Edmonton Fall Home Show: These treasures reflect personal touch

Denis Kharkov created LionWoodWork almost by accident. With a background in 3D printing and carpentry, he turned a couple of reclaimed wine barrels into custom furniture for himself.

Friends saw them and liked what he did, so he made some pieces for them. Then more people heard about what he was doing.

“We started to get more and more inquiries,” he says. “Pretty soon it became a business.”

Based in Spruce Grove, he now makes barrel cabinet, barrel vanities, shelving, even chairs and light fixtures from reclaimed wooden wine barrels he sources from wineries in Kelowna, B.C.

He will be one of the exhibitors at the Homegrown and Handmade Hub at this year’s Edmonton Fall Home Show. It takes place Oct. 16 to 18 at the Edmonton Expo Centre.

At the Homegrown and Handmade Hub, a range of makers from across the province will offer hundreds of items for sale, everything from speciality food and wellness products to jewelry, pet treats and original artwork.

Kharkov will have many of his pieces on hand for people to see and purchase. Shelving starts at $80, while the barrels, which feature LED lighting, built-in shelving and more, start at around $400. Some even feature remote control motorized lids.

OliveWood Glory, on the other hand, will feature handmade tableware and utensils made in Alberta from Mediterranean olive wood, while the award-winning Dear Dog Treats will have hand-crafted food for dogs made from Alberta beef, goat, lamb and chicken.

Looking for something luxurious? Handmade by Ali is a local business offering hand-poured non-toxic soy candles, while Jennifer Aussant, the Calgary-based founder and CEO of Brindy Luxury Silk, will be selling mulberry silk products, including hair scrunchies, bonnets, sleep masks and pillow cases.

For the past five years, Mellissa Lau, the Edmonton-based founder and owner of Royce and Oak, has been an exhibitor at the Edmonton Home Shows. “We specialize in permanent jewelry, personalized engraving and waterproof stainless steel jewelry,” she says.

“I’ve always loved jewelry and the way something so simple can hold so much meaning.”

Designed to be worn every day, permanent jewelry is welded together instead of having a traditional clasp. The process is quick and painless, she notes, and prices start at about $68.

A typical customer? There isn’t one, she says. “We see best friends, couples, mothers and daughters, families and individuals who simply love beautiful jewelry,” says Lau.

You can choose special connections and charms to personalize your jewelry, too.

“It’s a fun and meaningful way to celebrate friendships, relationships, milestones, or simply treat yourself,” she says.

“And despite the name, it isn’t permanent forever — it can easily be removed if needed.”

For Lau, the Edmonton Fall Home Show is a fun way to meet new people and hear about fellow makers and new and interesting products. “The Home Show brings together an amazing variety of local businesses, unique products and experiences all under one roof,” she says.

“It’s such a great experience.”