Le Petit Lapin Art
Le Petit Lapin Art is a local Ontario shop based in Grimsby. They create a number of stationery products like bookmarks, stickers and prints that feature original illustrations.
Some pictures are from the websites of the businesses we feature. This post may contain affiliate links. At no cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps support our team and allows us to keep making local shopping in Canada easy. Thank you for supporting our small business too!
What inspired you to start your business?
My late bunny, Ellie, the beach, and a lifelong love of art. I’ve lived down the street from a beach my entire life, so it holds a special place in my heart. I’ve had bunnies for years, but my previous bunny, Ellie, was extra special to me and has continued to inspire me, even after passing. And I’ve always been an artist, but I pursued graphic design professionally. While I love graphic design, I wanted to spend more time creating art and so Le Petit Lapin Art was born.
How do you describe your business?
My business is all about being handmade and made in Canada. Every item in my shop is drawn, designed, and made by me as much as possible. My printed items are all drawn and designed by me, and then printed locally. My paintings and miniatures are completely made by hand, by me, and as much as possible, I try to source Canadian materials.
What’s your bestselling product & why do you think it’s so popular?
Hmmm I think it’s probably a tie between my House Hippo sticker and my Angry Bunny/Bunny with a Knife sticker.
I think the House Hippo sticker’s popularity is pure nostalgia. Canadian Millennials and elder Gen Zs grew up with the House Hippo commercial, so seeing anything House Hippo-related seems to get them excited. As for the Angry Bunny sticker… it’s a cute bunny holding a knife! I think people just like the humour of a cute innocent animal threatening violence. Overall though, I think the popularity of stickers comes from the fact that they’re very affordable pieces of art. Not everyone can afford to buy a painting, but most people can spend $5 or so on a sticker.
What’s your personal favourite product?
Oh it’s so hard to pick my personal favourite! Currently, though, my favourites are probably my Reading is Jawsome bookmark and my rustic 1:12 scale miniature crates. For the bookmark, I always love a good pun or parody and I also love sharks, so it’s the best of both worlds. As for the miniature crates, they’re completely handmade from scratch. I measured and cut all of the wood to scale, then “aged” it with a steel wool and vinegar soak, and then finally assembled them. I think they look so realistic and I’m so proud of how much detail I packed into those tiny crates.
What are your favourite local Ontario businesses?
The Watering Can in Beamsville. And Planks in Crystal Beach is a new favourite too!
