David Carrothers always knew he wanted to get into architectural design. He was born in London Ontario but grew up in Winnipeg until the age of 19 when he moved to Hamilton to attend Mohawk College, met his wife, and settled in the city. In 2008 when the recession hit, the couple returned from vacation and David was faced with a layoff from a home-building company in Oakville. He and his wife had just started their family and found themselves at a cross-roads; find a new job, or start the business he always wanted.

The layoff was a blessing in disguise and pushed David towards starting his own architectural design firm. Carrothers and Associates, located in the heart of Westdale, is made up of five designers ranging from juniors to seniors. They design everything from custom homes to kitchen remodels, from additions to small commercial work. They are a committed team and have a passion for their work and being sustainable. Carrothers pride themselves in being connected with the Hamilton/Burlington Sustainable Network, hiring locally and tapping into Hamilton’s creative talent. 

They have a variety of commercial work you’re surely been to in and around the city of Hamilton. See the beautiful designs here. 

My first creative love was pottery. Years ago, I was a stay at home mom to two beautiful children and started taking courses at a local workshop. Once I got the basics down inspiration kicked in and I began designing pieces to show off my culinary skills. So one art form could compliment another on my dinner table as well as in the kitchen. My designs and styles have changed several times and over the years I have been involved with galleries both in Ontario and Quebec. At home in Port Dover I have a studio that is open to the public by appointment only.

I am the founder of the Norfolk Studio Tour which is currently in its 16th year! In 2016, 36artists are involved with the tour on September 24th and 25th. More recently, my creative process took on a new form as my husband and I began to spend our winters in the south. I turned to jewelry making as a more portable and wearable art form. I use semi-precious stones and non-tarnishing silver wire to create one of a kind statements. Photography is my newest passion. I am drawn by my love of nature and a need to express myself creatively and share it with others. Through my many art forms, I hope to inspire others to find the beauty that surrounds them.

These timeless ornaments are handmade with love and memories of two beautiful grandmothers who left a lasting impression on the lives of many. Sister’s Ana and Lucy spent countless hours of their lives crocheting; a past time both sisters thoroughly enjoyed. Their granddaughters, Lisa and Michelle were left mourning the loss of their grandmothers, finding themselves heartbroken with the thought of disposing of their grandmothers handmade doilies. Lisa and Michelle recruited their mothers to brainstorm a way to recycle them. The result: unique hand-crafted ornaments, each incorporating a piece of Ana or Lucy’s handmade doilies. The creative process cultivated family time sharing old memories, creating new ones, and reflecting on the lives of two inspirational women. Both Ana and Lucy were breast cancer survivors; a portion of each ornament sale will be donated to a local charity. That is the story of “Memories Couture” and these ornaments represent “a gift that lasts forever” and how the legacy of two beautiful women will carry on.