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By Mireille Eagan

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The Soldiers' Barracks on Queen St. were once used to store artillery. Now, these small cubby holes contain the creations of local artists and designer makers.

Making It Beautiful is inside one such cubby hole. The little boutique boasts loads of sweet and saucy stuff. Pop-up cards, sleep masks, knitted creatures, handkerchiefs, jewelry, scarves, purses and clothing "" all are handmade, eco-friendly, and locally crafted. My paycheque is in jeopardy every time I go in.

The boutique showcases the various works of seven artists - Bronwyn Gallagher, Erica Sullivan, Angela Black, Erica Steeves, Ashley Watson, Erin Hamilton, and Kelly O'Neil. All are graduates or current students of the Craft College. Each artist has her favourite medium, but each has also branched out to explore other methods of representation.

The artists decided to join forces as part of a creative collective. As such, they're supportive of each other's artistic practices. They share expenses, time, and knowledge.

"It's a matter of little baby steps instead of giant leaps," says Erica Steeves, who speaks of the difficulties of establishing one's self. Erica Sullivan seconds the statement: "We give and take; we work together."

The works combine funky design and everyday practicality.

"As designer makers, we're trying to make things that are beautiful for the body," says Steeves. "Everything is very functional.

"We make things that we love, and think that others will too."

As many people are discovering, handmade, one-of-a-kind goods are the way to go. Websites like Etsy, Craftster.org, and many others are providing a forum for people to share and discuss their homemade, crafted projects. This is just one indication of a growing support for handmade items.

Outside the web, "Stitch n' Bitch" sessions (basically a contemporary version of the Quilting Bee) are now a common occurrence.

Each piece in Makin It Beautiful is unique. It has been handcrafted by trained designer makers with a love for their products and an interest in continually developing their particular craft. This lends itself to a variety of media and styles, some of which are variations on a theme, and none of which will ever be repeated.

To give you an idea of what's in the shop, I'll share with you what I've been eyeing: a handkerchief with "I Love You" embroidered on it, a sweet orange beaded bracelet, a shirt with a tape cassette screen printed on it, a green dress with a stylised bee, and a knitted owl. Every time I walk in that place I fall in love with something else. Drop by, and I'm sure you'll find something perfect for you as well.

The shop is open until September. You can visit it daily, 10-5. Drop by the Soldier's Barracks on Queen St., and be sure to visit the other shops as well.