Maude and Paul Stephany will offer flights of fancy and imagination on Family Day as they bring their Make and Take Crafting Market to Guelph.
It promises to be a fun few hours for families who want to get creative together and create an object to take home.
But don’t be surprised if Mad Mattie pays a visit – and explains she was once kidnapped by fairies and fears they are still after her.
And Professor Stefonyi, an explorer extraordinaire who has lots of stories to tell from his world travels.
The couple hopes participants will lose their inhibitions and get into the fantastical steampunk storyline and let it inspire their artwork.
By day the Stephanys are students at the University of Guelph – Maude working on her Masters in English literature with a special interest in steampunk literature, and Paul with a Masters in Geography, hoping to combine it with international development work.
In their off hours they pursue their combined interest in steampunk – a genre of fiction based in the 1800s period of steam power and invention but with a futuristic twist that has grown into a live action role playing movement.
They also create hand-drawn maps and jewellery through their side-business, the Explorer’s Emporium.
“We’re both history buffs and attracted to this era,” said Paul. “As we get into it, we enjoy the ability to create and costume.
“Adults don’t get enough opportunity to play in a safe environment.”
Simply Curious, who specializes in educational items for children, will join the crafting market.
Families will make fairy jars putting a stained glass effect on recycled objects.
The market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 10C at 42 Carden St.
Cost for the market is $5 per object. Pre-registration can be done here.
