come from the heart, and we hope to help you create and share those special moments with the ones you love.” ~ Becky
You can also find Tamarack Treasures on Facebook and also visit their Etsy Store.
Melpot Pottery
Offering unique and fun handmade pottery with various glazes and techniques. Melanie works out of her home studio in New Brunswick.
Check out more of Melanie’s work on Facebook and Instagram.
DodoLeather
DodoLeather, based in Moncton, NB, offers a range of handmade leather products, including bags, wallets, accessories, and jewelry. Each item is crafted with genuine, high-quality leather sourced from reliable suppliers. The designs are simple, elegant, and timeless, with a focus on durability and functionality. Customizations, such as initials or personalized messages, are available, making each piece unique. Dodo Leather aims to create stylish, long-lasting products while promoting slow, sustainable fashion.
Founded by a family duo originally from Ukraine in 2012, Andrii and Natalia, DodoLeather is the result of their love for traditional craftsmanship and passion for creating handmade items. Inspired by the quality of vintage leather goods, they aim to produce leather pieces that improve with age, reflecting their deep appreciation for the art of leatherworking.
DodoLeather can also be found on Facebook and Instagram, as well as their online Etsy Store.
We Make Scents
“We Make Scents has been operating for over 15 years. Mum and I always loved crafting together, so we started small with candles and lip balm. This evolved into her showing me her sewing talents (and trying to teach me) and learning new talents like embroidery.”
“Crafting was always a bonding time that I loved to share with her, and find it so heartwarming that others appreciate it as well. Aprons, teatowels and pillows are now a big part of our operation.” ~ Traci
We Make Scents can also be found on Facebook.
Rissa’s Resin Art
“I’m a Maritime resin artist who loves creating fun new designs and styles with her craft. In addition to the pieces found at Maritime Crafts, I also create resin earrings and necklaces. I love the creative freedom that resin work allows, and always creates a one of a kind piece of art.” ~ Larissa
Rissa’s Resin Art is also on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Check out more of their work on social!
Rosabella Handmades
Rosabella Handmades was started in 2021 by Heather, a professional accountant by trade, as a hobby to serve as a creative outlet, offering unique sewn items in a variety of cute and fun fabrics. The name Rosabella is an ode to the name of her two daughters. The product line includes reusable facial pads, wash cloths, scrunchies, cleaning cloths, dish scrubbies, and various bundle gift packs. Products are available at various stores in NB, several wholesale customers, and craft markets.
Visit them on Facebook for more info.
Oli’s Workshop NB
“Oli’s Workshop is based in Pointe-du-Chêne, New Brunswick. We focus on small woodwork and laser craft projects with a personalized element. We love to work with our clients to produce unique gifts throughout the year.” ~ Ian
Follow along for more custom work and ideas from Oli’s Workshop on Facebook.
Stéphanies Workshop
“I started Stéphanie’s Workshop more than 15 years ago now. It all started in high school where a group of teacher created a knitting group. I started to learn knitting during lunchtime and after school with them. Since, I have learn to sew by myself and tried various things. In the last 5 years, I really find what I like to do most. I like to create fun and colorful products. Most of them are for kids as I am a mother of 2 little girls, but I have add a few options for the teenagers and mothers in the last 2 years. Even though you will find a lot of pink and purple, I do have products for the boys too.” ~ Stéphanie
You can see many more items to choose from on Stéphanie’s Workshop’s Facebook page.
The Curvy Crafter
“I make handmade and poured cold process soaps along with other bath and body products.” ~ Melanie
Check out their Facebook and Instagram accounts for more items available, including Paint Your Own bath bombs.
Zieley Natural Beauty Care Inc.
Rachelle is the creator of an All-Natural beauty care line. Her products are designed to sooth dry skin, addressing various skin issues to helping you get a good night’s rest. With a variety of products available, each product is crafted with care to support your body’s health naturally.
Head on over to Facebook to see more info and products from Zeiley Natural Beauty Care Inc.
MacPherson’s Natural Bee Apiary
“Located in Upper Tracy, NB, our home generates a lot of buzz! With nearly 30 hives in 2 yards, honey is what we do, and bees are what we love. Our products are specifically blended to keep skin smooth, lips soft, and beards/hair healthy. Enjoy knowing our candles are 100% beeswax with no chemicals added, and honey is raw and unpasteurized.”
“2024 has been a year where we produced more products and extracted more honey than any other year before. What’s more exciting? 2024 marks our first year using solar power on our homestead! We are making the same great products with less carbon footprint than the year before.” ~ Matt MacPherson
You can find the MacPherson’s Natural Bee Apiary family over on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and their Website.
Swansburg Designs & Clayton’s Creations
We are a mother and son team. Clayton is almost 12 years old. He sews fidget mazes and makes various fidget toys. He also helps me with other projects.
Swansburg Designs offers all-natural stovetop potpourri mixes, mulling spices, small seasonal decor items, and pocket infinity scarves. Many elements of the simmer pot mixes are dried by us, including the various herbs and flowers we grow ourselves. We create seasonal mixes, changing the scents for your enjoyment. We will be expanding our offerings in 2025, as we grow more of our own flowers and herbs.
See the latest from Clayton’s Creations over on Facebook (Clayton), and check our SwansburgDesigns here Facebook (SD).
Annie’s Bracelet Creations
“I started making bracelets in 2020, and they give me a source of calmness and meditation when I’m making them and people to enjoy them. HP is handmade by myself with selected stones. They’re all semi precious stones. Some have stainless steel and some have sterling silver.” ~ Anne Murdock
Every bracelet comes with a card attached describing the stones
See more of Annie’s Bracelet Creations in their Facebook Group.
Ligo Life Art and Jewelry
“Ligo Life Art and Jewelry was founded from the experience of living with Vitiligo, creating jewelry and crafts with this unique perspective. Over 25 years ago, faced with the challenge of being unable to afford jewelry, I was blessed by the Lord with the gift of making jewelry for myself and others. From there, the journey has only grown.” ~Jolene
You can check out more of what Jolene is creating on Instagram.
Art by Coco
Claudette’s artwork is created from photographs she has taken, and select curated images. She then manipulates them using software to create her unique art pieces. Each piece is mounted in a carefully selected frame to compliment the piece.
There are also handmade cards for any occasion…
To go along with your gift giving, you can pick up a handmade gift card in the shop as well!
Fluffy Butt Farm
“Unique watercolour/ink cards painted by myself Belinda Houle. All profits from cards go directly to care of all the animals at Fluffy Butt Farm. We treat the animals like family, fresh produce, home made foods offered daily, as well as the balanced commercial food, we try to treat illness using natural resources herbs ect . with vets contact when required….many of the animals have been rescues….including pigs, goats <bottle fed> babies, feral cat…..and kittens, dogs, geese, turkeys, ducks, chicken, quails and guineas, and feathered friends” ~ Belinda
To see more from Fluffy butt Farm, follow them on Facebook.
Krafty Creations
“I am first a greeting card maker, who also has bookmarks and I also have decorations with foam flowers and repurposed liquor bottles.” ~ Krista
View more from Krafty Creations on Facebook and Instagram.
For the book lovers on your list!
Author Olive Mazerolle
“Dancing with the Clouds – A true story of post-traumatic growth” “Is it possible for trauma to lead to personal growth?”
As a civilian employee, Olive Mazerolle gave thirty-five years of her life to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. At the end of her career, after experiencing both personal and professional traumas, she found herself diagnosed with moderate-to-severe PTSD.
Through years of seeking the psychological help she needed, she finally understood that her traumas had led her to Post Traumatic Growth (PTG). For Olive, PTG was transformative and brought renewed growth after adversity. She turned towards altruism, opened up to new experiences, became spiritually mature and embraced gratitude for the life she now lives, saying, “Without these challenges, I may not be the person I am proud to be today.”
Healing from immense grief and guilt led her to accept that life’s adversities are indeed life lessons. Her cancer diagnosis led to a healthier lifestyle. Addressing sexual harassment in the workplace brought validation and restored her confidence. Most importantly, she recognized that a shift to positive thinking can control anxiety.
This beautifully written, heartfelt memoir of survival, grace and evolution will deepen your appreciation for life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR : Olive Mazerolle grew up in a small fishing village called Baie Sainte-Anne on the most easterly point of New Brunswick. Her life journey eventually brought her to work for the RCMP in Fredericton (1981 to 2004) and then transferred to Moncton, where she retired (2016). Retirement allowed her to grow her passion for writing. She uses this new skill to share how one can grow beyond past traumatic experiences. Her only hope for this, her first book, is that it can help others. Her life continues to be good as she remains healthy. Olive received the Canadian Confederation 125th Medal in 1993 and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.
See what Olive is up to over on Facebook.
Author Emile Fougere
“I have only been writing since 2020. It took me 4 years to write this book, “What was I thinking”. I’ve been told it’s funny but it’s more than that. It’s also controversial. Some people may not agree with me, but it’s how I feel.I just finished book two and so far I am sure you will like it. Just my opinion. If you like the first book you will like # 2 even more. It’s called “What was I stinking? Not a misprint.” ~ Emile
South Branch Publishing
Author & Publisher Alan Hudson
Allan has three of his own books available at Maritime Crafts. He is a writer, publisher and marketer of novels.
“I started writing later in life, inspired by one of my favorite authors, Bryce Courtenay, who began his writing career in his mid-fifties. It has been one of my most rewarding pastimes. I’ve been an avid reader since it started with Dick & Jane – a primary reader my mother brought home from her work – Bea was a school teacher and taught me to read at an early age.” ~ from Alan’s website
You can read more about Alan and his love of literature over on his Website.
Author Nicole Duguay-Mazerolle
Motocross, pourquoi pas? Why Not? This book is for young readers from age 8 to 14. It is bilingual as of english and french. A story written to motivate children, parents and grandparents to achieve their dreams together. Summary: Passionates about motocross, 8 years old Yanik invites his grandmother to watch him compete in his first championship at Riverglade, NB. His grandmother has no idea what goes on in such a competition. She goes, delighted to see her grandson. During the weekend, she goes from surprise to surprise. She’s even inventing new vocabulary to describe some of them… Here she tells us about her experience at Riverglade, quite an experience! How will Yanik manage, and what will he experience during the championship? It’s up to you to find out!
About The Author: Nicole Duguay-Mazerolle, mother of 2 and grandmother of 4, discovered her passion for writing in retirement. She was a teacher and later a school psychologist all her career. Here, she presents her first children’s book, a true story of her experience as a spectator at a motocross championship attended by her grandson. You can here more from Nicole on her Facebook Page.
Remember, this is a sampling of the artisans available to shop from at Maritime Crafts!
Have you shopped at Maritime Crafts? I would love to hear what your love most about Maritime Crafts!
More Local Christmas Resources:
Beautiful stuff at maritime craft