Store Guide: Rowan Homespun Market, a haven for antiquities and artisanal goods in the Beach
(Image: Jenna Marie Wakani)
Name: Rowan Homespun Market
Sells: Apothecary, wellness products, vintage finds, handmade goods
Contact info: 2196 Queen St. E., 416-694-8888, rowanhomespun.com
Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Rowan Homespun Market opened earlier this month in the Beach, adding a touch of the countryside to Toronto. Owner and Niagara native, Dominique Del Col , carries her own line of all-natural apothecary products, handmade artisanal goods and old-world antiquities. Despite the dreamy vibe, everything is functional: “I want there to be whimsical creations that people will actually use,” says Del Col. She also hosts workshops in the back studio devoted to crafts like candle-pouring, fermenting, knitting and an upcoming honey salve–making class taught by a local beekeeper.
Wildwood , Del Col’s beauty and wellness line, was developed with the help of a holistic nutritionist and includes bath salts, digestive bitters, body butter and dry shampoo—all made using organic ingredients from Del Col’s family farm. In addition to studying herbalism and Ayurveda , Del Col’s an avid antique hunter, and scours estate sales for unique finds, including brassware, recycled lighting and porcelain pitchers—all of which are displayed in the shop alongside hand-crafted pottery and ceramics from a Niagara collective (she’s currently showcasing colourful works from St. Catherines’ makers Shed Pottery ). Also on offer are fermented pantry items, like Alchemy Pickle’ s hot sauce and kombucha that’s brewed on-site.
316967 The shop, in a corner plot at the eastern-most end of the Beach, used to be an Apple Store. (Image: Jenna Marie Wakani) https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3776-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3776.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3776.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-rowan-homespun-market-the-beaches/slide/331a3776/ 331a3776 0 0
(Image: Jenna Marie Wakani)
316964 <strong>Wildwood</strong> products are all small-batch, and made using organic ingredients from Del Col's Niagara farm. https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3843-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3843.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3843.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-rowan-homespun-market-the-beaches/slide/331a3843/ 331a3843 0 0
316968 Organic seeds come from a small farm in Haldimand County, and include heirloom yellow tomatoes and purple carrots. $4 each https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3759-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3759.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3759.jpg 1200 805 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-rowan-homespun-market-the-beaches/slide/331a3759/ 331a3759 0 0
316962 This gorgeous vintage plate is from the 1930s. $30 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3726-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3726.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3726.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-rowan-homespun-market-the-beaches/slide/331a3726/ 331a3726 0 0
316960 Wildwood also makes medicinal tinctures. This one's for the digestive system, and is made with herbs infused with 100 proof alcohol. $25 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3599-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3599.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3599.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-rowan-homespun-market-the-beaches/slide/331a3599/ 331a3599 0 0
316977 We love the natural blues and greens in <strong>Shed Pottery</strong>'s pretty springtime pieces. The mug is $35. https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3616-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3616.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3616.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-rowan-homespun-market-the-beaches/slide/331a3616/ 331a3616 0 0
316965 The place also carries super-soft, fair-trade Illimani yarn, which is spun from baby alpaca and merino wool by artisans in Bolivia and Peru. https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3841-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3841.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3841.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-rowan-homespun-market-the-beaches/slide/331a3841/ 331a3841 0 0
316961 If you're into facial steaming, this organic dried wildflower mix gives off a soothing aroma for an extra-calming detox. $8 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3688-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3688.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3688.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-rowan-homespun-market-the-beaches/slide/331a3688/ 331a3688 0 0
316963 Sweet-smelling lavender sachets are an inexpensive way to freshen up those forgotten corners. $3 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3849-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3849.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3849.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-rowan-homespun-market-the-beaches/slide/331a3849/ 331a3849 0 0
316970 This industrial desk lamp is made with a vintage mason jar and reclaimed wood. $295 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3729-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3729.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3729.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-rowan-homespun-market-the-beaches/slide/331a3729/ 331a3729 0 0
316969 The space is decorated using many of Del Col's own vintage finds. https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3736-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3736.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3736.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-rowan-homespun-market-the-beaches/slide/331a3736/ 331a3736 0 0
316975 Some, like this macramé wall-hanging, are not for sale. https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3648-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3648.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3648.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-rowan-homespun-market-the-beaches/slide/331a3648/ 331a3648 0 0
316971 Jordan, Ontario–based makers <strong>Tarnish and Bright</strong> pour soy wax into vintage brass and sterling silver vessels to make totally unique candles. $85 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3721-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3721.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3721.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-rowan-homespun-market-the-beaches/slide/331a3721/ 331a3721 0 0
316973 Next to some vintage finds is the store's fridge, which holds a range of preserves like kimchi, fermented hot sauce, house-made kombucha and pickles. $6-$10 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3707-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3707.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3707.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-rowan-homespun-market-the-beaches/slide/331a3707/ 331a3707 0 0
316974 Organically grown lilac bunches from Del Col's family farm are used to infuse the kombucha and natural skincare. https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3661-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3661.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3661.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-rowan-homespun-market-the-beaches/slide/331a3661/ 331a3661 0 0
316976 Shoppers can also pick up repurposed soy candles from local label <strong>Amy's Place.</strong> $13-$45 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3626-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3626.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3626.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-rowan-homespun-market-the-beaches/slide/331a3626/ 331a3626 0 0
316982 Organic bath salts, in scents like “wanderlust rose” and “solstice mustard” contain all you need for a luxurious soak. $24 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3602-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3602.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3602.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-rowan-homespun-market-the-beaches/slide/331a3602/ 331a3602 0 0
316979 A vintage brass mister is useful for delicate flowers and can pass for a piece of decor when not in use. $12 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3606-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3606.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3606.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-rowan-homespun-market-the-beaches/slide/331a3606/ 331a3606 0 0
316985 Shed Pottery's four mustard-yellow bowls are very farmhouse-chic. $125 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3584-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3584.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3584.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-rowan-homespun-market-the-beaches/slide/331a3584/ 331a3584 0 0
316983 An invigorating exfoliant, Wildwood's kismet shea salt scrub is made using pink grapefruit and bergamot. $20 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3595-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3595.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3595.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-rowan-homespun-market-the-beaches/slide/331a3595/ 331a3595 0 0
316966 And here is owner Dominique Del Col (her dad is former Argos player and Grey Cup winner <strong>Stephen Del Col</strong>). https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3800-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3800.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/331A3800.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-rowan-homespun-market-the-beaches/slide/331a3800/ 331a3800 0 0
Do the author and editors know what, precisely, the word ‘antiquities’ means or is this another example of your once proud magazine’s descent into mediocrity and ignorance?