sorauren park festival market

Major props to Emma who designed this entry form for the Sorauren Park Festival Market (isn't it lovely?). And kudos to the organizers for keeping the table prices so low!



Click here if you'd actually like to read the form (click enlarge button in bottom right corner).

opportunity for upcoming designers: toronto tonight

Received the following heads up from Toronto designer Amie Scott:

Hello There,

I wanted to let you know about a Toronto event that showcases up and coming Toronto designers. Toronto Tonight is a weekly event that takes place Monday nights at the Smiling Buddha Bar, 961 College st, just west of Dovercourt.

The events promoter, Don Joyce has contacted me, looking for more designers to show their work at his weekly fashion shows. I participated in the May 1 and May 8 events, and got some good pictures for my website, as well as a feature shot in Kwesi Selassie's upcoming music video!

If there are any designers who haven't done a big fashion show and are looking for some experience and exposure, you can contact Don at this email address:canadacareerarts@gmail.com

Good luck, Amie Scott

call for entry: fibreworks 06

Via Akimbo:

September 2 - October 15, 2006
Cambridge Galleries, Queen's Square
Jurors: Aggie Beynon, Heidi Overhill and Vessna Perunovich

Cambridge Galleries invite entries for the 2006 Fibreworks exhibition. Fibreworks is a biennial juried exhibition of Canadian fibre art that provides a premier national overview of current activity in the fibre art medium.

Fibreworks is open to Canadian artists. Eligible is any work wherein fibre is the principle element. All work must be made within the last two years and designed by the entrant. All works must be of a reasonable size and ready to install. Please submit digital images on CD-ROM (300 dpi jpeg images, 1800 x 1200 pixels/6 MG file size max.) or 35 mm slides only (maximum of three entries per artist). Each entry may be represented by up to three images showing overall views and details. All images must be clearly identified with the title of the piece and the name of the artist. Submitted slides/CDs will become the property of Cambridge Galleries as part of our cumulative archive of images of contemporary Canadian fibre art. Please include a brief statement describing each entry along with a current CV.

Deadline for entry: Friday, July 28, 2006.

All entrants must complete a Fibreworks Entry Form. Forms are available in the upcoming exhibitions section of our website at http://www.cambridgegalleries.ca or by contacting galleriesinfo@cambridgegalleries.ca or 519.621.0460.

Jurors Awards will be announced at the Opening Reception on Saturday, September 9, 2006 at 2:30 p.m.

Return Entries to:
Fibreworks
Cambridge Galleries
Queen's Square, 1 North Square
Cambridge, ON N1S 2K6

the streetknit project

Hot & muggy T.O. summertimes rarely inspire me to pick up my knitting needles (though admittedly I am a pretty slack knitter year round). But I may just have to get my sticks in gear this time to knit a scarf or three for the StreetKnit Project - an initiative that asks you knitters to "put your needles together and spend some time this summer knitting some warmth into a sweater, a hat, mittens, socks, or scarf to help keep someone warm this winter"

All of your fuzzy output will be donated to various homeless outreach programs in the Fall.

This project is apparently in its infancy, so check back at their website in a bit for updates re: participating programs. Contact them at streetknit@gmail.com for more info.

I've mentioned before that I would love to know about more "craftivist" projects happening around town - socially progressive initiatives that employ craft as a vehicle for social change. If you know of others, please comment or drop me a line.

ask crafty new Qs

Help these kids out by commenting on this post or dropping me a line. Thank yas.

x"Where can I buy oilcloth in Toronto?" - Terri

x"I'm trying to find classes to take in the art of fabric dying and painting, especially on velvet, silk and chiffon. Toronto or Mississauga location." - sam

x"I'll be visiting Toronto the week after this. Can anyone recommend the best fabric stores to visit?" - magpie & cake

ask crafty response: wire jewellery display & crewel embroidery wool

x I want to purchase a jewellery display from a local supplier, but I'm not sure where to go. The rack would be used to display necklaces for craft sales and show, and, ideally, would have a tree-like shape (where the necklaces would hang from the branches). I am hoping someone could tell me either where where I can purchase something like this, or where I could get one made. - Michelle

-Actually, I was at Ikea the other day, and they have these cute tree shaped wire thingies, that would probably work to hang jewlery off of. And they were like 7 bucks. The price alone makes it worth it.
-king display...on adelaide, west of spadina on the north west corner...they have those tree things you were talking about. across the street from king displays is another retail display store (can't remember the name of the store...starts with p) they have tons of things for jewelry. (Wm Prager http://www.wmprager.com/ is at 391 Adelaide)
-Toronto Jewellery Supply (T.J. Supply)- on Camden, just off Spadina. They're near the end on the south side. It's a bit weird and cluttered, but my parents used to send me there for all sorts of jewewllery and watch supplies.

x Any idea where I can find crewel embroidery wool in the city? I tried Romni on Queen without any success. Appleton brand would be ideal. - Megan

-I've been looking for Appleton crewel wool too, with very little luck. Someone suggested a place called Nimble Thimble on Yonge at Lawrence, but I haven't been able to get in touch with them because they were closed all this week. I think there are a few Canadian online stores that sell it too, but I'm still researching that.

[Any other tips for Megan, dear readers?]

play with vintage toys this sunday

TCA reader Heather thinks you kids might find inspiration (and feed your thrift/antique appetite) at the Toronto East Toyfest - taking place at the Scarborough Village Recreation Centre on Sunday May 28th from 9am - 3 pm. According to the Toronto.com entry, "This is an antique and collectible toy show where you will find a very wide variety of both used and new collectible toys for sale from the turn of the century to the present." Sounds awesome. And it's free! (A show you don't have to pay to shop at....I love it).

You'll find the Scarborough Village Recreation Centre at 3600 Kingston Road, on the south-east corner of Markham and Kingston. Phone 416-816-6560 for more info.

the dundas west arts building open house

An opportunity to peek inside some private art studios on Dundas West (starting today):

"From Friday May 26th to Sunday May 28th join 16 local artists as they open up the doors to their private studios and share with you a little piece of themselves. The Dundas West Arts Building Open House, located in the historic building at 2466 Dundas Street West, is an event no artist or art lover should miss."

Artists on parade: Visual artist and musician Jennifer Wardle; ceramic artist Ying-Yueh Chaung; figure painter Derek Birch; installation sculpture artist Samantha Brown; photographer Chris Nefs; crafts by El Toro; glass artist and silver smith Nadia Tasci (Tascidesigns); wood carvings by Ruth Arnold; photographs by Daniel James.

There's music too: Michael Holt/David Celia; 7/10 Split; The Black Hole; Granny’s Attic of the Mind; Toronto Low Art Ensemble; The All Girls Saxophone Duet, and the Parkdale Revolutionary Orchestra.

Friday May 26th, 2006 6-8 pm; Saturday May 27th, 2006 12-8 pm; Sunday May 28th, 2006 12-5 pm
2466 Dundas Street West (Bloor and Dundas West).
Opening night launch party: Friday May 26th at 9 pm, Mackenzie’s Bar and Grill 1729, Bloor Street West (Bloor and Keele/Parkside). No Cover, donations accepted.

free workshops for you (this saturday)

Perhaps my final post about Crafternoon Tea (this Saturday!) - but no promises:

Crafternoon Tea DIY Zone Demos & Mini-Workshop Schedule :
(times may change slightly)

All demos & workshops are FREE to Crafternoon Tea visitors.
Materials, tools and hand-out sheets are provided.

11:30am Easy Soap-making - simply. by amanda (workshop)
Amanda Montgomery (aka The Soap Chef) will teach the traditional cold-
process method of soapmaking, including an overview of oils, natural
colourants and useful tips - plus take home your own bar of 100% fair
trade, organic soap!

12:30am Bookbinding (paper craft) - Le Petit Pig (mini-workshop)
Paper artist Janet Chan will take participants through the basics of
traditional bookbinding - everyone will leave with their own tiny book.

1:15pm Intro. to Handspinning (yarn) - pleasurecraft fibre (workshop)
Yarn artisan Kristyn Woodfine will introduce the basics of how to spin
prepared wool fleece into your own custom yarn, using a tool with an
ancient design: the Drop Spindle.

2pm Beginner Cross-stitch - Crafty Like A Fox (workshop)
Craftista Christa Rowley will show participants essential cross stitching
techniques and discuss fabric, stitches and problems that may arise for
beginners. Everyone will get to try it out by stitching their initials with a
pattern provided. If time allows, Christa may also do an interactive rug-
hooking demo.

2:45pm Textile Art - Hillary Webb (demo)
Artist Hillary Webb will show visitors how to create natural dyes from their
own backyards and kitchens. Plus a demonstration of how she creates
one of a kind textile art pieces using waxed naturally dyed fabric, hand
embroidery and embellishment.

3:45pm Beginner Sewing: How to make an easy tote bag (demo)
Watch Sew Be It Studio's seasoned instructors demonstrate step-by-step
how an easy tote bag is constructed - this project is perfect for
the stylish beginner sewer. Take home the instruction sheet
and try it at home yourself!

4:30pm Easy Jewellery-making - White Lotus Design (earrings 101 workshop)
Learn the basics of jewellery making with designer Edina Racz. In this
simple earring workshop, participants will make 2 pairs of fabulous
everyday earrings using quick & simple beginner level techniques.

oh rozaneh! (sale this sunday)

Always an awesome find or three at this sale. It's catching on, so get there early for the hot gear...

ROZANEH VINTAGE CLOTHING AND TEXTILES Invites you to the 3rd studio sale for preferred customers and thier friends.

This Sunday: May 28th from 11am to 6pm
Location: 183 Bathurst Street (just north of Queen, on the East side,Downstairs)

Over 300 new items since the last sale including: new worn cotton '50s dresses, PowerBall gear, Linens, Jewelry and all the usual. (Oh, and designer scarves)

Contact 416.703.6818 with any inquires.

See you Sunday!

************************
This just in:

Haley of Knit-o-matic has this message for knitters, who should express their interest in the yarns in order to ensure their availability at the aforementioned sale:

RozanehVintage Clothing also has stash, PILES of high quality vintage yarns. All the yarn has been beautifully preserved (they know textiles). Contact Marilyn at 416.703.6818 if you are interested.

This is what I spied with my little eye last time I was there: -100% french angora- kid mohair - wools- mohair- rovings- cotton- "briggs & little"- "anny blatt"- "pingouin"- "charles something-or-other"- other fancy french brands- fancy summer yarns - grosgrain ribbon

it's that time of year again....

Major scores are to be had at the Textile Museum's More than Just a Yardage Sale. I got there a bit too late last year but still managed to pick up some quality fabrics for reasonable prices, plus some 1940s-70s vintage Needlework mags and vintage sewing patterns for a quarter a piece.

Here's what they have to say about it:

"Created and run by the Museum's volunteers, the sale is a bonanza for textile aficionados and a major fundraiser, now in its eleventh year. Shoppers will have their pick of an eclectic mix of yardages, yarns, vintage oddments and a wild variety of patterns, quilt fabrics and notions."

Friday May 26 (11:00 am - 6:00 pm) and Saturday May 27 (10:00 am - 1:00 pm)

DIY kicks

Man, I had just stumbled across a link to Rotering Shoes, an incredible-looking shoemaking workshop, and then TCA reader Anne forwarded me an email from owner Sarah Rotering announcing the fact that it's closing up shop this summer. What a bummer - DIY cobbling is where it's at - especially in this city, where shoe shopping frankly sucks (anyone care to prove me wrong? Pretty please do!). Here's a note about their final workshop - act fast as classes are teensy:

Hello! Rotering Shoes will be closing its doors this August. Before that happens, I'll be offering a final round of introductory shoemaking classes.

The project for this class is to design and fully create a pair of mules or slides. You will learn the basics of designing on the last, creating and cutting a pattern, skiving and stitching leather, lasting, and applying the outsole. At the end of the course you will have designed and made yourself a pair of beautiful, wearable shoes.

If you are interested, please contact me and I will add you to the list, and explain payment. You may phone (416-596-9854) or email.

Please look over the following schedules and see if any of the dates are convenient for you.

EVENING CLASSES

Starting Wednesday May 31, 6-9pm
Wed June 7, 6-9pm
SATURDAY June 10, 11-3pm (Please note: this is not a Wednesday eve!)
Wed June 14, 6-9pm
Wed June 21, 6-9pm
Wed June 28, 6-9pm

WEEK-LONG INTENSIVE CLASSES
These take place Monday to Friday, during daylight hours.
June 12- 16, 10-4pm
July 3-7,10-4pm
July 17-21, 10-4pm

Each class costs $575, which includes all tools and materials. A deposit of $175 is needed to hold your place. Classes are comprised of four people, and if fewer than three register, a class may be cancelled.

Thank you, and have a happy shoemaking summer!

city-wide fabric tour

As part of its latest crop of workshops, Sew Be It Studio is offering a textile tour – an awesome opportunity to get acquainted with Toronto’s fabric shops (danger danger), and also to learn a thing or two about the fabrics themselves. (See here more workshops).

Check it out:

”This summer we are offering a fun and exciting excursion for fabric fanatics. Come shop for fabric with us on our Fabric Tour of Toronto. During this group outing we will visit and shop at Toronto’s best textile and fabric shops. Whether your interest is fashion, home décor, quilting or accessories, this tour offers something for everyone. There will be loads of information about fabric properties; what works well and what doesn’t; how to buy fabric and notions; there will be group discounts at many of our destinations, and an inspiring group of creative individuals. Receive expert advice, take advantage of our experiences, have your questions answered and never get lost in the world of textiles again!

Date: Saturday, June 10, 2006
Time: 10am – Till we drop! (A full day, wear comfortable shoes!)
Price: $25 RSVP at 416-481-7784

We are only accepting a maximum of 10 guests. Space is still available, sign up today.”

dress-up party thursday may 18

In the very first Craft Alert/dispatch I mentioned the Consistent Variable Project, an initiative of Montreal-based designer Clayton Evans where participants are given the same set of materials and have one month to concoct whatever they are inspired to. This past winter, as part of Consistent Variable Project: Trial 2, 13 kits were mailed out accross Canada.
They contained the following:

2m white cotton fabric
1m bright yellow gingham
White sewing thread
A selection of metal fasteners (snaps, hooks and eyes)
A fuzzy white car polishing mitt
Red latex gloves
Blue dye
White embroidery thread
A bag of brightly coloured beads
Stainless steel wire
A clear PVC dish mat
A silver and red cooler bag
Two black permanent markers

The results of this project - some pictured here (Hanging by Zeesy Powers, Dress by Noor Salma Merali), can be seen at I AM A WILD PARTY an event happening this Thursday at the Toronto Free Gallery. This party is hosted by terminus1525.ca and marks the launch of not only CVP: Trail 2, but also The Game Show, a playful online collaboration of emerging Canadian artists curated by Daniel Barrow, and the second edition of WORN Fashion Journal (a really cool montreal-based publication very much worth checking out).

Here's the scoop on the party:

"You are invited to I AM A WILD PARTY, Toronto – an evening of new fashion creations, publications,performance and musical treats. ...Come on out in your hottest dancing shoes and sharpest threads to meet local designers and artists. Hilarious MC, Lex Vaughn, will open the doors at 8pm at the Toronto Free Gallery. Play interactive drawing games, see live painting by Tonik Rockonski & Shaun Dhani, a performance by Zeesy Powers (9pm) and rock out to tunes spun by DJs Kids and Explosions, Parallel Park."

Toronto Free Gallery, 660 Queen Street East
Thursday, May 18th, 2006, 8pm-11pm

best idea ever award: haircuts by children

I am way too insane about my hair to submit to this, but encourage you all to get Haircuts by Children, an initiative of performance artists Mammilian Diving Reflex.

"Haircuts by Children is a whimsical relational performance that playfully engages with the enfranchisement of children, trust in the younger generation, and the thrills and chills of vanity. We will engage Grade 5/6 students from Parkdale Public School who will offer free haircuts to members of the public. Haircuts by Children will take place in hair salons across Toronto from noon to 4pm on May 6, 13, and 20, culminating in a two-day performance on May 27 and 28, 2006 at Harbourfront Centre's Milk International Children's Festival of the Arts."

Call 416.703.5491 to book your free appointment or just drop by to watch.

For a more in depth understanding of what they are trying to do here, or to view participating salons, visit this page.

crafternoon tea in full effect: may 27

I have been talking (emailing, blogging) everyone's ear off about the spring version of Crafternoon Tea coming up on May 27th, and will continue to do so until all of you kids get yer asses to the show. Toronto Craft Alert will be there avec mini booth complete with buttons, flyers, and hopefully a cutie craft zine for the grabbing. Come by and say hey.

A couple of quickies before I get to the meat of this post:

x If any of you have flyers for a craft-related event or initiative you would like to promote, feel free to drop by the TCA booth during the day and leave some, or you can send them to me in advance if you won't be making the show (email me for my address).
x A reminder to those who were thinking of submitting a "how-to" for the zine: the deadline is this Saturday May 13th.

So what's this Crafternoon Tea, you ask? Here's what you need to know:

Crafternoon Tea - Spring Edition (aka CT2)
Saturday May 27th, 2006
11am - 6pm
Bellefair United Church, 2002 Queen St. East (in 'The Beach')

WHAT: A hip craft & fashion market, how-to hive and charity tea-room all in one!
Expect over 40 local craftista-designers selling their limited edition merch at wallet-friendly prices (lots under $30). Spunky handcrafted jewellery & accessories, orignal artwork, quirky-sweet clothing, paper goods, organic soaps and lots more cool stuff.
PLUS: a stellar raffle, discount craft supply & fabric zone and sweet eats at the gourmet tea-room - all for charity - plus free DIY workshops & demos.

Admission is by donation - please bring $2 or art supplies for the targeted charities: Scarborough Women's Centre, SKETCH & Yard Sale for the Cure.
For more info and vendors pix, visit: www.nathalie-roze.com

Interested in volunteering, sponsoring or contributing in some way?
If you'd like to donate your time, unwanted craft supplies/fabric, baking expertise or new craft/fashion or beauty products (for prizes) to help support CT2's targeted charities, please contact Nathalie-Roze at: info@nathalie-roze.com

canada day craft fair

An invitation to sell your wares on July 1st:

"This year PUMPED! is proud to be organizing all the sponsors, exhibitors and vendors for the 9th annual CANADA DAY CELEBRATION which is held at Downsview Park. It will be the largest Canada Day festival ever, as we are expecting over 70,000 people all with free admission. The event will feature concerts, rides, a midway, games, fireworks show, and much more. This year, we have added a FULL ARTISAN VILLAGE for Canadian crafts and goods. Check out the event at http://www.ocanadaday.ca/This is a general invitation to all who are interested to display and sell their crafts and merchandise. It is a one day event, from 11am to 11pm (with setup beginning at 8am)."

Please contact Gavin Ebedes via email at gavin@pumped.ca or at 905-415-3643 ext. 2# for more info.

ask crafty Qs

You know the drill: If you can help these ladies out, comment here or email me your advice.

x I want to purchase a jewellery display from a local supplier, but I'm not sure where to go. The rack would be used to display necklaces for craft sales and show, and, ideally, would have a tree-like shape (where the necklaces would hang from the branches). I am hoping someone could tell me either where where I can purchase something like this, or where I could get one made. - Michelle
x Any idea where I can find crewel embroidery wool in the city? I tried Romni on Queen without any success. Appleton brand would be ideal. - Megan

ask crafty: wool felt, japanese craft books, soldering, and overdyeing sweater stains

Thanks all for your answers to the last batch of ask crafty questions. Another few await your tips above...

x"Where can one find wool felt in the city?" – Tara

-Elusive wool felt!* Apparently Designer Fabric Outlet on Queen West at Brock carries it by the yard. This isn't a confirmed source tho', a little old italian lady on College told me this. If you get there before me, check up on the second floor. [I called – they only have brown, and something called “melton wool” – a wool-poly blend that’s slightly thicker (dark green and navy only)]
-The Wool House (438 Queen Street West) carries wool felt for $12.50/yard in light and dark colours (no pinks but some light blues and greens, apparently).

*[I hear that fabric places don't carry wool felt because it tends to be quite expensive and so people don't often buy it. Y'all may want to start requesting it and following up with purchases if you rilly rilly want it. But be warned, market value is over $20/yard...]

x"Where in Toronto can I find Japanese Craft Books? I've seen some (ribbon-related) Japanese craft books at Mokuba ribbon shop on Queen West at Portland. Is there anything else? I'm looking for Japanese crochet books" –Indigo

-I haven't yet seen J-crochet, but there are fashion and sewing mags at Little Tokyo on Augusta in Kensington Market. Other places to check would be Sanko on Queen West, which has some magazine, but they might just be general interest...
-Try Things Japanese on Harbord street
-Try ordering one at your local independent bookstore! Book City orders tons of craft books from publishers around the world - most have distribution in Canada. Most prices aren't bad - of course, it does depend on obscurity (one should probably expect to pay between $20-30).
-Also try http://www.abebooks.com - this is essentially a database of used and rare booksellers and their inventories, lots of Toronto booksellers use it so shipping wouldn't even be necessary. Out of curiosity I just entered a 'keyword' search for 'japanese crochet' and it brought up a few listings.
-Other online possibilities:
Yesasia (who are offering free shipping worldwide on orders of $25 or more until the end of June, according to Crafting Japanese)
Amazon Japan (search by ISBN)
Kitty Craft
-Tania and I have been working with the Japan Foundation Librarian to get some J-craft books into their collection. Stay tuned for an update on this situation.

x"I am trying to find out more information on how to solder; I make jewelry and REALLY wanted to add that to some of my styles but NO idea what it entails. Is there a simple variation of this technique?" – Viki

-For simple soldering jobs, pick up a soldering gun at most hardware stores or T.J. Supply (Toronto Jewellery) on Camden St. - just off of Spadina, south of Queen. You basically just plug it in, wait for it to heat up, then 'touch' metal surfaces with the solder to fuse - somewhat the same concept as a glue gun, only with hot metal.
-For soldering, I find that Craftster has some info and examples, particularly the "picture frame" pendants that are soldered. Not sure if this is the type of thing you're after, but check out Craftster and do a search for soldering.
-I'd google for some FAQs to begin. Then check out the Toronto District School Board for evening or weekend classes. If you want to talk to someone about it, try Made You Look at Queen West @ Brock. It's a jewellery collective, people rent benches and sell their stuff on consignment.
-The Devil’s Workshop (a teensy and neat-o new work/shop on Queen West) may also be able to offer you guidance or classes.

x"I just ruined a beautiful vintage sweater with indelible stains... stupid stupid, but I didn't really love the colour to begin with, so I'm thinking about dyeing it... any suggestions? It's all wool." - Day

-I found a tutorial online about "overdying" wool. (Apparently "overdying"refers to dying something that has already been dyed once ie: you're not starting out with a white garment). Check out the instructions at http://www.neauveau.com/dyeingyarn.html (scroll down to the middle of thepage titled "how to overdye already dyed wool with koolaid"). I'm sure if you can do it with kool-aid, you can probably use other kinds of dye too. Actually, i think "romni" at queen & tecumseh sells wool dye.
-Dyeing - I'd say koolaid, as long as it's animal fibres. Koolaid allows you to overdye, but that works best with the stronger colours - reds and purples. And then dye a wool sock in a contrasting colour/flavour, make a felt flower on it and stick it onto the stain!
-If all else fails, try making a cute little applique with fabric or felt tocover the boo-boo. Even if it's in a random spot it could still look good. Or sew on a few little appliques (flowers or birds?) all over the sweater and it will look like they're there on purpose.

mini-dispatch

Lots to report on today so I’ll do a little digest thingie.

1. Ontario Crafts Council's Business Conference: Building Your Successful Craft Career
2. IT HAPPENS HERE: OCAD Graduate Exhibition
3. Hot deals on fabric and sewing machines
4. Open Call to Artists– "Bloom" The Bluffs Gallery, Scarborough


1. Building Your Successful Craft Career Conference
------------8<---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Building Your Successful Craft Career includes presentations and workshops tailored to meet the needs of craftspeople in every phase of their careers. It is a forum that encourages presenters to discuss the important issues that concern you today and share their professional experience and knowledge with you in an intimate setting.”

2006 Conference
Saturday, June 3, 2006
Ontario College of Art & Design
100 McCaul Street, Toronto, Ontario

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS FRIDAY, MAY 5TH (that's tomorrow!)

For workshop and presentation details visit www.craft.on.ca/events

To register, or for more information, contact Deborah Kirkegaard at 416-925-4222 ext. 224 or dkirkegaard@craft.on.ca


2. IT HAPPENS HERE: OCAD Graduate Exhibition
------------8<---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out what these emerging craftstars are up to at the OCAD Grad show this weekend.

Students work in all areas of art and design including drawing and painting, photography, sculpture/installation, ceramics, printmaking, jewellery, textiles, integrated media, advertising, illustration, graphic design, industrial design, and environmental design. Visitors also have the opportunity to see demonstrations in printmaking, ceramics, jewellery and textiles, and purchase select student work.

Ontario College of Art & Design
Main Campus, 100 McCaul Street, Toronto
Friday May 5th – Sunday May 7th
(11am-6pm)
Admission: Pay what you can

3. Hot deals on fabric and sewing machines
------------8<---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Siphoned these tips from Nathalie-Roze’s DIY Style Column in the Star (where she has kindly plugged the Alert today – ow ow):

“Lunatic deals at Fabricland: The Buy One, Get 2 (metres) Free sale is in full force at Fabricland locations until May 15. Visit fabricland.ca.
This is the shopping cue for anyone making their own prom or wedding dress or just a fab excuse for crafty folk who always have a project on the go. Don't snooze and miss out on this super deal.

Sewing World: Located at 3003 Danforth Ave. at Victoria Park Ave., has a phenomenal deal on select Janome sewing machines — just $198 for a limited time (regular price $498) with a 17-year warranty. Ask for Theresa, the owner who is super-friendly and completely in-the-know about all things sewing. Each new machine sold includes three free beginner sewing lessons. Call 416-699-7119 or see sewingmachine.ca.”

4. Open Call to Artists– "Bloom"
------------8<---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Open Call to Artists– "Bloom"
Scarborough Arts Council Members’ Exhibition at The Bluffs Gallery June 8 – 27, 2006

“In keeping with the Scarborough Arts Council’s beautiful grounds and commitment to the environment artists are asked to contribute work that explores the theme “Bloom.”

Visual artists may submit up to two works and crafts people no more than five. Pieces must be dropped off at the gallery ready for hanging with an accompanying list specifying titles, media, sizes and prices.

Deadline: June 2. Though we will try to accommodate as much work as possible, please e-mail programs@scarborougharts.com ASAP to confirm your participation and number of pieces, as it will be first-come-first-served. Artist drop-off will be from June 5-7.

For more information please contact Nina Leo at programs@scarborougharts.com or 416-698-7322.”

new store on the block: nathalie-roze and co.

Spring fever (of the crafty vs. libidinous variety) seems to be in full swing – with new and exciting craft boutiques and initiatives cropping up all over the place. I am pleased to announce the upcoming opening of nathalie-roze & co., an indie boutique and DIY studio in Leslieville this June.

In case the name didn’t tip you off, this a project by local designer, Toronto Star/Metro columnist and Crafternoon Tea founder Nathalie-Roze Fischer. The shop will “serve as a base for her own collections, [and] will also showcase quirky-cool wearables produced by other indie crafter-designers. And, the space will double as the long-term venue for Hive Studios, a creative hub for N-R's crafty workshops and other DIY-related happenings.”

N-R invites you to partake in this exciting initiative:

“If you're an unconventional crafter/designer/artisan who'd like to be considered for inclusion in this project as a consignment vendor, co-op member or workshop instructor, please send a blurb re: what you do/make and some pix to: info@nathalie-roze.com”

the clothing show

As I’m sure some of you are aware, this weekend is The Clothing Show, where the Automotive Building at Exhibition Place is converted into a vintage, samples, and local designer shopping extravaganza. Many friends of the Alert will be there – go check ‘em out.

What you need to know:

Automotive Building, Exhibition Place
May 6 & 7, 2006
Saturday 11am-8pm
Sunday 11am-6pm
Admission $8
Show Info 416.516.9859, www.theclothingshow.com

Toronto Craft Alert & Church of Craft call for submissions

So TCA and Church of Craft T.O. are scheming to put together a crafty zine to have on offer at the Crafternoon Tea show taking place on May 27th (more on that later).

We are seeking submissions for said zine, which will largely be a how-to booklet for a variety of small craft projects. If you have any simple projects to share (or something else crafty you want to get off of your chest), kindly email me a little write-up by May 13th. Any kind of contribution you could make would be much appreciated.

The zine will involve some basic hand stitching and assembly, so if anyone feels like helping out with that, let me know.

Hope to hear from some of you soon!