Ever wondered what it feels like to be accepted as a vendor at one of the biggest craft shows in North America?
Local maker, Paige Farr, and her mother and business partner, Tami McQuillan, can tell us. “It’s an honour to be accepted to the One of a Kind Show,” says Tami. “I would say it’s regarded as the most prestigious show in Canada. It’s a juried show. You have to submit photos and details of your work when you apply and the wait list can be years long. This is the show that vendors talk about all year long!”
Paige and Tami are the makers behind Scatterbrain Creations By Paige and Mom. They have earned a reputation for high quality sewing and crafts, with a wide range of handmade items from wallets and bags, to novelty pillowcases, key fobs and hair accessories.
“One of the most challenging things about applying to a show is describing what we do and staying under the word limit,” says Paige. “We make a LOT of items and we love novelty, so we rarely make exactly the same thing twice.”
Since starting in 1975, the One of a Kind Show has grown into one of the largest and most well attended craft shows in North America. Held spring and fall at Exhibition Place Toronto, the April 2022 show featured over 350 Canadian artisans.
How do you stand out at a show of Canada’s most creative and successful makers?
Tami believes their business stands out for a couple of reasons. “We are committed to quality and value. Everything from fabric, to design, to the sewing itself, has to be top notch. And we’re down to earth. We make sure things are affordable and we have a wide range of products. Our items start around $5 so you can give a small handmade gift to someone that will be a keepsake for them.”
“We make day to day things that people will use and love…we hope!” Paige adds. “We’re now at a stage where customers seek us out. It’s exciting to get the compliments and the repeat business. We do this because we love it!”
Find Scatterbrain Creations at The Prairie Handmade Shop, 1365 Conrad Avenue, Gull Lake, where Paige and Tami will be restocking in early May. Follow Scatterbrain Creations on Instagram, or purchase online through their Facebook page.
