weekend roundup

hopefully most of you will have a relaxing and enjoyable weekend - and some of us even have a looong weekend thanks to canada day! if you get bored of lazing around in the heat and have no initative to finish those crafty projects on your shelf, you might be interested in this:

craft fairs!
Strawberry Festival June 30, 9am-4pm
Whitchurch-Stouffville, Main Street

BenBags & Faeriedust Musical Craft Fair - June 30, 12pm-4pm
Saint Stephens in-the-Field Church, 103 Bellevue Ave

ongoing...
hilary webb at distill
nano nano II

and check out magic pony for kozyndan "tales of the bunnyfish" art/craft crossover (cute amigurumi-style crocheted bunnyfish, sculptures and paintings!)

ask crafty: custom rubber stamps & eco-friendly fabric

A couple of good questions for ask crafty - please comment if you've got an answer for Rose or Marnie, or email TCA with your advice.

x I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good place to have custom rubber stamps made [Local or online]? Of images, not text. – Rose

x Do you know of any eco-friendly fabric shops in Toronto? I doubt any of it would be Canadian made (except maybe hemp), but I'd still love to go see, if you know of one? - Marnie

TCA on the road: new york crafty

Inspired by several crafty happenings going down in the Big Apple a couple of weekends past, I braved the overnight bus to see what’s shaking, craft-wise, in New York.

The main event was the Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn (June 16 & 17), an outdoor "indiecraft" bonanza that began in Chicago in 2003 and has inspired countless similar fairs across the world. This year's fair was gynormous, with over 200 booths (and reportedly around 300 vendors) jammed into the McCarren Park Pool, a depression era relic drained in 1983.

The Renegade program read like a crafty walk of fame roster, with craftstars like Jen Corace, the small object, My Paper Crane, and Lotta Jansdotter in attendance. Some booths were occupied by crafty mega-networks like Etsy, Craftster, and The Sampler. I was pleased to find a strong Canadian contingent, including Toronto makers Hoi/Construct & Hoibo, the sweetie pie press, Katie Muth, Danielle Maveal, and Smitten Kitten as well as Montreal cuties Damned Dollies and the Pin Pals.


Pin Pals booth


Emily of Black Apple.


Sian Keegan's booth.

True confession time: All in all, I found the fair to be quite overwhelming. Trying to take in 300 vendors in a concrete pool amongst scores of eager shoppers on a scorching almost-summer day in Brooklyn was a bit of an ordeal. While much awesomeness was to be found, I was bummed to see sooo much repetition among the wares – screen printed bird t-shirts, antique-style charm necklaces, and of course stuffed woodland animals abounded. (Hence my rather cranky comments to the NY Times reporter!!!).

To some extent this can no doubt be attributed to the craft community’s presence online, with people checking out each others’ work on blogs, messageboards, social book marking sites, etsy, and other online shops. Some repetition is of course natural within subcultures or artistic communities, and there is nothing wrong with riffing off of one another’s ideas. But when so many similar things are seen side-by-side on such a large scale, it can feel a bit... icky. Vendors suffer too, due to increased competition. So while I have always craved a Renegade-style show in Toronto, I found myself feeling grateful for our smaller fairs which tend to be curated with a concern for avoiding repetition.

Anyhow, moving on (and backwards), as the sun went down on Friday night I headed over to the Etsy labs - also in Brooklyn- for the 2 year anniversary party for etsy.com. The labs not only serve as head office for the etsy enterprise, but are open to the public for craft workshops, getting support for your etsy shop, networking with other makers, trunk shows for international etsy members, and use of equipment and supplies like button makers and sewing machines (some free, some not). The labs are also home to a number of crafty enterprises like Burda Style and MAKE magazine. [Sounds like something off our CraftChat T.O. wishlist – anyone up for getting something like this going in Toronto??? ]


Sewing corner @ Etsy Lab

Sitting in one of the etsy staff's gentleman's club-style office checking out the whiteboard to do list that included "screen print tote bags" and referenced a meeting with BUST magazine, I felt like I was in some parallel universe where crafters ruled the world and CEOs drink homemade soy chai lattes vs. aged scotch. Crazy business.



Other NYC craftiness included a visit to fabric addicts’ haven Purl Patchworks (the fabric division of Purl Soho) and to the amazing design section at the Strand bookstore, where I picked up this beauty for an amazing price. Highly recommended!



Glorious bolts @ Purl Patchworks

Perhaps the most impressive of all of the weekend’s activities (second of course to riding the Cyclone at Coney Island, soon to RIP) was the Radical Lace & Subversive Knitting exhibit at the Museum of Art & Design (MAD). We were super lucky to stumble upon this Museum across the street from the MoMA after deciding not to join the insane lineup for free Friday entry (good to know about, if you’ve got the patience & don’t mind crowds).

Here’s a little blurb on the show, from the MAD program:

Radical Lace & Subversive Knitting explores knitting, crocheting, and lace-making by contemporary artists from around the world. Blow torches, fiber optics, digital technology, shredded currency, video, rubber, and chocolate are used by 30 artists to create memorable, surprising, and compelling works. They have reinvented traditional handcraft with new materials and unorthodox methods that defy categorization as art, craft, or design.

There were some seriously inspiring pieces in this show, on a conceptual level and in terms of pure craftsmanship (check out those mini-gloves!!!). I was particularly blown away by the meticulously hand cut muslin lace by Piper Sheppard, and “Filigree Car Bombing” by NSCAD grad Cal Lane, who used a blow torch to create lace patterns into found car parts. ''Wartime Knitting Circle'', the basement installation by Sabrina Gschwandtner (founder of the truly awesome KnitKnit magazine), was also quite engaging: Surrounded by machine knitted photo blankets depicting various wartime knitting scenes, visitors were invited to use her patterns in producing items such as body count mittens (documenting U.S. Soldier deaths in Iraq) and knitted helmet liners.

Hildur BjarnadóttirUntitled (Skulls), 1999 (detail) 4 x 54 x 54 in. (5 x 136 x 136 cm). Crocheted cotton yarn, wood table. Collection of the artist.

Althea Merback (Ancient Greek Gloves), 2005. Silk thread. Kathleen Savage Browning Miniatures Collection, Kentucky Gateway Museum Center, Maysville. Photo: Althea Merback

Anne Wilson (Topologies), begun 2002 (ongoing). Lace, thread, cloth, insect pins, painted wood support. Dimensions variable. Courtesy Rhona Hoffman Gallery, Chicago, and Paul Kotula projects, Detroit. Photo: Stephen Pitkin

So yeah, it was a great visit. If anyone has any New York craft/design finds to share, please do. Of course there is a million more to be discovered in that crazy, wonderful city….

FOR MORE IMAGES FROM ALL OF THE ABOVE, SEE THE FLICKR SET.

call for vendors: fall & winter stitch'n'kitsch

Get in on the Stich’n’Kitch action:

The application for both the Fall (September 22nd) and Winter (december 15th) Stitch'n'Kitsch shows is up! The application covers both shows- crafty folk can apply for either show, or both, all on the same form.

See our site here:

http://www.stitchnkitsch.com/

or just the application here:

http://www.stitchnkitsch.com/snkapplication07.pdf

The Stitch'n'Ktisch is a collective group of over 20 Kitchener-Waterloo and area independent artisans. We've banded together to offer each other support and info, and just to have fun! As a group, we strive to promote both emerging and established craftspeople/artisans locally, and love to see people taking traditional crafts and turning them into something new! We keep a limited number of tables open at each show for guest artists, and can't wait to see who applies!

yours always in craft,

Erin, anatomy of a skirt

paper & print news from kozo studio gallery

A latter from Akemi, proprietress of KOZO Studio Gallery (see below for paper/book workshops):

Hello everyone,

Well, summer has officially arrived! I'm in the midst of organising a colouring book with images from about thirty printmakers from across Canada. The books will be sold to raise money for the Printmaking Department at OCAD and for the Artists' Health Centre Foundation. I'm really excited about this project! In July I'll be part of a salon show at the Gendai Gallery located in the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre and I'll be giving a lecture in September at the Mississauga Handweavers and Spinners Guild conference.

I've gotten together a list of workshops for the lazy days of summer. For all those who wanted letterpress workshops I've scheduled two intro classes and a first level class. There are also two washi (rice paper) decorating classes in the traditional Japanese style, and printmaker Liz Forrest is doing a two day multi colour Japanese wood block printing workshop! Yay!

Sorry, there won't be any papermaking workshops until at least September because I have injured my thumb and wrist. I'm trying very hard to master typing with just my left hand!

Akemi Nishidera/KOZO Studio Gallery

WORKSHOPS at KOZO Studio Gallery
257 Broadview Ave. just north of Dundas St. E.


Letterpress Printing Intro Workshop
Sat. July 14 from 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm or Sat. August 11 from 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
Learn the basics of printing on a flatbed press with Akemi Nishidera at her studio.
The Vandercook press is one of the most popular presses for letterpress printers and the little Showcard is perfect for small editions, gift tags, and quick prints. In this introduction class participants will learn to print from a combination of wood type, metal type, and metal cuts.
Fee $ 50.00 plus supply fee of $5.00.

Letterpress 1
Saturday and Sunday Sept. 22 and 23 from 10 am to 4pm
In this intensive two day workshop participants will learn how to lock up a form and registration in order to print in two or more colours. Participants will create an edition of their own unique letterpress printed Broadsides
Participants should have 'Letterpress Printing Intro.' or have discussed their previous experience with the instructor.
Workshop price for the 2 day workshop is $150.00 plus a $15.00 supply fee.


Orizome Papers
Thursday July 5 from 6 pm to 9 pm
Orizome is a traditional Japanese method of decorating paper using washi paper folded or blocked and then dipped in dyes. The results are beautiful papers that look like a kaleidoscope view. Participants will learn what papers are best suited for dying, dyes to use and some traditional patterns to create. You will take home some gorgeous papers of your own creation! Many people just hang these papers on their walls as works of art!
Fee $35.00 plus supply fee of $ 5.00 for washi paper.

Suminagashi - Japanese Paper Marbling
Thursday Aug. 9 from 6 pm to 9 pm
This Japanese style of marbling uses water based inks delicately floating on water. The design created by the inks are carefully transferred to washi paper and then lifted off the water to dry. The resulting decorated papers were often used as backgrounds for traditional wood block prints and calligraphy pieces. They are beautiful pieces themselves and can be used for cards, scrapbooks, bookbinding, lanterns, etc.
Fee $35.00 plus supply fee of $5.00 for washi paper.


Moku Hanga - Japanese Woodblock Printing with Elizabeth Forrest
Saturday and Sunday Aug. 18 and 19th from 10 am to 4 pm
"This will be a relaxed weekend learning the basic techniques of mokuhanga (Japanese woodblock printmaking), and taking time to print your image in one or more colours. On the first day, bring a strong graphic image or design(6"x 8" max) and learn how to transfer it to an 8 x 10" woodblock. Attention will be given to effective carving techniques that ensure success in printing. Once finished this "key" block, you can carve a second block for colour areas printed in perfect registratiion, creating a small edition of colour woodblock by Sunday afternoon. Authentic Japanese tools and materials include marubake brushes, shina plywood, barens and top quality washi (Japanese paper)."
Fee $145.00 plus supply fee of $15.00 (supply fee is payable to instructor on the day of the workshop)

Bind and Blab
…is taking the summer off. These evenings will resume in September.

Registration Information
Payment is by cash or cheque. Cheques should be made out to Akemi Nishidera. Registration may be mailed to Akemi Nishidera, 51 Cummings St., Toronto, ON M4M 1M9
For more information contact Akemi. e-mail: akemi-ken[AT]rogers.com
tel: 416-214-1882

artcare for kids & adults

Summer ArtCare Program
Painting, Drawing, Modeling, Felting, Sewing, Knitting

Ages 5-8, July 9 -13
Ages 6-9, July 16-20
Ages 10-13, July 22-27

(Classes will be held Monday - Friday 11:00-12:15 or 12:45-2:00, $150 per week includes materials)

The ArtCare Room provides a variety of classes for children and adults. Classes include: felting, sewing, knitting, painting, drawing and sculpture. Art Care programs bring therapeutic benefits through personal artistic expression. The artistic exercises make use of three main modalities: painting, handwork and drawing, which effect the realms of feeling, willing and thinking. They awaken the health-giving creative principle and rekindle the strength to bring harmony and balance to the whole human being.


ArtCare Room #203
401 Richmond St. West

Kathie Young
416-545-7741
Visit my website for more information:
phoenixartsgroup.org/kathie

get exposed, buy local: canadian crafts online

There's a new CanCraft resource on the block:

hello everybody. here is a great resource for canadian craftists www.canadiancraftsonline.com.
irina and raz rapaport, craft artists themselves, (check www.irinarapaport.com ) have started this site as a labour of love and passion for art. the site is intended to be a directory of craft artists and provide internet exposure. it is free to join, just send them an e-mail.

classes at the contemporary textile studio

TEXTILE CLASSES!

Screen-Printing Crash Course
Botanical Prints Workshop
Felting 101

KIDS & TEENS
Print Extravaganza!
Kids Felting
T-Shirt Printing

All classes take place at the Contemporary Textile Studio at 401 Richmond St. West

Class sizes are small, early registration is advised!
www.nuradesigns.com
nuratextiles[AT]gmail.com
416.501.NURA

vendor seeking vendor: dundas square market

Looking for a place to sell your stuff next weekend? Read on....

i would like to sublet my stall at the dundas square market for next saturday june 30th. a whole tent is available, but we could work out a half if that suits better. the booth fee is $159 for the saturday (10am - 9pm), or half if necessary. sales have been amazing, the market is really evolving and tourist traffic is great! people can contact me through email:
honeybeadesignhive[AT]hotmail.com

becky caulford
www.honeybea.ca

craft miscellania

1) a lovely picture that Becky took of the TCA booth at mini Crafternoon Tea this Sunday. It was truly great to meet some of you loyal readers!



2) a review of the Brooklyn Renegade Craft Fair in the NY Times (complete with rather snarky quotes by my husband and I). This is a teaser for a more extensive report-back from a craft themed trip to NYC (coming soon).

gimme shelter: gazebo for sale

Diana of FlyBall Bags has a gazebo for sale:

10 by 10 'First Up' Gazebo For Sale. It's a white metal frame and blue canopy. Woods brand. Only used twice. In mint condition. Perfect for craft shows! Comes in a handy carrying case with wheels. Sets up in 1 minute. Email diana[AT]flyballbags.com if interested. Asking $100.

Thanks!
Diana

hillary webb @ distill & toae

The work of textile artist Hillary Webb will be available for oogling at two locations in the next little bit:

a. Domestic at Distill Gallery


b. Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition

Her booth is #555 - On the East side of the front doors of City Hall
(under the overhang)
She will be featuring all new work. Come early to have the best pick!
July 6, 7 & 8, 2007
Friday: 10am – 8pm
Saturday: 10am – 7pm
Sunday: 10am - 6pm
http://www.torontooutdoorart.org/

Weekend Roundup

what's up this weekend?

MINI Crafternoon Tea - June 23rd, 11am to 5pm
1015 Queen St. East at Pape in Leslieville - Nathalie-Roze & Co. - on the side patio and back garden. A hip outdoor crafty fashion market and charity tea-party

Sassy Little Craft Show - June 22, 7pm-12:30am
581 Markham Street - The Victory Cafe (upstairs) (SW of Bathurst Station/Bloor+Bathurst Intersection)

Ladyfest T.O. craft sale - June 24 1-6pm
Kapisanane Phillipine Centre, 167 Augusta in Kensington Market

Kingfest Music Celebration - June 22 - 24, Friday 6pm - 11pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am – 11pm
Seneca College King Campus

Artisans’ Village TD Canada Trust Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival June 22 - July 1
hours: 12 -8pm everyday
Nathan Phillips Square

ongoing...
nano nano II: an exhibition of independently handmade books
machine crash course at sew-be-it studio
Kristiina Lahde Paper Cut - A new installation at MADE May 29 - July 14, 2007
From Russia with Love - Drawing/Installation June 1-30, 2007 She Said Boom! 372 College
sasquatch squat - thrush holmes empire, 1093 Queen Street West (at Dovercourt) May 31 - July 1

There's also great stuff happening if you're heading out of the city:

Elliot Lake - The Hand and Spirit Conference & Juried Show - June 22 - 24
conference, workshops, a juried exhibition and fashion show of wearable art.

Oakville Oakville Waterfront Festival June 22 - 24
hours - Friday 5pm-11pm, Saturday 9am-11pm, Sunday 9am-5pm
Oakville Coronation Park

Cambridge Printmaking Fair & Print Sale - June 23 10 am - 4 pm
Cambridge Galleries, Design at Riverside , 7 Melville Street South

FOR SALE: industrial sewing machine

Joanne is looking to sell her industrial sewing machine, pronto:

I have a used (but in good condition), Industrial Sewing Machine to sell.

It is a JUKI and I am asking $275 obo...

I have to sell it before June 29th, so I will be willing to make a deal!

Click here to contact Joanne.

sew be it studio: beyond the beginner

New course from Sew Be It:

Looking for something creative and fun to do over the summer but don’t want to give up all your summer patio time?

Beyond The Beginner

This short course is perfect for those who have taken our Beginner Sewing class but want a little more practice before moving on to the intermediate level.

This is the perfect stepping stone and a chance to work on a new project.

Students will need to bring a pattern and material to the first class. Skirts or pants are recommended. We will send pattern recommendations upon registration.

Class runs for 3 weeks.
Beginner Sewing skills are a must.

Date: July 12, 19 & 26. Thursdays
Time: 6pm - 9pm

Price: $110 + GST

If you would like more information, or to register for this class, please contact us.

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

EXHIBITION: nano nano II - an exhibition of independently handmade books

Wow, totally jealous of these OCAD kids, who got to take a course on indie book publishing at the grassroots level. Not only were they schooled in high & low tech print processes ranging from digital & analogue to screen printing & letterpress, they were also encouraged to explore & push beyond conventional historical, structural and cultural constructs of what makes a book a book.

The results? An impressive collection of visually and thematically eclectic works totally worth checking out. Look out for books covering topics like horoscope cartoons, (un) lucky rabbits, the history of nowhere, and Chinese paper cuts.

The opening party takes place tonight, Wed. June 20th, at Babel Books and Music (123 Ossington Avenue) from 8 PM till 10 PM. If you can’t make it, don’t fret, you can check them in the window at Pages (256 Queen St W) from June 24 till July 15, as well as being able to purchase multiples of the books there for several weeks.

For more info and images, go to their site: www.blekkenhorst.ca/nano.



images courtesy Jasmine Fitzwilliam

who's got the goss on studio opal?

A couple of queeries have come in lately regarding the status of Studio Opal. Apparently they are not reachable by phone or email, and people are wondering if they are still open.

If you know what's up, please comment on this post, or email the Alert here.

Thanks!

felting classes: vase & wine cozy

Pheonix Arts Group invites you to....

Learn the Ancient Craft of Felting!


Felted Vase
Thursday July 5th, 2007
6:30-8:00pm
$35 per class, includes materials


Wine Cooler/Chiller
Thursday July 12th, 2007
6:30-8:30pm
$40 per class, includes materials

Felt is the oldest form of fabric known to man. What is Felt? Very simply, felt is matted wool. Wool becomes felt when it is subjected to moisture, heat, and pressure. Hot soapy water makes the wool slippery, and causes tiny scales on the fiber to "open up". The scales prevent the fibers from backing up again after they slide across each other; with agitation, the fibers get hopelessly tangled together. When cooled and dried, the scales close and lock the wool into the tough, durable material we call felt.

ArtCare Room #203
401 Richmond St. West

Kathie Young
416-545-7741
416-591-2240
http://phoenixartsgroup.org/feltingroom/index.html
Visit my website for more information:
phoenixartsgroup.org/kathie

mini crafternoon tea this saturday!!!

TCA will have a booth here, come by with hi-fives....

MINI Crafternoon Tea

WHEN: Saturday June 23rd from 11am to 5pm
WHERE: Nathalie-Roze & Co. - on the side patio and back garden
1015 Queen St. East at Pape in Leslieville
WHAT: A hip outdoor crafty fashion market and charity tea-party

Expect over 20 local craftista-designers selling their fab limited edition merch at wallet-friendly prices (lots under $30) - many items are eco-chic, creatively incorporating vintage and or recycled materials. Peruse wearables and gift items including unusual handcrafted jewellery & accessories, quirky-cool clothing, unconventional paper goods, dreamy organic soaps & lotions, plus lots more handmade crafty goodness.

Vendors include local faves and newbie talents:
Kari Lynn Bianchi, Sweetie Press, Kim Kutner, B. Skin, TLC/Echoes in the Attic, Smitten Kitten, Naynu, Kate Johnson, Le Petit Pig, House of Hsueh, SLO, Jules & Annie, Little Brown Wren, Sally Girl, Peach Berserk, Rat Girl, L'Ammie, Melissa Clemente, Soap Scum, 2-Mile Jewellery, simply. by amanda, Paper Muse, Toronto Craft Alert, Church of Craft and Rat Girl (& other guests).

Highlights include: onesies made from vintage t-shirts, reusable shopping/tote bags made from recycled sheets and drapes (no more plastic!), knitted purses made with t-shirt scraps and gorgeous summer tops made with vintage silk scarves, sock toys, brooches, hats, clay jewellery and other inspired wearables.

ALSO: a stellar raffle (over $400 worth of prizes), a discount craft supply & fabric table as well as lots of sweet eats - scones & cream, cupcakes, gourmet tea (iced or hot) and lemonade served in the back garden.
Proceeds benefit the Woodgreen Community Centre. For more info and vendors pix, visit: www.nathalie-roze.com OR call 416-792-1699

scarborough celebrates!

The Scarborough Village Neighbourhood Association is looking for people interested in selling their crafts at the Second Annual Scarborough Village Summer Festival to be held this July 14th 2007 11am-7pm. Especially if these said artists and crafts-persons are from Scarborough, or have a soft spot in their heart for this area of the city. Tables will be provided and are only $30.

The festival is organized by the Scarborough Village Neighbourhood Association (SVNA), a voluntary, non-profit community organization whose mission is to build a welcoming, inclusive, respectful, multicultural neighbourhood where everyone is empowered to participate, contribute and receive the services and opportunities they deserve. This year’s festival will feature a free BBQ, a flea market, diverse cultural performances, children’s entertainers, local youth hip hop talent and prominent guestspeakers. Last year’s festival drew 1500 people; they are hoping to double that number this year.

For more information on how to reserve a table for July 14th please contact the SVNA at the Action for Neighbourhood Change Office - 416 261 0150 or svnas @ hotmail.com

small town crafty

This is a bit of a self-serving request, but I imagine it will be of interest to others out there who are looking to "discover" Ontario.

Can anyone recommend small towns (or really small cities) not too far from Toronto that have some sort of arts/crafts/design community? I'm not thinking anything too polished/touristy like Jordan or Elora. Within an hour or so of Toronto would be preferable.

I'd really appreciate your tips.

Thanks!
xjenx

biznaz tips

I know a lot of readers sell on etsy, other consignment sites, or have their own website, so I thought I’d share a couple of articles I came across in Business Week (via the etsy blog) that might be of interest.

The first is an article on etsy itself:
http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/jun2007/sb20070611_488723.htm

Attached to the above article is a slide show of with a number of etsy sellers offering tips on how to sell better on the site:
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/07/06/0612_smallbiz_etsy/index_01.htm

Also, this article shares some general tips on selling your stuff online:
http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/feb2007/sb20070226_390211.htm

If so inspired, please do share your comments/ your own tips in the comments to this post.

sassy little craft show

Sassy Little Craft Show
Friday June 22
7pm-12:30am
The Victory Cafe (upstairs)
581 Markham Street(SW of Bathurst Station/Bloor+Bathurst Intersection)
Vendors include: Crafty Like a Fox, Sweetie Pie Press, Anatomy of a Skirt, Banjo Puppets & SoapScum

the distill cup 2007

TCA reader Deborah Sanderson wrote to let us know about 'the distill cup 2007', in which she has a piece, piece "Hommage to Russia" on display.


"Hommage to Russia" Deborah Sanderson

Here are the event details:

at distill
june 12th to june 24th
'the distill cup 2007'
a juried national competition of 'cups',
as interpreted by canadian glass blowers
ceramists, mixed media artists and jewellers.

guest juror betty ann jordan will select the 'best in show'

visitors to the exhibition are invited to
cast a vote for 'the people's choice award'

opening festivities: thurs. june 14th 6-8pm.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: the 5th annual square foot show

via akimbo



National & International call:

AWOL Gallery is seeking submissions for Toronto's most anticipated summer group show.

The 5th Annual Square Foot Show 2007.

"I could go on and on with my picks...If you‘ve spent the summer avoiding the gallery circuit, Square Foot is a great way to relieve your guilt and stay satiated until at least early October. Galleries within a square mile of AWOL might as well paper over their windows." (RM Vaughan, National Post, Square Foot August 2005)

RSVP DEADLINE: June 25th, 2007

To RSVP please send a completed/signed contract with the submission fee to:
AWOL Gallery
78 Ossington Avenue, 2nd Floor, Toronto, Ontario M6J 2Y7

More info and download artist forms at www.awolgallery.com

CRITERIA:All artwork must be exactly 12" x 12" inches (the outer dimension of the piece, framed or unframed) and no more than 5 inches thick. Work cannot be hung on an angle, so plan your work to be level.

ARTWORK DROP OFF/ DELIVERY: In person on Saturday, July 21st between 1pm-6pm or mailed by Friday, July 20th (if mailing art please include sufficient return postage). To: AWOL Gallery 78 Ossington Avenue, 2nd fl., Toronto, Ontario M6J 2Y7

AWARDS: A "People's Choice Award" of $200.00, and two "Honorable Mention" awards of $100.00 will be announced after the first week of the exhibition. The winners will be determined through ballots cast by visitors of the show.

SHOW DATES: August 3 to 26, 2007 RECEPTION: August 3, 2007

QUESTIONS?? please refer to the FAQs page at www.awolgallery.com for answers to your questions. If your question is not on the FAQs page, please email us.

AWOL Gallery76 & 78 Ossington AvenueToronto, Ontario M6J 2Y7416 535-5637awol[AT]awolgallery.com

flux + form: east end jewellery boutique

Toronto seems to be fertile ground for independent jewellery boutiques of late. The latest addition to the local bling scene is Flux + Form Design Studio, located at 116 ½ Sherbourne Street, just north of Richmond.

The boutique, specializing in hand-made and custom designed jewellery, is home to the designs of graduates of George Brown and Georgian Colleges Suzanne Crudden, Kim Drosdick and Michela Foschia. They craft a variety of materials like platinum, diamonds, roughly finished minerals and lava into must-have offerings and custom-designed works. Their client list includes stars like Ally Sheedy, Jennifer Beals, and Lara Flynn Boyle, though their goal is to work with clients, at their pace and within their budget.

Key products and services include:

Hand-Made Jewellery Custom Jewellery
Engagement & Wedding Rings Wedding Party Jewellery/Gifts
Design Consultations Jewellery Remodeling/Restoration
Jewellery Repair Film/Television/Fashion Industry Loans & Rentals
Corporate Gifts Appraisals Arranged Upon Request


Flux + Form opens with a weekend long open house for the public, taking place Saturday, June 23rd and Sunday, June 24th from 12pm to 6pm.

Flux + Form
116 ½ Sherbourne Street
416.368.9679
www.fluxandform.ca

nano-forest: little odd forest and more at nanopod

It's official!

nanopod has turned into a Little Odd Forest!

Now featuring adorable lovingly hand-made tree stump wristlets,plushies, felt & acrylic brooches, cherry drop earrings
Up-cycled postcard notebooks, beautiful stone and sterling silverhand-made chain bracelets, glass & sterling cuff links
nanotopian super soft vintage style tshirts, tops, and so much more!

Hand made goodness that cannot be found anywhere else in Toronto, or anywhere else period!

Little Odd Forest
Dandy Brand
Eunice
Old Westin
Andrew Brudz, Esq
Pleasepretend
Tomiko Winter
and more surprises!

Come visit nanopod's nanotopia before the forest disappears! :)
nanopod: hybrid studio
322 harbord street
toronto, ontario
647. 219. 0585
www.nanopod.tv

cheap books! at the monkey's paw!

O.k. not exclusively crafty, but I've found some neat-o vintage craft books & inspiration for projects at the Paw....

* * * Monkey's Paw Garage Sale * * *

Attention bibliomaniacs: Toronto's most idiosyncratic secondhand bookshop is lightening its creaking shelves to make room for a glut of new stock.

For two days only, we'll be offering literally thousands of interesting and unusual titles at armload prices.

When: Saturday & Sunday, June 16 - 17; 10 am - 3 pm
Where: In the garage behind the Monkey's Paw (1229 Dundas St. West); access via laneway off Grove Ave.

In keeping with the character of the Monkey's Paw, this sale material is various in the extreme. It includes established classics; arcane academic works; pop-culture fluff; forgotten pamphlets; and lots of unexpected titles you won't find anywhere else.

Prices as follows:
Hardcover: $2
Larger paperbacks: $1
Mass market paperbacks, pamphlets and magazines, $.50

GST included; we accept cash and Interac.

Hope to see you there!
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The Monkey's Paw
1229 Dundas St. West
Toronto, ON M6J 1X6
416 531 2123

printmaking fair & sale in cambridge

Cambridge Galleries
PRINTMAKING FAIR & PRINT SALE
Saturday, June 23, 200710 am - 4 pm
Cambridge Galleries, DESIGN AT RIVERSIDE, 7 Melville Street South, Cambridge, Ontario

This one-day exhibition and sale features displays, demonstrations and original works by over 20 Ontario artists representing all areas of printmaking. The event will be held at the Cambridge Galleries' Design at Riverside gallery and printmaking studio. The print sale will include hundreds of original fine art prints -- monoprints, screenprints, lithographs and relief prints, for sale at all price points.

Visitors are invited to tour the gallery and printmaking studio and participate in printmaking activities and demonstrations throughout the day.

The Cambridge Galleries printmaking studio opened in 2005 at the Design at Riverside gallery, located within the University of Waterloo School of Architecture on the banks on the Grand River in downtown Cambridge.
Admission is free.

For further information, call 519.621.0460 or visit www.cambridgegalleries.ca .

2007 parkdale arts & crafts festival - call for submissions

The Parkdale Arts & Crafts Festival returns on the weekend of July 14 and 15, 2007 with live music and over 75 vendors. Presented by the Parkdale Liberty Economic Development Corporation (PLEDC) the outdoor street festival is centered in the heart of Parkdale at Queen Street West and Cowan Street.

PLEDC is currently seeking artists, artisans and craftspeople for the 2007 festival. Please submit the Vendor Application Form (available from www.parkdaleliberty.com/viewMainFeature.php ) along with 2 images of your current work (either on CD or sent in by email) for consideration.

CD Submissions: JPEG files only - image should be oriented correctly and should not exceed 800 pixels in any dimension. PLEDC assumes no responsibility for images sent without return postage. Please do not send original artwork.

In-Person or Mail-In Submissions: PLEDC assumes no responsibility for images sent without return postage. Please do not send original artwork.

PLEDC is pleased to provide:

Scheduled set up and tear down times
Vendor space (see Vendor Application Form for space options)
Volunteer coordinators, and staff to facilitate the event
Listing on PLEDC website and event brochure
Deadline for Submissions: EARLY BIRD - Tuesday June 14, 2007 and REGULAR - Thursday June 28, 2007

NOTE: Incomplete Application Packages will not be considered!

Application forms available from www.parkdaleliberty.com/viewMainFeature.php Please forward applications to:

Parkdale Arts & Crafts Festival
c/o Jessica Hum
1313 Queen Street
Toronto, Ontario, M6K 1L8
Email: jessica@parkdaleliberty.com
Phone: (416) 516 8301

FUNDING OPP: big money for young ceramic artists or potters

via akimbo -

Call for Submissions: The Winifred Shantz Award for Ceramists 2007
As the only national award for young ceramic artists or potters, The Winifred Shantz Award presents $10,000 annually to an artist to both recognize achievement and invest in the future.

The Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery is looking for submissions from Canadian artists working in ceramics and potters who have been working for a minimum of five years and a maximum of ten years in a productive studio capacity. (I guess this isn't for hobby ceramists who dabble, like me!)
This award is designed to allow the recipient time away from the studio, travel for career development, connect with mentors, visit other studios, study museum collections, investigate kiln sites, or to perform research that will further in-studio production. It may also be used for international residencies or symposia. This award isn't supposed to be used for tuition purposes, and you can find out more info on this award on the Canadian Clay & Glass website.

Image: Last year's winner, Ying-Yueh Chuang's Plant- Creature, 2006

call for makers: i made it shop, kitchener

Kitchener is looking for craftastic artists!

If you have unique handmade items, then the imadeit shop is where you need to be. (rent/consignment fee is $50/month + work 8hrs/week )

The shop will have two classrooms and a main store front, right downtown kitchener. its a fairly large space so i need painters, photographers, potters, knitters, felters, embroiders... fashion designers. I also need some super craftastic artists to teach some of their basic skills to the public

There is a lot of talent outside Kitchener and we want to have you to. If you cant work in the shop at all, the rental/consignment fee is $100/month.

visit imadeitshop.wordpress.com or send your bio to megan at imadeit.shop[AT]gmail.com

nanopod: summer of love

nanopod's Summer of Love

in celebration of our 2nd year on Harbord Street
nanopod is giving back the love with 15% off an 8 week, or 3 week course
when you sign up with a friend!

You and your friend both receive 15% off of the regular course fee.
Offer is valid through September 07

Upcoming workshop/course info can be found here:
http://www.nanopod.tv/nano_classes.html

Thank you!

contact them here

contemporary textile studio co-op

The Contemporary Textile Studio Co-op is having an open house! Come and see the studio, meet the members, and see what we are up to!


Contact: cts.member[AT]gmail.com

Also, check out their summertime classes:


SUMMER TEXTILE CLASSES!

Botanical Prints Workshop
Screen-printing Crash Course
Felting 101

KIDS CLASSES:
Print Extravaganza!
Kids Felting
T-shirt Printing Workshop

All classes are held in The Contemporary Textile Studio at 401 Richmond St. West studio 109.
For more information, please contact us at: http://www.nuradesigns.com/

beaches arts & craft show reminder

Irina’s keeping us on the ball with this reminder about the Beaches Arts & Crafts Show happening this weekend. [Question for you all: is there a neighbourhood-wide garage sale in the Beaches this weekend? I seem to remember missing this last year on the weekend of the BA&CS – please advise!!!!] Answer: Nope, that was two weeks ago - Yard Sale for the Cure.

please remind people about this lovely show in it's 23 year. 150 talented exhibitors. buy handmade....forget the mass produced and mass marketed, support our local artists and artisans, enjoy their inspired arts and crafts....

http://www.beachesartsandcraftsshow.com/

irina

ladyfest t.o. craft sale

This sounds great. Apply apply! (or attend! attend!)

Hello lovely crafters, zinesters and artists!

The heat is on! It's on the street! Ladyfest Toronto and Kapisanan Philippine Centre are joining forces to bring the first of two summer craft fair extravaganzas in Kensignton Market during Pedestrian Sundays!

Our first craft sale is scheduled for SUNDAY, JUNE 24th from 1 pm to 6 pm with vendors setting up at 12 and tearing down from 6 - 7 pm. It's at the Kapisanan Philippine Centre, 167 Augusta Ave (Corner of Dundas).

We have a limited number of tables available with approximate dimensions of 3' X 30". Vendors will be permitted to display items on the wall behind their table space. Please let us know in advance if you are bringing any additional displays/racks. We will try to accommodate this within reason. The table and vending fee is 20$.

If you provide your own table, the fee is reduced to $15. Please send table dimensions in advance. Chairs are provided for all.

The fee is to be paid at 12:00 PM on Sunday. Vendors are also asked to donate an item from their table for our raffle. This is a great way to promote your craft as raffle items will be displayed in the window.

The primary focus of this sale is promoting the crafty and artistic talents of women (men are welcome too of course). We are particularly interested in showing work that is DIY and at an accessible price
point.

Here's what we need from you to consider your application:

- Your name and contact information
- A brief description of yourself and your crafts
- Approx. price-point of your crafts
- photos of your work.
- display info if applicable
- let us know if you require a table or are bringing your own

As well, let us know if you would be willing to be contacted by the media or have pictures of your crafts included in any press about the craftsale.

PLEASE NOTE: You must receive a confirmation e-mail from us to confirm that you will be participating in the craft sale.

There will be musical performances at the event. The list of performers will be confirmed shortly.

Entrance to the craft sale is open to the public and will be pay-what-you-can. Those who make a donation will receive a complimentary raffle ticket.

Please don't hesitate to write us with any questions or concerns you might have about the craft sale. You can reach us at ladyfesttoronto[AT]gmail.com.

And of course apply quickly! Spaces are limited!

xoxoxo

LFTO

CRAFTCHAT T.O.: meeting notes

CraftChat T.O.
Sunday May 27^th, 2007 2-5pm

Trinity-St. Paul’s Church

After attending Craft Congress 2007 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Toronto crafter Leah (Toronto Church of Craft), Becky (Good Catch Craft Fair) & Jen (Toronto Craft Alert) were inspired to invite Toronto makers & craft enthusiasts to attend CraftChat T.O. in order to share their Congress experiences as well as open up the discussion to local issues. The following is a summary*** of what went down.

What do we want to come out of this meeting?

-Try and get an open dialogue going between crafters in the city
-Brainstorm ideas on how to promote our businesses
-Share resources and ideas with one another

Topics Discussed

What was the Craft Congress meeting all about?
We didn’t go into this too much as the discussion veered away from it. Becky and Jen talked a bit about the fact that some of the “indie” (debatable term) craft fairs in the States seek corporate sponsorship. This was acceptable to many of the American Craft Congress attendees and was in fact one of the workshop topics. The “danger” of indie fairs in Toronto “going corporate” was considered. Conclusion: Not likely! They aren’t big enough.

Is it possible to be crafty and profitable? What are the pros and cons of selling at craft fairs? How helpful are websites like Etsy to crafters?
It was suggested that the market is saturated – there are too many craft fairs in Toronto! Some participants noted that when your skills develop to the point of your work looking professional or “perfect”, craft fair goers don’t want to buy your stuff because it doesn’t look “handmade” enough.

Many people are frustrated with the cost of participation as well as low sales at craft sales and are turning to internet selling to get their work out there. The effectiveness of Etsy.com was debated – it’s clear that instant success on Etsy is unlikely, though it may be a good place to make connection with stores.

Several chatters asserted that the face-to-face interaction with customers is important & positive feedback keeps them motivated and inspired.

Is there a sizeable market in Canada for handmade goods?
The Canadian market is much smaller than in the U.S., largely because the population is smaller. Some makers have greater success selling to the States for this reason, plus it is more of a culture of spending vs. a culture of thrift like in Canada.

Are Guilds and other organizations helpful?
Most Guilds are found to be too expensive, though exceptions do exist.

Why is there so little dialogue between Toronto crafters?
People seem to like to spectate vs. joining in. They also like to be affiliated with things (e.g. Church of Craft) but many don’t actually show up! Re: online participation (e.g. commenting on Toronto Craft Alert blog posts), it was suggested that there is so much going on online (email, messageboards, facebook, our own websites) that no one has time to be active everywhere.

Ideas proposed

-Hosting a regular Show and Tell/ friendly critique session where people can show what they are working on and get feedback
-Starting a skill sharing group where a different crafter could lead the group in learning their skill of choice each time
-Founding a permanent space to hold meetings, craft fairs, workshops etc.
-Using a site like Tupalo or Torontopedia to share crafting resources in Toronto
-Trying to organize more social events w/crafts (& drinking)
-Getting a craft fair section going at the City Hall Farmer’s Market
- Possible places suggested for future meetings/craft related events; TPL, 401 Richmond, Galleries and City Parks

Some other things we talked about

Toronto Church of Craft
Toronto Craft Mafia
Toronto Strategy Meetings
Good Catch Craft Fairs
Circle One Advisory Group (One of A Kind Show)
m.a.d.e. show
Speakeasy show
Canzine
Toronto Design Guide on Design*Sponge
Year of Craft Seminars
One of a Kind Show

***Thanks to Mandy Forbes for her contribution to these notes

kenmore for sale

A note from Susanne:

I am leaving the country and would like to sell my faithful Kenmore sewing machine. Although 20 years old, it’s in great condition and works perfectly.

Instruction booklets, bobbins, fabric, thread, sundry sewing implements and patterns included.

Great for a first timer or someone looking for another machine.

Asking $250 (negotiable)

Please e-mail

spschlomer[AT]gmx.net

Thanks, Susanne