#ooaks12

[theblocktoronto-blog]

OOAK Spring Show 2012 Snapshots (Part 2)

Have you met Jenna?  She is the desinger behind Jenna Rose textiles.  She creates pillows, totes, pouches, hampers, kitchen linens, prints and more.  All her creations are hand illustrated and screen printed in her Hamilton studio.  She also ensures all her work is sustainable and eco-friendly by using "non-toxic water-based pigments on natural and organic materials" (quoted from her Etsy shop About page).  Her illustrations are nature-inspired and whimsical.  The colour palettes are subdued and refreshing.   

Her booth at the One of a Kind Show was exceptionally styled and drew shoppers in.  Thank you, Jenna, for letting me rope you into taking a photo!  To see much better photographs of her work be sure to stop by her Etsy shop.  Or find a retailer near you that carries her collection.    

1. Robyn / 2. Junot / 3. Lola

Last, but most definitely not least, I am so excited to write about Mod Pieces.  These restyled vintage lamps are truly one of a kind.  Each one has been handpicked and salvaged by Burlington's own Lia.  A multi-talented lady, Lia, is also an interior designer and decor writer for Style at Home Blog.  

Lia loads every lamp with character and style, setting them apart from the sea of mass-produced discount lamps readily available to shoppers.  At her Lamp Orphanage you can choose from a selection of vintage lamps ready to be customized and restyled.  

I had a ball this weekend discovering and being inspired by some of the local handmade artisans in our city, province and country.  I'm already excited for the winter show!

[zeebigblog]

Spring Time at the One of a Kind Show Toronto

Spring is in the air - especially at the 35th annual One of a Kind Spring Show in Toronto. zeeBigBang was invited to attend the opening day preview on Wednesday and we couldn't resist checking out artists and designers hailing from all over Canada.

             Artwork by Rudy Kehkla.

The day started off with a delicious vegan, raw breakfast courtesy of Toronto-based artisan chef, Claudia Gaviria of CrudaCafe.

The food was made of all fresh ingredients indigenous to Canada and was absolutely delicious!

                Claudia Gaviria showing off her morning glory raw, vegan muffins.

Freshly pressed juices chock full of vegetables and fruit - a healthy way to start of your day!

Tofu scramble wrap with arugula, guacamole, and a hint of curry for an extra kick. (One of my personal favourites!)

And here's some of our favourite finds from the show:

The Marbling Art of Robert Wu

Robert Wu is a designer bookbinder who loves experimenting with the marbling technique. His art unifies passion and tradition in the centuries old craft of fine hand bookbinding and each of his pieces are truly one of a kind.

                     Graham Blair Woodcuts

Hailing from St. John's, Newfoundland, Graham Blair specializes in hand-cut and hand-pulled woodblock prints. Each of his prints begins as a sketch, which is then transferred onto a maple wood block and carved out into the appropriate shape. His process derives from ancient Japanese methods of woodcutting.

Susan Lapp Originals

Susan Lapp is inspired by her love of  nature and music. This is translated into her paintings, with which she strives to create a mood rather than the exactness of nature or notes. Her mixed media artwork features strings from a piano and the colours of a sunset, all of which she hopes to create a feeling for the viewer.

Check out her video below which takes you into her creative process.

Opelle - handcrafted leather bags

                           Photo courtesy of Opelle Creative

Amy Malcolm is the brains behind the exquisite handmade leather bag collection called Opelle. Her line was conceived as an alternative to the common fast-fashion handbag.  Launched in 2010 with the brands' signature Lotus bag, Opelle has since grown into a complete line of harmonious designs for a girls' every need and occasion. For more beautiful Opelle bags, go to her Etsy store.

Photo courtesy of Opelle Creative

The One of a Kind Spring Show is located at the Direct Energy Centre at the Exhibition Place and will continue until Sunday, April 1st. We guarantee there's something there for everyone, so go check it out!

For a complete listing of artisans, check out the One of a Kind Spring Show online.