Craft Cabin gives back to community

June 30, 2016

Combermere’s Craft Cabin, the relocated early 20th-century home of David Adrain, the area’s first veterinarian, is now a co-op representing dozens of local artists.

By Sarah Vance

The historic Craft Cabin gallery on Combermere Road has come to life for the summer season with a wide selection of new and familiar hand-crafted items on display.

An artists’ co-operative operates inside a 100-year-old wood cabin downtown Combermere and accepts handmade arts and crafts from people who live within a 100 kilometre radius of the town.

More than 50 artists are currently displayed. All items are original designs. They are priced and labeled with care instructions and fibre content.

“Commission is paid in the amount of 25 per cent of all sales or 15 per cent of all sales plus 35 to 55 volunteer hours or five per cent of all sales plus 56 volunteer hours,” said Carol Burnett, a member of the co-op who regularly volunteers. “Our inventory is always changing and shoppers should check-back regularly, it’s not necessary to volunteer but some members enjoy this.”

The cabin also houses edible items packaged in new containers according to OMH regulations.

This summer will bring returning favourites like Bee Kind Organics, who offer 100 per cent beeswax candles, natural soaps and “earth medicine,” which is medicinal herbal ointment.

“This is a unique lovely craft store, with so many items to choose from, for yourself, or looking for a gift,” said Linda Jennings, a customer from Cornwall. “The staff are friendly and welcoming.”

The cabin is an important venue for crafts people seeking locally crafted products.

“There is an application to be an exhibitor, which can be found on the South of 60 website, under the info for artists tab,” said Mushana, a student summer at the South of 60 centre in Barry’s Bay.

She added, “We regularly present about 20 member artists here at the Station Visitor’s Centre, but at the cabin there have been over 50.”

“There is an annual membership fee of $20 to display work at the cabin and access to advertising through our Facebook page. We regularly promote our artists,” said Burnett. “Part of what makes the craft cabin so vital is the fact that it is a non-profit which supports many local organizations such as the Legion’s homes for veterans, the hospital, the library and hospice house. Everything outside of commissions and operational costs is donated back to the community.”

Locally handmade items can be viewed at the log cabin on Saturdays in May, through July. The Combermere Craft Cabin is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.