Toronto: One of A Kind Art Show

It’s my favourite time of year. The weather is getting warmer, the birds are singing, and it’s once again time for the Spring One of a Kind Art Show!

I’ve been faithfully attending both the Spring and Christmas shows for years now – it’s just so me. Handmade items, Canadian artisans, unique (ahem, “one of a kind”) pieces and tons of exciting vendors and products. I don’t believe I’ve ever left a show empty handed – on the contrary, I usually have both arms full of goodies (and a very populated Visa statement).

This year, Catherine from Sailorgirl Jewelry graciously sent me a couple of tickets for admission, so I had even more reason to look forward to the event! The show started yesterday and you can bet I was there as soon as the doors opened :)

One of my first stops, naturally, was Sailorgirl Jewelry. I’ve featured Catherine’s pieces on my blog before (I discovered her for the first time at the 2006 show) but quickly realized once again, you really have to see her work in person to appreciate the vibrancy and ingenuity.

I couldn’t resist grabbing the Grass and Sky Sputnik Pendant for myself – the colours just popped out at me and I LOVE the way it so perfectly compliments my persona!

“Can you believe it used to be a faux pas to wear blue and green together? Look how fabulous these colours are! This super cute pendant will make everyone smile just looking at it, you’ll laugh all day long with this on.

My hands made these beads. There is no paint on any of my beads, just glass upon glass upon glass. I use Moretti (Effetre) glass, a little CIM and occasionally Vetrofond. All my beads are kiln annealed, thoroughly cleaned and inspected.”

Next, it was on to The Monster Factory, where I’ve been collecting monsters since 2004. At first, I fell in love with their ugly cuteness, and then I reasoned that one day my children would play with them. I was right – Ryder absolutely loves all his monsters (I think he’s up to 14 – spoiled lil’ kiddo)! So to keep with tradition, we picked up a new one (Mr. Creeps) as an Easter present for him. Now this monster is so new he isn’t on their website yet, so I’ll have to provide his description for you:

“Don’t let Mr. Creep’s self-confidence fool you. He is NOT always right.”

At between $35-$55 a pop, they’re not cheap. But I can assure you that Ryder has bitten, pulled, jumped on and kicked the daylights out of his monsters, and they look as good as new. The quality is impeccable – ALL the Monster Factory plush toys are sewn by hand and reinforced for durability and longevity.

Since Mike is on a curry kick, we also stopped by Himalaya Gourmet and picked up three new sauces: Tikka, Butter and Hot Bengal. I love cheating with Himalaya Gourmet sauces – the flavours are authentic, the ingredients are all natural, and they don’t taste “Canadianized” – something that your average PC and VH sauces tend to do. They’re so close to the real thing, you’ll think you’re at your favourite Indian restaurant.

Of course, we stopped by many other exhibitors and scored a lot of other wonderful handmade products… but in keeping with tradition and not completely revealing my shopaholic ways (my mom will be calling me up in about 2 minutes to ask me what else I bought…) I’ll just end my shopping summary here. However, I will share a few of my favourite artisans to visit:

All Things Jill
BabyWrappers
Bamboo Lily
Bruce County Nut & Fudge Co.
Domistyle Inc.
Foxy Originals
Mally Designs Ltd.
The Bean Ladies
Tracy’s Wine Jellies

The show runs until Sunday, April 4th (open on Good Friday and Easter Sunday). If you’re looking for something to do this long weekend, why not check out the show? You’ll LOVE it!

Click here for more information on the One of A Kind Art Show.

*Update* Fab reader Jennifer found a coupon for $3 off admission to the OOAK show on the Monster Factory website! Thanks for sharing Jennifer – and two days left to enjoy the show!

Click here for coupon.