KAGAWONG—The opening of Wild Creations Art-Gifts-Apparel custom printing in Kagawong is something that artist Rachel Ball has been looking forward to for several years now.
“I’ve always envisioned doing something like this; having my own store,” Ms. Ball told the Recorder on Sunday as part of the store grand opening held this past weekend in Kagawong. “It pretty much started from the weekly farmers’ market (held in Kagawong on Wednesdays), where I’ve had my works on display for sale.”
“I have enjoyed being at the farmers’ market, but it is pretty exciting to now have my own shop,” said Ms. Ball. “It allows me to focus on designing, something that I’m always doing.”
Ms. Ball creates her own designs, graphic art, and templates for printing. The long list of items that are available in the new store include prints, clothing and apparel, drinkware, mugs, coasters, wallets, coin purses, colouring books, fun mugs, desk clocks, photo prints, bookmarks, cards, natural wood photo panels, mouse pads, cutting boards and much, much more including for example personalized mugs and other items.
Almost all of the items she has in her quaint, bright store, are of her own design art. There are also mugs and other items designed by artist Duncan Pheasant.
“I do my own pressing of designs on items,” said Ms. Ball, “all the graphic design and will be able to do custom orders, for instance, eventually someone will be able to bring in a photo or send it (online) and I will be able to print it on a hat. We will be able to do custom orders as well.”
“There are a lot of ways to expand or grow the business in the next few weeks or months,” continued Ms. Ball. She noted that it was through questions from customers of her partner Pat at the Kagawong Marina, asking if there is a store around where people can get items on them that are Manitoulin island or Kagawong-based, that she came up with her own Manitoulin Island design.
“Along with the mugs that features the work of Duncan Pheasant, I’m hoping to eventually get other local artists, like Jenna Carter, to have her work on items in the store,” said Ms. Ball.
Customers can call 705-698-2987 for more information or look up the Wild Creations website or Facebook page.
Wild Creations is located at 55 Main street in Kagawong, across from Bridal Veil Falls.
