Painted Tree Designs

TORONTO - City of Craft Applications are Up (till Aug 31)

2010-05-16T11:13:00.001-04:00

City of Craft is a spectacular Toronto craft event that takes place in December at the Theatre Centre (Queen W. near Dovercourt)

The application is up and running online here ... and it's really affordable since so many people come through the space on Sat and Sun.

Photo - from Coldsnap Bindery's flickr account - http://www.flickr.com/photos/coldsnapbindery/

Posted via web from painted-tree-designs's posterous

I heart Owls

2009-03-22T00:17:00.009-04:00

Here are some Owls I've found on my electronic travels ---

I found Iittala Taika Espresso Cup & Saucer with owl motif at Cloudberry Living, a site that sells Scandinavian design

Polkadot Shop's Stitched Circle Owl card sets are fantastic! (found via Funky Finds)

Estela Lugo's Owl version of Animal Attraction pillows (found via Fawn & Forest)

And these Hootie Decals - stick them to the walk and then can write on them with chalk!

funky stuff to buy - birds

2009-03-06T20:37:00.005-05:00

So I've not been very good about posting and figured since I have a ton of webpages bookmarked that are things I would love to own or find totally inspiring or intriguing so a good way to be more consistent is to post some of those and spread the word about other amazing things. At craft shows I always do an excellent job promoting other peoples creations so why not extend that in to the virtual world.

Birds are my favourite so here's a selection of my finds:

Geninne is an etsy shop that has gorgeous watercolours of birds and She also has a blog

Modern Bird Jewelry ~Metalsmithing by Laura Flavin makes amazing bird jewellery and more!

Mama Bird and Baby Bird in the Nest necklace

Kris for Calligraphy has come great magnets and she is a professional calligrapher.
Check out her blog here and her etsy store here

Southern Tweets- Magnet-Go-Round

HANDMADE NATION SCREENING in Toronto!!!! (Feb 26)

2009-02-09T07:45:00.005-05:00

image from here

I'm so excited about this... I hope I can get someone to cover my shift at the library of teeth!

Premiere Handmade Nation here:

Date: Thursday February 26, 2009

Time: Film – 7pm Discusssion – 8.30pm-10pm

Location: Lennox Contemporary Gallery
12 Ossington Ave. (near Queen)
Toronto, Ontario

Co-presented by: Ontario Crafts Council, Toronto Craft Alert & City of Craft as part of DIwhy?, an exhibition of do-it-yourself art & craft on Jan. 20- Mar. 1 at the OCC Gallery.

Valentine Bounty at Fresh Collective

2009-02-09T07:39:00.003-05:00

the Fresh Collective has a big Valentine theme going on their Blog with suggestions and one of my cards (hand cut hearts) made it onto the blog!

Check out all the suggestions and choices!

http://freshcollectivegiftguide.blogspot.com/2009/01/valentines-day-gift-ideas-part-1.html

it's an exciting day

2009-01-20T08:02:00.004-05:00

It's Obama's inauguration today and I'm excited that this is happening in my life time.

To send you off with a smile - although today I'm expecting to see a lot of those - but just in case here is something that will make you smile. It happened in Liverpool station yesterday and it was actually organized by a cellphone company as an ad. But while you watch it, with the sound on, look at the people who are standing by, starting to join in and smiling big.

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=mUZrrbgCdYc

we all need that ... more opportunities to smile big.

things I have made with the Paper Place's paper!!!

2008-12-06T13:04:00.020-05:00

Almost didn't know where to beginning! More can be seen HERE on my flickr page. The Paper Place is my happy place :)

OH MY OH MY CONTEST - The Paper Place (or my land of happiness)

2008-12-06T12:49:00.002-05:00

So it's pretty well established that I'm a big time lover of paper. I love working with it and as a visual junkie it's definitely my "drug" of choice. This means that the Paper Place is like my own personal mecca. Walking into the store make me happy. There's so much to choose from it can be overwhelming but my visits always start with a walkabout and then lead to my favourite thing - the Scrap Bags. When ever I can used found objects or recycled goods in my cards, I'm a happy girl... it's also quite cost effective for me since I'm back in school. So the scrap bags are ideal because the Paper Place creates these packages of end strips or smaller pieces in a mixed bag of fun. On the TTC ride home I can't restrain myself from going through the package and seeing what kinds of things have been included. I've also noticed that they've started back up with workshops so I'm looking forward to taking a look at them for the new year. So i was overjoyed when I heard about this amazing contest...

We decided to get into the holiday spirit with a contest of our own.

We have put together the ultimate Chiyogami sample pack, an 8.5x11” sheet of every Chiyogami paper we offer in our online store –

637 patterns in total (retail value $1911.00).

Interested in entering? It couldn’t be easier. There are a number of ways you can win:

First, simply leave a comment below. That will earn you 1 entry in the contest.

Mention our contest in your blog, (feel free to use the photo above) and add a link to your post in your comment below. This will earn you 5 extra entries.

earn another 5 extra entries is to add a link in your comment to a photo of work you have done using our papers. Please only post links to photos you have permission to use of work YOU have done.

make a video, upload it to Youtube and provide a link in your comment below. Let us know why you should be the one to win – doing so earns you 50 extra entries.

The contest will close December 31st at midnight. The winner will be chosen at random and notified the first week of January. Remember, for us to contact you should you win, you must have entered your email address in the appropriate box provided when submitting your post. It will remain private and NOT be used for any solicitation purposes!

SO GO FOR IT .... YOU CAN START SUBMITTING HERE

Toronto blogs I like

2008-11-16T00:08:00.003-05:00

I've been horrid about keeping up. School's been a bit of an adjustment to say the least. I've not been keeping up with looking at as many things online as well... who would have thought I could miss temping. So I thought I would share some blogs that I've found by Toronto based creatives. Also Toronto Craft Alert has a link to lots of Toronto blogs.

Kim's Suitcase is Kim Kutner's business with cards, beautiful fabric badges, creatures etc.
She'll be at the One of Kind Show coming up in November
her blog
her store

Benita has two great businesses. We are Wedges is a great site to explore
House of Hsueh is her fashion business with accessories
It also has a facebook page

Girl Number Twenty makes some of the most beautiful children's quilts and other items made from recycled or reworked materials.
Her blog
her store

Karyn launched an amazing store on Queen West, the workroom
(on the North side somewhat west of Gladstone)
You can rent sewing machines and other equipment, fantastic fabrics, patterns,
or take some workshops
Her blog

Illustrator Tania Howells has lots of creations including a new children's book
Her blog
Her shop

"[murmur] is a documentary oral history project that records stories and memories told about specific geographic locations. "
http://murmurtoronto.ca/

My Belle Bijoux has gorgeous jewellery.
Her blog
Her store

Lisa Pijuan-Nomura: Lisa is an artist living and working in Toronto, Canada
Her blog

The Good Catch General Store on Queen West
1556 Queen Street West (at Sorauren) Toronto, Ontario
http://www.goodcatch.ca/

City of Craft is taking place on Dec 13!
http://www.cityofcraft.com/

Sweetie Pie Press creates fantastic buttons.
http://sweetiepiepress.blogspot.com/

Lots of creations by Lindsay Zier-Vogel
http://www.puddlepress.com/

http://thepinpals.typepad.com/pin_pals/

http://thimble.ca/

http://witch-fire.blogspot.com/

http://needle-exchange.ca/

http://tarabursey.blogspot.com/

http://papermuse.wordpress.com/

http://themayberrysparrow.blogspot.com/

http://hideous-birds.blogspot.com/

http://toronto.photobloggers.org/

http://rraz.ca/photo-blog/blog.html

http://torontozinelibrary.blogspot.com/

ENJOY !

I'm a Truant from my blog but it's school's fault!

2008-09-20T13:07:00.008-04:00

I've been quite the no show but heading back to school has been a bit of a crazy ride so this blog has unfortunately gotten pushed to the side for a bit.

And I'm lucky enough to have been invited by Jenn of Toronto Craft Alert to help with the posting on the site so that is the blog that's been getting my attention as of late.... definitely check it out since there are always new events coming in left right and centre.

Check out Robot A Day

Erin of Anatomy of a Skirt has come up with a great new project. From Mon to Fri, she creates and posts a different version of her robot pouches. She adapts them to a completely new style every day (mermaids, ninjas) Most robots have a limited run (usually 5 to 10 sometimes a bit more so they get bought up fast)

Scratch Espresso Bar & Gallery - Bathurst just south of St. Clair W

2008-08-09T13:26:00.002-04:00

Today I went for a wander and of course as the usual for this summer, the rain started. Thankfully it did since I found myself a nice new little cafe to frequent.

Scratch Espresso Bar is located in the old scratch gallery building at 1358 bathurst street.

They keep with their past as a gallery by displaying artwork on their walls and are really friendly. I like the big long table by the front where tons of magazines and papers lay for patrons to flip through. I have a feeling I'll end up there a fair bit more when I start my masters since they also have free wifi.

Hours - Monday - Friday 7:30 - 6:00 & Saturday 8:00 - 6:00

photo by hobvias sudoneighm found via google search
see it here granted it's hot chocolate but it's such a great photo i couldn't resist

the joys of find your USB camera cord

2008-07-23T11:53:00.010-04:00

I don't know a lot about photography... I was fortunate enough to get some exposure to photography, developing film, etc when I was in highschool but I'll admit that I don't really know how best to use my pretty point and shoot digital with all its unknown features. I know that I really like light and how it hits structure (architecture, nature, etc.) So here are some of my favs.

Finally admitting it...

2008-07-17T08:52:00.005-04:00

It's time to come clean... I have a fear of fabric and sewing. I've been taking advantage to a slow summer with lots of reading about techniques with paper, collage as well as embroidery and some sewing. In quite a few of the books, people share why they create and their inspirations. I want to be like the people who just dive in and play around but my block seems to be that I don't really have a clue how to start. Yup, the ostrich with its head in the sand syndrome... not sure how to make something well so I don't get started. But this is a pattern I'm trying to break and admitting the silly fear is the first step I suppose.

My mum has always been an amazing sewer. She made me dresses, toys including a doll that looked like me, and xmas decorations like this beautiful angel we would hang for the holidays. I love its cheeks!

She can make anything from a pattern but it was never something that I sought out. I do remember making a pillow case for my doll house and I'm pretty sure there were tears involved.

My friend Kat was spectacularly generous and gave me her old sewing machine when she upgraded machines. I've done a couple of sewing workshops but would like to take something a bit more intensive to help me wrap my mind around fabric and such. Sew Be It Studio is my first choice because I met the owner Dilys and she was fun, encouraging and really practical so I figured her course would be a good fit for me.

But for now, in the interest of saving on cash since I'm starting school in the fall, I'm going to just try and dive in. I've got some felt from my mum and that's the least intimidating in the fabric world so I'm going to try and make a stuffed bird. Birds have always been lucky creatively so far so it should be fun. And by putting it out there in the public domain, now I have to make something... it's a strategy that's worked for me in the past.

My love of all things library... well the Toronto Public System

2008-07-08T20:52:00.008-04:00

It seems only fitting that I'm going into Information Studies (modern day library studies) since I am one of the public libraries' biggest fans. My brothers also fall under that category as well but funnily enough I don't remember going to the library with my mum really - but she was a law librarian. Yay Audrey.

I'm a big user of the hold system - request a movie, cd or book and it eventually appears at the branch of your choice. I tend to have my holds at the maxed out level - 50 things!

Recently I've been doing searches for books on making cards, collage, paper art, embroidering, small business, design, story books of illustrators I like and general craft/arts books... with the occasional cookbook. Really I would just like to go out and buy all the books and keep them but at the moment the cost and space requirements are not viable.

So here are some of the books that I've really enjoyed:

Collage unleashed : paint-bind-stitch-play
By: Bautista, Traci.

The impatient embroiderer
By: Emerson, Jayne.

What do you do with a tail like this?
By: Jenkins, Steve

Alter this! : radical ideas for transforming books into art
By: Hennessy, Alena

The crafter culture handbook
By: Spencer, Amy,

The crafter's companion : [tips, tales and patterns from a community of creative minds
By: Torborg, Anna.

Photos about town

2008-07-08T10:28:00.005-04:00

I really do love living in Toronto... I grew up in this city but it's always changing so there are new things to find. Like this graffiti artist's work - I've seen the woman's face in a couple of places but this was shot on Queen W just under the railway bridge by the gladstone. I was sad to see that it was go when I went by recently but I guess that means something new will appear eventually.

The Big Bop is a club on College West that's been around for a long while. I've never been inside but while I waiting for the street car I snapped this pic and then played with the colours.

New Littlins

2008-07-05T10:04:00.010-04:00

On Saturdays, I have been doing a story time at a local Knit Cafe - In the Loop - and afterwards I tend to hang out with the lovely staff and work on my cards. These are what I came up with last week.

Cats & Dogs

2008-06-25T08:20:00.003-04:00

Part of the fun of making cards is trying out new ideas... since I know there are so many dog and cat lovers out there I figured I would give them a "wordle" try... here are the results -

Fawn & Forest (found via Designsponge!)

2008-06-25T07:47:00.008-04:00

Such a fun find - Thanks to Designsponge (which if you've not checked out by now... get on it ... it's freaking fantastic)' s spotlight on Fawn & Forest. This pic of their home intrigued using Cork circle trivets on the wall as floating display boards on the wall.

It lead me to their online store which has been added to the list of things that make me want to have disposable income (as a prospective grad student... it's going to be a visual relationship for the moment!)

I love this owl decal

these fabric strawberries by Sian Keegan

They have a blog that even includes a recipe for minty pea pops...see it to believe it!!! A definite experiment for kids who like chocolate mint and for parents who need to sneak peas into the diet.

Eye candy and My next show

2008-06-17T13:39:00.003-04:00

The joys of meditating with Paper is that I end up surfing the web and finding lots of fun things. I am going to assume that this will increase when I start my Masters in the fall... I excel at procrastination strategies!

So an interest site I discovered via my stats on my flickr page is FlickrLeech. You find a display of tons of amazing pictures from flickr!

http://www.flickrleech.net/

More info about it is here . Another perfect way to distract - a library of tons the eye candy for the visual junkie.

ALSO I have a sale on this Saturday June 21 - the Big on Bloor Festival

I'll be selling my cards at Bloor St. West and Crawford
from 1:00pm till 5:30 - 6:00 pm.

Things to check out

2008-06-05T23:39:00.009-04:00

Things have been BuSy lately! I've landed my cards in two stores, got to take part in the Sassy Little Craft show, heard from the UofT that I've been accepted into the Masters program in Information Studies! Yup June's been good to me so far.

I'm still on such a learning curve with the whole blog thing and now I'm learning more about the trading links and such. So here are 3 for you to enjoy!

************************************************************************************

My friend Benita is really creative... she not designs amazing clothes and bags from her label, House of Hsueh.

Benita also has just launched a line of cute wedge shaped toys - We Are Wedges. Her website stories are hysterically funny and Squido is my favourite.

The Wedges can be bought via her etsy store

*************************************************************************************
Jana of Serendipity Collections has an etsy store that I found while looking at all the wares in the paper categories.

I liked her big mouth card.

She also has a blog .

*********************************************************************************

Megan of Sweet Clothing Designs was the first person to contact me about my cards from just finding me online... her recycled t-shirts are so fun.

Her blog can be found here

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Sassy Little Craft Show! This Saturday night

2008-05-28T12:31:00.009-04:00

Well, this was definitely a week where I wasn't sad about the lack of temp work because I've been busily working on my stock for the Sassy Little Spring Craft Show!

This Saturday from 7pm till 12:30 at the Victory Cafe (1 block south & east of Bathurst and Bloor on Markham)

St. Clair Art Walk Fundraiser - May 22

2008-05-20T18:48:00.005-04:00

I've been experimenting with paper collage on canvas and it all stemmed from wanting to donate something for the St. Clair Art Walk Annual Fundraiser. I've submitted two pieces (one as a donation and the other one for the art sale).

This piece is going into the donations group.

This piece is called Forget Me Not and I've submitted it for the sale component!

oh the internet

2008-05-15T13:38:00.002-04:00

so rather than checking my email every thirty seconds for a mini break from the data entry "paper meditation" work I have today, I figured I'd just post somethings I've found that I like.

There are festivals for everything it seems!

I was just chatting with someone at lunch and she mentioned a festival that is focused on rolling wheels of cheese down hills. Initially I thought it would be somewhere in Switzerland but of course it's the crazy brits who have the festival - http://www.cheese-rolling.co.uk/

They even have a countdown to the first races that are in 10 days... so if anyone is in Gloucester it would be something to check out.

new experiment

2008-05-14T23:04:00.005-04:00

A while back, I went to the monthly stitch and bitch at the Workroom on far queen West. I came straight from work and realized that I forgotten my card stuff at home so I had arrived with a glue stick, card stock and an old magazine. I had heard so much about how paper can dull scissors so you should keep ones you use for fabric separate from anything that you use for paper. So instead of asking to borrow some, I tried out the tried and true technique of ripping paper. I don't think that i"ve done it since I was a kid... but I have to say that it turned out quite well!

Great news for my cards!

2008-05-14T22:38:00.003-04:00

I am so very excited. I've been approached by two stores to sell my cards! It's kind of crazy especially since I have the Sassy Little Craft Show (7pm to midnight, Victory Cafe just SE of Bloor and Bathurst) on May 31st. So I'm carrying around my card stuff everywhere... just trying to squeeze it in when I can.

My cards are already at the Fresh Collective on Queen West. It's a collective of designers that I've admired for so long in Toronto!

and soon they will be in the brand spanking new store in Kitchener - Rare Funk

So that's my happy news... now on to card making till the end of the month!

Meet Audrey

2008-04-17T11:03:00.005-04:00

This character is named after my mum. She's holding a bouquet made from dried flowers that my mum gave me. She doesn't look like my mum but she makes me think of her just the same.

Mum & Me in Barbados

Girl with a curl

2008-04-17T10:57:00.004-04:00

I've been working on a children's story idea to do with the poem - Girl with a Curl

Here are my 3 first collage illustrations ideas for it.

There was a little girl
Who had a little curl
Right in the middle of her forehead.

And when she was good
She was very very good

And when she was bad
she was horrid

Wedding Cardage

2008-04-17T10:46:00.011-04:00

I've been working on a fair bit of custom cardage lately and I've been loving it. A friend's wedding is coming up and her mum asked me to make a card for the bride and another that would be for a gift that was left to her by her grandmother. I'm pretty excited about showing her what I came up with tonight!

The bride and groom from behind... the gauze paper for the veil and train aren't completely attached so they can flutter a bit for some texture.

This bride has actual dried flowers for her bouquet. My mum is the sweetest and dries flowers for me up north where my folks have retired. I don't think my super would appreciate me knicking flowers from the front of my apartment building!

This is the card that I made for the grandmother's gift. You can see the interior message just below.

My card business actually stemmed from so many weddings hitting me at once and being a temp so it was a great way to give something personal and save on costs.

Some others:

New Card line - Gaggle of Girls

2008-04-14T18:49:00.002-04:00

A friend's stagette was coming up and I wanted to make her a card from me and another friend. The line about " making him an honest man finally" popped into my head but I wasn't sure how to go about it. Then I got the idea of a bunch of girls gabbing about their disbelief and on the inside use that line. I started having a lot of fun with the girls picking out bright patterns for the dresses. I thought why stop there... go for wild patterns for the hair too. I do love trying to mix up really different pattern into a pleasing look. I'm thinking that this combo was a good success.

Now I"m doing another one that has the gaggle of girls on the outside still in disbelief but on the inside it states " There's no Way that you're a day over 22! Happy Birthday" I"m going to have a great time coming up with different ideas for the girls to be gossiping about and thanks to my friend Jeff because he came up with the name for this line!

avoidance and painting

2008-03-25T10:20:00.002-04:00

It's always nice when avoidance tactics for one matter leads you to finishing up another project... Often I end up cleaning as well... Well, avoiding my grad application has led to me finishing up the memory box lid for my friends' sweet wee lad Isaac. Yay!

this blogging business

2008-02-15T07:48:00.003-05:00

Well, after a long respose... I have been dipping back into my voyeuristic blog surfing collection and it got me thinking about this blog and how I've not really done anything with it.

Some people have blogs as an outlet for their thoughts and other for their likes and dislikes. I will admit I"m more drawn to blogs with photos but I like getting insight into the blogger as well.

I think that there is also a part of satisfaction in sharing your thoughts and opinions with with the cyber universe and bit by bit I have to let go of the wondering if anyone is out there glancing at this... friends or otherwise... and just enjoy it for myself.

Also I've fallen lax on taking photos and I think posting that kind of thing would greatly help... cuz I like pictures and then its always easier to write with an image in mind - at least for me.

So I will have to see where this cyber experience takes me and hopefully it won't consist of me saying "Ah, haven't done this in a while"

Craft Cabaret is here!

2008-02-07T09:38:00.000-05:00

The Craft Cabaret is today! I'm very excited about it... so far some good friends are going to be coming and I'm looking forward to my road trip (short though it may be) with my friend and fellow vendor Roz of Lightleak Media.

Being under employed has given me time to build up a fair amount of stock!

2008-01-30T12:45:00.000-05:00

man, a bit of a break ends up stretching itself out. I'm back to being under employed again so the computer time has waned since I've got other things on the go. I've been working on tons of cards for the Craft Cabaret in Waterloo on Feb 7, 2007.

Valentine cards have abounded and I'm about to start my easter cards... figured if I have time off I should put it to good use!

A Sassy peekaboo card as well...

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall ... or in the pocket

2008-01-07T13:58:00.001-05:00

I've been on the look out for a small pocket mirror for a bit now ... something to help check for spinach between the teeth and such. Through my searches, I found the perfect site - My Favourite Mirror.

They have a whole bunch of different designs to choose from, including designing mirrors with your own images. They also have mousepads & coasters for sale too.
Here are some of my favourites so far:

Town pocket mirror by The Little Friends of Printmaking.

Early Birds by Eleanor Grosch Pocket Mirror

Finch Tree Pocket Mirror by boygirlparty

Miss Cora Pocket Mirror (vintage French fashion illustrations set on top of true Art Nouveau wallpaper)

Tuff Pocket Mirror by The Little Friends of Printmaking

... I"m thinking this one is my fav.

ohhh art... beautiful art

2008-01-03T12:41:00.000-05:00

My friend, the lovely Heather S., gave me a heads up about this artist. There are bird silouettes so I was on that like a... hmmm can't think of a simile so let's just say I really really liked Arleigh Wood's work.

She's a Vancouver artist who uses encaustic, acrylics, oils, collage, etching on metal and found objects to create multi-layered compositions. Check it out:

http://www.arleighwood.com/

2008-01-03T10:53:00.001-05:00

Ahh, the end of the holidays... now for some down time.

A colleague from work has introduced me to something new and addictive... luckily the only place you seem able to get them are Costco or online so I think I'll be safe.

Hawaiian Sweet Maui Onion Potato Chips are pretty incredible... soooo crispy. Enjoy if you dare break the new years resolutions.

Beautiful and Enviro Friendly Wreath

2007-12-20T15:02:00.000-05:00

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.

Amazing Art & Jewellery

2007-12-18T16:14:00.000-05:00

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.desi gnspongeonline.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 J ulie Baker.

One of her postings (http://www.designspongeonline.com/2007/12/wearable-art.html)

is about wearable art and features works by:

Michelle Stitz

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

2007-12-18T14:15:00.000-05:00

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

http://www.cafepress.com/taniahowells.11218055

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

2007-12-18T10:15:00.000-05:00

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.

New pics of cards on my Flickr site

2007-12-17T12:55:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-17T09:49:00.000-05:00

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

Gotta check this out...

2007-12-13T16:22:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-13T11:25:00.001-05:00

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@torontooutdoorart.org

http://www.torontooutdoorart.org/

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

2007-12-13T11:14:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-13T11:09:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-12-13T10:42:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-13T10:08:00.001-05:00

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:

http://www.pixoftoronto.com/gallery/JoysPottery

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

so pretty.

2007-12-12T11:46:00.000-05:00

Oh I covet this necklace from Via Maris NYC.

http://www.viamarisnyc.com/zen/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=197

2007-12-11T15:59:00.001-05:00

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

2007-12-11T15:56:00.000-05:00

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,

2007-12-11T10:30:00.000-05:00

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

Nathalie-Roze & Co, 1015 Queen Street East (at Pape), (416) 792-1699(http://www.nathalie-roze.com/).

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.

The Workroom, 1340 Queen Street West(btw Dufferin & Lansdowne), Tel. (416) 534-5305, http://theworkroom.ca/

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

Sassy Little Holiday Show - amazing finds.

2007-12-10T10:56:00.000-05:00

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/

Jumping in & Sassy Little Craft Show

2007-12-05T16:02:00.000-05:00

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