My Creative Neighbours

There are many creative people in this part of Nova Scotia. This page is dedicated to my friends in the Pictou, River John and Tatamagouche area.

John and Gillian Crawford are sheep farmers who have branched out and built a wool shop. Not satisfied with selling sheepskins, yarn and knitwear, they now manufacture unique wooden knitting needles which are causing quite a stir in knitting circles.

Harold and Valarie Langille are the talent behind YardBirds. They sculpt figures from steel, then add inlays of stained glass to create unique art for your lawn, pond and garden. Their product range includes dragonflies, roosters and fairies.

Ruben Irons creates contemporary hand-forged iron work using traditional techniques. He makes a range of home accessories, sculptures and can make railings and all manner of functional items to your specifications.

Beach Lane Lavender Farm is the home of Dave and Anita Carlson and their family. It is a certified organic lavender farm and they produce a wide range of natural lavender products for body care and aromatherapy, as well as gourmet foods.

Fibrepalooza is a small family farm dedicated to a self-sufficient and sustainable life on 125 acres in Toney River. They believe in the principles of both globally fair traded and locally produced fibres and woolen products. Fibrepalooza sells and promotes yarns, fibers and finished wares from around the globe. They also promote our own local farms, artisans and wool processors, to support and develop our local economy.

Carvers is a great place to stop for a coffee in Pictou. Keith Matheson is a woodcarver, and first came to the area to work on the reconstruction of the ship Hector. He and his wife Anne now run this coffee shop / bar / carving school which has a wonderful ambience and equally wonderful view of Pictou Harbour.

Marg Jones is our local iris folding expert and has created a CD of iris folding patterns. She also runs workshops in various paper crafts. The next is a Paper Patchwork Workshop at the Library.

Woodworker Sebastian Ronin is the man behind Abel's Canes. He lives near Pugwash where he handcrafts walking canes and sticks. Most items feature a handle with a carved animal or bird, and every stick is made to measure, just for you.

The work of artist Duncan McFarlane is mainly detailed colour drawings of wildlife and local scenes. If you are looking for a picture of one of our fishing  harbours as a souvenir, be sure to check the website or visit the Upta Par Gallery near Tatamagouche. Duncan passed away recently, but his wife June continues to run the gallery.