What's So Special About That Highlands Market?

If you haven't heard of The Highlands Outdoor Farmers' Market we're here to tell you that it is something special.  In the word's of our Apple Box Boutique founder (Leanne), this is why...

The weather yesterday started out cool and wet and not at all inviting.  The people who regularly visit the Highlands Outdoor Farmers' Market come rain or shine, but as the day went on the clouds rolled away and that big blue Alberta sky made an appearance.  It is a moment that always makes me feel like throwing my arms out and spinning around.  It is breathing space, and when the tables went up and those incredible goods were laid out for market-goers, it felt just right to know it was all fresh, all artisan, all handcrafted, and all worth the trip.

While there may not be dozens of vendors, those who sell here are some of the best in the city.  It is friendly, and fun, and has a little bit of everything.  But above all it has heart, and last night I was reminded again of why I love it so much.

Amidst the fabric, face painting and farm goods was a young busker.  His name is Clinton Richardson and to say he is good is an understatement.  At a smaller market there may not be as much money in his guitar case at the end of an evening, but Clinton shows up with a quiet, charming smile and entertains shoppers and vendors with his excellent voice and well-honed skills as a musician.   There is always enthusiastic applause and dollars in return for his efforts, but tonight there was a little extra thrown in.  

Toward the end of the evening, Yvette Cioran, the amazing woman who has committed great time, energy and leadership to the Highlands community and who made the Highlands Outdoor Farmer's Market all that it is, took up a loaf of fresh-baked bread and placed it in Clinton's guitar case.  Moments later, vendors one-by-one made their way over, showing their generosity and appreciation with more and more goods, all of us in attendance applauding as they came.

Maybe I am prone to sentimentality, but that touched me.  And I wasn't surprised... it is just one more example of why I love -- why all of us here love -- this market.  It may not be big in size, but it is incredibly huge in heart.

The Highlands Outdoor Farmers' Market takes place every Thursday evening from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM at 65th Street and 112th Avenue throughout the summer, rain or shine.

*Learn more about musician Clinton Richardson

♥, 
Apple Box Boutique

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Highlands Street Festival Feature: Artist Jayne Lyone

This year we have invited interesting new artists and artisans that we feature in our boutique to join us at The Highlands Street Festival, providing an opportunity for people to meet them and discuss their talents and wares.

On Tuesday, we wrote about up-and-coming local artist Larissa Russell, whose artwork will be available at Apple Box Boutique during and after the Festival.

Today we would like to introduce our latest artist, Jayne Lyone of A Pane in the Glass.  Her passion for art and love of heritage windows have come together to create incredibly unique works of art.

Her refurbished windows are hand-crafted into beautiful mirrors, window art and shadow box tables in a variety of styles from modern to rustic, to shabby chic and seaside soft.

Stop in at the boutique during the festival to meet Jayne and purchase her one-of-a-kind work, but don't wait too long... the staff have been eyeing up her pieces in anticipation!

♥, 
Apple Box Boutique

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Highlands Street Festival Feature: Artist Larissa Russell

Recently we announced that the boutique is offering original artwork by up-and-coming local artist Larissa Russell.  Lovely and unassuming, we think she may be the only one in her circle of friends and associates that is surprised at the attention surrounding her and her talent.  We are so pleased to be a stone on her path to success.

Larissa will be in attendance at the Highlands Street Festival this Sunday to show and chat about her work.  Original abstracts, prints, mini watercolours and watercolour cards will be available for sale at Larissa's tent and at Apple Box Boutique during the festival.

Creative, earthy and engaging, we encourage you to stop in and meet Larissa... then, like us, you can say "you knew her when".

♥, 
Apple Box Boutique

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We are pleased to introduce: Artist, Larissa Russell

We are art lovers.  Inspired by our trip to the U.K. and the incredible galleries there, we returned with a determination to carry more works in the boutique, particularly pieces by local and/or Canadian artists.  But where to begin the search?

It didn't take long before we 'discovered' the lovely Larissa Russell, who stopped in at the boutique and shared her story: an artist and educater, Larissa has spent a couple of decades working in various mediums and related endeavors, and has found her passion in the abstract with a softness that is warm and inviting.

Visit Apple Box Boutique to view three of Larissa's original works on canvas, as well as several small-scale watercolours ready for framing and a selection of hand-painted cards.

Fallen is a an original acrylic abstract painting with silver leaf embellishments on 18" x 36" stretched canvas:  $260.00

Chaos is and original acrylic abstract painting with gold, silver, silver and copper leaf embellishments on 18 x 24" stretched canvas: $200.00

Expanse is an original abstract painting on 24 x 24" stretched canvas: $225.00

Oh, the hardship of being surrounded by such beauty!  

♥, 
Apple Box Boutique

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What People Are Saying About Us

If there is anything that will make your day, it is positive feedback from the people that matter.  For us that is YOU, our customers.  Our shop isn't loud or franchised or blaring sirens and shining spotlights into the sky.  But what we are is very happy to be a part of Edmonton, and excited to have such wonderful and loyal customers.

We strive to offer interesting home decor and artwork that is European-inspired, shabby chic, cottage chic, casually elegant and even a little steam-punk.  Our furniture is one-of-a-kind, painted with traditional methods and paints.  We are also the central Alberta retailer of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint for furniture, floors and walls and we offer all the supplies and hardware you'll need to finish your own DIY project + classes to help you get started.

Because your voice is so important to us, we wanted to share a few opinions.  We are always open to hearing more!

What people are saying about us:

"Lovely, lovely shop!  Everything about it is charming and the unique home decor alone is well worth the visit."

 "Located in the quaint and stylish merchant area along 112 Avenue in the historic community of Highlands, Apple Box Boutique is a gem of a place that once discovered will become your favourite shop for unique furniture and home decor."

"Nice little shop featuring refurbished furniture, flowers and assorted other knick- knacks. It fits well into the Highlands shopping corner, straddling a line between vintage and shabby chic."

"Not just a flower shop, Apple Box Boutique shares the space with Sugar Blossoms Flowers but offers so much more.  Leanne refinishes furniture in a way that celebrates the history of the piece and the home accessories are to die for."

"Edmonton's best kept secret -- but not for long!"

Thank you for your feedback and your support!  As we grow we will always stay the same down-to-earth and friendly boutique, and will continue to value our customers every step of the way.

♥,

Apple Box Boutique

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French Inspired Art by Christie Repasy

There are so many exciting things coming up at the boutique this spring and summer that it is hard to choose which to announce first, but with Shabby Chic and Cottage Chic taking Canada by storm, how can we do anything other than introduce our latest offering...

Artwork by Christie Repasy

We love Christie`s paintings so much that we have developed an entirely new program and will be offering Online Ordering on our website.

It`s easy to use... just visit our Gallery and click on French Inspired Art. Note the Item# for the piece you would like to purchase and click the Order Online button to enter it into the order form.

That`s it!  The item will be held and you will be contacted by our Customer Service Representative to confirm your order.

Visit our French Inspired Art gallery to see more of Christie`s art.  And watch our blog for an upcoming article on this gifted artist.

Signed,

Now Available! Three Works of Art by Joseph Cross

A few weeks ago, we excitedly announced that in April we would be featuring the artwork of Joseph Cross at the boutique.  It has arrived!

Three limited edition prints are now installed in the boutique.  They are so beautiful that it's been hard for all of us here not to take them home... best to get in to purchase before they are gone!

“Treasures At Turquoise Bay”

A limited edition giclee, hand signed and numbered.  This painting won second place in an international Seascape competition and was featured in International Artist Magazine issue #19.

"Cotton Lace"
A limited edition  giclee, hand signed and numbered. This is one of Sharon’s favourite irises in our garden.  It blooms early summer, and it is a ritual to examine the buds daily in anticipation of its first bloom. 

The ruffled edges lend such a delicacy as it slowly unfurls into all of its splendour and grace.

The Bloomin’ View”
A limited edition giclee, hand signed and numbered.  This painting was featured in Pastel Artist International Magazine issue #13 as the demonstration piece for a seven page article on Joseph Cross’ work.

Joseph Cross is not only highly acclaimed and awarded.  He is a genuinely nice person who paints from the heart, loves his country and keeps it real with his accomplished wife Sharon Cross acting as Studio Manager.

He writes: "1978 was the start of my professional career as an artist.  Inspiration is all around me and often in the simplest form.  Capturing the essence of a moment is my desire.  Creating art that inspires others is my dream."

Each piece at the boutique is framed and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.  
Don't miss this opportunity... they won't last long!

Valentine`s Sale!

15% off furniture, gifts and home decor until February 15th!

 

What`s not to love?