February, 2008 - Glebe Report

16 Glebe Report February 15, 2008
By
Lesley
Caldicott
What’s old is new again
Kristal Davis combines her artistic
talent and creative flair with her passion
for vintage materials to create a
variety of quality handmade crafts,
including quilts, greeting cards,
plush infant toys, quilted wall hangings,
journal covers, handbags, playmats
and all kinds of wonderful oneof-a-kind
creations.
With a grandmother who was a
master quilter, Kristal came by her
keen interest in textiles, crafts and
sewing very early in life. A graduate
in commerce from Mount Allison
University and with a B.Ed. from the
University of Ottawa, Kristal started
her career as a teacher in Thailand,
South Korea and western Ontario. In
2003, Kristal, her husband and
young son moved to Ottawa and settled
in the Glebe. As a new parent,
Kristal found herself reconnected
with her creative instinct and started
designing a number of vintage fabric
crafts, and by 2006 had launched
rikrak. Rikrak creations are now
available in over 30 stores, including
Red Chair Kids and specialty stores
such as Arbour Environmental
Shoppe in the Glebe.
Arbour carries the rikrak line as
items are often made from recycled -
and high quality – vintage fabrics.
“Reusing and recycling fabric has
been done for generations” explains
Kristal. “For example, quilts were
traditionally made with the materials
from favourite cloth, clothing and
linens. It’s practical and sustainable
as well as nostalgic. When you see a
fabric from your youth it evokes special
memories.” This is true as popular
prints from 70’s and 80’s make
their way into many of her unique,
fun and fabulous creations.
Custom quilts are one of Kristal’s
specialties. She works closely with
the customer on the theme, design
and fabric choices to create one-of-akind
quilts that are both functional
and keepsakes. The most popular
design is a small square quilt for
infants to use as a play-mat that
make a great baby shower gift. They
are bold and colourful and are sure to
be tucked away and saved as a
memento of childhood. There are
many wonderful original rikrak
items available online at
www.rikrak.etsy.com and through
specialty stores throughout Ontario.
To order product or for more information,
please contact:
rikrak
www.rikrak.etsy.com
rikrakmail@yahoo.com
BUSINESS BUZZ
The extra mile
For occasions when a stretch limousine
is a little over the top but a
taxi just isn’t special enough, there is
Pick Custom Driving, a professional
luxury driving service with a driver
willing to go that extra mile.
After 32 years with the public
service, Alan Pickersgill, a native of
Ottawa who has lived in the Glebe
for 12 years, knew retirement wasn’t
for him. He wanted to start a business
that was useful and enjoyable,
so Alan looked to his interests: driving
and meeting new people. The
answer was easy – he would start a
custom driving service. Launched in
December 2007, Pick Custom Driving
offers licensed limousine service
for door to door trips (local and long
distance), conventions, sporting
events, weddings, intercity (business
and shopping), custom sightseeing
tours, and of course, airport service
in Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto or the
nearby alternatives in the US.
It’s that extra mile however, that
defines Pick Custom Driving.“My
focus is on the service,” explains
Alan, “offering custom tours of the
city, helping with baggage, and giving
assistance to those who need it.
It’s knowing what kind of service
you will get that sets what I am
offering apart from a taxi.” For
example, door-to-door service for a
senior citizen would include assistance
from the house to the car and
again into the appointment if needed;
it’s not just a drop off at the curb.
Similarly, for a special occasion such
as a wedding when you don’t need a
stretch limo but want something spe-
Re/max Metro City Realty Ltd brokerage
Re/max Metro City Realty Ltd brokerage
JULIE TESKEY & MICHAEL PROVOST
Over 28 years in your neighbourhood
Need your interests
represented ?
For the empty nester
Call:
236-9560 voice mail
563-1155 office
236-6552 fax
provomi@teskey.com
www.teskey.com
For the professional couple
SOLD
Live in two levels of living space for someone to enjoy
while the main floor apartment brings in $1,200.00 in
income. Victorian and modern blend with open
concept spaces highlighted by exposed brick walls
and high ceilings, deck and roof terrace.$549,000.
Three bedroom condo a very rare find and in such
a wonderful location - close to everything and steps
to the beautiful parkland of Strathcona Park and the
River .This apartment offers sunken livingroom , diningroom
and fully renovated kitchen with laundry room
and 2nd entrance. Den and enclosed sunroom offers
additional space . Sun filled rooms. $399,000.00.
Sold
SOLD
For the family
Centre hall plan home on wonderful tree lined street in Rideau
Gardens, with quality renovation /addition to provide a flor plan
that works for family and entertaining. Beautifully kept. $739,000.
Sold
Sold
Canal Condo
Residences
Luxurious Condos
overlooking the Canal.
Only the second
floor left ( only 3 in all)
of these newly built
condo residences.
One left on the 2nd
floor- huge space
accented by all the
luxury ’s of fine living.
Floor to ceiling windows,
fireplace, hardwood,
2 car parking. $950,000.
Old
Ottawa South
Perfect half double
townhouse with 3
bedrooms, large
private garden and
deck. Eat in kitchen,
sunroom, porch, and
fireplace. $369,000.
Advertising you
Glebe owner live-in or investment
Real estate sales representatives
Perfect owner live-in, with main floor unit with huge
space and full of charm. Across from parkland and the
Inet 3 units - 3 garages. Unique and wonderful.1.2 million
Sweeping Canal/Park views
Watch the skaters go by while you keep warm by the
fireplace . Ideally located overlooking the Canal 520
Queen Elizabeth Drive is an address of distinction. Large
kitchen with eating/cafe counter plus table area. Private
master suite, main floor family room/office and finished
lower level. Superb space and designed for entertaining
$799,900.
344 O’Connor St. Ottawa,Ontario,K2P 1W1