Toronto Craft Alert » From the Desk of TCA

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: Holiday Wind Down

jen — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:06:33 +0000

Trimming our insane tree (filled to the gills with handmade love – thanks friends!)

Hi guys,

Well, I have been rooting around for something to post about and I have to admit, I think the focus part of my brain has already left for vacation. Recent days have been filled with holiday baking and candy making, trying to ready our very unfinished (and apocalyptically messy) house for hosting a big Christmas Eve family dinner, and getting a room ready for a first visit to our first [...]

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: Help Jenny Hart Recover Work Stolen in Toronto!

jen — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:49:52 +0000

At a recent show of local and international fibrestars at the Drake, Jenny Hart had two of her much lauded embroidery portraits (pictured above and below) stolen. She has put out a call for help on her blog, Embroidery as Art, and Alda was kind enough to alert me to it.

So if you’ve seen these guys hanging in someone’s living room or have any information that could lead to their recovery, please let Jenny know: jenny [ at ] jennyhart.net. As Jenny has stated, the return [...]

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: Last days of Becky’s kickstarter campaign DONATE by April 27!

jen — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 12:46:05 +0000

Rust in Pieces, Boris Carloff
by the men and women of the Misanthrope Specialty Co.

You may recall this recent post about Becky’s Kickstarter drive to raise funds to embark on her seasonal craft journey across North America. Well, the deadline is coming up in less than a week, and though she has made some amazing progress ($5474 at time of posting) she still needs your help to reach her $6500 goal by April 27. [...]

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: Howdy.

jen — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:08:51 +0000

Hello! by Major Clanger, on Flickr

It’s a funny thing about TCA, even though there are thousands reading, we don’t get many comments on posts, unless they involve big announcements or juicy giveaways. I don’t have a post prepared for today and I thought I’d check in with you guys, casual styles, and invite you to say hello right back!

So if you’re reading this, don’t be shy…say hey in the comments – and if you feel like it [...]

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: Kickstart Becky back into crafty action! (deadline to donate: April 27, 2011)

jen — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 12:36:31 +0000

A still from Becky’s Kickstarter video. Watch it here!

If you’ve engaged in grassroots craft activity in Toronto (or hell, Bruno, Saskatchewan or Arlington, Virginia), you’ve probably encountered Becky Johnson. Beyond running the sweetie pie press (her full-time button, zine, crochet neckwarmer, and miscellaneous multiples business) which she tables around town at various shows, Becky has brought you crafty action that includes: The Good Catch Craft Fair series, Trunk Shows at the workroom, and all manner of activities related to City of Craft – including [...]

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: Forum News

jen — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 14:30:12 +0000

Just a couple of quick things:

1. The recent issues with viewing the forum in Internet Explorer have been resolved! IE users should now be able to see & use it again, hoorah! Thank you Curtis for cracking the case.

2. We’ve added some tutorials to the forum to help you use it more easily and effectively, including tips on adding images, links, and including all info to increase your chances of having content chosen for posting on this website. Check it out in the Forum News board.

Thanks to everyone who has been [...]

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: Well, hello there.

jen — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 05:14:53 +0000

Me on hiatus

Dearest TCA Readers:

After a 6 month hiatus, WE ARE BACK IN BUSINESS! I appreciate your patience in waiting for us to recharge and regroup, and you should know that hearing about how much TCA was missed – and the re-launch awaited with baited breath – lit a fire under me to actually make it happen!

You will notice some changes on the site. The most major being that we no longer accept submitted listings. To be honest administrating this aspect of the site became really hard to [...]

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: Hiatus Hookups

jen — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:43:43 +0000

It’s official: We’re on a six month hiatus from posting on the site, to return in January 2011.

While we’re off, here are some ways to stay in the crafty loop & continue to spread your own news:

TCA FORUM: We’ve added all of our usual posting categories (e.g. Vendor Calls, Get Schooled) and have kept some of the more social categories up as well (e.g. Crafting Advice, Crushes and Inspiration). We really encourage y’all to use this community tool to connect, inspire & [...]

!!!SPECIAL ALERT!!! FROM THE DESK OF TCA: We’re taking a 6 month hiatus (July 12, 2010 – January 2011)

jen — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 02:51:58 +0000

Discussing serious business at a TCA meeting in the park

Dearest Readers,

As some of you may know, I started the Toronto Craft Alert as a personal blog in February 2006, simply because there was no other dedicated space to find out about local crafty happenings. Since then, the TCA readership and the scope of the project has grown bigtime, and while this is a great thing indeed, it has become increasingly challenging to keep up with public demand. As a result our small, dedicated crew [...]

Rest in Peace, Will Munro

jen — Sun, 23 May 2010 02:37:26 +0000

Toronto queer craft artist Will Munro passed away yesterday of brain cancer at the sadly premature age of 35. He was majorly talented, motivated, and also a really sweet person. While many of us in the craft community only knew of him, or were only acquainted with him, we all feel the impact he has had on this city’s culture.

Portrait of Will Munro by Melinda Josie

Here’s an amazing interview by Leila Pourtavaf where he speaks candidly about his work, his [...]

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: Vote NOW for the Poppies (last category closes January 30)

jen — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:20:15 +0000

If you haven’t already begun to, head over to Poppytalk to cast your votes for The Poppies, Poppytalk’s virtual awards event celebrating the Handmade Community. Toronto is seriously representin’ in most categories (I would list them here, but I don’t want to miss anyone and risk denying them your vote!) – so head on over and vote local! Note: some categories have closed or close today so don’t dawdle if you want your say.

I am totally honoured to have been asked to sit on the jury in the company of some [...]

TCA’s Design Week Diary, part 3: 2010 Come Up To My Room

jen — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:13:19 +0000

We wrap up our Design Week coverage with 2010 Come Up to My Room, the Gladstone Hotel’s contribution to Toronto International Design Festival.

Those of you who read our coverage of Radiant Dark and IDS know the drill: Check out some lovely photos from photographer Danijela Pruginic (clicking here for more images & clicking on the images for artist info), and below you’ll find a review of the show from writer Adam Gorley. We’d love to hear your feedback on these posts – whether [...]

TCA’s Design Week Diary, part 2: 2010 Interior Design Show

jen — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 01:28:05 +0000

Here is the second installment of our coverage of the Toronto International Design Festival. After enjoying MADE’s Radiant Dark show, photographer Danijela Pruginic and writer Adam Gorley checked out the 2010 Interior Design Show, Canada’s largest contemporary design event which features 300 exhibitors, quite a different design animal. Those of you who missed the show will appreciate these visual highlights by Danijela (more in the flickr set) and be sure to scroll down for a review by Adam. Click on the photos for designer info.

TCA’s Design Week Diary, part 1: Radiant Dark – Assets & Values

jen — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:37:40 +0000

This is the first installment of our coverage of 3 of the major events happening this week as part of Toronto International Design Festival: Radiant Dark, Come Up to My Room, and the Interior Design Show.

We attended the opening for MADE’s Radiant Dark: Assets & Values in thematically-appropriate Commerce Court on Wednesday night, where photographer Danijela Pruginic and writer Adam Gorley captured the mood and imagery of this always-inspiring event. It is on until Sunday January 24 so there is still time to [...]

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: Wanna write for us?

jen — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:38:47 +0000

We’ve been working with our fantastic editorial intern Stevie to generate more content and new ideas for columns and editorial features, and we would like to bring on a bunch of new voices to share ideas, entertain, and inspire TCA readers. We will even compensate you for your contribution!

Interested? Pitch your ideas for any of the features below to Stevie at stevie.howl@gmail.com. Writing experience is not necessary, but do let us know if you have any and send a sample or two if available.

Crafts in the ’Hood
This is a where you [...]

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: A belated happy 20-dime!*

jen — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 21:54:08 +0000

*expression courtesy of intern Caitlyn

Unlike these amazing holiday jumpers knit by Welsh Nan Norma Bousfield (centre), we’ve been a little quiet here at TCA, recovering from an intensely crafty December and getting our house in order for 2010. But fear not, we’ll be back posting & bringing news to your inbox in full effect very shortly.

We hope you all had a super awesome holiday and wish you peace, love, and crafts for 2010!!!

CRAFTY CONTEST: Handmade Love Draw Winner!

jen — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:09:06 +0000

Thanks to all of you who stopped by the TCA booth and entered the Handmade Love Draw at City of Craft this weekend – our ballot box was totally full-up with your votes for favourite craft object at the show!

Without further ado…the winner is:

Laura Severinal

who chose a bunny painting with button details on salvaged plywood by KuKu CaJu.

Congrats to Laura and to KuKu CaJu as well for making the coveted piece!

EXHIBITION: Home & Away (& in between) – also a party for City of Craft 2009 (December 4)

jen — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:17:05 +0000

Our Installations co-ordinator Tara Bursey has outdone even herself with this fantastic looking group show she has curated as an extension of City of Craft 2009 programming (on top of the 14 (!) installations she has planned for the weekend of the show). The opening reception doubles-up as a pre-craft show party. Come out and celebrate craft in the city!

A thematic group exhibition brought to you by City of Craft

Opening Reception:
Friday, December 4th. 7-10pm
Exhibition runs December 3-13, 2009.
City of Craft takes [...]

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: Take our 2009 Reader Survey!

jen — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:24:00 +0000

Hello TCA readers!

We are writing to ask you to participate in our 2009 Reader Survey.

As Toronto Craft Alert evolves in design, content, and readership, we want to make sure that we always have our fingers on the pulse of your local crafty needs.

When we did a survey way back in 2007, we were overwhelmed by the response – both the number of you who took the time to give us feedback, and the incredible suggestions and comments you sent our way. We’ve been actively implementing these ideas ever since, and hope to get [...]

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: Newsletter PSA

jen — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:57:19 +0000

Those of you who read the Questions for Crafters below will know that we have a newly designed newsletter (drops tomorrow!) courtesy of the extremely talented Crystal Bretschger. Thought this was a good opportunity to mention the newsletter (or ‘Alert’) to those who are unaware that we have one. The Alert is a weekly compedium of blog posts, organized by category, great for keeping up on local crafty news if you find it whizzing by too quickly on the blog. We occasionally offer special access to giveaways and always include [...]

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: City of Craft 2009 is ALIVE!!!

jen — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:52:20 +0000

Things are starting to get jiggy* over at City of Craft headquarters, as we just announced the results of our jurying session (painful! exhilarating! so much talent, so little space :<<<), are starting to get the new blog in gear, and have made-over the site with the 2009 artwork by TCA’s very own Amy Borkwood.

I want to direct everyone over to the blog to check out Amy’s write up of why she chose the T.O. buildings she did to illustrate in the poster. Maybe it will inspire someone to open [...]

Weather Update GET TOGETHER: TCA in the park (August 30)

angelune — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 14:19:01 +0000

SURE THE WEATHER IS SKETCHY, BUT WE’RE GONNA THROW CAUTION TO THE WIND AND HOPE THAT THE RAIN GOD GODS CO-OPERATE AND HOLD OFF. SEE BELOW FOR RAIN PLANS….

*Update* Rain Plans: Tequila Bookworm, 512 Queen Street West, indoors, upstairs. Look for the TCA banner. Same time (2-5 pm), same day (August 30th).
Bring crafts, but no snacks.
If the weather happens to work out, then we’ll still meet in the park.

Our July version was a great time, with dozens of peeps turning up with crafts, snacks & picnic spirits. For those [...]

GET TOGETHER: TCA in the park (August 30)

jen — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:34:59 +0000

Celebrate the driest late August ever (positive visualization, people) at another sunny TCA in the park!

Our July version was a great time, with dozens of peeps turning up with crafts, snacks & picnic spirits. For those of you who missed it or are hungry for more, we’d love to see you on Sunday August 30th from 2-5pm at the south end of Trinity Bellwoods park. Like last time we’ll have our banner flying in the soft summer breeze so look out for that or follow the crafty buzz.

Check out a handful of [...]

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: Toronto illustrators?

jen — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:16:56 +0000

The field of illustration has truly exploded in the past few years; as followers of the TCA interns’ Top Picks will have noted, there are so many talented peeps out there drawing in their own dreamy, quirky, and/or irreverent styles.

I must confess though that other than a small handful of greats (like Shea Chang, above, who has done lovely work for local bands Obijou and Timber Timbre) I am not terribly familiar with the Toronto talent pool for illustrators, and I was hoping you guys could share some of your faves [...]

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: City of Craft Installations (deadline: August 31)

jen — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:04:05 +0000

City of Craft is looking for crafty artists and artsy crafters to create installations for this year’s City of Craft 2009, which will take place both in and around The Theatre Centre during the weekend of December 12-13, 2009. This year’s installation programming will be greatly expanded to include more installation artists and even more fantastic Queen Street West venues. For this year’s installations we hope to include a wide range of crafty approaches, which reflect the diversity and conceptual richness of contemporary craft practices. Several venues will be available to artists [...]

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: Search bar now WORKS!

jen — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:42:10 +0000

binoculars by sean dreilinger

Ok a bit of nerdy-TCA excitement over here…after months of behaving totally uselessly (ie not returning any results), our search bar is now functional!!! I know this will make our lives a lot easier, and we hope this will make navigating the site that much more doable for you guys.

Hoorah to Mir for making it happen.

Now go crazy kids, search your hearts out!

EXHIBITION: 2009 Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition (July 10, 11 & 12)

jen — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:52:06 +0000

Most definitely one of my favourite shows of the summer, the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition is Canada’s largest outdoor art exhibition. It is a sweet sweet medley of art, craft, and design on parade at the most public of spaces, Nathan Philips Square. The show is in it’s 48th year (!) , and is a staple of summertime fun & celebration of art in the city. Despite many challenges posed by the municipal workers strike, the TOAE crew is forging ahead and making it work. So it is with extra regret that [...]

GET TOGETHER: TCA in the park (July 5) – TODAY!

jen — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:35:04 +0000

Well…we were rained out last Sunday but this up and coming Sunday looks to be all about sunshine. So we’re trying again! Hope a bunch of you can make it out for TCA in the Park: the dry version.

Summer is here and it’s time to get out from behind the computer screen, get together & get crafty! We’d love to meet you guys for a hangout in the park on Sunday July 5th from 2-5pm.

This is a great opportunity to meet some new peeps and reconnect with [...]

CRAFTY CHAT: Interchange: Craftivism (June 5)

jen — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:06:45 +0000

Cat Mazza Nike Blanket Petition 2003. Photo Jill Kitchner

I am excited to announce that I will be moderating a discussion on Craftivism – loosely defined as activism through craft – at the Textile Museum on Friday June 5th. This Interchange is associated with the show currently on at the Textile Museum featuring the work of mama craftivist Judy Chicago (When Women Rule the World) and a companion show curated by Allyson Mitchell which brings together craft artists who are influenced by the [...]

EXHIBITION: Pleasure Principles by Catherine Telford

jen — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:56:54 +0000

If the image in the flyer looks familiar, it’s because Catherine had her amazing Muffy Bed in the DIwhy? exhibit we co-presented with the Ontario Crafts Council this past winter. Can’t wait to check out a whole show of her work!

PLEASURE PRINCIPLES
April 24- May 17, 2009
Opening reception: Friday 24, 6-11pm
Location: Keep Six Contemporary, 938 Bathurst Street, Toronto
http://keep6c.com/exhibition.html

Catherine Telford’s work is concerned with how ideology shapes and trains the body infusing it with historical forms of gendered selfhood. Through the process in making [...]