Falconwright Studio Shopping.

This just in, for the next two Saturdays, screen printing / leather outfit, Falconwright, is opening their doors and letting you into their studio for shopping. Missed them at the show? You have no excuse now. You need pouches and purses!

All Citizens Book Launch.

As promised, we are not leaving you in the lurch for the rest of this holiday season. We'll be popping in a bunch to share hot tips and info about all sorts of ways to make your holiday indie and awesome.

First up, Serena McCarroll's new book, All Citizens, celebrates its official launch in Toronto tomorrow night. It is a fantastic document following a personal journey she and her former partner had leaving Vancouver, moving to the middle of nowhere and trying to bring art to a very small community. A fascinating must-read for any of us craft city folks.

Those who came out to City of Craft this past weekend probably encountered Serena in her All Citizens installation room. All Citizens and Serena have worked with City of Craft multiple times. After all, we are a city and she is a citizens. And just look at the line-up below - all kinds of familiar faces!

Featuring music by celebrated songwriter Magali Meagher (The Phonemes) and indie rock sensations Laura Barrett and Wax Mannequin.

Join artists Reverend Aitor (The Misanthrope Specialty Co), Becky Johnson (Sweetie Pie Press), Jason McLean and Magali Meagher, as they share their experiences visiting All Citizens (or imagining having visited) and their views of music, art and the DIY lifestyle with SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellow at NSCAD University and member of the Public Access Collective that publishes the art and culture journal Public, Saara Liinamaa. This will be followed by All Citizens author Serena McCarroll in conversation with artist/author Shannon Gerard, whose own visual art operates across several platforms and media. 

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 
8:00pm
The Gladstone Hotel
1214 Queen St. West
Toronto, ON
$5 or free with book purchase

Thank you!

Citizens,

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Thank you for a record breaking year.

Thank you to the best vendors, staff, volunteers, sponsors, installation artists and community a plucky li`l craft fair could possibly dream to have.

Thank you to our two incredible venue sponsors, The Theatre Centre and Pemberton Group without whom nothing of this scale would be possible.

Thank you for buying unique, ethical handmade goods this holiday.

Thank you all for DOMINATING Instagram for two days.

And thank you to the magic of craft.

Our next event is the teeny tiny Love & Rummage Trunk show in February, plans are well under way for our spring show, and this blog will stay active with hot tips on other local, nearby and/or indie ways to get through the holidaze.

But right now, this City and this Ring Leader are in need of some slumber. Like this guy.

Guest Blogger Picks: Jen Anisef.

Here’s a little City of Craft secret: the show’s three founders – Becky, Leah, and I, have always had the hardest time jurying the jewellery aspect of the show as none of us are big jewellery people. We understand that many folk love to make, buy, wear, and give jewellery – so we have always tried our hardest to ensure that some quality bling is available at the show. Well, I can honestly say that this task is becoming increasingly less difficult as more and more of the jewellery vendors applying express a novel and contemporary sensibility. I would happily sport any of the following on my neck, fingers & ears:

Fierce and dainty porcelain bear claw pendants by Lana Filippone.

Industrial chic screw rings by Old Weston.

Geometrically pleasing square turquoise necklace by Happy Camper.

Whimsical toadstool necklace by Emily Taylor...

...only to be rivaled in hippie dreaminess by Eau Claire's carnation horseshoe collar clip.

Raw and majestic rock, mineral & gemstone earrings by rare specimens.

With these guys and many more amazing makers on the roster, I have no doubt you'll find a piece or two that speaks to you or the people on your list this weekend!

Jen Anisef is a co-founder of this here City of Craft.  In a past life she ran the Toronto Craft Alert and is currently semi-retired in Hamilton sewing quilts, making sausages and candy with the Beehive, and hatching new crafty plots.

Guest Blogger Picks: Leah Buckareff.

Watching City of Craft go down each year from afar always makes me a little misty.

I think if i had these Hankies by Civic Trust on hand it would ease my homesickness just a wee bit.

 

 

Some other stuff that I'd like to surround myself with would be the warmth-exuding wrist warmers by extase while I flipped through the Fruiting Bodies zine by Emily Taylor.

Of course next to me would be a cup of tea (the leaves in said cup would be ones gifted to me by Becky!) resting on the fantastic cat potholder by maudstitch.

And on my shelf would rest one of Krystal Speck's corked vessels just because they're really beautiful.

Leah is one of the founders of City of Craft.  She now lives in Berlin, Germany where she creates handmade books, doom metal, and brings zines in to the lives of unsuspecting Berliners through  her mobile library, the lesen lounge.

Winter 2012 Look Book!

Open publication

Citizens, check this out. The amazing and lovely Arounna from Bookhou has once again created a dazzling look book to help you all get psyched for this weekend and plan your shopping. It is chock full of vendor images and wee profiles so you can get to know the crafts and the makers behind them just a little better.

I must say, I am blown away by the slickness of Arounna's design and, as always, the immense talent of our vendors. BE PREPARED FOR JOY. Oh, and click 'Expand' to full screen this puppy for EXTRA JOY.

Rock the Block! (Or This Weekend's DJ Line-up).

Pierre Bois in 2011. Photo by Celine Kim

You guys like music, right? So do we! And now that our winter show has grown to two days and multiple venues, we have the delight to present you with a full roster of musical delights for this coming weekend. In fact, the Winter 2012 DJ Line-up is a who's who or City of Craft DJs past. Check 'em out...

On Saturday from 11:00am - 6:00pm Pierre Bois (a.k.a. TheVinylDen) will be spinning hot wax from the 1950's to 2000's in the new space at 1093 Queen West. Want to know what is so extra cool about TheVinylDen? The project specializes in bringing great DJ services to grass-roots and not-for-profit events. We dig that groove. You can check out all of Pierre's upcoming gigs through his facebook page.

Tara Bursey at City of Craft Spring 2012. Photo by Karyn Valino

The DJ from our spring event (and former vendor, juror, installation coordinator, designer, installation artist...), Tara Bursey (a.k.a. DJ Clean Teen) will be dropping some vintage jams at 1093 Queen West on Sunday from 11:00am - 5:00pm. Feel like having a pop-up dance party? Nobody is stopping you. You can also check Clean Teen out at her Strange Notes, her monthly psych/folk/rock night at the Embassy in Kensington Market.

Mark Andrada. Photo by Becky Johnson

And finally, our perennial music delivery service, Mark Andrada, will be spinning two days worth of purely digital tunage in the Great Hall Theatre (1087 Queen West). Mark also leads the charge when it comes to live tweeting for City of Craft. If you are nice, you can even tweet song requests to him. No guarantees, but sometimes it works. You can usually catch Mark around town running tech for myriad comedy shows and serving as primary technical and sound improvisor at the Comedy Bar's catch23 IMPROV on Friday nights.

Guest Blogger Picks: Ron Nurwisah.

I pride myself on finding great, and often unexpected, gifts for my friends. I’ll be on the lookout for unique things for them and maybe an item or two for myself.

1. Doublenaut

One of my favourite designers of concert posters in the City, twins Matt and Andrew McCracken have made eye-catching prints for the Polaris Prize, Broken Social Scene and more. Their non-music posters also deserve a spot on your wall.

2. Civic Trust

Gentlemen a simple fashion tip for 2013: pocket squares. A little piece of fabric in your jacket pocket makes every outfit just a bit more dapper. These nautical-themed handkerchiefs are also a big step-up from a boring white piece of cotton.

3. RCBoisjoli

Blame it on my west coast upbringing, but I’ve always had a weird obsession with whales. This handsome beastie would be a welcome addition in any kitchen. Well, maybe not Captain Ahab’s.

4. Bespoke Uprising

A few years ago I was shopping for wedding gifts. Not surprisingly, this year I’m shopping for baby gifts. Babies are already pretty darned cute but can they be even cuter? Yes, if they’re wearing this great-looking onesie.

Ron Nurwisah is the community manager at the Huffington Post Canada. He can be found on twitter @boyreporter.

Guest Blogger Picks: oh yenner!

I’ve never been to a craft show I didn’t like and City of Craft is no exception. From the creative displays to the unique pieces for sale, this show is an inspiration haven for craft junkies. While I’ve had a terrible track record of actually gifting away my purchases, my intentions are always good! This year’s intentions include:

- - -

Team Art

Jon Hamm – A Colouring Book

There’s something about Jon Hamm that makes me go insane. I’ve never fan-girled a celebrity as much as I have with dear old Don Draper so this Jon Hamm colouring book from Team Art is the perfect item for me to ogle this holiday season. The 90s Pop Divas and Hunky Dudes editions are on the list for lucky friends but trust that this one is all mine.

- - -

Falconwright

White Leather Card Holder with Double Pink Dots

I’ve never met confetti art I didn’t like and combined with perfect white leather and a cute snap button, I’m envisioning this Falconwright card holder as the sweetest little treat for a coworker.

- - -

rare specimens

Citrine and Pyrite Stud Earrings

During last April’s City of Craft show, I stood in front of the rare specimens booth for several minutes with a furrowed brow and stacks of earrings in hand. I left in a panic, unable to decide which pair to take home. Having studied the selection online and narrowed down my picks between the citrine and pyrite studs, I am confident that success is on my side this time around!

- - -

the workroom

Scrap Bundles

The number one cause of chaos at City of Craft is the mad scramble to grab as many scrap bundles from the workroom booth as possible. These curated bundles are perfect for holiday crafting and beyond and I have every intention of getting my hands on these this year while dreaming of fabric buntings, homemade tape, and pom-pom garlands!

- - -

Coriander Girl

Mini Arrangements

There is no simpler joy than walking home with a vase of flowers in hand. Alison Westlake of Coriander Girl creates the most delicate collection of wildflowers and sweet blooms that are perfectly giftable to BFFs, party hosts, girlfriends and more!

- - -

Old Weston

Paper Sea Urchins

This last pick is all for me. In my search for unique ornaments to adorn my first Christmas tree in the city, I’m terribly excited to get my hands on these Paper Sea Urchins from Old Weston.

- - -

Yen Tran is an avid City of Craft supporter, living out her crafting job dreams vicariously through the vendors at the show. She shares her thoughts on all things happy on her personal blog oh yenner! and can often be found live tweeting from an alarming number of craft shows at @ohyenner.

Guest Blogger Picks: Katie Merchant.

1)  Worn Fashion Journal Issue 15:  First on my list is the newly designed, newly spined issue of WORN Fashion Journal.  This is seriously the best issue yet and belongs on everyone's bookshelf.  

2)  Coriander Girl - Coriander Girl bouquets are the subject of many an Instagram and blog post of mine, and although I visit Alison's beautiful Parkdale-based shop often, I'll take any excuse to pick up some of her pretty (and long-lasting!) flowers.  

3) Snacks Zine by Caitlyn Murphy and Sandi Falconer:  Hi, this is an amazing zine full of SNACKS!

4) Good Night Day Elora Slouchy Toque: Winter is coming and this slouchy hand-knit toque by Tara-Lynn looks like something I need on my head.

5) Zip Pouch by Falconwright - I have one of Falconwright's well-patterned clutches already, but I see no reason why I shouldn't add this pouch to my collection, especially to use for a secret candy stash, as Sandi and Danielle suggest.

Katie Merchant lives in Toronto and blogs for herself at thank you, ok. You can check out more of her photos of snacks, flowers, and magazines by following her on Instagram @thankyou_ok.  

Guest Blogger Picks: Covet Garden.

City of Craft has always been one of the Covet Garden gang’s favourite destinations for finding fantastic and affordable artwork — both for our magazine and our own homes. Over the years, we’ve amassed quite the collection of prints and original paintings for our walls and have all sorts of amazing sculptures and other 3-D pieces decking our halls.

This year, we’re saving our pennies to finally pick up a piece by ceramicist Julie Moon. Specifically, this matte and shiny skull is calling out to us!

And we cannot wait to see crafts made by some of our favourite artists, such as Shannon Gerard, who crochets plants, makes books and draws beautiful pictures like “Mr. Tough Guy,” pictured above.

Another favourite vendor is Doublenaut, makers of bright and graphic screen printed posters such as this here wordy bird! We first spotted their stuff at City of Craft and have featured them in our online magazine and blog a couple of times now.

We’re also looking forward to discovering new makers — like Touch the Dutch. While artist Anneke van Bommel’s specializes in gorgeous jewellery pieces with a distinctively Canadian feel, we found this woody wall piece of high-fiving grizzlies on her Etsy shop, and can’t wait to see what else she’ll have in store on December 8th and 9th.

Covet Garden is an online interiors magazine dedicated to taking you into the creatively decorated homes of Torontonians from all walks of life. We feature spaces that have been styled by their inhabitant. We also have projects and inspiration to give readers ideas to help them create their own ideal space.

Window Dressing.

Citizens!

The big weekend is fast approaching and we are really excited to announce that due to some excellent venue support from The Theatre Centre and Pemberton Group we have been allowed to start taking over Queen Street earlier than ever.

Between now and the December 8/9 weekend, we will be setting up in windows and spaces covering a half-block of Queen West West. Keep an eye out, folks!

This show will probably be our most sprawling ever, too, as we occupy spaces in 1087, 1093 & 1095 Queen West. We're going to rock the block!

Big thanks to Kalpna Patel for making the cardboard city and coming up with our design concept and to Serena McCarroll and Mark Andrada for helping with the installations.

Guest Blogger Picks: Becky Johnson.

Greetings, Citizens.

As we hit the ten-days-until-the-show mark, it feels like high time to start seriously showing off what our amazing vendors are going to have on offer on the big weekend. To that end, we are launching a series of gift guides selected by a crew of lovely invited guests and staffers.

Even though I do not like to pick favourites (every vendor at City of Craft is top notch in my books), I thought I would kick the series off by showing off the work of a few vendors who are brand new to the show. With just over one third of our vendors never having done a City of Craft show before, this was no easy task. Here goes!

I am really excited to see the work on Hamilton's Crownland not just because owner Amy Kenny's design sense is so clean and iconic but also because she hunts deer and tans leather herself. I give major props to makers who get that involved in the sourcing of their materials.

If you are more geared toward animal motifs than products, Dawn Petticrew's ceramic works may be just what you are looking for. Striking a balance between fantasy and earnestness, her work is completely beguiling to me. Skill, voice - she's got it all. Plus, I dig florals with some punch to them.

I am also a sucker for all things DIY (naturally). That is why I find these animal embroidery kits by Kiriki Press so fantastic. Practising your stitches and ending up with a totally unique plushy in the end? What a great way to spend some frosty evenings. And you don't have to deal with the daunting aspects of designing the project, if that's not your bag. Magic!

Further on the semi-DIY tip are the full line of colour books by Team Art. I especially appreciate how this collective seems to be picking themes for books completely based on their own varied interests - Dogs, Voldemort, 90's Pop Divas, Jon Hamm. That's a team I'd like to join (and a Hamm I'd like to party with).

Speaking of personal interests, I would be remiss if I did not mention Fila Arcana, the art outlet of embroiderer Mine Sewell Mancuso. Working from arcane imagery based in mysticism and secret societies, her work very much appeals to the our more esoteric selves. I always find these themes especially resonant in winter - less sunshine, all that time indoors...what better time to contemplate the mystical?

Becky Johnson runs this here City of Craft and also her own craft outfit, the Sweetie Pie Press. Sometimes, she speaks at conferences about craft-related themes, sometimes she curates things and still other times she makes up jokes on stage.

Call for Youth Vendors!

 

Willy Brown at City of Craft Spring 2012. Photo by Serena McCarroll.

Hear ye, hear ye!

Due to some very incredible venue support from Pemberton Group and The Theatre Centre, we have ended up with enough space to open a small last-minute call for Youth Vendors at our upcoming show.

In fact, we will have a whole dedicated space for vendors 15 and under at the Theatre Centre Pop-up (1095 Queen Street West). This is a rare opportunity for young makers to get involved in our holiday show. In fact, it is unlikely that we will have the space to do this again in future years, so we are delighted to be able to offer this very special entrée into the holiday craft fair world to our craft stars of tomorrow (and today).

Requirements:
Youth Vendors must be 15 years of age or younger
Youth Vendors must make their own crafts
Only handmade goods are appropriate for this show
Youth Vendors must be accompanied by an adult on site at all times
Youth Vendors must be available for both days of the event including load-in and load-out

Details:
City of Craft 2012 runs December 8 & 9, 2012 (11am-6pm and 11am-5pm, respectively)
Youth Vendor spaces are 4ft (half and 8ft table)
The Youth Vendor fee is $40 for the two days
The Youth venue (1095 Queen Street West) will not be ticketed - entry is free for shoppers!

Applications:
Applications will not be juried
Youth Vendors will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis
There is no fee to apply as a Youth Vendor
Space is extremely limited, so get your materials together quickly if you would like to apply

Wanna hop on board? Apply HERE. We can not wait to see what you are making!

Fat Goose Craft Fair Today In Kingston.

Greetings Citizens,

Just popping in to let those of you in the Kingston area know that your very own indie craft fair, the Fat Goose Craft Fair, is happening today. It's an afternoon/evening affair, so no need to rush your brunch or hurry out of bed. Just mosey on down later in the afternoon. Check out their website for more details. And keep it crafty!

Volunteer for City of Craft 2012!

Hello!!! Michelle here - City of Craft's Volunteer Coordinator on the search for a few dozen crafty citizens to help out at the fast approaching City of Craft!  
Volunteers are a valuable component to the City of Craft weekend. Some of the tasks volunteers take on include:
- setting up and tearing down tables/chairs
- handing out swag bags at the door
- taking admission
- selling official CoC merchandise
- helping out vendors by getting them change or watching over their tables when they need a washroom/food break
- being generally helpful, friendly and welcoming to the City of Craft

It's easy work at a fun event! In exchange, volunteers get the chance to meet neat, creative people in Toronto's craft community (and beyond) and be a part of one of the city's awesome indie craft shows. In addition, City of Craft loves and appreciates its volunteers and will thank them with goodies. It's win-win!

To be a volunteer, you must:
- be able to commit to a minimum 3 hour shift during the event (though you're welcome to sign up for more!)
- be a human being 

Interested? Of course you are! So send a quick e-mail to cityofcraft[AT]gmail[DOT]com and be sure to mark CoC down in your calendar - December 8 & 9, 2012 at The Theatre Centre & beyond (1087, 1093 & 1095 Queen Street West).

In a few days, those who have written to us about their interest will receive an e-mail from me with instructions on how to sign up for a shift (or two) as well as other important info. 

Thanks Citizens!

Stay crafty,
Michelle

Photo Above by Have & Hold Design / Sara Wilde Photography

December 2012 Applications Close Tomorrow!

Artwork by Caitlyn Murphy

Greetings Citizens,

Just a nudge to remind you that our winter 2012 applications close tomorrow (Friday), August 31st at midnight EST. Do not miss out on the action! As always, we can not accept late submissions so get yer craft on, folks!

2012 Application and FAQ can be found here.

Good luck, y'all!

Screen Printing Wars Recap.

Poster by Team Colour Code

All who came out to the Bloorcourt Arts & Crafts Street Fair on Saturday afternoon will be well aware of the amazing Screen Printing Wars hosted by Kid Icarus in front of Comedy Bar. For those who don't know, three of Toronto's top screen printing collectives/studios had one hour to battle it out by making competing gig posters for an upcoming (surprise) event in the Bloorcourt area. They only had old inks, old screens, paper (for making stencils) and their inner design sense to get them through the challenge. 

 

Poster by Team Carl Wagan

Varying strategies were used to create these amazing end products. It was just as thrilling to watch the challenge unfold as it is to see the end product. Yup, pulling the curtain back on the secret art of screen printing is a joy to behold. And this was only Round One - watch the Kid Icarus website for future installments popping up aat other Toronto events.

Poster by Team Kid Icarus

Fun Fact: Catch23 Improv is actually co-produced by City of Craft Ring Leader, Becky Johnson. She is also a regular performer there so if you want to see her act like a goof on stage get yourself down to Comedy Bar on Friday nights at 8:00pm.