I`ve just recently discovered the Museums of Canada website and love the array of products available for purchase online. But first, here`s what the Canadian Museums Association is all about:

The Canadian Museums Association is the national organization for the advancement of the Canadian museum sector. Established in 1947, the CMA has over 2000 members, who include non-profit museums, art galleries, science centres, aquaria, archives, sports halls of fame, artist-run centres, zoos and historic sites across Canada. They range from large metropolitan galleries to small community museums. All are dedicated to preserving and presenting our cultural heritage to the public. These institutions hold our collective heritage in trust for the Canadian public. Millions of art works, objects, specimens and documents are preserved for safekeeping by Canada's museums. Each year, more than 55 million visitors attend our museums and a further 60 million visit our historic and natural parks.

Great, right? Well, things just get better when you check out some of the beautiful handmade items that are available for purchase on the Museums of Canada site. I`m particularly drawn to the work of Nova Scotia artist Pamela Kinsman, whose intricate and detailed work with glass turns everyday objects into true pieces of art. Pictured left is the Signature Art Glass Vase ($44.99) and I just adore the whimsy of this design. Pictured right is the Signature Tea Mug ($19.99), another exquisite piece with fine gold detailing that gives this mug something really special.

For more, check out: museumsofcanada.com