Toronto Craft Alert » DIY

GET SCHOOLED: Bohemian Wrapsody @ City of Craft 2011 (December 10, 2011)

jen — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:11:17 +0000

I mentioned this workshop briefly earlier this week, but thought I’d let you all know in more detail what myself & my pal Day will be going over in our DIY gift wrapping workshop at City of Craft tomorrow (!).

Bohemian Wrapsody
With Jen and Day
Saturday December 10th, 2011 – 4:00pm-6:00pm
At City of Craft 2011
The Theatre Centre , 1087 Queen Street West

Found some amazing, made-by-hand gifts for your special someones at City of Craft? Don’t dull your giftly treasures [...]

POSTCARDS FROM THE ROAD: Oil & Cotton in Dallas, Texas.

becky — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 13:05:20 +0000

Lots of postcards piling up in my virtual mailbox…stay tuned for some great little vignettes from crafty travels (like Becky’s below – wow!) over the next week – jen

It was impossible to choose one favourite [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Chair Reupholstery Workshops (first class: August 6 & 7, 2011)

jen — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:13:11 +0000

For years we lived with a matching sofa and arm chair set, super stylish mid-century canadiana bones covered in your great uncle Harold’s stained tweed blazer fabric, chewed through from years of cat nail sharpening/stuffing hunting. The set itself was quite reasonably priced from Bungalow in Kensington market, but anytime I looked in to getting it recovered I had my hand slapped away by quotes well beyond our means. As a very generous housewarming present my parents paid to have it recovered in a very handsome charcoal upholstery [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Hand Carved Stamps with Geninne at bookhou (July 23, 2011)

jen — Wed, 25 May 2011 03:27:10 +0000

Just catching up on my reader and I came across this stamp making workshop listed on bookhou at home, which looks great. There are only 2 spots left so act fast & sign up on the workshop webpage if you are interested!

Workshop description:
we are truly excited to have Geninne D. Zlatkis from Geninne’s Art Blog to share some of her ideas and methods in learning how to make your own hand carved stamps. During the one day workshop you will [...]

GET INSPIRED: Grow your own herbal tea (via Tealish)

jen — Thu, 19 May 2011 13:43:17 +0000

Tea Time by - luz -, on Flickr

Having Tealish – my favourite tea spot – down the street from me is one of the things I am missing about Toronto, and I was happy to receive their most recent newsletter about growing and brewing herbal teas in my inbox. One of the things I am loving about our new Hamilton digs is watching plants and flowers reveal their identities one by one in our front and backyard (oh, [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Handmade!: A Summer DIY Camp at the Textile Museum (July 18-22 and July 25-29, 2011)

tara — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:15:56 +0000

I think we’re all starting to dream up plans for summer right now as the weather is starting to improve. I came across this listing the other day for kids handmade day camps at the TMC…boy do I wish these existed when I was young! I know from experience that registration for workshops at the Textile Museum start very early and fill relatively fast– if you have a crafty kid, jump on this while you can! [...]

CRAFTY LIT: bookhou at home (b.a.h.) mag Launch & Giveaway (deadline: March 13, 2011)

jen — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 14:17:00 +0000

I (and many others, I’m certain) am frequently in awe of the bookhou phenomenon that seamlessly blends John and Arounna’s repective art practices, stellar craft and design work, retail store, two gorgeous kids, and general celebration of all things beautiful. They just launched b.a.h. mag – an online publication that contains news of bookhou developments, studio visits with makers, DIY projects, local restaurant reviews, and recipes- and it is a perfect reflection of their aesthetic and approach to life.

This first issue has a recipe for ridiculously delicious [...]

CRAFTY HAPPENING: WORN Mending Night at Freedom Clothing Collective (First Thursdays)

becky — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 15:43:02 +0000

Darned sock by Grant Heaps. Photo by sweetie pie press.

Possibly spurred on by the mending bliss of the For Keeps launch party, WORN Fashion Journal has launched a monthly meet-up geared entirely towards mending. In these lonesome days of winter, not only do our warmest and woolliest things wear out, but the motivation to fix them can be as elusive as daylight hours.

For the first installment, happening March 3rd, there will be one sewing [...]

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: Love and Money (December 16-31, deadline: August 15)

rosalyn — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 11:37:35 +0000

Love and Money
At the Ontario Crafts Council Gallery
December 16-31, 2010
Reception: Thursday, December 16, 7-10pm

City of Craft (in partnership with the Ontario Craft Council) is seeking submissions for a group exhibition that will take place at the Ontario Craft Council Gallery as a part of City of Craft’s 2010 off-site programming. City of Craft is Toronto’s largest independent craft sale and weekend-long event featuring craft-based installations, free workshops, and craft-related programming.

This year’s exhibition will explore the broad relationship craft and [...]

CRAFTY HAPPENING: DIY/ Art of Craft @ Vancouver Museum (January 21, show runs until April 14)

jen — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:22:29 +0000

I know we have some readers from BC, so I thought I’d share some of these great-looking events happening at the Vancouver Museum, spotted on magpie & cake.

DIY @ MOV: A Night of Social Crafting
January 21, 2010 / 7:00 PM

Come celebrate the creativity and community of the growing DIY craft, art and design movement in Vancouver.

Generously sponsored by OPUS and Blim, there’ll be materials and workshops in a range of art and craft media from paper to yarn. Workshops (listed below) will begin at 8pm. There will also [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Upcoming Classes and Events at The Workroom (January-March)

rosalyn — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:59:12 +0000

There’s really nothing like the clean slate of the new year to try something you’ve never done before and inspire fun crafty projects. the workroom’s updated winter calendar can be downloaded right here.

If you’ve been curious about quilting or perhaps wanting to expand your quilting repetoire, it’s not too late to sign up for our new Intro to Hand Work class. Learn key techniques and skills to piece patchwork and quilt designs by hand. Working [...]

CRAFT SHOW: City of Craft 2009 (December 12 & 13)

jen — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:54:40 +0000

Speaking of City of Craft….

It’s this weekend!!!

Some links to get you (even more) excited:

Vendors

Installations

FREE Workshops

Swag Bags (for first 100 visitors on Saturday)

Win your gift of choice courtesy of TCA

We’ll see you in one (or two) sleeps!!!

HELP WANTED: Call for unwanted craft supplies (December 12)

jen — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:53:16 +0000

Bring your unwanted clothes and unwanted supplies to City of Craft on Saturday, December 12 between 12 noon – 3:00 p.m. or email or call to arrange for drop off or pick up ahead of time.

I am creating an installation during the event, made of Unwanted Clothes. We are also getting crafty and making things with the scraps or leftover supplies for the installation. If you have something made of scraps you would like included in the installation, bring it to the event and it will be used.

On Sunday, December 13 the [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Make a peasant dress from a man’s shirt (December 3)

rosalyn — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:26:51 +0000

Make a Peasant Dress from a Men’s Shirt

Date: Thursday, December 3, 2009
Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Scadding Court Community Centre
707 Dundas St. W. (at the corner of Dundas and Bathurst), Room 4
Cost: $30
The pattern is included for this lesson.

Scadding Court Community Centre is offering a class where students will learn how to recycle a man’s shirt into a girl’s peasant dress.

In this class you will:

* Learn to join seams using a flat seam.
* Learn to sew a French seam.
* Cut and sew a Raglan [...]

GET SCHOOLED: 3-hour Crochet Crash Course (November 26)

rosalyn — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:23:38 +0000

Learn to crochet in 3 hours at the Knit Café!

In 3 hours, learn the basics of how to crochet: chain stitch, single crochet, double crochet, crochet in the round. By the end of the class, you’ll have the basics to continue on your own. You’ll also leave with basic patterns for a granny square and a crochet flower.

Bring a 5mm hook or larger, and some yarn to match (you can buy what you need at the Knit Café).

Call the Knit Café to register.

There are still a few spots [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Felting Class with Kathie Young (October-November)

rosalyn — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:13:15 +0000

Little Purse Workshop @ Handwork Studio
October 21, 2009, 1:00-4:00

$45 includes materials

Felt Baby Angel / Baby Gnome Workshop @ Handwork Studio
November 1, 2009, 1:00-4:00

Take some time out to relax for a few hours overlooking the waterfront. Come join our intimate group of felters at 33 Harbour Square. These soft, warm, natural baby angels/gnome are approximately 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches tall. They make a delicate toy or ornament.
$45 includes materials
To register click here

Felt Soft Sculpture Workshop [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Metal Smithing Classes at Jewel Envy (October)

rosalyn — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 02:32:39 +0000

Jewel Envy is a collaborative jewellery studio located in downtown Toronto.
They offer 8 week courses and one-day metal smithing workshops.

8 week Introductory Class:
Learn how to make a sterling silver ring, make a cuttlefish casting piece, and one project of choice.

8 week Intermediate Class:
Learn how to carve wax, wax, make multiples, advanced fabrication, stone setting and more based on which intermediate class you take.

One-day Workshops:
Learn how to make a sterling silver band ring, make a cuttlefish casting, and more based on [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Americo Original 2009-2010 Schedule (October-June)

rosalyn — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:38:02 +0000

At long last, knitting classes are back at Americo! Here is the new schedule for fall/winter and spring 2010, featuring favourites for beginners and a couple new challenging additions for our more advanced knitters.

Classes are still free (except for Knitting Anatomy), however, we ask that you drop by the store in advance to pick up your materials and register your spot. Hurry, because seating is limited and classes book up quickly!

As well, our new weekly Knitting Nights are on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. for very casual help and cool company.

Check out our online pattern [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Metal + Glass Fall class (October 14)

rosalyn — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:21:55 +0000

Form, Fabricate, Flamework & More!

Metal + Glass at nanopod: Hybrid Studio.

This class covers a range of techniques necessary to get started creating great designs with metal.
Some basics you will learn: working with an oxy/propane torch, forming, soldering, stone-setting, piercing, sawing, lo-tech casting, lost wax (carving/casting), plus mandrel wound glass beads and sculptures! (flameworking). If you are unsure about tools, techniques and materials this is a great way to get started!

Projects include: Copper/enameled pendant, sterling silver ring band, sterling or brass lost wax casting, recycled metal casting, bezel-set stone (ring, [...]

HOW-TO: Furniture painting tutorial

jen — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:31:32 +0000

Attention dumpster divers & curbside scavengers: Jelena of Poppyseed Creative Living has shared a furniture painting tutorial with us, perfect for those pieces that have a great shape but are not in such great shape.

Re-painted sideboard table by Poppyseed Creative Living

::::Furniture painting tutorial::::

No matter how easy a job may seem, if you want to do it right you will need to put some effort into it. The same goes for painting. The secret lies in good preparation. Make sure that you work with quality tools, starting with paint, [...]

GET INSPIRED: The Victorian Farm (TVO: Mondays until October 26)

jen — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:32:42 +0000

Image source: http://www.ruthgoodman.me.uk/Victorian_farm.html

Call me a dork but I am getting *really* into this BCC documentary program that’s been airing on Monday nights on TVO (tonight was episode 2 of 6 episodes) called The Victorian Farm. British historian Ruth Goodman (pictured above) and archaeologists Alex Langlands and Peter Ginn commit to a full year of running a Victorian farm, strictly employing the farming techniques and adopting the way of life of the Victorian era (while dressing the part). This series is particularly relevant in a time where people are concerned [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Class Listings at Wise Daughters (September-October)

rosalyn — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 03:32:37 +0000

For grown-ups:

Art Cards to Make and Trade
Sun, Sept 27, 1:00 – 3:30
with Lisa Pijuan-Nomura

Pay-what-you-can

Cartooning (for people who don’t think they can draw)
Sun, Oct 4, 1:00 – 4:00
With Cathy Thorne of Everyday People
Make a cartoon you can print, email or use as an avatar.

$50

Handmade Holiday Gifts
Sun, Oct 18, 1:00 – 4:00
With Anna Redish
Make 3 different easy and economical gifts – beeswax candles, lavender sachet, appliqué tea towel – plus gift bags and tags.

$65

Bookbinding
Mon, Oct 19, 7:00 – 9:30
With Amy Borkwood [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Letterpress Curiosity Workshops (October)

rosalyn — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 02:32:15 +0000

Letterpress Curiosity Workshop (for October!)

As the September dates filled up pretty quickly, I got requests for October dates. There are a few select Friday sessions as well as Saturdays. Three participants per session.

Details for the workshops can be found here: http://snapandtumble.com/workshops.html

Please contact snapandtumble@gmail.com for registration information.

GET SCHOOLED: C1 Art Space Fall Classes (October-November)

rosalyn — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 19:34:27 +0000

::Fall 2009 Art Class Schedule::

CERAMICS: WHEEL THROWING
Level 1 Learn the basics in wheel throwing techniques to produce cylinders with various functions. A range of decorating methods will be covered. Suitable for all levels of experience these focused workshops are limited to four students at a time.
Level 2 Expand on your basic knowledge of throwing on the pottery wheel. Further projects demonstrate the techniques involved in adding on pieces, such as handles and spouts. Underglaze decoration is also covered. Small classes.

Level [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Fall Classes at The Workroom (September)

rosalyn — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 02:45:10 +0000

the workroom‘s first fall classes have been posted. Fall is a great time to refresh your sewing skills and make something wonderful in one of our many workshops. Our fall roster includes Natural Dyeing, Shopping Tote, Aline Skirt, Zippered Pouches, Leather Clutch and more. Please download a pdf copy of our complete class calendar here.

We just added a new session of our much requested Upholstered Cube class starting Sunday September 13th. You will build [...]

CRAFTY HAPPENING: Fashion in the Sky (July 9)

rosalyn — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:54:39 +0000

My friend recently sent me this info and I think it’s soo awesome,
so awesome I think you all should know about it too!

Come to Trinity Bellwoods Park tomorrow night (Thursday July 9th) for
Fashion in the Sky!!!

Gendai Gallery Presents:

FASHION IN THE SKY – Kite Making and Flying Workshop
- Part of the Kite Flying with Local People by Yoshinori Niwa (Japan)

TIME: July 9th, 7pm till DARK @ Trinity Bellwoods Park
(Queen Street side and the [...]

CRAFTY HAPPENING: Film Screening: 24 Stitches Per Second (June 24)

jen — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:16:43 +0000

Well this looks like a ton of fun …

Film Screening: 24 Stitches Per Second

Curated by Allyson Mitchell

Wednesday June 24, 2009

Textile Museum of Canada

Frames move through a film projector at a rate of twenty-four per second. See the handiwork and labour of textile art translated into film in this program of short films curated by Allyson Mitchell.

Program:

this show on BlogTO – looks like an interesting exploration of our culture’s relationship to the handmade in times of distress…

MKG127 is pleased to present I Can’t Stop This Feeling: Crisis, Comfort, and Craft, an exhibition of new work from the Toronto/Hamilton based collective, SHAKE -n- MAKE.

“We grew up in the 70s, in the midst of turmoil [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Enamelling for Beginners at the Devils Workshop (June 6-7)

rosalyn — Fri, 29 May 2009 03:04:00 +0000

Enamelling for Beginners

Saturday, June 6th & Sunday, June 7th
Each day 10am to 5pm (with a 1hr break for lunch)
Total in-class time: 12 hours

We are very pleased to offer you our new Enamelling Workshop. In this beginners class you will learn 3 techniques – Sifting & Stenciling, Underglazes & Painting and Cloisonné. Each student will complete up to 3 finished pieces in this 12hr workshop. Our instructor Catherine Crowe has been showing her wares and sharing her very special art with eager students for over 25 years and [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Needle Felting at the Knit Cafe (May 28)

rosalyn — Sat, 23 May 2009 22:42:56 +0000

Thursday May 28, 6:30pm – 9pm
The Knit Cafe, 1050 Queen Street West
(416) 533 – KNIT (5648)
Cost: $30 + GST

May 28th the knit cafe is hosting needle felting workshop with fiber artist Edie Kim. You will learn flat and 3D needle felting. Materials are extra, but if you have something at home you can bring it in.