Now that it is officially December, even the Grinch-y-est among us starts to feel a little bit festive. The air smells like gingerbread, the lights are twinkling, and the dusting of snow is still new and light enough to be pretty (at least around my neck of the woods!). So why not bundle up a bit, and make some time this weekend to check out one of these exciting events? Hopefully there’s one near you!
Vancouver, BC: See 50 local artists at the annual Got Craft? Holiday Show. It is being held at the Royal Canadian Legion 2205 Commercial Drive (@ E.6th Ave), on Sunday only. Cost is only $3.00, and the show runs from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. As a special bonus, the first 45 guests get a free swag bag! There is also a do it yourself table if you feel like getting in on the crafty action.
Montreal, QC: Join Team EtsyQ (the official Quebec Etsy Team), as they kick off their very first craft show and sale! Creations & Cocoa will run from Dec 3rd to Dec 5th, at Galerie Rye. Sip some delicious organic hot chocolate, and get to know some of the fantastic crafters from La Belle Province! Doors will be open from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Friday, and from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. You can even win while you shop! With every purchase of $25 or more, get a ticket to win one of the gift draws donated by the participants. Galerie Rye is located at 1331a Ste. Catherine East, close to Metro Beaudry.
Calgary, AB: This weekend the Our Best To You show comes to the BMO Centre at Stampede Park. With over 260 exhibitors, there is sure to be something for everyone on your list. Doors open at 10:00 am daily, and close at 9:30 on Friday, 6:00 on Saturday, and 5:00 on Sunday. Admission is $7.00, Seniors and Youth are $5.00. Re-entry passes are available, so you can come and go all weekend long. Click here for a map to the BMO Centre (formerly the Roundup Centre).
Toronto, ON: Don’t forget, this is your last chance to catch the One Of A Kind show at the Direct Energy Centre. I was there on Monday, and it was fantastic! Doors open daily at 10:00 am, and you can find more details here.
London, ON: You won’t want to miss the 2010 Christmas Craft Festival at the Western Fairgrounds (Progress Building). The show is open from 11:00 am daily, and runs until 9:00 on Friday, 6:00 on Saturday, and 5:00 on Sunday. Tickets are $6.00 each, or you can click here to print a pdf coupon for $1.00 off.
Winnipeg, MB: Aqua Books will host another Crafty Minions show on Saturday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is free, so head over and check out all the unique handmade items. Shop for gifts, or just spoil yourself with something special! Not sure exactly where to find Aqua Books? We’ve got you covered: click here for a map.
There are, of course, many other events taking place across the country this weekend. Kitchener/Waterloo welcomes the Christkindl Market, or there’s the This Aint Your Grandma’s Craft Sale taking place on Sunday in Winnipeg. Here’s hoping that you find something near you to satisfy your crafty side!
~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
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
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!
The weekend is almost here, and you know what that means… Crafty goodness! Especially if you live in the western half of our beautiful country. Check out some of the great shows headed your way this weekend:
Regina, SK: Our Best To You comes to town, running from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm today, and 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday. Cost is $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for seniors and youth, wee ones under 12 are free. Directions and Parking details are online here.
Vancouver, BC: The Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Center hosts 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. Children under 12 are free as usual. ***thanks to Fiona for letting me know of an error. It turns out that the event details I found for Circle Craft Market had incorrect dates. The Market actually takes place NEXT weekend (Nov 17-21). The official website can be found here. My sincere and deepest apologies to anyone who turned up only to be disappointed. Mea Culpa. ***
Calgary, AB: For a little international holiday flavour, head to Spruce Meadows for the annual Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market. Running this weekend and next, opening at noon on Fridays and 10:00 am on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $8.00, Seniors and children are free. Don’t miss seeing Santa’s reindeer, 74 kms of gorgeous lights, ice carvings, music and pony rides. Oh yeah, don’t forget all the amazing craft vendors too!
Enjoy!
~Jennifer
Yummy bath goodies make the daily shower a little more luxurious, and I just have to share the deliciousness — it’s my blog, that can be a word if I want it to be! — that is Soul Sister Soaps.
Lately, I’ve been using Angela’s Warm Vanilla sugar scrub and it’s lovely with a great scent (not too overwhelming) and really feels wonderful. She has a wide variety of options, and it’s worth checking out her shop just to see the combinations she has put together. Pineale and Paprika Scrub, Sweet Heart Sugar Scrub with Peppermint, Black Licorice and Bergamot, Lemon Rosemary Lip Balm etc.
Some of the yummiest that I saw on her shop today:
Orange Cocoa Whipped Body Butter
Cuticle and nail repair salve - vegan
Candy Cane Lip Balm
Socialite Sugar Scrub - Bay Rum - Coconut - Lime
Angela hails from small-ish town Alberta, and works hard to be as environmentally conscious as possible. Many of her concoctions are vegan, organic or both and she makes good use of her bike whenever possible. She’s a busy mom, but makes time for her passions which is something I can relate to.
You can find Soul Sister Soaps at her Etsy shop or her Facebook page!
Cheers,
~Sarah
This weekend will be jam-packed with craft shows and sales across the country. So, in order to give everyone a leg up on planning your shopping excursions, we are bringing you this week’s event alert just a little bit early. All set? Hold on to your hats, ’cause here we go!
Halifax, NS: It’s Christmas at the Forum. From November 5th to 7th at the Halifax Forum, opening at 10:00 am daily. Over 450 exhibitors make this “The big one” on the East Coast, you don’t want to miss it!
Lethbridge, AB: The Fall Into Christmas show comes to the North Pavilion of Exhibition Park. Running Friday through Sunday, doors open at 10:00 am daily. Admission is $5.00, kids 12 and under are free.
Kamloops, BC: The 2010 Craft A Fair is happening on Sunday Only, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm at the Interior Savings Center (300 Lorne St, Kamloops).
Barrie, ON: The 16th Annual Xmas Craft Show comes to the Barrie Molson Center, November 5-7 th. Opening at noon on Friday, 9:00 am Saturday, and 10:00 am on Sunday. Admission is $6.00, or $5.00 for Seniors, kids 12 and under are free.
Almonte,ON (near Ottawa): The Handmade Harvest takes over the Almonte Town Hall on Saturday, November 6th, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission and parking are free.
Kitchener, On: Enjoy a lovely walk, with great crafters and artisans mixed in for extra fun! Experience the Frederick Street Art Walk this Saturday. Click the link above for participating homes and many more details.
Calgary, AB: Make It! The Handmade Revolution is coming to Calgary this weekend. At the Chinese Culture Center, Nov 5 – 7th, you can experience the fun of a combination craft show and party! Make It! is not your average craft show, with a DJ spinning on site as well as some seriously awesome indie artists and designers. Later this fall, Make It! will be in Edmonton and in Vancouver as well.
If you are able, head on out to one of these fantastic events this weekend! You may even recognize some of the vendors from right here at Canadian + Handmade!
~Jennifer
In case you are looking from a break from all the spooky Halloween events this weekend, there are a few shows happening that will help you indulge your crafty side. If you are lucky enough to live near Red Deer, AB, or Kitchener, ON, be sure to head out to support your local crafters and artisans!
-Red Deer, AB: The Our Best to You show is being held at the Parkland and Prairie Pavilions in Westerner Park. Doors Open at 10 am daily from Friday through to Sunday. Adult entry is $5.00, Seniors and Youth are $4.00, kids are free. You can also get a re-entry pass so that you can come back throughout the weekend! You can find directions an exhibitor list, and other details online.
-Kitchener, ON: Bingemans Conference Centre plays host to the ArtWorks Show and Sale this weekend. The show begins at 10:00 am on both Saturday and Sunday, and entrance is $4.00 for adults. (Head to the website for a $1.00 off coupon). An exhibitor gallery can be found here to help you plan your shopping adventure. I’m making my list now… See you there!
~Jennifer
Halloween gives us a chance to indulge in more than just candy. It lets us explore different aspects of our personalities. For that day we can be darker, weirder, or even downright goofier than we would normally be any other time of the year. Personally, I have never been a real fan of being scared. I don’t like scary movies, and I’ve never been terribly goth, but I can definitely be silly. So the lighthearted goofy side of halloween really appeals to me, and I have to admit that I giggled out loud when I found these loveable Monster pendants from Six Baby Girls. Hand made glass beads that look like monster heads! Such a fun way to get in the “spirit” (boo!) of this monster-iffic holiday.
This is PeeWee. He's a one eyed purple giggle monster. I heart him.
Protect your brain! This is Zowie Zombie, he is hungry, but also smiley. So maybe our brains are safe?
Poor Scorched Sammy. All he wanted was a steak. Now he's well done.
A classic ghoul to keep you company, Frank Friend is a howl
There are plenty of non-monster items available too, like rings, pendants, and bracelets. You can see the whole collection at the Etsy shop.
Simply because I can’t resist: If you haven’t yet seen Grover (one of the best monsters Ever!) do his version of the old spice commercial, you can see it here. “Sadly, you are not a monster”… giggle.
~Jennifer
