Love Day.

Have a crafty Valentine's, y'all!

Love,

City of Craft

Necklace Giveaway from Lemonade.

Hello, Citizens,

We just got wind of a great Valentine's giveaway by our friend and program designer, Caitlyn Murphy, of lemonade.

Go on over to her blog to check out the rules and details.

Good luck!

Installation Goes Digital: Coast to Coast to Coast.

It has been on the internet for a year, but I just discovered this digital version of Meags Fitzgerald's and Pamela Norrish's Coast to Coast to Coast (with music by Aaron Read). Some of you may remember it as an installation in the 'broom closet screening room' at the 2009 City of Craft show. For those who don't, it is an animation made entirely from non-digital photobooth frames. The props and characters were also constructed using myriad craft practices. The hands that made everything even make some cameos.

Enjoy!

Fabric Sale at the workroom.

Good Morning Citizens,

As if the Trunk Show is not enough, the workroom is also hosting a Winter Fabric Sale that ends today (Sunday). That's a true fact. They are giving you 10% off any purchase of two metres or more and 20% off 4 metres of more of their impressive selection of fabrics - and that applies to any combination of yardage, fat quarters and bundles.

Read more here. and C'mon down!

Vendor Profile: Becky of the sweetie pie press

Yes, I did an interview with myself.

Who are you...you, as a person?
Becky Johnson

What is your business called?
the sweetie pie press

What does this business specialize in?
The sweetie pie press makes 1" buttons, artist button sets, crochet warm things, accessible installation kits, paper goods and other ephemera.

Where are you located (home, studio, store front)?
Everything I make comes out of my warm Parkdale apartment wherein I listen to podcasts and act like a hermit.

Do you have any new products/inventions/designs/projects up for grabs at the Love & Rummage Trunk Show?
Yup! Just in time for this show, I have a new botanically-themed button set by Milwaukee artist, Matt "Matty 8080" Cipov, a new floral button set by Alec Thibodeau and some laser cut plywood and masonite postal measuring boards.

What is one thing from your trunk that would make a great Valentine?
I will have lots of rummage this time around including a bunch of vintage suitcases. Clearly, I have a fondness for them. If it came with a trip (even to the lake for a winter picnic) I'd be down with that.

What would be your ideal Valentine to receive?
Mint cocoa in bed.

How do you feel about February in Toronto - drab or dazzling?
Softly dazzling.

Do you believe in true love?
I believe in BIG LOVE.

City of Craft & the workroom present

The Love & Rummage Trunk Show 3
Sunday February 6, 2011
Noon-5pm
the workroom
1340 Queen Street West

Admission: FREE

Vendor Profile: Alison of Coriander Girl.

Who are you...you, as a person?
Hello! My name is Alison Westlake. I'm a scorpio, a dreamer, a liver, a lover.

What is your business called?
Coriander Girl!

What does this business specialize in?
We specialize in flowers! But our claim to fame is working with vintage vessels. Bring in a vase and we'll make lovely, just lovely.

Where are you located (home, studio, store front)?
You can find us in Parkdale, glorious Parkdale! 1537 Queen St. W on the south side of Queen at Wilson Park Blvd.

Do you have any new products/inventions/designs/projects up for grabs at the Love & Rummage Trunk Show?
I'll be there selling little posies in vintage apothecary bottles, tea cups, tins etc. I'll bring some small gifts and crafts from local artisans too!

What is one thing from your trunk that would make a great Valentine?
Every girl or boy likes a sweet little posy in a cool old container? Can I get an amen?

What would be your ideal Valentine to receive?
Well, I've always said my man is good enough to spread on a cracker so maybe if he got me a life time supply of those delicious rosemary crackers I love so much, I'd be set. I also wouldn't mind two tickets for a trip around the world, first stop, the Amalfi Coast of course!

How do you feel about February in Toronto - drab or dazzling?
February? Well, let's just say I'm in really good shape because I run everywhere. It's too cold to be outside. I'm like a 90 year old woman.

Do you believe in true love?
I believe in true love. I believe lobsters mate for life. I believe you can know in an instant when you've met "the one." I sobbed during Titanic, I wept for the penguins in that ever popular documentary, I ooze at the sight of a cute baby, and my ipod only has ballads. I am a lover and I'll die with my heart blazing on my sleeve.
Thanks to the lovely ladies of City of Craft, Karyn from The Workroom, and anyone else involved in making this trunk show possible, I'm thrilled to be involved!
See you all there!
Alison xo

Photo by the workroom

City of Craft & the workroom present
The Love & Rummage Trunk Show 3
Sunday February 6, 2011
Noon-5pm
the workroom
1340 Queen Street West

Admission: FREE

Vendor Profile: Shannon Gerard

Just announced! City of Craft superstar, Shannon Gerard, has been added as a replacement for Amy of Nightjar Books. Read about some very special deal Shannon is bringing to the show!

Who are you...you, as a person?
A self described dork, dreamer and discerning bibliophile.

What is your business called?
Shannon Gerard

What does this business specialize in?
I work across a variety of media, making:
Crocheted objects including: Plants You Can't Kill, Plushtaches, Anatomical hearts, and a project called Playing Doctor (crocheted breasts and genitals that encourage overall body awareness and frank discussions about human frailty and sexuality).
Drawings and books, notably the illustrated memoir Unspent Love and post apocalyptic graphic novel Sword of My Mouth (with writer Jim Munroe)
Large scale installations and stop motion animations (a new trajectory for me!), evolving now outside of YYZ Artist's Outlet at 401 Richmond.

Where are you located (home, studio, store front)?
Newly relocated to Parkdale, very near to the Sweetie Pie Press!

Do you have any new products/inventions/designs/projects up for grabs at the Love & Rummage Trunk Show?
I'll be selling many of the original drawings from Sword of My Mouth for drastically reduced prices -- time to clean the studio! Are those new? The prices are new!

What is one thing from your trunk that would make a great Valentine?
Crocheted anatomical hearts.

What would be your ideal Valentine to receive?
A back rub.

How do you feel about February in Toronto - drab or dazzling?
Dazzling. February is a good time to move house and studio-- a new environment to settle into and new surroundings to discover. Nesting and adventuring really perk up the season.

Do you believe in true love?
Um, yeah. But I don't think the existence of true love precludes a person (named Shannon for instance) from effing it up beyond salvage.

One of Shannon's drawings from Sword of my Mouth.

City of Craft & the workroom present
The Love & Rummage Trunk Show 3
Sunday February 6, 2011
Noon-5pm
the workroom
1340 Queen Street West

Admission: FREE

Love & Rummage Workshop: Bunting!

Etsy mini bunting. Designed by Anda Corrie. Photos by the Leopard.

Citizens, as if you did not already have enough reasons to come down to the workroom on Sunday, we have added something new - a free make-and-take workshop! That's right, the good folks at Etsy have supplied us with this very adorable and easy to make mini bunting (designed with lovely patterns and illustratiobs by superstar, Anda Corrie).

The make-and-tale runs from 3:00pm to 4:00pm and will be facilitated by Michelle Renaud. She even wrote her own blog post and preview of the project here. This particular bunting is a no-sew quicky of a project that you can take home to pretty up whatever Valentine's festivities you may have going on - or just brighten up your winter!

City of Craft & the workroom present
The Love & Rummage Trunk Show 3
Sunday February 6, 2011
Noon-5pm
the workroom
1340 Queen Street West

Admission: FREE

Vendor Profile: Sandi of Deadweight.

Some of you may recognize Sandi's work from the design all over this site. It's true! She is our 2011 designer and you can buy her good right from her this Sunday. Sandi's really good at expressing loving sentiments for the non-flowery. She also makes some things with flowers on them - so everyone wins. Read on...

Who are you...you, as a person?
My name is Sandi. I'm a full time office worker and a part-time screen printer, musician, scrappy text lover, dour face appreciator, and chip addict.

What is your business called?
Deadweight.

What does this business specialize in?
Posters, music packaging, prints, cards, etc!

Where are you located (home, studio, store front)?
I make messes in the comfort of my home.

Do you have any new products/inventions/designs/projects up for grabs at the Love & Rummage Trunk Show?
I will definitely have a love inspired cranky old couple print and some new postcards! Maybe a little something extra depending on how inspired my eleventh hour is.

What is one thing from your trunk that would make a great Valentine?
An Over The Moon card to write all your soaring feelings into? A Let's Get Old Together print to show your significant other you want to lock 'em down for life? Or maybe an apology card for that thing you did - because Valentine's Day is no time to fight...

What would be your ideal Valentine to receive?
Nice words, hangouts, and/or snacks are always good.

How do you feel about February in Toronto - drab or dazzling?
February can be difficult and grey, but it certainly has its dazzling, pretty moments.

Do you believe in true love?
Absolutely! I also believe love takes work, but what rewarding work indeed.

City of Craft & the workroom present
The Love & Rummage Trunk Show 3
Sunday February 6, 2011
Noon-5pm
the workroom
1340 Queen Street West

Admission: FREE

Vendor Profile: Anabela & Geoff of Fieldguided.

Who are you...you, as a person?
Hello. We are Anabela and Geoff.

What is your business called?
Fieldguided.

What does this business specialize in?
Accessories and some illustrated paper goods for dandies, cat lovers, wild hearts, and more.

Where are you located (home, studio, store front)?

We work out of our apartment which is located just off Dufferin Grove Park. From our kitchen window we can watch people ice skate in the rink in winter, and smell campfires in spring, summer and fall.

Do you have any new products/inventions/designs/projects up for grabs at the Love & Rummage Trunk Show?
We're hoping to have some hand-printed Valentine's Day cards available (featuring a pretty cute illustration, if we do say so ourselves), as well as canvas-covered Crown mason jars.

What is one thing from your trunk that would make a great Valentine?
Our larger tote bags have really passionate messages on them. Our print of the Toronto skyline is like a small love letter to the place where we live.

Photo by Francesca

What would be your ideal Valentine to receive?
Anabela: In dreamland, a trip. Somewhere beachy, somewhere exotic, it doesn't really matter. In reality, wildflowers.
Geoff: Besides Anabela, one of my favourite things in life is making and eating a delicious meal. An ideal Valentine would surely include brunch at an old standby and a lovingly prepared feast of a dinner, or perhaps the same in reverse.

How do you feel about February in Toronto - drab or dazzling?

Anabela: Dazzling, but in a modest, quiet sort of way.
Geoff: Dazzling, because spring and summer are getting closer.

Do you believe in true love?

Anabela: I do! But it also requires dedication, hard work, and communication. It's not strictly magical.
Geoff: Yes! I don't believe in true love in the teenage romantic sense, but like most things in life, what you discover in love depends on what you invest in it.

City of Craft & the workroom present
The Love & Rummage Trunk Show 3
Sunday February 6, 2011
Noon-5pm
the workroom
1340 Queen Street West

Admission: FREE

Vendor Profile: Liz of The Arthur

Who are you...you, as a person?
//My name’s Liz. Grew up in Saskatchewan with the loveliest Grandparents and a big old house full of curiosities. Weekends were spent scouring garage sales with my Grandmother, which has led me to a borderline hoarder mentality. I like old things. I’m sentimental. I like Fred Astaire, Chet Baker, Nina Simone, Breathless, Goonies, The Pixies, Led Zeppelin, Sammy Davis Jr., The Cure, Stevie Wonder, Helen Levitt, Roy De Carava, Vivian Maier...

What is your business called?
//The Arthur

What does this business specialize in?
//Vintage quality house wares and curiosities.

Where are you located (home, studio, store front)?
//online for the moment...
(http://theArthur.co)

Do you have any new products/inventions/designs/projects up for grabs at the Love & Rummage Trunk Show?
//Most of the items I’ll be bringing to the Trunk Show will be Valentine-y. The perfect little items to give to your ol’man or ol’lady. (vintage romance novels and comics, records, mugs, glasses, textiles, etc.)

What is one thing from your trunk that would make a great Valentine?
//See photo. I have an antique leather stamped valentine. Mighty perfect if you ask me!

What would be your ideal Valentine to receive?
//a simple and lovely bouquet of flowers from Coriander Girl and a matineé or Aloe Blacc live show w/my hubby.

How do you feel about February in Toronto - drab or dazzling?
//Generally I’m dreary and drab when it comes to February but this year, January was superduper brutal so I’ve decided to claim February as FANTASTIC and DAZZLING. Watch out February. We’s gonna have some fun!

Do you believe in true love?
//I believe in LOVE. I believe that each connection between 2 people is unique and can always be full of love. Each relationship has it’s challenges and those challenges really can solidify your connection. I think people fall in love at first site (sometimes) and I think other unions take a long time to build (sometimes) but each can be as solid as the other.

City of Craft & the workroom present
The Love & Rummage Trunk Show 3
Sunday February 6, 2011
Noon-5pm
the workroom
1340 Queen Street West

Admission: FREE

Vendor Profile: Krystal Speck.

Who are you...you, as a person?

I am stubborn lady who loves making beautiful ceramics.

What is your business called?
Just me, Krystal Speck.

What does this business specialize in?
Handmade porcelain tableware & art objects. I also like to create special projects for folks, like custom porcelain installation art and commissioned works.

Where are you located (home, studio, store front)?
I feel like I've hit the jackpot, having recently moved in to a beautiful space in the Wallace Studios building. Many artists and designers are located here, and I have four wonderful studio-mates that I share the studio with. I'm always around other people making art, which helps keep me inspired.

Do you have any new products/inventions/designs/projects up for grabs at the Love & Rummage Trunk Show?

Yes! I have brand new porcelain, footed bowls that will debut at the show...calm white on the outside with vibrant floral interiors. I will also be bringing along lots of graphic coffee cups & tumblers, my big vases, and I also have some porcelain medallions with subtle, carved inscriptions like, "a great love." Romance. It's in the air, kids.

What is one thing from your trunk that would make a great Valentine?
One of my pretty porcelain tumblers filled full of valentines treats would make a lovely gift. For the frugal shopper, my porcelain medallions might be just the thing.

What would be your ideal Valentine to receive?
A brunch date with my sweetheart involving pancakes, a double americano and flowers from Coriander Girl (maybe he's reading this?).

How do you feel about February in Toronto - drab or dazzling?
You can make it dazzle, just get fancy sometimes (even when it's minus 20).

Do you believe in true love?
Yes, you gotta.

City of Craft & the workroom present
The Love & Rummage Trunk Show 3
Sunday February 6, 2011
Noon-5pm
the workroom
1340 Queen Street West

Admission: FREE

Vendor Profile: Jaime of Send More Mail.

Brand new trunk show vendor, Jaime, is armed with a blog and a collection of vintage stamps and is on a mission to make people send more mail. Read more about her simple and lofty job below...

Who are you...you, as a person?
I’m a girl into making things. I love collaging in my journal and taking photographs. My old film cameras make me happy. I love sending and receiving mail. By profession, I’m a photographer.

What is your business called?
Send More Mail.

What does this business specialize in?
Vintage postage stamps packs. Each pack contains 59 cents worth of postage; enough for a regular domestic letter.

Where are you located (home, studio, store front)?
A live/work loft in Liberty Village.

Do you have any new products/inventions/designs/projects up for grabs at the Love & Rummage Trunk Show?
Since this is my first craft show my stamp packs will be available for the very first time. Also, I’ll have some vintage Toronto postcards.

What is one thing from your trunk that would make a great Valentine?
Pink and red stamps.

What would be your ideal Valentine to receive?
A handwritten love note.

How do you feel about February in Toronto - drab or dazzling?
Dazzling. The days are longer and you just know that spring is on its way.

Do you believe in true love?
For sure! I’ve found it.

City of Craft & the workroom present
The Love & Rummage Trunk Show 3
Sunday February 6, 2011
Noon-5pm
the workroom
1340 Queen Street West