Grey Heron Natural Designs carry an array of clothing designed exclusively for Grey Heron, you can't find these products anywhere else!

Don't have time to travel the world?

Don’t have time to travel the world?
Grey Heron has a world of fashions for you to discover!
Come and travel in Fashion!

Grey Heron Natural Designs carry an array of clothing designed exclusively for Grey Heron, you can’t find these products anywhere else!

You will find sizes from 12-24 in addition to an exciting assortment of accessories including, Amber jewellery, Handpainted Silk scarves, Irish wool walking socks, Danish felt slippers, and a Grey Heron hand knit accessory line!



News & Announcements

Get the 411 on Greener Fabrics · 3 April 09

by Andrea Chiu City Line newsletter

Know what makes these materials better for the earth.

As we become more and more concerned with the environment, people are making increased efforts to live greener lives. This includes incorporating a greener wardrobe. No one is suggesting you throw out all of your t-shirts, jeans or dresses—that would be a waste. Instead, the next time you’re shopping for a new outfit consider some of these greener materials.

Soy: This versatile bean is not just for sushi or lattes. Soy fabric can be found in many clothing items now. It is made from tofu manufacturing waste and is surprisingly soft with a texture similar to cashmere.

Bamboo: Like soy, bamboo versatile. It can be found in kitchen cabinetry, utensils, furniture and flooring. It’s a very sustainable crop since it requires no pesticides and grows very quickly. The pulp of bamboo grass is used to make bamboo fabric. The product is thermodynamic so it keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It also has a strong wicking ability so moisture is kept away from the body.

Organic cotton: Traditional cotton production uses 25 percent of the world’ insecticides and 10 percent of all pesticides. A single pair of jeans uses 3/4 pounds of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This toxic process of cotton production has encouraged many clothing manufacturers to find a healthier alternative by creating organic cotton clothing which is made without these chemicals. Roots, H&M and the Gap are just a few companies which have jumped on the bandwagon and have created special lines with organic cotton products.

Hemp: Hemp is considered another eco-friendly material because it is resilient and requires no pesticides or insecticides. If a material is made with 50 percent hemp or more, it can block more UV rays than any other fabric. Compared to cotton, hemp is also stronger, more absorbent and mildew-resistant.

My only comment would be inform yourself about the product in question. If the source of the manufacturing is of interest to you, always ask. Not everything is as it seems!!

Grey Heron on-line auction info · 12 March 09

We have fabulous items on our auction pages from:

Georgian Bay Club, Atoka Golf & Country Club,
Cobblebeach Golf Links, Stonetree Golf Club,
Duntroon Highlands Golf & Country Club
Bentley Coaching, OslerBrook Golf & Country Club,
Jeff Palmer Golfing Institute @ Raven, Lora Bay,

The auction will be up and running until Thursday April 9,2009
at which time the winning bidders will be notified.

The auction page itself is at http://auction.runningtide.com/grey-heron

new email address · 13 November 08

Please use the following email address:

greyheron@bellnet.ca

Thanks

Padraig slippers arrive · 30 October 08

Here ye….

It’s true, Padraig Slippers have arrived in Thornbury….

These little beauties have a real sheepskin base, fleece side fits nicely on the bottom of your foot, suede side on the outside… with a multitude of coloured merino wool uppers…

This is the perfect time to gift a pair on to someone special…

Stop by and try them on… wonderfully warm & cozy…

Maggies Organics have arrived... · 15 October 08

We have fabulous news!!

Organic cotton tights.. that’s right the nylon leotard of my era is now the funky tight of today…

Plain Black, Olive & Textured pattern in Chocolate….

We have organic cotton knee socks… perfect for winter in your boots… or under your skirt…

The Cotton Crews and the Winter Wool Crews are now in stock.

Keep your feet happy… in organic cotton

Ilse Jacobsen boots are back!!! · 9 October 08

I have a small stock of Ilse Rubber boots arriving tomorrow,
Friday October 9th.

It’s on a first come first served basis…

They are in high demand and going fast.

Black 39 40

Brown 37 38 39 – oops 37 is gone

Turquoise 38 39 – oops.. 39 is gone

Lime 38

Orange 37 38 – oops 37 is gone….

Call me if you want a pair.

519-599-3443

"Green" garden ideas · 5 June 08

Here’s a few great ideas for keeping your garden “Green”.

Choose plants and flowers that are native to your area. They will flourish in the right setting.
Don’t forget the use your compost in your gardens.
Rotate your vegetable planting every year.
Select plants for the specific conditions- shade, full sun, wet area
Remove diseased plants from the garden.
Use boiling water on weeds growing in brick and concrete patios.
A great lawn aerated regularly, cut at the 3” level, over seeded and watered less will make for a better lawn.

Natural face cleansers... · 22 May 08

Sweet exfoliator

Sugar is a preferred exfoliant to salt because it tends not to tear at the skin. When dead skin collects on the surface of skin, it’s important to slough it away. This helps clear up clogged pores. When skin isn’t exfoliated, it can appear dull and ashy.

INGREDIENTS:
2 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp warm water
PREPARATION:
Stir sugar into warm water so that it melts.
Make sure granules are dissolved, otherwise they could tear your skin.
Apply to the face.
Gently massage around the skin. Rinse with warm water.

Rosewater face mask

This mask, based on roses, is perfect for balancing out the oily and dry areas of your skin.

INGREDIENTS:
Optional: 6 fresh rose petals
2 tbsps rosewater
1 tbsp natural yogurt, room temperature (not lowfat or non-fat)
1 tbsp runny honey (to get honey runny, you can warm it in a microwave for a few seconds).
PREPARATION:
Soak rose petals, then crush them in a bowl.
Add the rosewater, yogurt and honey.
Mix well and apply to the skin.
Leave on for 10 minutes.
Rinse.

Witch Hazel Cleaning Tonic

Witch hazel has long been known to have astringent qualities. The liquid you can find in the shelves of drug store is an herbal extract with exceptional cleansing, soothing, and healing properties. It was originally used by Native Americans, who used witch hazel bark and twigs in many therapeutic applications and passed on their knowledge to the settlers.

To make your own old fashioned witch hazel astringent, combine 1 cup of witch-hazel with 2 tablespoons of alcohol and apply it to your skin with cotton ball. If you are sensitive to alcohol, you can substitute it with 1/4 cup of white vinegar.

Citrus Blackhead Treatment

Removing blackheads can easily be done with lemon. Citrus naturally exfoliates, which makes lemon useful when it comes to fighting blackheads in your cleansing routine.
Cut the lemon in half then rub it directly on your face before going to bed.

You can also extract lemon juice with a citrus reamer, remove the seeds and then add 2 tablespoons of rosewater. Mix the lemon juice and rosewater together and your tonic will be more fragrant.

I can’t guarantee these cleansers will work for you. If you have allergies or sensitivities, please consult with your Dr. before trying any of these cleansers.

Maruca handbags... on the way · 22 May 08

Grey Heron Welcomes….

We are very excited that Maruca designs will be a fashionable staple at our shop.

Maruca handbags…. Each style carefully thought out and created with fashion and function in mind…
What could be better than creating your own textiles.. taking time to see the beauty in life’s simplest treasures… and converting that to a cleverly designed fabric…

Look for Maruca handbags to grace our windows and shelves the first week of June…

Wear this “signature handbag” with fun and excitement… with the same style it has been created in….

Shingle Bay B&B... for your next holiday? · 10 May 08

Welcome to Shingle Bay B&B on beautiful North Pender Island, located in the stunning southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia. This distinctive Bed and Breakfast features a beautiful enclosed courtyard garden and is surrounded by park like grounds with private walking paths. Directly across from your ‘Touch of the Casbah’ private suite is the well maintained Shingle Bay Park with easy beach access. Several extensive hiking trails are just steps away in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. This exclusive Pender Island accommodation is the perfect place to relax, unwind and truly enjoy a ‘Pender moment’.

Shingle Bay B&B
2606 Galleon Way
Pender Island, BC
V0N 2M2

For information and bookings contact Carolyn:
Phone/Fax: 250 629-9954
Email: info@shinglebaybandb.ca

Welcome... Ilse Jacobsen · 11 April 08

Grey Heron is very excited to present the Ilse boot line.

The classic Danish hand-made rubber boots designed by Ilse Jacobsen are made of 100% natural rubber.
The unique look with laced-up fronts and cotton-fleece lining makes them both warm and comfortable to wear.
The rubber boots are ideal for outdoor activities, rainy or snowy days in both urban and suburban settings.
They come a variety of colours and styles.

Stop by and look for yourself.

Make your Own chemical free cleaners · 3 April 08

White vinegar
To disinfect and deodorize, dilute vinegar with an equal amount of water for floors, tiles, stoves and counters; use full strength on toilets, sinks and the humidifier calcium and lime build up.
Refrain from using on Marble or Grout.

Baking soda
Gentle abrasion helps scrub away dirt and stains, with deodorizing action as well. Mix with three equal parts water and scrub the fridge, the sink and the oven.

Borax
Mix with four parts water to create a bleach substitute; mix with two parts water for a disinfecting tub, tile and toilet cleaner; and sprinkle on carpets, then vacuum, to clean and deodorize.

Lemon juice
Cut grease or bleach out stains with a fresh scent as an added bonus. Mix with baking soda to wash dishes, or with olive oil to polish furniture. Add 1/2 cup (125 ml) to the washing machine to bleach laundry.

Modea Denim, Modea Marine, Modea Blouse are HERE.... · 29 August 07

You name it… We’ve got it…

Gorgeous white blouses… Pearl buttons, Mother of Pearl buttons, Ruffles, Pin tucks, fitted waist, French cuffs…

From Blue Black to Midnight Blue to Blue denim the choice is yours… Flat front, 5 pocket, Cords… just to name a few

Twin sets are back…. soft and luxurious cotton Navy and Camel two tone Cardie… matched with crew neck top in Camel or Navy …

Or the long sleeve crew neck sweater in Camel, Navy or Indigo might be more to your liking…

Or check out our cotton sweaters… double breasted, ruffle edges, cable vest and much more…

Don’t be disappointed… Shop early…

Hope to see you, Karen

Gift Certificates are available!! · 16 June 06

If you have a special gift giving occasion coming up
and you’re not sure what to buy…
Give us a call and we can arrange for a Gift Certificate.
If you know your special someone shops here,
chances are pretty good that we have their sizes and colour
preferences on file.

These are available any time for any denomination.

Trollbeads are Here!!!! · 25 May 06

Have you heard of Trollbeads?
This fabulous and creative Scandinavian designed jewellery has now arrived!!
Each bead has been designed with the utmost attention to detail.

Taking muse from the fairy tales of Hans Christian Anderson, intricate beads depicting Thumbelina, The Ugly Duckling and The Little Mermaid have been created.

Further inspiration from astrology, mythology, flora and fauna make up more of the designs.

Stop by today and choose from dozens of Trollbeads. Create a playful and charming bracelet to tell your life story.

The Story Behind Grey Heron Natural Designs Inc. · 6 December 05

Opportunity was knocking and I listened. After spending more than two decades in finance areas, I decided to venture out in a different direction.

In February 2000 my husband Jim and I moved to Copenhagen Denmark. Jim’s job took us on a wonderful adventure. We both worked for the same company located just outside of Copenhagen.

We immersed ourselves in the Danish culture. We studied the Danish language so we could converse with our colleagues and local shopkeepers. Even our five children came to Denmark to experience their own version of “Christmas in Copenhagen”

As we were getting ready move home, it was at this point that I realized it was time to make a change in careers. At first I thought about something small and home based. I had grown to love the Scandinavian clothing designs I was wearing so by adding a few Irish designers to the mix Grey Heron Natural Designs was created.

With the help of carpenter son Brent, daughter Melanie and husband Jim, my once imaginary shop design was born.

Together we have taken my ideas and created the cozy eclectic surroundings found here. I have chosen to carry high quality product from designers in Sweden, Ireland, Denmark, Scotland and the Faroe Islands. Their passion for design is reflected in the superb quality, functionality and clean lines of each of their designs.

With the help and support of our children, family and friends, we were delighted when our doors opened on September 25th 2004.
Come by and browse through the designs. Surround yourself in cozy merino woollens.

Suit yourself for the office in a beautiful linen outfit.
Dress it up with a Scandinavian designed leather handbag from Adax.

“You just don’t find a shop like this any more”

Story by Karen Farmilo, Proprietor. Grey Heron Natural Designs