Movies & Makers

Holiday Vendor: Rogue Goat

2011-12-16T09:31:00.000-08:00

Tell us about the art/craft that you do and what we should expect at Movies and Makers.

Rogue Goat makes reclaimed and specialty wood jewellery and accessories. Josh cuts every one with his teeth, like a marvelously handsome OCD beaver, using the tiny pieces that no one else can use, and free handing each one to ensure each one is unique. Actually, he uses the scroll saw, and finishes with natural oils and beeswax paste. We then combine the wood with sterling silver, hand spun wool, hand dyed leather and vintage fabrics for a line of cuffs, earrings, necklaces, belts and handbags. We will have the full line of goodies for the show, including some brand new designs, like stud earrings.

What inspires you?

Emmett Otter's jug band. Trees. Each other. Living in the woods with complex chickens. Kids that think Jesus is Santa's son. Pattern, texture, bacon.

Favourite thing about Toronto?

The amazing friends we visit here. And doubles, those Jamaican pastry things.

www.roguegoat.com

Holiday Vendor: Worn Journal

2011-12-12T09:55:00.000-08:00

Tell us about the art/craft that you do and what we should expect at Movies and Makers.

WORN Fashion Journal is a print publication that comes out twice a year (once in hot weather, once in cold) based in Toronto, Canada. However, our content is not time or location specific. Since we do not report on trends or promote the newest items on the market, our content is as interesting and relevant today as it will be five years down the road. WORN discusses the cultures, subcultures, histories, and personal stories of fashion. We strive to embody a place between pop culture magazine and academic journal that opens new avenues in art and fashion theory by hovering where these two ideas intersect, connecting with fashion scholars and artists.

What is your creative process like?

Imagine a table full of adorable girls and boys googling, tumbling, tweeting on their laptops while listening to The Shirelles. But seriously though, the WORN family (or Wornettes as we so lovingly call them) has doubled in size over the past year, so the creative process tends to vary. Blog content tends to come through office tangents, which can range in scope from Clueless(http://www.wornjournal.com/html/do-you-prefer-fashion-victim-or-ensemble-ey-challenged/) to Olivia Chow(http://www.wornjournal.com/html/the-right-to-bare-arms/). Lately our creative process for generating our print content comes from blackboard brainstorming sessions, involving lots of chalk, arrows, and more wornettes than chairs.

What do you love best about Toronto?

There is a really awesome sense of a community and network between independent artists in the city. Everyone is working on their own projects, but still takes the time to support one another. This is definitely important for keeping independent publishing and WORN Fashion Journal alive.

What is your favourite movie?

Since there are so many of us, it would be quite hard to narrow this list down. We DID however just get a projector in the office, and thus have some movies kicking around including Ghost World, Whip it and (not a movie but...) The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

http://www.wornjournal.com

Holiday Vendor: Michelle from Thunderpeep Designs

2011-12-11T19:31:00.001-08:00

Tell us about the art/craft that you do and what we should expect at Movies and Makers.

I'm a designer/illustrator with a love of horror films, strange folk tales and old skool traditions. When you throw these things into the mix you come up with a line of illustrated paper goodies (prints, cards, calendars etc) that are cute and sometimes a bit... off

What is your creative process like?

I'm a bit half hazard, I don't really have a specific process. I always have a sketchbook with me that I doodle ideas in whenever an idea hits. I love really clean design and bold lines so I will take them into Illustrator to finish them up. I am a huge typography nut too, so spend a lot of time browsing for new fonts to play with!

What inspires you?

I am inspired by sometimes the smallest details in everyday objects. I tend to look up alot and you'd be amazed the patterns you see on ceilings! I also love to pull inspiration from quirky stories, the older the stranger!

What do you love best about Toronto?

The crafty community that it's built. I lived in Vancouver for 15 years and have found that there is much more support for locally handmade goods in Toronto. oh yeah, and that snow that should be coming any day now ;)

What is your favourite movie?

As it's the christmas season I thought I'd throw in some festive movies: Elf and a Finnish movie called Rare Exports.

Advice to future makers?

Just to keep doing what you love and try not to let the business or selling side take away from all the creative FUN to be had.

Favourite artists.

Right now I'm loving Lotta Jansdotter who's an amazing textile artist. I am a nut for patterns and particularly textile patterns. I tend to lean to scandinavian aesthetics and her use of natural fabrics and colours are simple but stunning.

thunderpeepdesigns.com

thunderpeep.etsy.com

Holiday Vendor: Theresa Morin Pottery

2011-12-11T19:24:00.001-08:00

I will be selling pottery and cards that I print with images based on old textiles or historic images of Toronto. My creative process is varied. I spend alot of time looking at images and then decide whether they would be best printed on clay or paper, or both. The images are manipulated digitally before printing.

You can find Theresa's work at the Gallery Zilberschmuck

http://www.zilberschmuck.com/index.php?route=product/stores&store_id=59

Holiday Vendor: Hamish MacDonald

2011-12-08T17:08:00.001-08:00

Tell us about the art/craft that you do and what we should expect at Movies and Makers.

I'm a novelist, bookbinder, indie publisher, and illustrator. At Movies and Makers, you'll see some of the blank hardcover journals I've made - ranging from regular-sized to wee little ones. I'm also bringing along some 'zines I made and something new for this show: kits for making your own books.

What is your creative process like?

My creative process involves taking a lot of notes and letting things marinate in my subconscious until they assume a form.

I've found I need lots of wide-open time to be creative. Lots of great novelists talk about getting up at silly o'clock to squeeze in writing time before rejoining their families and starting the day. I'm the opposite: I need everything else to be done, out of the way, before I can really ease into my work. This means I have to be careful about what I say 'yes' to, because all the little tasks in my to-do list will jump the queue in front of my writing.

I've also realised recently that I only have one mode, which is to do a thing the way I know it should be done, or at least as well as I can do it. That's another reason I need to watch what I say 'yes' to: if I take something on, it's going to get my full attention until it's done, even if I'd rather not do that thing.

On the flip side, once I've done something, I'm done. I do go through a few rounds of edits with my books, but they're tune-ups, fixes, never a total rework. I'd rather spend that time moving on to the next project.

What inspires you?

Everything! I suspect all creative people thrive on input, and I'm no exception in this. I can get happily lost in contemplation, planning, or, dangerously, surfing the net to see what other people are creating.

I subscribe to a lot of RSS feeds, which I highly recommend, as it saves me trying to remember all my favourite creators' websites. Every day I open my newsreader program and a fresh batch of artful thoughts and creations are delivered like milk to my doorstep.

What do you love best about Toronto?

I moved away (to Scotland) ten years ago, but I come back regularly for my copywriting work. In that decade, I've seen huge changes in Toronto. Sure, there are new high-rises, old ones flattened and replaced, and that hideous pinball machine of an attempt to recreate Times Square at the Eaton Centre. But all that is just a flashy background. The real life of Toronto, its greatest strength, is in all the independent culture.

The city seems to relate to this like it "just happens", perhaps because there's nothing any corporation or city councillor can do to give that spark of life. But Toronto as a whole does a great job of supporting diversity - in its creative communities, and in a larger sense as the best-working multicultural city I've ever seen.

What is your favourite movie?

If you'd asked me when I was eleven, I would have said The Empire Strikes Back, which was kind of like a religion to me. I still like movies a lot, from high-brow nonlinear art to the kind of film Roger Ebert calls "Good Dumb Fun".

A long-standing favourite is Amelie. I love magical realism.

Advice to future makers?

There's a Sufi saying, "Comparison is from the devil." That really seems to be the crux of it. Pay great attention to what you think about, care about, and like. That's where all the energy will be for you.

Favourite artists.

It's a constantly rotating list. This year, I've really been into retro-tech like typewriters and doing everything by hand. There are more and more websites popping up around mail art and letter-writing, and as someone who's drawn cartoons since childhood, I'm moved by these artists to refine my style, produce anything and everything, and put it freely out into the world without attachment.

The Royal Mail does a great job of reminding me of life's wabi-sabi beautiful impermanence by losing half the things I put in the post.

See you at Movies and Makers!

Website: hamishmacdonald.com
Twitter: @hamishmacdonald

Holiday Vendor: Flora from Flowerpot Designs

2011-11-27T06:33:00.001-08:00

Tell us about the art/craft that you do and what we should expect at Movies and Makers.

I play with fiber. I love yarn. I knit. At Movies & Makers, I will have a selection of my hand knit elf hats, cowls and fingerless gloves for adults and kids.

I blog at www.flowerpotdesigns.ca and I can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flowerpotdesigns

What inspires you?

My daughters are my inspiration. They are who I create for and why I keep doing what I love. I want to a good role model for them -- to show them that they can accomplish anything they dream of with hard work and an imagination.

What do you love best about Toronto?

I love the food in Toronto the best. It's wonderful to find so much cultural diversity in food in the city. I'm a foodie at heart.

What is your favourite movie?

Gone with the Wind. I loved the book first, but the movie sealed the deal for me!

www.flowerpotdesigns.ca

Holiday Vendor: Julie Clark Photography

2011-11-21T08:09:00.001-08:00

Movies and Makers is excited to have Julie Clark Photography join us at this years show. Her work is absolutely one of a kind, and i am so inspired by the colours! Amazing!

I am a mixed media artist using photography and encaustic, which, basically, is wax. At the show you can expect to see some of my smaller pieces and lots of art cards, including Holiday Cards.

I create my images using photoshop... I start with my main subject, usually a flower, then add lots of layers of rust and cracks and screens and other textures to make my images look more painterly. The encaustic finishes them off and really makes them look like paintings.

The thing I love best about Toronto is my neighbourhood... I have lived in the Beaches for 24 years and cannot imaging living anywhere else in the city. My favorite walk is through Kew Gardens and along the boardwalk. It's so beautiful, especially in the fall.

www.julieclarkphotography.com

Holiday Vendor: CandiWare

2011-11-20T17:46:00.001-08:00

Tell us about the art/craft that you do and what we should expect at Movies and Makers.

The craft that I make is miniature food jewelry thats scented! My work can add to any outfit, break the ice, or help make your day a little more fun. All miniature foods are handmade by me with love!

What is your creative process like?

With my creative process I start by molding the fimo into what ever dessert I am making that day, then I bake the fimo, then I add frosting if and decorate.

What inspires you?

My biggest inspiration for my pieces comes from cookbooks if you can believe it! I have a lot of recipe books that are all about tarts, cakes, cookies, and other sweets. For inspiration, I simply flip though the recipes and find a sweet treat that I would love to make in a miniature form.   

What is your favourite movie?

This time of year I always watch Rent I love love love Musical Films.

Advice to future makers?

My advice to future makers is to keep with it, and always have fun. If your not having fun then why are you doing it?

Who are is your favourite artist?

I am in love with Alian Chau this is her blog http://alinanimation.blogspot.com/ I love her style and the way she works with watercolour I am going to have to keep with it to get as go as her :P

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CandiWareJewelry

Neighbourhood Craft Shows!

2011-11-13T18:52:00.001-08:00

We are so pleased to be in the city that hosts such great craft fairs in such diverse neighbourhoods!

Be sure to support local artists and explore some of Toronto's neatest spots!

Thanks to Becky of City of Craft for designing this great postcard!

November 26

Crafternoon Tea

December 3

Handmade Holiday

December 10

City of Craft

December 17

Movies and Makers

2011-08-23T07:15:00.000-07:00

Call for Vendors

Movies & Makers:

A Holiday Arts and Craft Show at the Fox Theatre Wants You!

When? Saturday December 17, 2011

What? A diverse mix of local makers of fine, cool, funky, sassy art and craft selling their wares at the stunning Fox Theatre in the Beaches. The sale is from 11 am to 5:30 pm.

Fox Theatre together with GirlCanCreate is looking for a variety of makers. Whether you make jewelry, clothes, art, stuffies, zines, buttons…we want you.

Please note that we cannot accept any makers of food or drink due to building health codes.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURES

The deadline for applications is midnight on September 23, 2011. All applicants will be notified of participation by the third week of September.

Please email all applications to Lisa Pijuan-Nomura girlcancreate [at] gmail.com

Applicants must submit the following:

1. Information

• Name

• Address

• Phone Number

• Email Contact

• Detailed Description of what you create (250 word maximum)

• Price Range of Goods

• 3 to 5 digital images of your work

(please keep files under 500k in JPEG or GIF format.)These photos will be used for as on screen promotion at the Fox Theatre. If you have a logo please include that.

• Website (Etsy, Artfire, Blog, etc)

• Table Request

6ftx2.5ft table-$99

3ft round table-$55

Please note that some tables will be on a slight incline due to the nature of the theatre.

Extra lighting will be set up in the theatre. All vendors must bring one light to help better illuminate wares.

2. Acceptance

Upon receipt of your application you will receive an email confirmation. We will contact all applicants by email by October 1st.

If accepted to the show, all must submit payment within 14 days.

3. Payment

Once accepted all vendor payments must be submitted by October 14th. If payment is not received by this date acceptance will be withdrawn. Payments can be made by cheque or money order to:

Fox Theatre

2236 Queen St. East

Toronto, ON

M4E 1G2

A fee of $30 will apply to any vendor whose cheque is returned NSF.

4. Cancellation

Once accepted into Movies & Makers and your payment has been submitted, your participation fee is non-refundable.

5. Questions/Contact Information

Contact Lisa Pijuan-Nomura at girlcancreate [at] gmail.com with any questions.

2011 Vendor: Krystal Speck

2011-05-13T17:26:00.000-07:00

What will you be selling at Movies and Makers?

I will selling my handmade porcelain pottery!

Tell us about your creative work and how you began?

I first tried my hand at ceramics in highschool, on a kick wheel that weighed about a thousand pounds. Then I picked it up again while studying at OCAD in 2004 and got hooked! I've been exhibiting and selling my work in Toronto since then, producing pottery in a great studio space which I share with four other artists in the west end.

What inspires you?

Plants, textiles, prints & patterns...the landscapes in this city and afar, and the ridiculously talented people that call Toronto home.

Where do you get your design ideas from?

I'm a sucker for flowers and plant life. I draw flowers obsessively. Textile patterns from the 40s, 50s, 60s are always inspiring.

What advice do you have for other artists and craftersans?

Work hard, a lot, and don't quit. We're all doing this work during a challenging time for artists. Keep making your work until you find a distinctive voice. When you're feeling discouraged, reach out to another artist who can steer you in the right direction.

Favourite things: books, movies, music, shops, designers, artists, etc...

Music by Chad Van Gaalen, Sleater Kinney, Mazzy Star; fig tarts from Clafouti accompanied by afternoons in the parkwith friends, ceramics by Xenia Taler & Heather Dahl, prints by Sanna Annukka.

www.krystalspeck.com

2011 Vendor: EDIT: Stylish & Sustainable Accessories

2011-05-13T17:12:00.000-07:00

What will you be selling at the show?

This is my ﬁrst time participating in the Movies & Makers Show, and I am very excited to be selling the the Spring/Summer 2011 pieces from my line, EDIT: STYLISH & SUSTAINABLE ACCESSORIES! I make purses, totes, pouches, and belts; all out of repurposed leather and vintage fabrics.

Creative Process?

Over the years my passion eco-fashion has grown; I don’t believe that style has to be sacriﬁced to have an eco product. I am a collector of vintage fabrics, the colours and designs are very inspiring. There came a time when I had to ﬁnd a use for all of my lovely fabrics! Voila! Purses & Belts, because I can’t make shoes!

What Inspires You?

My son, early grey tea, the mr., jewel tones, sia, peonies, retro, thrifting, vintage suitcases, raspberry mojitos, chie mihara shoes, nina simone, san francisco, toronto, montreal, my very creative friends, and, making accessories that make people happy!

www.editbags.ca

2011 Vendor: Lure Arts

2011-05-13T16:56:00.000-07:00

An art teacher by day and a furious maker-of-things by night, I adore a good cup of coffee because I really don’t get much sleep. Most spare minutes can find me in my home studio throwing on the wheel, mixing glaze chemistry, and experimenting with textures on hand built forms.

Though my main addiction is making bowls and mugs on the wheel, I am currently fascinated with adding texture to clocks, vases and serving plates. I often carve my own linoplates to use as handmade stamps or use vintage jewelry and wood to create unique patterns. You will find some of my newest designs at Movies and Makers like wood grain serving dishes with crisp white glaze and a few “pillow vases” that are perfect for new spring flowers!

The process of making a ceramic piece is quite long since the clay has to go through many stages before it is complete. Sometimes a piece starts as a drawing in a sketchbook while other times the making process is completely organic and at the whim of the pottery wheel. Then trimming, altering, texturing, carving, drying, firing, glazing, and refiring. Whew!

After hibernating in my studio for the winter months, my favourite part of Toronto is the beach when I get to have my first Mercury Espresso ice cream cone from Ed’s. There is nothing better to do on that first sunny day in Spring!

www.lurearts.com

2011 Vendor: Robin from that missing piece

2011-05-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

What will you be selling at Movies and Makers?

I will be selling necklaces, earrings, brooches, hair clips, headbands and cards all featuring vintage buttons.

Tell us about your creative work and how you began?

I've been making things, (crafts, art, presents) for as long as I can remember. I continued by going to university for art but switched half way through and went to theatre school. Throughout it all I never stopped making things.

What inspires you?

I have always been inspired by vintage things. I love the look and the feel of them, most of all I love that they hold a mystery. A story unknown. My line, that missing piece, started with a jar of buttons from my grandmother. Since that day I have been scouring flea markets, contents sales and thrift stores to get my hands on as many vintage buttons as I can. I turn them into jewelry. Some are chunky statement pieces, others are soft and delicate, but all of them are unique and made with love.

http://thatmissingpiece.etsy.com/

2011 Vendor: Mee Monkey

2011-05-06T07:58:00.000-07:00

What will you be selling at Movies and Makers?

This will be my second year at the Movies and Makers show. For 2011, I have expanded my toy line further; not just monkeys anymore. I am going to have an awesome, whimsical assortment of classical, old-timey, stuffed, loveable toys! There are going to be many more infant friendly items, in addition to my nursery/nostalgic favourites.

Tell us about your creative work and how you began?

Despite what my website bio claims, it didn't actually all begin when I found a pair of enchanted socks that I made my first sock monkey from. I have always been primarily a visual artist, working with paint, ink, and even at times film but after a Herculean (still ongoing) battle with 'drawer's block', I started making sewn objects as a means to ventilate my creative spirit as well as satisfy a niche which I feel is lacking: Items that are one of a kind, made with care and love.

When I was in grade school I came down with a horrible case of Mono (no not from kissing all the boys...unfortunately) and was pulled out of school. My mother, not wanting me to become a total brainless blob in front of a T.V for months, cleverly sent me to a sewing school to keep me busy. I picked it up in a flash and soon I had cut and re-fashioned every item in my possession. The skills stuck and it has always been my ol' faithful.

What inspires you?

What inspires me most is the sense of the Heirloom. I think we all can feel a loss of history and a sense of the disposable in our current culture. I make toys by hand because they take time, there is care put into them and there is a sense of creating something that isn't just going to end up in a landfill. The toys have spirit and love in them that will be passed on, whether within the family or within a community. I believe that children of all ages (0-120!) can feel the love and intent in the handmade, and that a quality keepsake makes ones life so much more satisfying!

www.meemonkey.com

www.meemonkey.etsy.com

2011 Vendor: Rings by Stephanie

2011-05-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

What will you be selling?

I will be selling One of a Kind Rings to One of a Kind People, oh, and they are adjustable, just like people. I use Japanese Silk Screen Handmade Paper and Resin, then embellish them inside and out with Swarovski crystals, Silver and Gold Beads and Findings.

What Inspires you?

I am constantly inspired by music, the sun, taking photos in the country, breathing deeply, big headphones and having a good laugh. Since we are talking about inspiration here, I am also inspired by a little curly haired girl and laying in a hammock outside.....and if you really want to know, dancing in my kitchen......and if you are still reading.....sometimes I pretend to play guitar. All very inspirational to my process of ring designing.

My Process:

* Put on my favorite mix. (currently: Thao, Radio Citizen, (The best of) The Rolling Stones, Bahamas (local Toronto band), and Andrew Bird.

* Open the kitchen/studio/deck door. (the combination of the three is quite handy....but can be very dangerous as well)

* Start moving around.

* Chose colors and patterns, cut lots of shapes, write myself notes, draw doodles, re-arrange my studio randomly, cut more little shapes, pour resin, embellish, take pictures.

Favorite Movies:

Lord of the Rings, The Ring, The Ring Two, ok, these are not accurate, (I was having trouble pretending I liked The Ring Two), some more accurate favorite movies are: Taxi Driver, Bicycle Thieves, Amelie, There Will Be Blood and 3:10 to Yuma (also note worthy...Footloose, Breakfast Club, Big, Billy Elliott, Requiem for a Dream, Sunshine Cleaning, A Serious Man, Romy and Michele's Highschool Reunion)

Love about Toronto:

I love the live music opportunities in Toronto and the Dim Sum. Those two things can really make me a happy person. (A perfect night for me is eating a bunch of those custard dough balls and then going to a concert. ahh... sigh.)

Favorite books:

She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb, Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger and It's Not the End of the World by Judy Blume.

www.ringsbystephanie.com

2011 Vendor; Papermuse Designs

2011-05-04T03:47:00.000-07:00

Hi, I’m Natalie of Papermuse Designs and I’m very excited to be taking part in Movies and Makers for the first time!

What will you be selling at Movies and Makers?

I will be selling products made from upcycled materials [LP journals & coasters, paint chip notebooks].

Tell us about your creative work and how you began?

I have had a passion for books and paper for as long as I can remember, and I’ve always been pretty crafty. Several years ago I took a papermaking and bookbinding class at the Ottawa School of Art, and I was immediately hooked on making beautiful books from scratch.

I was thrilled to discover that I could combine music [another passion of mine] and bookbinding to make retro-looking LP journals. These have become my main focus in the past few years.

Where do you get your design ideas from?

I read tons of design and craft blogs [Design Sponge, Apartment Therapy, CRAFT Magazine]. I’m always on the lookout for ways to integrate everyday objects [like maps and cereal boxes] into my projects. I also keep a notebook with me at all times in case inspiration strikes.

What advice do you have for other artists and craftersans?

Find the one thing you’re good at and perfect your craft. Always aim for excellence.

What is your favourite movie?

My favourite movie is Amélie – I re-watch it every few months or so. I love everything about it: the characters, visual look and tone, whimsical storyline, and especially the scrapbook that plays a major part in the movie. I often listen to the soundtrack while making books.

Blog: http://papermuse.wordpress.com

Etsy: http://papermusedesigns.etsy.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/papermusedesigns

2011 Vendor: Seaflower Studios

2011-05-04T03:42:00.000-07:00

What Will You Be Selling at Movies and Makers?

I create jewelry that is feminine and elegant and includes a variety of elements including silver, semi precious stones, glass, wood and a few select handmade enamel pieces. I will be showcasing two of my new collections and a selection of one of a kind pieces. The first collection is my Sweet Pea Collection that offers bracelets and earrings cascading with hundreds of small glass beads on silver jumprings. The second collection I will be offering is my brand new Lotus Collection. These pieces have just been created so those who visit my table at the show will be some of the first people to see this beautiful jewelry that I've made using gorgeous Semi Precious stones such as Moonstone, Jade, Smokey Quartz, Labradorite and Amazonite. I'm so excited to introduce this new line in time for Movies and Makers!

Tell us about your creative work and how you began?

All my life I've been interested in crafts of all kinds so one Christmas almost 10 years ago when I saw beautiful (but expensive) beaded snowflake ornaments I thought I could definitely make something very similar so I went on a mission to find all the beads and supplies I would need. After I finished making more ornaments then I knew what to do with I had beads leftover so thought I would try making a bracelet...and I was hooked at that very moment. My styles have changed and advanced over the years as I've learned new techniques and been inspired by new products and I absolutely love everything about making jewelry.

What do you love about Toronto?

I've always enjoyed living in small towns and never dreamed I would live in Toronto so it was a shock even to me when I moved here just a few months ago, and even more of a surprise that I actually love living in Toronto. There are so many things to explore, discover and experience. From a creative aspect this means there are so many new ways to find inspiration and opportunities to learn and grow. The other wonderful surprise is how friendly people are in Toronto. I know there are those who disagree with me regarding this but I have met so many kind and wonderful people since I've been here. I'm so happy that I stepped outside my comfort zone and opened myself up to experience Toronto and everything it has to offer!

www.seaflowerstudios.etsy.com

www.seaflowerstudios.wordpress.com

2011 Vendor: Priya Means Love

2011-05-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm Priya, and I formulate and handcraft organic bodycare, skincare, and haircare products for my business, Priya Means Love. I'm fanatical about using only ingredients that are natural, ingredients that you'd be proud to eat, ingredients that come directly from plants using simple, old technology like oil presses and stills. Most of my ingredients are certified organic, because that's how I think agriculture should be done, for our health and for the health of our planet - and organics tend to be the most powerful as well.

I'm so excited to be coming back to Movies + Makers! I love this show - so many inspired artisans in a great space!

What inspires you?

Ingredients! I love playing with scent, color, texture - and I love satisfying my analytical, obsessive side by researching the hell out of the botanicals I use. I've always loved plants, and it's wonderful having an excuse to buy quirky, sustainably grown ingredients I'm in awe of - masses of organic herbs, little glass bottles of organic essential oils.... There's nothing like the magic of starting out with a pile of raw organic ingredients and crafting a polished finished product that works beautifully.

I'm also inspired by the flavors and aromas of good food; the varying ever-shifting smells of the outdoors; and a desire to prove we can make the best, most effective skincare there is without straying from hardcore natural, organic ingredients.

What advice do you have for other artists and craftersans?

Let yourself dream your wildest design visions, and experiment with abandon! Crafting is an iterative process; there's always time to get your design "right" later. Don't let a fear of failure keep you from taking a first step in a new direction.

Crafters, encourage each other! Priya Means Love would never have happened without two crafty friends telling me over and over again that I really should sell my stuff. Lots of us need a big push to follow a whim or a dream.

Priya Means Love

handcrafted organic botanical bodycare

made in the Annex, Toronto

web: priyameanslove.etsy.com

email: priyameanslove@gmail.com

2011 Vendor: LaDeeBee Supplies

2011-04-29T19:18:00.000-07:00

Hey! I’m Melissa and I’ll be participating for the first time at Movies and Makers this year with my line called LadeeBee Supplies. LadeeBee Supplies is a variety of goods that are vintage supplies for crafting, hand spun yarn and whatever inspirations develop from my time in my home studio.

I have been crafting since childhood, but recently making has thankfully consumed my life to become what I do to support myself and my family. I am very fortunate to be able to engage my passion on a daily basis.

My desire to learn how to make everything has motivated me to learn a little bit about a variety of techniques particularly in the needle arts. I have taught myself to knit, crochet, sew, quilt, embroider, spin my own yarn, print fabric, and cross stitch. I also enjoy beading, paper crafts, playing with clay, and making over reclaimed furniture.

Raw materials inspire me. The colours, shapes and textures draw me in. I enjoy finding ways to put old materials to use because I don’t like wasting anything. It is difficult for me to throw things out because I always think that something can be useful.

Creating helps me to deal with serious Depression. It became a huge focus for me in helping me get through some of the hardest times of my Depression. Crafting gave me something to look forward to and enjoy when there was so little enjoyment to be found in life.

Being an entrepreneur is difficult and takes a lot of work, but the most difficult thing that I have done was to become a young mother. Raising my son on my own at 19 brought so many challenges, particularly financially. Starting my own business was a risk that pales in comparison to the challenges of motherhood. Both being a mother and having my own business are the most rewarding accomplishments in my life.

It is my goal to motivate others to tap into their creativity and to try their hand at crafting, especially if they suffer from depression or anxiety. The act of creating can be quite therapeutic. I blog about some of my experiences and invite others to come on over and be a guest blogger on Close Knit to share your experiences.

Hope to see you at Movies and Makers!

Close Knit http://www.torontocloseknit.blogspot.com

LadeeBee Supplies www.ladeebee.etsy.com

Twitter @VintageBR

2011 Vendor: Torched Studios

2011-04-27T05:05:00.000-07:00

What will you be selling at Movies and Makers?

I will be selling my hand-made enamel jewellery and bowls.

Tell us about your creative work and how you began?

I started way back in public school, I first cut and polished my own stone to put in a setting when I was about 12 years old!

What inspires you?

Colour!!

Where do you get your design ideas from?

A lot of it is from nature, the intensity of colour you see in flowers and birds is hard to reproduce - but I try! I like organic but symmetrical shapes.

What advice do you have for other artists and craftersans?

Do what you love.

What does your process look like?

Like a very, very hot oven! I kiln fire enamel onto copper at 1500 degrees. And it takes a lot of layers to create my colours.

What do you love about Toronto?
There's so much to do. It's such a creative, multi-cultural city.

www.torchedstudio.com

www.torchedstudio.wordpress.com

2011 Vendor: Jennifer Cottreau Jewellery

2011-04-26T17:25:00.000-07:00

Tell us about yourself:

I'm a jewellery artisan and graphic designer making and designing locally in Toronto. I have a college background in art and design and my passion is jewellery-making. Several years ago I started making jewellery as a hobby. I've always adored jewellery and it's so fun to make.

What will you be selling at Movies and Makers?

I'll be bringing a variety of fashion and artisan jewellery made with gems and natural materials. My work is both classic and fun, filled with texture and colour. You'll also find my line of stemware jewellery. They can be used on any stemware: wine and martini glasses, stemmed beer glasses, even brandy snifters. They're make great gifts, and are very useful at BBQ's and parties.

What inspires you?

There are so many things that inspire me, I find inspiration everywhere: books and writing, friends, fashion, music, other crafts, art, and history. Nature and the outdoors are important to me so landscapes, wilderness, and water are big influences in my work.

Where do you get your design ideas from?

I really like writing and enjoy a good tale, so the collections are based on my inspirations and stories. Sometimes they're taken from my experiences, or based on friends' or family members' personal accounts. The designs evolve by melding my jewellery style with the story. One of my collections is Ocean Spirits, it's based on my trips to the east coast, I even used some vintage charms from there in that collection. My studio has lots of sketchbooks packed with jewellery designs and story ideas that just come to me, I try to keep a record of everything. I dip into them when I'm looking for more ideas.

What does your process look like?

It looks like a story that visually unfolds into jewels. The collection starts from a story idea and from those feelings, ideas and memories. I sketch designs out on paper and play with them, taking the essence of the inspiration and simplifying it into something that's unique yet totally wearable. Once some jewellery is made I go back and finish writing the story so that I can share it with others.

Favourite things

Heartwarming and edge-of-your-seat stories (from books and movies). Writing and being creative in different ways. Sitting in the wilderness with a camp fire, or on a restaurant patio with friends on a sunny afternoon.

www.jennifercottreau.com

2011 Spring Vendors!

2011-04-15T11:54:00.000-07:00

After much deliberation and a few lost emails (so sorry for the confusion as we changed from yahoo to gmail!!) We now have a list, we are still waiting for a handful of confirmations, but for the most part this is the list!

We had about 65 applications for 32 spots so choosing a good mix of returning and new, established and emerging vendors was definitely a challenge, but i think that we have a great showcase of some wonderful artisans!

Afrodelik Designs
Antimatter

Avril Loreti

Banjo Puppets

Carolyn Draws

Claygirl

Cyclops and Owl

EDIT Designs

Epidemic Clothing

Freedom Clothing Collective

GirlCanCreate

Grace Designs

Harriet Gray

House of Hsueh
Jennifer Cottreau Jewellry

Jennifer Pinsent
Krystal Speck

Lurearts

Mee Monkey

Nathalie-Roze and Co

Papermuse

Papersnake

Priya Means Love

Rings by Stephanie

SeaFlower Studios

Torched Studio

Worn Journal

Spring Show Call for Vendors!

2011-02-22T19:45:00.000-08:00

Movies & Makers:

A Spring Arts and Craft Show at the Fox Theatre Wants You!

When? Saturday May 14, 2011

What? A diverse mix of local makers of fine, cool, funky, sassy art and craft selling their wares at the stunning Fox Theatre in the Beaches. The sale is from 11am to 5:30 pm.

Fox Theatre together with GirlCanCreate is looking for a variety of makers. Whether you make jewelry, clothes, art, stuffies, zines, buttons…we want you.

Please note that we cannot accept any makers of food or drink due to building health codes.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURES

The deadline for applications is midnight on March 28th, 2011. All applicants will be notified of participation by the second week of October.

Please email all applications to Lisa Pijuan-Nomura lisa [at] girlcancreate.com

Applicants must submit the following:

1. Information

• Name

• Address

• Phone Number

• Email Contact

• Detailed Description of what you create (250 word maximum)

• Price Range of Goods

• 3 to 5 digital images of your work

(please keep files under 500k in JPEG or GIF format.)These photos will be used for as on screen promotion at the Fox Theatre. If you have a logo please include that.

• Website (Etsy, Artfire, Blog, etc)

• Table Request

6ftx2.5ft table-$79

3ft round table-$45

Please note that some tables will be on a slight incline due to the nature of the theatre.

Extra lighting will be set up in the theatre. All vendors must bring one light to help better illuminate wares.

2. Acceptance

Upon receipt of your application you will receive an email confirmation. We will contact all applicants by email by April 4, 2011.

If accepted to the show, all must submit payment within 14 days.

3. Payment

Once accepted all vendor payments must be submitted by April 18, 2011. If payment is not received by this date acceptance will be withdrawn. Payments can be made by cheque or money order to:

Fox Theatre

2236 Queen St. East

Toronto, ON

M4E 1G2

A fee of $30 will apply to any vendor whose cheque is returned NSF.

4. Cancellation

Once accepted into Movies & Makers and your payment has been submitted, your participation fee is non-refundable.

5. Questions/Contact Information

Contact Lisa Pijuan-Nomura at lisa [at] girlcancreate.com with any questions.

2010 Vendor: Karen from Zippster

2010-12-02T19:00:00.000-08:00

Tell us about yourself:

A not-too-serious librarian with a background in fine arts who loves chocolate, cheese, music, photography, books, things that are purple, Blythe, sewing and making stuff, trying to grow stuff, eating stuff, cycling, hiking, and movies. I am an archivist during the day and craft at night. I make sewn items such as purses, pouches, and coin purses, and also greeting cards and other small items such as pins and magnets.

What will you be selling at Movies and Makers?

This is my second Movies & Makers show. This year I am focusing more on smaller accessories; I’ve recently added a smaller pouch to my line-up, the perfect size for carrying transit tokens and your keys, but I’ll have my full line of coin purses and zippered pouches. I’ve been working more with film photography and have been using the photos in my greeting cards and postcard prints. And I’ll have an awesome assortment of pinback buttons and magnets, some of which come as a set in a hinged tin - great for stocking stuffers!

What inspires you?

Looking at blogs and seeing other people’s creativity, or a really amazing fabric.

And music, which is a great motivator for me. A good 50% of my day is spent listening to music, which puts me in the mood to be creative.

What do you love about Toronto?

There are endless possibilities in Toronto, with so much to do and see. I love being downtown, walking around different neighbourhoods and seeing the juxtaposition of old and new, digging through fabric stores, browsing boutiques and vintage shops, discovering a new coffee shop, wandering around Kensington Market. Oh, and the all-you-can eat Indian buffets in the Indian Bazaar.

Favourite things:

Retro-inspired and vintage fabric, Japanese craft and sewing books, a good cup of coffee, anything purple, Saturday afternoon naps, my headphones, and my sewing machine.

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/zippster

Blog: http://librariankaren.blogspot.com/

Website: http://www.zippster.ca

2010 Vendor: Carolyn Draws

2010-12-01T08:31:00.000-08:00

What will you be selling at Movies and Makers?

I'll be selling silkscreened prints of my illustrations, handmade cards, calendars, magnets and gift cards all based on original carolyndraws illustrations. I've created a few new card and gift tag designs just for the holidays too -- keep an eye out for them!

Tell us about your creative work and how you began?

I'm an art director by day, and have been for well over ten years, working for local advertising agencies and clients, but I've been drawing since I was very small. By night, my alter ego the Illustrator has always created homemade cards, messages and scribbles for friends and family. Last year, I signed up for a screen printing course and realized that my drawings might be fun to print. I'm having so much fun creating new things with them that I just can't stop!

What inspires you?

I find humour in everyday things -- the cut off top bit from a freezie lying on the floor (look in your house, they're there too!), the effort I go to making sure that Lego doesn't end up in the vacuum (why? there are 843 more pieces just like it), our overweight geriatric cat Ralph and eating too many chips. I have children, so from my point of view, the inspiration is never-ending. I draw what makes me smile because often, it's what makes other people find the brighter side of things.

What do you love about Toronto?

I love living in the Beach. It's a tight knit community with great people and lots to do, and you don't find that everywhere. The same goes for Toronto -- whatever you love to do, eat or play, you can find it.

Favourite things?

Spending time with my family, reading (last great read was "The Help"), drawing and crafting, eating sushi, jelly beans and chips (but not necessarily at the same time!), relaxing at our low-tech cabin, doing puzzles.

Where do you get your design ideas from?

I've always got a sketch pad lying around and find that inspiration comes in waves, often when I least expect it. Pages and pages of scribbles happen until one strikes me and I decide to print it, or use it on a card or magnet. Earlier this spring, a rubber stamp maker from New York contacted me and asked me to design some stamps for her, and that was a blast, so sometimes the usefulness of a particular drawing comes from afar!

www.carolyndraws.com

2010 Vendor: Cyclops and Owl

2010-11-30T08:25:00.000-08:00

What will you be selling at Movies and Makers?

There will be illustrations of clever girls on the remains of an old glass lampshade, prints of other mysterious ladies, wise animals and strange accessories. There will also be one-of-a-kind switch-plates to dazzle anyone on your christmas list.

Where do you get your ideas from?

Sometimes it's just the usual suspects. Books, movies, music. But there are curve balls that I never see coming. For example, while watching the last season of The Bachelorette. The "special" lady and her suitor were splashing around like idiots in a beautiful lagoon when they stumble upon clams. They proceed to savagely pry the clams open and pluck out the barely formed pearls inside, because these two lovebirds are so whimsical! I see this, add some intrigue, suggest a better story and "Pearl Poachers" comes out.

What advice do you have for other artists and craftersans?

I would say don't postpone projects unless it's a very good reason and there are rarely good reasons to not pounce on something when you feel the instinct to do so. I'm still getting the hang of immediacy but the first Movies and Makers Show last year was my first sale ever. Since then, I've done my first solo art show and I'm doing a collective art show on Dec 3rd @ 1254 Art. These only happened because I stopped thinking about how nice it would be and made them happen. Don't rest on your laurels when you have something on the horizon.

2010 Vendor: Grace Designs

2010-11-14T09:52:00.000-08:00

This is Alison from Grace Design. This will be my first Movies and Makers show and I am really looking forward to it! Here is a little sneak peak of what you can find at my table.

Tell us about your self:

I am a girl livin’ in Toronto Canada. I’ve been making stuff as long as I can remember and the entrepreneurial urge has always been a natural inclination for me. I went to school for graphic design but strangely, sewing and working with textiles has always felt more fluid and natural. One of my favourite pastimes is rifling through thrift stores and that is really how Grace Design began. I used to come home with bags of interesting found textiles and just started making stuff and selling it at local consignment shops. Eventually I went on a big adventure to India at the ripe age of 19 and came back with a backpack full of sari silk. I later went to Japan and discovered the gorgeousness of Japanese textiles and I haven’t looked back since!

What will you be selling at Movies and Makers?

I make handbags and housewares, primarily from found vintage pieces of Japanese textiles. This time around I will be selling little pouch's, shoulder and clutch bags made from Japanese obi's, ultra suede purses in bright colours with Indian sari silk lining and solid walnut bird and butterfly embellishments, eye pillows made from brocade and filled with lavender, pillows made from dupione and the remnants of Japanese kimono's, obi belts and many other lovelies!

What inspires you?

I am constantly looking at blogs, design books, magazines and flickr and it never ceases to amaze me the creativity that is out there. I need that constant nourishment to keep excited about making new things and coming up with fresh ideas. I keep images that inspire me on a big wall in my work area and I have various sketchbooks and journals that are full of yet more images. I love to see what others are doing and what is possible with different materials and then get new ideas from that. I am mainly excited by colour and pattern; searching for fabrics is very exciting and the process of mixing them with other fabrics in new and unexpected combinations. I love nature, I grew up on the west coast of Canada so the ocean and forests are a big art of who I am and what keeps me going. I love to write in my journal, collect my thoughts, morning coffee time is my favourite time of the day and, of course, my weekly trips to my local thrift stores!

What do you love about Toronto?

Well I grew up in Victoria BC so when I came here, I felt simultaneously sick to be so far away from the ocean and forest and mountains, while also in constant amazement of the streets and energy of being in a large city. Over almost ten years, I have come to adjust and know Toronto as well as my hometown. I love to wake up early on a sunny morning and head to my favourite cafe, Ideal, on Ossington. After walking down Queen Street I will often head to Kensington to scour the vintage shops and buy some groceries. I hit at least one Value Village a week. (though I must admit that they really do not compare to the thrift stores on the west coast!)

One thing I love about Toronto is that it is still a city for pedestrians and the people! Many new cities seemed to be designed around use of the car, I find it imperative to live in a place where I can walk or bike wherever I need to go. I also love how residential and business is mixed all over the place.

I love the islands, I go over the and ride my bike or go for a swim to beat the humidity. Kensington Market, Sunday dance parties on Cherry Beach in the summer, the street cars (though they give me a headache - they do add a certain character to Toronto's streets!

So that's me in a nutshell! Thanks for reading and I look forward to meeting many of you in a few weeks at The Fox!

http://www.gracedesign.etsy.com

2010 Vendor: Lily Dustbin

2010-11-11T02:48:00.000-08:00

What will you be selling at Movies and Makers?

I make fun, friendly bottle cap and resin-based jewellery (pendants, brooches, cufflinks) with embedded ephemera, toys and other bits and pieces. Last year four of my pieces were selected for a design book by Extreme Craft (Garth Johnson), "Creative Reuse" - link to the book:http://bit.ly/az00Pj

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by vintage design, old / broken costume jewellery and oddities of all kinds. I'm a big fan of both the whimsical and the whimsicle.

Knitting and unusual fibre art gives me great pleasure also. I am the founder and curator of knithacker.com, a daily blog that features three amazing and bizarre knit/crochet creations each day. The stranger the better.

What advice do you have for other artists and craftersans?

Advice is a funny thing because you can't generally appreciate it until you've come to the same conclusions yourself, usually through lots of trial and error. However, I have found that preserverance is the key to a happy crafting career. Having been at it for over four years now, I know it takes time to build a community, make contacts, gain a reputatation, perfect my craft - so my advice is: don't think it's going to happen overnight and it'll never happen in a vacuum, i.e. you need crafty friends. Make a plan and keep at it each day and that plan should include lots of blogging, tweeting and making crafty friends via Etsy. You find over time that things really start coming together in magical ways you could never imagine!

http://lilydustbin.etsy.com

2010 Vendor: Mike Riley

2010-11-10T09:33:00.000-08:00

Mike Riley, animator by trade, starving artist

What will you be selling at Movies and Makers?

I will be selling my rings made from antique cutlery, soapstone and polymer clay
necklaces, and my wood-mounted digital artwork.

What inspires you?

Inspiration wise I think I am inspired by things that are absurd, beautiful, or delicious. Not in any particular order. Beautiful women, horrible monsters, plants, animals, pies, maybe not pies.

What does your process look like?

My process looks like me sitting on my back steps banging on an old spoon with a rubber hammer, or scanning old archives for old images while I should be working.

I love images from old prints, old advertisements, pulp novels, scientific publications, circus posters to name a few. My digital artwork is sort of a digital collage, I do a lot of manipulation to all the images to fit what I have in my head. Digital retro-revisionism is a fancy pompous term I came up for it.

2010 Vendor: Worn Journal

2010-11-09T12:38:00.000-08:00

What will you be selling at Movies and Makers?

WORN will be selling magazines, pins, and teeshirts. By December 4th, our winter issue, issue 11, will be released and you can be among the first who get their hands on it. We also have WORN silkscreened tees, pins, and gift packs with all our back issues.

What inspires you?

WORN is inspired by clothing across cultures, time and context. From tiny rural thrift stores, to old ladies in grocery stores, there is no shortage of sartorial inspiration for WORN and our readers. In the words of Isabella Blow, "My style icon is anyone who makes a bloody effort."

What does your process look like?

WORN is made by girls with laptops, google docs, silkscreens, pin parts, poorly rigged up lighting equipment, a lot of good music blaring, to-do lists scrawled with colourful sharpies, and less coffee than one might expect.

www.wornjournal.com

thehouseofworn.etsy.com

2010 Vendor: Candice from the Candy Shoppe

2010-11-08T10:38:00.000-08:00

What will you be selling at Movies and Makers?

I make miniature food jewelry. So think of little cookies or cakes on a little plate made into a ring or necklaces. I just have so much fun sitting down and working with my hands to make something small, cute, and that even smells good.

Tell us about your creative work and how you began?
I started making the mini food jewelry for myself. (I love so many different types of food, but most of all I love SWEETS!) It wasn't long before people would start asking me where I got my jewelery and that was when I decided to share my creations with the world. I do it to unwind after a day of animating and I hope to one day make it a full time job.

What inspires you?

Anything cute! Oh and sweets cakes any baked goods.

Where do you get your design ideas from?
Everything around me. Going to a bakery to see all the sweets and cakes that they make.

What advice do you have for other artists and craftersans?

Talk to other artist that are out there that work on anything close to your work for advice as to how they got started and got to where they are. Look at what else is out there and why are they are doing well or not. Read alot of help blogs and fourms as to how to get started.

What does your process look like?
I pull out my fimo clay and start mixing colors and putting together my mini sweets. Most of the time, I make more than one so it takes much less time in the end to make. I add scent to the clay before I bake it to add a little something different to my work. After the whole baking and cooling is done, I spray a clear coat of finish so that it's waterproof. On all my fimo items, I make sure to make an extra one for me so I can quality test it. I just want to make sure that I can stand behind all my work.

What is your favourite movie?

I love musicals! I think my favourite one is Moulin Rouge.

Favourite things:
I love this artists blog I love his colour work so much! http://patchoforange.com/

2010 Vendor: Coy Clothes

2010-11-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

Here is an article by Lisa at Coy Clothes talking about her creative process and why she creates what she does! Enjoy! - Lisa

Coy Clothes --Shirts with a Sense of Humour

It seems to me that clothing with a true sense of play and style is too often geared to kids or college students. Why not ‘witty and comfortable garments’ for the rest of us?

So a few years ago I decided to explore presenting short bits of my provocative writing (e.g. “poutine?” “Where did I leave the kids?” “I know drunk”) on shirts. I became interested in silk-screening the text onto different fabric as a way to provide added texture to the shirts as well as have the opportunity to explore placement and composition.

I’m extremely careful when it comes to sourcing appropriate images. I have a definite preference for retro imagery, especially images that depict a wide range of scenes and emotions that are, at the same time, pretty and evocative. From there, I will sometimes combine vintage patches such as name tags, Boy Scout patches, old brand patches from the 70s, sport patches, etc. I really focus on the goal of creating an authentic mood by combining elements from the past, with a sense of style from the present.

For me, the shirts are as important as the text, images and silk-screen fabric. My fabric of choice is bamboo. The shirts come in two blends: bamboo and organic cotton and bamboo, organic cotton and spandex. One provides a drapier, silkier feel and the other is heavier with a snugger, slim fit.

While there is range in the fit, the t-shirts are well-designed to fit through the shoulders and waist. In addition to the environmental benefits of using bamboo, I’ve sourced shirts that are available in atypical, non-primary colors, which again help to create wearables that avoid easily being described from this or that era.

Since the t-shirts I’ve branched out to include greeting cards and hand-made envelopes. The cards are hand-stamped on recycled card stock and I scour garage sales, library sales, Goodwill and streets on Recycle Day to get the paper for the envelopes.

2010 Vendor: 2Mile Jewelry

2010-11-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

"I make resin jewelry, using mostly recycled products. Also lately my boyfriends daughter and I have been painting rocks that we gather at the beach which is right by the Fox Theatre, and turning them into magnets, pins and necklaces. It seems I always have to be creating something or at least contributing to being creative! It doesn't always pay the bills, but it keeps me happy." -Viki from 2Mile Jewellry

What will you be selling at Movies and Makers?
Resin pendants, magnets, pins. Some of the magnets have a beach theme which is cool.
What do you love about Toronto?
I love the diversity here, the creative energy and most of all the multitude of creative people I have met here that continue to inspire me to try new things, and to keep 2mile going when I feel like letting it go. Toronto rocks and I would not want to live anywhere else.
What is your favourite movie?
Right now AVATAR....but I loved Inception, Zombieland.....ok so I don't have one favorite, the list keeps growing!!

http://www.2mile-jewelry.com/

I met Viki from 2mile Jewelry a few years ago while organizing a marketplace at one of my performance events. I enjoyed the range of images that she used in her pendants. As i have seen her through the years I am always impressed by her new products while still creating the original pendants!

Call for Submissions for the Holiday Movies and Makers Show!

2010-06-14T16:06:00.000-07:00

Call for Vendors

Movies & Makers:

A Holiday Arts and Craft Show at the Fox Theatre Wants You!

When? Saturday December 4, 2010

What? A diverse mix of local makers of fine, cool, funky, sassy art and craft selling their wares at the stunning Fox Theatre in the Beaches. The sale is from 11am to 6pm.

Fox Theatre together with GirlCanCreate is looking for a variety of makers. Whether you make jewelry, clothes, art, stuffies, zines, buttons…we want you.

Please note that we cannot accept any makers of food or drink due to building health codes.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURES

The deadline for applications is midnight on October 8th, 2010. All applicants will be notified of participation by the second week of October.

Please email all applications to Lisa Pijuan-Nomura lisa [at] girlcancreate.com

Applicants must submit the following:

1. Information

• Name

• Address

• Phone Number

• Email Contact

• Detailed Description of what you create (250 word maximum)

• Price Range of Goods

• 3 to 5 digital images of your work

(please keep files under 500k in JPEG or GIF format.)These photos will be used for as on screen promotion at the Fox Theatre. If you have a logo please include that.

• Website (Etsy, Artfire, Blog, etc)

• Table Request

6ftx2.5ft table-$79

3ft round table-$45

Please note that some tables will be on a slight incline due to the nature of the theatre.

Extra lighting will be set up in the theatre. All vendors must bring one light to help better illuminate wares.

2. Acceptance

Upon receipt of your application you will receive an email confirmation. We will contact all applicants by email by October 14^th.

If accepted to the show, all must submit payment within 14 days.

3. Payment

Once accepted all vendor payments must be submitted by October 29^nd. If payment is not received by this date acceptance will be withdrawn. Payments can be made by cheque or money order to:

Fox Theatre

2236 Queen St. East

Toronto, ON

M4E 1G2

A fee of $30 will apply to any vendor whose cheque is returned NSF.

4. Cancellation

Once accepted into Movies & Makers and your payment has been submitted, your participation fee is non-refundable.

5. Questions/Contact Information

Contact Lisa Pijuan-Nomura at lisa [at] girlcancreate.com with any questions.

Interview with Avril Loreti

2009-11-20T05:18:00.000-08:00

Website: www.avrilloreti.com

Shop: www.avrilloreti.etsy.com

Blog: www.avrilloreti.blogspot.com

Twitter: twitter.com/avrilloreti

What do you make and how?

I make accessories for modern lifestyles with a quirky play on everyday objects and pop icons. Me and my creative process like to spread out wide and juggle at least 5 things at once. In that swarm of activity there’s a little scanning and sketching, Illustratoring and Photoshoping, ironing and pressing, pondering and dreaming, and finally making something out of all that.

Tell us about your history as an artist/crafter? Have you always been involved in making things?

I’ve always been making things. In high school I took every possible creative arts class, and then on weekends, I’d be sewing up dresses to wear the following week. It was in first year university where I discovered my love for conceptual art. Trying to develop many layers of meaning in each art piece or putting two things together to create a new meaning just blew my mind. I’ll admit that after school I tried to get away from being an artist. I started going the route of retail design and arts administration, but the art just pulled me back in. I really believe that if it’s in you, you can’t deny it. It will always keep calling to you until you surrender to it and make that your main life’s work.

What does your practice look like? Do you work at this full time or part time?

I have a full time practice. I started as part time 2 years ago and sold mostly online through my Etsy shop and through some consignment stores across Toronto. I’m now starting to add more art and craft shows to the mix.

What inspires you?

Sunny days… watching people work hard… roller coasters… new fabrics… fresh colour palettes… noticing things for the first time even through I’ve seen them a million times before… Before and After shots… really amazing photography…

What are some of your favourite artists/designers/crafters in the city?

I just discovered Geneviève Jodouin recently. Her prints are so nostalgic and pretty. I always love everything that C1 Artspace shows.

Tell us about some of your favourite things/places/restaurants in the city?

I love this question! There are so many amazing things about Toronto. It’s really the best city to live in. Zoots café (Dundas W. / Gladstone) is amazing for breakfast. Tinto (Roncesvalles) has the best lunch and wifi. My all time favourite Italian restaurant is The Big Ragu (Lansdowne / St. Clair). Their gnocci is to die for and the waitress will give you a hug on the way out. I love Tiff. It’s always the best way to lighten the transition from Summer to Fall. Wynick/Tuck and Stephen Bulger Galleries are my faves!

Advice to emerging artisans?

Work on your “thing” for 15 minutes every day. When it’s all in front of you and you it seems so daunting and unmotivating. The little bit you do every day eventually adds up and it really does snowball from there.

Where else will you be selling your work?

Kid Icarus – Kensington Market

Shopgirls – Parkdale

Distill Gallery – The distillery district

C1 Artspace - Ossington

Talking with Moira of Sew Mo

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Shop: www.SewMo.etsy.com

Blog:http://sewmo.blogspot.com/

Why do I create? Creating is my lifeline. I learned that first hand when I lost myself working in an office shuffling paperwork for 10 years. There is nothing like seeing a finished design and saying to myself - "Wow, I created that!" - I get a warm fuzzy feeling.

Sew Mo’ specializes in quality, durable, functional - and downright fashionable - bags & accessories for women that are environmentally sensitive. A one woman show based in Toronto, Sew Mo’ (aka: Moira) designs and creates all of the items you see in the shop by hand. A passion for sewing and design and careful garment construction is provided in every Sew Mo’ bag.

How are Sew Mo' bags and accessories environmentally sensitive?

1) All items are handmade in the little Sew Mo' studio right here in Toronto.

2) Sew Mo' often incorporates up cycled fabric combined with new fabrics

3) All new fabrics are made from natural fibres preventing more plastic from ending up in our landfills.

A bit about Pam from Lurearts Pottery

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Shop: Lurearts.etsy.com

I am happy to have a home studio where I make functional pottery and ceramic jewelry. I love throwing forms on the wheel but I also use other techniques such as handbuilding and altering. I formulate my own glazes so that I can have control over the colour and strength of my glazes.

At the moment, I teach high school visual art and CyberARTS so I fill the rest of my time making pottery. I mainly sell my work at local craft shows and at Lurearts. Etsy.com I have embraced selling online and work to keep a strong online presence. I blog, I tweet, and have found a great online community of Toronto artists. I love that people all over the world can check out my work and I still get a little thrill when I pack up a bowl to ship to a foreign destination.

Some of my favourite Toronto places to hang out are independent coffee shops and of course Ed’s ice cream shop. One of my favourite desserts is Ed’s vanilla bean ice cream topped with a shot of Mercury espresso in one of my little pottery dessert bowls. Yummy!

An Interview with Jordynn MacKenzie

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Website: www.jordynnmackenzie.com
Shop: www.jordynnmackenzie.etsy.com

What do you make and how?

I hand print textiles with colourful patterns, which I mix and match with new and used fabrics for my sewn goods: wallets, handbags, pouches and pillows. I also design sewing patterns.

Tell us about your history as an artist/crafter?

I've been a crafter for as long as I can remember. I graduated from toilet paper tube Christmas ornaments to sewing when my mom taught me how use her 1980s Kenmore sewing machine. I think my first project was a messenger bag made from an old pair of jeans. My job at a thrift store at the time started my huge secondhand fabric collection which fueled my love of sewing and textiles.

What does your practice look like? Do you work at this full time or part time?

I have a studio in the attic space of our home, where I work on my business somewhere between full and part time, also working as a freelance graphic designer.

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by almost everything in my surroundings: colour, print, and texture to name a few. I love old buildings, things made of wood, vintage cross stitch, pretty china teapots and kitty cats.

Where else will you be selling your work?

Winter Fling...A Craft Thing (Dec 5); and I also sell my items at Kid Icarus in Kensington Market