The Holidays are Coming!

Growing up I’ve been lucky to live in a home that adores Christmas. More specifically, my mother adores decorating for Christmas. Some years the decorations would be going up immediately after Halloween, with a blink of an eye, BAM! Christmas broke out into our home. It was awesome.

Here's a couple shots of my moms current decorations!

Just like my mom, I also love this time of year. The decorations, the delicious treats, the beautiful music, the fun parties, every aspect of it. It really is the most wonderful time of the year! However; by far my favorite part would be all the markets that pop up. I enjoy going to them with friends and seeing what I can find. Thus, in spirit of the upcoming holidays and my favorite part about them I’ve compiled a list of local craft fairs & markets for you. Click the links below to see where you can do some holiday shopping.

Local HRM MarketsNovember 17th: Sackville Kinettes Christmas Market

November 17th and 18th: Festive Craft Market

November 16th, 17th, and 18th: Craft Nova Scotia Christmas Show

November 23rd: The Dartmouth Maker 2018 Winter Market

November 30th, December 1st, and December 2nd: Halifax Crafters Society Winter Market

December 2nd: Holiday Craft Market at 123 Gary Martin Drive (Northwood Ivany Place - Right across from Stonington Park)

December 8th and 9th: Last Minute Christmas Craft Show

December 8th and 9th: Last Minute Christmas Craft Show 2018 at the Forum

December 9th: Christmas Craft Market

Day Trip Markets November 16th, 17th and 18th: 29th Annual Seaside Christmas

November 17th: Christmas at the Cove (near Portuguese Cove)

November 24th and 25th: Lawrence town Christmas Craft Fair

November 24th: Christmas by the Sea (in Lunenburg)

November 24th, December 1st, and December 8th: Christmas at the Barn (in Hubbards)

November 30th: Christmas Market (in Truro)

December 1st and 2nd: Lunenburg Christmas Craft Festival

Meet the Artist: DoonMoon

First, did you know that within the Shaping Your Community newsletter there’s a special offer just for YOU? Take advantage of this great deal before it is too late! Second, I’d like to introduce you to the maker: DoonMoon or more formally known as Danielle Manuel.

Danielle Manuel

Danielle has been a lifelong friend of mine and has always been involved with art. Whether it was sketches, painting or photography – she has pursued it. For as long as I can remember it has always been a true passion of hers; the creativity would just flow through her. No matter what she was doing there was always room for art.

She graduated from Dalhousie University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science majoring in biology. Post graduation she studied and received a certificate in environment management and assessment.

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When did you first get involved in art?

I’ve always loved art and being creative. As a little kid, I was always drawing, painting, and making crafts. As I got older, I continued to fill sketchbooks and doodled all over my notebooks. I started to do some digital art about five years ago and only seriously focusing on it within the last year!

What inspires you?

I often find myself inspired by nature (including humans) and our natural environment. I love leaves, mushrooms, flowers, insects, the night sky, long flowing hair, etc. I’m also drawn to bright colour palettes with contrasting colours.

Who is your favourite artist?

Though it’s very hard to choose, if I had to, I’d say my favourite artist of late would be Alice Carrier. She’s a fantastic tattoo artist and does amazing pieces involving flowers and fruit and insects, and all things that are beautiful.

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DoonMoon`s Custom Illustrations

You can find her shop here and Like her on facebook.

Have any comments, questions, or just want to reach out? Comment below or email me at info@shawlifestyle.ca.