Thursday, December 20, 2007

Beautiful and Enviro Friendly Wreath

So excited to head north and see my folks! And with my xmas holidays in mind and my love of all things paper, I found this BEAutiFul wreath while perusing Absolutely Beautiful Things blog http://absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com/ You can find it from etsy seller Haru



Wishing you all the best for what ever you're celebrating!!! All the best in the New Year.



Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Amazing Art & Jewellery

So flipping through the WWW I came across an artist whose work I love!

Designsponge, the site I have a "crush" on, has a guest blog http://www.designspongeonline.com/category/guest-blog


Different people are invited for a week to share things that they like or find interesting and this week it is artist Julie Baker.

is about wearable art and features works by:




Faryn Davis (I'm completely in love with the one on the right)



I decided to explore each of their websites and discovered they create art as well.
Definitely worth checking out.

Cool lowkey recycling revamp

http://tania.blogs.com/tania/2007/12/multi-packet.html

I found these recovered coasters on Tanya Howell She's a Toronto based blogger (http://tania.blogs.com/) and has a shop online (http://www.taniahowells.com/shop.html). She draws lovely birds. and I'm always a sucker for that!
I want this mug



I love the paper that she used. Think I might try it... can't wait to get more paper from the Paper Place at 887 Queen Street West. http://www.thepaperplace.ca/ I like to pick up their scrap bags. they give me a big selection for my cards.

Contemporary Textile Studio Co-op

In downtown Toronto, there is a fantastic complex called 401 Richmond. It's home to lots of non-profits and artist studios ... one of which is the Contemporary Textile Studio Co-op in Studio 109. www.textilestudio.ca

They have a whole bunch of workshops... email me if you want to find out about any of them or email the Co-Op info@textilestudio.ca.. The one I'm thinking about is:

Mixed Media 1
Sharon Epstein: Sharon@textilestudio.ca
8 Weeks: Thursdays 9:30 – 12:30 pm
January 10 – February 28
$270 + $65 material fee

This popular course is designed for those who enjoy experimentation and process. It will include non-toxic print-making processes suitable for work on both paper and fabric. Experimental drawing and traditional print-making techniques will be explored using water-based pigments and dyes. A variety of techniques will be introduced including polychromatic screen-printing, brushwork, mark-making, resists, transfer printing and collage.

Monday, December 17, 2007

New pics of cards on my Flickr site

Hallo.. with all the snow yesterday, I took some time to load up pictures of all of my new cards from the Sassy Little Craft Show on Flickr. I even marked if the cards are still available in the card's title.... Enjoy!

www.flickr.com/photos/painted_tree_designs/












winter wonderland



Winter has definitely hit Toronto! Yesterday I hibernated as I watched the snow fly by on the horizontal. Lovely Heather was a doll and didn't berate me for being too chicken for leaving my apartment. Thank you!

I don't know if it's normal to have a crush on a blog ... however I feel it's been well established by now that I'm pretty okay with not being normal in the traditional sense.

I love the blog Designsponge.

http://www.designspongeonline.com/

It's pretty and always has amazing things to check out. It's updated throughout the day. There are different sections too: sneak peaks into peoples studios or home; guides to different citys; mini trends; diy examples; before and after make overs for things like bookcases etc.

A great source... if only to find things that I would love for birthday presents!

image from http://www.photolib.noaa.gov/historic/nws/wea00957.htm

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Gotta check this out...


This is a crazy new trend. CREDO Mobile: "Greenest Mobile Phone Company in the US" takes a truck and adds a projector on hydraulic lift. They travel around and project "graffiti" on to buildings - typically a cartoon of GeorgeW Bush or text like above - and people can text in what they want the graffitti to say. The graffiti keeps keeps changing and if the cops show up, the van turns off the projector and drives away with no permanent marks left for charges of vandalism!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=cRw3TAR8QDM

Toronto Outdoor Art Sale 2008 Application, Nathan Phillips Square

I got this from my beloved Toronto Craft Alert website (http://torontocraftalert.blogspot.com/)

PARTICIPANTS' APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 1, 2008

Now in it’s 47th year, the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition [TOAE] is a juried showcase featuring contemporary fine art and craft that takes place on Nathan Phillips Square every July.

As the largest outdoor art exhibition in Canada, the TOAE offers a fresh-air alternative to conventional art shows and galleries. Approximately 500 artists participate and over 100,000 visitors attend the exhibition every year. Side by side, established artists, undiscovered talents and innovative students sell their work directly to the public and make lasting connections with art dealers and collectors.

In 2007, the TOAE presented over $30,000 in cash awards and prizes to participating artists. We welcome applications from artists working in a wide range of traditional and experimental art forms.

Applications can be downloaded from the TOAE website at http://www.torontooutdoorart.org/ or call 416.408.2754 for more information.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 1, 2008

For further information, please contact:
Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition
264 - 401 Richmond Street West
Toronto, ON M5V 3A8416.408.2754

TOAE is now on Facebook! To receive updates on the 47th annual exhibition and other related news, please go the webpage.(Please note that you must be a Facebook member to join this group).

Valley artists - White Duck Pottery

White Duck Pottery
Jamie and Linda Turnbull 613-756-5562; 877-476-7141 whiteduck@renc.igs.net

My parents have been purchasing pottery from Jamie & LindaTurnbull of White Duck Pottery since I was 5 years old. He also used to do ceramic signs in beautiful calligraphy.

Valley Artists - Hill Pottery

Hill Pottery - Dan Hill (613) 756-9283 danhill@nrtco.net http://www.wilnogardengallery.com/

I have several pieces of Dan Hill's pottery and I love it! Also it's microwavable & dishwasher safe

Upper Ottawa Valley... so much creative stuff!

So xmas is coming and I'm getting excited about heading up towards my parents' place in the Valley for the holidays. There's tons of creative artisans up there and I thought I would share a few. All photos and information come from the Madawaska Studio Tour website

http://www.madawaskastudiotour.com/studios/studios.htm



Lydia Vanderstaal, Artist/blacksmith & Tim Storey, potter


Tel: (613) 757-2574 e-mail: timstorey@vianet.ca























My love of pottery

So I've been in love with many things pottery forever... since my parents sent me to my first pottery class - Thanks Dr. & Mama J!


At the Sassy Little Craft Show (which again was so great!), I met a Toronto potter, Joy of

Joy Pottery. We did a trade for some my cards for one of her beautiful blue bowls with chopsticks.


You can check out her pottery at the link below:




Also ... she has POTTERY LESSONS available and I'm going to probably take one in the new year. I'd rather have my dollars going to her rather than George Brown or some other place...


She's got Beginner & Intermediate Throwing & Handbuilding & Individual Throwing Tuition - Contact Joy for more information at 416-516-6072 or joypottery@gmail.com




Tuesday, December 11, 2007

The Candi Factory is a having a Studio Sale!

December 14th & 15th Super sale on kids clothes, women’s shirts & skirts & even a $5 bin of undies! Also featuring beautiful jewelry by Buttercup Days & cool clothes by Device Friday

December 14th, 5-9pm

Saturday December 15th, noon-5

the candi factory 107 walnut avenuetoronto, ontario 416-504-4915

Candi Factory Sale this weekend

The Candi Factory is a having a Studio Sale! December 14th & 15th


Super sale on kids clothes, women’s shirts & skirts & even a $5 bin of undies!
Also featuring beautiful jewelry by Buttercup Days & cool clothes by Device


Friday December 14th, 5-9pm



Saturday December 15th, noon-5


the candi factory

107 walnut avenuetoronto, ontario

416-504-4915

Workshops - Nathalie-Roze & Co, The Workroom,

So I'm constantly on the search in Toronto for workshops to learn new things.

This place has not only been my main source of workshops (sewing, jewellery, paper, soapmaking, felting) but it's also an amazing shop filled with Indie designers' wares... this place makes me want to have more disposable income!

The paper card class with Kim Kutner (http://www.kimkutner.com/) gave me the kick start to do my cards. So I highly recommend it.

take a gander - http://www.flickr.com/photos/theworkroom/

The Workroom is one of the newest places in Toronto. I love the concept behind it. Karyn has put together an amazing place that is Toronto’s first sew & craft by the hour space ($7 to sew per hour or $5 if you're a member). She also sells fantastic looking Japanese fabric.

You can get a monthly membership ($20) and it includes:
• a two hour sewing machine rental
• 10% discount on classes
• access to a variety of sewing and craft equipment for a special members’ rate
• access to the workroom library which includes a variety of current and vintage design, art, craft, textile books and magazines
• free wireless internet
• complimentary tea.

There are lots of workshops that are popping up at this place and I will definitely be taking part in some of them http://theworkroom.ca/pdf/the_workroom_calendar.pdf. Classes like:
Wine Bottle Vases (Learn to use a bottle cutter), Sewn Men’s Tie, Sewing Machine Essentials


  • Sew Be It Studio 2156 Yonge Street, lower unit, (one block south of Eglinton on the west side of Yonge street)
    416-481-7784 http://www.sewbeitstudio.com/


Sew Be It Studio is a Toronto based company committed to promoting the art of sewing, knitting, theatrical costuming and all the things that creative hands can make.

Their instructors are renowned experts in their industry. They provide all the machines (industrial or domestic), including sergers for the students to use in class, at no extra cost. ( Let's face it, it's not to easy carry the beast around on the subway).

There are classes like: Vintage REVAMP, Sock Knitting 101, Fashion Illustration, *Alteration 101, Lacy Lingerie Workshop, Pattern Making 101 *Bra Making 101 *Pattern Making - Pants *Introduction To Leatherwork *Beading Applique for Beginners *Millinery

Monday, December 10, 2007

Sassy Little Holiday Show - amazing finds.

I had such a fantastic time at the Sassy Little Holiday Weekend Sale. Audrey and Christa are amazing for organizing this event that was so much fun and so relaxed. I completely lucked out with great friend dropping by to support my card business and very cool vendors surrounding me.

I'm constantly in love with the bags that Dayna creates http://naynu.com/

Scott Wilks was there ... I have a piece of his jewellery and still want more
http://wilkdesigns.com/

Allison at Papersnake has a bird necklace that I completely covet! http://www.papersnake.ca/

I snagged a beautiful vintage stamp card from Lisa, Girl Can Create http://www.myspace.com/girlcancreate and was amazed by her husband's photography

Christa's Crafty Like a Fox kits made me want to learn how to cross stitch... I mean how often can you find a pattern Margaret Atwood and Debra Harry! http://www.craftylikeafox.ca/

The Mexican wrestling hooded sweatshirts by AKA Clothing, were fantastic! http://www.akaclothing.ca/AKA_Gallery.htm

I've seen these puppets around and can't wait for friends kids to get older so I can give them some... well, maybe for me too. http://banjopuppets.com/

I have more to add but left the business cards at home.


I also have to say I was really impressed at the Victory Cafe's food... simply delectable!
http://www.victorycafe.ca/

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Jumping in & Sassy Little Craft Show

Well, after a long time of surfing and some time of people saying I need to get my cards more exposure... I've ventured into the land of the blog. Looking forward to seeing where this goes and next week I'll be putting up picks of my cards and kids custom decorated furniture but for now I'm in high gear trying to get everything done for the Sassy Little Holiday Craft this weekend.

http://www.myspace.com/sassylittlecraftshow

come and check it out

Sat Dec 8th - 7pm till 12:30
Sun Dec 9th - noon till 5pm

At the Victory Cafe (Upstairs) 581 Markham Street (SW of Bloor and Bathurst) Toronto

Cheers, Kate