Things I Like!

Day 76/365

It’s been two weeks today, since the end of the One of a Kind Show.  I’m finally getting around to tidying up and organizing and in the process I re-discovered all these amazing items from the show!  While this isn’t the full collection of all the things I purchased, these are the items that aren’t being given away.  So if I share them online I won’t ruin Christmas, you get the point.

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The roundup:

On the left is a gorgeous stationery set and gift tags by Gotamago, you know I love putting pen to paper and sending real mail, these cards fit the bill perfectly.  To the right of that is a beautiful and ingenious spoon/spatula/tasting utensil by Elzner Originals, I cannot wait to make my famous noodle soup with it!  Then a super moisturizing spearmint-eucalyptus lip balm by From the Blue House with Love, honestly it smells soooo good! Below that are a pair of sweet wooden earrings by Ugly Bunny, the geometric patterns and pop of colour had me at hello.  Below that is another wood piece; a hair barette by The Woodlot, using only Ontario wood.  Right of that is the cute, well-crafted and totally appropriate (for me) ‘book nerd’ banner by Embroiderwee.  And last but not least, a super sweet, cutie-patootie dachshund brooch by Leikey Designs.

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Shopping handmade in Toronto the weekend before Christmas is waaayyy better than the mall!

Day 74/365

As you know, I participated in my final craft show of the year last weekend.  Naturally, people are asking me if I’m relaxing now and decompressing after a busy holiday show season, you know, taking it easy.
Nope.
I’m the type of person that cannot just sit and do nothing, cold turkey, after so much creative activity.  So instead I decided to take the day to go scope out a few shows.  Some I was considering participating in, others were unexpected surprises!  I just wanted to see what they’re like from the customer’s point of view.  Let me tell you, it was great!  Buying handmade really is fun!!

To give you a sense of what I mean, here’s what my day looked like.

1.  The Christmas Craft Beer Carnival10418905_782575241812311_1390269032052293587_n

I didn’t actually have any beer, in the name of enjoying the rest of my day with a clear head.  Instead I visited the booth of the lovely Nathalie Roze and purchased one of her warm and beautiful sweater toques!!

2. The LocalTOMarket Pop Up

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Although it’s inside a large event tent, it was still pretty cozy at this show.  Not everything was handmade, but the things that were had a nice variety and were well-made.

3. The Collective Show

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It is the fifth year for this holiday show, which I found out also happens in the summer!  Located in the beautiful new Artscape Youngplace, the level of craftsmanship and quality at this pop up was amazing!  And it runs till the 22, still time to check it out and shop handmade!!

 

The Coptic Indigo Journal

Day 73/365

You may remember when I posted about the Indigo Journal back in October.  I had shown a small journal created with my fancy-pants hand dyed indigo paper.  Well, now I’d like to share this larger, one of a kind, really pretty variation: The Large Coptic Indigo Journal!

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Measuring 8″ x 10″, with reclaimed leather and brass button closure, this is a pretty nice journal for sketching or writing full-out.

I managed to dig up some photos showing the hand-dying process, and I’m pretty sure I found the exact hand-dying of this sheet of paper!

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And of course the hand dying was all done here in Toronto at Paperhouse Studios.  While it is difficult to cut up these papers, especially after the work that goes into making them, it’s pretty fantastic seeing how the book cover acts as a frame, capturing a portion of the paper.

 

Wordless Wednesday 17.12.14

Day 71/365

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Last Chance for 2014!

Day 70/365

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Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow is the last bookbinding workshop I’ll be instructing for 2014!  And there’s still time to register, if you’re quick!

Longstitch/Linkstitch Book Making
Wednesday December 17, 6pm – 9pm
Graven Feather, 906 Queen St. West

For more info and to register, go here.

Upgrading the Coptic Journal

Day 69/365

Sometimes I like to re-visit projects I previously thought finished.  I’m going to share one today.

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Remember these coptic bound journals?  Well, I chose my favourites and recently gave them an upgrade.  I’ve been listening to your requests for bookmarks in journals, and decided to test the market with these books.

DSC_0735And, the response has been positive!  I love that the idea of re-vamping an already-bound journal.  It really reminds me that these aren’t ‘finished’ journals, but rather artworks that are going to be completed by the person who fills them with words/sketches/ideas/etc.  Theoretically they could continue to evolve into a completely different journal than when originally ‘completed’.  This is part of the creative energy that keeps me going and moving forward – I love it!

Also, I love the dangly beaded fringe/tassels!

 

The Studio on a Sunday

Day 68/365

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Just kidding, I’m not in the studio today at all!

Today you can find me at my last show for 2014, the Wychwood Barns Holiday Arts Market! Just south of St.Clair on Christie here in Toronto.

I’ll be here till 6pm, there’s live music, drinks and a talented selection of other artists and artisans.

See you at the Annex Flea

Day 67/365

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Today I’m at the Annex Flea! Come by and get some holiday shopping done and avoid the mall.

CSI, 720 Bathurst St. (Just south of Bloor)
11am – 6pm

Linkstitch

Day 66/365

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This coming Wednesday I’m instructing my last bookbinding workshop for 2014! It’s the longstitch/linkstitch workshop at Graven Feather, and there are still a few spaces available.

-Wednesday December 17, 6pm – 9pm
-Graven Feather, 906 Queen St. West, Toronto

For more details and to register go here: https://www.uniiverse.com/events/longstitch-linkstitch-bookbinding-tickets-toronto-BB8SW

It’s been so great teaching my craft to those who are willing to give it a try.

Thanks to everyone who came out to workshops on 2014. I plan to continue the workshops next year, and have some special classes planned to change things up in 2015! Stay tuned for details!