Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 09/01) - Ilona Legler will be getting down to business this weekend.

With Christmas just around the corner, Legler, who owns Country Cottage Crafts with Donel Gagnon, will be selling their wares at this weekend's Fall Trade Show.

Country Cottage Crafts part-owner, Ilona Legler, shows off a rack of hand-stitched towels, one of many hand-made products she sells along with partner Donel Gagnon. - - Mike W. Bryant/NNSL photo

"We don't actually have a store open 24 hours," says Legler. "It's a 'phone us and we'll open the door for you' kind of thing, so the trade show gives us good exposure."

"We're a cash and carry business, so now's the time to do your Christmas shopping," says Legler, adding that much of their annual sales are made during the fall trade show. The event will run Nov. 10-11 at the Explorer Hotel.

Legler and Gagnon went into business together four years ago.

They met while working for the territorial department of public works, and quickly realized they both loved creating arts and crafts.

"She showed me how to paint and I showed her how to sew," says Legler.

Home-made creations

Legler and Gagnon sew and knit distinctive creations such as towels and dishcloths, as well as painted jewelry boxes and step stools for kids.

The holiday season also means increased production of hand-made stockings and Christmas tree skirts.

"We also got a 30-inch-tall Santa Claus with porcelain hands and head," say Legler.

Legler will be running the booth at the trade show with friend Maureen "squeak" Hall, as Gagnon is in Italy for family reasons. Although the craft business is only part-time, Legler says it is a hobby that will keep her busy for years.

"Oh yeah, I got kids -- got to teach them," says Legler.

"I'll probably be doing this until I retire."