Gift Ideas

We all know Christmas is almost here, and most of us aren't finished our shopping.  If you have trouble with ideas for those you buy for here's some thoughts, beyond the big box store and gift card options:

- home made cookies/baking
- donation to a charity they support
- OK, so I said beyond gift cards, but an Etsy gift card
- take them to see a performance or out for a meal
- gift made by a local artist or craftsperson: painting, pottery, clothes/accessories, jewellery, bath & beauty, etc.
- note cards, especially if hand made, or reproductions by local artists
- something that came from a Fair Trade shop
- artisan/small batch foods
- a magazine subscription to something they like

Opening Tomorrow!

The Ontario Crafts Council Holiday Pop-Up Shop officially begins on Friday, running until Christmas Eve, but there's an opening preview event tomorrow evening (that's Thursday, Dec. 5), from 6:30-9:30pm at 990 Queen St. West.  There are about 30 participating makers, and I'm sure some of us will be there in person. 

Artisan Studio Tour

The Studio Tour is coming up soon - on Saturday & Sunday next weekend!  Go back to my Sept. 25 post, check my Facebook page, or follow my Twitter feed for updates all week.  Our stop, #4 on the tour, will have 6 artists including my friends and fellow Sheridan grads Noelle Hamlyn (textile artist), and Emma Gerard (glass and jewellery artist). 

Arms 2 Arts

As part of Doors Open & Culture Days, there will be a number of artists in various media and subject matter showing at the Small Arms building at Dixie & Lakeshore in Mississauga, on September 28th.  I'm unfortunately not one of them, as I'm doing Art in the Park tomorrow, and felt that two weekends in a row was too much for me, but I know some of those who are participating. 

Art in the Park

On Sunday, September 22, 2013, I'll be participating in Art in the Park, at Riverwood (Visual Arts Mississauga), from 10am-5pm.  There are nearly 60 artists and various media attending, on the lawn, in the main building, and in the barn.  I will be in the barn, and will have my silk clutches, and cotton scarves with me.  

Toronto Outdoor

This weekend (Friday-Sunday) is the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, a big art show downtown.  I was in the show in 2011, but not this year, so I went with another artist friend of mine who has done it too, to check out the show and visit some people we know.  Also ran into a few other friends who were dropping by the show.  The weather on Friday was rainy, but yesterday was sunny and hot. 

Artisan Studio Tour 2013

I've signed up to do the Mississauga Artisan Studio Tour again this fall, on October 26 & 27 in Port Credit.  You can get more detailed updates, map, participating artisans, etc. on my Facebook page, or the tour's website.  The paper brochures are being printed currently, I'll share when I get some in a few weeks.

Working on...

A few different things being worked on at the moment, including helping another artist with a run of her products she's getting ready for some winter shows. 

Next week I'm meeting with someone about a show/studio tour in October that I might be taking part in.  

Also met with someone today who purchased one of my butterfly frames as a gift for someone else, who'd seen me at TOAE, which (although it may be a little confusing to follow), is pretty neat. 

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition

Well, I took it pretty easy yesterday, since the show on Friday through Sunday was so busy! Thank you to everyone who came to the show, it was great being supported by my friends & family, and meeting so many great people - both visitors and other artists.

Here's some photos from the show, my booth in this post, and some of my favourites to follow!