Working with greenery is relaxing, even therapeutic, for Veronica Hudj. She didn’t know that one day her at-home projects would lead to a three-year enterprise.
It started with a passion for crafting. Veronica likes to work with local, natural elements and, with access to cedar branches from her parents’ farm, greenery became the craft supply of choice.
Working on a front-door arrangement in her open garage a few years ago, a neighbour passing by asked if her arrangement was for sale. It wasn’t, but it sparked an idea. Veronica made a few more arrangements, her first cedar gnome, and opened a booth at a holiday market.
The idea for the gnome came from a Polish television show she watched with her mom. Liking the idea, and knowing she could add in her own special touches, Veronica set to work. Her holiday gnome – krasnolud in Polish – would hold the enter-to-win sign at her booth. Her little sign-holding-krasnolud was a biggest hit.
Intrigue Winery
In addition to making greenery arrangements, Veronica is the mother of two girls and Retail Store and Special Events Manager at Intrigue Winery in Lake Country.
Intrigue Winery was established in 2008 by two couples with a shared passion for wine. Having established wine-making careers at other Okanagan wineries, it was only natural that they would one day start a winery of their own.
Intrigue wines are approachable, fun and perfect for any occasion. Crowd favourites are the rosé frizzante-style wine, ‘I DO,’ and the ‘Social’ red, white and rosé series.
In 2017, Veronica approached the owners with an idea to lead a gnome-making workshop at the winery. With their full support, she held the inaugural Home Sweet Gnome workshop in time for the holidays.
Home Sweet Gnome Workshop
The third annual Home Sweet Gnome workshop was on Saturday, Dec. 5. In previous years, Veronica held the workshop in the winery’s barrel room. This year, it was held virtually through the Zoom meeting platform.
Fifteen people from the community registered and picked up their gnome workshop package from the winery in advance. The interactive evening was filled with fun, laughter, and connection. By the end, everyone constructed their very own holiday gnome.
The cost to participate was eighty dollars per person and included:
- Supplies to build a greenery gnome (cedar, nose, beard, hat, hands, wire, and zip ties)
- One bottle of Social wine (choice of red, white, or rosé)
- One charcuterie platter
The charcuterie platters were generously portioned with local brie, blue, and cheddar cheese, dried and fresh fruits, figs, pickled vegetables, cured meats, nuts crackers, and more! Intrigue was happy to accommodate both meat and vegetarian platters.
Soy Candle Centerpiece Workshop
Now, Veronica is getting ready for the next virtual workshop on Saturday, Dec. 12. Registered participants will make a decorative greenery wreath centered with a do-it-yourself soy candle. A perfect addition to any dining room table.
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 12
- Time: 7-9 p.m.
- Cost: $80.00
If you are interested, contact Veronica directly at veronica@intriguewines.com.
One ticket includes the materials necessary for the workshop, one bottle of wine, one charcuterie platter, and a very good time! Access to Zoom, camera, and microphone is necessary.
Additional virtual events will be announced in 2021 – stay tuned to the Intrigue Winery website, events section.
Intrigue Winery Retail Store
If you’ve only visited Intrigue for the wine alone, then it is time to shop the items in the retail store. Veronica clearly has an eye for retail. She looks for items with a hand-crafted style that she would put in her own home.
There is houseware, holiday décor, and nick-nacks for everyone, all in time for the festive season.
Wine and to-go charcuterie platters are also available to take home and enjoy at your leisure.
For more information visit www.intriguewines.com.
Learn more about Veronica on her Facebook and Instagram pages – @FoxandFilles.
