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

jen — Thu, 19 May 2011 13:43:17 +0000

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, [...]

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: Streetknit & TCA at BIG on Bloor (June 21) HELP WANTED!

jen — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:14:00 +0000

Next weekend (Sat. June 21st) TCA will be doing outreach at the BIG on Bloor Festival alongside a whole bunch of neat-o arts & community groups and craft businesses (Table K18 in the block from Ossington to Shaw). We’ll have some cute new TCA merch for sale, are offering a bookbinding activity courtesy of Nightjar Books at around 5pm, and have teamed up with the kids of Streetknit to present a Community Blanket Making activity and chat about housing issues from 2-3pm.

Knitters & other yarnsmiths take [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Felted Tea Cozy @ Pheonix Art Group (May 31)

jen — Tue, 27 May 2008 13:15:00 +0000

Felted Tea Cozy
Saturday May 31th, 2008
2:00-5:00pm
$65 per class, includes materials

Phoenix Arts Group provides a variety of classes for children and adults. The programs bring therapeutic benefits through artistic exercises that make use of four main modalities: painting, handwork, drawing & modeling. We also provide Corporate Art Based events, Parties and other group events that are both fun and educational.

Contact:
Kathie Young
416-304-0647
33 Harbour Square

CRAFTY BUSINESS WITH LAURA-JEAN: applying for a creative job

jen — Mon, 26 May 2008 12:52:00 +0000

In this edition of Crafty Business, Laura-Jean offers some tips on how to think outside the box when applying for jobs where grey suits and cubicles are not part of the picture.

I recently posted a job listing, and got a flurry of applications. I was surprised by how many of them were very “by the books” applications, like you might be taught in school. For a creative job like this, I just skipped over them, and when one applicant asked for [...]

CRAFTY BIZ: Shared retail space proposal from MaRGie Jewellery Studio

jen — Tue, 20 May 2008 16:22:00 +0000

If this retail concept proposed by Michelle of MaRGie Jewellery Studio sounds up your alley, please contact her at michelle@margiejewellery.com.

I’d like to open a retail store (my preference is Queen/Spadina area but I could be convinced otherwise) where approx. 4 other artists/crafters work out of. There would be a gallery space for selling artists work but mainly the store would be class focused. All the artists would have their own SEPARATELY functioning business but would share in rent, insurance (?), [...]

TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

angelune — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:07:00 +0000

i spent a belated mother’s day weekend with my own mom. i took her to the cherry blossom high tea at the knit cafe, and re-learned to knit. this time i am going continental-style, since it looks like it’s much quicker than english style. any one out there with experience in both? tips on advantages/disadvantages?as part of the Toronto Craft Alert’s goal to galvanize the city’s craft community, we’d like to get a bit of a discussion going. discuss any crafty topic you like… we’ll [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Kate McKinnon at BeadFX (May dates)

jen — Thu, 15 May 2008 20:23:00 +0000

top left: toggle clasp class, top right: pmc rings, bottom left: shag carpet of pearls, bottom right: design workshop class

There are a few spaces available in these upcoming workshops by jewellery artist Kate McKinnon at BeadFX.

Kate McKinnon has been designing and creating jewelry for over 10 years. She fell in love with metal clay in 1997 and hasn’t looked back since. Kate lectures and teaches internationally and is the author of several popular books on jewelry technique. [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Knitting and Sewing 101 in Etobicoke at Honey Bunch (June dates)

jen — Thu, 15 May 2008 19:10:00 +0000

TCA contributor Nicole Morell runs a sweet shop-studio in Etobicoke called Honeybunch, and she wrote to let us know that she is starting to offer classes. In Nicole’s words:

Classes are geared to the first-time crafter, the craft-curious and the time-strapped. My promise is that everyone leaves with a finished project! There’s a sewing 101 and a knitting 101 with simple, appealing and useful projects timed for father’s day and teacher’s gifts.

Learn more:

Intro to Sewing Intro to Knitting Blog entry about classes

Contact [...]

VENDOR CALL: Indyish Art Market (June 19)

jen — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:09:00 +0000

Indyish.com is an indie arts network website with an online boutique and a group blog. For a second year in a row, Indyish is teaming up with the Montreal Fringe Festival to put together an art market during the St-Laurent street fair in Montreal from June 19-22. After selling out all of their tables on the weekend, they’ve just opened Thursday June 19 for bookings, which includes an optional spot on Friday night. [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS: Katy Chan and Hilary Dennis

jen — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:48:00 +0000

Lucie Davies checks in with Hilary Dennis and Katy Chan, local textile designers and founding members of the Contemporary Textile Studio Co-op about what inspires them and the challenges of sustaining oneself through craft.

::::::

Members of the Contemporary Textile Studio Co-op, Hilary Dennis and Katy Chan together recently started textile printing company, Schoolyard Studio. Their first pieces – a series of hand screen-printed wallpaper inspired by imagery from the city – went on show at MADE’s Radiant Dark exhibition [...]

CRAFTY CHAT: Toronto Bead Society – May Meeting & Kate McKinnon Presentation (May 14)

angelune — Mon, 05 May 2008 13:00:00 +0000

Toronto Bead Society – May Meeting
GENERAL ANNUAL MEETING AND KATE McKinnon PRESENTATION

Wednesday, May 14, 2008
7:00pm – 9:00pm
YMCA, 20 Grosvenor Street (west of Yonge Street)
Free to members $5.00 for non members

CRAFT SHOW (REMINDER): The Spring Thing Trunk Show (may 4)

angelune — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:21:00 +0000

Hello dear readers,

Just a reminder that City of Craft (of which TCA is a member) will be co-hosting The Spring Thing Trunk Show this coming Sunday. The event will take place at the workroom & will feature 15+ designers selling their wares out of suitcases. This is the perfect opportunity to get your mom something locally handmade and unique (in a good way), or to buy yourself some cute bling for spring. As an added bonus, [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Spring & Summer Classes – Flameworked Glass Beadmaking @ TANK

angelune — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:29:00 +0000

New class notice from our pals at TANK:

Lipsticks… Off mandrel sculptural example

TANK fire + metal
Spring & Summer Classes – Flameworked Glass Beadmaking

www.ehmeglass.com (learn section)
www.tankstudio.blogspot.com
647-430-8589

Redeem our TCA coupon for even more deals!

NEW Play with Fire + Colour $40 per 40 Minute Lesson
Most Saturdays between 2pm and 5pm

Experience the magic of molten glass in this fast paced lesson. [...]

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: TCA internship opportunities (deadline: april 25)

angelune — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:15:00 +0000

We’re looking to expand the Toronto Craft Alert family!

TCA is seeking interns to contribute the development of the project to be a greater resource to readers, and to reach people outside of our current community.

Depending on your area of interest, intern responsibilities may include:

Research for an exciting new craft resource directory
Coverage of local craft events
Identifying creative venues and new ways to spread the word about the TCA
Researching and posting blog & mailing list content

Perks may include tickets [...]

CRAFT SHOW: the spring thing trunk show (may 4)

angelune — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:06:00 +0000

City of Craft & the workroom are up to their old tricks with the Spring Thing Trunk Show, a vaguely Mother’s Day themed, suitcase contained, free yummy tea & snacks bearing extravaganza happening May 4th. Read on for more…

City of Craft & the workroom present

The Spring Thing Trunk Show

Sunday May 4, 2008

Noon-5pm

the workroom

1340 Queen Street West

The Spring Thing Trunk Show will feature15+ local vendors, confined to setting up their displays [...]

CRAFTY HAPPENING: little green book of big savings launch party (april 17)

jen — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:21:00 +0000

TCA is happy to be supporting the launch of The Little Green Book of Big Savings, a book filled with resources for a living a greener life in our city (and steals & deals, of course). Come out to the event at Toronto Sprouts this Thursday to learn more, connect with eco-minded folks & celebrate green-minded initiatives.

Join us in commemorating all that’s green and local in Toronto…

It’s Easy To Be Green!

CRAFTY HAPPENING: a review of [FAT] toronto alternative arts & fashion week

angelune — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:01:00 +0000

Michelle Rothstein, a new edition to our growing team of TCA profilers offers up a critical perspective on [FAT] Toronto Alternative Arts & Fashion Week (April 9-11). Read on and feel free to comment with your own impressions of the event.

Review of [FAT]: Urban Experiment (April 10, 2008) by Michelle Rothstein

I like [...]

GET SCHOOLED: jewellery classes by suzanne carlsen (may 6-june 4)

jen — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:27:00 +0000

One of my favourite local art-jewellery designers, Suzanne Carlsen is teaching a class at Harbourfront Center. Check it out…

Previous students’ work

Beginner Jewellery Classes
Harbourfront Centre, Metal Studio
Starting Tuesday May 6th-June 24th
6:30 -9:30
Cost: $260-all material included except for minimal charge for silver
Class Size: 5-8 people

Course outline: Basic Jewellery techniques such as piercing, drilling, filing, roller printing, soldering, casting, stone setting etc.

Product: At the end of the [...]

VENDOR CALL: montreal craft mafia’s fringe bazaar

jen — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:25:00 +0000

Montreal’s Craft Mafia is putting on a show, and they are extending la Familia to include us T.O. crafties. Yay cross-country craft love!

Montreal’s Craft Mafia is currently seeking vendors for their Fringe Bazaar, in collaboration with the Montreal Fringe Festival.

This craft fair will take place on the weekend of June 21rst and 22nd 2008 at the St-Enfant-Jésus Church, corner St-Dominique and St-Joseph.

Inscriptions are taking place from April the 7th to May 9th 2008.

Fill out [...]

CRAFTY BUSINESS WITH LAURA-JEAN: getting press

jen — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:48:00 +0000

Laura-Jean is back with some advice on a question central to building and sustaining your crafty biz: getting press.

Q. How do you write a (good) press release? And how do you go about getting press? Plus, have you found that it helps your sales? – Cathy Peng

A. Getting press has been one of the biggest keys to my staying in business for 14 years! I’ve had great articles and exposure in the press, and it’s almost all because [...]

NERD CRAFT: the grown-up science fair

jen — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:35:00 +0000

This bright idea comes from the Treehouse Group, “a collective of Toronto-area thinkers who come together to create innovative solutions to pressing social problems.” Thanks to Becky for sending it along.

The Grown-Up Science Fair

Do you find yourself reminiscing about the awesomeness that was your
Grade 6 science fair? Are you still kicking yourself for choosing the
Egg Drop over the (clearly superior) Volcano? Do you feel as though
you never really had your moment in the Science [...]

TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

angelune — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:44:00 +0000

well it has been a busy crafty week. there were a few shows & sales and a supply swap. i managed to lighten my stash a bit and take home a few new project ideas.
the shining sun is inspiring me to go out and sit on my porch with a cup of tea and a portable project. has anyone else managed to work outside yet?

as part of the Toronto Craft Alert’s goal to galvanize the city’s craft community, we’d like to get a bit [...]

GET SCHOOLED: free craft classes by maRGie jewellery

jen — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:08:00 +0000

FREE STUFF Alert from Michelle of MaRGie Jewellery Studio:

I am teaching FREE Adult Craft Classes at The Jimmie Simpson Community Centre (870 Queen St E) Thursday nights from 7-9pm from April 3-May 29th. We still have lots of spaces left, any adult can join. Some of the topics covered are: embroidered bracelets, beading, mosaics, hand-made cards, scrap-booking, and collage. To sign up call 416.338.4386 from 8:30-4:30 Monday to Friday.

Michelle Goldfinger
MaRGie Jewellery Studio
michelle@margiejewellery.com http://www.margiejewellery.com/
647.402.7617

SUPPLY YOUR HABIT: spring swap at the workroom

jen — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:17:00 +0000

Sorry for the late notice on this guys! Hopefully you can make room this Sunday for….

Another craft supply swap from City of Craft and the workroom.

THIS Sunday April 6, 1:30-3pm
1340 Queen Street West

A snap from the last swap by the workroom

For those who came to the last swap, this one will be structured somewhat differently. If you bring a contribution, you get a free paper bag to [...]

CRAFT TORONTO PICS: pharaoh by nanopodstudio

becky — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:14:00 +0000

pharaoh, originally uploaded by nanopodstudio.
pendant/brooch

Bet you thought that the Craft Toronto Pics had shriveled up and perished. Bet you thought the action had slowed in the photo pool. Not so!

Nope, your trusty photo poster, Becky (that’s me), leads a double life that stole her (me) away from many crafty things for a few weeks. Can anyone name what that other life is? If so, I’ll give you something.

Here’s a hint: Google me.

But back to being back…the Craft Toronto photo pool has been veritably brimming [...]

CRAFTY BIZ: visual arts ontario professional development workshop series

angelune — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 22:08:00 +0000

Professional Development Workshop Series from the Visual Arts Ontario

PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2nd, 6-8pm
Your portfolio is your most important tool in communicating your artwork to the art world. This presentation covers producing the contents of a portfolio, formatting, and packaging it to get your work the attention it deserves.

PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR WORK
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9th, 6-8pm
Jesse Boles (Edward Day Gallery, Doppelganger Imaging) will guide you through the process of capturing your 2D and 3D art [...]

GET SCHOOLED: new classes from sew be it

angelune — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:36:00 +0000

Some new Spring classes from Sew Be it Studio:

Knock Off – Copy Your Favorite Garment

They say there is no copyright in fashion. Do you have a pair of trousers that you just love and wish you can copy it, well, this is your chance. Bring your favorite garments, and we will show you how to take a pattern from an existing finished garment. This class will teach you how to knock off your favorite designs and create your own inspired [...]

EXHIBITION: staetim: fourth year new media festival

angelune — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:46:00 +0000

A note from Ryerson University’s School of Image Arts.

STAETIM: Fourth Year New Media Festival on March 27, 2008.

STAETIM is the third annual festival showcasing the thirty-five thesis projects of the graduating students from the New Media program. The event presents a variety of works that use computer technology to create interactive and immersive experiences. Students work in a wide range of mediums including: robotics, animation, installation, and interactive video. The festival not only celebrates the efforts of the students, [...]

VENDOR CALL: pomme-pomme craft & zine fair

angelune — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:16:00 +0000

A dream team of indie goodness (Amy of Atelier Wooden Apples & Tom of Drawn and Quarterly) are putting on a craft and zine fair this July called Pomme-Pomme.

Amy is eager for more Torontonians to apply, and man are spots reasonable priced, so check out the blog for application details and get on it!

Some highlights from their FAQ:

What is The Pomme-Pomme Craft Fair?
Pomme-Pomme is a unique craft fair in Montreal showcasing over 30 crafty vendors. The event is [...]

GET SCHOOLED: march crafty/fashion workshops at n-r & co.

angelune — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:37:00 +0000

Note: this listing has been updated for new classes & dates – updates in green

Upcoming CRAFTY/FASHION WORKSHOPS
@ nathalie-roze & co.
1015 Queen St. East (at Pape), Leslieville
www.nathalie-roze.com

Please register by phone with a credit card at: 416-792-1699
OR in-person using debit, cash or credit (M/C or Visa only).

DIY Sock [...]

Toronto Craft Alert » Tea

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

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: Streetknit & TCA at BIG on Bloor (June 21) HELP WANTED!

GET SCHOOLED: Felted Tea Cozy @ Pheonix Art Group (May 31)

CRAFTY BUSINESS WITH LAURA-JEAN: applying for a creative job

CRAFTY BIZ: Shared retail space proposal from MaRGie Jewellery Studio

TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

GET SCHOOLED: Kate McKinnon at BeadFX (May dates)

GET SCHOOLED: Knitting and Sewing 101 in Etobicoke at Honey Bunch (June dates)

VENDOR CALL: Indyish Art Market (June 19)

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS: Katy Chan and Hilary Dennis

CRAFTY CHAT: Toronto Bead Society – May Meeting & Kate McKinnon Presentation (May 14)

CRAFT SHOW (REMINDER): The Spring Thing Trunk Show (may 4)

GET SCHOOLED: Spring & Summer Classes – Flameworked Glass Beadmaking @ TANK

FROM THE DESK OF TCA: TCA internship opportunities (deadline: april 25)

CRAFT SHOW: the spring thing trunk show (may 4)

CRAFTY HAPPENING: little green book of big savings launch party (april 17)

CRAFTY HAPPENING: a review of [FAT] toronto alternative arts & fashion week

GET SCHOOLED: jewellery classes by suzanne carlsen (may 6-june 4)

VENDOR CALL: montreal craft mafia’s fringe bazaar

CRAFTY BUSINESS WITH LAURA-JEAN: getting press

NERD CRAFT: the grown-up science fair

TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

GET SCHOOLED: free craft classes by maRGie jewellery

SUPPLY YOUR HABIT: spring swap at the workroom

CRAFT TORONTO PICS: pharaoh by nanopodstudio

CRAFTY BIZ: visual arts ontario professional development workshop series

GET SCHOOLED: new classes from sew be it

EXHIBITION: staetim: fourth year new media festival

VENDOR CALL: pomme-pomme craft & zine fair

GET SCHOOLED: march crafty/fashion workshops at n-r & co.