ALL CAPS: last minute vendor opp

This from ALL CAPS (all ages indie music thingie):

Helloooo Crafters of Toronto!

The holidays are coming, and in the spirit of giving, sharing, and extra pocket money, ALLCAPS are putting on a crafternoon!

The Where: It all goes down at the Whipper Snapper Gallery, at the corner of College and Clinton.

The When: This will be taking place the day of our December show, December 10th.
Set up at 3, doors open 4pm and will run through the show allowing folks to browse your wares 'tween bands.

Come 7pm, local sweethearts OHBIJOU and HENRI FABREGE AND THE ADORABLES will be delighting all with musical goodness!

The Details: There will be a small fee for table space, to be paid the day of.
Space is limited, and we are tables are given on a first come first serve basis.

To secure a table, email shamelesspromo@gmail.com with the following:

1. your name
2. a brief description of what it is you do, and what you'll be selling
3. anything else you think we should know

Thanks, and hope to see you all out!

ALL CAPS
http://www.allcaps.com/
www.myspace.com/ohbijou
www.myspace.com/hfab

clasp: independent jewellery design collective

I remember Nicole mentioning her intention of forming a meetup for artisans to share skills, ideas, engage in projects, and just generally to bust out of the isolation of their studios and connect with other likeminded folk. So happy to see this come together....

Newly formed CLASP reveals its wears

Formed in the early fall of 2006, CLASP is a group of female jewellery artisans both established and emerging looking for a free forum for the exchange of ideas. To launch CLASP members are having their first annual Holiday Show and Sale.

CLASP is the brainchild of Nicole Kagan of Sneeki Design. She first had the idea of creating a community of like-minded female artisans that would get together on a monthly basis to exchange information, design ideas, work space, and materials. Also important was that the group look at donating some of their time and materials to the community. It is the intention of CLASP to perform and instruct workshops in the different and diverse areas of jewellery design to children hospitals, women’s shelters and youth organizations.

The launch is to be held at Toronto’s newest Fusion restaurant SAIGON SISTER. The setting and will be truly unique. The space is inviting to socialize, all the while being surrounded by beautiful and unique pieces of jewellery. All of the artisans will be on hand at the sale. Visitors have the opportunity to meet the designers, learn about the materials used in each piece and inspired the design. The CLASP Holiday Jewellery Show and Sale promises to be one of the unique holiday craft shows this season. Designers include Sneeki Design, Nicole Merei, White Lotus, Jeelee Joolery, Natorious Designs, Shannon Hazell and Kimberly Purtell.

CLASP Holiday Jewellery Show and Sale will be held on Sunday December 17th, 2006, 12pm
SAIGON SISTER, 774 YONGE Street - 2nd Floor (Yonge and Bloor). Admission is FREE

CRAFT SHOW: dufferin grove park winter craft sale

something for the west-enders: come out and brave the weather and meet local artisans who will be selling their crafts under the new market awnings around the rinkhouse in dufferin grove park.

the park is located across from the Dufferin mall, just south of Bloor and on the east side of Dufferin.

spins & needles in t.o.

Exciting stuff - Ottawa's Spins & Needles Craft & DJ night hits the Gladstone in December!

Here's the lowdown:

Date: Sunday December 10th
Time: 7 p.m. onwards
Location: Gladstone Hotel : Art Bar (1214 Queen St. W.)
Cover: $8 before 9 p.m. | $10 after 9 p.m.
19+, http://spinsandneedles.com

Get crafty + creative while listening to funky beats when Ottawa's Spins & Needles Craft + DJ Night comes to Toronto for the first time. For all creative types, who want to work on projects, bounce ideas off one another, hear some funky music, and get their drink on.

Dive into the craft bins, bring your own art/craft project, or using the materials provided work on featured projects:
-DIY plush monsters
-hip holiday stockings
-tile drink coasters.

Funky beats provided by:
-Jason P. (Ottawa/spins & needles/stay house!/techcetera/ http://www.myspace.com/jasonskilz)
-Kris Steeves (Toronto/ http://www.krissteeves.com)
-Raul Vargas (Toronto/ http://dowhatchagotta.com)

*About Spins & Needles*
Created in 2005 and based in Ottawa, Canada, Spins & Needles is an independent, monthly craft night and music night bringing together creative types to work on projects, share ideas, have a few drinks andlisten to some funky beats from local area DJs. It has been recognized locally, nationally and internationally. In addition to the Craft + DJ Night, other spin-off events include the monthly Disco Bingo Night at Shanghai Restaurant (Ottawa), craft sales, various workshops, plus afterhours installments at the National Gallery and Canadian Museum of Civilization.

For more info or to join the mailing list to find out about other spin-off events in Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and elsewhere, e-mail spinsandneedles@gmail.com or check out http://www.spinsandneedles.com.

alternative xmas stocking art show

Via instant coffee:

katalogue.ca is looking for submissions for its annual alternative xmas stocking art show! interested artists/craftspeople should email propaganda@katalogue.ca by december 3rd to confirm your participation
and the stockings should be dropped off saturday december 9th, before 3pm for hanging.

we are looking for creative takes on the traditional stocking- stripes, spiders, bling, plushy, cute and creepy, whatever you can conceive, just describe your concept in the contact email- nothing offensive, but it takes a lot to offend us, so that said....The pieces will be shown at supermarket, 268 augusta from december 9th to january 7th, and will be on sale with a small curatorial commission.

Get stitching!!
The Annual Alternative XXXmas Stocking Show
December 9th to January 7th
Supermarket
268 Augusta Ave.
propaganda@katalogue.ca

We are also looking for artists who are looking for a solo show in 2007- send jpgs of your work, and an artists statement to contact@katalogue.ca. We are booking the walls now!

planning ahead: part deux

we listed a few craft workshops with a holiday theme earlier this month, and now with fewer and fewer days left to cross gifts off your list and memories of christmas eves past frantically finishing those hand-made gifts you wished you had started earlier... here are a couple holiday themed workshops that may unleash your inner elf:

a reminder that Sew be it Studio is hosting a midnight madness make-a-thon, this Saturday December 2, from 7pm - Midnight
Workshop is free with donation to the food bank or a new unwrapped toy for the CHUM Christmas Wish (Or $10 without donation)
RSVP at 416-481-7784 or info@sewbeitstudio.com

the Devil's Workshop will be a regular little north pole, with jewellery-making workshops every saturday afternoon until Christmas Eve! (and Sarah says that even if you can't stay for a workshop, you should still stop by for some egg nog - a nice treat if you're power shopping in West Queen West)

making room

In a fabulous 30,000 square foot open space, a weekend-long-event featuring major works by over 50 established and emerging artists. Coming together in an explosive artist driven spirit, these artists share an ambition to interact with this amazing space, surely one of the largest rooms in Toronto outside of the CNE grounds. Works address notions of scale, architecture, gatherings, celebration and beauty.

"Making Room for you, making room for me, making room for more, making room for bigger, stronger, sassier, sexier, making room for sculpture, installation, performance, newmedia, making room for music, video, drawing and painting, making room for Dorkbot, making room for eating and drinking beer and exchanging ideas, fan mail, phone numbers and manifestos…"

Music
Saturday December 2, beginning at 7PM sharp:
Darbazi (Georgian Choir)
John Kameel Farah (NOW pianist of the year)
Interrobang
The Last Word Trio

ONE WEEKEND ONLY!
Saturday December 2, 2006, 11AM – 11PM, Performances begin at 7 PM sharp
Sunday December 3, 12 – 5 PM
Vernissage, Saturday Dec. 2, 6-9 PM

Location: 224 Wallace Ave., 2nd Floor. One block west of Lansdowne, North of Bloor, south of Dupont

Admission: suggested donation $5.00

contact Heather Nicol for further information, or to arrange an interview and preview of the space and plans. (416) 948-6931

leslieville holiday wanderlust

This Thursday night from 6-10pm a bunch of Leslieville galleries, restaurants & shops (including purveyors of handmade goodness nathalie-roze & co., Eye Spye, and the spanking new Damzels Doll Factory) are open late, serving drinks and sweet treats, and offering up special holiday deals. This night marks the launch of the Damzels/Doll Factory store, and there will be free festive crafting going down in the nathalie-roze & co. studio (as well as a 20% discount on everything in the store).

Check out the website for more info on the event.

Edited to add:

There's a bit of a big box vs. small retailer political dimension happening in relation to this event. This is a little excerpt from a Toronto Star article by Kim Izzo (Nov. 25, 2006 available here).

Andrew Wyatt, who runs http://www.eastendnoise.com, a neighbourhood website that helps promote the event, says one major benefit to doing holiday shopping in his part of town is that, "you ensure you'll have greater variety and a one-of-a-kind experience."

He makes the case for the "little guy" who runs his or her store in this trendy 'hood where evidence has been mounting that a developer has his eye and wallet on a stretch of Eastern Ave. to open a power centre.

The neighbourhood opposition has been huge, says Wyatt, and local businesses are rallying to the street's defence. The Holiday Wanderlust event will attempt to show that the intimacy of on-street shopping is superior to the frenzy of big box consumerism, particularly at this time of year. Wyatt is also convinced the independent retailers have more variety in their offerings than big box centres. "By shopping locally you help keep the variety," he says.

crafty. sexy. cool.

Submission Call for Kinky Craftsters and Indie Artists!

1st ANNUAL TORONTO EROTIC ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR

A one-of-a-kind sexy fair just in time for Valentine's Day. Knitters, crafters, zinesters, card makers, and artists of all types will be creating erotic objects for this one day celebration of DIY sex and romantic culture.

Where: Gladstone Hotel

When: Saturday February 10, 2007 12-5pm

Submission deadline: December 12, 2006

For more details and on line artist submission forms visit :www.eroticartsandcrafts.com

A Come As You Are Event, co-sponsored by NOW Magazine and The Gladstone Hotel

OCADeau

Whether for gifts for the holidays or just to check out what those crazy art school kids (& associates) are up to, it's definitely worth swinging by OCAD over the next week to visit the Material Art and Design (MAAD) Holiday Sale (this Mon. - Wed.) and the Book Arts Fair (next Sunday). I attended the Book Arts Fair last year and there were some amazing handprinted/pressed books & prints there as well as fun & lovely papercraft supplies. And I know for a fact that there are MAAD students out there making some super cutie stuff as well.

Here's what you need to know:

MAAD Holiday Sale
hand-crafted ceramic, metal (jewelery) and fibre gifts

Monday Nov. 27- Wed Nov. 29th, 11-8 daily

in the lobby of 100 McCaul Street

OCAD's 22nd annual Book Arts Fair

handmade artis's books, prints, papers & ephemera
December 3rd, 10am-5pm
in the Great Hall, 1000 McCaul Street

Claudine wrote the following in the comments of an older craft fair post, and I thought I would bump it up to a proper post to be sure it gets read. Please respond to Claudine at the address provided if you are interested in supporting her initiative.

Hello there! I am looking for a place or shop I can use to do fundraising for a charity.
I only need a day or two if necessary I will tend to the sales myself. The Canadian Helen Keller for the Deaf Blind is the charity I am volunteering my handmade crafts for the christmas season.www.chkc.org/main/index.html is their website to learn more about their services.

I am visual and hearing impaired myself as well as being a client I also volunteer part-time at the centre. I have hand painted christmas ball decorations, potpourri, cat toys, jewellery and boxes.
If you know someone who has a space to spare or a shop who can help out this great organization. I also will supply a table and brochures to also bring awareness to the local community. I will bring as well an assistant to help with information and sales.

I will need a place between the 2nd of December and the 20th 2006.

Thanks so much
My contacts are stellamgartist@yahoo.com

CRAFT SHOW PROFILE: One of a Kind highlights

I spent 7 hours at the One of a Kind show and sale on saturday, and it still didn't feel like enough time to take it all in! There are over 700 exhibitors, and I barely had time to jog through the whole room. I will definitely be using my return pass this week.

Here were some of my favourites that I recommend checking out. If you were there and saw something or someone else that deserves a special mention, leave a comment! I've indicated the booth #, and here's a map of the show.

home decor & art
H-24 www.wishfern.com
H-22 www.waringworks.ca
V-24 www.northwoodblanket.com
L-35 www.dearbettydesigns.com
X-35 www.kosoyandbouchard.com

U-27 allison moz pottery
V-44 www.liscious.com
T-23 www.bookhou.com
P-31 http://www.linesbydavis.com
X-22 www.kellective.com
I-8 http://www.flakescards.com
J-33 www.tsunamiglassworks.com

clothing & accessories
J-51 www.karenwilson.ca
S-48 www.jacqs-hats.com
Q-50 www.lilikoiclothing.com
H-49 www.littlebrownwren.ca
B-35 www.pricklypear.biz
R-24 www.wildhagenwear.com
B-44 www.jackandmarjorie.com
F-5 www.yasminelouis.com
V-57 www.dujoo.com
T-56 www.thisisj.com
G-56 www.mollyandjune.com
R-44 www.greenbaumclothingco.com
V-29 www.onandon.ca
V-23 www.truthbelts.com
O-22 www.rufhaus.ca

jewelry
R-7 www.erintracydesigns.com
L-31 www.bikodesigns.ca
G-30 www.imooi.com
S-38 www.isabeldesy.com

kids' stuff
R-29 www.monkeybusinessclothing.com
G-52 www.themonkeyhouse.ca
G-8 www.themonsterfactory.ca
I-51 www.babymagoo.com
Y-48 www.fixeight.ca
I-6 www.lumieredesign.ca
U-6 www.opendoordesigns.ca

affordable art for the holidays

for those gifts you won't be making by hand for this year's holiday season, you could buy some at one of toronto's numerous indie craft fairs and gallery shows, and there is also give a little at magic pony.
this year Magic Pony's annual holiday show features a collection of miniature work & holiday ornaments from a broad range of artists and designers.

local talents include Trudie Cheng, Michael Comeau, Derrick Hodgson, Chris Hutsul, Melinda Josie, Monster Factory, Seth Scriver, Team Macho, Aaron Leighton, Steve Manale, Jordan MacDonald, Noel Middleton, Andrew Pommier, Zeesy Powers, Tania Sanhueza, Brandon Steen, and others.

TCA craft table at RADIO OPERA

Fun news guys:

Toronto Craft Alert is taking part in RADIO OPERA: A Benefit Concert for CARE Canada hosted by former MuchMusic VJ Hannah Sung and featuring The Constantines, Jason Collett, comedian Sabrina Jalees and DJ Rory Them Finest. We have put together a fabulous little craft table to pump up the fundraising efforts for humanitarian aid organization CARE Canada and its newest youth initiative, YouthCARE.

Proceeds from crafty sales will go towards CARE-led youth peace-building projects in East Timor. The following generous & talented makers have donated their wares for the show:

bookhou design
Coldnap Bindery
Damned Dollies
Izik Levy
Nathalie-Roze
SLO

RADIO OPERA, an all-ages show, will take place at Lee's Palace (529 Bloor Street West) on December 2nd at 2pm (doors 1:30). Advance tickets are currently on sale through Ticketmaster, Rotate This and Soundscapes for $16, or $20 at the door.

Come by to enjoy the show, score some hot goodies at the craft table & support a great cause!

Some more info on CARE & their projects:

This past September, Hannah traveled with CARE Canada to Indonesia to document the recovery of tsunami and earthquake-affected regions, and to East Timor to speak to youth about what they are doing to move forward a country wrought by political instability and violence. As the voice of YouthCARE, she is currently touring the documentary project to schools across eastern Canada and will be presenting November 20 – 28 in the greater Toronto area.

CARE is one of the world's leading humanitarian organizations fighting global poverty in more than 70 developing countries. CARE's projects include emergency relief, preparedness and rehabilitation, and longer-term projects in areas such as education, health, agriculture, HIV/AIDS and small-business development. YouthCARE is CARE Canada's youth inspired initiative.

midnight madness make-a-thon

Sew be it Studio presents:

Midnight Madness Make-A-Thon

We will be turning our studio into a gift making workshop! We're going to stay up way past our bedtime to complete all those half finished gifts. If you've actually finished your gifts, don't feel left out. Come and make beautiful cloth gift bags, silk ribbons, or tree ornaments. This year skip the mall and use your time to make something special for your sweeties. Nothing is more thoughtful than a homemade gift. Come and meet your fellow craft maniacs, needle nuts and sewing fanatics.

Date: Saturday December 2
Time: 7pm - Midnight

Cost: Free with donation to the food bank or a new unwrapped toy for the CHUM Christmas Wish.
Or $10 without donation.

RSVP at 416-481-7784
info@sewbeitstudio.com

Come celebrate the 2nd anniversary of C1 art space with

The Shelf Project

November 24 , 2006 to January 24, 2007.
Reception: Friday, November 24, 2006 , 7 to 10pm
44 Ossington Avenue, just North of Queen Street West
416 538-7999

A rotating exhibition of over 45 artists of fine arts and fine crafts including drawings, paintings, mixed media, sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewellery and textile works. See works from artists from across Canada and get great ideas for original gifts of art for the holidays.

Includes Artists: Ramona Antaya Lesley Ashton Irina Badescu Nurit Basin Tyson Bodnarchuk Lucilla Bonfanti Ross Bonfanti Silvana Bruni Jen Balthuis Amanda Burk Ying-Yueh Chang Tara Cooper Myles Covent Jocelyn DeBackere Dog Bite Steel Holly Febbraro R odney Frost Erin Glover Penelope Hammond Andrea Hildebrand Denise Ing Astrid Ho Heidi Jahnke Mary Kim Kelly Kirkham Julie Liger Belair edmund law Clayton Lucas Steve Mazza Laura McKibbon Nadia Moss Evelyn Pelayo Dawn Petticrew Kasia Piech Mahmood Popal Ester Pugliese Erin Robertson Ava Roth Sandra Schellenberg Matt Schofield Melissa Schooley Lori Joy Smith Jasna Sokolovic Brandon Steen Dale Thompson Magda Trzaski Laura Vegys Daryl Vocat Miguel Deras Zapata and more

wanna frock? closing sale

East-end indie boutique Wanna Frock is closing at the end of the month, and they're having a sale. Deets contained in the following email:

Hello All,
Sad to say, Wanna Frock will be closing its doors on November 30.
However, you can still make good with our one last sale night on Wednesday, November 29.
Located at 1378 Queen st.E, just east of Greenwood, the evening will begin at 6pm and we are expecting to stay open until 10pm. All Wanna Frock designers, including Amie Scott, Kari Marshall and Embody by Tara White will be reducing prices on select items.
We hope to see you there!
Regards, Amie Scott
http://www.amiescott.com/

twitch jewellery launch

N.B. re: CT3 - westward ho!

The ever-popular Crafternoon Tea show has changed locations westward this year, and we want to make sure that none of you are wandering around in the cold this Saturday, sniffing longingly for the delicious scent of devon cream and sweet crafty goodness. The show is taking place in Leslieville (not the Beaches) at Queen East Presbreterian Church - right at Carlaw & Queen on the S.E. corner.

Also, despite previous listings on this and Nathalie-Roze's web site, the show is only happening once: Saturday November 25th (10am - 6pm). Come on down for "handmade goodies created by some of Toronto's top craftista-designers. Lots of fab wearables and unusual gifts priced under $30 and nothing over $75! Plus: enjoy DIY demos, workshops, a stellar charity raffle and yummy eats too."

back alley art: hometown blues

Hometown Blues
Saturday November 25th – Saturday December 9th 2006
Opening Reception: Saturday November 25th 6-10pm
Hours: Saturdays 12-4pm or by appointment.
Call 416-516-5912 / 416-939-5418
Where: Queen Street West & Dovercourt. In a garage in the alley behind the Great Hall.

Drawings and videos by:
Sarah Bennett
Mark Clintberg
Claire Greenshaw
Evan Quigley
Gregory Reynolds
Kevin Rodgers

Hometown Blues is the inaugural exhibition by 2nd Place, a nomadic contemporary art gallery taking over idle spaces in the city of Toronto. For this exhibition 2nd Place has installed itself in an alley garage behind the Great Hall at Queen Street West and Dovercourt.

The artists in Hometown Blues all share a sparse humorous touch and a propensity for beauty in the mundane. The exhibition will include new and specially commissioned work by Sarah Bennett (video and works on paper), Mark Clintberg (works on paper), Claire Greenshaw (video and watercolours), Evan Quigley (mixed media on paper), Gregory Reynolds (wood burnings) and Kevin Rodgers (drawings of relatively attractive Republicans).

For images visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndplace/

All work is for sale, all proceeds to support the artists and further 2nd Place programming.

About 2nd Place
2nd Place is a peripatetic project conceived by the former directors of The Bathroom Gallery in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 2nd Place operates as a platform to introduce and promote the work of emerging contemporary artists to Toronto audiences.

Via Akimbo:

OPEN STUDIO'S 22nd ANNUAL ARTIST PROOF SALE & OPEN HOUSE

Opening Night of Sale & Open House: Thursday, November 30, 6-9 p.m.
Sale continues to December 21
Payment options: VISA, cheque and cash

Regular hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 12-5 p.m.
Special hours: Sun. Dec. 3, 12-5 p.m.; Thurs. Dec. 7 + Fri. Dec. 8, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun. Dec. 10, 12-5 p.m.


Kick off the holiday season with Open Studio's 22nd Annual Artist Proof Sale and Open House, Thursday, November 30 from 6-9 p.m. Come and select original, one-of-a-kind artists' proof prints*-- screenprints, etchings, lithographs and relief prints -- at prices ranging from $50-$300!

On the opening night of the sale, the print preview is from 6 to 6:30 p.m. and the sale begins at 6:30 p.m. The sale continues to December 21.

Enjoy the food and festivities of opening night, including printmaking demonstrations by special guest artists Matt Crookshank in the screenprinting area and Ehryn Torrell in the lithography area -- take advantage of the opportunity to acquire one of the works they create that evening! Also available are our new hand-printed greeting cards perfect for any time of the year, and our 1st and 2nd edition decks of playing cards featuring original work.

* Artist proof prints are works that record various stages of the development of an image, or represents the final state before the edition is printed. Monoprints are one-of-a-kind prints of which no edition or multiple is printed.


Open Studio, 401 Richmond Street West, Suite 104, Toronto, ON M5V 3A8.
Telephone/Fax: 416.504.8238
Email: office@openstudio.on.ca Website: www.openstudio.on.ca

RED vendor opp. (free!)

Received a call for vendors from Lisa Pijuan-NomuraI, curator of RED: A Night of Live Performance. Lisa has presented over 300 artists at this Toronto event over the last 4 years, “bringing together artists from across the disciplines that are sassy, ecclectic, edgy and just plain old wonderful.”

Artisans can participate in this event through the RED Marketplace, and this year Lisa is seeking artisans that have not previously sold at the Marketplace to take part in the December 6th show.

As she explains: “There are no fees, the only thing i ask is that people come before the doors open to set up their goods. I am looking for about 8 to 10 vendors and i provide them with a table, chairs, and a place to meet some cool folks, see some neat art, and hopefully sell some of their goods!”

Interested? Contact Lisa here.

discussion topic: craft fairs

what do you look for in a craft fair?

choose one

meeting artisans and getting to know your local DIY community.
variety: from silversmithing to silkscreening and sewing; from felting and fibers to paper and painting.
workshops and sweet deals on crafting supplies.

view results

last minute: little monsters tonight!

monster factory launch party tonight at magic pony
Monster Factory is a Toronto based company focused on character development, illustration, and most notably, the creation of plush characters. You may have seen these handmade fuzzy plush critters all over Toronto, and maybe you took one home from nuit blanche?


Opening Reception: THURSDAY NOV 16th 2006, 7-11pm
Location: Magic Pony Gallery
694 Queen St West
One night only!

craft fairs ahoy!

I know I don’t have to tell you lot that craft fairs are where it’s at when it comes to navigating your way through the trials (some might say trauma) of holiday gift buying. Of course making it all yourself is the most direct kick in the nuts to the over-consumption beast, but if that’s not a feasible option, then supporting local designers in buying their unique handmade goodies is a grand alternative.

This is all to say – it’s craft fair season! And there are a ton of indie options to choose from this year. All of this info can be found in the mother lode of craft fair lists but since the holiday sales begin this weekend, I figured it was worth highlighting those with an indie flava. If we missed any, please let us know.

Good Catch's Autumn Craft Fair
Saturday Nov. 18th
11am until 6pm
@Good Catch General Store - Upstairs. 1556 Queen St. W at Dowling

Sassy Little Craft Show
Saturday Nov. 18
6pm-1am
@ The Victory Cafe in the Annex

Crafternoon Tea 3
Nov 25
10am-6pm
@Queen Street East Presbyterian Church, 947 Queen St. E

Artisan's Gift Fair
Nov 25-26 and Dec 2-3, 9-10, 16-17
Annetta Battey-Pratt at 416-532-7641

Church of Craft's Pedal to the Metal 4
Tuesday Dec. 2
11am-5pm
@ Sneaky Dees 461 College St. (at Bathurst)

Speakeasy's 7th Annual Holiday Sale
Thursday December 7^th 8pm-midnight
@The Gladstone, 1214 Queen Street West, Second Floor

DUDE Show
Dec 8-10
Fri. 6pm-midnight
Sat. 11-7pm
Sun. noon-6pm
@The Latvian House, 491 College Street (west of Bathurst)

Nanopod First Annual Spectacular Craftacular
Dec 9 & 10
Sat. - 1pm-10pm
Sun. 1pm-6pm
@Nanopod studio, 322A Harbord Street

Last Minute Craft Fair
Thursday Dec. 16
11am-4pm
@Trinity St. Paul’s Centre, 427 Bloor St. W. (near Spadina Subway)

crafty scavenger finds for november

from craigslist

sewing
collectible (and cute) 1954 Ambassador Sewing Machine - $70
deal! old singer sewing machine - $25
janome sewing machine - $450
kenmore sewing machine - $149
sewing machine - $150
commercial sewing machine - $500
small sewing machine - $20
bernina industrial sewing machine - $300

plus-sized sewing patterns
sewing table - $40

embroidery machine

bernina serger - $300
janome serger - $300

knitting
knitting needles
singer knitting machine with accessories

scrapbooking
lot of scrapbooking supplies - $40
high end paper products warehouse closing
scrapbook cart/craft organizer - $40

wanted
fabric, leather, trim, and such
vintage knitting patterns
fabric & notions

Other…
display mannequin/dress form

and a message from Diana at flow like water:

Everything must go! I am closing my clothing design studio and there
are some great items for sale shipping hangers, pant shipping hangers, size 6
womens dress form on wheels,
rolling racks- one with extensions, Ikea Billy
shelves, garment poly bags,
pattern paper, 3 panelled Black chalkboard
partition, Bulletin Boards and great fabric - silks, Linens, wools etc.
Cash and Carry, Open next week only 10am-2pm, Nov.13-17
160 Tycos Drive, Suite 127 call Diana for info 416-782-1313

peru in t.o.!

I've been a little shy about announcing my return to town, preferring instead to discretely slip back into TCA duties. But having come across the Q‘ENCO Project has motivated me to say, "hey, I'm back", and to let you know that if you enjoyed my pics of Peruvian textiles on the road, there's an opportunity to see some of this stuff in the flesh (er, thread) in Toronto. Before I go any further though, I'd like to send out some major props to Angelune, who did an amazing job keeping the TCA machine running in my absence. I am thrilled to say that she will continue to post alongside me from now on. Ow ow!

O.k. so on to Peruvian textiles. This week (from Novemeber 11-17) textiles produced by weavers in the small community of Q'enco, in the Cusco region of Peru will be on display (and available for purchase) at the Gibsone Jessop Gallery in the Distillery District - Bldg. 4 - 55 Mill Street. The textiles are produced by the Q'enco Weaver's Association (Asociacion de los Artesanos en Tejido Pallay Lloraypu), a group formed in order to preserve their local textile traditions and encourage sustainability very much in the spirit of many of the initiatives mentioned my post about Sacred Valley crafts.



The Q'ENCO Project is supported by DesignAid, a "not-for-profit organisation that focuses on design as a tool for promoting sustainable and equitable social and economic development. A forum for designers from all design disciplines, DesignAid explores how the specialised skills of designers can contribute to the betterment of our local and international communities."

So pleased to learn that this kind of initiative exists our fair city!

papier mache emergency!!!

Please read the following, and reply in the comments or email us with your tips:

Hi, my name is Isaac and I have an urgent question. We have a large painted sculpture in the shape of an ostrich. It is made from papier mache and gyproc. A few years ago, someone tipped it over and broke the neck off. We then found a papier mache artist who fixed it for us. The problem is that we are getting our house renovated and one of the workers broke the head off again. We are desperately searching for a store or an artist that can repair it for us because it is of great sentimental value to our family, and is a beautiful piece of art.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Isaac K

rock the arts vote

Came accross something interesting in the latest instant coffee dispatch: Arts Vote, an inititative to inform municipal government about arts-related issues and to suss out the candidates' attitudes towards the arts so that we can be armed with that knowledge, come voting day. Sadly the response to their 2006 survey was lacking, but there is still time for us to bug the slacker candidates in our wards. Arts Vote invite us to, "let [truant candidates] know that you share in our disappointment, and encourage them to respond".

Go here to download the survey, and here for responses so far (and to see who has yet to reply).

the Toronto Alternative Art Fair - this weekend!

The 3rd annual Toronto Alternative Art Fair International Collective 2006 brings together a select and concise cross-section of independent thinkers and collaborators such as artists, curators, writers, collectives, art historians, cultural theorists and gallerists to present a contemporary visual art fair of excellence.

TAAFI 2006 features 25 exhibitors and 35 invitational artists at both the Gladstone Hotel and Drake Hotel. There will also be three amazing panel discussions, as well as two fabulous parties, to celebrate Canadian and international contemporary art at its best.

Friday, November 10 - Sunday, November 12, 2006
General Admission $7

Exhibition Hours
Friday, November 10 : 12 - 7 pm
Saturday, November 11 : 12 - 8 pm
Sunday November 12 : 12 - 8 pm

Pre-Gala Reception Nov 10, 8pm -10pm, Gladstone and Drake Hotels, $15 inclusive
Gala Nov 10, $15, 10 pm, Drake Hotel

FASTWURMS, BAST IS BEST, 2005. INSTALLATION VIEW, ZSA ZSA

taafi

bright lights, big city

click to enlarge

The peeps that bring us public pillowfights, bubblewars, and regular ttc parties are scheming to create a starry sky on our city ceiling blandified by light pollution. Newmindspace are asking for glowy installations to contribute to the luminosity factor. Interested? Read on....

*** NIGHT LIGHTS THIS FRIDAY ***

Twinkle, twinkle, little star.

After a month of waiting, our shipment of extra-bright, battery-powered, customized, collectible, white LED's has arrived from China. That means Night Lights is this Friday!

NIGHT LIGHTS
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 10 2K6
15 KING'S COLLEGE CIRCLE (The lawn in front of)
7:07pm - 11:59pm - $free

(One block north of College + McCaul, east of Spadina)

http://www.newmindspace.com/nightlights.php

Due to light pollution, some of our night lights have disappeared! To bring back the sky's twinkle, we have decided to make some stars of our own. Join us for an evening of starcraft, constellation installation and a tower of light visible from across the city.

* * * The Installations * * *

Stars * Hundreds of LED's will be suspended from helium balloons to create an artificial starscape, creating our own constellations and a twinkling Milky Way that should be visible for miles.

String of Diamonds * Long strings of LED's will be suspended from a weather balloon. As the wind and participants move the cord, the string will appear to glitter.

Faeries * Much like the shoes hanging from our telephone wires, pairs of LED's will be strung together and hung from trees in Queen's Park like couples of faeries.

(fly)light by Pearl Chen * An animated sphere of 500 green LED's.

* * * Participation * * *

As we light up the sky, we encourage you to brighten the ground: please bring glowy things such as glowsticks, LED toys, EL wire, lightsabers, art bikes, lasers, personal lights, etc. Also, somebody please bring a video cam!

If you would like to create an installation involving light, let us know! Simply reply to this e-mail and we will figure out where your art fits in. If you need power, we've got it!

The word on a possible soundsystem and/or afterparty is forthcoming ;-) If you can hook these up, let us know.

* * * Love * * *

This e-mail is already way too long, so find out the complete info at http://www.newmindspace.com/nightlights.php :)

See you on Friday!

<3>
Lori * Kevin

get spun

Great workshop opp. from the Toronto Church of Craft:

We've got a super fantastic workshop this Sunday (November 12) brought to us by super 'spinster' Kristyn who will instruct us in the fine craft of hand-spinning yarn. This is perfect for those of you that wished your hand-knits could be just that little bit more hand-made...or, those of you that are thinking this is the perfect gift for that knitter you love and who will almost certainly make something for you with your hand-spun creation.

Whatever your motivations, come out to Nathalie-Roze & Co. (1015 Queen St. E., just east of Pape on the south side) on Sunday, November 12. We'll be meeting between 1pm and 4pm.

In Craft, Leah

last minute: what's going on tonight?

among many many events, i'm sure...
but, this is where we'll be:

867 Dundas W
6-9:30 pm.

http://www.madedesign.ca/

speakeasy's holiday sale at the gladstone

Tonnes of friends of the Alert will be taking part in SpeakEasy’s 8th Annual Holiday Show & Sale - go by and say hi (and buy their stuff!).

Time & Space:
Thursday December 7th, 8pm-midnight
The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West, Second Floor
“Pay What You Can” at The Door ($4.00 Suggested Donation)



What's SpeakEasy, you say?

SpeakEasy is Toronto’s monthly gathering for creative professionals. It’s an opportunity to network, share ideas, and keep in touch with the artistic community. Hosted at The Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen W.) SpeakEasy takes place 8 times a year, on the first Thursday of the month. Now in it’s eleventh year,
SpeakEasy has gained a reputation for showcasing the most talented artists, designers and photographers the city has to offer.

the mother lode of craft fair lists

ALERT!!! THIS IS AN OLD MOTHERLODE CRAFT FAIR LIST. VIEW THE NEW ONE HERE.

February 16, 2007
hello crafties! so, this is the new year.
please have a look at the current list and send us some updates (especially if you know that your organization's website is not up-to-date but you have some locked-in dates for craft fairs later this year)
***

A few of you have sent in some new craft fair listings, and Michelle herself has continued to send in more and more! So I figured it might be time for an update and move this baby back to the top of the blog. Keep sending more craft fair listings!

***
Sept 17, 2006

O.k., maaaajor props to Michelle of Margie Jewellery for compiling such an extensive list of Toronto area craft fairs (plus contact info) and agreeing to sharing it with us all. What's great about Michelle's list is that it includes great indie shows like the DUDE and Crafternoon Tea, as well as industry juggernauts like One of a Kind and even the Ex. So something for everyone. I've added a couple of additional listings and strongly encourage you all to keep this list growing by adding your own discoveries in the comments. I'll add a link this post on the sidebar so it can be a continual resource. Thanks again Michelle!!!

(Dates are in 2006 unless otherwise listed)

Unionville Village Festival
June 3/4

Windsor Summer Art in the Park
June 3/4

Beaches Arts and Craft Show
June 10/11

Woofstock
June 10/11

Burlington Art & Craft Sale
June 10/11

Holy Craft Fair! Mississauga
June 11

Markham Village Music Festival
June 16/17

Strawberry Festival
June 29-July 3

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition
July 7-9

Art Naturally
July 12-13

Muskoka Arts & Crafts
July 14-16

Thorold Annual Summer Arts and Craft Show
July 15-16 cathy.henderson@sympatico.ca
(905)227-7248

Belleville Waterfront Festival
July 7-9

Kempenfest/Hurona Festival of Arts and Crafts
Aug 5-7

Oakville Art Society Art in the Park
Aug 7

Festival of Friends
Aug 11-13

The Ex
Aug 18-Sept 4

Hamilton CNE
Aug 18-Sept 4

15th Annual Dockside Festival of the Arts - Gravenhurst
Aug 19-20
705-687-4432

Cabbagetown Art & Craft Sale
Sept 8-10

Junction Arts Festival
Sept 9-10

Art by the Falls - Niagara Falls
Sept 31-Oct 1 cathy.henderson@sympatico.ca
(905)227-7248

Grimsby Festival of Art
Sept 9

Kleinburg Village Binder Twine Festival
Sept 9

Queen Street West Art Crawl
Sept 15-17

Burlington Art & Craft Sale
Sept 16-17

Wonders of the Earth-Scarborough Gem & Mineral Show
Sept 16-17

Tranzac Open House
Sept 23
Annetta Battey-Pratt at 416-532-7641

Jordan Lions Club Annual Thanksgiving Show & Sale
Oct 7-9

Balls Falls Thanksgiving Festival
Oct 6-9th

Vineland Thanksgiving Artfest
Oct 7-9

Cranberry Festival Bala
Oct 13-15

CreativeFestival (formerly The Creative Sewing and Needlework Festival)
Oct 19-26

Art Works Show and Sale - Kitchener
Oct 27-29 http://www.myartworks.ca/

Heart of the Lakeshore
Oct 26 - Nov 16

Creative Hands Arts & Crafts Show
contact Joanne 1.877.803.2121, joanne@areaproductions.com
Nov 3 - 5 Molson Centre, Barrie
Nov 17 - 19 International Centre, Mississauga

Toronto Bead Society Bead Show
Nov 11 - 12

Oakville Art + Craft Fair
Nov 11 - 12

Toronto Alternative Art Fair International
Nov 10 - 12

Signatures
Nov 18-26

Good Catch's Craft Fair
Nov 18th & Dec.16
@Good Catch General Store - Upstairs. 1556 Queen St. W at Dowling

Sassy Little Craft Show
Nov 18 @ The Victory Cafe in the Annex
contact Christa

Crafternoon Tea 3
Nov 25
@Queen Street East Presbyterian Church, 947 Queen St. E

Holly Jolly Holiday Sale
Nov 25 @ The Swansea Town Hall - Bloor West Village

Winter Artfest 2006
Nov 25-26

Oakville Christmas Craft Fair
Nov 25, Dec 2 & 9
@ Grace Lutheran Church - 304 Spruce Street (Oakville)

Artisan's Gift Fair
Nov 25-26 Dec 2&amp;amp;3, 9&10, 16&17, 23&24
Annetta Battey-Pratt at 416-532-7641

The MAAD Holiday Sale (Material Art and Design program sale at OCAD)
November 27-29
@Ontario College of Art and Design, lobby of 100 McCaul Street
Contact Stephani Brust

St. Andrew's Christmas Art Market
Dec. 1&2
St. Andrew's Latvian Church (383 Jarvis St. at Carlton)

Church of Craft's Pedal to the Metal
Dec. 2
thegood@churchofcraft.org

Holly Berry Fair
Dec. 2
contact Lee Howe

FROST
Dec. 2
51 Bertmount Ave., Leslieville

Speakeasy
Dec 7

Dude Show
Dec 8-10

Nanopod First Annual Spectacular Craftacular
Dec 9 & 10

Ben Bags & Fariedust 1st Annual Musical Craft Fair
Dec. 16
The Church of St. Stephens in-the-Field - 365 College St. (@ Bellevue)
contact: Benbags

Last-Minute Craft Fair
Dec. 16

Parkdale Liberty Holiday Market
Dec. 16

18th Annual Christmas Artisans Market
Dec. 23, 11am-4pm
Bellefair United Church, 2002 Queen Street East
Contact Bonnie Vadum: 416-513-1331

Sweethearts Craft Fair
Feb. 10 12-5pm
Good Catch General Store, 1556 Queen Street West (upstairs)

1st Annual Toronto Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair
Feb 10, 2007
Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. W.

Annual Twisted Valentine Art and Cabaret Show
Feb 11, 2006(7?)

The Interior Design Show
Feb 23-26, 2006

Plug 'N Socket Art & Music Festival
March 3, 6pm (doors) -1am (show ends)
Tranzac Club - 292 Brunswick Ave.
Contact: Patric McGroarty: cirtap@gmail.com

One of a Kind Show
Nov 23 - Dec 3
March 29 - April 2/2007

Wayzgoose Book Arts Fair (Grimsby)
April 28 (2007)

The Clothing Show
May 6-7
Sept 16-17

Nathalie-Roze’s Crafternoon Tea
May 27

Toronto Gem & Mineral Show
July 28-30
Oct 20-22

London Arts and Crafts Show & Sale
Oct 27-29 (Fall)
Nov 30-Dec 3 (Christmas)
Olga Traher 519-679-1810

Dundas Square
All Summer

St Lawrence Market
All Summer

The Distillery District Artisan Market Art and Craft Showcases
June 17/18
July 29/30
Aug 26/27