Wesley Newburn was born on Manitoulin Island and has lived in Kagawong for most of his life. He was interested in woodworking at a very young age, so much so that he made a wood lathe out of his father’s grinding wheel. Though it was highly dangerous it brought him great enjoyment.

In 1997 Wes began making and selling Manitoulin Island key chains and as Christmas approached he realized he needed an ornament for the Christmas market. He made a star using five islands and sold out the first night. He hasn’t stopped since and has made a new ornament every year since.