Shawinigan Artisan Spreads Christmas Cheer Year-Round
Shawinigan, Quebec – While most people associate Christmas with twinkling lights and snowy landscapes, for Lucie Garceau, the holiday spirit is a year-round affair. This talented Shawinigan artisan crafts festive decorations throughout the year, already hard at work on pieces for Christmas 2025.
“I’ve already started making things for Christmas 2025,” Garceau says with a laugh.
Garceau, a member of the Regroupement des artisans du Center-Mauricie, recently showcased her unique creations at the Shawinigan Public Market, selling a meaningful portion of her inventory over three weekends in November.
Her inventiveness knows no bounds. Garceau transforms everyday objects into whimsical holiday treasures. Clay pots become charming nutcracker soldiers, bowling pins morph into adorable penguins and gnomes, and old snowshoes are reborn as decorative wall art.
“It’s been eight years since I started crafting, but four years ago I decided to focus solely on Christmas decorations,” Garceau explains. “My husband works long hours, and my friends say I must get bored.But I’m far from it! I spend my evenings creating these decorations. It’s a true passion.”
Describing herself as highly visual, a trait essential for repurposing everyday items, Garceau also finds inspiration on Pinterest.
“We’re three crafty sisters in my family,” she says. “Everyone knows I love to create, so they frequently enough give me things they no longer need.”
With the Regroupement des artisans du Centre-Mauricie’s annual Christmas market canceled this year, Garceau participated in several smaller craft fairs held at senior residences, including Saint-louis-de-Gonzague in Grand-Mère and Christ-Roi in Shawinigan.Her debut at the Shawinigan Public Market was a resounding success, with nearly half of her decorations sold during the first weekend.
“It’s a good thing,” Garceau says with a smile, “as I was starting to run out of space at home!”
Shawinigan’s Year-Round Christmas Spirit: Q&A with Claire Dubois
Sophie Lavigne: Claire, I heard there’s a local artisan in Shawinigan who’s already making Christmas decorations for 2025! Is that true?
Claire Dubois: It sure is, Sophie! Her name is Lucie Garceau, and she’s a member of teh Regroupement des artisans du Centre-mauricie. this woman is truly dedicated to spreading Christmas cheer year-round.
Sophie Lavigne: Wow, that’s incredible! What kind of decorations does she make?
Claire Dubois: Lucie uses recycled materials to create the most unique and whimsical pieces. She turns ordinary clay pots into nutcracker soldiers, bowling pins into adorable penguins and gnomes, and even old snowshoes into wall art.
Sophie Lavigne: That’s so creative! Where can people buy her decorations?
Claire Dubois: Recently she showcased her creations at the Shawinigan Public Market. She actually sold a meaningful portion of her inventory over just three weekends in November, which is really remarkable.
Sophie Lavigne: Is she planning to participate in any other events?
Claire Dubois: It’s a shame, but the Regroupement des artisans du Centre-Mauricie’s annual Christmas market was cancelled this year. However, Lucie participated in some smaller craft fairs held at senior residences, which were well-received.
Sophie Lavigne: From what I’ve heard,lucie has a real passion for crafting. What inspires her to keep creating?
Claire Dubois: Lucie says that crafting is “a true passion.” She’s very visual and loves transforming everyday items. Plus, she finds inspiration all over, even on Pinterest.
Sophie Lavigne: It sounds like Lucie is spreading holiday cheer both through her creations and her dedication to her craft.
Claire Dubois: Absolutely! It’s heartwarming to see someone so committed to bringing joy to others, year-round.
