There is snow on the ground and a crisp chill in the air – already this season appears to be one that promises a more traditional Christmas season. As the weather becomes colder, I ponder if I should purchase a warm pair of sealskin slippers made by local artisans?
I remember one year for Christmas receiving a pair that would be much to small for my now adult-size feet. They were incredibly warm and completely comfortable, conforming to ones feet.
My father was a fishermen and a sealer. He took great pride in preparing the sealskin, barking them in the water, lacing them in frames, soaking them in “Skin” Pond and letting them tan to perfection before using a pattern to prepare the sealskin leather. A local woman from Green Island Brook, would make our boots. She has been doing it now for more than 7 decades. There is a natural process that is followed that is part of our living heritage on the Great Northern Peninsula.
If you would like to purchase sealskin products that are 100% handcrafted and made by local artisans visit www.gnpcrafts.ca. They have an array of product for those of you that would like to also experience rural Newfoundland & Labrador.
I will most likely pay a visit to GNP Crafts in the near future as sealskin slippers will surely keep my toes nice and snug when we hit -40 degrees C.
Live Rural NL –
Christopher C. Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay NorthRelated articles
- GNP Craft Producers Launches Website – Shoal Cove East, NL (liveruralnl.com)
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