Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Spring is coming...Hello March! The Camellia, Slate River, Ontario


We are thankful that the days are getting longer, it was actually warm enough to sit outside in the sunshine today! Hello March! And sadly, we are in Lockdown mode here, again. Our Covid case count in Thunder Bay is too high. 

If you need to purchase Cottage Paint, Lavender bunches, Spring Flowers, bedding, or Skincare products, please order online at I Windowshop.ca. You can arrange to do contactless pick-up by phoning 807-475-3551.

On the good news side, Vaccinations have started in Thunder Bay, and everyone hopes that this will help get the virus under control. 

I am sure everyone is missing all those wonderful Winter vacays to Caribbean destinations....sigh... Who can't wait to go on a Vacation?











Spring willow Twig Wreaths. 









We are your Cottage Paint stockist in Northern Ontario. 




Usually at this time of the year, we would be getting ready for the Spring Home & Garden Show, this will be the second year that all Trade Shows are cancelled. You can still connect with Vendors by following https://springhomeandgardenshow.wordpress.com/. This page will be updated soon. 
Phone us at 807-475-3551 to ask questions, and shop online at https://iwindowshop.ca/

Friday, January 8, 2021

Time to do something Creative today, the Camellia and Cottage Paint.

Thunder Bay Flower & Gift shop, and Cottage Paint stockist. 

 We all like to start a New Year with a positive note and a large dose of Optimism for change and better days ahead in 2021. Yet here we are on Jan. 8th. 2021, with new Travel restrictions due to Covid, and a new level of unsettling violence in the U.S. Stores are locked-down again in Northern Ontario, until Jan. 23rd. sigh....

 It's time to get Creative, and turn down the noise and the News.

unrolling a clean piece of paper via unsplash.com


We can allow ourselves to dream about all those Creative projects we want to do, but hey, Life gets in the way, and we can never seem to find the time to do them. There is quite often something in the way, a sick relative, meals to be made, this person needs a ride to there, and the list goes on. 

So what Creative project have you put on hold? It's time to make time for your projects. What supplies do you need? Can you use supplies from what you have on hand? Announce to any other household members that you are unavailable for the next couple of hours, and start working on your project. It has been proven that concentrating on a Painting  project will get your mind into a calmer, more productive space. You simply feel better! 

paintbrushes in plastic cups via unsplash.com

Do you have a dedicated Creative space in your Home? ( A place where you can make a mess, where you can leave your unfinished project and walk away to do some other task.)

sewing room, image via burst.com

Some of you are lucky and may have a dedicated Craft or Sewing room. If you are working on a shared space like a dining room table, it will be more difficult to find a block of time where the table will not be needed for other things, like eating meals. 

painting a cabinet door with white Cottage paint

Here is a project in our Mudroom/laundry Room. Cottage Paint was used ( the original formula), in the colour Cottage White, with a stencil on the doors below a sink. This is a plywood and oak cabinet which was in rough shape and 35+ years old. It is much easier to repaint an old cabinet ( less construction mess), as long as the old cabinet has no water damage. 

painting a fabric chair with Cottage Paint
 
Sometimes we may come across a good deal on an upholstered chair, however, the cost of custom upholstery may be prohibitive ( $350.00-$500.00 !!). Did you know you can Cottage Paint right over the fabric? See the Before and After of this project by clicking here: https://www.thecamellia.com/cottage-paint-projects.html.
This is perfect for an entranceway or at Camp. The Chair will feel like a vinyl or leather.

cottage Paint jars at the Camellia

Even though we cannot be Open, you can order #CottagePaint and supplies online, and pick-up at our Store location, or we offer delivery on certain days ($ delivery charge depends on your address).  
Phone us with any questions at 807-475-3551. 
Watch for our upcoming at-home Paint classes, by following us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/The-Camellia-From-Nature-to-Home-145600168837975

sweet peas blooms at the Camellia

Sending you a virtual bouquet of Sweet Peas from our Summer Garden! Stay happy!! 😊

Monday, December 21, 2020

Christmas & New Year's Gift deliveries in Thunder Bay, & Slate River, On. The Camellia , I WindowShop.ca

Christmas is coming up quickly, and with the current deluge of packages due to Covid-19, packages are taking a long time to arrive at their destination. If you have a Gift to send in Thunder Bay, or Slate River, or Kakabeka Falls, it is easier to pick up the phone and call us here at The Camellia, and I window shop.ca. P. 807-475-3551

What do we have in our Gifts for delivery? We have fresh Wreaths and Evergreen swags. Wreaths are a great Gift for someone with a Home, and they can be made as a sympathy Wreaths for the loss of a loved one. 

mixed evergreen wreath with Northern Ontario greens

You can choose what colour bow you would like on the above Wreath, and if it's a Sympathy wreath, we can add Faux flowers in whites, or pinks, or purples. https://iwindowshop.ca/collections/home-decor-and-gifts-for-delivery/products/fresh-mixed-evergreen-wreath

white magnolia and red roses wreath

Maybe you would prefer to send a Gift of a Wreath which can be reused, this Red rose with white Magnolia wreath looks so real, and can be used every year. 

evergreen wintergreen swag with heart

Fresh evergreen swags can be used indoors. They look lovely hung on a ribbon on an antique mirror or they can be hung from a door handle on a dining room hutch, or they can be hung on a door.  Buy online at https://iwindowshop.ca/collections/home-decor-and-gifts-for-delivery/products/evergreen-spray-with-velvet-heart-in-ivory-or-grey-heart


pine and cedar Christmas wreath

Big fluffy Pine branches paired with cedar and balsam boughs come together to create this beautiful statement Wreath, and the buffalo check ribbon gives it a Country Farmhouse feel.  

Birch Twig and cedar wreath, I Windowshop.ca



white and silver Christmas wreath


Here is the link to purchase the above wreath - Icy hydrangeas with sliver orchids....https://iwindowshop.ca/collections/home-decor-and-gifts-for-delivery/products/silver-white-glitter-hydrangea-wreath

There are a few ways to order. Pick up the phone and call us ..p.807-475-3551. 
Click on the link beside the product, which will take you to our website. Ontario is going into Lockdown on Christmas Eve, so try to phone asap. 

The Camellia, 30, Hacquoil Rd. Slate River, Ontario. 
p.807-475-3551
Wishing you a Joyful Christmas! Stay safe! 


tall evergreen tree with snow


Friday, December 4, 2020

Using natural materials to decorate for the Holidays, the Camellia, for IWindowShop.ca

Thunder Bay Flower & Gift shop

It's that time of year when there seem to be so many expenses and not enough $. Lucky you if you live up North, you have access to so many different Evergreens right in your own backyard. Watch the video below, you will see how to create armatures for your designs, using natural branches, zip ties, and chicken wire ( or the fancy term is poultry netting!).



Evergreen spray at The Camellia.com



Vintage snowshoes with evergreens

Take a look around and see if you have any Vintage pieces which you can dress up for the Holidays, like these snowshoes in the above photo. 



Grapevine wreaths with fresh evergreens and ribbon





snow covered trees in our Forest

This is a small part of our 25 acres where we live, and harvest the evergreens used in our Floral designs. Take a look around your yard, and see what you can harvest. 
Then visit our store , The Camellia, at 30, Hacquoil Rd. for Oasis bindwire, ribbons, hoop wreath frames, life-like silk flowers and much more. Now, more than ever, small shops like ours, need your support. Phone us to enquire if we have what you need in stock. p. 807-475-3551

bundles of fresh evergreens, Unsplash.com


For Gift Delivery in Thunder Bay and Surrounds, including Slate River, call us here at The Camellia, at 807-475-3551, or visit our Online store at https://iwindowshop.ca/collections/home-decor-and-gifts-for-delivery

Thank you for shopping small , and supporting local, Thunder Bay businesses! 
The Camellia, 30/32 Hacquoil Rd. Slate River, On
Open Wed. through Sunday, 11- 5, or 12-5p.
p.  807-475-3551


Craft Revival Virtual 2020, Evergreen wreaths, Magnolia, and Shea Butter at the Camellia, Thunder Bay, Dec. 2020.

Thunder Bay Flower & Gift shop

It's getting really close to Christmas!! 

 Craft Revival Virtual, Wintergreens & Magnolia, Shea butter, and more.... 

Hello! How is everyone doing?
Christmas is getting really close, and this year there is a bit of a panic to get things done early, and to buy all our Gifts now in case we get into another lock-down situation. In the photos above, we are featuring some of our Handmade wreaths and sprays, these make great Gifts!  We just received a skid of Cottage Paint, and are trying to get it on the shelf. 
If you have been waiting for Sheets, they should arrive this coming week!!  
We have fresh Magnolia bunches here ( a small miracle, there have lots of procurement issues), and will be making up some Magnolia and Tamarack Wreaths.  

In case you missed the Artisans Virtual Show,  here is the link to this show: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3120066831453576/. To access the albums you need to join Artisans Northwest Virtual Fine Art and Craft show 2020.  Once you are on the page, you will see Albums in which each Artisan has their work for sale. To see the Albums, click on photos on the left. Then click on each photo for a description of the Art, and how to purchase, pay, etc. 

We are taking part in CRAFT REVIVAL Virtual, which is on until  Dec. 6th. 2020. https://www.thecraftrevivaltbay.com/. Here you will be able to shop 146 vendors online! You will find The Camellia listed under GIFTWARE at https://www.thecraftrevivaltbay.com/giftware,  A big Thank you to those of you who have ordered products from our website, we offer contactless pick-up from our shop, or we can deliver to your door. 
You can access our products by going to our website, https://iwindowshop.ca/, scroll down on right hand side to get to Handmade & Vintage section. Click on the VIEW and 5 pages of products will pop up. if you have any questions, pick up the phone and call us at (807)475-3551


----------------------------------STAYING SAFE 


We know that fear of contracting the virus is keeping some of you housebound, so we have set up our Christmas greenery and floral items on our outdoor Porch. If you need ribbon bows for urns, we can also bring those outside. Cottage Paint charts can be brought outside. Hand sanitizer is available upon entering our store, and we have disposable masks for sale. 

For those of you who would rather have a booked Appointment time to visit our store , the Camellia, at 30, Hacquoil Rd. You can book a time on Thursday evenings between 5 and 7p. ( we have yard lights ! ) or you can phone to arrange a time, 475-3551. You can book for up to 4 people. 

You can purchase and shop for Paint, Handmade items and Floral, and some Bedding online at our new website: https://iwindowshop.ca/

Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/camelliafromnaturetohome/

Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/The-Camellia-From-Nature-to-Home-145600168837975

Find Out More
At this time,  we can't help but feel anxious. This is THE year to indulge in decorating your home for the Holidays!  There is nothing like the smell of fresh evergreens, especially Balsam. We have Fresh wreaths and swags for sale, and we can deliver or you can do contactless pickup. Are you a DIY'er? We have metal hoop bases, faux winter stems, ribbons and more. Need Fresh Magnolia or Eucalyptus ( seeded/ silver dollar/ or Baby Euc.)? Call a week ahead to order, prices vary weekly. And, don't forget, we have Lavender! Lavender is perfect for relaxing and unwinding, and helps to maintain a sense of calm. Get your bunch today! $17.50 +hst. 
Just arriving!! Shea butter from Ghana in tubs, and Jamaican Castor Oil for thinning hair ( yeah....!!) . 







Lastly, for those of you who would rather have a booked Appointment time to visit our store, the Camellia, at 30, Hacquoil Rd. 
You can book a time on Thursday evenings between 5 and 7p., or by phoning us at 807-475-3551.  You can book for up to 4 people. You can also shop and pay online and do contactless pick-up, or we can deliver ($). Due to Covid, there are NO RETURNS on Bedding, and Blankets. There will be a 20% restocking fee on any paint supplies returned, and as always, Paint is NOT returnable. 
OPEN 
Wed. 11-5. 
Thurs. 12-5, ( 5 to 7p. by appointment )
Fri. 11-5
Sat. 11-5.
Sun. 12-5.
Thank you for supporting small shops like ours! 

Sunday, November 8, 2020

Artisans Northwest 2020 is virtual this year!

white magnolia wreath on red door

We know many of you have visited us at the Artisans Northwest Show which was held in the past at The Valhalla Inn. This year, due to the pandemic, Artisans Northwest will be a virtual show, in an online format. 


Here at The Camellia, we will be one of the participants in this virtual show. 


Follow Artisans Northwest on Facebook, to get all the details. 
This year, more than ever, it is important to support local Artisans. 
We have 2 albums on this page: here is the link to our WINTER designs: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.2731143010457436&type=3
Our other Album on this page is our Dried Floral designs, here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.1462936227233776&type=3



pine cones on grey dropcloth


Happy shopping! 


Staying positive in the face of a Second wave , The Camellia, Thunder Bay, Ontario

dried flowers and foilage in floor urn

Some days it is difficult to be positive, and you may think that this pandemic will not be over, ever.  You are out running errands, and you get out of your vehicle, and are walking towards the store, and then, oh shoot, I forgot my mask!, and you return to your car to get your mask on. Cases are on the rise everywhere, and the thought of a second lockdown looms. What can you do? 

decorated christmas tree at biltmore

You can get ready for Christmas, which will be here before you know it. It's time to pull out all your winter decor, and start decorating. We have had warmer than normal temperatures lately, it has felt like Fall, or summer. How has the weather been where you live?  This tree was photographed at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. 

silly goats peppermint hand lotion

Christmas brings along the Gifting dilemmas - what to buy for those on your Christmas list. One of our favourites is Silly Goats moisturizing lotion, in Peppermint Eucalyptus. I find the lotion has a nice pepperminty fragrance with the undertones of menthol from the eucalyptus. Silly Goat milk lotions include sweet almond oil, avocado oil, shea butter and goat milk. 

hand made evergreen wreath at thecamellia.com

Now is the time to order your fresh evergreen Wreaths, we are busy picking greens, and gathering grapevines and twigs. Wreaths made with local greens last a lot longer than wreaths bought from grocery stores. They also make great Christmas Gifts, you can call us and order Wreaths to send for Gifts, p. 807-475-3551. Gifts are online at https://iwindowshop.ca/, and at https://www.thecamellia.com/


black and white scarf with stars


Warm scarves, and cozy hats also make great gifts. You can find these for sale at our store at 30, Hacquoil Rd. 

hand made goat milk soap


We all know how important hand washing is, hand made soaps are a practical Gift. 


Craft Revival online shopping event, Nov. 22- Dec. 6, 2020

We are excited to be part of The Craft Revival , Virtual 2020, which will be online only. Follow us on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/camelliafromnaturetohome/

Artisans northwest virtual show 2020

In past years, #ArtisansNorthwest's annual show has been at the Valhalla Inn. This year, the show will be online only, follow #ArtisansNorthwest on Facebook for all the details. 

Stop by and see us at The Camellia, at 30, Hacquoil Rd. off Highway 61. Open Wed. 11-5, Thurs. 12-5, Fri. and Sat. 11-5, Sunday, Noon to 5. 
p 807-475-3551