A few years ago I was asked to help coordinate the gift shop at Grey Roots and at that time I had no idea what a rewarding experience it would become. While I understood the responsibilities and paperwork involved I didn’t realize how much fun it could be! As someone who enjoys a little ‘retail therapy’ now and again what could be better than browsing through a stack of wholesalers catalogues and sourcing manufacturers and book distributors.
With an eye out for items that you won’t find in the big box stores we are able to offer visitors handmade Egyptian goods, including hand-blown perfume bottles and mother-of-pearl boxes, Japanese paper goods, authentic Russian nesting dolls, old fashioned candy, pioneer bonnets & wooden toys, stuffed animals and educational toys an impressive selection of books on a wide range of topics, including local histories. Visitors can also pick up items made on site in Moreston Heritage Village by our own talented volunteer blacksmiths and needle workers.
I have been fortunate to be able to meet and work with more than two dozen local farmers, artists and craftspeople. Grey County folks making all kinds of wondrous products such as, hand-thrown pottery, jewellery, beeswax candles, woodworking, fabric bowls, note cards & prints, and traditional aboriginal crafts. Artists such as Owen Sound based illustrator Elly MacKay, whose work has been featured in Chatelaine and Oprah magazines and woodworkers, Edgar Werner from Markdale, and Seth Schwartz from Guelph. Edgar brings his beautiful hand rubbed cutting boards made from local reclaimed woods, as well as hand finished nail files and wooden guitar picks. Seth Schwartz creates Celtic inspired laser cut motifs on a range of high quality hand finished boxes, jewellery, key chains and trivets. These handcrafted items make beautiful gifts that are sure to become treasured heirlooms. In addition to handmade items, the bounty of Grey County is represented with locally made jams & jellies, honey, maple syrup, olive oil, chilies, popcorn and ginger syrup.
It really couldn`t be more rewarding than seeing Grey Roots visitors get excited when they find their very own special treasure to take home with them- from around the corner and around the globe!
by Wendy Tomlinson, Visitor Services
Grey Roots Museum & Archives Blog 