We’re a Maine family-owned lifestyle shop for people who love to cook. Our mission is to empower you, the home cook, to create and enjoy good food with the ones you love. We are most known for our over 60 original spice blends and rubs, all hand-made by us in Brunswick, Maine. We also offer unique recipe kits, spice sets, a curated assortment of cookbooks, an array of hard-to-find premium pantry items, and unique kitchen accessories. Some call this a foodie’s wonderland. We call it SKORDO.
Stop by our shop to smell or sample a unique spice or blend.Pick your build-your-own box design and fill it up with any four small jars, in stores + online. A delicious gift!Every SKORDO blend is made by hand using fresh spices, herbs, peppercorns, + salts.
To inspire people to find a joyful pride in American craft and embrace sustainable investment in the things we own.
About Us
The Acadian is a handmade luxury brand that creates heirloom quality fine writing instruments, leather goods, and everyday carry accessories for people seeking an honest and timeless piece that will endure for years. Often using materials sourced in Maine, we aspire to create items that show our pride in Maine heritage while encouraging our customers to view their items not as a purchase, but as an investment.
After over a decade living in Paris, France, I became an “accidental oyster farmer” back home in Maine, earning me the nickname “Oyster Lady.” Oyster farming is a great workout but it takes a toll on my sensitive skin. Having suffered chronic skin issues ranging from cystic acne, to basle cell carcinoma, to eczema, I wanted to be proactive.
I knew from living in France that the secret to improving my skin was in ingredients found right beneath my workboat! So I tried the leading marine skincare brand. It set me back over $400 and wound up clogging my pores! I wanted the benefits of marine ingredients but I also wanted clean, travel-friendly, and eco-minded products that were effective and compatible with my super sensitive skin. So, with the help some natural skincare gurus, and some local seaweed harvesters, I started making products myself.
For 30 years now I have made my home in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. I am so fortunate to live in such a special place where inspiration can be found all around. The natural beauty that surrounds me is inspiration not only to my work but my being as well. I love color and it plays an integral role in my work. Whether it is the full green leaves of the trees against a vivid blue summer sky or the setting winter sun, with its’ violets and blues against the bare black winter branches, or maybe the crashing waves and the smell of the ocean. It all feeds into who I am and what inspires me to create.
My jewelry is handcrafted. Created through metalwork by combining, sterling silver, fine silver and gold, precious & semi-precious stones, beads and pearls. Much of my work has a very organic feel stemming from my deep connection to the natural world. The use of interesting patterns, textures and shapes keeps my work fresh and unique.
I began making jewelry at a young age. Over the years, my skills have grown and my style has evolved. I am primarily self-taught though I regularly look for opportunities to grow professionally and continue to refine my own skills.
I strive to create pieces that are simple yet intriguing to look at and that will stand the test of time. Jewelry is an extended expression of who we are and what we feel. I want the wearer of my jewelry to feel empowered and more importantly happy about who they are and inspired in whatever direction their own path leads.
Started in 1978, Ducktrap River of Maine is an all-natural smokehouse located on the coast of Maine with a strong commitment to producing premium quality smoked seafood. Ducktrap sources premium-grade seafood, uses traditional smoking techniques and combines the natural flavor of custom brining recipes with the savory smoke from local apple, cherry, maple and oak woods. Ducktrap’s wide variety of smoked items including Atlantic Salmon, Wild Sockeye, Rainbow Trout, Wild Mackerel and Shellfish, along with several other quality products, accommodate customers’ needs for diversity on menus and in retail cases.
Doles Orchard is a small family farm in southern Maine. Earl, Nancy and their daughter, Emily Bunting, have been focusing on pick-your-own fruit for twenty-five years. They fell in to making Allagash Brewing’s House Beer 24 case wooden crate after selling them tart cherries in our handmade apple boxes. The crates have been a great addition to the offerings at Allagash’s Tasting Room, selling almost 6,000 boxes in less than 3 years!
After expanding their small “hobby shop” into an efficient woodworking shop, it was time to expand the new business. In order to make and customize boxes for a large range of business needs and styles, it was necessary to invest in a laser machine – that would enable the Buntings to customize their work and create small orders without the added expense, and limited range of wood burning brands. (Branding is still available, best for larger quantity orders.)
Their work has primarily been custom products for a range of businesses throughout the northeast, but with the expanding retail line, the growing demand for quality, local goods, and our unique, eco-friendly, 100% made in the USA products, Doles Orchard Box Shop can be found in shops all across the country.
In maintaining their small town, small business appeal, they are always happy to work with you, no matter how big or small your project is, to create a product that fits your needs and looks great too – all with the service you can only expect from a small family business.
I have always been a maker of art. During my 35 year career as an early childhood educator, the practice of making art with children and the commitment to designing creative, open-ended play environments for them was very important to me. While I have always had a personal practice of drawing and collaging, about six years ago, I began block printing on fabrics to make gifts for friends. When people reached out to ask me to create custom printed textiles for them, I began to realize I may have the impetus for a small business.
I do not have a formal art education, but have taken many art workshops and classes, have studied at Haystack and participate in art-making retreats with other artists. Five years ago, I began meeting once a month with a group of four artists where we share our goals and inspirations – supporing each other in being accountable to ourselves in our creative practice.
My quilting obsession actually brought me to beading! While experimenting with beads to embellish my quilts, I discovered I also completely enjoyed using beaded materials. I started experimenting with Kumihimo (Japanese braiding) about 3 years ago and have progressively expanded into varying bead weaving techniques. I love experimenting with new jewelry designs and color. I am a perfectionist and that shows in every piece I create.
I was fortunate to grow up with a skilled family in the carpentry and building trades who encouraged me to build and create at a young age. The training as a photographer in the Navy exposed me to skills in composition, detail, discipline, as well as artistry. I then continued my education in woodworking and design at the Maine College of Art and the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship. I was also able to take workshops at Haystack Mountain School of Arts and the Fox Maple School of Traditional Building. After graduation with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, I worked for six years in the custom cabinet and kitchen design industry. From that experience, I then built and started my business in 2012. I have been creating one-of-a kind furniture, cabinet and projects ever since.
