The RareFunk'er: April 2012

Koleta Kweicien – Mason Jar Creams
Koleta believes that nature has provided us all the necessary materials for a healthy lifestyle, and Mason Jar Creams carries that maxim throughout their entire creation process. Graduating with an Honours Chemistry degree from the University of Waterloo in 2010, Koleta guarantees quality assurance practices for all of their products . All of the ingredients are specially selected for their specified health benefits. Mason Jar Creams are made with only natural and/or organic ingredients; the colour and scents are beautifully crafted by Mother Nature. Information is gathered from naturopathic textbooks, websites, and health care professionals and the health benefits regarding their ingredients are always identified. Energy is lost and toxic by-products are created whenever a recycled material is melted down and converted into something else. As a result, Mason Jar Creams strongly believe in reusing their glass and tin containers and consumers are encouraged to bring empty containers back to the store for a $1 reward system. This helps eliminate the unnecessary (and sometimes wasteful nature) of recycling. Mason Jar Creams will soon be expanding their product line to include affordable and natural toothpaste, along with a facial scrub that contains willow bark for acne prone skin.

Ashley Lukasik – Ashleycandice

Ashley Lukasik is a Cambridge Ontario free lance, up cycler artist. She has a strong love for bright hues and bold over-sized patterns. Ashley received her Fine Arts Degree from Fanshawe College in 2005 and studies Interior decorating part time at Conestoga College. Ashley lived in London for 12 years before moving to Cambridge. Throughout her education she has received numerous art awards as well as the Queen Elizabeth aiming for the top scholarship. Her work has been featured in the London Free Press, Cambridge Times and Etsy.com. Ashley's first year sculptural work, made Fanshawe's art exhibition a honour most commonly given to third year students. Ashley finds inspiration from antique markets and second hand stores. Within her portfolio of work you will find a large range of artistic expression. From colorful designer fabric patchwork quilts, handmade toss cushions, custom headboards, purses from recycled t-shirts and pillowcases and vintage inspired home decor. Ashley's most cherished artistic hobby is up cycling retro or vintage furniture using wallpaper, paint and assorted hardware.

Patricia Rodi – PRDesign

Stained glass art has been around for centuries. As detailed and monumental as stained glass has been and still is, Patricia wanted to bring this breath taking art to the 21^st century; the PR Design way.

PR Design has been around since summer 2009. Nothing but full-time inspiration and a mind full of creation; the love for stained glass expanded to what has now become an infinite bubble of well executed ideas. What is making PR Design so unique, is the infinite possibilities that reaches many. From the casual wearable art to wedding accessories to the house decorations of absolutely any kind; from woman to men of any ages. Every piece is created from recycled glass (and buttons) and is also fully hypoallergenic; with affordable prices and different from anything you have seen, PR Design keeps the dedication to create a piece for absolutely everyone. Wherever PR Design is, out of the ordinary creations you will certainly find.

Tanya Lungo - Fusion Soap

Fascinated by chemistry and realizing how many discoveries and mysteries existed, Tanya furthered her interest in science by embarking on a journey to investigate the reactions occurring all around us. Along the way, soap became the heart of Tanya’s soul fueled by a desire to formulate a soap rich in moisture, with layers of natural ingredients, and without the use of any animal products. Tanya spent many years experimenting and studying the delicate art of soap making all the while sharing her successes with any spirit that crossed her path. Ideas distilled in Tanya’s mind, blending ingredients, fusing scents and colors together….FUSION - the perfect balance between chemistry and art.

Linda Verekamp – Stitch & Spoke

Linda learned to sew around the same time she learned to ride a bicycle, and now stitching bicycles is one of her favourite things to do! She started her education in fashion design and finished it in environmental studies, and after a few years of working in the environmental non-profit sector, she is now thrilled to be making freshly stitched finds under the name "stitch & spoke." Stitch & spoke is all about colour, sustainability and fun, and features appliqué motifs, "thread-sketching" and a dash of patchwork, with mainly recycled fabrics. Linda's appliqué tees, pillows and quilted earrings can be found for sale at RareFunk.