April: New workshops, a new website, and we're hiring!

As you can tell by the headline, April is going to be a busy month for us.

For the past two years, we've been meticulously crafting a website that can bring the Maker House experience to life in the online world and today we're happy to finally announce it's ready to launch. We could not be more excited!

With over 140 Canadian makers and well-over 1000 handmade products, MakerHouse.com is going to change the maker movement in Canada. 

To celebrate this feat, we are hosting a party at the store on Saturday, April 22nd! Drop in and join us for a toast with beer samples from Tooth & Nail Brewing Company and free music and snacks. Watch for updates and special sales on social media!

However, the fun doesn't end there this month.

Come join us on Sunday, April 23 as we host a special 3.5 hour workshop by local textile artist and author, Jessica Bromley Bartram. Starting at 12:30pm, Jessica will be teaching us an overview of the techniques of the trade and the three basic embroidery stitches, including the French knot. You can then apply your new skills on 2D and 3D surfaces while you design and decorate your own moth ornament.This worksop is suitable for all skill levels and the cost is $65 (with all materials included). There's only ten spots available, so register now if you are interested.

Next up, DIY Cheeseboards! We had so much love for our cheeseboard workshop last month that we decided to run it again. Come join us on Thursday, April 27th from 6:30-8:30pm as we learn the basics of woodworking from Hintonburg's Brenda Dunn, from Art In Jest.

During the workshop, you will make your own DIY (food safe) serving platter using reclaimed and live edge wood with all materials being provided. The workshop is open to all ages, but children should come with a parent. Click here to JOIN US. The last one sold out fast, and it's gonna be another fun night!

And while it is technically in May, we're just too excited not to share this event. Come join us on May 5 as Ottawa historian and artist, Andrew King, shares long lost spooky or quirky stories about our city around our proverbial campfire. Have some free samples from our new neighbour, Merry Dairy Ice Cream, and enjoy some Split Tree Cocktails too.

Looking forward even further, make sure to keep your plans open this June for CRAFTFEST 2017! The fun starts at the Brewery Market on Sunday, June 11th and runs for 15-days. There will be a POPUP SHOP for new Canadian handmade brands, along with 4-days of WEEKEND MARKETS and DIY WORKSHOPS. It all ends with BUY CANADIAN DAY across Ottawa on Sunday, June 25th. Make sure to follow all the updates on Instagram!

TI offers a cultural community space and important services to thousands of Inuit people living in Ottawa. Did you know Ottawa is the most concentrated urban Inuit population in Canada? We do now!

We are glad to support and connect with this wonderful community, and the process are excited meet some amazing artists from the North. The funds raised through sales at Maker House will allow TI to run a summer intake of their Ikajutigiit Program, empowering young female future leaders, through artistic development and life skills workshops.

All these big plans mean we will need more awesome people to join our amazing team, so it's time share our other good news: we're hiring!

We are seeking new part-time staff that are passionate about handmade local retail. The job will be in our Hintonburg store alongside our all-star crew and has the potential for more hours as we grow.

If you think you can help Maker House Co. a better place, please email your resume and brief cover letter (or an intro email) to gareth@makerhouse.com with the subject line "Application for Maker House" by April 24th.