Toronto Craft Alert » TCA

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: Howdy.

jen — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:08:51 +0000

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: 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 & [...]

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!

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!!!

CRAFTY CONTEST: Handmade Love Draw @ City of Craft (Dec 12 & 13)

jen — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:14:28 +0000

Win YOURSELF an awesome handmade gift courtesy of Toronto Craft Alert

Are you attending City of Craft? If so, while you’re perusing the tables of handmade goodness for gifts for your peeps, be sure to enter the Toronto Craft Alert Handmade Love Draw. You could win an item from the vendor of your choice worth up to $100, courtesy of TCA.

Here’s what you have to do to enter:

Drop by City of Craft 2009 on Saturday, December 12th (noon – [...]

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 [...]

NEW! CRAFT FICTION: Stitch and Bitch by Mary B. Valencia

admin — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:29:17 +0000

We’re really excited at Toronto Craft Alert about this new feature — CRAFT FICTION. We’ll be bringing you short stories and serialized pieces of creative writing that weave in crafty themes. Feel free to let us know what you think about this new feature, and get in touch if you have your own original work to contribute.

“Stitch and Bitch” by Toronto writer Mary B. Valencia is the inaugural work in our new series. This was written in the Haibun style, which interjects haiki poems into the narrative. Mary’s multi-layered technique combined [...]

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 [...]

CRAFTY CONTEST: Pink Panda Fabrics Giveaway (deadline for entry: September 6)

jen — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 11:57:08 +0000

***CONTEST CLOSED***
Pink Panda Fabrics is offering TCA readers the chance to win some great sewing swag in celebration of the launch of their online shop. Read on for deets…

Win your choice of 6 Echino Fat Quarters & your choice of one sewing pattern from Pink Panda Fabrics – a one stop sewing shop located near Toronto!

Pink Panda Fabrics is a Canadian based (Go Canada!) online designer fabric retailer specializing in modern, funky, cute, kawaii fabrics, sewing patterns and notions. We carry fabrics by well known designers including [...]

*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 [...]

VENDOR CALL: VENDOR CALL: City of Craft 2009 (Show: December 12 & 13, deadline: August 31)

jen — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:31:29 +0000

Hey guys, just a reminder that the deadline for City of Craft 2009 is coming up real soon, so if you are a maker of handmade, original, community oriented and/or locally-made goods, you are encouraged to apply.

This annual craftstravangaza (now in it’s third year) is a very well-attended juried craft show which features dynamic programming such as free workshops, installations, interactive activities, and collaboration with neighborhood shops and galleries. We have extended the show to two days this year in order to reach a wider audience and connect vendors with more [...]

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: 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!

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 [...]

VENDOR CALL: City of Craft 2009 (Show: December 12 & 13, deadline: August 31)

jen — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:04:25 +0000

It’s hard (and perhaps less than desirable) in this toasty sunshine to cast our minds ahead to wintertime, but we’ve got a good reason for you to do so:

City of Craft 2009 show applications are now open!!!

2008 show. Photo credit: Becky Johnson

If you are a maker of handmade, original, community oriented and/or locally-made goods, you are encouraged to apply.

This annual craftstravangaza (now in it’s third year) is a very well-attended juried craft show which features dynamic programming such as free [...]

SHOP CRAFTY: 10% off Birthday Sale at goodEGG industries (June 2009)

jen — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:31:26 +0000

Celebrate with us!
We’re terribly excited to be celebrating the goodEGG shop’s one year birthday this month, and in honor of the momentous occasion we’re having a special sale on all orders for the month of June! To help us celebrate and to thank all our customers for supporting goodEGG over the past year, all orders placed this month will get 10% off at checkout.
goodEGG Hot Pick

We’re thrilled to be offering this sweet Dutch-themed birthday calendar from the beautiful project. You can [...]

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 [...]

HELP WANTED: 3 new intern positions available at TCA!

jen — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:16:23 +0000

We are looking to expand Team TCA!

The development and general awesomeness of the TCA project totally depends on the contributions of our volunteers and interns, and as the project grows and our vision for the site evolves, we are inviting more people to come aboard and contribute their energy and ideas.

We are currently looking to fill the following internship positions:

Communications/Marketing – Harness your love of writing and social networking for the good of the craft community by helping us spread the [...]

TORONTO BLOG ROLL: spring-tinted news from around the GTA blogosphere

jen — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 22:21:06 +0000

Clockwise: Scallop Skirt tutorial on fieldguided, Fabric Egg tutorial on Kindred Crafters, Lovely bookmark on g*uknit, Cave exhibit by Shary Boyle on Tara Bursey‘s blog.

I took a leisurely tour of a bunch of local crafty blogs today and found there to be a lot of news worth sharing here – so I figure it’s about time for a Toronto Blog Roll post.

Some great tutorials posted by fieldguided (scalloped skirt), Kindred Crafters (patchwork easter eggs), and tea and laundry (terrariums).

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: Announcing the Get Er Done Giveaway WINNER!!!

jen — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:11:42 +0000

We have chosen a winner for the Crafty Slacker Get Er Done Giveaway!!!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:
132

Timestamp: 2009-03-18 15:11:33 UTC

A box full of Toronto-based crafty goodness will be making its way to Peanut in the Northwest Territories.   Check out her adorable Yellow Dress, abandoned in October.

BEFORE:

and AFTER:

(more pics here and here)

The very best [...]

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: Today’s the day….

jen — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 20:20:45 +0000

…..to Get ‘Er Done.

DEADLINE MIDNIGHT TONIGHT!!!!

For deets click the pic:

CRAFTY HAPPENING: Join us at Spring Wakeup (March 21)

jen — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 15:46:31 +0000

We’re excited to team up with Hart House at UofT to present this craft –DIY- garden fresh event in a unique venue – the lovely Great Hall at Hart House.

Please join us for:

Spring Wake Up!
Celebrating Spring and do-it-yourself spirit!
Saturday, March 21, 11-3 pm
The Great Hall, Hart House

Throw off your winter coat and get your sap pumping at Spring Wake Up! This is a great event to get juices flowing for all ages, and a great way to spend a Spring Break Saturday.

Sow the seeds of creativity [...]

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: Wanna chat??? The forum beckons you.

jen — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 20:35:59 +0000

Hey so just reminding you all that we have a forum! Some of you have made your way over for a chat or three, but we’d love to have more readers in on the fun. This is a perfect space to connect with other local area makers about all kinds of crafty concerns including:

Where to get hard to find supplies locally

Crafty services you’d like to barter or get paid for or are seeking in [...]

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: Get Er Done Giveaway ends in 5 days!!! (deadline: March 16)

jen — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:58:32 +0000

Just a reminder to those of you gunning to complete your abandoned projects to earn a whopping 5 entries that the Get Er Done Giveaway closes in 5 short days! Need incentive? Check out the prize pack again:

(see all this loot up close in the flickr set)

To everyone else who has yet to do so (ya slackers): it is so easy to enter! Simply join the mailing list (or let us know that you’re already on it), or blog [...]

CRAFTY HAPPENING: spins & needles craft + DJ night party (March 14)

jen — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:21:45 +0000

TCA is happy to once again be a media sponsor for another superfun Toronto Craft + DJ Night put on by our friends Spins & Needles from Ottawa. Enjoy another crafty blast from the past with some shrinkydinks booze & beats at Dovercourt House coming up on March 14th.

spins & needles craft + DJ night party: sat. march 14

Spins & Needles Craft + DJ Night hits up Toronto again for another crazy interactive party mixing DJ beats + making stuff as part of its 4-year anniversary celebrations!

When: Saturday March 14 [...]