Katie's Christmas Countdown featuring northern makers: Part 1

With the holidays quickly approaching, CTV News Northern Ontario weather specialist Katie Behun is exploring local makers and their products in a new segment called Katie's Christmas Countdown.

GREATER SUDBURY

Dare 2 Dream Alpaca Wear & Studio produces handmade products from animals, that look like small llamas, raised at its former alpaca farm on Highway 17 in McKerrow, west of Sudbury.

Lina and Ray Godard create the cold weather accessories out of the animal's fleece.

Katie Behun at Dare 2 Dream Alpaca Wear & Studio as part of Katie's Christmas Countdown featuring local makers in northern Ontario (CTV Northern Ontario)

Two Sudbury authors, David Wickenden and Scott Overton, have both published several books. Many of the sci-fi, thriller and fantasy novels are set in Sudbury.

In addition to being available at Bay Used Books, the authors are also available for book signings at the farmer's market.

Here is a look at books by two Sudbury authors, David Wickenden and Scott Overton, available at Bay Used Books and the Sudbury Market as part of Katie's Christmas Countdown. (CTV Northern Ontario)

Katie Behun learned about the hand-poured soy wax candles made by a Sudbury couple at Swax Candle Co.

The relatively new company started after one of the owners gave the other a candle-making kit for Christmas in 2020.

Katie Behun at Swax Candle Co in Sudbury as part of Katie's Christmas Countdown. (CTV Northern Ontario)

She also learned how to make meat pies at C J Pies 'N' More, the little Dutch bakery in Warren, east of Sudbury.

The bakery is run by husband and wife duo Gerry and Colleen Pronk. Gerry came to Canada from Holland to work as a pastry chef. The couple moved to Warren after visiting friends during a fishing trip and bought an old grocery store, turning it into a full-service bakery.

Katie Behun learns to make meat pie at CJ Pies N More as part of Katie's Christmas Countdown. (CTV Northern Ontario)

All four of these vendors have booths at Sudbury Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

NORTH BAY

Cindy's Sweets in North Bay is a long-time vendor at the local farmer's market that has offered baked goods for the last 17 years.

Cindy's Sweets

Stephanie White, of North Bay, owns The Crafty Mama Owl. She describes her products as "wood décor with a purpose."

White creates wooden magnets with nature and inspiration in mind, her website said.

As part of Katie's Christmas Countdown, here is a look at The Crafty Mama Owl wood decor at the North Bay Farmer's Market. (CTV Northern Ontario)

Stay tuned for more episodes of Katie's Christmas Countdown.