One of a Kind experiences...

On Friday, Dec. 3, my cousin Stella and I went to Toronto's One of Kind Craft Show and Sale. This is a huge crafts market, featuring artisans from across Canada. There are a myriad of vendors and it is held in a vast exhibition hall on the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition.
There was a huge array of goods for sale -- including jams and jellies, shortbreads, various fruits covered in chocolate, jewellery, pillows, clothing in silks, woolens, furniture, almost anything you can think of -- and then some. I got some ideas for new projects in the new year -- and some lovely examples of talented artists who make things that are not only beautiful, but affordable.
From Grace Lee of eikam, a Vancouver-based handmade ceramics studio, I found these pretty buttons. I don't know what they are for yet, but I love them. I also bought a little bird ornament, one of hundreds she made for the show. By the time I got there, she had three left. (You will see the bird in the post about the memory tree)
Her website is http://www.etsy.com/shop/eikcam Check out her lovely designs!
Jenna Rose, a Hamilton Ontario-based textile artist, made wonderful some screen-printed soft furnishings and bags. She also created some clever pins. I (heart) handmade caught my eye and came home with me. Her website is www.jennarose.ca She has an appealing range of fun and functional goods that are right on the modern linen trend, which she has drawn and screen printed by hand. Making my own fabric would be really appealing -- if I had any drawing talent whatsoever...
This talented artist is also a very friendly person. We had a nice chat while I was buying my much-loved pin.
The beads were a surprise. I found them at a booth called Tasci, which had some very fun and funky jewellery designs. Then, from the corner of my eye, I saw the beads which just screamed 'bring me home.." so I did.
All in all, it was a wonderful chance to get out and get some new ideas, and meet some really talented artists.