TORONTO: CITY OF CRAFT 2012

Something that I strongly believe in is supporting local artists whenever I can. Living in a big city like Toronto, there are always craft and art events taking place. Earlier in December I made sure to check out one of my favourite annual craft shows, City of Craft. It was held at The Theatre Centre on Queen West in downtown Toronto and runs for 2 days. City of Craft is “Toronto’s celebration of all things hand made.” It is Toronto’s largest independently run juried craft sale featuring craft-based installations, free workshops, and craft-related programming in local businesses and galleries. There is always an extremely talented lineup of vendors. Everytime I’ve visited, the theatre is always buzzing with an an upbeat energy and it’s super busy. It’s cool to know tons of other Torontonians like to support these shows as well. I stayed for hours this year and and didn’t want to leave!

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!

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