Miranda Scott of Good Bones Jewelry has always felt connected to creating and personalizing jewelry, going back to when she was a young teenager. "I think I was maybe twelve or thirteen when I started ripping apart necklaces I owned to rearrange [them] or add beads," she said with a smile. "I remember using tiny locks, keys, and hardware to make big, clunky punk necklaces I'd wear to high school as a protest against uniforms we had to wear." For Miranda, jewelry is all about conveying your personality - just like how clothing can be created, styled, and altered to express your individuality and interests. "Jewelry draws me in, it lets me be artistic in a very physical way," Miranda explained. "It keeps my mind sharp because there's always new techniques to learn and try out." 

Flash forward to 2026, and Miranda has now been designing and crafting jewelry as a professional goldsmith for over fifteen years. Female and disability owned, her business Good Bones Jewelry is a bespoke fine jewelry studio and workshop based right here in St. Thomas, where Miranda designs, creates, and repairs pieces, while also running and teaching jewelry making workshops. 

​While living and working in Burlington, ON, Keith Small of TKS Woodworks decided to make a planter for his wife in his downtime during COVID. “He had woodworking experience from working in wood framing and doing odd jobs around the house,” his wife and business partner Tina explained. “So, he made me a planter. It wasn’t a big one, just a smaller one.” But later in the year during a barbeque at their house, a lot of people began to compliment the piece and mentioned it would be something they would buy. Tina and Keith decided to give it a shot and made a few more planters before listing them for sale on Facebook Marketplace. “We were both working our other jobs full time, Keith was framing, and I was working as a PSW, but once I posted them, that was that,” Tina said with a laugh. “Now we’ve run TKS Woodworks full time for two years as of February 2026.” 

In a modern world of mass production and online convenience, it's easy to forget the value of handmade goods and locally created art. Yet local artisans and artists are the heart of vibrant communities like St. Thomas and Elgin County. When you support them, you're not just purchasing a product, we're investing in creativity, sustainability, and connection. 

Farmers' markets play a vital role in making that connection possible. Spaces like the Horton Farmers' Market provide a welcoming space where artisans can showcase their talents, share their knowledge and stories, and build meaningful relationships with their community. 

After becoming a Canadian citizen and graduating with her diploma in Jewelry and Metals from Georgian College, artisan Loren Harrison started her business, QuArtzy by Loren, in 2022. Born in the Philippines, Loren's first career was in business administration - working in the Philippines and in Abu Dhabi after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce. "I've always had a passion for jewelry," Loren said with a smile. "And I have always been good at crafts. My husband suggested that since I love jewelry, I should become a professional artisan." With his encouragement, along with her schooling and passion, Loren decided to take the leap and start working from her home studio to bring unique designs to life.

When you walk through the market building at Horton, you might notice something right away. Every artisan stall has its own personality, draw, and charm. From hand shaped pottery to leathercraft hats and more, each item tells a story that's very different from the products you find on a big-box store shelf - mass-produced, identical, and often made far away from your local community. 

Understanding the difference between handmade and mass-produced helps shoppers appreciate the care, creativity, skill, and value behind local artisan goods. 

​For Adam of Paterson Woodcrafts, woodworking began as a quiet hobby; something he did for himself, his friends, family, and for pure enjoyment. “I used to just give it away,” Adam said with a smile. But over time, that passion took root, shaped by decades of deep respect for the craft. 2025 has marked Adam's first year of selling his works publicly - and the Horton Farmers' Market is happy to be his launchpad.

​If you’ve stopped by the Horton Farmers Market, you’ve seen the cheerful and inviting trailer set-up, complete with patio seating and flower centerpieces. A colourful spot to grab some delightful dog treats with equally delightful names. The face behind the booth is Rebecca, and despite being just seven months into the business, Fergielicious has become
a fixture at the Horton Farmers’ Market.