CRAFT SHOW: Pottery Show and Sale (December 5-7)

(map)

CRAFTY HAPPENING: Open Studio's 24th Annual Artist Proof Sale (December 4-20, open house: December 4)

Join us at Open Studio's Annual Artist Proof Fund Raiser and Open House!

Image: Pamela Dodds, Union, linocut, 14" x 9", 2008.

December 4, 2008 from 6 - 9 p.m.
Print Preview: 6 p.m.; Print Sale Begins: 6:30 p.m.
Price Range: $50 - $300; Payment Options: VISA, Cheque and Cash

Sale continues to Dec. 20
Regular Sale hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 12 - 5 p.m.
Special extended hours (401 Richmond Holiday Marketplace):
Thurs. Dec. 11 + Fri. Dec. 12, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sun. Dec. 14, 12 - 5 p.m.

Kick off the holiday season with Open Studio's 24th Annual Artist Proof Sale
Fundraiser and Open House, Thursday, December 4 from 6 - 9 p.m.

Join us on opening night and enjoy printmaking demos, food and festivities!

Come and select from over 200 original, one-of-a-kind artists' proof prints*‹screenprints, etchings, lithographs and relief prints‹at prices ranging from $50-$300! Other wonderful gift-giving items that will be available include: hand-printed greeting cards and Open Studio¹s decks of playing cards and artist pins‹perfect stocking stuffers!

On the opening night of the sale, the print preview is from 6 to 6:30 p.m. with the sale beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Impress your family and friends with unique gifts of art while supporting contemporary artists!

* 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
Ph/Fax: 416.504.8238
Email: office@openstudio.on.ca
Website: www.openstudio.on.ca

SHOP CRAFTY: 2008 Indie Collective Holiday Shopping Guide

Much like your favorite fashion magazine, the 2008 Holiday Shopping Guide showcases the talents of today's creative independent designers.


Browse the pages of our Shopping Guide and discover the best of indie fashion & style in a fresh & exciting magazine-inspired format.

With jewelry, handbags, accessories, items for babies, paper goods, bath & body products and fashion, this is your chance to discover something new in the world of indie style & fashion. And many of our participants are offering great savings, so you can score some fabulous indie goods on the cheap.

We also have special Editorial Featurettes, which will spotlight a selection of our 2008 Holiday Shopping Guide participants. Presented in the Indie Collective Blog, styleFLASH, these features will help you to find the perfect gift for everyone on your shopping list!

The Indie Collective enjoys providing one of the hippest resources for today's savvy shoppers, and look forward to introducing you to the innovative indie designers in our 2008 Holiday Shopping Guide.

CRAFT SHOW: The Creative Spirits Co-op's Artisan's Market (November 29)

The Creative Spirits Co-op presents their first annual Artisan's Market, showcasing work from local artisans and crafters. Come get a start on holiday shopping and pick up great gifts like jewelry, lino prints, handmade cards, all-natural soap, journals, and more!

Saturday, November 29, 1-5:30
Trinity-St. Paul's Centre, 427 Bloor Street West at Spadina

This season, buy local and handmade.
creativespiritscoop@gmail.com
creativespiritscoop.blogspot.com

CRAFTY HAPPENING: MAAD Shadow Box Sale (December 4 & 5)

MAAD Shadow Box Sale
XPACE Cultural Centre

Thursday December 4, 2008 to Friday December 5, 2008

Preview: Thursday, December 4 12 to 6 p.m.
Auction: Friday, December 5, 7 to 10 p.m.

A fundraiser in support of MAAD thesis students

Don't miss this opportunity to own unique, one of a kind art, help raise money and have a lovely evening.

Shadowboxes will be full of treasures each individually crafted by OCAD's MatErial Art & Design (MAAD) graduating students from Jewellery, Textiles and Ceramics. Boxes will be available to view, bid on, and then purchase.

Cash and cheques accepted.

XPACE Cultural Centre
58 Ossington Ave.
Toronto, Ontario
www.xpace.info
Free

CRAFT SHOW: 14th Annual CBC Craft Show and Sale (December 3)

Christmas in the Heart of the Entertainment District

The 14th Annual CBC Craft Show and Sale in support of The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

When: Wed Dec 3rd,2008 10am-5pm

Where: The Atrium of The Canadian Broadcasting Centre (corner of Front Street West and John Street)

This one day event presents over 60 artisans featuring their unique inspirations for gift giving, décor and one of a kind collectibles. Complete your shopping for the holiday season with us and try your luck for an Instant Win Door Prize.

Website: http://cbccraftsale.googlepages.com

Info: cbccraftsale@gmail.com

CRAFTIVISM: give & take fundraiser & exhibition at MADE (reception: December 4, show: December 1 - December 23)

MADE in collaboration with moi moi present - GIVE & TAKE ornament exchange

Exhibition dates: December 1st to December 23rd
Opening Reception: Thursday December 4th 7pm to 9pm

Over 50 Canadian artists and designers have created and donated ornaments for display in the MADE cooler. All proceeds will go to Toronto based charity Interval House. Once an ornament is sold it will be replaced with a memento of that object which serves as a record of your donation.

An installation will be created from the donations of the Giver's hand made objects. The purchasers of the ornaments (or Takers) become Givers, as their payment is tithed to Interval House who in turn, by receiving become the ultimate Givers.

The Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating (CSGVP) 2004, reports as many as 22.2 million Canadians, 85% of the population aged 15 and over, made a financial donation to a charity of nonprofit. The amounts donated totalled to $8.9 billion, with donors giving an average of $400.

Interval House provides abused women and children with access to safe shelter, counselling, legal support, housing support, outreach and counselling as well as programs to help build economic self-sufficiency. 2008 marks the 35th anniversary of Interval House.

Participants:

molo (design studio), Kathryn Adams (illustrationr), Orest Tataryn (glass), Thom Sevalrud (illustration), Joe & Josephine (industrial design), Kerry Croghan (textile), Albert Lum (industrial design), Taliaferro Jones ( glass), Peter Rogers (designer), Julie Breckenreid (illustration) and many, many more.

Claire Ironside and Angela Iarocci of moi moi are engaged in art and design projects centred on social and design issues which draw on their diverse interests in collaborative projects, the combination of manual and digital methods of production and the use of information design for education and advocacy.

MADE (Julie Nicholson and Shaun Moore) is a design product company working to build a higher profile for talented but underexposed Canadian designers.

CRAFT SHOW: Roncesvalles Village Studio Tour (November 28,29,30)

RONCESVALLES VILLAGE STUDIO TOUR


November 28,29,30 2008
Friday 4:00-8:00
Saturday 10:00-5:00
Sunday 12:00-5:00
map

This is an opportunity not only to "buy Canadian", but to buy art and finely crafted art objects that are truly one-of-a-kind, without having to pay an admission fee and elbow through huge crowds. The Roncesvalles Village Studio Tour presents the artists' work in their homes and studios, so it provides a more intimate glimpse into the world of creativity. Come browse and perhaps enjoy a small refreshment while meeting the makers. The (products) are priced to meet any budget, and include wall works, jewelry, decorative and sculptural work as well as useful domestic ware.

CRAFTIVISM: Artists Against War - Crafty Fundraiser - TONIGHT!

If you're looking for something fun & good-for-the-world to do tonight, we've got a great option for ya:


Come out and get some great deals on local art + craft while supporting an important and local peace activist group, Artists Against War.

Includes work by:
Ben Oakley
Nightjar Books
Anatomy Of A Skirt
Nesting Emily
Molly Crealock
and more!

HELP WANTED: Volunteers for City of Craft 2008

WE STILL NEED A FEW MORE HANDS ON DECK WITH SO MUCH ACTION AT THIS YEAR'S SHOW. PLEASE SEE CONTACT BELOW TO GET INVOLVED....

Calling all Craft-lovers! Become a constituent of City of Craft!

If you have an unrelenting desire to get involved in an innovative, craft culture event that features craft-based installations, free workshops, outreach by community arts groups and a curated craft fair of modern handmade goods, you have arrived in the right place!
City of Craft 2008 is on the horizon and we are looking for volunteers to Build this City!

If you want to meet sweet and awesome crafty folks, we beseech you!
If you want to have a hand in the grandest, craft-conscious event in the land, we implore you!
If you love to fill swag bags and make swish decorations, we entreat you!
If you are an early riser with a desire to install the show, we call on you!
If you like to stay late and tear the place down, we send our plea!

Volunteer with City of Craft!
WE WANT YOU!
December 13 at the Theatre Centre
Shifts available throughout the event (roughly 9am -10 pm)

For more detailed (less poetic) descriptions of roles and shifts, send an email to Day at volunteer.cityofcraft@gmail.com

CITY OF CRAFT
A celebration of all things crafty in Toronto
http://cityofcraft.com

CRAFTY HAPPENING: The Shelf Project Holiday Show at C1 (opening reception: November 28)

C1 art space

Art Shop Feature:

Shelf Project '08 Holiday Exhibition
Opening Reception Friday,
November 28 at 7pm

A rotating exhibition of artworks including ceramics, textiles, glass, jewelry, mixed media, artist T-shirts and an assortment of handmade ornaments all created by artists from across Canada.
Works in the show will be priced affordably from $2 - $300.

44 Ossington Avenue, just North of Queen Street West
Toronto, Ontario M6J 2Y7
416 538-7999
http://www.c1artspace.com
info@c1artspace.com

Holiday Hours:
Wednesdays 12 - 6pm
Thursdays & Fridays 12 - 7pm
Saturday 12 - 6pm
Sunday 12 - 5pm
C1 Art Space will be closed December 25, 26, and January 1, 2, 3, 4

CRAFTIVISM: Weekly StreetKnit SnB in the Annex (Sundays)

The snow is on the ground. The weather outside is frightening. Fresh baked knits so inviting.

This is a reminder that, yes, Streetknit is still here and going strong. And it's time to start pouring in those projects to our drop-off points. The shelters need them.

AND ANNOUNCING . . .

THE FIRST WEEKLY STREETKNIT SNB STARTS IN THE ANNEX!

In super news: Teresa Young, our super-powered, oft-times knit instructor/facilitator/

emissary/go-to woman, is convening the first-ever weekly Streetknit SnB in the Annex. Started last Sunday, Nov. 23rd.

WHEN: Every Sunday, 1 pm - 3pm
WHERE: The Pump (map)
410 Bloor Street West Toronto (North side, near Bloor and Brunswick)

Needles and yarn available aplenty
Crocheters and knitters alike welcome
Novice instruction for beginners (both knit and crochet)
Patterns
Social knitting for beginners and experts alike
Knit for Streetknit, all knit goods going directly to help keep Toronto's homeless warm this winter
Have a coffee or some finger food (alas, we can not pay for it)
and meet some tres cool neighbourhood activistas and knitters!

Questions? Like to tell us you are coming?: ryan.kamstra@gmail.com.

OR JUST DROP BY.

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The Streetknit Project founded in 2006 by Sadie Lewis in Toronto, Streetknit is again rousing the knitting communities of Toronto, hobbyists, s n' bs, society yarn-darlings, needle-clackers of all ages to put needles together and spend some time knitting some warmth into an extra scarf, maybe some toques with affectionate or somber colours, mitts, blankets, socks, even a sweater and see it reach those without home. We hear report that the kids really like it in basic black.

These goods can be dropped off at friendly-neighbourhood StreetKnit drop-off points: local yarn-knit shops Knit-O-Matic (1378 Bathurst St), The Naked Sheep (2144 A Queen St E), Sew Be It Studio (2156 Yonge St), Eugenix (99 Burlington St), Nathalie-Roze (1015 Queen St E) and The Knit Cafe (1050 Queen W). Streetknit will be distributing to homeless outreach programs all over the city, including Windfall Clothing, St. Francis Table, Scott Mission, Parkdale Community Health Centre as well as future friends PARC and Out of the Cold.

Every year people in Toronto freeze to death because they have nowhere to come in from the cold. Since 2006, Streetknit has helped inspire and organize office clubs, yarn-shop drives, knitty parties, craft drives, knitting classes for teens and adults to donate to Streetknit to do our small part to alleviate this situation, combining fun and sociability with doing good for the community. We have also inspired similar minded groups across Canada and in the States.

See our site for more details of some of these past events and drives: http://www.streetknit.ca/

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FROM THE DESK OF TCA: OOAK guest blog

click on over to the One of a Kind show's blog to see the TCA Quick Picks for Plush Lovers...

Little Brown Wren - Booth F-35

...and Quick Picks for the eco-minded.

Earth to Body - Booth V-54

Remember, the One of a Kind Christmas show starts this Thursday, November 27, and runs until Sunday, December 7.

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: Save the date for City of Craft 2008! (December 13)

I can't even believe that we are knock knock knockin' on December's door! And you all know what that means...City of Craft 2008 is upon us!

I am super stoked to announce details about our show on December 13th...which is chock full of cool new programming including some Queen West neighbourhood participaction in the crafty fun. Claustrophobes take note: if you found things a bit squishy last year, be assured that we have changed our layout & (somewhat sadly) reduced our numbers slightly to allow for a more breezy shopping experience on the craft fair floor.

Without further ado....

The City of Craft Collective presents:

CITY OF CRAFT 2008

Come forth crafty citizens to City of Craft 2008 - an innovative craft culture event where craft shoppers & makers come together to celebrate the handmade spirit. No ordinary craft fair, City of Craft 2008 features free workshops, craft-based installations, and outreach by community arts groups & studios, all alongside a curated craft fair of modern handmade goods.

Details: WHAT: City of Craft 2008 WHO: 50+ craft vendors, community groups, installation artists, workshop leaders & satellite participants WHEN: Saturday December 13, 2008, noon-8pm WHERE: Theatre Centre, located at 1087 Queen Street West at Dovercourt

Some show highlights to get you excited:

*FREE STUFF ALERT: the first one hundred visitors will receive swag bags printed by Studio XIX filled with coupons for the show, plus fantastic goodies from indie publications and local & international craft artists.
*AWESOME STUFF ALERT: Check out amazing handmade goods on offer by more than 40 talented makers: http://cityofcraft.com/2008/cityofcraft/vendors.html
*NEIGHBOURHOOD CRAFT CRAWL: City of Craft takes to the streets with crafty programming in local businesses and galleries. (Those of you with a sweet tooth should not miss out on cupcake decorating & knitting activities at the Knit Café.)
*CRAFTY-COOL INSTALLATIONS: Stop by the window of League of Lovers and Thieves to check out Tara Bursey's installation of hundreds or origami shoes made with tea bags, or have a Victorian silhouette portrait taken by Danijela Photography, featuring a papercut frame by artist Li Sui. Get lost in a landscape of fibre, photography and sound by Lynn Harrigan, Scott M2 and dreamSTATE.
*MAKE YOUR OWN HANDMADE GIFTS (FREE!): Workshops include origami star books by the Paper Place, fabric covered magnet sets by The Workroom, recycled felt ornaments by Mr. Sköna, and screen printed cards by Kid Icarus.
*AFTERNOON TEA: Eat treats from Yummy Stuff & sip tea by Tealish between 2-4pm

So there you have it, there is really no better place to be on December 13th, 2008.

Visit the show website at http://cityofcraft.com/2008/cityofcraft which is being continually updated with more details.

Facebookers can spread the word & stay updated here.

CRAFTY HAPPENING: WORN site re-launch & Winter Formal Slow Dance (November 29)

Our favourite (and now local) alternative fashion rag, Worn Fashion Journal has a fancy new website you should all check out here.

Worn's parties in Montreal were legendary, so let's give them a warm T.O. welcome by showing up in our best party suits & dresses to celebrate the launch for Issue 7 this Saturday at their Winter Formal Slowdance.

More deets:

Winter Formal Slowdance:
Worn Fashion Journal issue 7 release party

Worn recently moved from Montreal, and is now launching it's first Toronto-made issue with a Winter Formal Slowdance. A good excuse to dress up and get snuggly, the Winter Formal is being held at the Dovercourt House, a lovely old dance studio decked with crepe paper streamers, balloons and mirror ball. You get a dancecard to reserve a special tune and Resident Dancers for any shy boys and girls. There is also a photographer to take date and non-date photos to remember the night (and outfits) by.

Saturday, November 29, 2008
Dovercourt House (805 Dovercourt Rd, Toronto)
Doors open at 9:00pm
Entrance is $10 and includes a dancecard and Issue 7 of Worn Fashion Journal

Not sure what to wear? Check out the flickr set of slowdance portraits from the last party to get inspired.

CRAFT SHOW: It's A Craft Sale (November 29)

When: Saturday November 29
Time: 10am - 4pm
Where: Vic Johnson Community Centre - downtown Streetsville
335 Church Street, Mississauga, ON (map)
** Free Admission AND Parking

Featuring over 40 quality vendors
Something for everyone - FREE face painting and more!

Be there at 10am sharp - 1st 50 Customers through the door receive a FREE DOOR PRIZE!!

We are kindly asking you to donate at the door to help support research
at the Hospital for Sick Children, or you may donate online: HERE

Don't forget to visit our website to see who is participating: www.itsacraftshow.blogspot.com

CRAFT SHOW: Crafternoon Tea (November 29)

crafternoon tea (5th edition)
WHEN: Saturday November 29th (11am - 5pm)

WHERE: Queen Street East Presb. Church, 947 Queen St. East at Carlaw...just 2 short blocks West of Pape, near Nathalie-Roze & Co in spunky Leslieville.

WHAT: Crafternoon Tea is a crafty/fashion market, how-to hive & charity tea party all rolled into one that's been running about twice a year in the East-End since 2005.

This laidback event showcases 25+ local indie makers, plus a DIY demo zone and a yummy charity tea area (with a psychic!) & a fab raffle too.
Expect to find all kinds of crafty goodness - just in time for the holidaze!
Participating vendors offer up a medley of handcrafted goodies, including creatively recycled gifts, one-of-a-kind wearables and accessories, natural soaps & beauty products, unusual knits, greeting cards, soft toys, gourmet edibles, baby merch, funky holiday decorations and oodles of other treats.

Wallet-friendly bonus: most items are priced well under $50 - lots below $20.

Shopping at Crafternoon Tea is your way to support local talent, while buying unusual & eco-friendly gifts. Buy Handmade! Buy Local!!

DIY Delights: in the do-it-yourself zone, visitors can enjoy some free hands-on fun...make your own 1-inch button, learn how to create a pair of wire & bead earrings, a mini accordian notebook or a felted wool tree ornament.

Sweet Charity: Cash generated via raffle ticket sales and the English tea service will this year benefit two neighbourhood non-profit agencies: the Woodgreen Community Centre and the Red Door (women's) Shelter.

Admission is by donation of art supplies, toiletries or $1 (for the targeted charities)

nathalie-roze.com

CRAFTY CHAT/EXHIBITION: Guided Tour - Design for the Other 90% (November 26)

Guided Tour: Design for the Other 90%

Thursday, November 27, 6:30 p.m.

OCAD Professional Gallery

Level 2, 100 McCaul Street, Toronto

www.ocad.ca/mini/progallery/

416-977-6000 x365

The OCAD Professional Gallery presents a free 20-30 minute discussion with art historian and Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Liberal Studies, Ananda Shankar Chakrabarty, of the works on view in the Smithsonian's touring exhibition Design for the Other 90%.

EXHIBITION: PROOF Printmaking Exhibition (November 27- December 6, reception: November 27)

PROOF Printmaking Exhibition
Thursday November 27, 2008 to Saturday December 6, 2008
Opening Reception: Thursday, November 27, 2008, 5 to 7 pm

Fourth year printmaking students present their thesis works in progress. In addition to conventional print work, PROOF highlights ways in which students are working beyond the predictability of print media and incorporating a range of interdisciplinary approaches. PROOF includes analog and digital prints as well as large-scale installations, fabricated plastic forms, video, three-dimensional works on paper, and possibly…an exploded whale. PROOF is the first in a series of planned exhibitions that track and promote the evolution of this body of work.

Participating student include: Michael Anderson, Kat Burns, Saba Bushnaq, Laura Fedynyszyn, Michelle Galletta, James Gauvreau, Ann Hoi, Jacob Jurkiewicz, Jen Mann, Sean Martin, Chloe Ruggiero, Megan Speers, Tobias Williams, Tak Yan Yung

Great Hall
100 McCaul St., 2nd Floor
Toronto, Ontario

Free

More Info here

CRAFT SHOW: Woodlawn Pottery Studio Annual Show & Sale (December 5, 6 &7)

For art lovers and gift-givers!
Come in and browse!


Members of The Woodlawn Pottery Studio, a Toronto women's cooperative, invite you to their annual show and sale of a unique collection of ceramics at the Gladstone Hotel on December 5th, 6th (11am-6pm) and 7th (11am-5pm). Opening reception with light refreshments and a cash bar will be on December 5th from 5-11pm. Both functional and decorative clay works will be featured. This is an opportunity to choose pieces for your home, as well as holiday and/or corporate gifts.

Woodlawn Pottery Sale 2008 Show & Sale
December 5 - 7, 2008
The Gladstone Hotel
1214 Queen Street West

Show & Sale hours:
December 5, 5pm - 10pm (Opening Reception)
December 6, 11am - 6pm
December 7, 11am - 5pm

For studio, show and sale and class information, contact us at:
416 964-0758
woodlawnpotters@sympatico.ca

CROSS CANADA CRAFT CHECKUP MTL: Holiday Shopping Party fundraiser for Sun Youth Organization (November 30)

Cards by thecuteinstitute

More news from Montreal...

A Holiday Shopping Party fundraiser that will be held on Sunday, November 30th, 10 am - 4 pm at the Campanelli-Oliveri Foto Studio, located at 1380C Barré. Admission is one non-perishable food item, or brand-new non-violent toy, all of which will be donated to the Sun Youth Organization for their Holiday Food Basket.

Why is this event being listed here (other than the fact that it's for a great cause)? Because the list of local vendors is chock-full of crafty goodness; unique, handmade Barnum bags, ditto Dot & Lil bath products, children's handpainted room accessories by Creations Elin, cards and more from thecuteinstitute to name just a few.

For details on this event, links to vendors (and in some cases their Etsy sites), visit:
http://www.shopaholicevents.com/home.htm

CROSS COUNTRY CRAFT CHECKUP: Montreal Winter Action

Artistri Atelier-Boutique

Our Montreal Correspondent Pamela Grimaud has send along a bunch of great crafty stuff to keep you Montrealers (or visitors to la belle provence) busy this winter.

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2008 Arts & Crafts Fair at Villa Maria
This is Villa Maria's 8th Annual Craft Fair in support of the school's Bursary Fund. Over 40 professional artists and artisans come together, including Sandra Tatsuko Kadowaki (recently featured on TCA), Annie Legroulx' hand-painted bicycle bells, and Genia Chep's (delightful) winter accessories made from recycled woolens.

The fair takes place on Friday, November 28 from 3-9 pm, and Saturday the 24th from 10 am to 4 pm. Villa Maria High School is located at 4245 Decarie Boulevard, right next to Villa Maria Metro. Admission is free; for more information call (514) 484-4950 or visit the website, where you can pull up the official Craft Fair program.

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I Want to Tell You Everything - Andrea Vander Kooij
Montreal-based artist Andrea Vander Kooij's exhibition I Want to Tell You Everything is on view at Diagonale, Centre des arts et des fibres du Quebec. The exhibition is the result of years of accumulation of discarded textiles and months of embroidery, repurposed and embellished found quilts and bed sheets upon which heroic battles are fought between opposing factions of cartoon characters. Handwritten lists and notes are enlarged and embroidered, allowing us to ponder them at length.

The center is located at 5455, rue de Gaspé, espace 203. Phone is (514) 524-6645. The exhibition runs until November 29th. For details and directions, visit the Diagonale here and be sure to take a peek at Andrea's home page: andreavanderkooij.com

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McCord Museum Craft Fair
The 14th edition of the McCord Museum Craft Fair takes place Tuesday, December 2, 10 am - 6 pm. The featured artisans are top-notch and admission is free as a bird! The McCord is located at 690 Sherbrooke Street West, and is easy to visit via McGill metro station or the #24 bus. For information, call 514-398-7100 and for directions, visit www.mccord-museum.qc.ca

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Mount Royal Holiday Craft Fair
The Town of Mount Royal Holiday Craft Fair takes place the 5th through the 7th of December at the Town Hall, 90 Roosevelt Avenue. For details, call 514-734-2928.

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Artistri artisan workshops
Artistri Atelier-Boutique is a new gallery and boutique featuring unique, handcrafted gifts, accessories and housewares in an environment that forges links between artisans and their work, and those who acquire it. Fair trade, sustainability and the support of talented women in Quebec, Canada and throughout the developing world are the heart of Artistri's mission.

November and December's calendar is chock-full of artisan workshops; to discover what's on the agenda or or sign up for one, visit www.artistri.ca (where you can also register for the e-newsletter). Better still, drop by in person at 5319 du Parc.

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This just in….

Puces POP Breakfast for Dinner! (Craft Fair & Bingo Party!)
Puces Pop is hosting their first ever winter fair just in time for the holidays!
They are gathering 50 of their best vendors to sell their wares.
When: December 6th, 2008 - 11am - 6pm Where: St. Michel Church (Corner of St. Urbain & St. Viateur)

Followed by BREAKFAST FOR DINNER BINGO PARTY starting at 8 o'clock! Breakfast will be served - come play bingo and eat pancakes!

Puces POP Breakfast for Dinner

GET SCHOOLED: Surface Printing Workshops with Bookhou (December)

Bookhou will be holding One-Day Workshops:

SURFACE PRINTING CLASS

Dates and Times:
Wednesday December 10th 6-10pm
Saturday December 13th 12-4pm
Sunday December 14th 12-4pm

Price:
$120

Location:
798 Dundas Street West (map)
(Palmerston and Dundas west)

Spend a day/evening making gifts for friends and family. Print your designs on paper and fabric using different printing techniques like stamping, stenciling and silkscreening.
All printing supplies will be provided - all you need to bring is blank cards, notebooks, t-shirts, tote bags, fabric, etc.
This workshop will give you an opportunity to explore techniques that are easy to do at home and to make a bunch of gifts.

Drinks and snacks will also be provided. Classes are limited to 5 people.

Please register by email arounna@bookhou.com

CRAFTY BIZ: Trans-Canada Etsy Team

CANADIAN ARTISANS OFFER UNIQUE AND DISTINCTIVE GIFTS ONLINE

This holiday season, shoppers are spending their time and money more carefully than ever. Feeling pinched for both, many are skipping the lines at the mall and are instead opting to buy handmade items directly from artisans online. The Trans-Canada Etsy team is a group of Canadian artisans that sell their products online through the handmade shopping venue Etsy.com. Their team website, located at http://transcanadaetsyteam.blogspot.com, offers ways to search for and identify gifts handmade in Canada that are listed for sale on the internet.


"If people have to be careful with money this year, they really want to give a gift that is unique and distinctive," says Brandi Nicholauson, spokesperson for the Trans-Canada Etsy Team. "The problem is that unique and distinctive are usually not represented on the shelves at the mall or the big box stores. Buying an item that is handmade in Canada helps to support an artist directly and is a way to contribute positively to the Canadian economy. Shopping online allows you to save time, money and the frustration of battling the crowds at the mall."

Shopping online for handmade gifts is a growing trend demonstrated by the large number of crafting communities, blogs, and do-it-yourself sites that have popped up over the last few years. At the forefront of this movement is Etsy.com, which hosts well over 100,000 international artisans on its site.

Our own community is home to Michelle Hambourg, sole proprietor of My Belle Bijoux. Michelle is a jewellery designer that specializes in wire work and wood burning, for sale at mybellebijoux.etsy.com . Michelle is also a proud member of the Trans-Canada Etsy Team and will be offering FREE SHIPPING in her shop for the holidays. Below are some examples of her work.

For more information: http://transcanadaetsyteam.blogspot.com

Contact: Brandi Nicholauson transcanada.etsy@gmail.com

CRAFT SHOW: Art Market! at Londsdale Gallery (opening reception: Nov 27 5-8pm, exhibition Nov 27-Dec 14)

Art Market!

November 27-December 14, 2008
Opening Reception: Thursday November 27, 5-8 pm

Works include: Paintings, photography, one-of-a-kind t-shirts, prints and sculptures.

More details at http://www.lonsdalegallery.blogspot.com

Some of the artists featured in Art Market include:

Fabrice Arfi, Gareth Bate, Eden Bender, Keith W. Bentley, Ross
Bontanti & Sandra Tarantino , Inez Carter, Ivan Dionne, Elicser
Elliott, Robert Farmer, Amber Harkonen, Danielle Kangalee, Drew Khan,
Catherine Mazzotta, Liz Pead , Wes Pratt, David Constantino Salazar,
Nina Sanpaleanu, Carolyn Scandiffio, Erin Vicent, Tyler Vipond

Gallery Hours:

Wednesday to Sunday 12- 5 pm
Art market Thursdays extended hours until 7 pm

Lonsdale Gallery is located in Forest Hill Village and was founded in 1995 as a gallery of contemporary painting, sculpture and photography.

For information contact Alejandro Cardona or Stanzie Tooth
Phone: 416-487-8733
Email: info@lonsdalegallery.com
Address: 410 Spadina Road, Toronto, Ontario, M5P 2W2
Hours: Wednesday—Sunday 12-5pm

CRAFT SHOW - Holiday Show & Tell (Nov 22, 11-7pm)

Check out the Holiday Show & Tell Craft Show this weekend!

Sat. Nov 22, 2008 from 11am till 7pm
Case Goods Warehouse
in the Distillery District, 55 Mill St.

And while you're there, stop by TANK jewelery + beads (unit 105) for their first annual holiday party, featuring:

- gift wrapping for charity
- discounted prices on certain jewelry - honoured on mail orders
- handmade ornaments for your tree
- super deals on classes booked before Dec 25th
- home-baked cookies & sweet treats
- seeing their fantastic new store if you haven't already!

TICKET DISCOUNT: $4 off your OOAK show ticket (until November 21 only)

The OOAK show is offering a special, limited time promotion on regular priced tickets to the show. For a $4 discount off of your $12 ticket, go here and type in the following code: TCA-XMAS08 (make sure there are no spaces!). Choose the first option for an $8.00 ticket.

This is an online offer only, and the promotion is available until November 21 (5pm).

CRAFTY HAPPENING - Toronto Zine Library's Zine Party & Fundraiser (Nov 28, 6-9pm)

Hi everyone,

Toronto Zine Library
wants you to join in celebrating
our new Friday night zine library hours,
we are having
a Zine Party and Fundraiser!

To celebrate new Friday night zine library hours, we are having a Zine Party and Fundraiser! Come hang out, read zines, drink beer, listen to music, meet the collective and indulge in our yummy bake sale with vegan and non-vegan treats galore!

Door prizes courtesy of This Ain't the Rosedale Library and the TZL Collective! Whoa! All proceeds go towards funding future events and TZL projects! Awesome!

Come join us on:

Friday, November 28th. 6-9pm

Toronto Zine Library at the TRANZAC Club
2nd Floor Rehearsal Hall,
292 Brunswick Avenue, just south of Bloor Street in Toronto

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Tara, Patrick, Suzanne, and Danielle.
The TZL Collective
torontozinelibrary@hotmail.com
http://torontozinelibrary.blogspot.com/

VENDOR CALL & CRAFT SHOW: Bennington Height Public School Craft Show/Sale (Vendor submission:ASAP, event: Nov 29)

Hi there.

We are hosting a Show/Sale at Bennington Heights Public School and
are looking for a few more vendors that offer unique products or services.

The show is coming up on November 29th

and we are accepting vendors this week
on a first come, first serve basis!

Basic Background:
This is a community show, the first of its kind. The show will draw members of Bennington Heights, Rosedale, Moore Park, and Leaside. This tends to be a very generous crowd and very supportive of community events.

We are limiting the space to a specific number of vendors and will be exclusive where it makes sense to be - in other words, we don't want to have a multitude of jewelry vendors there for example, however, a variety of gift article vendors likely makes sense if they are completely different. If you know if any fellow creative types or contacts that may offer services of interest, please let them know to contact either one of us quickly.

Logistical Details:

Date: Saturday November 29,2008

Time: 9am - 3pm, set up is at 8am and we ask that you commit to being
there the entire duration of the show

Where: Bennington Heights Public School, 76 Bennington Heights Drive, cross
streets: Bayview/Moore

Cost: $40 per 6-8' table, pls plan to bring your own table or display - it
must not obstruct another vendor

Contacts: Vandana Puranik (vandana@activeingredients.ca ) or Traci Reynolds
(tracireynolds@rogers.com )
- both of us are vendors too and have participated in a variety of shows, so be assured that we are in tune with vendor needs. Once we receive confirmation from you, we will provide our cell phone numbers for use that day or in case of emergencies.

What Next?
If you are interested in participating in this show, please email either one of us back quickly.
We will then forward a mini form for you to fill out. It will ask for credit card information just to hold a spot - we will NOT charge anything against this card, but would ask that you pay in cash on the day of the event. All proceeds will be gifted to the school.

We are quite excited about the show and hope you are able to join us. Don't hesitate asking any questions. Looking forward to hearing from you!

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: Gallery 1313 - 2009 Fantasy Fashion Show (January 28, deadline: January 9)

Gallery 1313 is looking for submissions for its 2009 Fantasy Fashion Show

director@g1313.org | www.g1313.org

CRAFTY HAPPENING: 15th Annual Aboriginal Festival (November 29-30)

What: 15th Annual Canadian Aboriginal Festival

Where: Rogers Centre (map) One Blue Jay Way

When: Saturday, November 29th and Sunday, November 30th

Tickets: Adults $10; Children under 12, $5; Family pass (2 adults, 2 children) $25.
Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster.ca or at 416-872-1111. www.canab.com.

Details:
Come celebrate with us! The 15th annual Canadian Aboriginal Festival, November 29 & 30 at the Rogers Centre (formerly SkyDome) features entertaining performances and exceptional artisans in a welcoming, family-friendly celebration of the rich diversity of native culture. The Festival is home to The Market, a gathering place for 200+ vendors of Aboriginal arts and crafts. This year will feature the work of spectacular Haida designer Dorothy Grant! A vital part of Aboriginal cultural expression, the Market also offers an excellent opportunity for visitors to shop for those special gifts. Also showcased is the always spectacular Confidence Meets Fashion runway shows featuring the work of up and coming Aboriginal designers, modeled by graduates of Turtle Concepts confidence and skill building workshops!

CRAFT SHOW: The Crafty Women's Collective Arts and Crafts Show & Sale (November 23)

CRAFT SHOW - Norman Ingram's Holiday Show & Sale (Nov 20 2008, 5:30-9pm)

Norman Ingram's
Holiday Show and Sale 2008

Thursday, November 20, 2008 from 5:30 to 9:00 PM


Norman Ingram School Council is hosting this charming craft show and
sale in the school gymnasium, along with a seasonal tea room and bake shop.
Guests are invited to browse and shop.

Find that unique holiday gift while
mingling with old friends and neighbors in this holiday season social evening.

When: Thursday, November 20, 2008 from 5:30 to 9:00 PM

Where: Norman Ingram Public School, 50 Duncairn Rd.
(NW corner of Don Mills and Lawrence, see map below)

Admission: $2.00, children free, child care available on site

free parking

Who:
Nancy Tucker/Smell the Soap - Handmade Soap www.smellthesoap.com
Hillary Webb - Fibre Art www.hillarywebb.ca
Irina Rapaport - Jewelery and Collage www.irinarapaport.com
Joyce Degannes - Pashminas and Shortbread Cookies
Erin Toole - Yoga Clothing/Activewear
Michelle Bowles - Children Clothing
Ellen Church - Jewelery
Annie Snook - Handmade Cards
Katherine Smith - Arbonne Beauty Products
www.katherinesmith.myarbonne.com
Karen Sosa/Casasosa - Traditional Christmas Puddings
Sandra Clark - Painting
Agneta Westdahl - Hats
Tom Conaty - Wood www.utopiawoodturning.com
Katie Mclellan - Textiles/Fibre Art www.katiemclellan.com
Karen Gdanski - Coasters and Fridge Magnets
Xenia Taler - Hand Painted Tiles www.xeniataler.com (DONATION of tiles)
Diana Last - Photograpy www.diannalastphotographer.com
Josie Acol - Home Made Spring Rolls
Teri Seegers - Hand Made Chocolate Novelties
Debra Gibbs - Pottery, Fine Porcelain

EXHIBITION: The Cutting Edge at The Textile Museum (November 19-July 7, opening reception: November 19)

New Exhibition at the Textile Museum of Canada:
THE CUTTING EDGE
November 19, 2008 - July 7, 2009
Curated by Patricia Bentley

Opening reception: Wednesday November 19, 6:30 - 8:00 pm. Remarks at 6:45 pm.

Drawing primarily from the Textile Museum of Canada's global collection The Cutting Edge tells the story of the garment - designed to protect, cover and beautify the body. From ancient uncut fabric, ornately decorated and flowing kimono to heavily pieced and shaped European garments, The Cutting Edge shows the transitions of fashion through time and around the world.

The exhibition, focusing on the process of making a 2-dimensional textile cover a 3-dimensional moving object (the body), is an exploration of human ingenuity. While its manufacturing is a feat of engineering, a garment's capability to carry and translate meaning is even more fascinating.

The Cutting Edge will explore clothing as communicator. Whether overtly reflective of cultural beliefs and attitudes or subtly suggestive and ambiguous, how we choose to dress is filled with meaning. The exhibition explores this idea through examining the differences between men's and women's garments as well as what parts of the body are concealed, revealed or exaggerated - always with a global perspective.

The discussion of fashion would not be complete without a long, hard look into the future. Fashion can be a conforming element reinforcing societal attitudes, but at the same time fashion can be revolutionary. The Cutting Edge features TMC artifacts in conversation with contemporary objects that range from the haute couture of Issey Miyake and Yoshiki Hishinuma, to the fashion designs of Rashmi Varma and Yumi Eto and the work of artists Lyn Carter and Lily Yung.

Textile Museum of Canada
55 Centre Avenue
Toronto ON M5G 2H5
416-599-5321
www.textilemuseum.ca

GET SCHOOLED - new graduate-degree programs at OCAD

AN EVOLUTION IN ART & LETTERS

You don't paint what you see, you paint what you think. And what you think, you become - that's a possibility we consider at the Ontario College of Art & Design (OCAD), Canada's "university of the imagination."

Any material can be made into art. Art can appear anywhere and almost any intellectual discipline can be integrated into its methodology. This complexity creates unique challenges for analysis and interpretation that demand innovative and interdisciplinary approaches.

Tenacity. Agility. Rigor. They're our bragging rights. They characterize OCAD's unique combination of studio-based learning and critical enquiry - and they allow us to see that as the art world evolves, we evolve with it.

With the addition of three new graduate-degree programs, we offer the next generation of artists a level of scholarship that is virtually unmatched in Canada.

Master of Fine Arts in Criticism & Curatorial Practice

Interdisciplinary and international in scope, this program brings together a small group of practising artists, designers and critics in each cohort. It also features a first-year course in collaboration with the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Interdisciplinary Master's in Art, Media and Design

Blending art, media and design production with critical theory, this program challenges students to create new, hybrid forms of visual and social research and production.

To learn more about our graduate and undergraduate programs, visit www.ocad.ca