TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

what's going on folks? did anyone recently receive some handmade goods they'd like to tell us about? what are your crafty plans for the new year?



as part of the Toronto Craft Alert's goal to galvanize the city's craft community, we'd like to get a bit of a discussion going. discuss any crafty topic you like... we'll be re-posting this thread every monday morning, so that the discussions can continue in the comments section of this post.

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: t.o. craft flickr group

Becky had the wise idea of starting a flickr group for Toronto crafters to share what they are making. In her words (from the group rules):

This group is reserved for images of work being made in the greater Toronto area (and thereabouts).

It is intended for the purpose of sharing our joy in making things. This group is not intended to post coupons or sale announcement. Just things you've made!

So all of you are invited to join the group and show off what you've been cooking up in your own crafty lab. Periodically projects will be featured on this blog.

If you don't have a flickr account, do not despair! Basic accounts are free - sign up at http://www.flickr.com.

Aitor's xmas stocking by Becky Johnson

GET SCHOOLED: winter classes at sew be it

Sew Be It Studio is offering a diverse range of sewing classes – for wanna be sewers, people looking to advance their design and tailoring skills, and students in their teens and tweens. Beyond sewing they are offering classes in knitting and leatherwork. I have posted a sampling here, but for the full winter class roster, visit their website.

Intermediate Sewing - The Perfect Fit

Choose the garment you want to make as an addition to your wardrobe. Your project could be a shirt, pants, or a dress. In this course, you will learn intermediate techniques such as applying sleeves, zippers, proper fitting, basic pattern alteration and finishing tricks. These are the skills you will need to make the fabulous stylish clothing you want and then you can move to advance sewing. Challenge yourself, gain confidence and get the perfect fit! You pick the pattern, so the possibilities are endless.

Note: students will learn the techniques from the sample we provide in addition to their projects.

Class is 6 weeks

Date: January 15, Tuesdays
Time: 10:30am - 1:30pm

Date: January 24, Thursdays
Time: 6pm - 9pm

February 23, Saturdays
Time: 2pm - 5pm

Date: April 5, Saturdays
Time: 10:30am - 1:30pm

Price: $250 + GST

Did you know.....if you have already taken the Intermediate Sewing you can take as many times as you like at a 25% discount. Build your skill at this level by rendering a new garment.

Price: $55 + GST Includes all materials

Zipper Workshop

Don’t let those little zipper teeth scare you! Learn the methods to insert different types of zippers. In this workshop, students will learn how to insert basic zipper application, invisible zipper, separating zipper, and fly front zipper.
All materials and zippers will be provided in this workshop.

Date: February 17 & 24, Sundays
Time: 2pm - 5pm
Price: $95 + GST (includes all materials)

Introduction to Fashion Design for Teens

Do you have a dream of becoming a fashion designer? Ever wonder what it takes to be one? This is the opportunity for you to get a taste of the world of fashion design.

This is an intensive Fashion design training course. You will get an overview of fashion sketching, sewing techniques, fabrics, design concepts, creating a portfolio, and most of all designing a wardrobe! You will be challenged to take your design conception to make it into a reality.

Date: January 26, Saturdays
Time: 11am - 1pm

No class March 15 or 22. Last class on March 29

Course is 8 weeks

Price: $240.00 + GST

Sock Knitting 101

Who doesn't like a bit of near-instant gratification? Whether you're a novice knitter or a seasoned veteran, this class is for you! Come learn to knit two socks at once on one circular needle! We'll walk you through designing and knitting your own pair of custom-fit socks from start to finish. No circular knitting experience necessary! Beware though: Sock knitting is addictive!

You'll learn:
The Magic Loop method--no double pointed needles to lose!
Toe-up sock construction--never run out of yarn again!
Proper fitting
Short rows

Skills required:
Participants should already be comfortable with the knit stitch, purl stitch and binding off.
Students will need to bring their own knitting needles. Information will be given upon registration.

Date: January 12 & 19, Saturdays
Time: 10am - 1pm

Price: $75 + GST. Price includes yarn

Sew Be It Studio
2156 Yonge Street
Toronto ON M4S 2A8
416-481-7784
www.sewbeitstudio.com

CRAFTY BIZ: designers & crafters wanted for west queen west boutique

This note came through from Jamie, W. Queen W. boutique owner:

Space's and Studio's for rent in a unique store in the West Queen West District.

I am opening a unique store in the West Queen West Art & Design District in Toronto (near the Drake Hotel). I am looking for established designers/crafters/artists to rent space in the store. I will also have shared & private work studios for rent as well. All with a space in a fully staffed store. Attached is the picture of the sample shelving I will be using. Please contact me (Jamie) if you are interested at 905-598-0407 (leave a message) or the_bag_boutique@hotmail.com

ASK CRAFTY: updating the archives

I'm tidying up the blog a bit during this calm after the winter craft storm...I've moved ask crafty archive links to their own page (linked on the blog sidebar) which makes them a bit easier to read. Check out some of the golden oldies, or even the current post, to add some fresh advice or learn something new.

decorative paper, wire wreath frame, eco-friendly paper, hat making course, tiny envelopes

blank recycled cards, felt squares, dolls eyes, fabric scaps, photo puzzle & box material /source

booth lighting, paper & fabric scraps & scarborogh craft sales

wholesale pillow stuffing, cheap maps, studio equipped with canvas and acrylic paints

cheap floss & adhesive tear-away embroidery stabilizer

custom rubber stamps & eco-friendly fabric

timetex source, fabric steamers & gold and silver chain

sewing machine repair, cake decorating classes & london area silversmith classes

citric acid, shrink plastic & machine knitter

freezer paper, beeswax & mannequin heads

velcro & reflective tape, ribbons, tins, clear bags, jewellery/silversmith classes

oilcloth, fabric dyeing and painting classes, hot fabric shops

wire jewellery display & crewel embroidery wool

wool felt, japanese craft books, soldering, and overdyeing sweater

consignment, machine-embroidered labels, buttonmakers, and cheap purse handles

intro to ask crafty & paper and ribbon sources

FOR SALE: equipment from margie jewellery studio

MaRGie Jewellery Studio is moving to a smaller location and is selling some equipment at discounted prices. If you’re interested in purchasing anything listed here, please contact Michelle directly at margiejewellery@gmail.com or 647.402.7617.

Gesswein Jeweller's Bench

Bench Retail Price: $495
Bench Sale Price: $400
Bench Pin Retail Price: $9.65
Bench Pin Sale Price: Free
Swivel Chair Retail Price: $49.95
Swivel Chair Sale Price: $30

Flexshaft

Flexshaft, Petal, Chuck Key, 10-piece drill/polishing set ($259.95), Flexshaft Hanger ($29.95)

Retail Price: $289.90

Sale Price: $250

Beading Tool Set

Wire Cutters, Flat Pliers, Round Pliers, Chain Pliers, Case

Retail Price: $23.66

Sale Price: $20

Tool Kit

Item

Retail Price

Sale Price

Goggles		$3.79	FREE
Calipers		$36.95	$35
Burnisher		$8.15	$8
Setting Tool		$3.59	$3
Divider 4"		$13.65	$13
Tweezers		$3.07	$3
½ Round File Cut 2		$31.30	$30
Flat File Cut 2		$14.20	$14
Handle		$3.95	FREE
Steel Ruler		$5.92	$5
Solder Pick		$4.00	$3
Snips		$14.95	$14
Scriber		$7.20	$7
Utility File Set Cut 4		$19.04	$18
File Card		$6.26	$6
Swiss Needle File Set
(Cut 2 or 4)		$59.95	$55
Ring Pliers		$11.35	$11
Split Mandrel		$2.88	$2
Bench Block		$8.95	$8
Ball Pein Hammer		$21.95	$20
Raw Hide Mallet 2"		$26.46	$25
Saw Frame		$22.95	$20
Toolbox		$15.95	FREE
Total		$346.46	$300

BUYER MUST HAVE OWN TRANSPORTATION

MaRGie Jewellery Studio
1402 Queen St East Unit C4
Enter on WEST side of building
www.margiejewellery.com
(416) 916-6072

EXIBITION: ontario craft '07

Looking for some crafty somethin to do in these lazy days before new years? The Ontario Craft Council's year-end group show is on until December 31st, 2007.

Ontario Craft '07
The Ontario Craft Council is pleased to present Ontario Craft '07, their annual juried exhibition of member work.

Beginning in 1975, the Ontario Crafts Council organized juried exhibitions and works by OCC members across the province. Ontario Craft '07 revives this longstanding tradition, and like its predecessors, this exhibition offers the opportunity to celebrate, examine, and assess the state of Ontario craft.

Sixty-nine multidisciplinary works will be presented, including this year's award winners:

Sally McCubbin for Best in Show
Paula Murray for the Award of Excellence
Emma Gerard for Honorable Mention

Ontario Craft '07 Jurors are Sandra Ainsley, a Toronto-based gallery owner who turned her passion for glass art into a thriving business; David Kaye, the owner of the David Kaye Gallery in Toronto that exhibits leading makers objects, jewellery and paintings; and Lisa Pai, who has co-owned and operated the Lafreniere & Pai Gallery in Ottawa for 7 years, and has had over fifteen years of experience in the Canadian art market.

Please contact Katherine McKellar for more information at 416-925-4222 ext 222, kmckellar@craft.on.ca, or Paul Wilson at 416-925-4222 ext 227, pwilson@craft.on.ca

Ontario Crafts Council
990 Queen St. W.
Toronto, ON
M6G 1X5

(416) 925-4222
www.craft.on.ca

STUDIO/RETAIL SPACE: artscape @ the distillery

A note from Wendy, Assistant Manager of Tenant Services at Artscape:

We are seeking applications from enterprising visual artists and craftspeople. This is an opportunity to lease a retail/work studio space at an affordable rent. The studios are designed for people interested in selling their work from the space they create it in. The Case Goods Warehouse contains four floors of artists and artists work studios.

The specifics of the space are:

Located at 55 Mill St., Case Goods Warehouse (Distillery District)

Retail/work space – Ground floor available

330 Useable square feet

Western exposure

2007 monthly rent is $635.88 month all inclusive

Available May 1, 2008 (possibly available March 1, 2008)

This studio is intended for either an individual or collective of artists and is ideal for the production of work and sales and can be used to conduct small workshops. Tenants have 24-hour access to their studio but are also expected to maintain regular business hours for public access, Wednesday to Sunday 11am - 6pm.

Interested parties are required to submit a letter of intent, including your concept for the space and business objectives, to be presented to a retail selection committee.

Deadline for submission: Friday, January 11, 2008

To express interest or for more information, please contact Wendy Campbell at wendy@torontoartscape.on.ca or 416.392.1038, extension 27.

CRAFT CHAT: discussing Handmade 2.0

this morning i discovered via design*sponge, this New York Times article: Handmade 2.0. Rob Walker asks:

"What are so many crochet-hook-wielding, papermaking, silversmithing handicrafters doing online? Trying to prove that the future of shopping — and of work — is all about the past."

Walker covers topics like etsy, consumer culture & diy-ism, and the craft congress held in Pittsburgh last spring [attended by local craft queens ( Good Catch Craft Fairs, The Sweetie Pie Press ), Jen (Toronto Craft Alert) & Leah ( Church of Craft, Coldsnap Bindery)].

a chapter in Walker's upcoming book - Buying In: The Secret Dialogue Between What We Buy and Who We Are - will be covering the DIY/craft scene as well. you can read more background on the article, lists of related links, and about his fascination with DIY culture on his blog.

read the article, tell us what you think...

(photo: Thomas Hannich for The New York Times. Crocheted laptop by Joana Vasconcelos)

BUY LOCAL OR DIY: holiday card fever

So it's getting on in the season, and if you haven't yet had a chance to pick up some holiday cards (if that's something you do) then there are plenty of local options for you.

If the cold & upcoming snowstorm's got you hibernating, here are some online options:


Lino cut cuties by Katie Muth available here



Winter pals by Tania Howells available here



Everyone's favourite Matroyshkas by Thimble available here



Classy new years letterpress by snap & tumble available here

If you prefer to man/ladyhandle your cards before purchasing, there are still a few shows happening before the season's end. Check out the TCA calendar for details.

And of course there's the whole DIY option, which I'm sure many of you are all over. I would LOVE to see what kind of stuff you are coming up with, and invite you all to take a picture of your handmade holiday cards and send them in. If we get a bunch I'll post them here, like our very own virtual fireplace mantle.

HELP WANTED: borg craft (fashion desigher/sewer)

Hey All,

I am looking for a fashion designer/tailor-seamstress/whatever to help me out with my 4th year Thesis project. I m going to be creating a cyborg outfit to exhibit wearable computing and cellphone use.

Click here to enlarge

The outfit will feature the use of a product called 'Cool Neon' which is an electroluminescent fiber that can be sewn to fabrics. I don't have a huge budget, but I am willing to pay for some work if I need or I would also ideally be able to barter or trade services.

You will also of course receive full credit for your work as well as a nice copy of all the project documentation that you can use in a portfolio.

For more information you can check out my project blog http://berserkr.ca/NewMedia/ or e-mail me

#############################################
Brandon Marsh

VENDOR CALL: 2008 toronto outdoor art fair

TORONTO OUTDOOR ART EXHIBITION

Nathan Phillips Square

July 11 - 13, 2008 2008

ARTIST APPLICATION FORM NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!

Image: Ross Bonfanti, Art on the Go, 2006

Now in it’s 47th year, the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition [TOAE] is a juried showcase featuring contemporary fine art and craft that takes place on Nathan Phillips Square every July.

As the largest outdoor art exhibition in Canada, the TOAE offers a fresh-air alternative to conventional art shows and galleries. Approximately 500 artists participate and over 100,000 visitors attend the exhibition every year. Side by side, established artists, undiscovered talents and innovative students sell their work directly to the public and make lasting connections with art dealers and collectors. In 2007, the TOAE presented over $30,000 in cash awards and prizes to participating artists. We welcome applications from artists working in a wide range of traditional and experimental art forms.

Applications can be downloaded from the TOAE website at http://www.torontooutdoorart.org or call 416.408.2754 for more information.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 1, 2008

For further information, please contact:
Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition
264 - 401 Richmond Street West
Toronto, ON M5V 3A8
416.408.2754
toae@torontooutdoorart.org
http://www.torontooutdoorart.org

TOAE is now on Facebook! To receive updates on the 47th annual exhibition and other related news, please go the webpage.
(Please note that you must be a Facebook member to join this group).

GET SCHOOLED: new years sewing classes at the workroom

the workroom class calendar for January & February is now available from their website - http://www.theworkroom.ca.

There are a whole range of great sewing classes like pencil skirt, wrap dress, quilt sampler and easy alterations. You'll notice that we've also started to add classes on Saturdays and during the day on Fridays. If there's a class you're interested in, it's best to register early. Already we've had sold out classes. In fact - the only class we have with spots before the new year is The Patchwork Bib class on December 19th, 6-9pm. These bibs make great last minute gifts for your friends & family with babies or those who are expecting. Plus, you'll learn to make your own pretty fabric bias tape for trimming. Get in touch if you'd like to register.

the workroom also has lots of great gifts for your crafty friends. Our favourite choice is the workroom gift card. It's available in the denomination of your choice and it's redeemable for anything at the workroom including fabrics, notions, classes and rentals.

This Friday December 14th is our Crafting Cram Session - from 7-10pm. It's not too late to get making some holiday gifts or finish off the ones you've already started. All the sewing machines, the serger, the bottle cutters and the button maker will be ready to work overtime to help you get it done. Munch on some snacks and enjoy the company of other makers. We're taking a $10 donation for the Daily Food Bank to attend. What a deal! You can craft and give back at the same time. Please rsvp, as space is limited for this event - makesomething@theworkroom.ca

GET SCHOOLED: year of the rat wood block card workshop

Japanese Wood Block Printing Workshop
It's "nenga jo" Time!
December 18th and 20th from 6 till 9 pm

Every year the Japanese celebrate the New Year by making their own “nenga jo”, or new year’s cards, to send to their friends. Usually the cards depict the animal whose year it is, and nenga jo are remarkable for their range of inventive, personalized images. Next year 2008, will be the Year of the Rat. This animal has a lovely name in Japanese - "nezumi".

Printmaker, Elizabeth Forrest, is offering a one day work shop in the Kozo Studio for students to create their own nenga jo to send to relatives and friends.

Bring a cute or scary rat image to the class. After working it into a carve-able design and transferring it to a block, you will carve the image. Students will then learn the basics of Japanese style waterbased printing enabling them to print a series of cards on japanese washi paper.

You can can send it in the New Year as part of a greeting to friends and we have been invited submit them to the International Year of the Rat Exhibition at Proof Gallery!

$90/student (plus $10 for washi payable on day of class) 8 participant maximum.

Registration Information
Payment is by cash, visa or cheque. If you wish to pay in person please call or e-mail me to set up a time to visit the studio.
Full payment is required upon registration to guarantee a space in the workshop. For more information contact Akemi at kozostudio@gmail.com or tel: 416-214-1882

GET SCHOOLED: 2 spots available at a nanopod glass fusing & jewellery making weekend

Create your own this weekend in a
Glass Fusing & Jewelry Making Intensive!
This Saturday December 15th noon to 5pm & Sunday December 16th 11am to 6pm
5 student max. $275 includes all materials
This is a 2-day intensive workshop that teaches not only how to make beautiful fused glass cabochons, tiles or "stones",
but also how to mount and display them to their best advantage.
It is a fun, hands-on class that begins on the first day with glass cutting and ends with the
completion of 6 to 10 fused pieces; cabochons for earrings, pendants, belt buckles, cuff links and rings.
On the second day, students will choose from their glasswork made on Saturday and learn how to hand fabricate and form a ring band, and bezel ‘set' their glass pieces using sterling silver to
create beautiful one-of-a-kind gifts for yourself, family or friends.
Resource list of where you can purchase materials, tools, equipment and how to set-up your own studio is included.
Class fee includes all materials: glass, sterling & fine silver, supplies, and firings. Tools are provided. Lunch is included on Sunday!

2 spaces available for this weekend.
No Experience Necessary!
Register with a friend and receive 15% off

Register over the phone or in person at
nanopod: hybrid studio
Visa, Mastercard, Debit, or cash accepted.

Further information on courses and workshops offered:
http://www.nanopod.tv/nano_classes.html
Make sure to take a look at the page of past student's work!

nanopod: Hybrid Studio
322 Harbord Street
Toronto, ON M6G1H1
647 219 0585
http://www.nanopod.tv
tosca@nanopod.tv

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: The Motherlode of Craft Fair Lists

There are only 2 weeks left to get your holiday shopping done. Our Toronto Craft Alert Event Calendar is the best way to stay updated on all the local crafty happenings, and with new events added every week, there are so many amazing gift ideas!

If you have any other local craft shows or fairs, please email your tips to us at torontocraftalert@gmail.com. More information and local show dates will be added as they become available!

EXHIBITION: Noble Fir Holiday Group Exhibition

Toronto contemporary art shop & gallery Magic Pony is hosting the Noble Fir Holiday Group Exhibition.

Opening Reception:
Thursday Dec 13 2007
7-10pm


Location:
Magic Pony Gallery
694 Queen St West, Toronto ON Canada
416.861.1684


Event Details:
Magic Pony is pleased to present our annual holiday exhibition, NOBLE FIR.

This special exhibition showcases a splendid array of exceptional art gifts from original paintings, objects, soft sculpture, zines, limited edition toys to amigurumi. Come out for a night of Pony festivities and special sales!


Participating artists include:
C'est Moi Ce Soir (UK)
Derrick Hodgson (Toronto)
Gary Taxali (Toronto)
Jacob Whibley (Toronto)
Keith W. Bentley (Toronto)
Kozyndan (Los Angeles)
Melinda Josie (Toronto)
Nako Yamaguchi (Japan)
Michael Comeau (Toronto)
Naomi Yasui (Toronto)
Nathan Jurevicius (Toronto)
Nicoletta Ceccoli (Italy)
Noel Middleton (Toronto)
Regional Assembly of Text (Vancouver)
Sonja Ahlers (Vancouver)
Stephen Appleby-Barr (Toronto)
Takaaki Ishii (Japan)
Tania Sanhueza (Toronto)
Tara Azzopardi (Toronto)
Team Macho (Toronto)
TOM (Japan)

http://magic-pony.com/
contact@magic-pony.com


This event has been added to the Toronto Craft Alert Event Calendar. Google Calendar users can add this event to their own calendars by clicking here.

CRAFTIVISM: craft & regenerate great lake fish with fishnet

I met these ladies at City of Craft and was very impressed by their inventiveness in raising funds & ecological awareness while affecting change through this crafty project.

Calling all Crafters and Fish Lovers
Take Part in FishNet: The Great Lakes Craft and Release Project

This is a special invition to all Toronto area crafters to volunteer to participate in a unique larger-than-life project - one that will see Toronto children and artists working together to advocate the improvement of the health and ecology of the Great Lakes.

By combining science and art into one fantastic project, Grade 4 students and artists engage in a Pinocchio like transformation of a crafted fish into a real one.

How, you wonder? All it takes is three easy steps. First, you combine the creative talents, of educators, students and artists/crafters to create Great Lakes fishes, then a gallery is turned metaphorically into a 'great' lake and fish hatchery, and finally, hundreds of gallery goers release fish through their donations to a Great Lakes charity resulting in habitat regeneration and restocking.

By the time it is over the FishNet team (that's you and us and the Grade 4 students) will have crafted species-specific fish and taken part in an interactive art installation and released some fish in support of Great Lakes charities. But most importantly, we will all have engage in a proactive collaboration and connected as a community living within the Great Lakes bioregion.

FishNet received a Harbourfront Centre, Fresh Ground new works grant in 2007 and will be exhibited in the York Quay Gallery from May 2 - June 22, 2008.

So, if you would like to make a fish, please contact us for the details - info@projectfishnet.org

Check out the project at www.projectfishnet.org

HELP WANTED: intern at the sewing studio

Intern at The Sewing Studio

The Sewing Studio offers a three-month internship for sewing enthusiasts and post-secondary students.

Interns guide and support students who come in for free studio time, and assist managers with office duties from handling registrations to prepping the studio for classes.

Internships are unpaid and require eight hours of work each week (Sundays and Wednesdays from 2 – 6 p.m.). A passion for sewing is a must. Candidate must be reliable, hard-working, organized, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and confident on the phone.

What's in it for you? Work for a growing company with other young, creative women. Plus use the studio for your personal projects at any time and take any of our courses for free during your internship.

Send your resume and cover letter to: internship@lovesewing.com

CRAFTY BIZ: fresh collective holiday party & sale

A note from Nicole of Precious Pink Designs:

Fresh Collective is having it's annual holiday party and sale this coming thursday! All the designers will be there and there will be food and drink and everything in the store will be at least 20% off!

Click here to enlarge

MAKE STUFF: the franken-jewellery swap

The Franken-Jewellery Swap

The Idea:

Bring all your neglected and unused jewellery, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and beads.
Throw it all in a pile with everyone else's unwanted treasures.
Then we take it all apart and make new amazing pieces to wear!

Why:

Because it is really fun.
And you can make one-of-a-kind gifts for the holidays that will charm everybody!

When:

Wednesday December 12th, 6pm-10pm

Where:

Keep Six Contemporary (K6C)

938 Bathurst
1 blk north of Bloor
about 5 mins walk north of Bathurst Subway Stn.

Contact Julia @ 647-999-7494 or parkgallery@gmail.com or rafi.projects@gmail.com with questions

Details:
Refreshments served

$5 donation to go towards the use of tools for all to share.

Feel free to bring your own tools too!

Bring your friends; the more the merrier at a swap!

CRAFT SHOW: m.a.d.e. in the wintertime

I finally made it out to my first m.a.d.e. show in the springtime and really enjoyed the unique combo of art and craft on offer at this bi-annual affair.

Next weekend’s show promises an opportunity to meet clothing designers, ceramicists, furniture designers, gallery artists, and other artisans, “who believe in a vision that speaks both to themselves as well as the end user, integrating both traditional techniques and modern technology to bridge the gap between art and function”.

The show will also feature an installation called The Commons – a collective project that aims to take art out of the gallery context and demonstrate how it can comfortably exist in our day-to-day lives. This time participating artists are invited to create a one-of-a-kind ornament, donating 20% of sales to a local charity that has direct impact on the artistic community.

Visit www.modernartdesignexhibit.com for more information on the show and participating vendors.

Click here to enlarge

CRAFT SHOW: Winter Craft Fair at Dufferin Grove Park

TCA Reader Lisa has organized a wonderful craft fair at Dufferin Grove Park. Here's the scoop!

We will be set up outside the rink building Sunday the 16th from 11 - 4.

There will be wonderful and wild hand-made goods this year including Woodworks, Knitwear, Glass designs, Print Work, Dolls, Cashmere Scarves, Buckskin creations brain-tanned by designer Dano, Revolution Wear featuring salvaged and found materials, Jewellery and more.

All are produced by non-professional crafters bringing great deals to you for the holiday season!

There will be hot drinks and food available from the Dufferin Grove kitchen, as well as Yasi's Place and Tim's crepes. The ice rink will be open too, so make it a fun-filled afternoon with the Dufferin Grove Park community!

This event has been added to the Toronto Craft Alert Event Calendar. Google Calendar users can add this event to their own calendar by clicking HERE!

CRAFT SHOW: Inspirations Studio Sale

It's not too late to get a little inspiration for your holiday gifts!

You are invited to
INSPIRATIONS STUDIO DECEMBER SALE
FRIDAY 7TH, SATURDAY 8TH, SUNDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2007
761 QUEEN ST WEST, (West of Bathurst St), SUITE # 201
416-367-2728

Inspirations is an innovative and award winning Community Economic Development Project that assists low income women with creating art based micro businesses. Our members create original ceramics, paintings and note cards.

We are also your premiere location for Gift Giving. If organizations are giving gifts to staff, volunteers, Boardmembers, conference speakers we can provide them with original customized products.

We are the place you can find Gifts that give Back to the Community!

CRAFT SHOW: Nanotacular II Holiday Trunk Show and Sale

This year, give the mall a holiday. Buy handmade at the Nanotacular II Holiday Trunk Show and Sale.

Nanopod: Hybrid Studio invites everyone to join them for their second-annual Nanotacular, a holiday trunk show and sale featuring handmade, limited-edition, and one-of-a-kind items from some of Toronto's craftiest artisans.

jewelry, fused glass buckles, hand-screened and drawn cards, letterpress gift tags, buttons, hand-screened tshirts, scarves, gift bags, hand-knit items, beautiful hand carved wooden utensils for baby, toys, felted items, and more!!

Opening with a special Friday-evening Trunk show soirée!

Opening Night Soiree!
Friday, December 7, 6 to 9 p.m.
enjoy up to 25% off select items while sipping fancy cocktails

*Nanotacular II Holiday Trunk Show and Sale*
Saturday, December 8, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
first 23 early birds receive special gift bags

Sunday, December 9, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
first 10 early birds receive special gift bags

nanopod: Hybrid Studio is located at:
322 Harbord Street
Toronto, ON M6G1H1
647 219 0585

This event has also been added to the Toronto Craft Alert Event Calendar. Google Calendar users can add this event to their own calendars.

GET SCHOOLED: new workshops at the sewing studio

1) Introductory Sewing Holiday Boot Camp

Beginning December 17th and ending Friday December 21st: The Sewing Studio will be hosting their first ever week-long BootCamp! Our seven-week (cumulative 14 hours of class) Introductory Sewing class has been condensed into one week, 3 hours a day Monday-Friday! The class time is 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and covers sewing basics, teaches invisible zipper installation, how to make a drawstring bag and best of all: how to sew a skirt using a commercial pattern!

This is the perfect gift for someone with time off over the holidays, especially students and soon-to-be high school grads interested in enrolling in a Fashion Design Program after high school! Thinking about Ryerson or George Brown? This is the perfect opportunity to get some experience!

2) Leather Workshop

Saturday December 15th and Sunday Dec. 16th 12:30-4:30.
In this two-day workshop you will learn hand sewing and machine techniques for working with leather. You will come away from the class with a your own stylish pair of moccasins, a zippered change purse, and personal patterns so that you can create them again at home. Please note: This workshop is two days long (Part 1 and Part 2), four hours each day, and the cost is $150 (leather and materials included).

3) Make your own Engineer Cap (Workshop)

Jealous of all those cool cats sporting their engineer caps? Call us, we can help! In this three-hour workshop you'll make your own custom cap leave in style.( Bring an extra $5 to $10 to cover the cost of the special brim and adhesive.)

Next workshop runs on Friday December 14th, from 6:30-9:30

EXHIBITION: joe & josephine @ MADE

I'm new to this collective & excited to check out their lovely looking work...

MADE introduces - Joe & Josephine
An installation by Joe & Josephine, December 13th to February 3rd 2008
Opening Reception Thurs. Dec. 13th 7-9PM
(Art, Design, Craft - a little bit of everything!)


Crochet Light by Caroline Arsenault and Heather Mcgaw (of J&J)

This self-titled exhibition by new design collective Joe & Josephine explores the small and sometimes overlooked areas of our homes. From the environment of a small room they present the most personal and meaningful of useful objects.

Joe & Josephine carefully distill the accumulation of the many things we keep. In the corner of a drawer, on a bedside table, or collecting dust on a ledge; no matter whether we toss it carelessly or place it tenderly, our "things" reveal much about who we are. Things contain our memories, histories, emotions and wishes and reveal our secrets as they sit silently. They believe that nearly forgotten, dust covered items or cluttered window sills or the corners of a room are trails to knowing someone. Any such venues in your home are a tiny personal gallery, of which you are both subject and unwitting curator.

Joe and Josephine is a collective that brings seven young designers together as they work across the disciplines of ceramics, fibre, industrial design and jewelry and printmaking. The recent graduates from Ontario College of Art and Design work together from a unique multi-disciplinary studio space. It allows them to teach, learn, inspire and collaborate with each other.


Branch Pin by Caroline Arsenault (of J&J)

They reject disposability in design and unite to consider human beings and their complex relationships with objects. Joe & Josephine took their name from Henry Dreyfuss who studied the limits and measurements of the human body. He created two fictional characters "Joe and Josephine" embodying the physical and psychological characteristics of every man and woman. The collective share their name and Dreyfuss' goal "to fill the gaps between human behaviour and design".

MADE
867 Dundas St. West, Toronto, ON M6J 1V6
P. 416.607.6384 E. info@madedesign.ca

CRAFT SHOW: Stitch'n'Kitsch

Crafty diva Erin from Anatomy of a Skirt sent in some info for Waterloo's popular holiday shopping soiree, Stitch'n'Kitsch!

The Stitch'n'Kitsch collective is putting on their third annual Winter Extravaganza craft show and sale, on December 15th from 11-7, at First United Church (corner of King and WIlliam sts, in Waterloo). Join us for the perfect day of holiday shopping; just in time! Our show features both collective members and extra-special guest artists!

Vendors include old favourites and exciting new artists, such as:
Handmade 'Em
Henry Ensley
Murray Fox
Wilk Designs
Nightjar Books
Anatomy of a Skirt
Banana Brand
Sarah Apple
Nesting Emily Pottery
Studioloo
This Little Bird
Jennifer Graham
Retrofit Knits
and many more!

Check out

http://www.stitchnkitsch.com/ for more info, and check out our gift guide ( www.stitchnkitsch.com/sales.html) for a sneak peek!

This event has also been added to the Toronto Craft Alert Event Calendar. Google Calendar users can add this event to their own calendars by clicking here.