Alderberry Village Handcrafted items and unique home decor in a country general store.

57 Inglis Place Truro, Nova Scotia (902) 893-0159 “A craft fair all year long” is the tagline that Alderberry Village Craft Cooperative has used for over 21 years, and it still suits the store to this day. “On any given day, you can meet one of the crafters. These are the folks who operate the store on a daily basis,” says Melyssa Connolly (Co-Owner of Alderberry Village). Since 2001, Alderberry Village has grown to represent over 50 quality, local crafters. The shop proudly displays the items that this diverse group of creative artists has crafted. From unique crafts, antique dishes, soaps, scented candles, seasonal home decor, craft paints, and gift ideas their determination and pride in what they do is evident throughout the shop. The atmosphere as you walk into the store is magical and nostalgic. At the same time, you are immediately transported to a place where there is something for everyone and you can always find crafts and gifts according to the current season. There are Easter wreaths hanging from the walls, baskets filled with crocheted colourful easter eggs, and a little corner filled with traditional Nova Scotia tartan. These are some of the welcome crafts that will surely attract your eye as you walk through.

“It’s very inspiring to meet vendors who often share their crafts that are so unique,” says Carol Taggart, Owner of Alderberry Village. “As operators of the business, we most enjoy meeting people and our day wouldn’t be complete without seeing customers who drop in just to say hello,” she says. “Our ideal customer is a person who appreciates the local market. And since COVID-19, we have become much more aware of how our large open spaces allow people to comfortably relax and shop without feeling crowded,” says Carol. The past two years have been hard on all of us, and some of the events that have transpired and moved us are displayed throughout the store, from the three-layered mask, to the Nova Scotia Strong items, and most recently some stained glass symbols of peace in the Ukrainian flag colours. “We are not a big box store; when you come into our store you get a one-of-a-kind craft; you are supporting our local community and crafters,” says Melyssa.

Prior to the global pandemic, the store offered classes and workshops with some of their local crafters which were very popular. “Our customers used to love to have that hands-on experience and the opportunity to meet and ask questions to their local artist providing the class or workshop,” says Melyssa. As restrictions are starting to ease, there is a lot of excitement that things can go back to normal, and hopefully classes and workshops can resume. While we walk through the shop, Carol shows us some of the most recent addition to the store. “We are excited to launch Fusion Paint, Milk Paint, and a supply of vinyl for crafters. We will be offering classes and workshops in the near future that will incorporate the use of these paints, so stay tuned,” says Melyssa. Can’t make it Downtown? Alderberry Village has a very popular Facebook Live Sale that happens once a month, and during the holiday season every two weeks. Melyssa tells us how much her followers appreciate having the Facebook Live Sale, as they get first dibs on that one-of-a-kind craft and they get to shop from the comfort of their home.

A day in Downtown Truro is an experience and Alderberry Village is proud to be part of that.

Fusion™ Mineral Paint

Alderberry Village offers a complete selection of Fusion™ Paint and Brushes. Whether you are a pro or just starting, Fusion™  paint will make your projects look professional and elegant. Easy to apply with a smooth matte finish, Fusion™ requires minimal prep work, no finishing coat, waxing or ongoing maintenance! Fusion™ is a high-quality paint that will not harden or separate in the container for 7 years due to the rigorous process and the use of only the highest quality of materials. Their formulation is 100% unique to them and it’s formulated from the ground up. Fusion™ colours are non-toxic, lead-free, virtually odourless, and contain no ammonia or formaldehyde.