- How it All Began -
The One of a Kind Show holds such a special place in my heart, in my teen years while working as a waitress, one of my customers who knew I loved art gave me passes to the Christmas show, from the moment I entered those doors, it was a place I knew I wanted to be every year.
I never imagined that I would be one of the artisans participating IN the show! There are SO many talented vendors and I would loved to take home something from each person but that is not possible so here are some of my favourite finds from the One of a Kind this year!
Featured favourite items range from $2 - $40! Proving that beautiful and functional doesn’t mean expensive! My hope for the post is to support small handmade businesses like myself!
L O V E F R E S H
I can honestly say I have never used bar soap since I was a child and my dad ONLY bought Irish Spring… BUT this has all changed now since I discovered LOVEFRESH from the show! The amazing scents that draw you in are fragrant enough for you to smell them but not overwhelming and aggressive. I bought 6 pcs on the 3rd day of the show and continued to purchase more daily and they made my car smell so good each night on the drive home that I swore that they could be used as bathroom air fresheners so basically everyone is getting some soap this year…just call me S-Oprah…. “ YOU get some soap and YOU get some soap..!”
B Y I N A B E
Now this find was a REALLY REALLY last minute discovery when the oh so stylish Sylvia Wong from Via Calligraphy popped by to visit me at the show the last day, I asked to see all her purchases and she pulled out the most gorgeous little pouch and that is how I discovered byINABE. Beverly, the owner and maker creates magic with her beautiful selection of coloured leather and cowhide. The designs are sleek yet feminine, some of my favourite details are the scalloped edges and gold detailing. I practically started using it the next day as I put my “BABE” pin on immediately after the show. Beverly’s pieces are very reasonably priced and you may get sticker shock from it being so pretty but so affordable!
C A B I N J O U R N A L
It’s pretty impossible not to be captivated by the work of Cabin Journal, with the bright colours and beautiful typography inspired by vintage packaging its easy to see why I was drawn to the booth like a moth to a flame. It was really hard to decide what to take home as I wanted so many of her prints and cards, the illustrations are simply gorgeous and it was a task I didn’t mind humming and haaa-ing over each one. When finally deciding on this mini crayola print, one for me and one as a gift!
L I T T L E R O S E & C O. and L I L Y K A O D E S I G N S
Laser cut goodies began trending a couple of years ago and I don’t think they are going anywhere anytime soon! Love these splendid wood ornaments from Lily Kao Designs, I was drawn to the wooden bluejay and raccoon as they are staple images for our city Toronto created by simple lines and graphic patterns these ornaments are adorable and beautiful.
Onto another favourite of mine, Little Rose & Co. is not a new artisan to me but her designs are constantly evolving and new things are added creating delight every time. I have actually collaborated with owners Mandy & Brad before on their little village and their hand held wooden cell phone so I know first hand how thoughtful they are when creating their products. These tiny pennant ornaments are perfect for mailing to friends and families overseas as they are light and personalized.
D O L C E A R T I S T
When you meet Tabitha of Dolce Artist you will know exactly why her paintings are so sweet because she herself is as sweet as a puff of pink cotton candy. Her paintings/prints are truly an extension of herself, soft and beautiful. This is her breakout year as a business and artisan and at the One of a Kind show as well so I cannot wait to see more from this lovely soul.
G O T A M A G O
Lichia from Gotamago is an illustrator from Toronto well known for her charming watercolour stationery. Her talent of painting things that people love and relate to is on point and who can resist pretty & punny cards? This Dim Sum calendar is like an arrow to my foodie heart and her tags are so well packaged I didn't want to open them!
T H E O T T E R P O T T E R
It’s pretty hard not to notice Leora of the The Otter Potter tinkering around in her booth with all her beautiful tiny wares, her collections include jewellery, mugs and the teeniest tiny POTS! These speckled beauties are created on the wheel which is even more mind boggling, HOW do you spin something sooooo tiny? It’s magical and that is why I love them, I love anything I can’t figure out! I am a self proclaimed plant killer so lets see how long this air plant cutie lasts with me!
T I C K L E B E R R Y ‘ S & V O I S I N ‘ S
Last but not least the gourmet food aisle… of course I could not leave out some of my favourite food items!! Tickleberry’s chocolate from Vancouver is actually an old favourite, their specialty is chocolate covered fruit, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and more! These tiny and shiny morsels are HIGHLY addictive and I found myself sampling every variety and taking home many as well…. as gifts of course… if they make it!
Being Canadian, maple syrup is a staple in our pantry, but the way that Voisin’s spins this classic traditional flavour is downright delightful. My ultimate favourite is the Pure Maple Butter with Cinnamon, it is so good its tempting to eat it right out of the jar…! The moment I tasted it I knew it would be amazing with french toast as its syrup, butter AND cinnamon in one jar! They go from sweet to savoury to spicy with maple apricot jelly infused with jalepeno & chili peppers, so yummy with cheeses.
So that wraps up my One of a Kind Show favourite finds of 2018! To be a part of this show is always an honour its wonderful to know that in a world full of mass production, there are still people who take the time to master their craft, dedicate time to their art, keep time old traditions and methods alive and sharing them with the world. Until next year…!