What’s an awesome way to spend your Sunday afternoon? The Junction Flea Market in Toronto’s west end! Records, handmade crafts and design, antique finds, vintage clothing, jewellery, food vendors abound. If you’re on the hunt for a special find or just want to hang out and take in the good vibes, it’s totally worth checking out!

The Junction Flea happens on the second Sunday of every month in Toronto’s west end (10am-5pm) . During the cold months it’s held indoors on Queen St. at The Great Hall on Queen St.+ Dovercourt. The market is spread out on multiple floors and rooms.

I love supporting local and independent vendors when I have the opportunity. Back in December I wrote about City of Craft, which was also at The Great Hall. From my recent visits, here’s a glimpse into what you may come across.

Persian tapestries by Amadeo Fine Rugs. I had the nicest chat with the man selling these!

I  bought a McCall’s magazine from February 1965 from The Eye of Faith. It’s a treat to flip through a magazine from almost 50 years ago. There are all kinds of vintage knick knacks. I love tins with old school typography! There were also so many cool antique options from Fair Judy’s Antiques and Curiosities.

 Vitage clothing from The Eye of Faith.

The upper levels had some great views of Queen St. I like how vintage accessories were hung across the windows.

Screen prints galore from SMASH.

Some rooms got lucky and were bursting with sunshine! I’m loving the plants potted into these kick-ass vintage buckets from Coriander Girl.

I can’t get enough of the terrariums from Crown Flora Studio. I give these away as gifts all the time. I first chatted about them on here in my City of Craft post.

There’s various record vendors and some cool options for food and drink. Iced tea from feastTo.

Manual Labour Coffee had a sweet set up. They had this taxidermied chick on their counter. It’s adorable and hilarious—but  kinda sad and scary all at the same time!

I picked up a dumpling trio (pork + bok choy, chicken + lemongrass) from feasTO on my way out one time. They were SO DELICIOUS. The Junction Flea is presented by Smash and Russet+Empire. Starting in May it moves back to The Junction, outdoors.

If you haven’t already been, then what are you waiting for? Let me know if  you ended up going. What did you find? //

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, STARTING IN TOP LEFT

1. BACK INTO THE WOODS, ED HARCOURT
2. CELESTICA, CRYSTAL CASTLES
3. FLUXUS, DANNY SCRILLA
4. ONLY AFFECTION, DIGITS
5. SOMEWHERE ELSE, SALLY SHAPIRO
6. THE WINTER EP, OLAFUR ARNALDS
7. THE IRON TASTE, MARIKA HACKMAN
8. ON THE HEART, WILD LIFE
9. SHOW PONY, CRUSHED OUT
10. WE ARE ELECTRIC, DVBBS
11. POORLY FORMED, SWINGIN’ UTTERS
12. MAKE SOME NOISE (DELUXE EDITION), SALVADOR

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, STARTING IN TOP LEFT

1. UNCOLLECTED, THE LUDVICO TREATMENT
2. ONLY OUR HEARTS TO LOSE (REMIXES), MARIAN
3. SURROUNDINGS, SURROUNDINGS
4. DEMO, STEVE’S WAR
5. WHITE PAINT, HOLLERADO
6. MEMENTO MORI, PELLINORE
7. A LECTURE-SINGLE, FRANS DE WAARD
8. OPTICA, SHOUT OUT LOUDS
9. ANGELS (FOUR TET REMIX), THE XX
10.LES REVENANTS, MOGWAI
11.WORLD DARKNESS, VARIOUS ARTISTS
12.COLOUR IS BREATHE, SOOSH

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, STARTING IN TOP LEFT

1. SOMETIMES, THE TREE SPIRITS
2. NO WORLD, INC.
3. HARD TIMES, GO! BEAT RADIO
4. YOU’RE NOTHING, ICEAGE
5. ALL THE TIMES WE HAD, IVAN & ALYOSHA
6. REGIONS OF LIGHT AND SOUND OF GOD, JIM JAMES
7. LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL, EMELIE SANDÉ
8. THE WAITING ROOM, LUSINE
9. NEEDLE-SINGLE, BORN RUFFIANS
10. FROM THE BIRD’S CAGE, HRVRD
11. HOLDING ON-SINGLE, CLASSIXX
12. “IT’A BETTER IN THE WIND” SOUNDTRACK, CHUCK RAGAN

I happily stumbled upon an art installation in Toronto recently, walking down Queen Street West (north side, near Dovercourt) in the art and design district.

Two colour-popping kaleidoscopic graphics on a stark background fill the street-facing windows of a brown brick building. This site-specific installation is the work of  Canadian photographer and New York-based artist Sara Cwynar, titled Saved Medals and No Hierarchy, 2012. She is represented by Toronto’s Cooper Cole Gallery. Sara is also a graphic designer and works with bookmaking and digital media.

SAVED MEDALS, 2012 BY SARA CWYNAR. SITE-SPECIFIC INSTALLATION COURTESY OF COOPER COLE GALLERY AND THE DRAKE HOTEL.

Sara’s work seems to focus often on archiving and collecting, particularly with commercial objects. She likes to play with colour studies surrounding her subject matter. This digital collage of medals and ribbons grouped by colour definitely made me look twice!

NO HIERARCHY, 2012 BY SARA CWYNAR. SITE-SPECIFIC INSTALLATION COURTESY OF COOPER COLE GALLERY AND THE DRAKE HOTEL.

This second collage combines various everyday objects like photos, old fruit, dried plants, air fresheners, elastics and used candles. Everyday consumer items have been turned into a visually striking, surreal image. You can see a detail of it here.

What a great find! I’ve now passed by the installation many times over the weeks and still have not tired of it. It’s a nice insertion into everyday life. I’ve also discovered an awesome artist worth following. This is a reminder to always pay attention to your  surroundings. You never know what you may come across. If you’re in the neighbourhood, check it out!

There is a studio on the Toronto art and design scene that is a big deal! Doublenaut—an illustration and design duo comprised of two brothers, Andrew and Matt McCracken, produces some serious kick-ass work! Best known for their screen-printed posters, Doublenaut’s illustrations and designs have garnered tons of press and respect in Toronto and beyond.

Earlier this month The Gladstone Hotel in Toronto had an exhibition titled Double Vision: The Poster Art of Doublenaut. Although over now (it ran until January 19),  I must share their work if you are not familiar.

The Double Vision show displayed a collection of screen printed concert posters and art prints that they had done between 2004-2012.

Doublenaut’s work is striking! Their graphics are bold and minimal, yet have a complexity that grabs the viewer.

The typography is always clean and eye-catching. The colours are vibrant and in-your-face. Their influences stem from mid-century modern design.

Doublenaut has done a tonne of work for the music industry. They have produced work for big names like the  Metric, The Flaming Lips, Broken Social Scene, and Dave Matthews Band name a few.

They currently run their own studio doing a variety of design, like identities and music packaging. They have a broad range of clients like Arts & Crafts Records, Live Nation and Holt Renfrew. Some projects I particularly like were their design and graphics for Toronto’s Bikes On Wheels and Canada’s Polaris Music Prize.

I mentioned Doublenaut back in December when I visited the City of Craft show where they were selling their work. I also worked their Young Widows poster onto the set of  Bluenotes Spring 2012 campaign last year! You can find that at the end of this post. If interested in buying a Doublenaut print, you can find them in a few places around Toronto: Kid Icarus or  Telegramme Prints. Or buy directly from their online shop.

//

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT), STARTING IN TOP LEFT

1. 60 YEARS, DANIEL HALF
2. THE BEARER OF BAD NEWS, ANDY SHAUF
3. S/T, INDOOR VOICES
4. FIN REMIXES PART 1, JOHN TALABOT
5. RELATION CHEAP, MELL
6. SAMBA FEELIN BEEIN THIS, SIXTUS PREISS
7. MA (REMIX), ARIANE MOFFAT
8. IN BLOOM, KAWAII
9. SACRED HILLS, MATT COSTA
10. WATER JUMP EP, DANIEL AVERY
11. ESKIMONDE – A DECADE OF ESKIMO RECORDINGS, VARIOUS ARTISTS
12. PERSONALITY MATRIX, FEATURELESS GHOST

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT), STARTING IN TOP LEFT

1. DISTANT LOVE OR: TIME NEVER MEANT ANYTHING, AND NEVER WILL, TEE PEE
2. LOVETUNES: THE TEEPEE, DEREK GUST
3. TRAWL, ED TULLETT
4. CLOCKS, SNDCLSH
5. LET ME GO, MY TIGER MY TIMING
6. ARGONAUTS – SINGLE, THE LITTLE ONES
7. FRACTALIZATION, BILLY DALLESSANDRO
8. 2MINUTES2MIDNIGHT, LOST
9. ORDINARY GUY, (JAZZANOVA REWORK), JOE BATAAN
10. LU RAIN, LU RAIN
11. NINE STORIES THEN THE WEATHER, MARTINA JOHNSSON
12. LONG FORM, LUCKY DRAGONS

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT), STARTING IN TOP LEFT

1. SOON, MUCH OF THIS WILL HAVE BEEN DESTROYED, THIS IS RADIO SILENCE
2. FLEXION / F.ME, READY MADE FC
3. MmMmM, Mmmmm
4. FINNEGAN, LUCY
5. MOMEMTS EP, J.R ALEXANDER
6. AHOY! PUNCH BROTHERS
7. THE CHERRY THING REMIXES, NENEH CHERRY & THE THING
8. REBELLION DER TRAUMER – REMIX COLLECTION, KOLLEKTIV TURMSTRASSE
9. DON’T SAVE ME, HAIM
10. NO.1, DIRK MENGER
11. HARD TO EXPLAIN, RABIH RIHANA
12. JABU, JABU

//

Happy 2013 everyone! I love the refreshing energy that a New Year brings! I woke up New Years day to the gorgeous sun shining on a calm, snow-covered Toronto. It had been pretty grey the days before. It felt magical! The chance for a fresh start and an opportunity to better myself from the year before felt so possible.

On New Years Eve, Darcy and I rang in 2013 quietly with our good friends Katy and Tony amongst champagne, smoked Old Fashions, good laughs and wishes.

On New Year’s Day we hung out with our friends Jehn and Tim at their house. They host an annual “New Years Day Hangover” brunch for their friends every year. Tim is an insanely good cook, so it’s a real treat! I’m talking homemade everything: bread, pâté, pork leg, jams, chutneys, bread pudding, donuts and more! There was such a good energy in the house —I always end up meeting new and interesting people, which is always awesome. We capped off the afternoon with a brisk walk through High Park.

2012 WRAP UP

2012 was a significant year. I had some very inspiring and challenging experiences that have pushed me forward creatively. Some highlights:

BLOG LOVE

One major thing was starting this blog back in October and the choice to put myself out into the world and web in new way. It has been a challenging and rewarding experience so far!

I attended The Blogcademy in New York and got to learn from the amazing and talented Shauna Haider, Gala Darling and Kat Williams. I also met so many awesome bloggers that I’ve been keeping in touch with. It’s awesome to be part of such a supportive blogging community that is growing by the day!

My friend and co-worker, Jamie Franklin, who also attended the Blogcademy with me, has been a huge source of inspiration! She was a great support system for me when we simultaneously started our blogs. She never ceases to amaze me with her music, film and theatrix knowledge and insight!

Along with Jamie, a few other Blogcademy buds live right here in Toronto: Reverie Time and Rubies and Ribbon. They are such great girls and I’m thankful to have met them. We’ve already had a Blogcademy coffee date reunion. I know there will be more in 2013!

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

I went to New York multiple times last year exploring Brooklyn. I airbnb‘d in Bushwick, Crown Heights and Williamsburg. So many inspiring events took place while there.

I drew type with Mike Perry at a workshop as part of his Wondering Around Wandering exhibition.

I spontaneously attended the Type Director’s Club annual exhibition at Cooper Union during a summer trip. Visitors got a keepsake designed by designer Jessica Hische.

I stayed at the artsy A Cabin in a Loft in Bushwick, Brooklyn and learned about the owners’ art project Eternity Stew.

PHOTOSHOOTS AND CAMPAIGNS

I assisted on an awesome editorial shoot with Alex Evans, Myles Sexton and Talia Brown

Some of my favourite Bluenotes campaigns took place this year. The Holiday 2012 campaign was very successful and the photoshoot was such a blast!  The Spring 2012 campaign is another fave.

HELLO 2013!

When I think of the last 6 months in particular, I’ve basically been working all the time, with occasional short trips to New York for inspiration!  I wouldn’t say that I had the most balanced life—I just worked a lot. My day job of course, and then back home for freelance and blogging. I barely had time to do my dishes! I did not see friends as much and missed out on Thanksgiving and a few other significant events.

I am feeling extremely positive and hopeful about this year ahead! Of course, there is always the cliché talk around New Years for resolutions (yada yada yada) that are often contrived and fade quickly after a month. I personally have many goals and changes that I want to make in 2013 and am hanging onto the good vibes and not loosing sight! Here are a few key areas I’ll be focusing on:

BLOGGING 

This has been a work in progress! I’m still trying to find my rhythm and pace. I’m working on new content ideas and updates to my social media outlets.

YOGA

I need yoga back in my life — it’s  one of my favourite things!  However, I’ve so easily gotten myself out of the habit of going consistently over the years. Darcy just got me a pass to Downward Dog and it’s just the push I need! Ashtanga Vinyasa is my favourite type of yoga—long and fast classes are my preference. The workout is amazing! I also love the meditative nature of the practice.

ORGANIZING + SIMPLIFYING

This year I really want to live with less. Being the Piscean collector that I am, I have a knack for keep a lot of stuff around. I’m in a serious mood to throw out things that I’ve held onto for years that are just taking up space. Darcy and I are on a serious cleaning and de-cluttering rampage around our living space. I want to have fewer things, but use them more often. I’m also going through my computer and emails and just cleaning up all around!

DESIGN

I’m always trying to better myself as a designer—keeping up-to-date on techniques, reading books and gaining inspiration from the world around me. I want to be the best that I can be and always challenge myself.  I am thankful for all those that have been reading my blog and the positive support and feedback that I’ve received. I  look forward to what this New Year brings and hope that it treats you well!

//

CERAMIC SKULL BY JULIE MOON | NECKLACES BY HOT POP FACTORY

OLD WESTON

Kalpna Patel of Old Weston is one of my favourite “crafticians” in Toronto. I love her nature inspired jewellery. She does things like cast twigs and acorns in metal. Last year I bought bronze studs moulded from a Robertson screw. This year I bought the silver Phillips screw version. I wear one or the other just about everyday!

OLD WESTON

I also love Kalpna’s sense of humour. Check out her blog: G-UKnit.

FALCONWRIGHT

It is always fun checking out what falconwright is selling. I own a few of their screen printed leather items such as clutches, wallets and change purses. I love to give them as gifts too. AWESOME FACT: American retailer MADEWELL has been selling their products in their store and online! How cool is that?! I was SO EXCITED to find this out. Congrats ladies:)

SILKSCREEN POSTERS BY DOUBLENAUT

 These silkscreen posters by Doublenaut  are nothing short of amazing!

TERRARIUMS BY CROWN FLORA STUDIO

I completely fell in love with these terrariums by Crown Flora Studio. How can you not love adorable cacti in a mason jar? And the colours are gorgeous (hello chartreuse!) I bought at least five of these as gifts–and a few for myself! I plan to buy some more in the New Year.

NOBLE BEAVER TRADING COMPANY

This beer box by Noble Beaver Trading Company caught my eye! A great way to take your beer down to the park or lake. And it’s made to fit on your bicycle too!

I ran into my friend Rosalyn at The Workroom table. Rosalyn is heavily involved in the Toronto craft scene and it is she who introduced me to City of Craft in the first place!

She made some adorable slingshot broaches.

SLINGSHOT BROACHES BY ROSALYN FAUSTINO

The Workroom is Toronto’s first sew and craft by the hour space.

CROWNLAND

The Crownland table had some very memorable items, such as the wallets made from vintage baseball gloves. Great idea!

RAYMOND BIESINGER

I definitely enjoy Raymond Biesinger’s silkscreen prints. I have a that black and coral print (an illustration of the creative process) up in my studio.

HAVE & HOLD DESIGN

Toronto definitely likes to support all things handmade. It is absolutely worth checking out what local craft events and even flea markets are in your city. You will be amazed at what awesome things your can find. And you are supporting local artists, which is a plus. I  am looking forward to checking out more craft shows in 2013!

//

As some of you may already know, I get to be part of planning and developing the Bluenotes photoshoot every season. The holidays are here and I wanted to do a recap and behind the scenes look at  the 2012 Holiday campaign. This one was so much fun to work on and is definitely one of my faves! We had an amazing cast of models. From left: Renee (Sutherland Models), Louwrens (Elite), Sidney (Ford), Simon (Ford).

Outerwear shot: Renee and Sidney playing out in the snow — and looking amazing!

This behind the scenes video was shot by Anna Mifsud-Sweeney.

This is a shot of one our mood boards. The idea was to keep everything colourful and quirky with a crafty, D.I.Y. feel. We wanted to use foamcore cut outs and hand drawn elements.

The concept behind the shoot was a group of friends getting together to go a cabin/cottage for Christmas. We shot this at Album Studio Rentals in Toronto.  It is a gorgeous studio with so much natural light. This is “The Arrival” scene, where the friends are just getting to the cottage with gifts in hand. Our marketing director’s dog Eddie was part of the shoot. Let me tell you, this dog needs to get signed somewhere! He is perfect on set. All outside scenes were shot in front of an illustrated birch forest backdrop.

Renee and Sidney shooting hoodies.

We had a cabin wall built for all of the inside shots. For a Canadiana vibe, we added a cardboard moose (with a Bluenotes scarf) and tons of product placement under a foamcore  tree cutout!

Renee and Sidney getting pose before the party scene.

The party scene with Eddie.

I had tons of words and shapes (stars, snowflakes, mugs, mice etc.) cut out of foamcore for props.

Our photographer Carlyle Routh was awesome! Here she is shooting the critter fleece outfits.

I had an iPad where I could get a live feed of the shots as they were taken and make my picks during the shoot.

CAMAPAIGN EXAMPLES

This image was used as part of the Bluenotes Holiday gift guide. Doesn’t everyone look awesome?

An email promoting dresses.

Plush onesies, pajamas and critter fleece were a big focus of the shoot. This is an email example that went out.

Some more signage examples. Above: a wall covering on site at the new Bluenotes location in Yorkdale Shopping Centre before it opened. It was gigantic—image a 4ft Eddie! Below: in-store signage. The tree and other props from the shoot was used in store.

A window focused on critter fleece.

Yorkdale Mall great gifts signage.

You can view more of the campaign at a Bluenotes store or online.  Happy Holidays!

//

SOURCE

With November behind us (mid-December already!?) I’m still thinking about the charity campaign that was front of mind for many last month: Movember. Yes, the campaign and time of year where the iconic moustache pops up all over the place. In case you’re not familiar, Movember is a global charity that raises awareness and funds for men’s health, particularly prostate cancer and mental health initiatives in November. Men are encouraged to grow their Mo (moustache) for the month, becoming “Mo Bros”. And of course women the “MoSistas” are encouraged to actively support the Mo as well.

Movember has definitely been gaining momentum and popularity around the world over the years—especially in Canada. This year over 1 million participants showed some moustache love. I definitely think Movember’s strong marketing campaigns have contributed significantly to the growth and awareness of this initiative. I love everything about the 2012 campaign!

The 2012 campaign “Movember & Sons” was about the tradition of  sons who honour their forefathers. Past campaigns have focused on the gentlemen, and ideas surrounding pride, honour, etiquette etc. This year, it was all about the exchange of  knowledge that one gets from important figures in their life and how this contributes to one’s own life. The muse for this campaign is the poem ‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling. This strking campaign video “you’re gonna be a man, my son”, says it all.

“KNOWLEDGE IS THE POWER TO MAKE CHANGE AND THE MOUSTACHE IS THE KING MAKING IT HAPPEN. LISTEN AND LEARN SON, THE TIME TO GROW IS NOW” URCHIN ASSOCIATES 

SOURCE

All of the campaign copywriting is witty, attention-grabbing and downright awesome!

SOURCE

SOURCE

I am obsessed with the campaign typography! The logo design and all creative elements were so well done, my mouth literally waters looking at everything! I love the vintage meets barbershop vibe. Feast your eyes:

SOURCE

The agency that handles all of the Movember campaign creative is Urchin Associates in Melbourne, Australia. They have found a hip way to get people to draw attention to this important initiative. Movember is definitely helping to change the face of men’s health in a creative way.  The campaigns are acknowledging  and relieving the stigma of a serious and potentially awkward topic! Conversations and participation are taking place.That is key.The approach is friendly, humorous and extremely memorable. I can’t wait to see what next year’s campaign is like!

MOVEMBER LINKS

MOVEMBER
MO FUNDRAISING TOTALS
MOVEMBER MOBILEAPP
MOVEMBER TV
MOUSTACHE JEWELLERY
MOUSTACHE LOVE ON PINTEREST
PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION
LIVESTRONG FOUNDATION
URCHIN ASSOCIATES

//

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, STARTING IN TOP LEFT
1. FREE DIMENSIONAL, DIAMOND RINGS
2. RHYTHYMNALS, LUKE LALONDE
3. BORACAY PLANET, BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRD
4. MAYA’S MOVING CASTLE, MAYA’S MOVING CASTLE
5. PINES, A FINE FRENZY
6. INTERVALS, SNOW PALMS
7. SOUND ARCHITECTS, STÉPHANE KERECKI, MATTHIEU DONARIER, THOMAS GRIMMONPREZ, TONY MALABY, BOJAN ZULFIKARPAŠIĆ
8. TENDER NEW SIGNS, TAMARYN
9. FLORA, MOULLINEX
10. BROTHERFACE, WRITER
11. BREAK IT YOURSELF/HANDS OF GLORY, ANDREW BIRD
12. GEM, U.S. GIRLS

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, STARTING IN TOP LEFT
1. DISTANCE KILLS, NOLITA KNIGHTS
2. LONELY AT THE TOP, LUKID
3. NIGHTFALL, PVT
4. ANIMATOR, THE LUYAS
5. B3EP, PLACEBO
6. MAD LOVE, CHEVAL SOMBRE
7. FLETCHER MOSS PARK, MATTHEW HALSALL
8. THE SILENT WATCHER, PASCAL SAVY
9. EAT YOUR YOUNG, SOLID GOLD
10. YOUR FRIEND THE ATOM, WE ARE THE PHYSICS
11. WOOD (LIVE), WIDESPREAD PANIC
12. YOUR DRUMS,YOUR LOVE, ALUNAGEORGE

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, STARTING IN TOP LEFT
1. COLINE, BADEN BADEN
2. SUPER COMPLICATION, IGLOMAT
3. THE WILDERNESS, CEMETARIES
4. GHETTOS AND GARDENS REMIXES VOL.1, JUSTIN MARTIN
5. INHERITANCE, THE LAST BISON
6. AWASH, MANUAL
7. HOLIDAYDREAM: SOUNDS OF THE HOLIDAYS, VOL.1, THE POLYPHONIC SPREE
8. THE SLEEP OF REASON, BATS
9. DUHORT BACHEN, CRANE ANGELS
10. ISARES, MANUAL
11. PALOALTO, PALOALTO
12. THE GUN IN YOUR HAND, DANIELA COTTON

//