A new store opening in Guelph will be offering unique handmade items and a wide variety of craft and art workshops.
Gilded Cage Boutique Market is opening its doors in Guelph later this month at the popular art space at 404 York Rd.
Owner Sandra Stephenson already operates a store in Rockwood, but is opening her second location in Guelph with a wider variety of items. Stephenson stocks her boutique with unique and handmade products made by local artists.
“It’s different than most place because it’s mostly one-of-a-kind pieces that are local and handmade. The idea was that it would be like the one-of-a-kind show but in a store,” said Stephenson.
Items found at Gilded Cage Boutique range from charcuterie boards, custom iron art, handmade soaps and candles, pet treats, and local honey and jam.
“There is something for every budget,” said Stephenson.
She hopes that people will enjoy the unique shopping experience available at her store. Items are customizable, made by someone within the community, and designed to last.
Gilded Cage Boutique Market is renting space at the popular 404 York Rd., an art gallery that hosts various gallery openings and shows over the years.
Stephenson is also partnering with Kathleen Vanleeuwen of The Modern Maker Workshop to provide do-it-yourself workshops and studio space.
Workshops that will be offered in the studio space include make your own string art and wooden sign making. The studio space will also be open to artists and crafters to design and create their own pieces and use the space provided.
Stephenson has already offered some workshops through the studio.
“Our first workshop was creating custom wooden signs. It sold out in a few days; there were 30 people signed up to paint a handmade sign,” she said.
The Boutique Market will be opening its doors to the public on Saturday, Nov. 25 for a Holiday Handmade Market. The Market is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and asks for a suggested donation of $4, which will go to a local charity.
Stephenson said that her mission is to give back to local charity as much as possible.
“The majority of the vendors are building charity into their prices, so they are giving back to the community,” she said.
Stephenson added that she is always looking for artists and crafters who can lead workshops in her studio.
To find out more visit Gilded Cage Boutique Market on Facebook.
