I’m always happy to attend the One of a Kind Show (read my earlier posts here and here) and discover new artisans and their wares. This year, I took my almost-9 year old daughter as I had promised her I would take her the next time I went. It was her first time there and she was mesmerized by the sparkling jewellery and yummy bath soaps and moisturizers. At the end of the night, she had about 20 different scents on her!
The Spring show is about half the size of the Christmas show with less furniture and home decor products and more clothing, jewellery and fashion accessories.
Pas a Papier was one of those booths that called you in to take a closer look. New to the show this year, Marie Jose creates home accessories such as mirrors, bowls and lighting from cardboard. Very green and very cool.
Noelle Hamlyn is a fibre artist creating the most beautiful art from embroidered paper. She also creates purses, or “pocket books” from vintage books with belts as the handles.
These ottomans from Foutu Tissu are made using their screen printed fabrics, buckwheat foam and recycled legs. Retro cool.
C Comme ca uses felt made of merino wool or recycled fibres to create these handmade protective sleeves for laptops, iPhones, iPads etc. Felt is sustainable, durable and water resistant.
Tissage Magely Weaving, based in Drummond, New Brunswick creates beautiful handwoven blankets, placemats and tea towels. Wished they had an online store as I am kicking myself for not purchasing one of their blankets.
Dale Mark, a potter from Burlington (with no website yet), creates these beautiful ceramic bowls, vases and cups and quite reasonably priced I might add. I was particularly drawn to the aqua ones and purchased a few bowls which he is wrapping up for me in this photo. One can never have enough bowls – I use them not just for food, but to hold keys, jewellery, even business cards. They also make great hostess gifts or teacher’s gift. At the last Spring show, I purchased these bowls which appeared in this post.
So what else did I buy? Gluten free spring rolls – I can’t get enough of these and have to agree with their slogan “The best spring rolls on the planet.” Their business has taken off since they debuted their products at my local farmer’s market seven years ago. I could eat these for breakfast, lunch and dinner and be quite happy! I always have to buy these shortbread cookies and my daughter fell in love with this cute purse with an owl face made from recycled fabrics.
Did you go to the show? What did you love?
Kerry
April 4, 2011I went on Saturday… and must admit for the most part I was drawn into the baby clothes and other baby clothes related booths… though I didn’t leave with much (as were my orders when I headed out haha)
I saw Noelle Hamlyn’s booth, and it definitely stood out to me… I just didn’t really have a chance to stop and look. I’ll have to share my favorites tomorrow or Wednesday… it was such a busy weekend! 🙂
Shannon @ What's Up Whimsy
April 4, 2011Great run down Vanessa! I too agree with the spring rolls slogan! They are sooooo good!
Staci Edwards
April 4, 2011I did go, and I loved many things!
I blogged about it, and in m top 5 picks was C Comme Ca – great minds think alike!
Christine @ The Glam Blog
April 4, 2011Vanessa, Thanks for the great recap…may not get the chance to attend this one….but there will always be the Chritmas show — with you!! Hope you had a great weekend!
christine {bijouandboheme}
April 4, 2011I was there on Friday and loved it- I posted my favourites and love yours as well- always something new to discover there!
Wendy
April 5, 2011i didn’t go this year…. i love the ottomans!!
Melanie
April 5, 2011I didn’t make it to the show. I love those iPad sleeves.
Kelly @ JAX does design
April 5, 2011Mmmmm, I agree, those shortbread cookies are amazing! The Gorgonzola & pistachio ones are SO GOOD!
I wish some of these artisans would come to the Ottawa craft shows. Love the funky retro ottomans and the felt laptop & iPad cases.
Miss Kait
April 7, 2011I went and had a great time! So excited for the Christmas show already. Thanks for the great post! It inspired me to get a move on mine 😉