BC to the Kensington area. The signs proved so popular that she founded handmade decor brand M&J Fine De- Signs. “That hobby turned into my full- time venture!” she laughs. McLean, meanwhile, grew up in Summerside. Prior to creating crafts through Miss B’s Custom Designs, she spent years producing jewellery. McLean began honing her skills as a craftsperson in childhood. “My grandfather was a sign painter, and I spent hours helping him in his shop,” she reminiscences. McLean and Paxton first rubbed elbows while selling crafts in Avonlea Village last summer. “That’s where our business connection began,” Paxton explains. That autumn, they teamed up to establish Handcrafted House’s first iteration.“We were in a beautiful old home that had a perfect, vintage Christmas feel.” Months after Christmas, McLean and Paxton realized Handcrafted House was on the verge of becoming a permanent, year-round boutique. They sought out a bigger, more accessible storefront in Travellers Rest. As Handcrafted House’s first anniversary approaches, the boutique is finalizing an online shop to spotlight the same Island brands as the brick-and-mortar location. In addition to carrying Island crafts online, McLean and Paxton are implementing “After Hours Private Shopping Experiences” at the boutique, which allow a host or hostess to invite a
▲ (L-R) Melissa Paxton, Brenda McLean
Browse Hand-Chosen Island Crafts at HANDCRAFTED HOUSE H andcrafted House’s assortment of Canadian handicrafts puts Island artisans front and centre. And, although the boutique’s selection ranges from spice mixes to decor to bath salts and soaps, cofounders Brenda McLean and Melissa Paxton curate the products selectively. “We try to source artisans and items that aren’t in every craft shop on PEI, which helps keep us unique,” notes McLean. By Rebecca Spinner Photos Sara Bakker
group of shoppers to browse Handcrafted House—and, if they wish, to select a charitable cause to benefit from the event. The boutique is also preparing for the holiday season. “We’re pulling out all the stops,” says Paxton. “We love decorating for Christmas, and in this larger space, we don’t intend to disappoint!”
Handcrafted House 26174 Route 2, Travellers Rest 902.436.5144 www.handcraftedhousepei.com
Paxton began hand-painting barnwood signs after a family move from Victoria,
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