Pretty much every kid loves animals. I know my daughter squeals with delight if she even *hears* our cat, and gleefully points out any dog, bird, or squirrel that she sees on our walks. Kids also love to see their own names. It helps build their sense of identity, and is usually the first word that they learn to read and spell. So it makes perfect sense to fit the two together, and why not make it a puzzle for good measure? Enter: Zoodonyms. Wooden name puzzles featuring bright colours and animal shapes!
Available for any name, it's a perfect gift to welcome a new baby.
Keep them on a wall or shelf for display until baby is old enough for safe play, then bring on the puzzle fun!
Help little one learn to count with the numbers train!
What kid wouldn't want to hang their towel or jacket on this cute elephant peg?
Last but not least, as a confirmed word nerd and book lover, this one really stole my heart:
Who? Who? wants a bedtime story?
Check out the Zoodonyms online store to see the rest of the products, or to place a custom name order. If you are in the Toronto area and haven’t yet been to the One Of A Kind Show (what are you waiting for? run, don’t walk!) you can find Zoodonyms there alongside a *ton* of other talented and friendly crafters until Sunday afternoon.
Cheers!
~Jennifer
So, you guys know that the Make It! show was this weekend in Edmonton, right? ;)
I went to check it out on Saturday, and did some shopping and scoping out fantastic vendors to tell you about! One of the highlights for me was this scarf style from Peeko Apparel.
Brook Fung, the designer behind Peeko Apparel, explained that she uses reclaimed fabrics for many of her projects, which made them that much more interesting to me. She is very conscious of the environmental impact that our “disposable clothing” lifestyle has generated, and takes pride in giving a new life to unwanted clothing. The scarf pictured above is made from crepe suiting and can be worn a bunch of different ways, depending on whether or not y0u keep it domed up tight or loose or unbuttoned like a traditional scarf. I very nearly bought one for myself, but I kept my promise of only buying gifts for others at Make It. It was difficult, though, and I’ve already sent my husband a link to her Etsy shop :)
Brook’s esthetic is really unique and full of life – you can see from her model shots that she’s got a style all her own. I love the flirty tiered skirts she makes out of men’s dress shirts, and the fact that they can be worn with the ruffles to the front or back is genius.
This two-toned cardigan can be worn a couple of ways as well, and most of her pieces have multiple stylings to make them more versatile. There are wraps made from men’s dress pants, obi belts and “the boyfriend shirt” that has been turned into a shirt/dress combo and looks super comfortable.
Brook’s Facebook page has a great album full of photos of more of her pieces, including some pretty fantastic photo shoots that show off her style perfectly and photos of her runway collection from 2010 Alberta Fashion Week 2010. I highly suggest you check it out, if you like what you see here! Her pieces are all truly one-of-a-kind since they are made using previously-loved clothing and fabrics, so there is a ton of variety in her line. You can see her current line on Etsy, and learn a little more about Brook via her Etsy Storque Spotlight interview from earlier this year.
Cheers,
~Sarah
As the holidays inch closer and closer, our crafters and artisans are busier than ever! There are craft shows and sales all over the country, giving you a chance to purchase local, handmade, unique gifts that will be treasured by those you love. Here is a sampling of some of the fantastic events from coast to coast this weekend:
Victoria, BC: Head to the Crystal Gardens for the Out of Hand Artisan Christmas Fair. Starting today from noon until 9:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is $8.00, seniors and students are $7.00, kids under 16 are free. Fashionistas won’t want to miss the friday evening “fashion in action – a girls night out” from 6 – 9:00 pm, featuring DJ’s, cocktails, and models, along with all the fabulous handmade goodies. Need directions? click here for a map to the Crystal Gardens.
Edmonton, AB: Truly local flair is on tap at the 9th Royal Bison Craft & Art Fair. Taking place at 8426 Gateway Boulevard on Saturday and Sunday. Open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. Admission is only $2.00. You can even RSVP on Facebook to let them know you are on your way!
Halifax, NS: Billed as Halifax’s favorite craft market for over 25 years, you won’t want to miss the Dalplex Christmas Craft Market. With over 130 booths featuring vendors from across the country, it is sure to be a crafter’s delight. The show starts today from noon to 9:30 pm, then opens at 9:30 am on Saturday, and 10:00 am on Sunday. General admission is $6.00, seniors, Dalplex members, and Dalhousie students (with proper ID) are $5.00. Once again, you can RSVP for this event on Facebook.
Toronto, On: Put on some comfy shoes and be prepared to spend the whole day, because you won’t want to miss a thing at the One Of A Kind Christmas Show and Sale. Open now until December 5th at the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place, it is a yearly highlight for Southern Ontario lovers of arts and crafts. I will be stopping by next week, and I can’t wait! Doors are open from 10:00 am daily, and close at 9:00 pm (6:00 pm on Sundays). Parking and Directions can be found here (you will need to pay for parking, or take the TTC). Save $2.00 by purchasing your tickets online, costs at the door are $12.00 for adults, $6.50 for seniors and students.
Edmonton, AB: Vive la Revolution! It’s Edmonton’s turn to experience the Handmade Revolution that is Make It! After opening on Thursday evening, things get rolling again today from noon to 9:00 pm, then 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. This craft party is being held at the Alberta Aviation Museum (need a map? no problem!), and costs only $5.00. Print this flyer and you can save $2.00 off admission. On site parking is free. Keep your eyes peeled for Sarah, I have a feeling she’ll be lurking around there somewhere!
Vancouver, BC: Experience the Portobello West Fashion and Art Market, held on the last Sunday of every month, this is your last chance before the holidays! The market is open on Sunday from noon until 6:00 pm, and admission is $2.00. You can also become a market member for $15.00 and get admission for the whole year! The market takes place at the Rocky Mountaineer Station, and you can get directions online here.
Moncton, NB: Over 400 vendors are expected to take part in the Turner’s Christmas at the Coliseum Craft Show & Sale this weekend. The show is held at the Moncton Coliseum Complex (naturally), and admission is $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors, students, or members of our armed forces. Things get rolling from 2:00 to 10:00 pm today, then 10:00 am to 9:00 pm on Saturday, and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday. A map link is provided here.
Winnipeg, MB: Thanks to a kind reader for letting us know about a joint event with Handmade Holiday and “This Aint Your Grandma’s Craft Sale“. It’s taking place tonight from 5:00 to 10:00 pm, and tomorrow from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Winnipeg craft fans can head over to the West End Cultural Centre to check out over 40 local crafters. Suggested donations for admission will go to charity.
You can also find shows in Oshawa, and Tillsonburg ON, Bear River NS, Muskoka cottage country, and maybe one just a few steps from home.
If you stop by and visit any of these shows, be sure to let them know C+H sent you! (and then drop us a line and tell us how much fun you had!).
Wishing I could be in 10 places at once…
~Jennifer
Keeping our kids safe is definitely a full time job. We baby-proof, we supervise, and we continually drill safety lessons. Amidst all that, we hope that our kids get to have fun, be free, and be… well… kids! Yes, protecting our children to the best of our abilities is incredibly important, but who says it has to be boring? Not us! and definitely not the fine folks over at Tail Wags. They have found a way to make protecting our little one’s noggins an entertaining and creative experience.
Their adorable line of helmet covers encourages kids to wear their helmets by letting them express themselves during their active play. In the summer they can be used while riding bikes, skateboarding, rollerblading, or horseback riding. In the winter helmets are a great idea for those little skiers, snowboarders, or for extreme sledders. Just ask my brother Philip about our game with our G.T. Snowracers – we called it “Ambulance”, and to this day I am shocked that we never needed one to pick up any pieces!
This is one of the newest designs, and I think it's so cute!
Having a unique cover on your child’s helmet can also help you pick them out of a crowd. Trying to ski down a hill while keeping an eye on your completely fearless, snowsuit-clad torpedo among all the other little fearless, snowsuit-clad torpedoes? No problem, just look for the one whose helmet looks like a bumble bee!
Increase your visibility, and spread a few smiles along the way.
This little penguin is too sweet for words
Helmet covers are available in two sizes (Adult and Child), and fit all models of approved helmets. You can find them on the Tail Wags website, follow along on twitter, or be a facebook friend (and get a 10% discount!). I even hear rumours that they will be attending the upcoming One Of A Kind show in Toronto, so if you are in the area you can pick one up in person.
Here’s to keeping our loved ones safe all year through, and having some fun at the same time!
~Jennifer
I just drew 10 winners for the Make It! show tickets – my first time using the random number generator random.org :) Fun!
We ended up with 7 winners who commented here on the blog, 2 winners who “liked” the Make It! Facebook fan page and 1 who commented on our C+H fanpage to win. Congratulations Jackie, Kirsten, Jessica, Amanda, Lori, Robyn, Amber, Heather, Alice and RJ… you’re going to Make It!
I will email the winners within the next hour, so check your email or Facebook inbox for details.
Hope to see you there!
~Sarah
I’ve been seeing Cloud+Lolly at Edmonton area craft events for a while now, and I always stop to check out their colourful jewellery. Cloud + Lolly is the sister team (I know! We keep finding sister teams! I love it!) of Cheryl and Laurie, and their jewellery is simple, colourful and just really lovely! They describe themselves on their website as:
Once upon a time, there were two very different sisters;
one with her head in the clouds; the other with her feet planted
firmly on the ground. From this diverse pairing, Cloud+Lolly was born.
Together, we create inspired and innovative handmade accessories.
A few of my favourites, currently available in their shop at www.cloudandlolly.com:
Cloud + Lolly also sells really adorable little scrabble tile pendants, with great patterned papers on the opposite side, but they’re only available if you have the good fortune to see Cheryl and Laurie at a show. They’ll be at Make It! Edmonton this coming weekend (enter to win tickets here!), so if you’re in Alberta’s Capital Region, this would be a great chance to drop in and say hi. Tell them C+H sent you :)
We wanted to learn a little more about Cloud + Lolly, so we asked them of they would agree to subject themselves to our little interview ;) Laurie is a very busy mom of 3, with all of her “spare” time taken up prepping for their upcoming shows, but Cheryl was gracious enough to answer our questions. Here’s a little taste of Cloud + Lolly… thanks for playing along with us, Cheryl!
:: :: ::
What started the creative fire burning for you? Do you remember a particular moment, a favourite childhood activity, something you saw and wanted to recreate or improve upon?
Cheryl: I’ve been drawing and crafting in general for as long as I can remember. My mom insisted I keep a ‘memory box’ and I’ve filled it over the years with all sorts of things. I was looking in it the other day, and found art projects & drawings from when I was 3 & 4 years old. It was in my blood, definitely!
What is the best (and worst, if you’d like to share!) part about working with your sister?
Cheryl: The best part is getting to see her often (as well as my niece & nephews) we went our separate ways in our teens & twenties. I lived overseas & moved around lots.
It’s definitely been a bonding experience. The worst part is we don’t always see eye-to-eye. We try to make the most of it, and make it work to our advantage.
Where do you look for inspiration?
Cheryl: I look at design websites, books & blogs (from interior design, architecture, fashion, print design, crafty etc.) basically anything new, ground-breaking or that has the wow-factor.
What part of creating your pieces gives you the most joy and satisfaction?
Cheryl: I’d have to say the finished product. For all of our designs, they start out as a sketch on paper. They evolve over the months, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the finished piece after a very windy road getting there.
What is it about your creations that sets you apart?
Cheryl: I think presentation and the spin we put on simple ideas make our designs unique. I’m always trying different things and thinking outside the box.
Why do you choose to work in this medium or format?
Cheryl: I’d been crafting & selling my goodies on Etsy since 2005, and the stuff I’ve made is always evolving. I’m happy doing jewellery because we always aim to make something that’s not super mainstream. I’m all about making stuff that’s visually pleasing. So be it housewares, textile design or handbags, that definitely could be in our future!
How long does it take to create one of your pieces?
Cheryl: If we factor in the time it takes to source images (patterns, paper etc.) arranging them in Photoshop or Illustrator, printing them, cutting the shapes out, glueing, drying time, resin pouring, more drying time, packaging & all that…I’d say a total of 15-20 minutes or so.
Do you feel that living in Canada has influenced your work?
Cheryl: Not so much Canada, but growing up on a farm definitely has. Being surrounded by nature, we pull everyday items into many of our pieces. Trees, flowers, leaves, different seasons, woodland animals etc.
What advice would you give someone who is just starting out? Who has provided you with inspiration or mentorship on your journey?
Cheryl: It’s been said before, and I’ll say it too: Do what you love, and never give up. Also, don’t be afraid of change. I’ve found many mentors along the way; family, friends, bloggers.
People
are always willing to help or give feedback.
Do you listen to music or have another way of getting “in the zone” when you create?
Cheryl: Definitely. During the height of the day is usually house music and downtempo in the evenings.
Do you have a favourite author or book?
Cheryl: My favourite author has always been Stephen King. I feel his imagination out does mine sometimes and it’s intriguing to read any new books by him, one can be so different from the other.
When you’re not creating, what is your favourite way to spend your time?
Cheryl: I love hanging out with my niece & nephews and getting into childish ways (building train tracks or racing cars) but really, I’m creating all the time. I’m a freelance graphic designer as well, so when I’m not making C+L stuff, I’m on the computer designing SOMETHING. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
And finally,
Where can we find you online, just in case we missed you somewhere? (webpage, Twitter, Facebook, Etsy, Cargoh, Artfire, DaWanda etc)
Cheryl: We’re focusing our energy on our own website and have moved away from EtsyCorp. www.cloudandlolly.com and we’re trying out Cargoh too.
:: :: ::
You can find Cheryl and Laurie’s creations on their own website, at Cargoh and follow along with them on Facebook and Twitter as well!
Enjoy,
~Sarah
I love poms! I do! My work space has tissue poms hanging above my desk, and the kids’ playroom is adorned in shades of teal and grey poofs. I thought I could make my own for my sister’s baby shower, but I quickly realized there’s an art to pretty pom making, and I was best to leave it to the professionals… which is where the blue and grey ones came from and were first used for our New Year’s Eve party last year.
Any of your holiday festivities or birthdays, anniversaries, summer backyard BBQ events could be brightened up with a pom or 12 (I have 11 and I. Need. More!) That’s why I was happy to find Pomtree – all the poms a girl could want, and prettily folded in Canada :)
Some of my favourites from Chloe’s shop include:
Pretty in a little girl's room!
Fill your party room with colour with this set of 20 where you can pick your own colour combinations to match your theme. Wouldn’t a room of cranberry reds/ivories and a few pine greens look lovely for a Christmas open house? Or silvery blues and crisp whites for a New Year’s Eve dinner?
Looks like a party to me!
Chloe, the fast-fingered-folder behind these poms calls this one “Noel” and encourages us to “Deck the halls this holiday season with stripes of candy cane cheer”! Trust me on this one – kids love poms, and they love to help poof them, too :) I love the points on this big red and white ball of happy!
Joyeux Noël!
These poms are a really affordable way to decorate while adding a real punch of colour and style to any room. Not to mention the fact that you can de-poof them and store them away for next year. On my last glance through her shop, I spotted this Houndstooth garland and I think I need to go off and plan a party now just so that I can hang this:
You can find Chloe’s many colour options and decorating ideas, including garlands and cupcake toppers and DIY Kits, at her Etsy shop. She is just moving into her new home at Pomtree – her previous shop still shows all her feedback and lots of products that haven’t quite made their way to Pomtree yet. You can see those at My Silly Bear. You can also find her on Facebook – I love the photos of her workspace and stacks and stacks of un-poofed poms! So colourful!
Enjoy!
~Sarah
*It was -40 in Edmonton with the windchill last night. Yes, I’d rather by under a “Pom/Palm”tree! ~S
P.S. Did you remember to enter to win tickets to Edmonton’s edition of Make It! The Handmade Revolution? If you live within driving distance, and you love handmade (which you do, or you wouldn’t be here, right?!) then you definitely don’t want to miss this show! So fun! Read this to find out how to win :)
UPDATE: Check out Chloe’s Facebook page for a coupon code, just posted today (Nov 23/2010)!!
I’m not sure why it is, but it seems to me (through very unscientific observational methods) that many woman return to their creative roots after they become mothers. Maybe these days it’s the desire to stay with our babies and not go back to the office grind, or maybe it’s simply a function of those maternal instincts kicking in. Whatever it is, I think it’s pretty amazing that so many women are running their own businesses and pursuing their creative talents – Stacey from nisse.works is one of those women. After the birth of her daughter, she revived her childhood sewing skills and turned a hobby into a growing business.
From her home in Brandon, Manitoba, Stacey creates lovely little bags and pouches, all with a touch of hand embroidery and sweet details – perfect stocking stuffers, or gift bags for a small token of love (boys, if you’re buying your lady something sparkly, these would make a cute package!)
For the sewing enthusiast, these little needlebooks and pincushion pairs are pretty adorable!
Stacey’s graphic design roots are showing up in her shop, too – she has some animal alphabet and desk calendar printable files that you can download and print out yourself. No excuse to be without a calendar when she makes it this easy. I think I like the “Leavings” design the best, and each month is slightly different.
You can find Stacey’s work on Cargoh, Artfire, her own website nisseworks.com, Facebook and Twitter!
Cheers,
~Sarah
P.S. In the interest of full disclosure, I’ve already purchased one of Stacey’s little tote bags for my daughter for Christmas and it is really adorable!
If you’ve been paying attention to the craft scene lately, you’ve probably heard about Make It! The Handmade Revolution. We’ve profiled their Calgary and Vancouver shows in our event listings this fall, and both were a great success. Now it’s Edmonton’s turn, and our turn to have a little fun at C+H too!
The Make It! organizers describe their show as being “like a mullet; craft show in the front, party in the back!” And it really is. There’s a live DJ spinning great music, adult beverages on hand for those who wish to partake, and a fabulously fun, creative vibe of local indie designers and artists.
So – here’s the deal! We’ve got 10 pairs of tickets to give away and we’re not going to make it too tough for you to win… promise! As long as you’re from the Edmonton area and can make it to the show on one of the 4 days next weekend, you are eligible!
________________________________________
Step 1:
Leave a comment on this post to win, and let us know if this would be your first Make It! or if you’ve been to one of their craft parties before!
That’s it, that’s all you need to do… unless you’d like an extra chance or two to win:
Step 2:
For an extra entry, “like” the Make It! page and comment on their wall to let them know that Canadian+Handmade sent you!
For 1 more chance to win, “like” our Canadian+Handmade FB page and link to us from your Facebook status (make sure you use the @canadianhandmade to link it so we can see it!) and let people know about the Make It! show.
That’s not too hard, right?!
We’ll draw the winners Wednesday evening and post them here and on Facebook sometime after 9pm.
________________________________________
The show runs from Thursday afternoon to Sunday afternoon, so there’s plenty of time to check it out!
Thursday Nov 25th – 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Friday Nov 26th – noon – 9:00 pm
Saturday Nov 27th – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday Nov 28th – 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
At the Alberta Aviation Hangar (11410 Kingsway Ave, Edmonton)
I’ll be there on Saturday – maybe I’ll see you?!
Cheers,
~Sarah
P.S. We do have an affinity for sibling teams, seeing as Jenn and I are sisters, and love that the brother-sister team of Chandler and Jenna Herbut have been working together on Make It!. This weekend’s Edmonton show is their 11th together! Go team!
P.P.S. Just in case you don’t win – but I hope you do! – you can print off the flyer below for $2 off the admission price!
Needles are flying, kilns are firing, lathes are spinning, and kitchens are heating up all over the country. We are definitely in prime time for holiday craft shows, and we here at C + H couldn’t be happier! For your shopping pleasure, here are some of the great crafty events taking place this weekend:
Vancouver, BC: Vancouverites can join the Handmade Revolution this weekend as the Make It! show comes to town. Visitors will recognize several of our wonderful C+ H vendors as you browse the aisles at the Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial Dr). Doors will open at 4:00 pm today, and 11:00 am on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $5.00. Print off the flyer found here and save $2.00!
p.s. I’ve heard that “Make It is like a mullet; Craft show in the front, party in the back”… sounds like my kind of place!
Vancouver, BC: Once you lucky folks are done at the Make It! show, head on over to the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Center for the Circle Craft Christmas Market. Doors open at 10:00 am daily for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Admission is $10.00 for adults, $8.00 for seniors and students.
Mississauga, ON: The International Centre in Mississauga will host the 2010 Seasons Christmas Show, beginning today and running until Sunday. Adult tickets are $10.00 each if you buy online, or $12.00 at the door, $10.00 for seniors & youth. Or, take advantage of 2 for 1 admission after 5:00 pm today (at the door only). A map and directions are available here. Hours of operation are 10:00 – 8:00 on Friday, 10:00 – 6:00 on Saturday, and 10:00 – 5:00 on Sunday. You can also drop off a package of diapers in support of Peel Children’s Aid, to help out some “tiny humans” in need of extra support right now.
Winnipeg, MB: The Signatures Craft Show and Sale has taken over the Winnipeg Convention Centre (3rd floor, Hall A). The show opened yesterday, and runs from 11:00 – 9:00 today, 10:00 – 6:00 on Saturday, and 10:00 – 5:00 on Sunday. Admission is free, and directions can be found here. Don’t miss the Children’s Christmas Craft Centre, where the little ones can create their very own handmade holiday item to take home.
Calgary, AB: This is the second (and final) weekend of the Spruce Meadows Christmas Market. All the same fun, running from 12:00 – 9:00 today, and 10:00 – 5:00 on Saturday and Sunday. Adult admission is $8.00.
Halifax, NS: The Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council presents their annual Christmas Craft Market at the Cunard Event Centre. The Cunard Event Centre is at Pier 23 on the waterfront, what a lovely setting for a fantastic show. Opening at 10:00 am daily on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and parking is free. A weekend pass is available for $9.00. Daily passes are $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors and students, or $20 for a family of four. Print this coupon for a $1.oo discount.
Guelph, ON: The University Centre (aka: the UC) at the University of Guelph will be a busy handmade marketplace this weekend, as Fair November comes to town. Admission is free, and booths will open at 10:00 am today and Saturday, and 11:00 am on Sunday. Click the link above for parking instructions and campus shuttle bus details.
Edmonton, AB: If there are little ones on your list, you may want to check out WeeStock, a show designed to bring baby-centered boutiques and family owned businesses together with discerning parents and kids! This event runs on Saturday only from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Mayfield Trade Centre. Adult admission is $7.00 and wee ones are free (of course!). You may also bring clothing to donate in support of Basically Babies.
Vancouver Island, BC: Check out the Yellow Point and Cedar Country Christmas Tour from the 18th to the 21st. Almost thirty local artisans put together this lovely holiday tradition that you won’t want to miss. Each stop on the tour is open from 10:00 to 5:00 daily.
You can also find events in Nanaimo, Coburg ON (sunday only), Chilliwack BC, Ottawa ON (sunday only), and many, many more.
~Jennifer
p.s. If you will be attending or participating in a show coming up, let us know! We’d love to help spread the word. Just send the details to events@canadianhandmade.ca
Thanks!
