Tuesday, May 29, 2007

designers' fabric sale!!!

FabricSale

free craft stuff!!! (& hot deals on purse frames)

NOTE: FREE SEWING MACHINES TAKEN (BUT PURSE FRAMES STILL AVAILABLE)

A note from TCA reader Jill:


Hi there,

I just thought you might want to let your readers know that I am giving away 2 industrial sewing machines they are specialized, I have one that is used for sewing zippers and into tight corners and I also have a tacking machine. I also have some extra craft supplies that I am selling before I move including some purse frames.

If anyone wants to stop by starting tomorrow through Friday June 1st please have them contact me. The purse frames I have I am selling 2 for $5 and coin purse frames 3 for $5. Just thought some of the readers might be interested!

Thanks!
Jill
(click to contact)

craft special on pbs

TCA Reader & CraftChatter Johanna thought y’all might be interested in this show…do comment on this post if so inspired – we could use more craft-chatting here in blogland!

PBS is running a three-part program this Wednesday evening called Craft In America. There is a website-
craftinamerica.org

It looks like it will be fascinating. Maybe you could post something on TCA so people could watch it and maybe have comments to offer about it after seeing it.

PBS arts programming is usually excellent, so I'm really looking forward to seeing this. The three parts are showing consecutively, from 8pm until 11pm.

sasquatch squat at thrush holmes empire

Opening party this Thursday May 31
anytime between 7-10

Please come to see "Sasquatch Squat" An invasion of new work

May 30 - July 1, 2007 (With "The Translator's Conundrum" Daryl Vocat's show of screenprinted works)
Thrush Holmes Empire
1093 Queen Street West (at Dovercourt)
Toronto ON Canada
www.thrushholmesempire.com

Aleesa - Sasquatch Squat Allyson Mitchell
Artist: Allyson Mitchell
Title: Aleesa

Materials: found textile, styrofoam, glass
Size: 4.5" x 10" x 1.5"
Year: 2007

www.allysonmitchell.com

from russia with love at she said boom!

From Russia with Love
Drawing/Installation
By Tara Bursey

Russia13 - Anna Tara Bursey
Anna

June 1-30, 2007.
She Said Boom! Window Space
372 College Street
Toronto

Bookwork multiples are available exclusively through the mail for $5 each for the length of the exhibition only. Address orders to From Russia with Love: 301-110 Tyndall Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6K 2E2.

From Russia with Love is an installation featuring 54 portraits of Russian“mail order brides” drawn from photographs on internet sites. The installation is an extension of the artist’s previous work exploring serial portraiture- yearbook photos, WWII military portraits- and the idea of portraits of this nature serving as “human catalogues.” Using the laboriousact of drawing each woman’s likeness by hand, the piece attempts to subvertthe idea of these women being catalogued, while alluding to theircommodification through their presentation within a storefront installationand bookwork “catalogue” multiple.

Tara Bursey is a recent graduate of the Toronto School of Art’s diploma program, and a former student at Ontario College of Art and Design. An artist whose practice encompasses sculpture and installation as well as drawing, printmaking and craft, Tara’s work is characterized by its ethereal quality, and an often obsessive use of repetition, pattern and delicate sculptural materials such as eggshells, garlic skin, found garments and paper. During her studies at the Toronto School of Art, Tara was the recipient of TSA’s Barbara Barrett Scholarship (2004) and Matthew David Stein Scholarship (2005). In the past two years, she has exhibitedextensively throughout the city in such diverse venues as Open Studio,MOCCA, Eastern Front Gallery, Fly Gallery, and Propeller Centre for the Arts. In addition to her work as a fine artist, Tara also operates actively within Toronto’s independent music and small-press communities as a DJ, illustrator, designer, writer, and is currently a core member of the Toronto Zine Library collective. She was born and raised in Toronto, Canada.

See more images from the show
here.

For more information, contact:
Tara Bursey
She Said Boom! Window Space
ssbwindowspace[AT}hotmail.com
http://www.sitekreator.com/tarabursey
http://tarabursey.blogspot.com

toronto zine library seeks new home

Becky pointed out this call for a new space for the Toronto Zine Library on Facebook. Anyone know of anything? You can contact them here: torontozinelibrary[AT]hotmail.com

BUMMER NEWS:


The Toronto Zine Library has lost its space in the Tranzac's Tiki Room. We'll be moving upstairs to a rehearsal hall in the building for the short term but are now looking for a new permanent home. If you have any suggestions or ideas (or free space) let us know!

Monday, May 28, 2007

paper cut at MADE

This show starts tonight at MADE, but the opening is on Thurs. If you've never been to this contemporary Canadian design shop (feat. furniture & other interior design objects) on Dundas West - do go! They put on a great spread at openings, to boot.

Kristiina Lahde Paper Cut @ MADE

Kristiina Lahde Paper Cut

A new installation at MADE
May 29-July 14, 2007
Opening Reception Thurs. May 31, 2007 7-9PM

Paper Cut links everyday commerce to utopian architecture. It is the continuation of a project where artist Kristiina Lahde alters and reworks ordinary bank envelopes.

Dozens of envelopes have been assembled to create a spherical, geodesic form. An intricate pattern of triangles is held in tension to create an object that is reminiscent of the famous building created by Buckminster Fuller for Expo ’67.

Once designed to conceal their contents, these envelopes held the personal and private records of the artists financial history. Kristiina has repositioned them as the architectural building blocks for this new project. Previously she worked with the security patterns printed on the inside of each envelope, making intricate alterations by cutting and folding them.

(Go here for more on this show & maker)

MADE
867 Dundas St. West

Toronto, ON M6J 1V6
416.607.6384
info[AT]madedesign.ca
http://www.madedesign.ca


Thursday, May 24, 2007

st. clair artwalk 2007- multiple calls for artists

ARTWALK 2007, the 4th Annual St. Clair Arts Festival and Studio Tour, will run on Saturday September 29th, and Sunday September 30th. The expected attendance is 2000+.

We have multiple opportunities for visual artists. For more information:

Visit: www.stclair-artwalk.org
Contact Bernadette at:
info[AT]stclair-artwalk.org
or call Tracy at: 416-653-6928


To inquire about volunteering or sponsoring this growing event, please email Tracy at: info[AT]stclair-artwalk.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Call for Artists in the Greater Toronto Area for the ARTWALK OUTDOOR ART MARKET

The 2007 ARTWALK Festival and OUTDOOR ART MARKET will run September 29th and 30th. This juried exhibit and sale of original art work is open to all Toronto artists. Awards will be given for Best in Show and People's Choice. Accepted artists will have a 10 x 10' space (on Wychwood Avenue at St Clair Ave. West), to set up a tent to display and sell work. All arts media are welcome.

Toronto and surrounding area artists are invited to submit an AOAM application package including 5 to 10 images of recent, original work (within the last 2 years).

The application deadline is June 6th, 2007. For AOAM application guidelines, fee structure, and application forms, please visit our
website.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Call for STUDIO TOUR Artists in the St. Clair West Area.

The 2007 ARTWALK Festival and Studio Tour will take place September 29th and 30th. Artists living between Bathurst and Oakwood in the St. Clair Ave. West area are invited to submit a Studio Tour application package including 5 to 10 images of recent, original work (within the last 2 years). All arts media are welcome.

Displayed work must be produced by the artist. Artists sharing studio space must submit individual applications and fees.

The application deadline is June 6th, 2007.For STUDIO TOUR application guidelines, fee structure, and application forms, please visit our website.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Call for Visual Artists in the ST. Clair West Area for the ARTWALK BUSINESSES BECOME GALLERIES TOUR (BBG Tour)

The 2007 ARTWALK Festival and the BBG Tour will run September 29th and 30th. Businesses become art galleries as artists are provided the opportunity to display and sell their artwork in the bars, restaurants and businesses of our historic St. Clair West neighbourhood. Local artists living in the St. Clair Avenue West area, from approximately Bathurst to Oakwood/Davenport to Cedarvale Ravine, are invited to submit an AOAM application package including 5 to 10 images of recent, original work (within the last 2 years). All arts media are welcome. Work exhibited must be original and produced by the artist.

The application deadline is June 6th, 2007.For ARTWALK BBG Tour application guidelines, hanging compensation structure, and application form, please visit our website.
------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Call for Emerging Artists for ARTWALK 2007

The Emerging Artists Group Exhibition Revealed or EAGER will be featured on Sept. 29th and 30th, but will likely run for two to three weeks in total. Artists who consider themselves to be "emerging" into the professional art world, and who live in the Toronto area are encouraged to submit work for this exhibition. An Emerging artists is usually someone who has been exhibiting professionally for less than five years, and usually under the age of 30.

As this is a St. Clair ARTWALK event, priority will be given to those artists who reside in and around the St. Clair West community. However, if you do not fall into this above category but would still like to submitwork, please do. Your application will be considered.

Deadline for submissions is July 6th. Applications relieved after this date may still be considered.

For more information:contact Zac at: info[AT]zackenny.com or call Zac at: 647- 200- 3555

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

be a TCA ambassador

In spreading the word about Toronto Craft Alert, you are supporting local makers, independent businesses & the craft/diy/design community as a whole.

Besides telling all of your friends, family, co-workers & people you pass on the street, you can promote the TCA by adding it to free arts & culture listings, posting about it on message boards that you participate in, profilng the project in student & other local publications, and linking to us on your website***. Feel free to cut & paste from the project profile, available here .

We've joined Facebook (under "Jen Anisef"), so please do add us as a friend. Also, our Facebook group can be found here.

We’d be happy to mail some of our business cards (how profesh!) your way if you’d like to distribute them to customers, friends, colleagues, or craft cohorts. Just email us your address & let us know if a few or a bunch will do.

Of course we are always open to suggestions on how we can get the word out ourselves, so feel free to send along your ideas & tips.

In crafty solidarity,

The TCA Team

***Add the TCA megaphone icon to your site (which links back to ours) using the following code:

<A HREF="http://torontocraftalert.blogspot.com">;

<IMG SRC="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/anisef/TCA/craft_alert_button.jpg"></A>

rozaneh sale this sunday

ROZANEH STUDIO SALE

This Sunday, May 27
10:30am - 7:00pm

At the new location:
442 Dufferin Street - Studio E
-Just North of Queen
-Or go South of Dundas
-Bus stop is at Alma

Spring and Summer items!
-at least 100 new pieces since the last sale
-more linens, yardage and "bits"
-more jewelry and accessories.

Attention yarn hounds!-vintage spring/summer cottons and novelty yarns will be out. So please come and check it out....or call Marilyn for an appointment @ 416.703.6818

art for alpha

ART AUCTION - Alpha Alternative School
Saturday, JUNE 2, 2007
Cameron House, 408 Queen Street West
Viewing 12-1p.m.
Silent Auction 12-3p.m.
Auction 1-3:30p.m.

Marina-Hanacek-Mix Media
Marina Hanacek (Mixed Media)

What do Noel Harding, Eldon Garnett, Barbara Klunder and students of Alpha Alternative School have in common? They use play and creativity to learn and develop, and... they are donating work for an art auctionto raise money to enhance art programs at Alpha.

More and more families are seeking alternatives in schooling for theirchildren. The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is warming up tothe idea as the are opening more alternative schools. Alpha, one of Toronto's oldest alternative schools, has a unique approach to schooling. Not quite a one room schoolhouse, but children from JK through to grade six often learn and play together. Children direct their own learning through projects of their own initiative.

Saturday, June 2nd, Alpha is hosting an Art Auction at the Cameron House. Many Toronto artists have brought their kids to Alpha. Artists and designers donating their work include Eldon Garnett, Barbara Klunder, Noel Harding, Maureen Paxton, Doug Gilchrist, John Leonard, Mike Bayne, Don Cavin, Janine Lindgren, Kingi Carpenter of Peach Berserk, Jamie Bennett, Alex Wittholz, and Julian Finkel of Model Citizen.

Check out our website: http://schools.tdsb.on.ca/alpha to see some ofthe pieces up for auction.

Don't miss this cool opportunity to beautify your space.

Children are welcome.

Methods of payment: Please call
Kingi Carpenter 416-829-8676
Li-Lien Gibbons 416-807-7012

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

craftchat t.o.: where it's at, etc.

craftchat

An update re: CraftChat T.O., a local crafty think tank meeting up this sunday may 27 at 2pm. You are ALL invited to attend!

Three things to know:

a) location
b) snacks
c) dough(nations)

a) The Chat will take place IN THE GYM at Trinity-St. Paul's United Church at Bloor & Spadina (427 Bloor Street West).

b) Snack potluck! please bring goodies to share, if you can swing it. Liquid goodies like lemonade would be awesome too.

c) We've had to rent a space to accomodate the possibility of a larger crowd than anticipated. Kindly bring a toonie to help pay for it.

Thanks guys! Can't wait to see you there. Email me with any questions.
xjenx

good catch treasure trunk sale (vendors wanted)

Well this sounds fun, a collective junk sale at Good Catch General Store! O.k. I know this isn't explicitly crafty, but who knows what kind of craft paraphenalia you might uncover....

If you'd like to hawk your own junk (with emphasis on collectibles or simply items you've collected. ie. books, magazines, clothes are all good as are comics, action figures, videos, ceramicware, or anything else that takes up space in your place), give Good Catch a call at 416-533-4664 to ask them to hold a table for you.

TreasureTrunk1

stitch ‘n’ kitsch’s summer fling craft show & sale

A release from Waterloo's indie craft show collective, Stitch 'n' Kitch:

Stitch ‘n’ Kitsch’s Summer Fling Craft Show & Sale is the show where you won’t be disappointed about spending some time inside shopping for summery, handmade items.

The best indie craft show in Waterloo Region is back for its second annual summer show. The Stitch ‘n’ Kitsch Group presents their Summer Fling Show and Sale. The show will feature a fine array of local and area crafts people, designers and artisans, along with their fresh designs for this season. Handmade items include: handbags, clothing, jewellery, bath and body, pottery, fashion accessories, paintings, felt and knit items, artwork, wood pieces, zines, and home décor items.

Stitch ‘n’ Kitsch, a collective of 30 members, is made up of many talented crafts people, designers and artisans from Ontario. Each season Stitch ‘n’ Kitsch puts on their independent show and sale to feature their member’s work and the work of several guest artists. Visit our website www.stitchnkitsch.com for a sneak peek, and information about each artist.


The show will take place at First United Church, Waterloo (corner of King Street South and William Street), from 10am – 5pm, on Saturday, June 9th, 2007. Admission to the show is absolutely free, plus there is parking available at Waterloo Town Square. We are wheelchair accessible and there is handicap parking available at the church.

Come check out the best selection of local, handmade goods that will make you wish summer would happen more often.

snkyeehaw

KIP on the TTC

From the TTC Knit-Along blog (thanks to Beryl for the alert):

ttc-knitalong-logo

Saturday June 9th, 2007 is International Knit in Public Day and those crazy fibre fashionistas will once again be taking to the subways, streetcars and buses of Toronto?

Why KIP? According to Jacquie Blackman of the Toronto Knit Collective, “Knitters have rights! They’ve been hiding in their yarn stash for far too long it’s time to take knitting to the streets.”

Katherine Hajer of the Toronto Knit Rabble adds, “Knitting in public teaches children where socks, sweaters and toques really come from. Contrary to popular mythology, it’s not the mall!”

Riding on the success of their three previous knit-a-longs the Knit Rabble is inviting hip, funky and ironic knitters of every shape, size and colour for their second Spring Fling—a fantasmagorical day of “Stash Enhancement Adventures” (a.k.a. yarn shopping).

The brainchild of Knit Blogger Vivienne Suen and Knitwear Designer Beryl Tsang, of Tit-Bits fame, the Great TTC Knit-A-Long seeks to reclaim public space while celebrating craft and art. Knitters wishing to join the Knit Rabble can start their day at one of three locations: the vibrant Village Yarns at Bloor and Royal York, the latte-fuelled Alterknit St.Clair or the ever-so-elegant Passion Knit at Yonge and Lawrence. From there they will “Ride the Rocket” and hit the city’s best independent yarn stores, including Fab Haley’s Knitomatic; the Grande Dame of them all, Romni Wools; the funky Lettuce Knit and the new kid on the block Americo. The Rabble will be wrapping up the day in the Beach at “nabe fave” the Naked Sheep, where rumour has it champagne and treats and maybe Knitting Royalty will be waiting.

Interested in partaking? Check out the schedule & other participaction info here: http://ttcknit.blogspot.com/2007/05/details-on-day-includes-passport-link.html

machine crash course @ sew be it (& fabric to sew with)

New class at Sew Be it Studio

Machine Crash Course

Quick and easy sewing project. Learn to make a pillow.

Great for those who can’t commit to a lengthy beginner course. This crash course will show you how to conquer the sewing machine and pick up the basic sewing skills to make an easy but stylish pillow with lots of room for personal creative input.

Great for people who want more time to enjoy the summer and still learn a little something

All materials are included. Just bring yourself and your desire to learn.

Date: June 23, Saturday
Time: 10am – 1pm
Price: $55 + GST Includes all materials

Sew Be It also sent along a reminder about this crazy event...see you there (elbows up!)

The 12th Annual More Than Just a Yardage Sale

Friday May 25 and Saturday May 26

The sale is back again and soon bargain-hunting textile addicts will be lining up to grab the best deals. Created and run by the TMC’s volunteers, the Yardage Sale is an annual tradition for textile aficionados and a major fundraiser for the Museum. Shoppers will have their pick of an eclectic mix of yardages, yarns, fabrics, notions, crafts and bargains. Every item in the sale is generously donated. The More Than Just a Yardage Sale is an opportunity for fibre-fans to contribute to a good cause and make new finds. Rain or shine, the Sale will be held in a temporary tent erected in the parking lot beside the Museum.

Click here for more information: http://www.textilemuseum.ca/PDF/YardageSale.pdf

Textile Museum of Canada
55 Centre Ave.

Friday, May 18, 2007

spring trunk sale & fabric sale/art walk in riverdale

A couple of east-end happenings sent by Nathalie-Roze...

Spring TRUNK SALE
starring Dagg and Stacey/Snoflake
@ Nathalie-Roze & Co.

WHEN: Thursday May 24th, 6pm - 9pm (no early birds, please!)

WHERE: 1015 Queen St. East at Pape in Leslieville (take the 501 streetcar eastbound OR go to Pape and take the bus to Queen)

WHAT: A fab sale on lovelies from both of these popular local indie lines - merch from the current season/spring-summer 2007 is 20% off for this night only, plus deep discounts (up to 75%) off stylish goodies from their past collections...starting at $30 and up.

Goody bags for the first 15 guests, nibbles and refreshments served all evening, plus a raffle for a $150 mini shopping spree - this can be used for anything in the store.

Info: 416-792-1699 or info@nathalie-roze.com

---

Fabric Sale/Riverdale Art Walk
Saturday June 2, 11am - 5pm

Come out and explore Leslieville during the RAW event - stroll along Queen East, check out some fresh art by local talent, maybe have some brunch and do some shopping in the various indie boutiques unique to the 'hood - AND, if you're crafty, you may also want to pop by the fabric & craft supply sale scheduled at Nathalie-Roze & Co.

Expect to find new, vintage and quirky-cool textiles and notions, plus *some* leather fragments, beads, printed papers and misc. finds tagged at wallet-friendly prices ($2 +up).

This is a great resource for sewers, crafters, scrapbookers and discerning fabric-hounds.

NOTE: The items for sale are being purged from the studios of local craftista-designers.

crafts in the hammer this summer (buy & sell)

OUTDOOR MARKET RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN HAMILTON THIS SUMMER

Join us on the historic grounds of Christ's Church Cathedral on James St. North for our monthly Makers' Market!

Featuring UNIQUE items:

• local art, pottery, photography, jewellery & fashion
• vintage antiques, furniture, collectables, books & vinyl
• local, organic and delicious farm-fresh foods

The Makers' Market also features:

• free tours of the Cathedral
• free walking tours of historic James North
• entertainment, music and buskers throughout the Market

Third Saturday of every month • June - Sept • 10am - 4pm
(June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
We are still on the lookout for unique stallholders for this very exciting event.
Local artists, artisans, entertainers, antique & vintage dealers are encouraged to get in touch with us to find out how they can become involved with the Makers' Market.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Makers' Market
252 James St. N. Hamilton, ON L8R 2L3
P: 905.529.2323 E: themakersmarketATgmail.com

Thursday, May 17, 2007

detroit urban craft fair

We met the lovely ladies of Handmade Detroit ("a loose collective for people who like to make stuff", producers of the Detroit Urban Craft Fair, Sunday Crafternoon, and the Handmade Detroit Holiday Market) at Craft Congress 2007. Lish & Steph seem to have endless energy and enthusiasm for nurturing and promoting the local craft scene, as well as putting on events well worth the trip over the border (fyi Detroit is but a 4 hr drive from Toronto). The deadline for participation in the Detroit Urban Craft Fair is coming up shortly and I would encourage people to apply - from all accounts it's a great show & fun time! If you make it in, let me know because I'll be there myself.

Applications now online for 2007 Detroit Urban Craft Fair

The Detroit Urban Craft Fair will return to the Majestic Theater Complex in Detroit on August 4, 2007. Hosted by Handmade Detroit, applications for the juried show are now available on the DUCF web site (www.detroiturbancraftfair.com). The deadline to apply is May 25, 2007.

The fair, which features over 50 Michigan and national DIY crafters, is entering its second year with the same commitment to DIY community that made it a must-attend event in 2006. For 2007, the fair has added DJs, a keepsake program guide and a benefit raffle. This year’s show will also tie into a Handmade Detroit art exhibit at the Majestic Cafe for the months of July and August.

When: Saturday, August 4, 2007, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Majestic Theater, 4120 Woodward Ave. Detroit
Admission: Free, all ages

For more info DUCF, check out www.detroiturbancraftfair.com or e-mail infoATdetroiturbancraftfair.com

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

girls

GIRLS

Zeesy Powers' debut art show

Friday, May 18, 2007
8 P.M. until midnite

at Freedom Clothing Collective (939 Bloor W. at Delaware)

watercolours and mirrors

limited edition artist's t-shirts

illegal Latin American manicures by Lisa Campbell

partial proceeds to the Canadian Center for Victims of Torture.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

judy chicago show and talk

Oh geez,

I was a bit slow to post this & hope the tickets aren't sold out, for the sake of all of you Chicago fans out there...

Via
Akimbo

Judy Chicago Glass
Chicago in Glass—an exhibition by legendary feminist artist Judy opens at the
Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery in Waterloo on September 9, 2007, from 2 to 5pm. Chicago will give an artist talk on her work at 1pm on September 9. The exhibition at the CCGG is the only Canadian destination for Chicago’s recent work in cast, fused and stained glass.

Tickets for the artist talk are now on sale (and selling out quickly) at the Gallery.

Tickets: $10 for CCGG members, $15 for non-members (includes free admission to the exhibition.) Admission for this exhibition is free for CCGG members, $10 for non-members, and $5 for students and seniors.

Judy Chicago is a celebrated artist, feminist, author, educator and intellectual whose career now spans four decades. A prominent figure in contemporary art, she is recognized for the convention-shattering content of her art in such monumental works as The Holocaust Project and The Dinner Party, a work widely regarded as one of the most significant works of art of the 20th century. The Dinner Party was recently given a permanent home at the Brooklyn Museum, making her exhibition of new work at the CCGG of timely international significance.

For further information contact Lauren Hall, Marketing Manager,
laurenATcanadianclayandglass.ca or 519.746.1882, #234.

Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery, 25 Caroline Street North, Waterloo, ON, CANADA N2L 2Y5.
Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10am-5pm, Sundays 1-5pm.
http://www.canadianclayandglass.ca

volunteer for ladyfest t.o.

Call for volunteers and meeting announcement: Ladyfest Toronto, volunteering and you!

Interested in volunteering but don't know where to start? Come learn about Ladyfest Toronto at our open meeting on May 17th. We'll update you what we've been up to so far and how you can get involved and make things happen! There are lots of aspects of the festival to get involved in from programming to fundraising to community outreach. The meeting will provide a chance for sharing ideas and future planning.

We're looking for volunteers to contribute some time, creativity, energy and love to making Ladyfest Toronto 2007 a success! Come get in on the fun! We can't wait to meet you!

When
Thursday, May 17, 2007 7:30 – 9:00 PM

Location
Toronto Rape Crisis Centre
17 Phoebe Street (1 block North of Queen Street, east off Spadina)
*You will need to press the accessibility button to gain access to the Centre. Please note this space is women only.

See Map

About
Ladyfest is a non-profit, community-based event designed by and for women to showcase, celebrate and encourage the artistic, organizational and political work and talents of women. Ladyfest Toronto 2007, September 27-30 will be Toronto's fourth Ladyfest to date.

Ladyfest Toronto's mandate is to work locally to support and inspire emerging women artists and improve the representation of women in creative and artistic disciplines. We work from a framework that is pro-feminist, trans-inclusive, pro-diversity and anti-oppression.

For more information or to contact us
myspace.com/ladyfestto
ladyfesttoronto@gmail.com

ask crafty: timetex source, fabric steamers & gold and silver chain

Some new ask crafty questions! Please comment on this post or email us with your advice for Moira, Craig & Krissy.

x Wondering if you can recommend a store in Toronto that sells Timtex. I can't find it anywhere. - Moira

x does anyone know about fabric steamers? everytime i see that "the TOBI" infomercial, i almost get hypnotized into reaching for the phone. But it probably sucks and I'd rather get a good one. Is there anywhere in toronto to buy a good one? - craig

x i'm wondering where all the crafty jewellers who sell their designs are getting their gold-filled and sterling silver chain. has anyone purchased from "john bead" in scarborough? is it much cheaper than a place like arton? is there a canadian shop online someone could recommend? - krissy

Saturday, May 12, 2007

from some wilderness place

Heather_Goodchild_mammals_at Katherin Mulherin

Textile artist Heather Goodchild "explores the true wilderness of nature and the metaphorical wilderness of the fears, worries and challenges of humans" in From Some Wilderness Place, on this month at Katherine Mulherin Gallery on Queen West.

A brief description of the exhibit: "The viewer encounters a hexagon patchwork quilt resembling an abstract rose garden. A herd of animals (small felt sculptures) emerge from beneath the quilt, reminiscent of an exit from Eden, or from Noah's ark. The animals are non-specific Mammals: each is a combination of a deer, a dog, and a hare. As the animals move farther away from the quilt, they alter in form, becoming more twisted, reticent, and more human looking. The herd of animals culminates in a series of dioramas."

For more on this show, go here.

Thursday, May 10, 2007

WANTED (right now): custom sewer

URGENTLY NEEDED!

Someone who is able to construct a custom sewing job on a tight deadline. The project is for a New Media festival in Toronto and consists of sewing a tent of ripstop nylon for a video projection. The tent is 4 sided, each side 10' long x 6' high, with a top about 3' high. An internal frame will be constructed afterwards by a builder. It is quite simple. If you are interested, please send me an email and I will send you a drawing, and we can discuss a fee. The project must be finished by the middle of next week.

daymilmanAtgmail.com

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

craft chat t.o!!!!!

craftchat

To all Toronto Makers & Craft enthusiasts:

You are invited to CraftChat T.O., an informal gathering of people interested in talking about the state of craft, design and DIY culture in Toronto & beyond. Consider this to be a stitch n bitch of the mind…though feel free to bring stuff to keep your hands busy, of course.

This call to gather was inspired by a recent trip by Becky (
Good Catch Craft Fairs, The Sweetie Pie Press ), Jen (Toronto Craft Alert) & Leah ( Church of Craft, Coldsnap Bindery) to Pittsburgh for Craft Congress 2007, a meeting of crafty minds from North America & Britain (read more about it here). One really interesting thing that came up was how the craft scene/community/culture differs so much from place to place, in terms of people's motivations for participating, how it is perceived by the larger community, and on many other levels. Which begs the question, what's up with craft in T.O.???? What are we doing here, why are we doing it, are we doing it differently than others, could we be doing it better, could we be having more fun, and who is this 'we', anyhow?

Also, we will have materials on hand from the Craft Congress & will be happy to answer any questions about that gathering as well.

If you'd like to participate in CraftChat T.O. (or come hang out & eavesdrop), taking place on Sunday May 27th at 2pm, please RSVP to
torontocraftalert[AT]gmail.com by May 18th . Once we've got an idea of how many people want to attend, we'll announce the venue.

Looking forward to this,

Becky, Leah & Jen

Monday, May 07, 2007

good catch motherlode craft fair

motherlode-large

the time has come for the good catch motherlode craft fair!

...a matronly installment of parkdale's monthly curated craft fair, the motherlode craft fair will be jam-packed with handmade/independent goods for moms (and everyone, really).
this mother's day, shop indie!

the good catch craft fairs are curated little craft events held monthly in the heart of parkdale.
they are now usually paired with some sort of monthly art hanging.
they are graciously supported by the good catch general store - toronto's best and only pirate-themed general store.

webpage:

http://www.goodcatch.ca/craftfairs.html

with warmest regard,

becky johnson

curator-thus-far


Friday, May 04, 2007

tour de force: OCAD grad exhibition

A note from Allison of Papersnake re: the OCAD Grad show:

Hello Everybody!

This is Allison Wells of Papersnake Jewellery. My 4 years at OCAD have finally reached their climax in the form of my thesis on "Interactive Jewellery" and you are all invited to come see the culmination of my studies at the OCAD Graduate Exhibition on May 11-13th (see the graphic below for more details).

My thesis display can be viewed in Rm# 215c of the Fibre Studio on the 2nd floor of the main OCAD building.

My production jewellery will also be available for sale in the Ceramics Studio (2nd floor of OCAD) as will the work of many other Material Art and Design students.

Tour de Force OCAD

Allison Wells
Papersnake Jewellery
www.Papersnake.ca
416.576.3263

Thursday, May 03, 2007

clothing show this weekend!

Well, duh, I totally forgot that The Clothing Show is this weekend & was only reminded this morning by Nathalie-Roze’s Frugal Fashionista column in Metro. Thanks N-R!

I must admit my attendance of this event has been spotty since they dropped the “Old” from the title (it used to be called the Old Clothing Show, for T.O. newbes) – I was really into the mostly vintage with a few really tight local indie designer selection in my high school days. But sounds like there could be some cute finds at the Spring Show, like seriously discounted duds from Snoflake and
Dagg & Stacey, cutie bags & dresses by Passenger Pigeon and fun jewellery by Papersnake. Pick up a Metro before the day’s out (or visit the column online) to check out more Frugal Fashionista Clothing Show picks.

The Clothing Show
May 5th & 6th, 2007
Automotive Building, Exhibition Place
Sat. 11am - 8pm
Sun. 11am - 7pm
Admission: $8.00 in advance $10.00 at the door

pioneer of pop-up demo

Sabuda-event

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

boothshare vendor opp

Becky of honeybee designhive is seeking a tentmate for Arts at the Heart artisan market at Yonge & Dundas Square. Here’s the deal:

it is a juried event and the deadline has already passed. however, i have been accepted but am looking for someone to split the tent with. i would like to do saturdays through may and june, and some scattered dates in july and august. the rate is $125/saturday for the whole tent. i have been a vendor there in the past, using only a half booth. i found it to be my most profitable market experience.

becky caulford

honeybea designhive
416.565.0875
honeybeadesignhiveAThotmail.com
www.honeybea.ca

If this sounds up your alley, please contact Becky directly and asap! The market starts in two weeks….